PetPlan rates are outrageous!!

[Christine & Camus]

I am, in part, venting and also wondering what others are experiencing with PetPlan renewals.

In 2011 my policy for Camus was $171.50, in 2012 it went to $249.90 and the renewal letter for 2013 indicates it will be $326.92.  That amounts to a 90% increase over the 2011 policy, which I think is outrageous.  I have not filed a claim for ~ a year and they do not cover his allergies because his vet made a notation in his chart before I signed up with PetPlan that he thought his first ear infection might be due to allergies.  I sent an email to them indicating that unless the policy is renewed at a reasonable rate I am going to cancel coverage.

Is anyone else experiencing similar policy increases?    

[Jane Smith]

Mu policies went up a lot this year too,  At least $40 per dog a year.  While I wasn't happy with the new rate, I did check around at quite a few, and PetPlan was still cheaper.  I have never filed a claim the 4 years I have a policy with them, yet the premium keeps going up.  My renewal is the 15th of this month, and I'm running out of time to find a better plan.  So far, I just can't find a better deal.

[Christine & Camus]

Camus' policy went up $78 the second year and now $77 this year.  When I spoke with them last year the reason for the large increase was due to California prices.  Vet charges have not gone up significantly this year so I am waiting to hear the reason for a similar increase.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't have pet insurance, but I do have private individual health insurance, and this is pretty much what happens with any kind of health insurance, pet or human. They are in business to make a profit, the costs go up, the cost of living goes up, the age of the insured goes up, and the rates go up....a LOT. 

Before cancelling, I would look at the rates for coverage with other companies, and try to find out what kinds of increases people have had with those companies. Chances are they are similar. 

[Christine & Camus]

You are right, I should look into other plans.  Guess I am a bit cranky today.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I get this sticker shock and same emotion every year when I get my renewal.  I however have filed claims.  They told me the first year when I said, like you, I haven't even filed a claim, that it is not tied to filing claims.  That it won't matter if you file a claim.  I can tell you that after Lucy's CCL surgery when they renewed Lucy and Sophie's policies amount were the same.  What I do to try and make myself feel a little better about it is I break it down to how much more per month it went up and then for some reason it just doesn't seem quite as bad.  Bottom line is of course it is still the same, but just visually isn't as bad.  At the rate of their increases tough I not sure I will be able to continue keeping it when they get older.  Probably when I would need it the most, but it will at some point price itself out I'm guessing.

[Christine & Camus]

I'm not sure how long I can keep up with the increases either (if I keep the insurance).

[Bonnie and Kona]

Christine, I have considered dropping insurance several times and then we needed it. Kona got a cyst on his tail. They tried antibiotics but that didn't work. Then they removed the cyst and there wasn't enough skin to adequately cover the wound. The infection was horrible. Finally he had to have his tail amputated. Boy was I glad I had Pet Plan then. They paid what I expected. It was a God-send right when we were in the middle of buying a house and no extra money lying around at all. As much as we hope we won't ever need it, insurance is a good thing to have.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

As they get older the policy rates go up. Over the past 5 years Samantha's has gone up $200+ BUT so much less expensive then the all the stomach meds I would have to be on if the GF happens!

[Christine & Camus]

I know what you mean, but these prices are hard to swallow.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have looked elsewhere and I'm still with PetPlan my rates are similar to tours for each doodle now.

[Christine & Camus]

F, How old are your doodles?

[Diana Erhart]

It took me what seemed like forever to decide on which pet insurance plan to purchase for Charlie.  I decided on Pet Plan and have been happy with them.  We have filed several claims, nothing big though.  I have the yearly payment where it automatically charges my credit card each year.  I have decided that I am just paying the bill when it charges and not calculating the increase.  I chose this plan after much thought and consideration and would not ever go without pet insurance.  So, in order to decrease my stress level I just go with the flow and still pray that I don't need the insurance.