Pet Health Insurance

[SammySamantha]

So, I started researching pet health insurance today. My dog is getting older and closer to the enrollment cutoffs, so I figured I better take a serious look. It is hard to find policies to cover dogs AND birds.

Do any of you have coverage on your birdie friends? I am just looking for some first hand information (good or bad).

I plan on swinging by the vet on Monday to ask his opinion, I just wanted to hear from owners who are in the know.

Thanks!

[LovelySydney]

I don't know of any insurance that covers birds but I know you can cover dogs which I think is great. I hope someone comments on this, I'd like to know!!

[SammySamantha]

Yeah, I have found a lot of good policies to cover dogs. The feathered baby seems to be the hang up. I found a couple that generally cover "exotics", but the companies seem sketchy.

[Eliza]

VPI has avian-specific policies: http://www.petinsurance.com/

I know a few people who have it for their parrots. I'm going to chat with my vet about it. From what I understand, it can be helpful for expensive treatments and such.

Many vets offer Care Credit, which is a credit card that can be used to cover the cost of treatments, etc. The only problem with this is that it comes with a VERY high interest if the balance is not paid in a timely fashion.

I think that in my many cases, you're almost better served to have a savings account that can be utilized to pay for veterinary expenses or in a worst case scenario, a low-interest credit card. Easier said than done in these times, though.