Question re: claims with PetCare

[aalvarez]

We have had PetCare Quick Gold for about 3yrs. Our policy excludes hip dysplasia and related conditions because he was diagnosed at about 2yrs of age and considered a pre-existing condition. Took our Newf to the vet because he had been limping for a while and she suspected his knee and referred us to an ortho. The ortho reccommended TPLO surgery. We are going for a second opinion with another ortho tomorrow. Anyway, in their notes, they had written that our dog had a history of hip dysplasia. They suspect that since he favored one leg due to weak hips, the knee on the other leg ruptured. My question is, will PetCare scrutinize the vets' notes and decline our claim for surgery (if he gets surgery) being that he had a "history of hip dysplasia" and his blown knee could have resulted from it? BTW, he had been fine up until DH took him for a short run one day and he started limping that evening. We thought the limping would eventually go away since that is what typically happens in the past, but it didn't this time. DH said he mentioned that to the vets but it is not written down in the notes. I dread having to fight the insurance company to pay a claim for surgery.

Also, PetCare has maximum lifetime coverage limits. A friend of mine has VPI and she says her policy does not have any maximum coverage limits. Anyone know?

 

[NessaM]

No help here but I'd be interested in the answers - we're looking at pet insurance now. Who uses what, and why? What's the best coverage for a newf???

 

[IrishMist428]

I have had this insurance since both my dogs were 6 mths old. IMO it is an excellent insurance. In doing research, this was the only plan that covered congenital/heriditary conditions. So Hip Dysplasia IS covered. They do have a pre-existing policy with a 30 day waiting period. I also had it for Chance, my Rescue. He had TPLO surgery that was covered up to 3,000. He developed seizures which were also covered. I got back about 5,800 of his medical costs, which basically covered my premiums for years.
I have also got my costs back for Xrays and emergency visits for Akira & Brogan.
You can choose 70% or 90% coverage also.
I have not researched other coverage since, so I can't speak for newer policies. I am very happy with this one and the check is received with 2 weeks or so.

Pet Care Insurance is strictly accident and illness. Where VPI covers routine exams, treatment, spay/neuter they don't cover much past that.

Read the fine print. The site for petcare

http://petcareinsurance.com/us/dog-insurance.asp

Edited to add. For those who don't want to go with insurance. There is also Care Credit. It is an interest free credit line if paid in a specific time frame. Covering human and pets as well.

www.carecredit.com

 

[ardeagold]

We also have Pet Care. I've never used it yet...knock on wood. I should have used it for Molly's Lyme and skin infection, but keep forgetting I have it :lol:

Neither treatment was a lot of $$, so I don't mind that I forgot. Believe me I won't forget if I need it for anything expensive!

 

[Pam G]

Maybe you could have a talk with your vet and have him edit his notes and not mention the cause may be from hips. He may do it for you if you told him the insurance may not cover it the way it is written now.

 

[aalvarez]

Maybe you could have a talk with your vet and have him edit his notes and not mention the cause may be from hips. He may do it for you if you told him the insurance may not cover it the way it is written now.

Yeah, we might have to do that. The way the notes are written now says "Hx of hip dysplasia" and "owner reports Hx of hip dysplasia." It didn't exactly say the cause was because of his hip dysplasia (vet had verbally told DH that was likely the cause after reading over his history) but I am thinking that an insurance company would scrutinize everything to not have to pay a claim

Pet Care Insurance is strictly accident and illness. Where VPI covers routine exams, treatment, spay/neuter they don't cover much past that.

PetCare has a Quick Care Complete policy that does cover wellness costs such as routine exams and vaccinations. The premium is higher than the policy we have. My friend who has VPI said her corgi had to have double knee surgery and VPI covered both surgeries. She had said they will continue to cover repeated incidences. Thought maybe I chose the wrong insurance since it's likely his other knee will blow eventually and will possibly need a second surgery. The quote they gave us for the TPLO will cost more than the granite countertops we just got installed in our kitchen

 

[Bojie]

I have VPI, and so far I've been vey pleased with them, Yes, they cover routine stuff, as well as reimbursement for frontline, and Interceptor, BUT they ALSO covered me for a slew of tests I had to get with Bojie when he had his obstruction. Thankfully, we didn't need surgery for that, but all the awful tests leading up to the day he finally pooped it out we were reimbursed for, ie:IV treatments, Xrays etc. Thankfully, we haven't needed them for anything more serious than that.

 

[IrishMist428]

My friend who has VPI said her corgi had to have double knee surgery and VPI covered both surgeries. She had said they will continue to cover repeated incidences.

Yes, they will cover it.. BUT ask your friend how much they covered of the cost. Compare that to the premiums.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Pet Care is a good company and they are the only company that covers genetic conditions, BUT if the hip dysplasia was diagnosed before the policy was written or during the waiting period, it won't be covered. All insurance companies do check with the vet and the existing conditions before they write the policy so they know what is pre-existing. I have heard complaints about VPI. I have ASPCA Pet Health and they cover routine conditons plus accident and illness. I have been very pleased with them.

 

[CMDRTED]

I use AKC Insurance. I have been pleased with it so far. I have recovered about $2500 that would have gone down the drain.

I guess I should expand the "Down the Drain" comment. I meant that we recovered the money which is what insurance is for, not that it was a waste. I love my babies and they get better than I do. Just wanted to add that for those who might read into it what wasn't intended.

 

[nowhavethreebears]

Just wanted to say that Care Credit is great. I used it about four years ago when I unexpectedly had to have about seven grand in dental work done in one year. Without it, I would have been up that proverbial creek without locomotion.
I was able to pay it off over time without racking up a bunch of interest charges.......

 

[M & M's Mom Linda]

We have AKC and have been reasonably happy with it. They did refuse to pay for Marcus's hot spots because it happened twice within 6 months. They cover regular check-ups and will pay for Max to be neutered this month.
We also have care credit set up but have never used it...but that extra money is there.

 

[rcantor]

VPI is pretty arbitrary in their coverage and wont let you know before hand what they wont cover. Then, once you've had something, like an abcess, they tell you that it's excluded for life if they ever get another. They say you can appeal it if you get it again, but you can't appeal it until you have another claim and then if they decide not to cover it's too late. They do send mine a birthday card, though. I'm not sure if I'll stay with them but they all seem pretty weird in one way or another.

They didn't cover Tank's elbow because it was "genetic"