Pet Health Insurance

63 responses so far ↓

• 1 T. E. Mueller // Mar 24, 2008 at 1:50 pm

  I wouldn’t recommend the SPCA Pet Insurnace to anyone. They are a typical insurance company, promising great things, collecting premiums, cluttering your e-mail box with their propaganda. They are also typical when it comes time to reimburse the client – the payment is usually about 15% of the bill becasue they find methods of disallowing most charges. I’d advise everyone to buy from a reputable company, not SPCA.

• 2 Mikael // Mar 24, 2008 at 11:28 pm

  Hi T.E. First of all I would like to thank you for your comment and welcome you to the blog.

  Sure SPCA is a typical insurance company but aren’t they all? I’m sure that you will find that every single insurance company outthere will have had complaining customers. I’m not saying that you aren’t right complaining but it does happen that some people are actually wrong and the company is right.

  The problem is that people are then left with the bill and that makes them want to complain. Right or wrong…

• 3 Chris // Apr 3, 2008 at 7:06 pm

  Check out Trupanion, you have to enrol your pet when they are a puppy or kitten but they have great coverage over the lifetime….

• 4 Mikael // Apr 3, 2008 at 10:41 pm

  Hi Chris, welcome to you also. Is trupanion a new insurance company? I don’t believe that I have ever heard of them before. Could you tell us a little bit more about them if you are using them for your pet? Thanks.

  Mikael

• 5 Carpe Diem // Apr 4, 2008 at 7:05 am

  Great advice about doing your homework before getting any insurance for your pet. Why should it be different then looking for auto insurance! My wife and I recently got a 9 month old Lab mix pup from our local shelter. Did my due diligence in researching insurance products and decided on a new company, Trupanion(www.trupanion.com). They specialize in lifetime coverage for puppies and kittens 8 weeks old up to one year. You get $20K to use for all accidents, illnesses, surgeries, meds and diagnostic tests,with no per incident minimum. Zero deductible and premiums won’t go up with pets aging or claims history. They’ll even cover hereditary and congenital diseases. Exclusions are pre-existing conditions and wellness/preventive care. I know coverage for wellness care is a big issue for some people, be having pets before, we have budgeted for that expense. Trupanion won’t be for everyone since they don’t cover older pets, but for us, they were the right choice because of their simple plan and extensive coverage. We’ll be sure to comment in the future “when” we have to submit a claim and can talk on the subject.

• 6 Mikael // Apr 4, 2008 at 7:13 am

  Hi Carpe Diem. That sounds absolutely fantastic. We’ll love to hear about your experiences with Trupanion. I’m actually thinking of writing a post about the sometime soon. Maybe you could comment on that as well. That would be great!

• 7 Keith Jackson // Jun 5, 2008 at 3:43 pm

  I have twice requested pamplets on dangerous things around the home for your pets. I have been promised twice that I would recieve 50 of these pamplets for my dog club the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Northern California. I have recieved nothing. Can anyone help me?

• 8 Mikael // Jun 10, 2008 at 10:59 am

  Hi Keith, thank you for your post. How did you request the pamplets? Did you send them an email, did you call them or did you actually show up in person?

  It seems strange that aren’t more than willing to give away promotional items. That is every company’s dream to have customers ask for commercials

• 9 Karen - Marie // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:01 am

  Hej jeg er fra danmark jeg hader også dyreplagerri de skulle havde nogle støre straffe. jeg ser meget Anemal

  Venlig Hilsen Karen – Marie Due

• 10 Rob Oaks // Aug 23, 2008 at 9:17 am

  I WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT A SERIOUS AND UNCONSCIONABLE FLAW IN THE ASPCA PET HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS.

  With ASPCA, you renew your plan on a yearly basis. This yearly renewal is inconvenient but not, in itself, a problem.

  Here’s the very serious problem.

  ANY CONDITION THAT EXISTED DURING THE PRIOR PLAN PERIOD IS CONSIDERED A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION!

  What are the implications? Consider the following situation:
  * Your dog is diagnosed with a serious cancer on a Monday and you schedule your dog for costly, major surgery on Thursday.
  * You submit the ASPCA insurance claim on Tuesday.
  * Your ASPCA plan is set for renewal on Wednesday.
  * Your dog undergoes surgery on Thursday.
  * You submit the ASPCA insurance claim for the surgery on Friday.

  Guess what? YOUR CLAIM WILL BE DENIED!

  Please let this sink in.

  ANY CONDITION, NO MATTER HOW SERIOUS, THAT EXISTED EVEN 1 DAY PRIOR TO RENEWAL WILL NOT BE COVERED. This also implies that any condition that lasts, in any form, more than a year, will not be covered for the condition’s duration.

