Pet Medical Insurance

[wildbunch]

Anyone out there have pet medical insurance?
If so what kind. My husband and I are looking into it as Willow-(Malamute), is having some horrible problems with his neck. He can't lift it or turn it. He starts yelping in pain. We have scheduled a vet appointment for x-rays and a neurological exam on Tuesday. Right now he's on an aspirin a day, anyone know of anything else to ease his pain until he sees the vet?
Willow has had a really tough life, medically. Started with a brown recluse spider bite when he was 8 weeks old.
Then numerous accidents with his back legs (was once paralyzed for two weeks). He is very accident prone and gets hurt quite easily.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Carolk9s]

I personally am not a big believer in pet insurance. Perhaps partly because I have never had to face huge vet bills-yet. I did explore the possibility many years ago, even signed up for a trial offer. Then I had a question. I could never get a straight clear answer to my question which was simply: If I am traveling with my dog, does the insurance cover him in any state? Any emergency vet no matter where they are located? As I said, no one with this company ever answered my question so I canceled.
A particular concern in the case of Willow, the ins. co. might consider ANYTHING that comes along as part of a pre-exisiting condition due to his medical history, including the spider bite. Based on that, they might not pay for treatment. I have also read, and this was just someones opinion, that if pet insurance became widespread, it would drive UP the cost of animal/vet care as it has with people. May be true, I don't know.
I believe Newfiemom has insurance, perhaps there are pros to pet insurance that I am not aware of.

[wildbunch]

We would want the insurance for future preventative care. We thought it might be a good idea because of cancer and other degenerative problems.
I am doing some research but would really like to talk to someone who has the insurance.
Thanks for the reply Carol.

[mouseatthebusstop]

We looked into it but found it did not cover shots ect. You have to pay the first

[lordgoliath]

Usually you have to pay your veterinarian up front and will be reimbursed according to the insurance coverage schedule after submitting a claim. Coverage tends to be somewhat limited with pet health insurance. That is, the reimbursement amounts are usually not close to the full cost of the routine service or medication.

So why should you pay for pet health insurance? Piece of Mind. Knowing that in the event of a major health problem (cancer, broken bone, etc.), you have a way to pay for the necessary services is the main reason people carry pet insurance. We've all heard the heartbreaking stories of pet owners who couldn't afford the cost of the necessary care and were forced to put their beloved pet to rest.

We carry VPI for Goliath for the above reasons. Personally I would rather he never be sick or hurt and not use the insurance, but I am glad it's there just in case.