Pet Insurance and Veterinarians (dog) - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

4X4 · 09-17-2009, 02:15 PM

Who do you use?
How much do you pay?
What does it cover?
Did they come through when you needed them to?

And while we're on the topic, recommend a vet. I used to use the one that Cowperson recommended to me in Okotoks, but now that I live DT instead of the deep south, going to Okotoks is a drag. I want one that's more central, but good and also not ridiculously expensive.

All advice appreciated.

burn_this_city · 09-17-2009, 02:36 PM

Macleod trail animal hospital by heritage is good.

COGENT · 09-17-2009, 02:42 PM

The one I use is on 9th Ave and between 8th and 9th street. I highly recommend Dr. Waldman there.

Barnes · 09-17-2009, 02:46 PM

We looked at insurance and for the amount you pay, not worth it. It would be far better to put $10 in a savings account every week and use that for vet bills and to save up for any expensive treatments.

What you pay vs what you get is pretty ridiculous when you look at it.

EDIT: And no your dog isn't.

4X4 · 09-17-2009, 02:53 PM

The dog I adopted came with 6 weeks pet insurance that is about to expire. The insurance company called me and asked if I'd like to continue coverage and their prices seemed pretty high. The top-of-the-line plan is $92/mo and the basic plan is $64/mo... I mean, for that kind of money, I could do what Barnes suggested and save cash for unexpected vet bills.
AFAIC, the purpose of insurance is so that you don't really have to use it, but you've got peace of mind in the event that you do. I just don't want to be ambushed by a $1500 vet bill if my dog gets away and gets hit by a car or something.

I seriously thought that it'd be more like $20/mo or something. $92? Screw that.

Antithesis · 09-17-2009, 02:56 PM

I can't add anything regarding dog insurance but when we got our cats we had insurance for them until I realized how little you get for it. I don't think it's worthwhile at all, personally. I'd go with Barnes' plan if it's a concern, saving a bit every month in a 'just in case' fund.

4X4 · 09-17-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antithesis

I can't add anything regarding dog insurance but when we got our cats we had insurance for them until I realized how little you get for it. I don't think it's worthwhile at all, personally. I'd go with Barnes' plan if it's a concern, saving a bit every month in a 'just in case' fund.

Exactly. I mean, if I'm saving money just because it's wise to do so, what's the difference if I use it on a vet bill? Nothing stupider than paying for something that didn't happen and likely never will. Maybe when she starts getting old and the vet bills become more frequent or something. Until then, $92/mo looks alot better in my bank account than it does in theirs.

Antithesis · 09-17-2009, 03:05 PM

And at least if you just put money into a savings account for the same purpose and your dog turns out to be some sort of dynamo that requires no trips to the vet, you can use the money in the savings account to do something awesome to your truck ... unless you plan to get those stupid truck balls. Those aren't awesome and you'd be better off buying the insurance.

4X4 · 09-17-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

We go to the one on the SW corner of 14th Street and Kensington Road. Can't remember his name, not sure if he's cheap, I'm guessing he isn't but it is handy.

Best insurance is to have the old $500 rule. Just kidding.

Funny you should say that. I pass by there all the time and that's the exact vet I had in mind when I tossed in the bit about one that's central, but not expensive. Just being in Kensington makes it sound expensive, even though I've not even inquired.
There's another one that's nice and close in Altadore, but I'm just sort of assuming that it's expensive.

My other dog (ex dog, I guess) just about ruined me once with a huge, unexpected bill. I took her in to get her spayed and in the examination, the vet discovered a big problem with a couple teeth and a couple other things. As any dog owner knows, as soon as you're aware of this kind of stuff, all you want to do is kill the pain for your dog, so you pretty much do it whether or not you can afford it. We spent some stupid amount, well over a grand, when we were expecting a $350 bill. Sometimes, especially back then, that's your month's entertainment budget and food budget right out the window. Makes for a looong few weeks. Worth it of course, but just REALLY sucks.

Bertuzzied · 09-17-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Oh ya on a related note our dog wiped out down the new hardwood stairs in the middle of the night last night, it was hilarious since it woke us all up and then we all laughed at her when she was alright except for her fat ass pride. Serves her right for trying to sneak up to sleep in our bed.

Quit laughing at your dog or another homeless person will come in and steal her away again.

sclitheroe · 09-17-2009, 03:36 PM

I use Pet Secure (www.petsecure.com), and I think I'm only paying about $40 a month for what I consider to be a decent level of coverage. Considering the wife and the kids and their attachment to the beast, the issue is that when the beast does need maintenance, we are almost certainly going to end up paying it. $95 a month at Pet Secure would get you what I call the "old lady" plan, the one that you would get for your ancient relative - all vet visits, shots, nail cuts, etc, are covered at that rate.

Maybe it would be better, as some suggest, to simply stash the cash away, but by that logic, people would all waive the damage waivers on their cars too, and really, most people don't. The reality is that treatment for a chronic condition in a pet is going to outstrip your cash savings quickly, if you are planning on keeping the animal for any significant amount of time.

Suzles · 09-17-2009, 04:07 PM

We use Vet Insurance, They give you a lifetime cover - so conditions are not exempted after one claim. We have $15,000 we could use. They accepted our dog at age 6 with no questions asked. We go to Marda Loop Veterinary Centre (16th Street SW) - excellent service - offers homoeopathic care as well. They also have a cool new swimming treadmill for dogs.

chid · 09-17-2009, 04:14 PM

We use PetSecure as well I think its $34/mo. which covers things like accidents, prescriptions but NO preventative stuff (first shots etc).

The vet I've been going to with Kuiper is Fish Creek 24hr Animal Hospital, Dr. Mutlow was really great but she's now on mat leave, we enjoy the other vets there as well.

Bertuzzied · 09-17-2009, 04:19 PM

One thing i found when i was first looking into it, is that after a certain age for your type of dog the insurance ends. Well what is the point then?

Is that the case now? It was over 7 years ago when i last explored pet insurance.

MoneyGuy · 09-17-2009, 04:25 PM

I deal with insurance as part of my financial practice and believe in it for really important things. However, I don't believe in insurance (generally) for stuff like this. I love my little dog and all that, but no way I ever insure him. Generally, you should insure financial assets, not financial liabilities. Do you have ample life and disability coverage, are you making sufficient RRSP contributions, if you have kids are you putting money away for their education, do you have a TFSA, an emergency fund? If not, don't insure your pets. Even if you do, don't do it anyway.

BTW, I also disagree with trip-cancellation insurance. Logically, also not a good investment.

I hope this helps you make a good decision. I feel strongly about this stuff.

NSFL · 09-17-2009, 04:29 PM

Hahaha, I love your second last tag: my dog's cuter than yours.