  I talked to a customer service supervisor about this (their customer service is generally very good, BTW) and they acknowledged that it’s a real problem, citing examples of major, heartbreaking claims that were not covered because they spanned the renewal date.

  What ASPCA will tell you is that they have a plan, the Sterling Plan, that covers “long-term” conditions (now remember, according to the example above, LONG TERM COULD ACTUALLY BE 4 DAYS). What they won’t emphasize is the following:
  * The Sterling Plan is by far their most expensive plan. It is almost 50% more than their next most expensive plan, the Premier Plan, which is what I have.
  * The Sterling Plan has a maximum PER INCIDENT (NOT per visit) benefit of $2500, which is HALF of the maximum incident benefit for the Premier Plan. This means that any condition, NO MATTER HOW SERIOUS, will not be covered past $2500. So, if you thought you could sign up for the Sterling Plan to deal with a catastrophic care situation—think again: $2,500 doesn’t go very far when it comes to things like cancer.

  Now I understand the basic principles of insurance and actuarial science. With any insurance plan, there will be net winners and net losers. But what I’m telling you is that I do not believe that the majority of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance subscribers will save money over the life of their pet. That’s the bottom line.

  For more information or to contact ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and tell them what you think, see http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/pet-insurance-default.aspx.

• 11 Mikael // Aug 25, 2008 at 4:15 pm

  Hi Rob, thank you for stopping by and for sharing your excellent research with us. I agree with everything you state but just to expand on your last comment:

  “…I do not believe that the majority of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance subscribers will save money over the life of their pet. That’s the bottom line.”

  This is true for EVERY SINGLE INSURANCE COMPANY. If the net result was that people received more than they had paid the company would go bankrupt… It is not MEANT to give people the net benefit. It is no different than a casino.

• 12 Bill S. // Sep 12, 2008 at 10:54 am

  I completely agree with Rob. I took my cat, Taz, in for a visit on 7/14/08. He was referred to a specialist. He saw the specialist on 8/4/08 & 8/7/08. ASPCA insurance had an auto renewal on 7/15/08. Therefore, those claims for 8/4/08 & 8/7/08 were considered a pre existing condition, and the claims were refused. I saw the 180 day caveat for pre existing conditions when I signed up for the insurance, but I foolishly assumed it was for the implementation of the policy, not for every single renewal. I guarantee you, no one at the ASPCA insurance company will mention this when you sign up.
  This goes beyond typical insurance company behavior. This smacks of trickery in its truest form. I will NEVER again make a cash contribution to the ASPCA until this problem with there insurance carrier is rectified.

• 13 JDR // Oct 1, 2008 at 1:57 pm

  I was looking at the ASPCA website for insurance for my two German Sheperd mix dogs. I see lots of people having problems with diseases or hereditary conditions. I am just looking at the Accident Plan to cover snake bites, broken legs, eaten bad objects. Is there any problems that anyone knows about with this if its NOT concerning cancer or any diseases of the sort? Thank you.

• 14 Bill S. // Oct 4, 2008 at 1:26 pm

  JDR, this is how it could work…

  Lets say your dog suffered a broken leg on June 15th. On July 1st, your policy expires, so you renew it. The care for your dog’s broken leg would no longer be covered, as it occured in a “previous plan year”.
  Believe me, they won’t tell you this when you buy the insurance, but IT IS thier policy!!

• 15 Colleen // Oct 30, 2008 at 9:32 pm

  Hello –

  I have a two year old mix and I’ve been going through website after website.. Can anyone point me in a direction of a good basic insurance for my dog? Everyone bashes these insurances, but never gives an alternative… Please help!

• 16 Pamela // Oct 31, 2008 at 6:03 pm

  We have two Persian kittens that required eye surgery at an early age. ASPCA insurance refused any kind of payment as they “decided” this was a pre-existing/hereditary condition. Even with documentation from the surgeons at Cornell (who did the surgery), the supervisors at ASPCA pet insurance have denied the claim again, and again. Our cat’s bills have been paid, but this insurance BS has to stop!!! Too many pet owner’s are being taken for a money ride. Maybe it is time to get a lawyer or two into this.

• 17 Barbara Niro // Dec 10, 2008 at 9:17 am

  I wish I would have checked this site BEFORE I signed up for ASPCA Pet Insurance. I’m just now finding out how difficult it is to get a claim paid! Years ago I had VIP Pet Insurance in Calif and they were terrific. I had one claim within the first policy period and they paid with no hassle.
  ASPCA Pet Insurance has denied my claim for my dog, based on “pre-existing” condition and “waiting period”. I guess they are covering all bases?
  I’m appealing it, but looks like this may be a losing battle.
  I signed up for this insurance because it was ” ASPCA” and I am a long time supporter, but I guess the insurance is a huge mistake!
  I agree with Pamela’s comment of 10-31-08!

