The focus this month is on fractures in our continuing series of Petplan's most common claim by month.
Source: Press Release
Pet insurance companies usually offer "accident only" policies which would cover fractures. These policies are inexpensive and cover a list of conditions the company considers "accidents." This list will often vary from company to company, so be sure and read a sample policy and/or call the company to be certain what conditions are covered by such a policy. Personally, I recommend getting an "accident and illness" policy that offers much broader coverage, but at a higher premium.
Fractures are often seen secondary to the pet being hit by a vehicle in the street or driveway. This can mostly be prevented by simply not allowing your pet to roam free outside without being on a leash or inside a fenced area. I never cease to be amazed at the number of people who let their dog out into the front yard to go potty which is next to the street without being on a leash. Amazingly, most of these houses have a fenced back yard. I've seen this scenario turn into disaster many times when the dog sees something across the street that is of interest and while crossing the street gets hit by a car.
There is a myriad of ways pets can fracture a leg and I'll share a case that our hospital treated when the dog was playing in the snow and slipped on ice resulting in a fracture of the tibia. The doctor repaired the fracture by inserting a pin down the shaft of the bone and also applying a plate on the outside of the bone to further stabilize the fracture. Below are the pre and post op x-rays.
The total bill ended up being over $3,000. So, a pet insurance policy with a $200 deductible and 10% copay would have covered about $2,500 of the bill. This is why people buy pet insurance - for the unexpected and potentially expensive accidents or illnesses that will sooner or later occurs.
