Dear Readers,
Last week's question involved health insurance for pets. I dealt with the concept of health insurance in general and emphasized the point that, rather than hold costs down, insurance can actually raise overall costs. On the positive side, it can make veterinary care more affordable, especially in the even to of a serious illness or accident.
When I entered practice we didn't even attempt to treat most cancers. Today cancers in pets are treated just as cancers in people with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other modalities. Heart disease that previously let quickly to congestive heart failure is often managed successfully with newer drugs such as ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.
Accurate diagnoses are made with the help of endoscopy and ultrasound. All this comes with an increase in cost. In some cases a significant increase in cost. Veterinary medicine today can deliver a level of care far beyond the means of the average pet owner. Thus, without financial reserves, or a form of insurance, the pet may not be able to receive the best care available.
This is where health insurance can be a major benefit for the pet, the pet owner, and the veterinarian. I remember my first encounter with an insured pet - an English Bulldog who was hit by a car. There was obvious head trauma and some neurologic damage. Breathing was compromised. There were at least two major fractures. The prognosis was less than optimistic, and the cost of care would be high. I was not even sure the pet would survive the initial trauma. After giving my prognosis and an estimate of costs, the dog's owner told me they were insured, and that after a $100 deductible, all costs would be paid for by the policy. Therefore I could proceed with what ever care and treatment I felt necessary.
The end of this story was a surgically repaired ruptured diaphragm, one fracture repaired surgically with the insertion of pins and the other with a cast. The dog made a complete recovery with no residual neurologic deficit. The pet got the best care I could give, I was totally compensated for my time and skills, and the immediate cost to my client was $100.
Over the past 17 years many insurance companies (most well established and well capitalized) have offered some form of pet health insurance. With one exception, they have all given up on this market. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) was the first company to offer third party payments for pets. They continue to remain in business and are financially stronger than ever. This product appeals to pet owners searching for ways to pay for advanced veterinary care without making a large monetary sacrifice.
VPI offers various forms of coverage. The basic plan is similar to a major medical plan. Recently, policy holders have been given the option of buying a wellness program that covers annual exams and other routine care. A rider for cancer treatment in also available.
As you might expect, the more coverage you select, the higher the premiums will be. Information on the VPI plan can be obtained by calling 1-800 872-7387 or contacting them at their E-mail address www.usapets@primenet.com.
Other companies continue to enter this market (3 in the last 9 months). Before buying a police from any of these companies be sure to understand what is covered and what is excluded. Note the inclusion or exclusion of (and what defines) a pre-existing condition or hereditary defect or possible termination of coverage at a certain age. As with any insurance policy, it is important to read the "fine print" and ask questions. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is!