PetPlan insurance

[BarbMazz]

I've been following Shay's thread about Lily very closely. I know I said that I don't have insurance for my dogs any longer, but after reading more and more about SM I'm wondering if I shouldn't have Bentley and Clancy covered under a policy that does not exclude genetic/hereditary disorders. I DO wonder about Bentley; he has some behaviors that make me think he may be affected with SM. I know he doesn't have anything marked in his vet charts because I've not spoken to the bet about them, yet. I do think I will be making an appt. very soon, though.

Karlin, I know you mentioned PetPlan insurance as one that does cover genetic/hereditary things. I'm wondering if anyone else here has PetPlan insurance? If so, how has your experience been with claims? How are they as a company to deal with.

I looked at their website. Their claim forms are pretty extensive. They do say they cover genetic things as long as they have not been previously diagnosed.

[Karlin]

As far as I know, they are th only pet insurance company in the US covering genetic issues. All the reports I have heard about them are quite good, but I don't know that many people that have made claims.

[arasara]

Judy has had a lot of experience with PetPlan - if you search for it you might be able to find out what she's said about it (it's in detail) She's had good luck so far though! I have kosmo on something only available in canada but it covers SM and mvd (THANK GOD)
Good luck!

[My Wesley]

I thought PetCare also covered genetic/hereditary issues... Anyone know?

[Roxanne]

Petcare Insurance is the oe that covers SM ,Patellas and other heriditary issues. I would secure the insurance before bringing him to the vet ( if he can wait that is )

Their website is

www.petcareinsurance.com

[judy]

Isn't PetPlan in the UK?
PetCare is the one in the US, i think. That's the one i have, they have paid claims fast and completely.
Here's their claim form, it's simple and straightforward.
http://www.petcareinsurance.com/us/p...im_form_us.pdf

[BarbMazz]

Okay! I've been researching this for hours! There is PetPlan in the USA; here is a link to their website:

http://www.gopetplan.com/index.html

They must be relatively new in the USA. They say they DO cover hereditary conditions in purebreds as long as there was no evidence of the hereditary conditon prior to the purchase of the policy.

Their prices are lower than PetCare. So, what do I do?! <rhetorical question!>

[Shay]

Barb....I originally took out VPI because my husband had it through his work. After discussing with some of the members, I cancelled because it did not cover genetic diseases. I went with PetCare from the recommendations from other forum members. They do pay hereditary/genetic disease. As you know from reading my post I have not used it yet. I have had a couple members PM me that hey have used it often and they pay well, and pretty quickly. It is only a problem if the dog has been treated for or there is any mention of anything pertaining to what you are submitting a claim for in their chart prior to the claim being filed. Then it is considered preexisting. This is why I wanted to get Lily on this right away before she is treated for anything. I am not familiar with the plan to which you are referring but it sounds much like Petcare. I think any of them will have the preexisting clause.

[judy]

They must be relatively new in the USA. They say they DO cover hereditary conditions in purebreds as long as there was no evidence of the hereditary conditon prior to the purchase of the policy.

Their prices are lower than PetCare. So, what do I do?! <rhetorical question!>

Barb, thanks, whoa, that sounds good, up to $20,000 a year and the option of having a 0% copayment. I think the $12,000 a year would be enough, but if a dog had surgery for SM plus aftercare, and maybe follow up surgery if complications or scar tissue developed, or, if a dog might have mitral valve repair or replacement surgery, the $20,000 would be nice to have.

Unfortunately for me, i can't check into it, it's not available in my state, their website said.

But one thing would keep me from signing up for it--there is fine print where it says there is a 30% copayment for specialist vet care or vet referral treatment or after hours, like an emergency room. 30% is kind of a lot for me, on a large bill. SM is going to involve specialist treatment obviously, and MVD as well, at least to some degree.

I'm not clear whether the deductible is per incident or calendar year. Petcare's deductible, $50, is per incident.

[arasara]

Barb,

If you're checking into getting health insurance, way to go !! If I were you, I would check with the insurance company directly and make sure that they cover specifically SM and MVD. I got it in writing from the place that I got insurance for Kosmo with. It never hurts to have proof. Also make sure that they have no fine print in their policy that can change what they cover and what they don't "whenever they want." Insurance is very expensive to get if you've already started making claims (because then you're more of a risk) so make sure that they can't change their policy halfway through. For instance, if they start having multiple dogs affected with SM who need surgery, they are likely to drop that from their coverage. Should you happen to be the unlucky owner of an SM dog (I pray that you're not) it would be really unfortunate to learn that they "changed" their policy and they will not cover you. This is another good reason to get everything in writing.

Good luck!!