Pet Insurance similar symptoms question

Hi all,
Some local (Washington State, Seattle-Tacoma region) people are trying to schedule a low-cost MRI clinic for Cav's. I'm considering having JB scanned. He's covered by Pet Plan insurance. I've never filed a claim with them before, however I have had him into the vet on occasion for a yeast infection in his ear and skin/food allergies. Both of these things are often misdiagnosed instead of SM. I was wondering if anyone else has run into any problems in trying to get their claims paid out for this reason.

After watching some of the Cav SM video's with all the face rubbing, I'm a little more convinced JB's got something wrong. He's had periods where he'll scratch at his ears often, but in those case's the scratching stops being so frequent/insistent with treatment for the yeast/mite problem. He's also had a problem where his nose turns bright pink in an allergy type situation, he's a very picky eater and can't have chicken or gluten. But after a few days of Benadryl and better food monitoring he's back to normal and the pink skin around his nose and belly goes back to normal.

Currently, he's scratching at his ears again (no sign of a yeast problem, no smell or icky brown goop), he's rubbing his face all over me very regularly, he licks his lips a lot while having his itchy spots scratched, and with the hot weather he's been highly restless (can't stay in one spot too long). He's never yelped for unknown causes of pain, doesn't scratch on the lead, and doesn't show any signs of obvious pain.

So basically, although he's had similar symptoms that could be used to diagnose SM, he's actually had those problems and was not misdiagnosed. I was thinking since he's got a few new symptoms, even overlapping ones that don't have the same signs as before that this should be fine to qualify for coverage. Do you guys think there will be a problem if I try and submit a claim for coverage of the low-cost MRI?

Also, should I get a referral? It says I don't need one to go and see a specialist.

Thanks for any and all advice.
Traci

I doubt if the insurer will pay for an MRI that isn't requested for diagnosis by a vet (probably a specialist). You can call and ask, though.

My reasoning is that you are 'electing' to have this procedure, there is "no medical reason to suspect SM".

You should and ask. Try to find out all of the red tape, and small type, because the situation could get quite sticky.

You could always call and ask anonymously. Don't say who your dog or who you are or anything, just ask if an MRI to check for SM would be covered if the owner just wanted to have it done. I have Purina Care, and as far as I can tell, I could just have it done without having to go through anything first.