• 18 Nix // Dec 11, 2008 at 3:31 pm

  I was pretty close to signing up for ASPCA until I read most of your experiences, I need an insurance plan through a company I can trust….basically “just in case” insurance for my 4y/o pit & 4y/o tabby….**If anyone could offer advice and your experience I would appreciate it!**

• 19 Hate ASPCA Pet Health Insurance - You’re Not Alone // Dec 27, 2008 at 7:32 am

  [...] I first wrote the review of the ASPCA Pet Insurance a little over a year ago I might have been a little to optimistic about the company and what they [...]

• 20 lauraborealis // Jan 21, 2009 at 8:56 pm

  I wish I’d found this site, too! I stopped contributing to the ASPCA after 10 years because of the way ASPCA pet insurance has handled EVERY SINGLE CLAIM I’ve had. I currently have a cat battling Vaccine-associated sarcoma. He had a leg amputated in August. A tumor appeared on the incision, so he just finished radiation and surgery for that.

  They consider that all one incident, hence eligible for a grand total of $1500. Plus, despite the fact that I take him to a vet school, which has proven to be the cheapest option in my area (and I’ve tried quite a few vets and specialists), they, without fail, knock something off every charge as “costs above reasonable”)… sometimes even $1 on a prescription.

  I feel that they lure customers in with their association to the ASPCA… the whole “protect and love animals” thing… and proceed to ream them.

• 21 Heather // Jan 30, 2009 at 10:28 am

  I, too, have had problems with the ASPCA rejecting payment on claims that are for “pre-existing conditions.” I took my 12 yo tabby to the vet in November ‘08 for vomiting. The vet ran various tests to rule out other problems and then ended up diagnosing and treating him for gastroenteritis. But, my cat was treated for the exact same thing in the previous year, so the ASPCA would not cover it. But, there was no way to know what the problem was (especially in a senior cat) without running all of those tests. So, what kills me is that now if he ends up getting this problem again and again, none of the tests or drugs will cover it. Seems like a colossal waste of money to me to continue the insurance. My problem is, I now feel like something tragic will happen to him if and when I decide to cancel the coverage.

• 22 Judy // Feb 11, 2009 at 2:24 pm

  I had one claim with ASPCA for my dog and they paid about half of my costs. It was not that bad as long as you follow their insurance policy.

• 23 Deborah Allen // Feb 12, 2009 at 10:40 pm

  I was really wanting some good advice as to which company to go with. So far all I see are folks unhappy with ASPCA. Can anyone let us all know which one is grrrreat? Or at least good? Thanks

• 24 Frank Fernino // Mar 1, 2009 at 7:18 pm

  I am just starting research on Pet Insurance for my 1 year old lab. I understand the comments about ASPSA insurance not covering pre-existing conditions from one plan year to the next. Now they seem to have an option on each plan, called “Continuing care” that will cover an incident in one plan year that spills over to the next. Is this a new option, or did you folks not get that option in your coverage?

• 25 Judy // Mar 2, 2009 at 3:15 pm

  I was not aware of this option. Has anyone purchased it? On the other hand, it looks like a pre-exiting condition will be covered if 180 days have passed since cure and last treatment.

• 26 Frank Fernino // Mar 2, 2009 at 4:47 pm

  I learned a bit more about this option. On the “Primary” plan, it allows a max of $1000 (with a $2500 lifetime max) to apply to claims that were made in a prior plan year that require treatment in the current plan year. So, if 11 months into a plan year, your dog breaks a leg, The claim is made and treatment begins. The plan year ends and a new plan year starts. The dog still needs follow-up treatment for the injury. The “Continuing Care” would apply, with the $1000 limit. I think there is also a separate deductable. Sounds pretty convoluted.

• 27 Abbie // Mar 16, 2009 at 5:39 pm

  I just started with ASPCA and they are terrible. They didn’t cover a thing as promised with my puppies new health insurance. I followed every guideline including ages, breeds, etc. and they covered NOTHING. I wasted a lot of money. DO NOT go through this company.

• 28 achamblee // Mar 18, 2009 at 12:21 pm

  I got pet insurance through ASPCA – thinking it came through a reputable organization. Just a few months later my cat got injured when he thought he was trapped, and he pulled out all his own claws on a grate-like gate. The insurance knee-jerk reaction was that anything related to claws was “cosmetic grooming” and denied the claim even though the veterinarian and anti-bacterials were required and the bill was about $500. When I appealed, they paid $10. When I cancelled, the bills kept coming on my credit card. When I won the credit card appeal, they just added the total to the next billing cycle.
  It was a disaster of time and money. Self-insure and just put money aside as if it’s an insurance premium.

