I adopted a German Shepherd about 6 months ago. We've recently found out that he has arthritis, was shot in the hip at some point (bullet is still in his hip), and has "shallow" hip sockets. Our vet referred his x-ray's to a surgeon to see if he needs hip replacement. Surgery will run in the thousands ... are there any pet insurance policy's that will cover pre-existing conditions like this?
2007-11-05 04:30:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ya know - I find it frustrating how mean people can be when answering questions ... it's really not necessary.
As I said - I adopted him .. I was unaware of his hip problems until a few days ago. The vet did routine x-rays and found the problem. I already have him on a preventative medical program. I wasn't even aware of insurance til this issue. And I had no intention of putting in a claim & then canceling coverage!
Thanks!
2007-11-05 05:12:29 · update #1
No, just like people's health insurance, pet insurance is a business designed to make money for the insurance company. Many of the policies I have checked into not only exclude pre-existing conditions, but also do not cover certain conditions for specific breeds for at least the first 6-12 months. For example, if you have a german shepherd that has not even exhibited any symptoms of HD, since it is common in the breed, coverage may still be excluded for at least 6 months. Best I can recommend is talking to the vet about keeping the cost as low as possible, and working out some payment arrangements. I know our vet is very good about these sort of things- even little things like sending the dog home a day earlier to recuperate at home can really shave off some of the expense. Ours will also let us fill Rx at one of the many places that now offer 4 or 5 dollar antibiotics instead of paying 30 or 40 for the same meds from his office. Good luck with your boy, how sad that he's got so much to deal with.
2007-11-05 05:13:15 · answer #1 · answered by Rachal961 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but you won't find an insurance company anywhere which will cover a pre-existing condition. If you live in Britain it might be worth ringing the RSPCA to see if they know of any charities which might be willing to contribute towards the cost of surgery. Unfortunately if he has Dysplasia he will definitely need hip replacements, my GSD had both of hers replaced and it cost £3,500 per hip. Fortunately she was insured. I just wish someone had advised you on insurance beforehand, you would not be facing this heartbreak now. Well done for adopting this little one, you must have a big heart. Good luck, I hope you can find a solution.
2007-11-05 08:04:52 · answer #2 · answered by Tammy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That would go against what an insurance company is all about.. With health insurance you are paying your monthly bill and everyone hopes that the dog stays healthy and you never need to use the money from the insurance company.. The insurance company themselves are banking on the fact that you take good care of your dog and they don't need to pay out.. In order to take on a sick dog, they are losing right off the bat..
2016-03-13 23:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pet insurance is very restrictive. They don't cover genetic health problems or pre-existing. It's great for accidents. Read the fine print.
-MM
2007-11-05 05:28:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As the others have said, unfortunately, no. I know with the pet insurance I have for my dogs, they also don't cover conditions that breeds are likely to get. Each breed has their own list of conditions that they will not cover if the dog develops it (IE: luxating patellas in many small breeds, hip displaysia in many large breeds)...
Since your pup will not qualify for the coverage, look into Care Credit. They offer no interest loans for vet care.
2007-11-05 05:21:49 · answer #5 · answered by Amanda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, You have to buy insurance prior to developing health issues.. Insurance companies are like everyone else, they would rather make money. By taking on customers who are already needing alot of money spent on them, they aren't going to accomplish that.
2007-11-05 04:40:49 · answer #6 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the questionaire you fill out prior to buying insurance asks about pre-existing conditions.
2007-11-05 05:00:08 · answer #7 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. If they did people would wait until their pets needed an expensive medical treatment, sign up for insurance, and cancel it afterward. The insurance company wouldn't be in business very long if they did that.
2007-11-05 04:37:50 · answer #8 · answered by bencas9900 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
yes pet plan,or pet palls,but you wont be covered if dog got condtion all ready.none will do this
2007-11-05 05:13:17 · answer #9 · answered by sky 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