Cost of MRI and SM Surgery?

[Bridam]

This is actually a very useful thread. There is no point going down this road (and getting you're hopes up) if it is beyond your means.

[Rosewoodsteel]

Thanks.

[natalieandmike]

Bianca's MRI was $1500 and her surgery was $3500 (I think? Geez, it's only been a few months, I've got to dig up the bill!). I was told to expect up to $4000 but again she did not have complications, and did not get a shunt, both of which would have upped the price. I did go to a private neurologist for both. However, I have Pet PLan which covered a good 80%, and did not charge me a second deductible (one $100 deductible for the MRI, but they considered the surgery part and parcel of the same claim). I thought that was very fair. In case you haven't taken your pup to the vet with that as a possibility, you might consider opting for insurance first--it then won't be considered 'pre-existing' and you might even get it paid for. Just a thought.

[Bridam]

Bianca's MRI was $1500 and her surgery was $3500 (I think? Geez, it's only been a few months, I've got to dig up the bill!). I was told to expect up to $4000 but again she did not have complications, and did not get a shunt, both of which would have upped the price. I did go to a private neurologist for both. However, I have Pet PLan which covered a good 80%, and did not charge me a second deductible (one $100 deductible for the MRI, but they considered the surgery part and parcel of the same claim). I thought that was very fair. In case you haven't taken your pup to the vet with that as a possibility, you might consider opting for insurance first--it then won't be considered 'pre-existing' and you might even get it paid for. Just a thought.

Insurance. I hate you, LOL Got a link to your plan?

[Bridam]

Bridam,

I did a cursory check on pet insurance and noticed (at least with the companys I looked at) that conditions associated with particular breeds were excluded from coverage. This looked like a giant loop hole to me and dissuaded me from looking any further.
What insurance company are you using?

Thanks.

I don't have insurance. We had over $8k out of pocket. I never believed that pet insurance would cover an MRI or decompression surgery. If people are having hard times getting MRIs or experimental procedures, how could any of this ever be covered for an animal? That's why I was surprised to see that someone else got something covered. If that is the case, I'll insure my other cav and all future cavs.

[natalieandmike]

Sorry guys I've been up to my ears in alligators so to speak, didn't check in. No actually I was surprised that PetPlan DID cover B's surgery--I've got the checks to prove it! But you've got to know that if you're electing it now after a vet visit with even a 'whiff' of SM mentioned, or neuro s/sx, it will be considered pre-existing and not covered. I'm sure you know that but I want to spare you the agony of filing claims that might be fruitless! Here's the link: It's in the Us, UK and elsewhere. I actually didn't even have my premium raised this year after my whopping claim already. Now that's incredible.!

http://www.gopetplan.com/

let me know if the link doesn't work. I don't understand why a surgery/MRI wouldn't be covered if a neurologist deems it is necessary, though I guess there's always loopholes I don't know about! The actual practice administrator/claims person has a Cavalier and helped to design a plan which would cover hereditary conditions traditionally excluded from other companies such as VPI. Please know I only elected this for this catastrophic need; we pay for our routine care out of pocket, which keeps the premiums down. I hope you will never need it, good luck with the pups!

[Molly's mom]

We had PetCare insurance when Molly was diagnosed and had her surgery. They do cover hereditary conditions as long as there are no pre existing symptoms. Petcare covered our policy maximum ($3000) which did help alot.

We now have Petplan, (they also cover hereditary conditions) as I found they have more affordable rates as well as more choices in policies. Of course the syringomyelia will not be covered but if or when MVD rears it's ugly head, that will be covered.

They key here is pre existing if there is any mention of a symptom that can be traced to an illness, (example, scratching, licking, etc) they can term it pre existing. So if you are considering insurance, a. get it as soon as you can. b. get as much as you can afford ($3000 can be a drop in the bucket). c. make sure they cover hereditary/genetic illnesses.

[Molly's mom]

natalieandmike, we must have been typing at the same time

[Bridam]

This is great info, guys. What plan do you have (gold, silver, or bronze) and what are your premiums?

What was it like getting approval for an MRI? Did you have any pushback during the process? Thanks again. If this is the case, I will never own another Cav without coverage. It was a real stretch for us to get the surgery done.

[natalieandmike]

We elected the Silver plan with a $100 deductible, but I'm going to have to look up what our premium was per year, I want to say it's around $300? or so. I think though that your premium (there's an online calculator on the PetPlan site that you can see) will depend on the age of the dog, perhaps the breed, and your geographical location, so maybe give it a whirl and see what yours comes to. The Silver covered up to $12000 a year per illness with automatic renewal/replenishment yearly. Gold is 20,000 and Bronze is 8000. I'll look up my premium again and get back with you.

Oh, yes, about the MRI. No problems at all. Just sent in the forms ,and hoped for the best, which did work out just fine. No delay. We got the MRI, paid for it, and asked for reimbursement afterward! Which was done in a timely manner. I think it took them about a month.