• 29 Judy // Mar 18, 2009 at 6:54 pm

  That was not acceptable ! Now I need to reconsider if I should continue my insurance with ASPCA. Self-insurance is probably the best way.

• 30 Mike // Mar 23, 2009 at 2:15 pm

  Wow, this really makes it tuff. I insured with VPI for 2 days then read a bunch of bad things about them on another forum. Then I got a quote from ASPCA on name recognition ( I also contribute monthly), and after reading these posts I wouldn’t even consider them. Boy is there a good company anywhere?

• 31 Barbara Niro // Apr 1, 2009 at 9:37 pm

  I have an update to my initial post in December of 2008:
  When I first filed my claim with ASPCA Pet Insurance, it was denied because THEY decided it was a pre-existing condition. I decided to fight it and got letters from my vet. I knew my dog’s condition was NOT pre-existing. They eventually paid the claim, since they really had no choice, however, they reduced it due to
  “reasonable and customary” charges that they determined.
  It’s just too bad that you have to fight with the insurance company at the same time you are trying to care for a sick pet.

• 32 Patty // Apr 4, 2009 at 1:09 pm

  I just hung up with the ASPCA’s claims dept. My story gioes like this…I signed up for insurance through them in Feb 2007 for my 2 Vizslas. At the end of November (2 months before end of policy) one of my boys was diagnosed with Diabetes. As we’ve all read here, after I signed up for the new policy they deemed the condition preexisting and have not covered a thing related to his treatment since. I pulled my initial “welcome” letter from 2007 which mentions nothing about the preexisting condition policy. It’s buried many pages into the policy and at best is veiled. I noticed the new letter for 2009 mentions it IN the welcoming letter so clearly they have had issues with this. Back to today…In November of 2008 I had cataract surgery performed on the same dog. He’s a senior and cataracts are not unusual. Well you guessed it, they tie the cataracts directly to his “preexisting” (as if Diabestes will ever go away) condition and will not pay a dime toward any of his diagnostic, surgical or follow up. I too signed up for this plan based on research and the ASPCA name and legacy. It’s dissappointing, diheartening and disgracecful. My vet is even astounded at the policy. None of the other policies he works with have this caviat. I’m not done with them yet. Mr. ASPCA CEO will be hearing from me. As will a few other choice forums. So much for the voice of the animals. My boys have been left out in the cold.

• 33 Victoria // Apr 4, 2009 at 11:53 pm

  Patty, I know! My vet said he has never dealt with such a rotten insurance company as ASPCA, either!
  My story is long and complicated, but my advice is not to believe what ASPCA’s agents tell you on the phone. I was told that both accident and illness would be covered 30days after signing up for this insurance and when i asked whether everything would be covered then, after 30 days, she told me “correct.” I was sent the audio tape which verified what i’d been told. Three month after switching from VPI to ASPCA (because it was endorsed by the ASPCA!), my dog tore her CCL and ASPCA insurance told me there was a 12-month exclusion…long story short, i’m fighting them to the hilt–i even have an appt. with an atty. next week. I’ll come armed with a transcript of that taped conversation.
  My dog has been going through hell because of this pet insurance. I only wish i’d stayed with VPI.
  As for their Sterling Plan, as Rob Oaks mentioned, it has an incident limit of $2,500. Keep in mind, they don’t have to renew anyone’s policy. With my dog, after filing claims for just one incident they won’t let me renew my policy saying she’s “high risk.”
  I wrote to the president of the ASPCA complaining of their endorsement. Everyone, please do the same and save someone else from making the same mistake. Here is where and to whom you should write:
  Mr. Edwyn Sayres
  ASPCA
  424 East 92nd Street
  New York, NY 10128-6804

• 34 Mikael // Apr 9, 2009 at 8:05 am

  I just got this email from Patty:

  Thanks for the contact info. My letter is written I just needed an address. I also received an unsolicited call yesterday from an ASPCA customer service manager. I guess the girl who was helping me (she really was quite nice) told her how upset I was and that I planned on contacting the NY Times and ASPCA. I’m calling them later. I’ve thought about the lawyer route myself. How is your dog doing? It’s so awful to be put in this situation, for us and them.
  P

• 35 Dr. Jan // Apr 20, 2009 at 10:29 pm

  Wow! So many complaints re ASPCA Pet Health Ins.

  I’ve had it with them too! Their pre-existing clause is construed in such a way it still screws folks who tried to do their homework prior to selecting a pet ins. co.

  It nailed me too and I work in the med-legal field…

  Time for a giant TORT, a class action law suit!

  Guess what I found out? Rep at the co. informed me that they DO NOT have vets looking at these claims. They use vet techs with maybe three years of training.

