Bird insurance

[parrotntn]

I saw a post about insurance that cited an article from 03 on here.

Do any of you currently have insurance on your birds? Who/what/where/how much?


Thanks!

[Miro The Macaw]

We looked into it, but decided that it really wasn't worth it. At first, it looked attractive, considering that you can be out hundreds even for a 'healthy' bird visit, but when you really look at it, the numbers didn't work out in our case. The big thing was the COVERAGE LIMITS, which were too low to cover most of the procedures that we would have done at our avian vet. So, We would have to cover the difference in the cost of the procedure vs. what the insurance company paid, PLUS the deductable. If you add in the annual cost of the plan, it really wasn't worth it.

I suppose that if you had a MAJOR problem arise, it might pay off, but as with all insurance, it is a risk, and in the end, at least in our case, we were better off going without it.

[Monica]

One method I heard best, is to open up a new bank account, then put "X" amount of money in there each pay check, to create your own savings account for emergency stuff for your birds...

[Irish]

Do you mean bird health insurance, or do you mean having your birds insured (as in on your homeowners policy)?

We have neither, but with an expensive Hy added to our household, we might look into the latter type of insurance at some point.

[raddaughter]

Personally, I don't think you need. Avian Health insurance is expensive, even those who claim to be 'so cheap'. If I had avian insurance, I would end up paying more than I would spend. It didn't seem worth it to me.
As far as the other insurance goes (like homeowners) I didn't think I would need that either. Most people wouldn't go near Harley, and I doubt anyone would go near anyone else's bird unless they want to get bit, lol.
I think the idea Monica had about saving a certain % each month is better. If something happens- like a natural disaster, you have a way of keeping or moving your bird and still be able to pay for food. If your bird gets sick, you will have money saved up to pay for some, if not most of it.

[Tiki]

I have one credit card stashed away that is never touched-I really don't even need it for daily life. But if my normal cards were ever maxed out and the birds needed vet care it serves as my insurance policy.

[GreetingCardReligion]

I agree that an extra bank account (even something like ING Direct that isnt affiliated directly with your current bank) an extra credit card that you never touch or just a whole lot of discipline (pfft) is much better than the insurance policies of which I have never heard of one that is actually worth the value to you and your bird.

Taking out a little bit a week really adds up - especially if you have something to invest initially. You can pretend you have insurance for your birds, figure out what you would find reasonable to pay each month and stick it in savings ^^

[vickiee1983]

I have it. It is only around $20 a month. I use VPI.