Based on what I've read and experienced, if you live in the U.S.
you should NOT get pet insurance (Canadians seem to have better luck with
theirs). Pet insurance does not help in an emergency because you still need
cash on hand to pay the vet, and you will not be reimbursed by the insurance
company for several months, after you've spent way too much time collecting
and sending paperwork, sitting on hold on the phone, staving off collectors
for the bills you didn't pay in order to pay the vet, and experiencing
increasingly high blood pressure and headaches from the frustration of it
all. In the end, if you are reimbursed at all, it will be a fraction of
what you expected. Do NOT believe what these insurance companies write on
their web site and in the enrollment materials--it is nothing like reality.
I have never seen a company that was so different from what it said it was
than Veterinary Pet Insurance. In any other industry there would be a class
action lawsuit in no time, but I think we dog nuts don't have the time or
money for such a thing.
On the other hand, if you do a forced savings account, you will
have money on hand to pay the vet at the time of an emergency. Even if it's
not the full amount, vets are usually willing to work out short-terms
payments, or you can do the health care credit plan to pay off an emergency.
You won't have headaches and hassles--you will be in total control. So set
up a separate savings account just for pet medical bills, and if you work
for a company, have money automatically deposited into that account before
you even get your paycheck. It may be hard to keep your hands off this
account, but just remind yourself how important it is. It is worth it for
your dog's health and your own!
Alice Madar
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sedona, AZ