  This is like having a high schooler review claims.

  Please, everyone with a complaint should file a formal report with your state’s ins. board, complain to the CEO of ASPCA (they need to stop using their name on this very poor ins. product), get the media involved (I’ve worked in media and appeared on shows like Oprah, CNN,” if it bleeds it leads”… We are in a horrible recession and now, this rotten co. is causing more grief for people already struggling to make ends meet! Try something like this when you phone media folks).

  So, who out there also wants to join in a law suit?

• 36 Victoria // Apr 21, 2009 at 9:10 am

  I’ve already been hunting down a good lawyer—one who specializes in animal-related cases. I think I’ve found one, but we’ve been playing phone tag so far.
  I’ve also already written to the pres. and CEO of the ASPCA (see name and address in my post above) complaining of their choice of insurance company, AND I’ve filed a complaint with my state’s office of commissioner of insurance. I’ve DONE all of these things already. I really don’t know what else to do and yet I still do not feel compensated for all that my furry companion and I have been through because of this insurance company.
  I would GLADLY add my name to a class-action law suit. Post the details please!

• 37 Victoria // Apr 21, 2009 at 9:34 am

  P.S.
  Thanks for the inquiry into my dog’s health, Mikael. I think she is doing better. This Wednesday she will have her 4wk post-op check-up. (She finally had the TPLO she should have had from the beginning, but for which ASPCA pet health insurance refused to pay.) She still toe-touches. I’m not sure if that is now out of habit, though, since she’s had to do it since August. I’ll ask the vet when we see him tomorrow. Two weeks ago he felt she was coming along beautifully, though. I only hope—going through all she’s been through, what with having to take all of those anti-inflammatory, pain, and antibiotic meds and the possible osteoarthritis, all because she couldn’t get the RIGHT procedure done from the very beginning—that no permanent damage has been done to her longevity and quality of life. She’s just the best companion and she’s MY responsibility. It was my job to protect her and I feel that I’ve let her down by choosing to change insurance companies last May. (She had been with Veterinary Pet Insurance since I took her home at 8weeks, though we had never filed a claim with them.) I want to make sure that ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is aware that they cannot treat animals cruelly and get away with it—especially and keep their endorsement from the ASPCA! Perhaps if everyone contacts them to report cruelty to animals, done by their own insurance company, they’ll stop merely telling them to contact the party who handles their insurance problems (and who does NOTHING!)—as they did to me when I tried doing just that. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…

• 38 Patty // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:21 pm

  I’m all for a class action suit. I’ll follow your lead and the advice of a good lawyer. Not sure what’s necesssary to get it going. My last unsolicited call from ASPCA (after I threatended to contact the NY Times and other media) was to say they had “decided” to review the case (been reviewed twice already) and request medical records (so none were requested the first 2 times???) These guys are a piece of work!

• 39 Victoria // Apr 24, 2009 at 12:14 am

  The first thing we have to do is find a lawyer who will take the case…and take it for a percentage of whatever they get from Hartville. I’m afraid that I can’t afford more than what i’m already paying for my own lawyer and all the friggin’ vet bills i had hoped to avoid by buying pet insurance.
  By the way, I contacted my dog’s OLD insurance company (VPI) and unlike ASPCA, they don’t consider something that occurs while insured with them to be pre-existing for the following policy period. They also told me that my dog’s other knee would not be considered pre-existing were i to sign up with them again…ASPCA considers her other knee to be pre-existing because they consider it a “bi-lateral” injury. So I’ve signed back up with VPI.

• 40 Patty // Apr 25, 2009 at 8:57 am

  I had checked with 3 other pet insurance copanies (VPI was one) after I realized I was being screwed by the pre-exisitng clause and all 3 said the conditions would not be considered pre-existing. That said they didn’t pay as much as ASPCA for certian ailmentss, BUT AT LEAST THEY PAY CONTINUALLY. I’m really stuck now because both my boys are 10+ and with Rudi’s diabetets no one will take either of them now. I’m afraid to pull out of ASPCA should either of them get injured or develope some other illness. Feel like a slave. I’m putting feelers out for the lawyer.

• 41 Curt // Apr 28, 2009 at 7:08 am

  AVOID ASPCA PET INSURANCE COMPLETELY. IT MAY HAVE THEIR BRANDING BUT IT IS A COMPLETE RIPOFF.
  The policy is not pet insurance it is a limited benefit polciy paying predetermined amounts for each item but they do not disclose those amounts. They try to disguise it as geographic reasonable and customary but a supervisor admitted to me that is not true. The reasonable and customary for durgs is lower than the manhufacturer sells it at cost! I paid for a premium policy and got less coverage than basic elsewhere for a much higher premium.

