Pet insurance

[CricketSail]

The house is officially up for sale today. So I'm closer to getting my RV, and yesterday I went to the pet store to get updated ID tags for the dogs, with numbers that can be reached even when I'm on the road full time. My next step is to think pet insurance. Any suggestions on the best pet insurance for those of us who are full time travelers? I have two dogs and a cat - I would like good coverage, but also an insurance that will work with any vet that I might need. I looked at a plan offered by PetSmart stores, but then find out it's not really insurance if your pet has an injury. I'm nervous about a quick look at so many different plans. It may sound good, but if I have an emergency I don't want to find out about the "fine print" that leaves me without coverage for some reason. Thanks for any feedback from your experience on this.

[Azusateach]

I could go on forever about pet insurance. But 2 things you might want to consider ...

Your dogs are not young puppies. The premium for beginning insurance on older dogs can be considerably higher because, in the insurance company's eyes, your dogs may already have issues that will cost them money. The best time to insure an animal is when you first get them as babies.

Additionally, there are many exclusions on policies -- things that might be considered hereditary (dysplasia in big dogs, for example) are often not covered. If the company can point a finger back to some sort of health trend in a particular breed they may not cover it. And what is covered is oftentimes minimal compared to the actual bill.

I keep a credit card dedicated to Jed's care. However, when he had his eye surgery this summer I borrowed against my 403b as the bill was several thousand dollars. Much cheaper than paying the interest on the credit card. I'm paying back myself at a much lower interest (5%) than the credit card (21%).

Hope this helps.

Laura

[Redwahine]

I have had Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) for my dogs since 1999. With my English Cocker it saved me a fortune with his ear problems. Tyler was 5 when I got him and got the insurance. There are exclusions. It does not cover anything do with his thyroid problems. Rates go up each year. He is now 13 and the premium is $45 mo. Last year I received over $3,000 in reimbursements for his shoulder surgery. So, I like it to help cover those unexpected med expenses.

[Bethers]

I'm one who doesn't get pet insurance. It's totally something you need to decide for yourself. With my dogs over the past 15 years, it would have cost me without paying. Same as how I feel about lots of insurance coverage. But, it's definitely a private matter to decide. My question is ... if you didn't have it before you started rving, why would it be important after (but not before)?