Thursday, October 1, 2009

What pet health insurance policies are recommended


What pet health insurance policies are recommended?
My dog has been on the Banfield Wellness Plan for a few years, but I am discovering that it is not one of the best health plans. Her current plan only allows her to get treated at the Banfield Hospital that the plan was signed up under, and they don't have extended hours.
 They are always closed on Sundays and Mondays, and it's difficult to find a vet that doesn't charge too much for anything. I'm trying to look for a different pet health insurance plan where I can take her anywhere any time during the week or weekend.
Dogs - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I think VPI has insurance that you can use any where. We are actually looking for pet insurance right now, if anyone knows what pet insurances would cover treatment for hip dysplasia or other hip problems please let me know! BTW - my dog doesn't have hip problems now, but he's a newfie/saint mix and both breeds have problems in that area. Thanx!
2 :
Banfield Wellness Plan is not really insurance, but more of a plan through the corporation. If you want actual pet insurance, I would suggest VPI. My clinic does a lot with VPI and it is relatively simple and affordable. Check out the different plans they offer and make sure it suits you, then after you've signed up, this is how it works. Pet insurance is not like human insurance. You can go to any veterinarian, but the plan you choose selects what is covered and what is not. You can do whatever treatment you choose at your veterinarian's, just remember you have to pay for it all. VPI insurance forms are filled out by your veterinarian (bring them in with you or ask the front desk for one - they most likely have one) and sent in by you. VPI then reimburses you. You can check it out at : http://www.petinsurance.com/ The pet insurance world has not expanded to the point that you have a card and an office within your clinic will handle the paper work but I have a feeling that it will grow to this point soon enough. So check out the website, ask your veterinarian, and hopefully some of this info is helpful. I've seen insurance cover everything from heartworm preventatives and update to vaccine reaction and emergency surgeries. It is definately worth it. Just remember, insurance is different from a wellness plan. Wellness plans are a bulk amount of money in a partnership with a clinic or corporation to cover what is done with that clinic. Insurance is monthly payments for coverage just like for human health insurance. Just wanted to add this side note: if you go to the VPI website, you can get a quote on your pet(s), they have full details of thier plans, you can enroll online and they give a discount when you enroll more than 1 pet!



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Posted by Health Insurance at 11:07 PM