• 42 Curt // Apr 28, 2009 at 7:22 am

  If a class action is initiated please post the attorney information

• 43 Kristine // Apr 29, 2009 at 12:09 pm

  OMG – Ok, so now what? What insurance do we choose for our new 4month old pups?? I am confused, frustrated and …well… confused!!! Can someone direct me to ANY good pet insurance experiences??

• 44 Abbie // Apr 29, 2009 at 12:34 pm

  I just switched my puppy (9 months) to VPI Pet Insurance. I haven’t gotten the paperwork yet or tried to file a claim, so I’m not sure how it’s going to be. I have heard good things about this company from friends, however. I purchased the superior plan that runs about 47.00 a month, but it covers everything from accidents to cancer.

• 45 Victoria // Apr 29, 2009 at 7:29 pm

  I went back to VPI. (i had only switched from them because I’d thought an insurance company endorsed by the ASPCA had to be superior–it is not.) VPI doesn’t consider a condition to be “pre-existing” when it happens whilst insured by them (as ASPCA does), and they guarantee that they will not refuse to renew your policy as long as you want to renew. ASPCA won’t let me renew my policy because my dog’s CCL injury cost them too much in one year. They also now consider BOTH knees pre-existing. VPI isn’t even classifying the other knee as pre-existing, and said they’d cover it as long as it doesn’t require surgery for the next 12-months (in other words, she can injury it at 9months and, as long as her surgery doesn’t take place until 12months later, it’s covered). This exclusion isn’t even like ASPCA’s original exclusion, as the only reason for it is because my dog’s one knee already went out whilst insuraced by ASPCA and now i’m having to switch.
  Even though I’ve had this insurance in the past, i’ve not yet had to file a claim with them. Just these things, however, make them superior to ASPCAs Pet Health.
  I cannot believe that the ASPCA would endorse a company that causes pet owners–those concerned enough to have taken out pet insurance–to be left caring for pets with pre-existing conditions and no insurance. Yet unfortunately it has.
  again, grrrrrrrrrrr…

• 46 Yelnats // Apr 30, 2009 at 7:10 am

  My Vet actually recommended ASPCA Pet Insurance to me… I will have them read these posts. The crooks at ASPCA Pet Insurance should have their criminal behavior corrected by the State.

• 47 BILL S. // Apr 30, 2009 at 9:15 pm

  ASPCA is receiving a fee from the insurance carrier to use their name. It is unlikely that ASPCA would be willing to give up that stream of income. They will, however, not receive any more donations from me until they publically rebuke this company. ASPCA may be contractually bound for a set period of time, to lend their name to this insurance carrier.

• 48 Patty // May 1, 2009 at 7:12 am

  That’s interesting Bill. I had left a VM for Ed Sayers of the ASPCA last week and yesterday I received an email from their markering director. I sent a long, polite message explaining how many of us feel about the endorsement and the issues with the pre existing condition clause. I’m waiting to see how they respond.

• 49 Victoria // May 7, 2009 at 2:35 pm

  I’m a bit insulted by that news, Patty. For I have written two letters to, and left two voice messages with Ed Sayers and have yet to hear one word from him or anyone at the ASPCA.
  Oh well, my last VM gave him the URL for this website. Maybe he’ll get the picture.

• 50 Patty // May 11, 2009 at 3:09 pm

  I mentioned this website as well. And just so you know no response sincce I sent my detailed email. I was thinking just the other day I should follow up and ask if they have any comment or if they have taken my respectful suggestion that the ASPCA no longer endorse this insurance company. If I hear back I will advise all.

• 51 Victoria // May 20, 2009 at 2:26 pm

  I hope no one minds, but I’ve quoted some of your comments to the Wisconsin Office of Commissioner or Insurance. My examiner told me that her supervisor is looking into pet health insurances since she’s been receiving so many complaints. As not all of your complaints with ASPCA Pet Health have been MY complaints, I thought they’d like to know what others have been saying regarding this company–especially with regard to the “pre-existing” clause, which seems to be unique among pet insurance companies.
  I’ve done more research and have finally made my decision to go with Pet Plan USA for my new insurer. They don’t seem to have an incident limit, but rather a yearly limit–which I like, since few pets get struck with several things within one year but one incident alone can cost over $5,000. They do have one drawback: presently they only cover 70% of any “specialty” care. This means that if you take your pet to anyone other than your primary-care vet–any kind of surgeon who specializes in that surgery–it is only going to cover 70% of the cost. The good news is that they CLAIM (and it’s recorded) that they cover that percentage from what your vet charges (only exception is if the fee seems SO outrages–like 50-100% higher than normal– that they get the feeling they are being bilked, then they may question things). So the way i figure it, even 70% of what the vet charges will still be more than what ASPCA covers with their don’t-call-me-a-benefits-schedule benefits schedule. And the thing i like is that they came right out and SAID that they would only cover 70% of those charges, unlike ASPCA Pet Health who made me believe they didn’t use a benefits schedule like VPI does, but everything indicates they actually do use one, since they only allowed a fraction of what my vet charged as “reasonable charges,” and they can’t seem to tell me HOW they calculate those reasonable charges. Pet Plan USA is even hoping to change that 70% thingy by year’s end to match the rest of one’s plan (which can cover up to 100% if you want to pay for that much plan…i figured why pay for 100% coverage when they’ll only pay 70% on the really big things anyway–their plans don’t include wellness care–the annual physicals and such).
  Anyone still with ASPCA and having a pre-existing problem, do call other companies, as many of them don’t even consider some things pre-existing that occured while covered by ASPCA even though ASPCA does! (e.g. my dog’s other knee is now considered pre-existing with ASPCA, but not with both VPI and PetPlan USA.) Anyway…look into Pet Plan USA if you’d like…and if you find something I should know about and have missed…PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

