Comments on: ASPCA Pet Insurance | No Animal Cruelty

By: Linda Love

Linda Love — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:21:21 +0000

I’ll start looking for pet activists attorneys. I’ll probably find one who represents the ASPCA/Humaine Society. If anyone finds a “mouthpiece” first, I’m on-board with that, too. I think we need some justice here. My cat has bladder problems and it just cost me over $400 to get him treated. I don’t have anymore insurance coverage because I’m so skeptical where pet insurance companies are concerned. I know, a lot of people here have had good experiences and not every company is out to take advantage of the pet owner. I’ll look into more coverage for my babies soon…and my wallet.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:42:22 +0000

Hello again. By any chance, do you have the “Citation” associated with your case? If you do, this will save our lawyers a ton of time in obtaining it. Thanks again, Steve

By: Steve K

Steve K — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:40:49 +0000

Have you started the legal procedures involved? If so, we would like to be included in the class action suit.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:57:55 +0000

Thanks for the info. The case number will help to establish a precedent.
If you have more info to send, please use: email@mediapeopleintl.com and I will receive it. THANK YOU! Steve

By: Victoria

Victoria — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:05:07 +0000

Linda,
You find an atty who will handle the case and I’m sure we’d all join in. Keep in mind, the person who originally files a class action receives the most compensation from it. I actually discussed it with the atty with whom I’d spoken regarding my small claims stuff. She said she didn’t think her firm would approve of her taking it on. I don’t think it was that she didn’t think we’d have chance, though. She mentioned the fact that their office was handling some other class actions that year and she didn’t think they’d have the manpower for it.
So, by all means…go for it. Keep in mind, though, filing a class action costs MUCH more money than small claims.
Perhaps we could have several benefits–in many different states–to obtain the funds to pay for the thing and then we could ALL share, financially, in the win. =)
Maybe THEN ASPCA would withdraw their endorsement, eh?

By: Linda Love

Linda Love — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:45:54 +0000

I meant the ASPCA Pet Insurance company, that is. Not the ASPCA.

By: Linda Love

Linda Love — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:45:19 +0000

I purpose a class-action suit against the ASPCA.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:30:29 +0000

Steve,
Odd…your post shows up in my email, but not here.
Well, unfortunately this may post before yours, but to answer your question on small claims court: I live in Wisconsin. It was the circuit court of Rock County, case number 9SC2540. I’m not sure how that will help you, but there it is. I didn’t have a judge, but rather a Court Commissioner (who, by the way, was a real horse’s behind). The guy was very short with me and so I thought there would be no way he’d side with me on this. Whenever I tried explaining the “issue” he would cut me off and so now when I’m looking at the paperwork it is sort of ticking me off, as he had written: “She was forced to hire inferior (cheaper) vet because ins. said no coverage. $3500 limit. She accepted the $3500. She claims bad faith denial.”
I did not go to an “inferior…vet” ever! My vet didn’t do the procedure he had recommended (TPLO), but when ASPCA said they wouldn’t cover ANY procedure, let alone the more expensive TPLO i was forced to have a cheaper PROCEDURE done– by my local vet That procedure didn’t hold so i needed to get the TPLO after all. “Bad faith” is important, though.
But, Steve, this was another major point–I’d already filed a complaint with my state’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). They were the ones to get ASPCA to pay on the claim. The problem was that when they finally agreed to pay it was 6 mos. later and I had already had to have SOME surgery for my dog. So when that one didn’t hold and I had to get the $3500. TPLO–and I only had a $3500/incident limit on my policy–i took them to court to get what exceeded that limit. I also ended up getting the full 80% they had told me I’d be getting, which they were denying by their idea of “reasonable costs.”
ASPCA’s pre-existing condition clause HAS to be changed! I’m glad that you’re pursuing this.
Steve, I had to cut this post in half due to its length…and it’s still too long. Do you have a generic email address you’d be willing to post here? If so I could mail you some things. But if not, google something like “_your state’s name_ guide to small claims court.” You should be able to find some info. that will be helpful.
Good luck

By: Steve K

Steve K — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:39:09 +0000

Hello Victoria,
I am considering a small claims lawsuit against ASPCA. Our dog was diagnosed with cancer and was covered for about 1 month…then his policy was renewed and suddenly he had a pre-existing condition (his cancer) which was subsequently not covered! Can you let me know a case number and in which state you won the case? This historical information will help with our case. THANK YOU, Steve K.

By: Linda Love

Linda Love — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:05:04 +0000

Julie, doesn’t that really insults your intelligence? I mean, you pay your premiums, expect the best care to coincide with the level of policy you buy, and then the ASPCA insurance company cheats you out of a proper reimbusement. I hope your dog is better.

I’ve read a lot of people on this site recommend Trupanion. I told my vet not to recommend the ASPCA to anyone. I’m going to look into Trupanion. I just had a $421 vet bill w/o coverage last week, but I need to cover my pets.

One thing I can say and that is I know I won’t see a reimbursement of my last vet bill, but at least no is ripping me off.