Beware of pet insurance--see article below from the VIN News Service
From the article, link above: "As American consumers increasingly buy insurance to help cover their pets' veterinary bills, state regulators are taking a closer look at a sector that, until recently, operated with inconsistent notice by the government."
Insurance: By Veterinarians or Veterinary Organizations
- Is pet insurance sustainable? Veterinary Record. 2019 Feb 16;184(7):210. doi: 10.1136/vr.l721.From first paragraph: "Rising pet insurance premiums reflect the increasing costs of the treatment being claimed for under these policies. Over the past 25 years the average cost of cover has tripled for cats and has increased six-fold for dogs. As a result, more owners are considering ‘self-insurance’ – putting money aside each month – to cover their veterinary fees.For some time, insurance providers have been questioning the sustainability of pet insurance."
- Kindred Spirit Kindred Care by Dr. Shannon NakayaDr. Nakaya recommends starting a savings account to cover unexpected care costs. See "Chapter 6: Financial Commitments"
- How to Be Your Own Pet Insurance -- petMD site--Dr. Ken TudorPop-up ads, but advice from at least two vets, including Frances Wilkerson. Search for insurance on the site.
- Preventive Vet on Pet Insurance: is it Worth It?Search for insurance on this site to find out more.
- The world of veterinary insurance by Dr. Nancy KaySearch Dr. Kay's Web site for more blog posts on insurance and costs of veterinary care.
- VetStreet with Dr. Marty Becker, Dr. Patti Khuly and others: search for the word insurance on this siteLots of blog posts on preventive care, communicating with your veterinarian on costs, etc.
- Pet Insurance University by Dr. Frances WilkersonLatest blog posts dated 2015. Unclear when last update to insurance was made.
- British Veterinary AssociationSearch for pet insurance or insurance to find out what the largest veterinary association in the U.K. has to say about it.
Insurance information by Journalists, Government agencies, others
Including how to compare plans....be sure ask your veterinarian about on pet insurance see box at left!
- DVM 360 Insurance Comparison FormJust like health insurance, pet insurance can be customized to fit a policy holder's specific needs. So how do you sort through the fine print to find a plan that's perfect? Use this form to compare insurance companies and packages. Search for insurance on the DVM360 site to find more articles.
- DVM 360 20 Questions to Ask Pet Insurance CompaniesSearch for insurance on the DVM360 site to find more articles.
- "Warning on pet insurance: always check the fine print" Sydney Morning Hearld Nov 2019"The Australian Veterinary Association has endorsed pet insurance offered by Guild Insurance, called Vets Choice......Among other features, its policies are "no gap", meaning that 100 per cent of the vet fees are covered, after paying an excess. It is also subject to annual caps."
- Illinois Dept. of Insurance Pet Health Insurance GuidanceChoose Pets TAB at top left for great review of pet insurance.
- Pet Insurance ReviewUsed to be independent; hard to tell now if site it truly indpendent of insurance industry. 12/2017 Be a cyberskeptic!
- Pet Insurer Comparison Web siteNew comparison Web site; unclear from information provided on site 12/2017 who exactly is behind site. Be a cyberskeptic!
- Consumer Reports on Pet Insuranceupdated March 2016
- There is some insurance you can probably do withoutThe following article was provided by Jason Alderman, director of Visa's financial education programs. March 29, 2013
- Nolo Press Legal Encyclopedia on PetsIncludes a section on insurance.
- AARP magazineSearch AARP magazine for articles on pet insurance. Note that AARP offers pet insurance, so be sure to think critically about info provided.
Pet Insurance Industry and Analysis Web Sites
- Pet Insurance in North America Packaged Facts--updated periodicallyReport costs, but a sample is available. If at a University with a business college, the report may be available in a business market report database. " Find the information you need on the pet insurance industry. The Packaged Facts collection of market research reports provides insights into product and market trends, analyses, opportunities, projections, sales, and marketing strategies. Specifics on market share, segmentation, size, and growth of the US pet insurance market are also featured. You'll find the latest information on insurers, coverage trends, consumer perspectives, and more."
- NAPHIA: North American Pet Health Insurers AssociationSite has been improved and expanded in the last few years. Now includes a buying guide: https://naphia.org/buy-pet-insurance/insurance-buying-guide/
- Motley Fool analysis of one insurance company"Pet insurance is rapidly growing, but is still in its infancy in North America."
Ask Your Veterinarian First!
The purpose of this guide is to provide the best available animal health information after an appointment with a veterinarian.
Keeping Costs Down: Prevention and Wellness
- Considering a pet? Ways to save and plan so you can afford it Mar 16, 2019Excellent article: "While bringing home a pet should first and foremost be about love, money is an increasingly important consideration. And a surprising number of factors can add to the cost. Here are some important factors to consider before you bring home a pet."
- Denver Post: Keeping Costs Down with Preventive CareWell-written article that refers to authoritative sources.
- Preventive Vet : Dr. Jason NicholasIs a .com, so there is content for sale. Site curator is an emergency room vet. Lots of prevention tips, including the National Geographic Chocolate Chart. Newsletter and blog.
