PetPlan Premium Increased 30 Percent in First Year!!!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I know we have recently talked pet insurance to death but I just wondered if anyone else has has had this kind of increase from Pet Plan? They tell me it is because they signed with a new underwriter who told them they were undercharging for mixed breeds and now they are at the going market rate. She went on to say I wouldnt see this kind of increase next year...and I told her they promised me no more than a 10-15 percent increase this first year, so how am I supposed to believe them now? Hattie's plan went from $153 to $193. She has $8,000 coverage with $200 deductible? I am going to shop around and see what else is available. Has anyone else been told this by PetPlan?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to hear this, because from what I hear from many sources, PetPlan is hands down the best pet insurance company out there.

I never got insurance for JD and now it's too late, but if I got another dog tomorrow, that would be the company I'd go with.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sandy, I posted this discussion when I got our bill. Fudge is three now, but our premium went up, too. Maybe this is the year for rising premiums. I filed a recent claim for Fudge's ER visit and I am waiting to see what they pay out. I thought it was a large increase for one year.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/question-about-rising-pet-...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, a lot of us responded in that discussion. They paid me promptly but the way they calculate it ended up being about $40 less than I thought. They assured me all "property and underwriter's insurance" is calculated this way. They calculate the coinsurance first and then take off the deductible. Most health insurance the deductible is taken off and then the coinsurance. Still well worthwhile to me.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jacks insurance stayed the same about until he turned three, I think it went about to about 40 a month and Molly's is 27. I have no co insurance and a $50.00 deductible per illness

I was told to expect Jack's insurance to go up every year until I forget what age then it caps off.  I never heard anything about the premiums going up. I don't believe they can do that if you are in the middle of your policy though. only the following year.

 I know it is expensive but for me, I have already gotten years and years of premiums.  I have noticed that they have gotten a little more fussy with how they pay out... requirements, asking for more paperwork then usual but as long as you give them what you want.. they comply

In the past, they never gave me any junk about paying for care for Jack when I was in the hospital now they try to say everything is a pre existing condition.. even if it wasn't.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My PetPlan premium has gone up more than I expected every year.  The 1st time like 35%.  I have argued with them over it every single year.  When I see how much it has gone up yearly it always catches me by surprise and I panic a little.  However, when I spread that out over the monthly amount it doesn't seem like as much.  I think mine breaks down to about 25 a month a piece for the girls and they are 4 years old and I have the $200 deductible with 100% pay.  Make sure you are getting at least two discounts from them (like internet and the "doodle" code discount). 

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jacks yearly for the gold plan is $444.52 he is three, Molly for the same plan as a less then one year old is $296,35.

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

We don't have PetPlan but Trupanion and Tank's went up went he turned one a few weeks ago.  We received notice it would go from $48/month to $51/month in July (when we got the policy) and we have a $75 deductible.  Perhaps his increase was small as he's only one.  Future years will likely be different.  I know that many, many have PetPlan and I would never assume to infer it's not a great program.  For us, Trupanion was less complicated.  There is no limit and they plan actual costs (they don't pay for the exams and then it's 90%) anywhere the boys are treated (ERs, etc). No questions asked except for records of course or potential arguments about what is "reasonable".  Their deductible was straight forward.  If the condition existed prior to getting the policy, it's pre-existing.  Other plans (not sure about PetPlan) had a strange way of considering deductible on an annual basis.  We've used it quite a bit and no problems so far. They pay quickly and send email updates every step of the way.   Again, not saying that one is any better than the other and the positive experiences today may change tomorrow.  It's an individual decision. 

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

I have PetPlan too.  When I renewed mine last October it had gone down by about $15 per year.  I guess I can expect it to go up this year. 

[Linda Scott]

I had the very same thing happen to my plans and I ensure three dogs.  Just one of my dogs went up over $200 for the year alone.  I changed the plan to a $200 deductible and 80% coverage; I keep the insurance for major medical problems that run into the thousands of dollars and hope I never have to use it.  PetPlan was the best, but I told them if the increases kept up I would move to another company. 

[Leslie J]

I'll have to check what happens this summer.  My plan renewed in August, 2011 and went up from $200 per year to $209 per year.  They were amazing at covering Cocoa's previous medical expenses and I received full reimbursement within two weeks after I sent in the paperwork with no questions asked (and this was a check for over $2,000).  I hope that it doesn't go up too much this year!