Is VPI Insurance Bad?

[VinnyT]

So Ive been searching desperately for an insurance that covers rabbits and the only one I was able to find was VPI. While doing a search, this forum had popped up and I saw some of the users here were raving about it. However when searching for reviews I found an overwhelming amount of negative ones. Links include: http://vpi-pet-insurance.pissedconsumer.com/  and http://www.yelp.com/biz/vpi-pet-insurance-brea 

Has anyone here had an issue with this company? I really cant afford the  ultrasound and possible surgery that my bunny needs, but I most certainly don’t want to buy an insurance plan that is not going to really help me or rip me off. Help : (

[Sarita]

I don’t know if it’s bad, but if your rabbit has already been diagnosed with something, it may not cover any pre-existing conditions, so it may not be what you are looking for since it won’t be covered.

Does your vet take Care Credit? I would call them and ask them – if they do they will be able to explain how this works for you.

[Elrohwen]

I agree with Sarita that it won’t cover any existing conditions, so it probably won’t cover the things you’re looking for help with.

Care Credit is a good option.

[VinnyT]

I don’t have a designated Vet. What happened was my mother had found her peeing blood so we took her to the closest vet nearby that cares for rabbits. Could it possibly not count as a pre-existing condition if I were to say get the insurance and then go to a new vet to get her examined there?

As far as CareCredit goes I had to cover my dental work a while ago and I just recently needed to close it due to overwhelming debt. Therefore I highly doubt that they would let me open another account if I applied for it, nor would I want to since I am trying to handle this account.

[Sarita]

I seriously doubt it and it would be fraudulent to not disclose what you know. And most likely they would put 2 and 2 together and there may be a waiting period before something like this would be covered…

[Sarita]

And also, you have to pay upfront with vet insurance and they would determine if they would cover it and reimburse you.

[Sarita]

Here is their definition of pre-existing:

Pre-existing condition means any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of your policy, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated. A condition is not pre-existing if it was cured before the effective date of your policy and there has not been a recurrence or manifestation of the condition for at least six (6) months, unless it is a chronic condition. A chronic condition contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of your policy is a pre-existing condition, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated.

[VinnyT]

Insurances are tricky businesses : ( Okay I understand.

Im just very panicked and it’s very disheartening knowing I wont be able to give her the treatment she needs. I’ve dealt with so much death this month, I can’t bare to think of losing her. Sorry if I came across as negative in anyway. Thank you for your help.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

You might have to get a clean bill of health first. It also doesn’t cover a LOT. Heres one I think would be the point of having insurance-
Not covered- Routine examinations, preventive treatment—including vaccines, or diagnostics associated with preventive treatment

And those reviews seem sketchy. Its so difficult to diagnose a rabbit as it is, I could easily see them relying on one of many “not covereds”.

[Sarita]

You did not come across negative at all. Have you considered a second opinion? Or asking your current vet about a payment plan?

What did the vet say was wrong with your rabbit?

[VinnyT]

I am considering a second opinion. Basically the vet, herself, was not sure with 100% what is the cause of her problem. She said it may be a uti, kidney stones, kidney disease of tumor/cancer. Her eating habbits are fine and she is still active. She said that the GI tract does not appear to be affected. We opted for bloodwork and urinalysis. Unfortunately she wasnt able to produce urine. The Vet did take her blood. She called yesterday saying something to the affect that her count was low/signs that she is lossing blood. She said if she continues to bleed she might need a transfusion. She then said she would be better to source the exact issue if we gave her an ultrasound. At the price of $300, we couldn’t afford to do so. She then prescribed her with Baytril (Enrofloxacin) to treat her is the cause of the bleeding is due to infection of the bladder/urinary tract.

[Sarita]

Oh goodness. I know ultrasounds are very expensive.

How old is your rabbit?

Did she do an x-ray to check for sludge in her bladder or for stones?

[VinnyT]

I don’t know her age. She was a rescue animal most likely abandoned by a previous owner. Found her last year.

She did give us the option of x-ray, but we had to opt because she would need to take more than 1 @ $100 a piece and we didnt have enough money on hand to cover that. I’m wondering if I should wait to see if the medication is working (monitoring her behaviors, urine, etc) and then decide if I should go back and get the x-rays when I get paid from work. That would mean, if I return to the same hospital,I would have to pay the $90 visit fee and the xrays. Also waiting makes me nervous.

But then again I also feel maybe I should go elsewhere to another vet that only has a $50 visit fee and get her examined there. I’m not sure. Any opinions?

[Sarita]

Did you have her spayed? Unspayed female rabbits are very likely to get uterine cancer.

