Some of you might have read Impulse's post about hurting her leg.  If not, you can take a look here.

'Pulser's story got me thinking about what would happen if I got hurt the same as Impulse got hurt.  I looked at my insurance policy and realized I was covered!  Whew!

Treatments have come a long way in the past years.  I have one friend at the dog park who had a stroke and is ok...he has a fun sled to use because his back legs don't work so well.  I have another who had cancer and goes for treatment and my cousin Sebastian even had to have some dental work done.  There are dogs that are diabetic like Fynn and others that are epileptic.  

Talkin' with my friends at the dog park, I have heard all sorts of stories.  It is really hard and humans can cry alot when one of their fur family gets sick....even if it is a cat or a dog.  They have a tough time paying the bills sometimes.  I think people should consider pet insurance if they are going to feel that way...but be careful when looking for pet insurance.

Some humans say that you don't need it.  They say you can self insure by putting the money into the bank on a monthly basis and then it is there when you need it.  My mom says this is great if you are that disciplined, but many are not.

Pet insurance plans vary form company to company, but generally cover fees due to accidents and illnesses such as hospitalization, diagnostics, prescriptions, surgeries and alternative therapies.  Some even have dental and preventative care coverage.  Both Digger and me are covered by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance and they have dental and preventative.  They even covered my microchip, neuter (I don't like to talk too much about that) and heartworm medications!

Petsecure Pet Health Insurance is Canada's largest and oldest pet health insurance provider and since 1989 have been promoting the pet health community across the country (they are based in Winnipeg).

With so many plans and so many companies, people sometimes make the decision based strictly on price.  I know this is important, but most important is the level of service, an adequate level of coverage and their responsiveness.  Do your homework.

The best thing is to talk to other pet owners.  Find out who they use and how happy they are.  Often times a veterinary facility will offer enrollment forms to a few different companies.  They however are not usually processing forms.  They can tell you about the offer, but not always the execution.  Ask around.  Call and get a quote but also ask about processing time and any limits. I know my mom says that she has never had a claim disputed by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance and like clockwork, she knows a cheque is on its way back to her within 5 days!  She never had to follow up on a claim.  Some companies will put lifetime limits where others have annual limits.  Some will have age restrictions, while others like Petsecure Pet Health Insurance will accept your pet, no matter how old they are.  I know Impulse and Fynn are looking to move to Petsecure Pet Health Insurance for future coverage!

Impulse had pet insurance for 10 years with the same company.  When she got hurt though, and really needed them, they said that they would not cover her accident!  You have to read the fine print and the fine descriptions of what is and is not covered.  I know with my coverage, there is a fixed amount per incident -- either illness or accident that is covered per year.  Petsecure Pet Health Insurance did not break it down to say if the accident was the result of a dog being hit by a car, we would cover it but if it was the result of the dog getting tangled and hurting a ligament, we would not.  Petsecure Pet Health Insurance knows dogs (and cats I am sure) because they have been around so long.  They know the things we get up to and they insure us!

I did not hurt myself like Impulse, this time.  It is nice to know though that if I had, no one would have to choose what to do based on price...they could do what was best for me because I have great insurance coverage helping watch over me.

Chose well.  Do you homework.  Take care of your pets!

Boss

p.s.  Get well soon, Impulse!