Pet Insurance

[Stormi]

Also, for a pre-existing condition, do you have to receive a formal diagnosis at the vet, or does just going to the vet for a problem (and the vet being unable to diagnose said problem) count?

I'd be curious to know this, too.

[Siberian]

Ok, guys, there is a new kid in town and I am switching... Trupanion hiked up my rates by 45% (they did it for everyone in Florida and California), so I am no longer supportive of them.

The new insurance is http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/

They are just like Trupanion (90% coverage), but better. Instead of per case deductible they have an annual deductible. Plus, they cover hereditary issues.

Here is the comparison chart for Healthy Paws and Trupanion:
http://pet-insurance.findthebest.com/co ... e-Provider
They also have great reviews, and 10 rating at http://www.petinsurancereview.com/healthypaws.asp

Check it out, guys.

As far as the question below - I took Sheba to vet for some kidney related issues several times. She was never diagnosed with kidney related illness. So, while under Trupanion, I went further with my testing , and few disturbing things were revealed. Trupanion still covered it.

[MissKitty]

Interesting, Healthy Paws does cover a lot more.

But they have this to say 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.

At Healthy Paws identifying a pre-existing condition is simple! If it's an accident, illness or injury and the symptoms didn't occur before enrollment you're covered.

But we will review a pre-existing condition exclusion at your request. If we determine that the condition is considered curable we may approve future coverage of that condition. This process requires our team to review of your pet's medical records along with a request from you by email.

So I took Apollo to the vet a while ago for some soreness in his back leg. By the time the appointment came around he was fine, the vet looked at him, couldn't see/feel anything wrong and told me to take videos if it came back up again.
I could have done much more testing but chose not to and no symptoms have resurfaced.

If he say, blows out a knee (or some other back end related issue) and I ask the pet insurance company for compensation, would they view that vet visit as proof of there being a symptom of a pre-existing condition?

Also for the hip dysplasia, it there is a 12 month waiting period before it takes effect.
Apollo is getting his X-Rays done in October, if HD was to show up, would they then not cover it?

[Siberian]

MissKitty, these are the questions for the insurance agent. Why don't you call them and ask? You don't have to give your name, etc, so they will not track your questions to you if you decide to sign up.

[MissKitty]

Okay got off the phone with them.

For hip dysplasia, I was planning on having Apollo X-Rayed in October but if he was found to have hip dysplasia (and it was before the 12 month waiting period) then it would be considered a pre-existing condition.

And for the problem that was undiagnosed at the vet, you submit the vet report for review and it depends on the vets wording if they consider it a pre-existing condition. So if the vet wrote that the knees seem loose and he blew out his knee later, it would be pre-existing. But if the vet wrote that it could be just growing pains but then something went wrong it would not be considered pre-existing.

For those that are using Healthy Paws, are you worried about a raise in price as your dog ages?

[heartbullies]

About to test our PetPlan again; B just had a huge medical bill related to a MCT. Will report back after I hear from them!

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[MissKitty]

^ I hope it goes well!

[MissKitty]

Signed up for Healthy Paws, sending in the vet records tomorrow. Hope it goes well!

[MissKitty]

Still waiting to hear back from them. I called to makes sure that they go Apollo's medical records and they said the review may take more than a month. Gee, thanks.

[MissKitty]

Finally heard back, the lady on the phone was very nice.
They won't cover HD unless his x-rays in October clear him of HD. But they will cover everything else.
At this point I am on the fence about keeping it, has anyone filed a claim with them?

[pblove]

About to test our PetPlan again; B just had a huge medical bill related to a MCT. Will report back after I hear from them!

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how did that work out for you?

[heartbullies]

I received a check for over $2500. The rep also encouraged me to file a claim from over a year ago, and I received $700. Combined, the two were enough to pay off this year's CareCredit. I just was out the deductible and the small % that was not covered by insurance (our "measly" $180 vet exam/test at the regular vet did not exceed the deductible I signed up for). I am very happy with PetPlan; the customer service was great, the prompt payment was great, etc. I can afford the routine stuff and little emergencies, which is why I did not pick VPI Insurance, but combining PetPlan with CareCredit for big bills meant my savings account was entirely spared.

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[pblove]

that is great, I am shopping for a plan now, that is why I asked. thank you for replying

[heartbullies]

It is a PITA to get allll the vet records from your dog's whole life together. If I ever get another dog, I will buy the policy right away, even before the first vet trip.

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[MissKitty]

It is a PITA to get allll the vet records from your dog's whole life together. If I ever get another dog, I will buy the policy right away, even before the first vet trip.

Sent from my ATRIX using Tapatalk

Same here!