[magical]

Probably been done to death but we have an 18 month old small fluffy that has just cost us over 2K in an emergency.

So is it worth the cost and who do you have it with ?

Thanks

[lamarque]

I looked at it last year but quickly realised our two retrievers were too old at 9 yrs. We spent about 3K to remove two balls; one from his stomach and one from his intestine.

I think most insurers have pet insurance, I liked the idea of going with the RSPCA insurance. I think from memory it was around $20 per month?? I could be wrong though.

[spitzmum]

I've got it (top cover with medibank private) and it has been very useful - two operations in the last 12 months at $3,500 each. Medibank paid 80% (we paid 20%)

Our girl seems accident prone - no sense and rushes head long into adventure!

[Becky Thatcher]

After spending $6K on our Rigeback for an amputaion and chemo, we decided to do the pet insurance for our silky terrier. Glad she did cos she did an ACL (cost $1400, got most back)
We also have our new pup insured also.

I think it is worth it, we are with Bow Wow Meow.

[leebec]

I've got it for our 18 week old puppy & thank god. She is a border collie/rottweiler/staffy mix and a complete nutcase. Within 3 weeks of having the insurance I had already claimed 3 times. I got the woolworths pet insurance and went for the top cover. She is being desexed in a week and part of that is covered as well.

[Gumnut82]

We've had it for maybe 2 years now, after each of our StaffyX's racked up $700+ in vet bills. From memory we claimed twice last year - once was a small amount so after the excess we got maybe $100 back, the second time one had cut her paw on some broken glass and after anaesthetic/stitches/observation/ridiculously expensive bandages we claimed and got about $700 back. Between the two that worked out to cover most of the premiums for that year. Haven't claimed at all this year but that's the joy of insurance!

We are with Pet Secure and I think ours is about $30/month? They've just reduced the amount they pay out, though, so I'll be looking out for better deals here!

[magical]

Thanks so much !!!

[Waratah]

So worth it. I have Petplan and it has saved me a fortune. My Cav has had both patellas operated on, bone scans teeth removed probably about $4000 worth and then some. I pay about $55 a month.

[knowsnotmuch]

I'm with bowwowmeow. Choice did a review in 2010 and one if the big things they pointed out is to watch what cover you get after 8yrs if age. Some companies automatically drop your medical coverage from 100% or 80% down to 65% which is crap as that is when the old dogs are likely to get the problems that you have been paying to cover them all their life for.
Definitely worth getting. Having to not run tests or treat your pet properly because you can't afford the $$$ is not a nice situation to be in.

[Jellyblush]

I shopped around quite a bit and ended up with Medibank top cover. It was the most economical top cover after the discount because I have my health insurance with them.

It has been great and claiming is a breeze. I got it because my dog has an anxiety condition. While it doesn't cover her meds, as this is behavioural, it DOES cover the physical injuries she gets as a result of anxious behaviour (e.g. trying to escape, licking paws until bleeding & raw) plus it covers a full blood screen every year which I do to monitor her kidneys since she's on meds, plus it covers some worming cost.

$50 per month, had it 18 months, have claimed and been paid with no questions $480 so far. If she ever needed surgery or had a big accident it would be priceless.

Oh, just wanted to add that most pet insurance is with the same company - petsure. Woolworths and Medibank for example are the same insurance product, exactly the same - just branded with their logo and you deal with their claims staff.