Comments on: ASPCA Pet Insurance | No Animal Cruelty

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:19:51 +0000

I have had the ASPCA Pet Insurance for the past year. It paid a small amount for basic services. I think next time around I will just put that money in a savings account and take my chances. I don’t think it was worth the monthly fee. If you get your dog a micro chip they carry insurance coverage if your dog gets injured while lost for about $17 a year!

By: sheri

sheri — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:16:15 +0000

I have Pets Best for my cats and so far so good.

By: Claire

Claire — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:09:01 +0000

Duh, just saw the Embrace banner at the top of the page…

By: Claire

Claire — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:06:03 +0000

I’ve started to review one pet insurance company (Embrace) who, has a policy to cover hereditary conditions – as long as the condition wasn’t present before the policy started. So, for me with dogs that have documented problems, it won’t be useful, but, if I’m with another puppy in the future – I’m going to file this and review it again.

Anyone with PetsBest?

I’m also going to look into whether or not any of the vet schools (orthopedics) have programs where interns are supervised with surgery (I know this happens with plastic surgeon interns) If the surgery itself isn’t too delicate or complicated – might be a way to manage the expense a bit …. ahh, the reality is, is that if surgery is the only option – I’ll only go to a highly recommended one and pay, pay, pay.
But my St. B, Boxer and Poodle are all worth it. Good luck all.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:46:42 +0000

Good for you, Sheri! In my first conversation with ASPCA Pet Health–when i signed up with them–I was told that my dog would be covered for injuries in about a week and then in 30 days would be covered for illness. Never once did she mention an ACL/CCL exclusion. So, when 4months passed and my dog injuried her knee, i expected my insurance company to cover it. When my vet recommended a TPLO procedure (which he does not do) for my giant-breed dog, I called ASPCA to make sure they covered that particular procedure…only to find they would not cover ANY procedure! I fought it–first complaining to the state’s insurance commission and then taking them to small claims. I did win, but my dog is still limping on that leg (see above for all she went through) and now that leg is pre-existing with my new insurance company (ASPCA dropped us after the injury, saying basically that we’re costing them too much…though it would have been pre-existing even had we been able to stay with ASPCA, which i wouldn’t have wanted to do anyway).
Bottom line: i still believe in pet insurance…just not THIS pet insurance!

By: Linda Love

Linda Love — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:45:58 +0000

Again, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE ASPCA PET INSURANCE TO ANYONE! FIND A REPUTABLE COMPANY!!!!

By: sheri

sheri — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:40:23 +0000

Thank you Claire for your insight. I am arguing the claim on the fact that she injured herself while running. Regardless of whether there is an underlying problem, the symptoms happened from running. We found out that she is slightly arthritic, but we all have this problem with age. The policies clearly state that they will over injuries, and it is a fine line as to whether a dog injured a joint or it is hereditary. I am not going to give up . They play a waiting game, giving themselves 30 days. Everyone should file a complaint with their state insurance board!!!

By: Victoria

Victoria — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:00:24 +0000

Claire,
Different breeds have different hereditary complaints. That’s why pet insurance companies ask you for the breed of your dog when you sign up. Were you told that elbow dysplasia would be excluded due to your dog’s breed? If they did…then yes, the diagnosis of that condition would be included in the exclusion. If not, you may wish to fight this exclusion.
I would not lump all pet insurance companies in with this one, though, and I would never want to be without pet insurance. As it is, i worry constantly about my dog’s one leg that is no longer covered by anyone due to ASPCA’s crappy insurance coverage.
Victoria
Victoria

By: Claire

Claire — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:32:32 +0000

Here’s a tip: If your dog is limping over a period of a couple of weeks, is not improving, and is checked up by a vet via manipulations and finally x-ray…. the return on the claim for the visit and x-rays is not covered is because it is hereditary (elbow dysplasia) My argument is that for diagnosis purposes – how would one know it is dysplasia without further investigations…. I understand that this diagnosis is not covered for any “treatment” but, for a diagnosis? This is where fraud starts. Rubbish company. Final straw – it is comical how much comes back from them, in terms of the customary fees – where are these vets whose fees are being compared to! I’ve cancelled them all and won’t be taking out any animal insurance again.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:28:40 +0000

I thought I was covered, my dog had an emergency. I called the insurance company from the vet,explained the procedure and they verified (or at least agreed) it was in fact an “emergency”….then denied my $941.00 dollar claim.