• 52 Victoria // May 20, 2009 at 2:30 pm

  oh yeah, and i was told by someone at one of the other insurance companies that they heard the ASPCA is TRYING to withdraw their endorsement, but there is a lot of red tape involved…let’s see how this plays out.

• 53 Victoria // May 20, 2009 at 2:36 pm

  whoa! I was just about to try calling Mr. Sayres at the ASPCA again…and the number must have been pulled from this website! Am I missing it somehow?

• 54 Patty // May 20, 2009 at 9:57 pm

  Just to let you all know I did indeed receive a detailed reply from a Claire McCabe, Manager of Mktg for the ASPCA. She was clearly quoting verbiage from managers of the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance team. In fairness she did respond but the overall tone was that while she could appreciate my situation, that there is no one insurance that can satisfy everyone and that the Hartville Group was being very “flexible” in their response to the pre-exisrting conditions clause by now offering the Continuing Care and Sterling plans. The fact that the plans are so cost prohibitive (for my dogs it would be $110 per pet, per month on top of premiums, if they were even eligible which they are not due to age and, you guessed it, pre-existing conditions) doesn’t appear to be of concern to them. My favorite quote…” in general, we’re pleased that APHI has been able to provide what we believe to be the best accident, illness and wellness coverage in the industry, as well as to respond flexibly to concerns like those about ongoing conditions. In addition, APHI web sites and other marketing materials have been regularly and conscientiously updated to apprise prospective and existing customers of relevant plan features, including exclusions and coverage limitations.” She was pleased that I was conscientious enough to have insurnace for my pets (still doesn’t get it, it doens’t matter, they don’t pay) and “encouraged” me to continue to shop for the plan that was best for my situation (again, doesn’t get it, no one will take Rudi, he’s too old now and has several condotions that will never be covered). VPI and Pet Plan are both good. Petsurance is a little weird in that they don’t sign you up for a yearly policy. You pay month to month on a CC. They cover up to $20K for the life of your pet. And beware, Pets Health Plan IS the Hartville Group. Same as ASPCA with a different name. They actually told me they were the ONLY insurance company that offered coverage for pre-existing conditions by the simple addition of one of their continuing care options. Can you imagine???!!! Not only are they cheating folks but they point blank lied. This ain’t over yet.

• 55 Dr. jan // May 23, 2009 at 2:28 pm

  FYI…

  After making the “stink” heard around the world and firmly informing an ASPCA Pet Health Ins. rep that I expected my my dog’s pneumonia treatment ins. claim to be paid (they wanted 30 days to review the appeal) I gave them a 3 day limit (this was based on their history of bad faith) lo and behold… They called me on day two and informed me the check was going to be put in the mail. Eventually, it did arrive.

  Prior to this, I had put in a call to E. Sayres, CEO the ASPCA in NY. Apparently,
  he won’t personally respond to calls re.
  ASPCA Pet Health Ins.

  Their marketing liason ??? Ms McCabe returned my call. After listening to my complaints, like a puppet whose strings were being yanked by someone higher up,
  she uttered several obviously, parroted and very pat responses.

  An ER call came in and I had to end the call with McCabe. I called her later and left a message. Never heard from her again…

  ASPCA Pet Health Ins. still owes me hundreds of dollars re. previously unpaid claims in which they exercised their “weasel” preexisting clause.
  I’m going to see if they are going to make this right too.

  I was told this co. is now under new management.

  Dr. J

• 56 Patty // May 23, 2009 at 10:47 pm

  McCabe emailed me again and I quote “I have passed your email on to our Sr Director of Corporate Partnerships and our VP of Marketing and Licensing. I also forward copies of every inquiry to Hartville’s CMO and to their head of customer service. We are all working together to make improvements and continue to develop plans that provide the best possible value.”

