Update: Annoyed with VPI

[Heather & Brinkley]

So Brinkley has had GI issues in the past but NEVER before we had pet insurance. When Brinkley had his very scary bout last August, we had some pretty hefty vet bills totaling $1300.00

When we first got insurance we did everything over the phone... I never filled out the paperwork on my own. Well, when I finally submitted the claim they are claiming he had a pre-existing condition and they won't cover a dime. He had never been sick and I didn't fill out the paperwork...the agent did. He had only had an ear infection.

My vet called and tried to get them to overturn it...but they didnt budge with her. This is my first experience with them and I already hate them.

Is there anything I can do other than take them to small claims court?

Here's the update thus far:
The reason they denied the claim was becase when we first got insurance I told them he had diarrhea once. Apparently that one answer ruled out all GI sues even if they were the complete opposite, as this one was with constipation (which really doesn't make sense to me.). I actually said to the lady "the last time I checked, those two things were opposite, so I'm not sure how rules out the other." I didn't like that they really seem like they were playing vet-- she was rambling off a lot of things about GI issues and Gastroitits (sp?) but Brinkley never was diagnosed. My vet just put symptoms and treatment, yet VPI put a label as if he did have a diagnosis.

The good news thus far: I don't have refund check yet. We will see how this progresses. We first had to apply for a review of his records to strike the GI issues from his records. Apparently If you had something on record when getting insurance and the pet hasn't seen the vet for a reoccurring issues for 6 months, you can apply to take it off (good for everyone to know!) that was just approved late last week. Now we have to resubmit the claim, which the agent did. Now I wait.

I will keep you updated.

Update #3/Final update:
When they reviewed the claim, they said they wouldn't cover GI issues because he had diarrhea when he was a puppy. They used the term Gastroitits multiple times, which he actually never had, but they had put that label on him because of the aforementioned diarrhea. I told them that this didn't make sense because he had constipation during the sickness related to the claim that was denied. They the said all GI issues were ruled out because of the diarrhea answer.

They then offered a next step of them gathering all medical records from our Vet so they could review his file and have me apply for the medical issues to be wiped off his record. Basically they were seeing if he had to be seen on a repetitive basis for GI issues that were linked or if they were isolated times (which they were isolated). (Just a note, if a dog hasn't been seen for a similar issue for 6 months, you can apply to have it taken off as a pre-existing condition).

Last week, his file review came back clean so it has been wiped off his file. At that point, they resubmitted the claim on an express status. I got the call yesterday that my claim was accepted and I will be receiving a refund minus my $100 deductible.

Yay! So glad they worked it out. And now I'm really glad I complained to all of you because this situation was rectified because a VPI social media expert saw my complaint!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Is pet insurance not a dog related product? :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh yes, I didn't mean it wasn't: ) I just seem to remember something other than Life's Abundance. I added the last comment related to the general topic of companies commenting on DK.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I remember seeing one before too but I can't remember either! :( It seems like it was in someone's blog...about something...does that help?? :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Right she says with sarcasm : )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Ricki,

I remember that post too. I want to say.......Murphy was the dog.  Sue, Murphy and Bella maybe? Oh it was about EARS and a package deal from Petco. I know I have that name wrong.  But yes, we did see that. 

I also, had a dog food sales rep sign on because of the pricing of dog food.  He did not agree with me and nothing was done in that case.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Now it's starting to come back. It was Banfield or whatever their Pet vet thing is.

[F, Calla & Luca]

And guess what, they are still listed as members.

[F, Calla & Luca]

And here's the link:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2065244%3ABlogPos...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I can remember Sue Murphy and Bella's post right off the top of my head, but I can't remember my problems with the Sales Rep in the Food Group.  Maybe you could find that one, F.?  You did a great job finding the Banfield Link

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry Joanne, you are on your own for that.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Nice sleuthing job F! That was the one!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I found my own stalker. Here is the list to that link. I was really creeped out by this.. but now, it does not surprise me.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/ordering-food-online?comme...