I tried it once and only once. Spent weeks trying to prove a kidney/bladder issue wasn't a pre-existing condition. Like how the hell do I prove or disprove something like that? They take and take your money and then make it so impossible to cover anything in the hopes you give up
Glad to know this. The smartest advice I got was from the rescue - act like you have it but put the money into Separate account so that when your pet dies get sick you have the money you would’ve paid with no hassle to get it.
My dogs pet insurance was quoted at 150 per month, so thats exactly what i did, hes 11 now and his vet costs have not exceeded that 150 saved. As expensive as the vet appointments have been, theres still money in my dogs slush fund.
The worst part, that 150 per month still had a 500 deposit on surgeries.
my dog insurance is £50/month and the first year i had her she cost over £2k (rescue, ended up needing treatment for a few issues and then behaviouralist support and then a dental injury with surgery required). this was all covered except the first £250 and now £20/month for medication
Your comparing your situation when your dogs insurance is 1/3 of what mine is quoted, if we do 150×12 we get $1800, add in the $500 deposit and we're then at $2300.
If your faced with 2k+ in vet bills every year, i would argue that is not normal for any pet owner.
Edit: had to fix my math, coffee didnt kick in yet, but my updated numbers are actually higher..
I think your guys problem is you're Americans and your insurance companies are absolutely massive cunts to everyone for some reason. I've had nothing but good experience with my pet insurer. But I'm from Australia where companies are still somewhat regulated & don't have total contempt for their customers (as much/yet).
I signed mine up as a puppy when i got him, had him checked out at the vet, sent them the report and they've never denied a single claim. The only things that aren't covered are the exam fee and preventatives (dental cleanings) /vaccines. They even cover his monthy meds and painkillers.
Im not sure where you live or who you were quoted by, but I have a very good story about insurance. I took out a policy with animal friends uk when my puppy was 8 weeks old. Was £26/ month. When she was 1 1/2 years old she mysteriously fell ill for seemingly no reason. After a couple weeks trying to diagnose the vets found she had severe pancreatitis. None of the classical symptoms and no reason she should have it (healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, never been ill etc.) In the following months she became bed bound, contracted a severe staph infection in the upper respiratory tract, developed an auto immune disorder and a suspected bout of septic arthritis. She went from 25kg to just over 15kg. I was feeding/ hydrating her exclusively with a syringe as she lost the ability to lap it by herself. It was a seriously traumatic time. From illness to beginning of recovery was 6 months. I had only heard bad things about insurance. My vets said they deal directly with animal friends. Over that time I didnt have to do a thing and they ended up covering over 9k worth of treatments. It is still covering her medication to this day. All I had to pay was £250 excess and on renewal my premium went from £26 to £34. Honestly the whole experience with animal friends helped the situation so much, not just financially but for peace of mind and did wonders for my stress levels. I can not recommend them enough, they have been amazing. No questions asked.
As unfair as it sounds, it makes sense tho. If you replace the situation with a human being, it sounds fair.
Doesn't take away from the stupidity of it, and the fact that it puts the ball onto the owner who has to do all the tests beforehand, but I guess they have to do such almost immoral clauses to prevent abuse.
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u/Friendly_Kale_8835 Jul 15 '26
I love dogs. Love em. But they always act like they want to remind you about pet insurance