24PetWatch Pet Insurance

My dog has had very serious (costly) issues over her life (Lyme, pancreatitis, Addison's) and in her waning years we have been dealt another blow with Congestive Heart Failure. Throughout- 24PetWatch has been there, always providing the coverage they promised and zero, ZERO, drama or haggling. There was a time about 4 years ago that my state changed the laws for pet health insurance and companies had to scrambled to get re-approved to do business in the state. It was terrible because my dog had recently been diagnosed with secondary Addison's (from the Lyme)- I researched other options and was floored by options- so many loopholes and disclaimers. Thankfully things worked out and they back-covered my dog so it was seamless.

With 24PetWatch, what you read is what you get- no hidden fine print. They review claims within 24hrs, and process them quickly when you provide correct documentation. I've never seen a claim take longer than 48 hrs in 13 years. Checks are received in a timely manner through USPS. If only human health insurance were this easy!!!! I can't bear to think of losing my girl, but if the time comes that we get another dog, I would not even research other companies. I would sign up with 24PetWatch from day one.

24PetWatch is very reasonably priced compared to some other options, and the claims process is extremely straightforward and easy (I usually submit claims within minutes on my phone). I generally have my refund within a week. I obviously can’t speak to issues others have had cancelling the policy, and luckily have not had to deal with his microchip at all, but changing our address when we moved last year wasn’t an issue online.

I. MY DOG, BELLA

I have a "rescue dog", Bella, now 7-1/2 years old who has unfortunately had a series of terrible medical problems. (This has been a "first" for me. In 50 years, all of my dogs have been healthy.) First, she was hit by a car and required emergency surgery to save that leg; cost was $3,000. Three years later, she was found to have severe bilateral hip dysplasia. 24petwach covered almost all of her $6,000+ surgical bill. Two years after that, she slid on ice and tore the ligaments in her front legs. A metal plate was placed in her right front leg for a cost of $4,000 (?). (The orthopedic surgeon vet recommended against bilateral plates because she was already fairly crippled.)

As a result of these surgeries, Bella has developed pretty severe arthritis. 24petwatch has paid for her to have as much acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments as she needs, as well as an extremely expensive pain medication (the only one she can tolerate) which costs $5/day. In addition, she has been to the Pet ER twice for emergencies -- one was a GI bleed cause by NSAIDs (the usual pain medicine used for arthritis in dogs); and once for respirations of 200/minute, which turned out to be caused by extreme arthritic pain. Each visit was $1,000. [The "classic" insurance which I've had for the past two years even covers a PET AMBULANCE, if necessary!!!]

I estimate that 24petwatch has spent around $25,000 on Bella (less the $250 deductible I pay each year -- i.e., $1,500 + the 20% copays -- around $4,000 = $5,500). Thus total by them is at least $20,000. I originally began my insurance policy for around $40/month = $480/year X 5 years ($2,400) and increased it their maximum coverage of $20,000/year at around $80/month X 2 years ($1,920) -- thus a total of $4,320 for 7 years. Thus, subtracting the cost of the (top quality premiums) from the $20,000 they have paid = $15,000 paid by them. There is absolutely NO way I could have ever afforded that $15,000 in care. I would have had to have Bell put to sleep years ago. Because of 24petwatch, I have had 7 joyful years with The Best Dog in the World. <3

II. MY CAT, MINNOW

I also had an amazing resue kitty named Minnow. She was THE sweetest cat I have ever known. Tragically, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at almost age 4. Every single bill for her care was paid by 24petwatch including, amazingly, hospice care and cremation. The hospice vet was extraordinarily kind and visited daily for over a week. She taught me how to care for Minnow at home. When she finally had to put Minnow to sleep, it was in my arms and the most gentle death one can imagine. (Her insurance was very little. She had the same deductible as Bella -- i.e., $250.)

IN SUMMARY: With all of the new veterinarian treatments now available for our beloved 4-legged family member, it has been a tremendous blessing to me to know that virtually every treatment needed WILL BE PAID by this wonderful company. Working with them is a blessing, as well: every person with whom I have spoken have been compassionate and courteous.

Being that I am in animal rescue work, I immediately recognized that as a scam, the legal term for it is extortion. Never before has anyone tried to charge me for transferring ownership as it would mean many pets would end up going without updated and current owner contact info. Furthermore, I could get an whole new chip implanted for $15, with lifetime access to changes and updates on registration info included in that cost. I called the company I use to keep track of my microchip registrations and they confirmed, NEVER pay for that.

They immediately got the number released for me to re-register as well. This is a deceptive business practice that to me is a major red flag for this company. I would hate to think of what they would charge if your pet went missing. Would they charge someone who found the pet to contact the owner or release owner info? Be very, VERY cautious about using this company. Do your research on them thoroughly first, or better yet, use one who is not looking to cash in by nickel and diming you for things that would otherwise be free elsewhere.