We only have experience with Veterinary Pet Insurance (just go to Google and type in 'VPI' for their website), and we've been very happy with them. It's more than paid for itself with our male Rottie who had bone cancer, and our little female Rottie who just recently had immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (!) of all things. I guess if you're dog/cat never had any expensive illness or injury, it would'nt be worth it, but we're not that lucky. 
Our dogs are like our kids, so we will spend whatever is necessary on their vet care if they get sick or hurt. Having the insurance gives me the peace of mind of knowing that no matter what the treatment costs, we will be reimbursed at least part of it, so that's what I like about it. It doesn't pay for everything though. It's not like an HMO where you just have a small co-pay. LOL You go to the vet you want, pay for services, then fax (or mail) the claim form and receipt and VPI mails you a check pretty quickly for part of the cost.
We just pay for the policy once a year from out tax return, but you can make monthly payments if you want. You can chose less coverage (lower cost) or more coverage (higher cost) and optional routine coverage for vaccines and stuff. I think you can still get an online quote. It is expensive if you want a policy on a senior animal, which is why I didn't have insurance for my senior dogs, but I don't think it would be that high for your 7 year old.
My one regret is that I never had VPI insurance for my Siberian Husky, Wiley. I spent so much on his vet care over the years with his chronic tooth issues and then cancer and joint disease. I'll be paying off that credit card bill for (gulp) years... Insurance would have saved me a fortune. |
It's definitely been worth it for us... - ex animo
