Pet Insurance ... Whats That??? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

CH33KS4U · 01-01-2007, 03:14 PM

Hi YORKIETALKERS!! You all are very helpful people, so of course i came to you guys first! What is pet insurance?? Is it the $15 i pay at Banfielfd (VET) a month, that covers all vaccinations and checkups?? Im confused...

CH33KS4U · 01-01-2007, 03:29 PM

hello....??

Sweetums · 01-01-2007, 04:06 PM

I have health insurance for both my kitty and my Yorkie baby through VIP pet insurance. The standard plan is about $12.00 per pet (there is a %5 discount off that per pet if you have multiple pets however). The standard plan does not cover regular check-ups and such, but they do cover illnesses, surgeries, and other treatments. The standard pays a lesser amount for these precedures than the premium plan insurance. The premium insurance also covers some for regular check-ups. I think the premium plan is around $15.00 per pet. You can check it out on the VIP pet insurance website. The did pay out for a visit we had to make for our kitty when she wasn't herself, not eating etc. We had about $167 in bills and they paid $99 of it.

Dan & Corinne · 01-01-2007, 04:12 PM

Yup! Banfield is a pet insurance. Basically it's just like your own health insurance, you pay a monthy fee and it covers a percentage of your vet bill.

There are several different companies that has them now. Banfield is one of them. I have Jazzie on VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance). I like their plan because I can take her to any vet of my choice and they have different levels of coverage. I don't know too much about Banfield but I thought it was just for PetSmart vets, I could be wrong...

CH33KS4U · 01-01-2007, 04:20 PM

wow... i think i should of done more research before i picked one so fast. its actually a great plan though, all of my visits are free. which is good, b/c i visit quite often to keep up with the puppy vaccinations. i am going to look at the websites and compare them to my plan. THANKS YOU GUYS!!

hunniebunnie · 01-03-2007, 07:39 PM

pet insurance is the same as human insurance. you pay a monthly fee and you'll receive medical services at no additional charge or at a discount. Banfield's insurance is an HMO-like plan, kinda like Kaiser for humans. services are only covered if you go to Banfield. but it's cost effective and they have pretty decent coverage for typical care.

insurance companies like VPI are more PPO-like plans for humans. you can go to vets of your choice but the overall cost of coverage is a little more expensive for that flexibility. you get reimbursed for the amount you spend up to your coverage max which is usually a % of what you actually spend.

i had bunjee on the puppy plan with banfield. i'm now looking for pet insurance that allows more flexibility and better coverage. there are a few things i didn't like about banfield. in my area, they had no sunday clinic hours, no emergency services, no phone advice nurse/vet, their prices are kinda high around here for illness/accident treatment, and getting appointments was a PITA. they're puppy plan was a good deal if my puppy never got sick and only needed the routine stuff. if i can do it over again, i'd just opt for a more PPO-like plan and pay a few extra bucks for the flexibility and peace of mind.

Bizzymammabee · 01-03-2007, 07:46 PM

Hunnie Bunnie,

I recently was on the website for the ASPCA and they now offer a plan as well. Check it and see if it might suit your needs.

From what I have read it might be better serving to put aside a savings to cover future illnesses. Some of these plans charge so much and then only pay a small percentage and they are very picky as to what they would consider a pre-existing condition.

I have some more homework to do on this so I can choose.

Good luck!

Dan & Corinne · 01-03-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunniebunnie

pet insurance is the same as human insurance. you pay a monthly fee and you'll receive medical services at no additional charge or at a discount. Banfield's insurance is an HMO-like plan, kinda like Kaiser for humans. services are only covered if you go to Banfield. but it's cost effective and they have pretty decent coverage for typical care.

insurance companies like VPI are more PPO-like plans for humans. you can go to vets of your choice but the overall cost of coverage is a little more expensive for that flexibility. you get reimbursed for the amount you spend up to your coverage max which is usually a % of what you actually spend.

What a simple yet terrific way to describe the difference! Kudos to you!

hunniebunnie · 01-03-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

Hunnie Bunnie,

I recently was on the website for the ASPCA and they now offer a plan as well. Check it and see if it might suit your needs.

From what I have read it might be better serving to put aside a savings to cover future illnesses. Some of these plans charge so much and then only pay a small percentage and they are very picky as to what they would consider a pre-existing condition.

I have some more homework to do on this so I can choose.

