Finally...a simple, affordable pet health insurance.

Just after I graduated college, I became an insurance agent and bought my first life insurance policy. It's hard to sell something you don't own, so even though my chances of dying were slim, I bought one anyway. I still own that policy...in fact, I own lots of insurance policies now. And if you knew how much I spent on insurance every month, you might say I'm an insurance junkie. But it helps me sleep at night. And that's important.

Years ago when Max broke his leg (see post "Max the almost 3-legged dog") I didn't have pet insurance. I used a combination of American Express and Care Credit to manage the $6,000 debt. I'll never forget how painful that was. At least Max wasn't alone in his suffering.

Sometime later, I purchased VPI pet insurance for all three dogs with annual premiums ranging from $212 to $537. There is a $50.00 deductible and 10% co-payment per incident or illness. I've used it a few times recently and here's how it paid out:

• Two years ago Molly developed some weird intestinal problem. Vet bill: $1642. Reimbursement: $609 or 37%.
• Last Fall Andee had a simple laceration that required stitches. Vet bill: $267. Reimbursement: $160 or 59%.
• Last December I discovered a large diffuse mass along Max's ribcage. Total vet bill to diagnose and remove the tumor was $908 and my reimbursement was $273 or 30%.

I was disappointed by the low pay out. In fact, after I received Max's reimbursement from his tumor removal, I studied the four-page benefit schedule to figure out how it was calculated. Then I called VPI thinking there must be some mistake. I was told that if I'd purchased the "Superior Plan" for another $184 per year, my payout would have been much better. But guess what? Molly had the "Superior Plan" (with an annual price tag of $537) when she was treated for her intestinal issue and I was only reimbursed at 37% (see above).

When it comes to pet insurance, most of us think of it as a luxury, but a luxury we are hesitant to give up once we have it. Just like Invisible Fence Brand. Once you experience the peace of mind that comes from having it, you don't want to live without it.

Recently I switched to what I feel is a better insurance plan. Something simple and predictable: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. The company was started by a couple of local pet lovers with extensive insurance backgrounds and backed by a financially stable highly-rated parent company. Their goal is simple: offer straight-forward coverage to pet parents who want to ensure their pets receive the best medical care without breaking the family budget.

Healthy Paws coverage isn't calculated from a complicated benefits schedule. It's simple. You build your own plan by choosing one of four annual deductibles and one of three coverage reimbursements. Your premium also depends on the age and breed of your pet. Not surprising, young mixed breeds are the least expensive.

When you submit a claim for coverage,  you know exactly what you will pay and what Healthy Paws will pay. There is no guessing. I am happy to report that Andee now has Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Max and Molly still have VPI because they have pre-existing conditions that would be excluded under a new policy.
Click here to find out more about Healthy Paws. Enter promo code "IFNW" to receive a 10% lifetime discount courtesy of Invisible Fence Northwest.