Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler OT: Is pet insurace worth it?

The reason I asked is that my 6 yr old Aust Shep, just tore her crucial ligiment (spelling??) and I am being told that the cost for the operation is about $3K. Now, I looked up to see if I could enroll her now but in the fine print it states that you must have the policy for at least 12 mo before some treatments are covered (her knee being one of those). So, I'm out big $$$ and cannot get the insurance for this at least. I am strongly thinking about getting it though.

it is the cruciate ligament.......my are torn in both of my knees.

What is interesting is, you are the 3rd person in two months that I have learned has a dog that has torn a cruciate ligament.

Yes, the old pre-existnig condition rule, huh?

We had a 14 day waiting period on our insurance. Luckily the insurance kicked in just in time to cover most of the puppy's broken leg stuff.

curtis - I'm really sorry about your knees, but I've got bad news. We can't get pet insurance to cover you. Even checked under the "Big, cuddly goober" rider and it's a no go.

The good news is that it looks like you can stop eating Kibbles & Bits for dinner.

Got to see the vet again today and was awarded an estimate of $3200-$3700.00


I'm telling you, I cannot catch a break!!!!!

Sorry to hear about your Aust Shep. That's life, sometime you've to live with it. Hopefully you can come up with the 'big buck' for the surgery (I know it's very expensive). Then feel free to opt for insurance if you think it will give you a peace of mind (but has to read the fine print what items are covered or not). Like every policy, you've to pay more if you want better coverage. Also, check with the company to confirm whether things related after the cruciate ligament surgery will be covered. Then you won't be surprised down the road.

Perhaps you've already done the research on cruciate ligament. If not, check this out if you're interested.

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/ccl/treatment.shtml
http://www.southpaws.com/topics/cruciate.htm
http://www.westonkaanimalhospital.com/cruciate.html

Afterall, we treat our pet as part of our family.

Regards and hope your Shep will get well soon.

Romeo
Benji (2.5 yr Bearded Collie)
Bouncer (1.5 yr Bearded Collie)