  I don’t know who they are “all working together” with because it’s certainly not the customers. Got a VM message Friday I was just denied (the 3rd time they’ve “reviewed”) for Rudi’s cataract surgery because of couse they are linking it to the diabetes which is, you guessed it, pre-existing from year 2 on our policy. I will call, AGAIN, and tell them I’m in direct contact with ASPCA and see if it makes any difference to them what so ever. If nothing else they know we aren’t backing down w/o a fight.

• 57 Candice // May 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm

  I signed up for ASPCA health insurance for my labrador pup two months ago thinking they would be great. I have not tried to file any claims, he’s had no issues (I only signed up for accident coverage) but I really wished I would have read this website first, scary! I am now researching other companies because I refuse to give this company one more penny!

  I checked out Trupanion, but I live in Alaska and they do not write policies within our state! Any other companies anyone could recommend? I’m very new to this pet insurance thing, so any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

• 58 Paula // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:12 pm

  Oh my gosh! Why didn’t I find this website prior to purchasing ASPCA health insurance for my 13 year old Persian. She has no health issues (genetic or injuries), but recently she picked up a bacterial infection and the vet had to do several tests, which costs me approximately $400. I am already getting the run-around from ASPCA (they have already asked for Praline’s records from the vet) and I have a feeling that after reading all of this, I have wasted the premium payments I have already made since March. My problem is her age. There have only been two companies that will give me a quote for her: Petsurance and Trupanion. Can anyone give me any advice on this?

  I am considering calling an cancelling this plan and just “eating” the vet costs last month.

• 59 Victoria // Jun 10, 2009 at 9:15 am

  Paula,
  Don’t give up on them so easily. This is how the insurance companies make their money–people don’t bother fighting for what they deserve…besides, they may just surprise you and pay the tab. They are funny that way. Maybe they’ll find no easy way of getting out of it. Don’t get me wrong, you definitely need to find another insurance company, because ASPCA Pet Health is total crap, but don’t let them get away with not paying their portion of this bill. If they don’t pay on the first shot then file an appeal, and if that doesn’t work then contact your state’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance and file a complaint. It is only when we band together, and make a stink regarding the poor state of pet insurance, that we will finally get pet insurance companies to treat us properly. My state’s OCI is already gathering as much info as possible on pet insurance companies due to all the complaints being filed on them. So this is how we have to do it, if necessary. But please don’t just eat the expense and leave it at that.
  Victoria

• 60 Nicole // Jun 19, 2009 at 10:20 am

  Look into PetsBest or PurinaCare insurance. PurinaCare seems to have the best payouts, few exclusions. PetsBest is good for accident-type coverage and is a big cheaper.

• 61 Paula // Jun 19, 2009 at 8:56 pm

  Thank you Victoria and Nicole. ASPCA has finalized one of my claims (only about 1/3 of the bill) and it still reviewing the other claim. Needless to say, I am very frustrated and unfortunately, the fine print won’t allow me to cancel once I file a claim.

  PurinaCare isn’t available in SC yet and I am looking at the PetsBest. They gave me a quote, but the deductible is $100 per visit.

  I’ll keep looking.

• 62 Ruby // Jun 23, 2009 at 10:40 am

  Okay…just researching pet ins. companies, this one sounds like a bad choice. A friend of mine has Petfirst Healthcare…has anybody else used them before. I have a 2 yr old Bullmastiff and would like to get him some coverage.

• 63 Randy // Jun 25, 2009 at 8:58 pm

  Anybody who is looking for a very fair-minded company that provides good insurance coverage for your pet without pages of fine print that will allow the insurance company to “Opt Out” of either renewing your policy or paying a claim should take a hard and very serious look at TruPanion.

  It is NOT true that Trupanion won’t cover older pets. They now will enroll new pets that are as old as FOURTEEN (14) years old.

  I briefly signed up with PETPLAN but then read the policy saw all kinds of scary exclusions, qualifications, and requirements before you could renew your policy (especially as your pet ages). I could see many ways that PETPLAN could “legally” cancel your policy.

  Trupanion seems to be a very honest company. I enrolled a second pet with them. If you enroll a second pet, you don’t have to pay a second enrollment fee. That caught my mistake and advised me that they would be combining the policies and REFUNDING the second enrollment fee that I wouldn’t have to pay.

  I am impressed with that honesty. I used to work in the HUMAN health insurance industry. I know from experience that the policies are written to AVOID paying claims.

  Nothing I’ve seen in the TruPanion policy frightens me …. even with my insurance experience.

  Though I haven’t had a claim with them, my experience so far has been very positive.

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