Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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OMG .. this is like shopping for my own health insurance! Thank you Cassie for starting such a great topic. I decided to look up Healthy Paws and it appears it might better than what we had chosen. Overall, it appears the monthly premium is higher than other plans BUT there is the annual deductible that makes it very appealing.
Thanks for the links also, Jerry! Very helpful and good reading as we navigate this maze.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Just bumping this up, since I'm shopping for pet insurance for Marshall and Fannie Mae. Anyone else want to recommend their insurance company, add a +1 for a company already mentioned here, or hear of one that a friend, family member or vet says good things about?
Thanks, everyone!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
I use Healthy Paws. I love it. You can adjust the amount you want to be reimbursed & the amount of the deductible so that helps adjust premium. It is a per year deductible & not a per incident deductible. My deductible is 250 with a 90% reimbursement. Snickers & Jazz together for Rotties is 128.08 a month (not too bad) and this year it has more than paid for its self. They do not cover preventative but I figure that is my cost as a pet owner. It kind of keeps the cost down too. c
I know Karma uses this one and one of our other members who used to frequent used it and recommended. I usually have reimbursement check processed in 3 bus days at the latest. Healthy Paws also has a friend referral program.
They also give free estimates of premium.
I will not own another dog after Sassy & Bosch without pet insurance.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
We have Pet's Best Insurance for Wyatt, and so glad we do. They just paid the total $5000± bill for Wyatt's emergency gastrotomy within 24 hours of submitting the claim.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HI, we have Trupanion and I don't recommend them. First they declined Jasper's allergy claim (TWICE) stating that it was from her dirty ear issues that I got when I first got her.
Finally - after the 3rd appeal - it was approved. However, it goes against our deductible for that issue. So basically Jasper has to get another $800+ in allergy shots before we get them for free! 
I will probably switch to Healthy Paws within the next year or so as I have heard they are easier to deal with. And the premiums will be higher but the payout better.
But after Shelby's illness and issues - never again will I go without pet insurance. The "love of my life" was very, very expensive in the last year!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I have Pets Best too and I love it! So happy with the company. I enrolled my golden puppy when less than a year, premium $25 a month. Also enrolled my 9 year old golden Blaze. His premium was $60. Nine months later we were facing OSA. His premium went up to $100 at the next renewal. This company has paid 80 percent of every bill in less than 2 weeks. And now I expect them to pay for today's surgery. Very smart money.
Mary
I have since signed my big dog up on Pets Best and will signing Domino up at the beginning of the year. So far I like them. Our first claim seems to be taking forever, but they're having to get a full history on Finn.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
We signed up Lily for Healthy Paws about six months before cancer struck (Lily was 8, I think)! They pay 90% of the bill. They have covered everything!! $250 deductible and office visit fee not covered. They cover acupuncture and physical therapy. The vet can submit it or I can just take a picture of the bill and upload it to their claim site--the claim is completed in a few hours and the check is sent out the next day!! I love, love, love them!! We pay about $57 for Lily and $38 for Remmy each month-worth every penny!! They haven't raised Lily's premium because of her cancer.
Take care,
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Great feedback on these companies, keep it coming!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cassie said
I have since signed my big dog up on Pets Best and will signing Domino up at the beginning of the year. So far I like them. Our first claim seems to be taking forever, but they're having to get a full history on Finn.
We're switching to Pets Best today too! I am trying to figure out the deductible/ reimbursement ... sigh... just like human insurance - super confusing.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Thanks for the helpful info everyone. Btw @Cassie I'm going to PM you in a few minutes with a different Q. Just curious for you and others who are switching to Pets Best...what made you decide to leave your prior insurance provider? (If you haven't mentioned it here already.)
@Jerry/Rene, the links were incredibly helpful. I wish I had more time to go through the detailed work sheets but I feel like I have to make a decision for Fannie Mae sooner rather than later due to the two-week waiting period.
I may be paranoid but in her photo (it's in the Alumni forum under News from the Home Front) she looks like she's holding her front leg in a funny position. It could be nothing, but also could be something. Several of the companies have year-long exclusions and pretty detailed pre-screening requirements for knee, ACL and patella issues. If anyone knows for sure that their company does cover those things out of the gate without the fine print please let me know.
Coincidentally I also know of a couple of dogs (younger than Fannie Mae) who ended up having prior knee and leg injuries that they masked for a while before it became an issue. Dogs can be so stoic about masking their pain.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
I chose Pets Best based on my breeders recommendation. I never had insurance before and paid $25000 for two major surgeries and radiation treatment for a previous golden. Yes there are three zeros.
PB gives the choice of deductibles and reimbursement levels. And has a well puppy policy if you want it. There are no age or breed restrictions as far as I can see. I chose accident and illness coverage only. $200 annual deductible per dog and 80 percent reimbursement. I chose a $5000 annual limit.
so far this year PB paid 80 percent of a $4300 bill for my two year golden who was dx'd with steroid responsive menningitis. He needed MRI X-rays ultrasound and two days in the hospital under the care of a board certified neurologist.
Blaze has had monthly pamidronate treatments, X-rays and meds. His surgery will cost $3600 and PB will pay 80 percent.
Mary
Okay...I'm gonna go the "simple stupid" way of researching all the fine print....I'll just ask you guys!!!
Any of these cover spay?
When I adopt seniors, they all have some medical issue withing three seconds of bringing them home! Do any of these even cover seniors or, if they do, is it at an outrageous mknthly fee. Any dental on any of these.
Oh...I just re-read your post Mary and it looks like there is no age restriction with PB......
Okay....as far as pre-screening for joint, knee issues, etc. I do NOT want to put Merry Myrtle through ANY xrays unless absolutely necessary! I'm still "old school" about risks of xrys. So, guess looking for a company that does NOT rewuire that kind of testing.
And DEB, as far as Fannie Mae's picture, I think she's just using her best cute pose because she knows she's so cute!!!
THANKS EVERYBODY! And I will do my kwn reading...just thought answers to thse questions would narrow it down
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Benny55 PB does ask about pre existing conditions when you enroll and there is a two week waiting period once you do enroll. The first claim does take a tad longer to receive. PB requests a medical records for the previous year from your general vet prior to reviewing the claim. I was skeptical at first but the experience is great! Even though Blazes premium increased by 30 percent at renewal I still think $90 a month is a bargain for an 11 yr old golden.
Mary
Sally, from what I understand about Pet's Best Insurance, you can buy a different type of policy known as a "Wellness Plan" that covers preventive care. These plans are more expensive than the "Accident and Illness" plan that we have for Wyatt Ray . Preventive care is nice, since it possibly would have covered the gastropexy surgery that we did on him last year, to prevent bloat.
Mary, you might want to try the new deductible plans that Pe'ts Best is now offering. We used to have the same type of "per incident/per deductible" plan that it sounds like you have, which chaarges a dedttiible for each "incident,"but recently switched to a new plan that's designed like human health insurance (but is far better); it allows us to meet a given deductible and then once that deductible is met, Pet's Best will cover illness and accidents throughout the rest of the year. We chose a plan that covers 100% of costs after the deductible but I believe you can pick plans that cover 80%, which cost less..
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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