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?    

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think this is a great way to look at it. 

If I'd had pet insurance these past two years, the premiums could have been $500 a month and I'd still have come out ahead. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sadly both my doodles have already gotten checks that largely offset their premiums this year. I did need to appeal the decision on Calla's dental cleaning but I got a check in the end for just over $300.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Christine, I posted a discussion about this awhile ago and I have kept track of my premiums. Here is that discussion.

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

[Christine & Camus]

Laurie, Your rates are better than mine, but as you said location plays a art and you may be getting a multiple dog discount as well.  How old are Fudge & Vern? 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I chose the insurance for what I can not pay. Meaning, I can always pay a $200.00 delectable.  But I cant guarantee  at any given time I could shell out $2000.00 - $10,000.   It just depends on what is going on in the home, the family, the day to day life.

So, I never want to have to say, 'No, I can't help my dog because I don't have the money'

I'll pay the insurance.  As our dog's age, I've just assumed it would go up. 

I am sure though  I will have the same shock as you have when Spud's insurance comes up for renewal. Sadly, it is always just after Christmas which is a tough time to come up with hundreds more but I set aside for that now.

The bottom line, " Pay now or pay later"

[Christine & Camus]

You're right when you say I never want to have to say, 'No, I can't help my dog because I don't have the money."  I was just talking to a woman with a 7 year old dog who has a torn ACL.  Actually, I asked her why her dog was limping.  She told me she had a torn ACL, and rest was not doing anything for her.  Of course, I had to ask if that was what the vet recommended.  She said no, surgery was the vet's recommendation, but that is not something we could do.  The poor dog was almost walking 3-legged style.  I had to walk away. 

Bottom line - I'll just have to deal with it and pay the premium, for Camus' sake.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

That is so sad and I would think very common.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Same here Joanne.

[Donna K & Quincy]

We may be the odd man out but we're insured with Trupanion and our premiums actually went down a few cents. I don't know how good they are, I've never made a claim but only because we have a large deductible. I mostly got the insurance for catastrophic events, the day to day stuff we can manage.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Good for you, Donna.  If I remember, Trupanion is only offered in Canada.  In Canada where the citizens have no problem insuring citizens and pets because they believe it is a great thing.  Sorry, dont get me started on US Healthcare and all the whining for years and years.

Back to Trupanion.  Hats off to you and to them and if I remember correctly, Quincy was real sick last summer and you probably made a claim too.

More reason for me to move to Canada. We have the Canadian weather here in Northern Ohio I might as well. 

[Holly (Jax & Bandit)]

I also have Trupanion and my rates went down this year too.  I picked this company because their rates don't go up each year - that is one of their selling features.  I have made claims before and it was very simple.  I live in New Orleans and Trupanion is offered in the US.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thank you, Holly.
Good to know