Pet Insurance -- seeking a better company. Any opinions/insights?

[Denninmi]

I've had pet insurance through the Hartsville Group/Petshealth Care Plan out of Ohio every since I got the current dog. Having spent about $14K on chemo for the last dog, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea.

So, I've paid them for six years.

At first, I was pretty pleased -- they covered things well, and it pretty much just about paid for itself.

But, I've gotten more and more pissed off the past couple of years.

They raise the premiums every year -- last year's renewal was $1100. Which I can understand, things go up.

But, they also seem to look for every excuse now to deny coverage. And, they tremendously lowball the reimbursement on what they do cover. Add in rude customer service, and I'm done with them. Adios.

A few years back, they paid about $350 of a $500 bill. Last time, they paid $55 of a $580 bill. That was the final straw, after a couple of years of diminishing reimbursements.

Their excuses were either 1) not covered procedure/event; 2) vet wouldn't provide details of treatment (bullshit, they had plenty of information about the bill) and 3) the "customary" charge for covered procedures in my area is apparently about 11 cents on the dollar for what my vet charges (more bullshit -- their "customary" figures are unreasonably low from what I can tell). I appealed, they answered my appeals letter with a snotty, rude letter back to me. So I wrote them back and told them basically to F.O. after the policy period is done.

I need a new company that will be fair, not out to screw the customer.

TIA.

[rox63]

1. Same thing insurance companies are doing with their people coverage

Denying coverage, low-balling reimbursement, raising deductibles. Same industry, just a different policy type.

[Curmudgeoness]

2. Are you serious? $1100 per year for coverage?

Wow, that is a lot of money! I realize the costs can be high for pet care, been there and done that. I had considered getting coverage this time for my new fur baby, but that is significant (especially if they are acting this badly). I have no suggestion for another company, but will watch for other comments.

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. Last time I shopped for pet insurance

I found that none of the insurers would issue a new policy on a dog over 5 years of age.

I also found that none would issue a policy to a young dog (less than 2 years) with a history of renal issues even if his blood panel and urinalysis all showed normal function - and consistently did so over a one year period.

My dogs were uninsurable and so we had to forego the per insurance. I suppose my new pup would probably qualify but I don't think I'll bother.

[undeterred]

4. I have VPI and I am not that thrilled with them either.

I pay $34/month for standard coverage... accidents and illnesses, but I don't have the cancer rider. I did enroll him as a 6 month old puppy.

So that's around 408 annual, which is ok.

BUT:

I thought it was a $50/annual deductible but it turns out its a $50/deductible per each diagnosis. My vet charges $53 for an office visit.

I've had 2 visits recently which made me wonder why I have insurance:

I spent $186 for itching and was reimbursed $15.

I spent $178 for a cut paw pad and was reimbursed $0 ($44 was eligible, but that was less than the deductible).

I called them and we had a long conversation about deductibles blah blah blah. I don't know if its worth it or not. Last year he fainted and I got good coverage on a big bill. I am not happy but if I cancel it then the decision is irreversible.

[undeterred]

5. Let me just add on to what I have said by saying

that the first two years it seemed like I broke even. My dog is three. The first year he was neutered and had all the puppy visits. During the second year he fainted once which ended up costing over $400 and I got about $250 back on that.

He's a really healthy dog with nothing that counts as a pre-existing condition so all of the visits are 'episodic'. So its a cut paw, or he ate something he shouldn't have at the park and needs to be wormed, or he got a bite from another animal, etc.

There's going to be a deductible on every single visit, and there is a set amount of coverage on every single type of problem. Unfortunately the amount of coverage from the insurance doesn't seem to be in the right ball park some of the time. When he needs care I'm not looking at the diagnosis sheet. I just get what he needs and submit it, and the last couple of times I've been really disappointed. The meds are quite expensive and not well covered. I don't think my vet is that outrageous. I just think the coverage is pretty minimal. I am thinking I might be better just to save the $408 and apply it directly to his bills.

[lukasahero]

6. Go Pet Plan

http://www.gopetplan.com/

They accpet older dogs and you can choose your level of coverage. We have just the basic level for emergencies but we've had them for 3 years and any rate increases have been nominal.

Here's a link to user reviews for them but the site also allows you to compare a variety of companies: http://www.petinsurancereview.com/petplanUS.asp We chose Pet Plan based on the reviews and information we found on that site and have not been disappointed.

[KC]

7. With

Petplan do the vets accept it or do you have to pay them and the wait to get reimbursed from Petplan

[lukasahero]

8. It's primarily a reimbursement plan however

since I've worked with my vet for so long (and so often), they work with us on payments. The turn-around time from the insurance company has always been very quick.