What's new
Mastiff Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Welcome back!

    We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.

Dog Insurance. Do you have it?

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Okay, so lately I've been talking to a lot of people about dog insurance and telling them about my daughter's experiences and how it was the best investment that she made. She didn't always have it, which led to Gramma ponying up to pay some of the big bills, but, I'd like to hear what our membership has to say about it, about the benefits that they've been able to have because of it or, alternatively, areas where it didn't pay off or was not what it was cracked up to be. I have it, it costs me about $55 a month and I've had almost no use of it - THANK GOD - but I'm so glad it is there for an emergency. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

What about you?
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
I will not own a dog without having insurance on them. It has been incredibly important when it comes to Kryten's medical care. It has allowed me to make decisions based on medical reasons without worrying about costs. Because of the severity and chronic nature of Kryten's condition I will never pay more in premiums than has been reimbursed. I did figure it out a couple of years ago and realized then that both dogs would have to live past their projected lifespans and never make another claim before the financial situation would reverse. I've unfortunately made several claims including a second surgery.
I do hope that for everybody that it is like how it has been for Jiggers , a 'waste' of money but I do think it's a good idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nik

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I don't, but I will buy it for my next dog. I've been very, very lucky. In 20+ years of having breeds that are highly prone to expensive conditions, we've dodged them all. Which was good for me because I had two type 1 diabetic kids and all the accompanying astronomical costs associated with that. I could never have afforded pet insurance. Now that my kids are adults, albeit younger adults, I will be able to do insurance for my next dog.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nik

7121548

Well-Known Member
I rescued my neo when he was 3, and as a result, insurance was ridiculously expensive. I really doubt it would have been a savings to me, even in the long run. If I had a younger dog, I'd get insurance though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nik

scorning

Well-Known Member
I've had it on my last couple dogs, have always come out ahead.
1) Adopted a rescue dane, 6 months old. Ended up having Wobblers, atypical Addisons, and frequent bouts of pneumonia. They covered everything for him.
2) Adopted a rescue doberman, 9 years old. DCM not covered as pre-existing, but covered several ER trips for stomach problems, arthritis, kennel cough, and cancer. Still came out ahead with her, especially since she had surgery and chemo for the cancer.
3) Dane puppy from reputuable breeder, now 3 years old. Covered stitches for a dog bite, kennel cough, and a behaviorist and related meds. Probably haven't broken even yet, but I'm sure we will as he ages.
4) Female Doberman from reputable breeder at 1.5 yro. Just had to hospitalize her for suspected obstruction that just ended up being gastro enteritis. Have submitted claims for a couple thousand dollars, waiting for reimbursement.

I've had PetPlan on all my dogs, they are slow to reimbursement and their policies are more expensive since they changed underwriters, but overall I've been happy with them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nik

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Thanks Scorning! I was hoping someone would bring great examples of why we should all have insurance. Big breeds create big bills. I have President Choice Pet Insurance. They've really looked after my daughter's dogs and I know they will be there if I need them for my girl. I can't tell you how hopeless you feel if your choices are heal the dog or put them down because the bill is going to be astronomical. At least with the insurance, I can choose life for my girl.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nik

Nik

Well-Known Member
I had it for about a year but it seemed like everything that came up for us was not covered and the basic stuff that was covered was only partially covered and I felt like I was throwing a lot of money down the drain and that simply saving the money or always keeping a credit card with a large limit empty seemed more cost effective.... But, that said I know plenty of people who have found the insurance super useful so maybe the one I went with was just bad. I should also mention the insurance was over $100 a month for me and I just started thinking "If I just put away 100 every single month as a dog medical fund that would be more useful then this". So I think it just depends on the policy and how much it costs and what they actually cover.