Petplan Insurance UPDATE....Unhappy with New Underwriters....Please do Your Research Before Buying and Definitely Compare to Healthy Paws!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I know we have had several discussions about Pet Insurance and whether or not to get it and what company to go with if you do.  Fudge is 7 and Vern is 6 and I got Pet Insurance for both before I brought them home. I believe Pet Plan had a policy effective date of 30 days after we brought our puppies home, but I could be wrong. This is all fresh in my mind as my renewal is next month.

First let me say, I would not be without pet insurance, just as I wouldn't go without health insurance. That said, I would like to share my experience with Pet Plan. As others have noted, they have changed the way they do business this year and those of us who have had it all along are more or less stuck with keeping them, because at this point, some of our dogs would have pre-existing conditions.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/petplan-insurance-has-changed

For me, the new premium I will incur has stayed in the ball park of how much they been increasing my premiums each year. Below I am attaching a discussion where I have been tracking my premiums.  They have upped my annual allowance from $10,000 to $15,000. My deductible from $200 to $300 and my reimbursement is 80%.  The new premium for Fudge would be $426.55 per year and Vern would be $370.88 per year.

I have the option of tweaking my policy and have asked them to check on making my deductible a yearly condition rather than per condition.  This is where I am a little upset because Fudge had one claim in 2009 for flu like symptons (which they coded anorexia) and now we are on a "maybe" list and the agent has to get back to me. She was a new puppy and I was worried about dehydration. Vern had a more recent episode, but knock on wood, my dogs have been very healthy and I have used the insurance only a couple of times for both dogs. I disagree that I should be on a "maybe" list, but will withhold judgment until the agent calls back. 

I continue to think that the more informed we are, the better choices we make, so I feel this is good information to have on DK.  New people can see these discussions, weigh all their options, and pick the company that works best for them. 

Here is another discussion worth reading.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/great-pet-plan-claim-exper...

id=2065244%3ATopic%3A4508677&page=1

and the discussion where I track my premiums over the years.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/pet-insurance-premiums-wha...

UPDATE: FUDGE AND VERN DID QUALIFY FOR THE ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE VERSUS THE PER INCIDENT DEDUCTIBLE.

Our new coverage for the 10/14/2016-10/14/2017 is as follows

$15,000 80% $300 annual deductible. Fudge's premium is $469.20 and Vern's is 407.97.  This is definitely an increase. I have updated it in my previous discussion listed below.

The agent also said premiums are based on age, breed, and location. He also stated you can continue to get the $10,000 coverage that we have had in the past, but Pet Plan is issuing the new quotes for $15,000 because it automatically includes some new options. (the only one I remember is help with costs for advertising if your dog is lost)

FURTHER UPDATES:  Instead of having you weed through pages of this discussion, here are some more interesting things Ricki (and Tara) found out about PetPlan versus Healthy Paws!

1) Plus, Petplan told me no one qualifies for any discounts except the 5% on line renewal once you are past the first year. The other discounts are only for first time clients.

2) Just got an on-line quote from Healthy Paws.  Theirs all have unlimited benefits and annual deductible so the only variables are amount of deductible and copay.  A $250/90% policy would cost $593.40.  A $250/80 would cost $500.28 so that is about $50.00 a year less than Petplan's 15000/300/80 plan and we wouldn't have the cap on benefits and would have a lower deductible.  

3) I discovered another Healthy Paws benefit.  If you take your pet to emergency and you have 90% copay, PetPlan lowers the coverage to 80% (we have had this happen with them). Healthy Paws doesn't do this and will pay at the same 90% as they do for all claims. 

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

In this day/time, I get that most companies don't want their street address out there but....  Anyway, finally found it (I think) on the BBB site.  I'm not sure it's correct but it's all I could find and the same one on the gov. website for WA (it has the same contact number as the HP website) plus some info on the officers.  It's in Bellevue which is a suburb of Seattle (my company has an office in Bellevue).

Healthy Paws Foundation · 1229 120th Ave Ne Ste C, Bellevue, WA 98005-2148

http://datagovus.com/washington-corporation.php?id=602950783

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Cyndi, You should be a detective. Nice work. Thank you!!!

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

You are most welcome!

[Debbie and Toby]

A couple things I read on the Healthy Paws website regarding Hip Dysplasia and Pre-Exisiting conditions...still would need to verify the facts directly with them, but also something to keep in mind....I still think this plan would work good and be more affordable for some people....Most important, everyone needs to do their homework and choose insurance based on what is most important to them regarding coverages and cost...

