The Nationwide Insurance Company announced the winner of the 2023 Hambone Award. The winner? A black cat named Giles. The Hambone Award is given to the most unusual pet insurance claim of the year. Giles was accidentally trapped inside a fold-up sofa bed. He required a few stitches and has developed an aversion to any furniture with hinges but is otherwise just fine.
The Hambone Award is so named because the first recipient, a dog, developed mild hypothermia after becoming locked inside a refrigerator. When the dog’s owner finally located him, the dog had eaten a complete ham. All that remained was the hambone. Find out about previous winners here.
Nationwide conducts its yearly Hambone Awards to highlight stories that demonstrate the importance of carrying pet insurance. Which made me wonder. Do you carry pet insurance? Tell us in the poll and then see how other RVers vote.
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I looked at the cost and it’s far too expensive. My dog’s once yearly trip to the vet is less than the premium. Now add the 6 years I’ve had my little buddy that money will go to any unforseen thing he needs. REMEMBER those insurance companies have to make a profit so they price it accordingly.
No, but probably should have since we have had both dogs and cats during our 57 years of marriage and I estimate we have spent at least 40 to 50 thousand dollars taking care of them. On the other hand, for all the love and companionship our pets have given us, we think it has been well worth the cost.
Thank you, Gail! No, we do not. We are on dog #3 currently. Neither predecessor had it. Adding (or not) pet insurance is up to DW. It is her dog. So far adding it seems a non-starter. I guess we’ll see if that changes. 🙂
I agree with Seann. I’d rather put the money I would use for premiums on dental, vision, and pet insurance in an interest-bearing account and draw on it when needed. Easy enough to do with a monthly automatic transfer.
We have had multiple pets over 53 years during our marriage. Each of our 3 cats have cost us between $4k to$ 6k in their 10 to 19 years; each of our first 6 GSDs have cost us $6k to $14k during their 8 to 14 years with us; GSD #7 is still with us as he approaches 8 years and going strong. All have received regular and professional veterinary services during their lifetimes. The unconditional love, companionship and protections they provide us cannot be measured in dollars and cents terms.
Edit: I left off the fact we have never used pet insurance and our history says it would not be cost effective. Also the above is only for vet care, shots etc; does not include pet food!
Never had insurance before with our other dogs, but happened to get it for our Bichon when she was 8 weeks old. When the first $10,000 surgery happened and they paid me 90% back, I knew I’d made the right decision. What they have paid out on this dog is so much more than the premiums and I don’t fret about getting her the care she needs.
Have adult cat care program with VCA, but program is not an insurance plan. This plans pays for unlimited care visits, vaccinations, yearly check ups and tests, 20% off on er visits. If something major occurs it will not pay for treatment or hospitalization. Cost is $49.00 per month, is it worth it? Not sure, but vet is only 3 miles away and they take good care of him. He’s our travel cat and is primarily only indoors.
When our new bordoodle realized how old WE are, she took out a policy on US.
🤣 Thanks, Kenn. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Growing up poor, on a farm WE didn’t have health insurance. Sickly, or injured animals beyond recovery were “put down” (including pets). We have, and do seek vet care for our pets, but I will not invest tens of thousands of dollars to extend their life and suffering (we have friends who have, only to have the pet pass a very short time later).
I paid to have our beloved poodle Teco euthanized after the vet said there was nothing further could be done for him. Witnessing his suffering during the process, never again will I pay for this service.
Pet insurance is less that $100.00 per month. THAT is not too much for all the love and affection our Girl (dog) gives to us each and every day. When a Family Pet is terminal and can’t be helped, I think it is the humane thing to do. To put them out of their misery and pain. But when they are not at the end of life and there is something that can be fixed, I also believe it needs to be done. A Family wouldn’t put their child down if they had an expensive illness. The same should be said for the Family Pet. If a Family does not have the means to fully take care of their companions, they should not adopt them in the first place. It is a lifelong commitment.
Why the Down vote? Because I told the truth about Animal care? If you can’t afford them, don’t adopt one!
I 100% agree with you, Ed. My (adult) son got a Rottweiler puppy from an acquaintance and a few days later he was diagnosed with Parvo. (Hmmm.🙄) The vet didn’t think Duke would make it. Almost $10,000 (investment from me–in my son’s dog and, consequently, in my son) and a couple of weeks later, my son was able to take Duke home. Well worth it! I couldn’t have lived with myself if I hadn’t helped when it was needed. Have a good night.🤗 –Diane
Thank you for your response Diane. We agree that they are called “Family Pets” because they are part of the Family. We would never forgive ourselves if we didn’t do everything humanly possible to make sure our furry Girl lives a Happy and Healthy! Have a good night Diane! 🙂
Thanks, Ed! Yes, they are definitely a family member.👍🤗 –Diane
As dh is fond of saying, money is no money. We can’t afford pet insurance. Having done euthanasia twice with our cats, I no longer do that. Instead I do cat hospice, having been a hospice nurse the last 24 years of my working life. The last time we did that for our cat Roadkill, we strongly suspect the last rat he ate had been poisoned with warfarin. We took turns medicating him, sleeping on the floor with him, and giving him his steroids. They produce a feeling of wellbeing and relieve pain. We took turns lifting him into the litter, & giving him liquids with a dropper. We both still want to cry when we think we lost him due to stupid rat poison!!
No, I don’t think the cost would pencil out. I was a hospice volunteer for 30 years. I believe as an owner for my dog and said dog being a member of the family. when my dog & Vet says it is time I hold them while the Vet gives them a painless exit. I know my heaven will have my best buddies. We will meet again.
Our Female Dog Family member had a ParaThyroid that went bad and began secreting Calcium in deadly amounts. We had to have it surgically removed and the Pet Hospital Bills totalled over $10,000.00. But we have Pet Insurance and only wound up paying about $2,000.00 of the total Bills. We would have paid for the surgery out of our own pocket if we had to, But we didn’t! She was only 6 Yrs Old. No way would we put her down! We love her too much! When they are dying from old age, yes but not if it is an illness they get while still not half way through their life span.
The survey wouldn’t load, but no.
We have insurance with our local vet, $49.00 per month.