My daily insurance claims - and my saved puppy!
A little over a month ago, my 9 month old German Shepherd puppy was attacked by another dog. After emergency surgery and drainage tubes, he had to go back to the vet three times for popped stitches. A few weeks later the wound was still not healing properly and they decided to do a bacterial culture to figure out what the problem was. We found out that my dog had contracted a methicillin resistant bacteria that was not responding to treatment. Our choices were few: 1) an injection I would have to give him twice a day that could cause his kidneys to shut down or 2) pills we would have to give him that are toxic to humans and could cause my own bone marrow to stop producing red blood cells. After thinking about our options, we decided to get a second opinion from UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital. UC Davis world reknowned for having incredible veterinary care. After biopsies, blood work, and cultures they helped us make a decision on which antibiotic to give my Ben. Within 48 hours of starting this medication his wound had closed. The infection was very deep (only about 1.5mm away from his bone) so he will need to remain on antibiotics for another 2 months, but he is back to being a puppy again. I cannot stress to you how incredibly fortunate we were to have Trupanion insurance and not have to make medical decisions based on how much everything cost. There were times in the last few months where I was submitting insurance claims DAILY. Trupanion always responded
- INSURER:
Trupanion Canada
- POSTED: 11/12/2010
- BY: Jennafer
- BREED: German Shepherd
- AGE OF PET: 0 - 3
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HEALTHY PAWS IS THE BEST PET INS!
We have two animals, a dog (mini Schnauzer) and a cat. For years we have gone through half a dozen of the preferred pet insurance companies, each one worse than the one before. Our last nightmare was with VPI, purportedly a "great" pet insurer, if you have been with them, as we were, you would think differently - HORRID (in a word). Finally found Healthy Paws through a friend, and we are DELIGHTED by this organization. Not only do they quickly process claims, but they are honest, based their business on integrity and equally, if not even more important is that they contribute to rescue animals. So, this organization is not only a GREAT insurance company, they care. Don't waste your time, energy and MONEY by going to every other pet insurer that is out there, we've done that and they are almost all garbage. This company is the real deal; no games, no lies, no loopholes...just an honest company that cares about animals (yours, mine and everyone's). Get this coverage today! You will NOT regret it, we don't!!
- INSURER:
Healthy Paws
- POSTED: 11/12/2010
- BY: Barbara
- BREED: Schnauzer
- AGE OF PET: 7 - 10
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Coverage and Costs
I adopted my dog Bene' two and half years ago from a shelter. She has filled my life with so much unconditional love I can't imagine her not in it. I got insurance for her immediately knowing the routine veterinary expenses can be costly. In August of this year, I adopted a kitten from a (what I found out afterwards to be) unreputable shelter. She came without being spayed and infested with ringworm. Both Bene' and I caught the ringworm as well. The kitten had to be quarantined for 3 months in my back bathroom. Some $3,000 later between vet, meds for Bene' and BooKaay compounded with Dermatologist and meds for me we all survived this ordeal. Thank goodness I had health insurance on Bene' at the time it eased some of the financial burden. I also have a policy on my kitten to cover her expenses with the vet etc.
I would say overall the policy coverages are fair to good. The customer support people are wonderful and helpful. My only concern is what Hartville considers "fair and allowable". The vet expenses are somewhat higher here where I live versus somewhere else in the country. I feel that they should take less of a harder line with pet issues and related expenses than is now in place. Bene' was diagnosed with a luxating pitella at about 10 month old.
I filed a claim only to be denied saying it was a congenital conditon that is not covered. My vet said that it was not the case. We both appealed the claim only to be told Hartville would not cover the expenses which
- INSURER:
ASPCA
- POSTED: 11/12/2010
- BY: Tonie
- BREED: Mixed Breed
- AGE OF PET: 0 - 3
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HealthyPaws is the way to go, they really care
Before I went with Healthy Paws, I spent hours on line trying to find the right pet insurance comparing them all side by side. What I liked about healthy paws was there were no annual or incident limits as well as 90% reimbursement. The first time I submitted a claim, I received a call a few days later from Jen calling to see how both my dogs were doing and when I have time if I could send them pics of my dogs. You can tell from her voice she really cared and I was in Aww, if only they would cover humans, I would switch over in a heartbeat. They gave me No Hassel about my claim and I received a check not even a week later. Jen even stated that if my dog needed this medication for the rest of her life, it would be covered, at no additional cost. Every now and then I receive a call from Jen to see how my dogs are going and to let me know they are there for me and are truly concerned.
- INSURER:
Healthy Paws
- POSTED: 11/11/2010
- BY: Jose
- BREED: Shih Tzu
- AGE OF PET: 0 - 3
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Absolutely Fantastic!