Good luck!

i'm actually considering the carrier that is on the ASPCA website. it's got a different name but the insurance carrier is the same. and the quote came out cheaper by about $2 per dog per month. the basic coverage i'm looking at is about $20 per dog per month and will cover up to $1500 per incident up to $8000 a year, 80% of usual and customary (very important because you can be going to an expensive vet that charges more than the regional average in which case you won't get 80% of what you paid, just 80% of the regional average) for the procedure for my region after a $100 annual deductible.

Bizzymammabee · 01-03-2007, 08:05 PM

I was just checking out VIP's service and there is so much as to what will be paid for on one service and yada yada. It's worse than selecting insurance for my own family. For my two babies it will be close to $500 and change for the superior plan...jeeze.

Dan & Corinne · 01-03-2007, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

Hunnie Bunnie,

I recently was on the website for the ASPCA and they now offer a plan as well. Check it and see if it might suit your needs.

From what I have read it might be better serving to put aside a savings to cover future illnesses. Some of these plans charge so much and then only pay a small percentage and they are very picky as to what they would consider a pre-existing condition.

I have some more homework to do on this so I can choose.

Good luck!

I didn't know about ASPCA, thanks for the heads-up!

As for saving for future illnesses... I don't agree, not everyone is good at saving and how do you determine how much you need to save? In my case with Jewel's illness we spent so much. She was only 2 years old when she started tests and treatments. - I never had the heart to add it all up but here is the gest of it.

Monthly lab test - $150+ (Total aprox. $1800)
Imaging for liver shunt - $800
MRI & Spinal Tap - $2,800+
Accupuncture - $40 per session (Total aprox. $240)
Emergency Vet (the night before she passed away) $3,600+
Total: $9,240 (this is a low ball estimate and does not cover medications)

Monthly Premium to VPI - $28.00 x 3 years = $1,800
Reimbursement from VPI close to 75%

It's not just illness you need to worry about. There are heridatary issues like luxsating patilla, dental care, injuries and accidents.

I can't imagine not having insurance for my kids and having to choose to euthanize because I can't afford treatments.

hunniebunnie · 01-03-2007, 08:17 PM

that's awful what you had to go through with Jewel! it's good that you had insurance for her. to me, insurance is a "rip off" by nature. you pay money every month HOPING you'd never have to cash in and get your money back in medical services. but when something bad happens, it's good to have it handy.

Dan & Corinne · 01-03-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunniebunnie

that's awful what you had to go through with Jewel! it's good that you had insurance for her. to me, insurance is a "rip off" by nature. you pay money every month HOPING you'd never have to cash in and get your money back in medical services. but when something bad happens, it's good to have it handy.

Ahhh.... and I'm more of a "better safe than sorry" gal. I insure almost everything except on appliances and electronics.. (except for my Mac & Cell)

All our cars, house, stuff in the house/car, me, Danny, Jazzie... Ok... maybe I'm a little paranoid.

Bizzymammabee · 01-03-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan & Corinne

I didn't know about ASPCA, thanks for the heads-up!

As for saving for future illnesses... I don't agree, not everyone is good at saving and how do you determine how much you need to save? In my case with Jewel's illness we spent so much. She was only 2 years old when she started tests and treatments. - I never had the heart to add it all up but here is the gest of it.

Monthly lab test - $150+ (Total aprox. $1800)
Imaging for liver shunt - $800
MRI & Spinal Tap - $2,800+
Accupuncture - $40 per session (Total aprox. $240)
Emergency Vet (the night before she passed away) $3,600+
Total: $9,240 (this is a low ball estimate and does not cover medications)

Monthly Premium to VPI - $28.00 x 3 years = $1,800
Reimbursement from VPI close to 75%

It's not just illness you need to worry about. There are heridatary issues like luxsating patilla, dental care, injuries and accidents.

I can't imagine not having insurance for my kids and having to choose to euthanize because I can't afford treatments.

Oh believe me I have been hit in the past. Five years back I purchased Hobbs a Shih and he ended up with a luxation that at end ran me $8500 with everything surgery. I would never euthanize unless there was a very big question of quality of life. When I had Hobb's surgery done they told me it would be a 50/50 chance of it helping him but I did what had to be done. I plucked from my savings and charged the rest. The hosptial here in NY where the top Ortho was is great because if you need to you pay 25% and then they can work out a monthly payment plan with you if it's necessary.

I need to wait before I buy insurance for Lex right now. He had his pre-neuter blood and the vet found the kidney values a tad high. So he will recheck him the night before surgery. He said he might have been a bit dehydrated when the bloods were drawn. So I can't do anything until that is settled since the insurance company will want to check his medical records. Once it comes back clear then I can proceed and they will cover him.

hunniebunnie · 01-04-2007, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan & Corinne

Ahhh.... and I'm more of a "better safe than sorry" gal. I insure almost everything except on appliances and electronics.. (except for my Mac & Cell)

All our cars, house, stuff in the house/car, me, Danny, Jazzie... Ok... maybe I'm a little paranoid.

not paranoid, just "well prepared"

as much as i think insurance is a "rip off" by nature, i'd rather be with it than without it.

