There have been several threads regarding Pet Insurance and whether it
is worth it to purchase or not. I have recently had a very negative
experience with PetCare Pet Insurance (petcareinsurace.com). I
purchased the senior plan for my Pomeranian and paid the monthly
premiums. When my dog became ill with cancer and I submitted my
claims for nearly $1,000, the insurance company refused to honor the
covered peril. They changed their reasons several times for refusing
to honor my policy. Initially they stated that it was a pre-existing
condition. When my veterinarian sent all records stating otherwise,
they said if he was definately diagnosed, they would pay. Well guess
what, they never paid, the only check I received was for the
euthanasia that was eventually necessary ($30). I submitted several
letters and they were very rude in return. I do not recommend this
company to anybody that is considering Pet Insurance. I do not feel
that they are a legitimate company. I submitted compliants to the
Better Business Bureau, the Insurance Commision, the Attorney
General's office and I also consulted with my legal plan. All felt I
had a good case but I eventually did not pursue legal action because
of the costs involved. It was a learning lesson and a waste of money
to pay the premiums. I would have paid less without the insurance.
Thank you for listening to my frustration, I feel better after venting
and if I can help others from experiencing what I went through, great!
Gina Rodriguez
Peter - 30 Oct 2003 09:47 GMT
<snip>
Insurance in general is a very tricky area. The only REAL Australian
pet insurer has a clause which excludes the pet for "behavioural
problems". I queried this before I signed up. They refused to define
what a behavioural problem is and when I explained to them, almost any
action or sickness could be declined as a behavioural problem, they
agreed.
I might as well try to pay the vet bills rather than wasting my money
on a policy which is so blatently not going to pay a cent.
---MIKE--- - 30 Oct 2003 13:52 GMT
I get my automobile and home owner's insurance from AMICA, a very highly
regarded company based in Rhode Island, USA. They just started offering
pet insurance (I believe through Premier). Despite AMICA's reputation,
I still prefer to self insure with a dedicated savings account.
-MIKE