I've had my companion animals insured by other companies; however, they, like many human insurers use a schedule of fees and payments. Pets Best does not. They offer a flat rate of 80 percent of balance, after deductible (in our case $100.00) and a 20 percent co-payment. No schedule of fees, no denials unless for preexisting condition at time of enrollment. A recent, sort of miraculous example of their promptness occurred when I submitted a bill on Thursday night for nearly $700 for chemotherapy for my one of my cats. The very next day I received an email stating the claim had been processed and I'd have the reimbursement deposited to my account the next business day (the following Monday). That's a total, including the weekend, of less than four days to get payment. Monday morning showed a Pets Best deposit of nearly $600 in my bank account. Got to say my relationship with this insurer is the best. Now if they can only get the veterinarians to accept direct payment in full for their services... What a miracle that would be.
- INSURER:
Pets Best
- POSTED: 11/11/2010
- BY: Bernie
- BREED: Domestic Shorthair
- AGE OF PET: Over 11 years
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I have been very satisfied with Embrace and their
I researched pet insurance companies before embrace, and Embrace had the highest ratings. Angel was 6 months old when insured. She is now 3. Embrace has always acknowledged claim immediately and settled within 2 weeks. Thank you.
- INSURER:
Embrace
- POSTED: 11/11/2010
- BY: Angel
- BREED: Poodle (toy)
- AGE OF PET: 7 - 10
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Thankful!
My Precious 13-year-old Baby, Zazu, started vomiting on September 30, 2010. By 2:30 AM on October 1st, he had vomited seven times. My husband and I knew that something wasn’t right, so we took him to the Animal Emergency Room in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was admitted on an emergency basis but transferred over to the Internal Medicine Department when that department came in at 8:00 AM. After an extensive examination, My Precious Zazu was diagnosed as having an aneurysm. We had two choices: we could try to treat it with medication (which was not recommended), or he could have a very risky emergency surgery. Because of where the aneurysm was, My Baby could have died on the operating table. Nevertheless, we chose the surgery because his situation was dire either way. Thankfully, Zazu’s surgery was a success!
Although, Zazu’s health was priority to us, paying for the expensive care was a concern. Earlier this year, I received some information in the mail about ASPCA Pet Insurance. I did a lot of research and decided to take advantage of the Free-Trial Period. Then, I signed up four of my Babies. And, today, I am so thankful that I did.
We had to pay for Zazu’s care upfront (which has totaled close to $7000.00); but, once I submitted the medical claims, ASPCA Insurance promptly sent reimbursement checks to me. After the $100.00 deductible, I received 80% of the standard fees for my area. And, I can assure you that the 80% was very helpful.
Buying I
- INSURER:
ASPCA
- POSTED: 11/11/2010
- BY: Beverly
- BREED: Shih Tzu
- AGE OF PET: Over 11 years
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BOO BOO BELLY
Story:Last month my Great Dane, Willow, had an episode of "boo-boo"belly (decreased appetite, diarrhea). I wasn't too concerned at first,
until she decided to have large amounts of bright red, bloody
diarrhea--YIKES! I am an ER RN, but that frightened even me. I came to
find out (after an expensive visit to my vet) , that the condition is
fairly common, and is called "Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis". Willow made
a speedy recovery, and is her big, playful self-- but I must say that
the timing of her illness couln't have come at a worse time as far as
finances were concerned-- ASPCA Pet Insurance saved the day! I can't
tell you how glad I am that I finally decided to purchase pet insurance,
and I'm glad I chose ASPCA.
- INSURER:
ASPCA
- POSTED: 11/11/2010
- BY: KATY
- BREED: Great Dane
- AGE OF PET: 7 - 10
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Outstanding Service
I've had a number of adopted dogs over the years but I've never had pet insurance. I started hearing more about it, and after doing some research I decided to get insurance for my two adopted French Bulldogs. I went with Healthy Paws based on their excellent review and the fact that they support rescue groups.
Last weekend I woke up to find one of my boys very ill. I rushed him to an emergency vet clinic where he had to spend the night. The folks at Healthy Paws couldn't have been nicer or more supportive. 24 hours after submitting paperwork, I received an email stating my claim was processed and that a check would be sent the next day. My experience dealing with Healthy Paws couldn't have been better and I would highly recommend them.
- INSURER:
Healthy Paws
- POSTED: 11/11/2010
- BY: Susan
- BREED: French Bulldog
- AGE OF PET: 7 - 10
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Good coverage
I have had this policy on my now 20 year old cat for about 6 years now. This is the first year that I have had the occasion to use it. I actually called them to ask about coverage about a recommended procedure, but their representative was very helpful alerting me to the fact that her last visit that was covered. This was a nice surprise.
Recently, my kitty had a number of very serious issues. When I agreed to pay the emergency hospital about $3000 for her weekend treatment, I did so with great fear. I wondered if now I would find out the worst truth about my policy. Thankfully, there were no loopholes and no problems getting paid. They have continued to pay a number of high dollar amount bills.
I am very grateful that I found this company and bought this policy so many years ago.
- INSURER:
Pets Best
- POSTED: 11/10/2010
- BY: Rachel
- BREED: American Longhair
- AGE OF PET: Over 11 years
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