01-01-2007, 03:14 PM	#1
CH33KS4U Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 78	Pet Insurance ... Whats That??? Hi *YORKIETALKERS*!! You all are very helpful people, so of course i came to you guys first! What is pet insurance?? Is it the $15 i pay at Banfielfd (VET) a month, that covers all vaccinations and checkups?? Im confused...

01-01-2007, 04:12 PM	#4
Dan & Corinne Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 4,387	Yup! Banfield is a pet insurance. Basically it's just like your own health insurance, you pay a monthy fee and it covers a percentage of your vet bill. There are several different companies that has them now. Banfield is one of them. I have Jazzie on VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance). I like their plan because I can take her to any vet of my choice and they have different levels of coverage. I don't know too much about Banfield but I thought it was just for PetSmart vets, I could be wrong... __________________ Jazzie Jolie Jen & I'm Corinne Loving Memory of Jewel 4/28/2003~4/18/2006

01-03-2007, 07:46 PM	#7
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	Hunnie Bunnie, I recently was on the website for the ASPCA and they now offer a plan as well. Check it and see if it might suit your needs. From what I have read it might be better serving to put aside a savings to cover future illnesses. Some of these plans charge so much and then only pay a small percentage and they are very picky as to what they would consider a pre-existing condition. I have some more homework to do on this so I can choose. Good luck! __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

01-03-2007, 08:05 PM	#10
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	I was just checking out VIP's service and there is so much as to what will be paid for on one service and yada yada. It's worse than selecting insurance for my own family. For my two babies it will be close to $500 and change for the superior plan...jeeze. __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

01-01-2007, 03:29 PM	#2
CH33KS4U Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 78	hello....??

01-01-2007, 04:06 PM	#3
Sweetums Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 431	I have health insurance for both my kitty and my Yorkie baby through VIP pet insurance. The standard plan is about $12.00 per pet (there is a %5 discount off that per pet if you have multiple pets however). The standard plan does not cover regular check-ups and such, but they do cover illnesses, surgeries, and other treatments. The standard pays a lesser amount for these precedures than the premium plan insurance. The premium insurance also covers some for regular check-ups. I think the premium plan is around $15.00 per pet. You can check it out on the VIP pet insurance website. The did pay out for a visit we had to make for our kitty when she wasn't herself, not eating etc. We had about $167 in bills and they paid $99 of it.

01-01-2007, 04:20 PM	#5
CH33KS4U Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 78	wow... i think i should of done more research before i picked one so fast. its actually a great plan though, all of my visits are free. which is good, b/c i visit quite often to keep up with the puppy vaccinations. i am going to look at the websites and compare them to my plan. THANKS YOU GUYS!!

01-03-2007, 07:39 PM	#6
hunniebunnie Follower of Yorkietology Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cali-fo-nee-ya Posts: 1,325	pet insurance is the same as human insurance. you pay a monthly fee and you'll receive medical services at no additional charge or at a discount. Banfield's insurance is an HMO-like plan, kinda like Kaiser for humans. services are only covered if you go to Banfield. but it's cost effective and they have pretty decent coverage for typical care. insurance companies like VPI are more PPO-like plans for humans. you can go to vets of your choice but the overall cost of coverage is a little more expensive for that flexibility. you get reimbursed for the amount you spend up to your coverage max which is usually a % of what you actually spend. i had bunjee on the puppy plan with banfield. i'm now looking for pet insurance that allows more flexibility and better coverage. there are a few things i didn't like about banfield. in my area, they had no sunday clinic hours, no emergency services, no phone advice nurse/vet, their prices are kinda high around here for illness/accident treatment, and getting appointments was a PITA. they're puppy plan was a good deal if my puppy never got sick and only needed the routine stuff. if i can do it over again, i'd just opt for a more PPO-like plan and pay a few extra bucks for the flexibility and peace of mind.

01-03-2007, 08:17 PM	#12
hunniebunnie Follower of Yorkietology Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cali-fo-nee-ya Posts: 1,325	that's awful what you had to go through with Jewel! it's good that you had insurance for her. to me, insurance is a "rip off" by nature. you pay money every month HOPING you'd never have to cash in and get your money back in medical services. but when something bad happens, it's good to have it handy.