Real-Life Examples of Pet Insurance Claims

Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance provider. Trupanion offers a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit.

 

The fact is that one in two pets will suffer from a major healthcare crisis in its lifetime and with veterinary medicine becoming more advanced every year, it is getting more and more expensive to treat these health issues. We must figure out a way to pay for these healthcare crises, and if disposable income is lacking, pet insurance can help.

Unfortunately, too many times, pet owners bet on the hope that their pet will be one of the lucky ones, and only look into pet insurance once their pet has developed an emotionally and financially draining condition. At that point, it’s too late to insure against that condition, as it would then be considered pre-existed. Insuring early and before any health issues arise is the most beneficial time.

Still not convinced? The best way to see the value of pet insurance is to learn about real-life situations that have benefited from the pet being insured. The following are some cases we have seen here at Trupanion, a pet insurance provider.

Coyote Attack

Evan, a 4-year-old Whippet had an unfortunate run-in with a coyote which left him with many wounds. He had to undergo surgery. The total veterinary cost was $1,150.26. After the exam fee (which Trupanion does not pay) and the 10% co-pay, Evan’s owners were reimbursed $947.93.

Hit by Car

Coffee the Sheltie was hit by a car, which resulted in a broken pelvis and a ruptured bladder. He had to visit his veterinarian several times for treatment, which included surgery. The total veterinary cost totaled $8,111.63. After the exam fee and co-pay, Coffee’s owners were reimbursed $7,075.47.

Pheumonia

Colby, a 6-year-old Siberian Husky, made a trip to the emergency veterinarian due to persistent pneumonia. He received radiographs, fluids, medications, and anesthesia for an endoscopy. The total veterinary cost equaled $1,651.36. After the co-pay (the exam fee was waived by the vet), Colby’s owners were reimbursed $1,486.22.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

This condition occurs when the cartilage of the joints becomes detached from the bones. Reggie, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever, was diagnosed with OCD on his right leg. He received treatment that included surgery, medications, and a sling for recovery. The total veterinary cost was $2,516.57. After deductible and co-pay, Reggie’s owners were reimbursed $2,245.11.

In each of these instances, the owners of these pets were able to quickly agree to expensive veterinary care without worrying about the cost. None of these pet owners intended for their pets to become so sick or injured, and many of the conditions couldn’t have been prevented.

The best intentions to keep our pets safe can only protect them so much. Chance and misfortune sometimes intrude. Pet insurance can help guard against these intrusions.

Do you have pet insurance? What has been your experience?