Kemnebi asked:
I have a cat that appeared abandoned and flea infested on my doorstep when I was unemployed for 8 months. I spent the last of my savings on a 200 dollar vet visit. I’m working now but it’s not enough to settle my post-unemplyment debts, I have bad credit, I don’t have a credit card. Neither of my roommates have credit cards.
I have a cat that appeared abandoned and flea infested on my doorstep when I was unemployed for 8 months. I spent the last of my savings on a 200 dollar vet visit. I’m working now but it’s not enough to settle my post-unemplyment debts, I have bad credit, I don’t have a credit card. Neither of my roommates have credit cards.
I’m considering getting pet insurance for kitty because if something happens to her, there’s really no way we can pay the bills. I tried to rehome her, even the adoption agencies are full, no one wanted her and I’d rather keep her than throw her out on the street.
There’s one big problem–Pet insurance is all reimbursement insurance. If she winds up with a thousand dollar bill, I STILL won’t be able to pay it upfront.
Will I be able to file a claim for it and then pay the vet?
Are the vets flexible for low-income folks in that regard?
Are there other vet plans I’m not seeing in my search that work more like human insurance?
Cat Insurance Tips
3 responses so far ↓
1 independant_woman // Nov 22, 2008 at 12:28 am
this does sound like a great idea….I myself am in the process of checking out different pet insurance companies in case of a rainy day…although all the research I’ve done seem to point to one thing: you gotta be on your feet at least in the beginning in order for it to benefit you in the long run, It sounds twisted and wrong, but that seems to be how it works
good luck and I’m sorry
2 wlkrs4 // Nov 22, 2008 at 10:36 am
DON”T BUY PET INSURANCE!!! My mom works at a vet clinic and she has had many people come in with the insurance and said that it doesn’t cover much. It sounds like a hoax to me. I don’t blame you for not wanting to throw the kitty on the street but as the shelters and vet clinics if they know of anyone that does foster care. They may be able to point you in the right direction and find a temporary home for the kitty until a home is ready for them. Also, some newspapers will allow you to put an ad in the paper for free if the item is free. Check your local newspapers and check it out. You can meet the families that may want to adopt the kitty and be more choosy! Good luck!
3 michele_cat_cyprus // Nov 23, 2008 at 1:45 pm
That was a really decent thing you did by adopting the cat and then spending the last of your money on her. You’re also being very responsible by thinking ahead to the future when there may come a time when you are faced with a large vet bill.
In the UK there are organisations such as the PDSA & RSPCA who have vet clinics especially for pet owners on low income, perhaps there are similar organisations in America. It might be a good idea to ask local animal welfare groups if they know of any such service provided in your area. I tried researching some on-line for you and found Pets Across America who work with vets to provide free or low cost treatment. I’ve posted a link to their web site as you will find a list of the animal shelters they work with in America, hopefully there may be one in your area.
It might also be worth explaining your financial situation to the vet as they might be willing to work something out with you regarding the fact the most pet insurance is reimbursement based. Some vets also offer payment plans. It’s definitely worth speaking with local vets to see if any of them can suggest a solution.
If all the previous suggestions don’t help and the vet gave your cat a clean bill of health after treatment, then rather than taking out insurance, what about simply putting aside a regular amount of money each month. That way the savings would build up and hopefully you will have a lump sum saved before the cat needs treatment again. This may tide you over until you are back on your feet financially and able to take out pet insurance if it’s reimbursement only.
I just wish all pet owners were as responsible as yourself and sincerely hope that you can find a solution. Good luck.
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