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

When I spoke with HealthyPaws today I questioned the hip dysplasia and they told me that Lucca who just turned 8 would be covered for hip dysplasia if he was diagnosed with it after he was covered for 12 months. I'm confused. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

As I recall there was a waiting period, 6 months I think, for hip and knee issues when I got Pet Plan for my doodles as puppies.

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

Sounds like they are basically giving a 12 month waiting period for coverage on the hip dysplasia.  If the dx is made before the 12 months is up (which starts the first day of your policy), it won't be covered.  If the dx is after the 12 months, they will cover.   

[Debbie and Toby]

I would definitely have them confirm that in writing because it says "At this time, we are unable to cover hip dysplasia if your pet is six years of age or older at the time of enrollment". Since Lucca will be 8, I would think he wouldn't be covered at any time. Maybe there policy has changed since that was written, but definitely something that needs to be verified. Maybe we could find out if they have an updated policy that could be forwarded? Or maybe a letter sent  to them with questions and concerns so that current PetPlan customers would have better knowledge of coverages before switching.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Here is the response I received from an email to Healthy Paws. I still plan on sending a letter to the CEO.

Hi Laurie, 

Thank you for your interest in Healthy Paws! We welcome the opportunity to protect you and your pet from the cost of unexpected medical care. Here is the answer to your question about pre-existing conditions.

A pre-existing condition means that the condition first occurred or showed clinical symptoms before your pet's coverage started (including waiting periods). Our pet insurance protects you against future conditions and unfortunately no pet insurance company can cover pre-existing conditions.

We do not have a process to review your medical records prior to enrollment. We understand our pets find themselves in trouble occasionally with the bout of diarrhea or an ear infection, etc. As long as your pet does not have any chronic or recurring conditions, our policy covers any new illness or injury which first showed signs or symptoms after enrollment and the waiting periods. 

Healthy Paws comprehensive plan, along with our first class service are the main reasons why we are the highest rated pet insurance company by www.petinsurancereview.com. A summary of our comprehensive plan is below for your review. 

One Plan…4 Paws…All Covered 

The Healthy Paws Pet Insurance plan is easy to understand and covers the treatment of any illness, injury or accident. Healthy Paws separates itself from other pet insurance companies by providing: 
• Coverage for the costly treatment of hereditary and congenital conditions 
• A 90% reimbursement level without incident, annual or lifetime caps 
• Continuous coverage for the lifetime of your pet 
• Affordable monthly premiums by offering a range of annual deductible and reimbursement options 

What's Covered: 
If it's an accident or illness (and not a pre-existing condition), our plan covers the treatment. It's that simple. Use any licensed veterinarian including specialists and emergency animal hospitals. Covered services include: 
• Diagnostic testing such as x-rays and blood tests 
• Hospitalization 
• Surgeries 
• Prescription Medications 
• Cancer treatment 
• Treatment of hereditary or congenital conditions (Examples include: heart disorders, intervertebral disk disease, knee conditions like patellar luxation, elbow & hip dysplasia and eye disorders like cataracts.) 

What’s Not Covered:
Our pet insurance plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, the veterinary exam fee, or expected routine veterinary care such as vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and spay/neuter procedures. 

Waiting Period: 
There is a waiting period of 15 days after your policy effective date for accidents and illnesses. Hip dysplasia coverage is provided at no extra cost subject to a 12-month waiting period for pets younger than six at time of enrollment. 

Care For Your Pet and You Help a Homeless Pet: 
Helping you care for your pets is just part of our story. Through our community builder programs and service grants, we help animal rescue groups and shelters grow, thrive, and, as a result, help thousands of homeless pets find new homes. So when you choose to insure your pet with Healthy Paws, you're not just protecting your pet, you're also helping a whole lot of homeless pets. 

If you have questions, you can call us at 855-898-8991 or email us at [e-mail]. We are available Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, this sounds like an occasional ear infection or bout of diarrhea, maybe a case of giardia, etc. is not considered a pre-existing condition.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for posting this info Laurie.  So, is this saying that you won't know if something is considered pre-existing until you file a claim  for that particular situation?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

That is what it sounds like to me. I did send out two letters...one to Petplan and one to Healthy Paws....so I will see what happens and update. I asked Healthy Paws again if they would consider letting us know before switching what things would not be covered. I am sure the answer is no, but we will see. Petplan...I just said how upset our dog community is with their new changes and what could be done.