Best pet insurance?

[kermit116]

I need some tips on finding the best pet insurance for my two small dogs. I wasn't a person who thought I'd ever get pet insurance, but after a recent incident in which we lost our third little dog after surgery and now are left with both enormous grief and an enormous vet bill, I'm reconsidering my skepticism on the whole pet insurance thing.

The two I've considered so far (with very minimal research) are VPI and the ASPCA pet insurance.

One thing I'm concerned about is claims being denied. I was sitting in the vet a few months ago and someone came in asking for another copy of his dog's entire record because the insurance company was saying they didn't have enough info to complete his claim and reimburse him for his dog's surgery. In hindsight I wish I had asked him what insurance plan he was using.

My vet has ads for VPI in his office, but I'm not sure if that's really an endorsement or just some free swag he got from that company. I do plan to ask what company (if any) he would recommend.

My biggest concern is getting major events covered - such as surgery, accidents, anything emergency or extremely serious. I can cover my dogs' annual shots and heartworm meds, so that's not really a concern for me. I do have one dog that will probably require some additional dental care in the future, so it would be nice if that would be covered.

Does anyone have recommendations for pet insurance companies that are good? Any I should definitely avoid? Any idea if I can get a plan that just covers catastrophic events, but not the typically annual/semi-annual vet visits? Trying to be a responsible pet owner without getting ripped off by an insurance company. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[bishtmaster]

Mr Kermit,

It sounds impressive that you are looking for pet insurance. Policies vary for pedigree or non-pedigree Dogs as you have not specified your dog’s breed so it becomes difficult to tell which one is best for you. I must suggest you to go for lifetime insurance policy as it has various benefits like Overseas Travel which includes Quarantine Cover, Emergency Repatriation and Loss of Passport, death compensation, Veterinary Bills, Third Party Liability, Kennel / Cattery fees, Holiday Cancellation and Lost and Found advertisement etc. It might be bit expensive but at the same time is good for a long run if you really love your pets.

Pet Insurance