PetPlan

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I know we had a discussion about this last year and everyone is aware that the rate goes up each year but I this year they automatically renewed my policy without even asking AND it's $32.00 more than last year. The first hike was only $15.00.

I seem to recall that someone here thought it tapered out a bit the 4th year, anyone remember?

Though I have never had to file a claim (knock on wood) and I have the peace of mind if something ever tragic happened I do have to say the practice of automatically renewing seems a little presumptuous. And I also have an opportunity to switch to VPI through my husbands work and intended to do a comparison before resigning.

I am not a happy camper.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Does the VPI plan have a comparable deductible and amount covered annually to what you now have with PP?

[Bonnie and Kona]

Lisa,

I have Pet Plan and have not needed it for anything, yet! I am upset every year at renewal, but I just bite the bullet. I think it is amazing that your DH could get pet coverage through his employer. That's amazing. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

See, you are just like me. Ha ha, Peace of Mind is worth the $ for sure. I told DH he couldn't eat lunch out anymore on Fridays but then I remembered I would have to make his lunch instead, maybe I will cut back on Toilet Paper or something. HA!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Most companies operate on an automatic renewal process.  Even with Auto and Homeowners insurance most companies send an automatic renewal notice and it is up to you to determine if you want to continue your coverage.  I'm not too surprised at your rate increase, as I think the rising costs of vet care would impact that....plus I'm guessing that the frequency and severity of actual vet occurrences increases as the dog ages.  I would definitely do a price comparison between PetPlan and VPI.....you still have the right to refuse the renewal and rescind payment.

[Diana Erhart]

I would do the comparison and talk to Pet Plan too.  I have Pet Plan and have only had to file one smallish claim so far but the process was very easy and they were good to deal with.  If you want to switch and Pet Plan is not cooperative when you talk to them, since it was automatically renewed, I am assuming to a credit card, you can call the credit card company and get them involved too.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I too got an email when it was time to renew and I had to initiate for it to go through.  Not sure what happened with yours :(   I will say that I have been treated wonderfully by PetPlan with everything that we have been through with Stuart.  I'm expecting that his premium will be going up as we have had several claims this year due to his condition but with him needing a new Epi Pen every 12 months - that is over $300.00 right there and PetPlan will pay for that for the rest of his life!  Each claim that we've had was paid very quickly - just my experience.  Hard to compare I understand when you haven't had to have a claim (lucky you). 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

PetPlan has assured me that there rate increases are not linked in any way to any claims that are filed.  When I complained about the rate increase the very 1st year that was one of the things I said was that I haven't even filed any claims and she said that doesn't have anything to do with it.  That it is all based on where you are and the vet rates in your area and the type and age of the dog.  So, I'm guessing that like you I am going to find that out in March when my renewals come.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Lisa, I did do a discussion about the rate increases for Pet Plan. I am hoping it does taper off soon. I think our biggest rate hike was the third year.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Just to put things in perspective I just spent $98 for two Lyme vaccinations. This is on my mind since I filled out a survey from the vet moments ago. $4 per dog for medical waste. Bah humbug.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good point, F. It really adds up fast and if there is an actual problem the sky's the limit!  Medical waste??? Really??

[F, Calla & Luca]

Really : (

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Lisa,

Lucy and Sophie's Mom stated above,

"That it is all based on where you are and the vet rates in your area and the type and age of the dog"

The rates in our area have not gone up since I got Spud. Office visits, immunizations, etc have been consistent on my bills.

So, area does not fly with me.   Age-maybe.  Type of dog, NO.

In just weeks I will be getting Spud's renewal.  I'll let you know since our dogs are similar ages and we live within 25 miles of each other.