Pet insurance for Birds?

[Picaroon]

(I know I've been very MIA for a long time and I'll address that in another post perhaps. Rest assured Picaroon is doing well)

It popped into my head today after looking through the mail and seeing something from VPI insurance for my parent's dog.

Sure enough VPI offers insurance for bird and exotics. I'm curious to give it a go since vet bills for avians can be just as much, if not more, as bills for dogs.

Do any of you have avian pet insurance? What's been your experience? Have you found it helpful?

 

[JLcribber]

I'd love to get it. You can't get insurance for parrots in Canada.

 

[lupe]

Ya know Kymi, alot of people swear by it. I personally think there are WAY
TOO many exclusions for my taste. I did some reasearch for my Boxer but
thing is she is an older dog and VPI's premiums for me at least, were way
out of my budget. Because of my dog's breed and age. What I have is a
credit card JUST for the animals and JUST for emergencies. I never knew
they offered avian insurance ...Do some homework on different plans though

 

[PicklesParrot]

There's health insurance for birds?!?!!?! Why am i just know finding this out?

 

[cassiesdad]

Yes, I have insurance on Milton, from VPI. There are different levels you can get-and -in my opinion- the premiums are very moderate in price. I highly recommend them...

 

[eclectuswife]

I've had VPI on my birds for about 10 years now. Overall, here's what I can tell you...for most species it runs about $20. a month. Before you sign your bird up, they should get a current vet visit on your dime and if there is a major issue already, that may fall under something they won't cover (for example, if you are adopting a plucking bird, any future claims related to feather destruction they won't cover). Unfortunately with VPI, I believe they will not insure new birds over 10 years old (which I think is related to their dog/cat policies, in that they aren't covering a 'senior' animal who wasn't previously insured.) Of course, for birds, 10+ years is normally NOT an elderly parrot, so I hope one day they will change this as it has meant one of my rehomed guys can't get insurance. But I have found it to be handy...you usually get about 2/3 of what you spend at the vet reimbursed when you file a claim. It takes about two weeks to get your claim check. Between CareCredit offering a credit card for vet expenses and VPI, my fairly low budget covers a lot of vet care for my flock, which I appreciate. Now and then they turn down a claim, or it's only a $10. reimbursement, but overall I am a happy customer, and their customer service phone help is always great. Have not tried any other pet insurance company so far.

 

[cassiesdad]

I've had VPI on my birds for about 10 years now. Overall, here's what I can tell you...for most species it runs about $20. a month. Before you sign your bird up, they should get a current vet visit on your dime and if there is a major issue already, that may fall under something they won't cover (for example, if you are adopting a plucking bird, any future claims related to feather destruction they won't cover). Unfortunately with VPI, I believe they will not insure new birds over 10 years old (which I think is related to their dog/cat policies, in that they aren't covering a 'senior' animal who wasn't previously insured.) Of course, for birds, 10+ years is normally NOT an elderly parrot, so I hope one day they will change this as it has meant one of my rehomed guys can't get insurance. But I have found it to be handy...you usually get about 2/3 of what you spend at the vet reimbursed when you file a claim. It takes about two weeks to get your claim check. Between CareCredit offering a credit card for vet expenses and VPI, my fairly low budget covers a lot of vet care for my flock, which I appreciate. Now and then they turn down a claim, or it's only a $10. reimbursement, but overall I am a happy customer, and their customer service phone help is always great. Have not tried any other pet insurance company so far.

Milton is 18 years old....and I've had VPI for him for 3 years-so they do insure birds over 10 years old. Like I said before, I highly recommend them. I think you touched on one of VPI's strong points- their customer service is excellent. They are always nice-very compassionate.
I got better service from them that I got from my own health insurance company....go figure...

 

[Hankmacaw]

I've never looked into the animal insurance policies (both of my birds would be excluded for pre-existing chronic illnesses), but one thing I have wondered about is if they cover for only certain vets. Or can you stay with your current vet?

 

[cassiesdad]

I've never looked into the animal insurance policies (both of my birds would be excluded for pre-existing chronic illnesses), but one thing I have wondered about is if they cover for only certain vets. Or can you stay with your current vet?[/QUOTE
Services from our vets here in Erie and Buffalo,NY have been covered...we have never been limited in our choice of vets...