[Jaboomba]

Hi Max'sMom

Here is my side of pet insurance. We have a 13 year old Shellie (well almost 12yrs & 8 months) and we have done our part to help put her kids through college!! Haha
Our last visit for Shellie (2 weeks ago) was for a split nail and an infection in that area. Since our vet was concerned about the a fatty tumor near the nail we did a biopsy. (Everything turned out okay).. Total cost for that visit was $217. So Shellie's total vet costs so far for 2008 is almost $2500. (includes almost $1800 Atopica which is VERY expensive!! We have gotten Shellie off Atopica recently becuase we change to a premium grain free food!! Thanks to this forum!!)... No insurance on her.

On the other hand we decided to get insurance on our puppy Sandie (who is 1yr old this month). The coverage we go with insurance on the puppy for atleast the first year since it would basically pay for itself. We paid 1 yr in advance for $300. The coverage provided an 80%/20% split. (Of course they do not cover hip dysplasia issues if they do happen) So far they have covered all shots, neutering or spaying, and she developed a yeast infection from the poor food we were initial feeding her.. (We are no grain free!! Thanks again to this board!!).. We have saved about received refund checks totaling $410. The big issue is that Sandie is having her knee scoped to see if the has a slightly torn ACL... If that is the case and it need to be repaired the cost would be approximately $3200 at the University of Florida.. We will only be responsible for the 20%. So we are lucky there.

My advice it to do a ton of research then decide. My profession is a Financial Planner so I am a firm believer in saving the money and get a return on it, but my wife insisted we get the insurance on the puppy. So far the wife has been dead on... (I won't admit it though!! Haha)

I hope this helps.

Julsquincy -- I totally agree with you though!!! $40 a month for 5yrs finding a good no loan fund avg. 10% you would have almost $3000!! So I can see exactly where you are coming from. Unfortunately the wife wins here!!!!