Do either of the vets that you are going to or are considering going to have alot of experience with rabbits? I cannot imagine a blood transfusion is cheap and it seems like a radical thing to consider at this point not knowing what is really wrong with her.

[VinnyT]

I don’t have her spayed. I live in MA and Ive been having a difficult time finding a vet that spays rabbits AND has experience in them. I don’t want her to see someone who doesnt know how to spay a rabbit. Ive looked at http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/vets.shtml but most of the vets listed either no longer work there or the facilities no longer offer spays for animals. I am still asking around though.

The hospital I mentioned earlier at the $50 range office visits does see rabbit as patients. I am unsure of their reputation as far as experience goes. I have a few more numbers to try contacting specific drs rather than a vet facility that do have experience with rabbits.

[Sarita]

Did you also look at this list?  I found the link on the link that you posted:

http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm

 

[Sam and Lady's Human]

It’s probably a waste of money to see a dog/cat vet, even if they say they see them, if they aren’t trained in exotic pets, which due to a unique digestive system and other things, rabbits are. Check Rabbit.org for a list of recommended vets.

Since she’s not spayed, I am really concerned its uterine cancer. Bloody urine is a symptom.

[VinnyT]

Thank you the ones in that list was also included in a list of vets that this woman at a different facility gave me. I am asking for quotes now so I can know around how much I’ll need to have. I really appreciate the help everyone.

[Sarita]

Please keep us updated.

[VinnyT]

Alrighty I was able to schedule an appointment with one of the Vets on the bunny list and she will be seeing her this Thursday. Fingers crossed.

[Beka27]

I’m glad you’re getting a second opinion. I wonder if you can have her records transferred over there so the new vet knows what exactly has been done so far (tests, etc…)

[VinnyT]

Okay! I have updates and also a bit of advice seeking.

So Layton was able to see a very wonderful rabbit vet. She was even kindly enough not to charge me for the ultrasound since nothing was found on it. So she basically did a general check up. I was also able to transfer the records from the ER vet to her office. The dr suggested that Layton get a urinalysis to go along with the blood work that was already taken.

I just received the results today and she said there was bacteria present and that she needed a culture done to determine the type and what will treat it. Now I will be having to give her medication orally, but I know I’ll have a hard time doing this (due to past experience). Are there any liquids that you guys have used to blend the medication with so that your rabbits are more receptive to taking it? Any tricks methods you’d recommend?

I am hoping she’ll be able to be treated nicely with antibiotics and continue with her change of diet. Here’s hoping!

[Stickerbunny]

Some have had success putting a little fruit juice in the meds to sweeten it. I wouldn’t suggest putting it in food though as you want to make sure the entire dose is eaten all at once, easiest to do in a syringe.

[Tashabunny]

The last time my bun had to have antibiotics the vet actually put flavoring into the antibiotics themselves so it was much easier to give them to her via syringe. You should ask if they can do that. My bun had honey flavored anti inflammatory and cherry flavored antibiotics lol. Just like a little kid!

[RabbitPam]

My vet does that as well, only I think they use apple flavor. If not, then apple juice often goes down well.

Insert the syringe into Layton’s mouth from the side, near the back teeth. You can get a decent squirt/steady push in that way, and your bunny will kind of lap and chew the point from there while swallowing the meds. Not too fast. From the front (looking at her nose face to face) doesn’t work as well. Easier to avoid by turning her head.

[RabbitPam]

P.S. Just want to add that I’ve had VPI for years and had a good experience with them.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

HOW Wonderful that the vet didn’t charge you for the ultrasound!! That’s fantastic.

You’ll do just fine with the meds I’m sure!!
I don’t mix meds, just in case I spill it and then only give them the juice. So instead I do a syringe of juice (oh yummy), a syringe of meds (surprise!) and then a syringe of juice (I’m sorry!); works quite well. And I only do that if it’s yucky stuff like baytril. Many meds come flavored so they take them and don’t mind them at all.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By Sarita on 05/21/2012 11:53 AM

Did you also look at this list?  I found the link on the link that you posted:

http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm

 

Sarita –That’s a great link. I am adding that to vet resources.  THANK YOU. 

VinnyT- Such great news.   I triple ditto, keep us updated. Sending healing vibes. 

[wendyzski]

Glad to hear you god some good advice.

I had a bun with chronic pasteurella for many years, so she got a lot of different meds.  I never had to syringe them for her, because she was VERY food-driven and greedy for treats.  I would measure the meds into a tsp or so of applesauce or canned pumpkin, and then smoosh it around so that the meds were mixed in.  Pepper pretty much inhaled them – lapped them right off the plate.  Some buns are picky, but you might as well give this way a try – then your bun will look forward to meds rather than it being a stressor.

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