Answer Back from Petplan! Petplan, Petplan, Petplan.............UPDATE to previous discussion

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

As many of you know that were involved with my last discussion, I concluded it by saying I would be writing a letter to Petplan. I have also written Healthy Paws, but have not heard back from them. Here is that discussion.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/pet-plan-insurance

Carly called back from Petplan to discuss my recent letter and since I was not home, I had to call her back. The toll free number is 1-866-467-3875.  In my letter, I explained that I belonged to a dog website with over 15,000 members and some of us were very unhappy with the recent changes brought on by the new underwriters. I told them many of us were getting less coverage for much higher premiums and were thinking about changing and also mentioned that we have many discussions about Pet insurance on our website.

When I called back, Carly was on vacation, so I spoke with Deidre. She said they had to change underwriters because the old underwriters were going to raise the deductible PER CONDITION to $1000 for every policy. Petplan knew this would be unmanageable for most people and chose to look for new underwriters. They are aware that the new higher than average increased premiums are not a plus for Petplan, but feel the broader range of coverage, more options, and ability to now offer an annual deductible (must be approved) make up for it. The letter we have all gotten at renewal time is just an example of what kind of coverage you can get, but they do work with everyone individually to come up with a policy that meets your needs. 

The premium are based on age, breed, and location. I also asked why Poodle mixes are generally cheaper than Doodles, and she said that is because (for example) a Labradoodle would be insured for risks associated with both Labs and Poodles, whereas a Poodle Mix would be insured for risks associated with just a Poodle because the other part of the mix is unknown. She did say Poodles run higher than Doodles, but don't quote me on that one, because I heard one thing, but my notes are unclear.

So, that is the scoop and just another thing to help people who are trying to make the decision about Petplan.  I will update about Healthy Paws when I get an answer.

[Debbie and Toby]

Wow! $1000 deductible per condition is really extreme! Pretty much for most people you would pay the monthly premiums and all of your expenses, unless you had something major happen. So I understand their switching to new underwriters, but I also know they only have so much room to work with customers. And for us, keeping the deductibles comparable to what we are currently paying would now mean much lower coverage, so either way it's a no win situation for me. I guess I am still unhappy with what they have done. If I remember correctly, we would not be eligible  for the annual deductible because Toby has had ligament surgery, but I will read back on the other post to see if I can find where I might have seen it. Having insurance has helped us tremendously in the past, especially with surgery, and I am still in favor of having it, just in case of an unfortunate illness or accident. Just have to figure the higher cost of premiums and also create another savings account now just for "Toby" expenses. We should be getting our renewal in December so we will see what it is. Thank you for updating!

[Donna K & Quincy]

I have insurance with Trupanion and have a $1000 deductible, it is per condition for a lifetime. I pay less than $30 a month and basically have it to cover major illness, the day to day stuff we can deal with. It's a small amount per month for the peace of mind of knowing that I don't have to say no to a treatment because we can't afford it or wipe out my savings account ( which I would do). Quincy just started on a medication which will cost $170 a month so after a few months we will just have to pay 10% because the deductible will be met and he will be covered for life. It really depends on what you want your insurance to do for you. 

[Debbie and Toby]

I hadn't thought of having such a low premium, we currently pay $105 per month on PetPlan, but yes, to have a much cheaper monthly premium would help a lot...I was thinking in terms of paying $105+ per month, and when I went in and got a quote for the same level of coverage on a new dog, same age as Toby I would be looking at $163 per month.... I would be quite happy with a much lower premium. Whatever the cost, I will still keep insurance on Toby. You just never know when you'll need it the most.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Yes, I agree. We have it for the same reason...something really major that comes up. I am glad you have the coverage for those meds. and in your case, I think the insurance is working great. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am unhappy, too! Yes, they followed up quickly and I see why they were forced to change, but in the long run, the customer is still losing. It worked out ok for us and it must be because of where we live, but keep us updated on what happens to you in December. I still think insurance is a necessary evil, because even with putting $100 a month in a savings plan, it something major comes up within a year or two it might not be enough for most people to afford the vet bill. My dogs need to start working at a job with medical coverage :) 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

When I was signing up for Healthy Paws I was shown some examples of pre-existing conditions:

Here are some of examples of how pre-existing conditions work:

Example 1: Your dog has been itchy ever since you adopted her from the shelter. Over the past month she's been in several times to see her veterinarian for her itchy skin, loss of fur, hot spots and ear infections. Your veterinarian is treating the symptoms, but has not diagnosed the condition yet. The cost of the treatment is becoming more expensive, so you decide to enroll her in pet insurance. A couple of months later your dog has another flare-up of itchy skin and you take her to see her veterinarian, who diagnoses her condition as allergies and prescribes additional medication. Allergies would be considered pre-existing, since the clinical signs and symptoms of the condition were noted before enrollment.

Example 2: Your cat was seen for a urinary tract infection (UTI) one year ago. The urinalysis showed bacteria and crystals. Your veterinarian treated the condition with antibiotics and placed him on a special diet. Your cat is back to normal and you decide to enroll in pet insurance. During the 15-day waiting period, your cat begins showing signs of a UTI and you take him to see your veterinarian. A UTI would be considered pre-existing because your cat was treated for the same condition one year ago, and the clinical signs and symptoms of this condition started during the 15-day waiting period.

I find it a bit disturbing that the 2nd UTI in a year would be considered pre-existing. It sounds like once they have a UTI it is considered a "condition".  And your dog better not develop allergies if the vet ever examined her for an itch in the past. Looks like a lot of things could fall into the pre-existing category once you're signed up.  Rethinking it now.  Ugh! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I got this message too from Healthy Paws:

We use your pet's medical records to process claims. This exam date tells us that your pet has been examined by a veterinarian within the time frame required by our policy.

Pets younger than 6 years old - We require a veterinary exam in the 12 months prior to enrollment.

Pets six years or older - We require a veterinary exam within the past 30 days.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I stuck with Petplan this year. I am just afraid to make the switch.

[Stacy]

I am curious if anyone has heard of insurance coverage that would be for "catastrophic events" I feel like Dave Ramsey has talked about that type policy for people in the past, but I'm sure I have the name wrong. In my imagination it would be a low premium policy that wouldn't cover the everyday stuff like ear infections and diarrhea, but would cover you for things like cancer, snake bites, hit by a car... the really expensive stuff that is low occurence. I would be interested in a policy like that. I think most people can "self-insure" through the normal stuff with savings. But I once knew a papillon who was bitten by a rattlesnake and I think treatment was upwards of $10,000. That would hurt my pocket book.

I am so blessed to have a vet who would take care of us no matter what. They are more interested in helping the animals than getting paid up front. I've even seen them let people walk out with prescription dog food with just a promise to come back and pay later. I brag on them all the time. But I know that they are the exception and not the rule. 

[Debbie and Toby]

I am pretty sure you can customize your plan on most of the insurances to what you are comfortable with, and get the level of coverage that you are comfortable with.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I would think if you had a deductible of $1000, which I imagine would bring your premium way down, would pretty much be "catastrophic events" insurance. You might want to let any insurance company you are interested in know that is the kind of insurance you are looking for. Please update us with what you find out if you call. 

You are so lucky to have the vet you have!! 

[Leslie and Halas]

I missed the other discussions, so I'm going back to them now. We have Petplan, and the premium is going way up for Halas. We have Unlimited/$300/90%, and the premium will be $784. I'll definitely talk to them about something besides unlimited, and I may talk to Healthy Paws, too. Halas just turned 9, so I don't expect it to be cheap. We've got until November 22 to decide, but I really want to have it taken care of before the Doodle Trip.