5 replies to this topic

[tmoning]

I'm posting the following questions at the request of Charlie Schrenkel, FMCA national president:

• Do you currently carry pet health insurance?
  
• Would you be interested in purchasing insurance for your pet(s) through an FMCA group discounted rate?

[diplomatman2002]

tmoning, on Nov 5 2009, 08:30 PM, said:

I'm posting the following questions at the request of Charlie Schrenkel, FMCA national president:

• Do you currently carry pet health insurance?
  
• Would you be interested in purchasing insurance for your pet(s) through an FMCA group discounted rate?

I think it is an excellent idea to investigate the possibility of group pet health insurance. There are thousands of FMCA members that travel with pets and find the cost of individual pet health insurance prohibitive. I believe it would be a great member benefit.

Paul DuBois

[mapleskoff]

We have carried pet health insurance in the past, and although we lost two dogs to forms of cancer in the last three years, we don't believe it to be cost effective. In only one instance did it assist in paying for a non-cancer surgery in one of our dogs about six to seven years ago.

Studies that we have read indicate that it is wonderful for the insurance carriers, not so for the policy holders. The only way we might be interested in buying it in the future is if it is truly at significant discount for "group" rates, and has coverage that is comprehensive. Unless that comes about, we'll continue putting aside a few dollars a month for the routine exams and more serious instances.

Doc Mike

[Wayne77590]

I agree with Doc Mike. I have had veterinarians talk against it as the exclusions are too great. It would be something to study, and if the rates were low enough it may be worth it. However, insurance companies only offer insurance to make a profit.

[ChunkyBeastracin]

Just wondering if anyone pursued any more info on the Pet insurance. I would be intersted as Vet bills can be enormouse but have to agree that insurance companies are out to make a buck and most have way too many restrictions

[PawsOnTheGo]

We do carry pet insurance on both of our dogs. We use Petplan USA. We researched a lot of different compaines and they are the only one we found that covers cancer, skin allergies and other breed specific problems. They do not cover your yearly exam, routine shots and spaying/nutering; but they do pay for alot of other things like finding your pet if it gets lost. Petplan has three different levels of coverage; bronze, silver and gold. Three different coinsurance amounts; 50%, 20% and 0% and deductibles ranging from $0 to $250. As long as you pay your yearly premium, your policy will never be cancelled.

Our little Rocky, a maltese mix, has had 5 knee surgeries for subluxated patellas. Petplan has paid every claim within 30 days. You choose your own vet, pay the bill and then mail the claim to petplan. Even with all of our claims, his premium had never been raised. I would recommend Petplan to everyone.