Pet insurance

[Aaron Rosenthal]

In my family we seem to be adopted by cats.
My son just had a vet bill for $4000.00, which of course I had to lend him on the “never-never” plan. I want to avoid that kind of fiscal hit with the younger one by buying an insurance plan.
As Costco Executive members we can opt into their plans at a discount, but I'm a complete noob and need guidance.
What should I be looking for? This particular cat gets outside every chance the door open in an urban area, so car strike, raccoon interaction and almost everything else.

[George Yetka]

I believe once theres a hit on the record the insurance becomes very expensive, even cost prohibitive.

I dont like how expensive the end of life stuff can be with animals. I know plenty of people who have dumped thousands into an animal to give it another year. Alot of times that extra year can be extra pain for the animal. Vets wont always tell you that and selfishly we go for it. Ive had this on my mind lately. I have a 13 year old english bulldog. Which is ancient for the bread. She has been on prescription food and pills for the last 6 months for bladder stones and UTI's. shes had 1 operation for the stones and they want to do another 2 months after the first.

From everything I have ever been told the best time to get the insurance is right after you get your pet.

[Stephen Rosenthal]

I’ve been owned by cats (and dogs) for most of my life. The best insurance is to never let them outside unattended. That said, every pet I’ve had has become special needs at some point. Epilepsy, broken bone, diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, yada, yada, yada. Of course, I’m a sucker for older critters who are less likely to be adopted/rescued, so expensive vet bills and daily meds are part of the deal. I’ve never opted for pet insurance because the older the animal the costlier the insurance if you can get it at all. Younger pets tend to be healthy requiring only an annual vet exam ($75) for many years, so the premiums eat up any potential savings. Insurance companies are like Las Vegas casinos - those corporate skyscrapers didn’t get built because they lose money. So my feelings are to pass, but I understand that a $4,000 vet bill can certainly influence any decision.

I’m a Costco Executive Member as well, but have never looked into its pet insurance plan. I tried their Auto Buying Service but found it to be seriously lacking. If you do go with them make sure your vet accepts their insurance. Some plans restrict you to a very limited selection of local vets and specialized treatments.

I do use Costco for all my pet medications at considerable savings.

[Lisa Starr]

Insurance is a money maker for the company...it won't save you money in the long run. Additionally, you may well find the policies have all sorts of clauses that allow them not to pay in many, many situations and that they must be given the right to have second opinions etc. Having had horses and dogs my entire life, I get those restrictions. So many people keep animals alive well past the point of humaneness. When you get a pet, you also sign up to allow that pet a dignified death.

[Stan Calow]

Its a good idea to discuss with family ahead of time, the max amount of money you're willing to pay for medical care for the pet.

I had a friend who's dog had a growth in her nose, and a tumor on the breast. He would tell people he was probably the only person ever to pay for a nose job and a boob job for a dog.