That Dog Has Insurance!?!?
Written: Oct 13 '06
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Pros: Provides different coverage packages
Cons: Raises rates w/o letting you know.
The Bottom Line: Good to know you have coverage if your pet is to get sick. However this company treats its customers unfairly.
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| dimeuhday's Full Review: Pet Care Plus |
Bubba came down with "something"- and I put that in quotes bcause not even the vet knew what it was he had. He was even quarantined, as in they put him away in this small closet sized room away from other animals in case he was contagious.
I almost lost him in 24 hours. He was throwing up all night. I, being stupid fugured he would be okay by morning, and he just ate something that turned his stomach.
By morning however he was almost dead when I woke up. I had rushed him to Riverheads 24 hour emergency veternarian.
14 days in the hospital. It was as if the vets had performed a miracle. His eyes were glazed when I brought him in. Looking ready to die. However, and thank the heavens, somehow Bubba made it. I thank the vet still to this day.
The bill for bubbas stay. $2,215. and some odd cents.
Luckily I was able to make weekly payments. I didn't have 2 grand lying around. The vet also told me that in case Bubba was to get this disease, back again, that I should consider buying pet insurance.
I thought the idea was absurd, seeing how I myself don't even have insurance. But I was willing to take and advice for my baby at that point. They saved his life, and I would have gladly sold a peice of my soul for the miracle they performed.
I looked it up online, and browsed some pet insurance options. I came across this one pretty fast. Pet Care Plus.
It was a bit of a hassle at first. I mean it was easy adding in his information, age, weight ect. But then they asked if he had any recent vet trips, and why.
They almost wouldnt accept insurance for him because of his near death experience.
They told me, I would have to wait 2 months before trying to get insurance. I was approved, they took my money, of course, but then told me the insurance wouldnt be effective for 2 months. Nice! I was a little mad about that. But figured Bubba would be just fine for now.
Only he wasn't. I had to take him back in because he wouldn't eat. Turned out the little guy was semi dehydrated from not eating or drinking. He had to have water inserted into his neck. Yes his neck. A strange spot, and it made his whole scruff blow up into a big jelly like tube around his neck.
As painful as it sounds, it wasn't. He barely noticed and it was over in less than 10 minutes. $350 for that. I didn't even bother trying to get the insurance to pay for it. I knew it wasn't in effect yet.
Anyways, finally insurance kicks in. Bubba is fine, and 100% back to himself again by this time.
I however continue to pay for the insurance. 25$ a month for the premium coverage (gold). 100% coverage, up to $10,000 for every vet visit. -There are less options to go with. 80% coverage, which I believe is the silver package, or 60% coverage which is the bronze package.
Within 3 or 4 months I rcieved in the mail a list of diseases Pet Care will pay for, and a list in which pet care will not cover. Hmmm.... I'm not liking this. However it was small things, like yearly shots, spaying or nuetering. Okay fair enough.
I also receive a yellow claims form to save in case I need to submit a claim.
Within the year I have gotten a list and claim form every month in the mail.
Now its year 2 since I've had the isurance. This is where I will complain. The first year everything was kosher. This year they raise my monthly without telling me to 35$, luckily I look at my credit card statement every month. Otherwise I wouldn't have even known. They told me the 10$ was a yearly renewal fee. Okay, um, thats fair enough; I suppose.
Next month rolls over, and again they charge me $35. I again call and try to get the $10 back on my credit card. Obviouslly they've made a mistake. They told me that these are the new coverage fees. I could if I wanted lower my package to silver wich is now 25$. But with only 80% coverage.
I agree. But now wonder with this new year coming up will they raise my fee again? Most likely! I purchased this insurance because I knew that once Bubba hit 5 yrs of age no insurance carriers would approve him. I know he will need this insurance in his golden years. Now with the fees rising yearly I may have to cancel. I would hate to have to lie about his age to another carrier, and get called out on it, because of this. Hehee.
I've had Pet Care Plus for almost 3 years now. Never ever once submitted a claim, and still my fees are raised. I don't understand this.
If you car isn't in any accidents, rates go down.
My dog has been healthy for almost 3 years, and my rates rise! Due to age? Or what?
I called Pet Care to ask them the same questions posted here. They told me that fees rise because of the outrageous number of claims made throughout the year. I tell them, I haven't made single claim. Why should I be effected because of someone elses claims?
She went into some big explination. I was barely paying attention by then. I'm just angered with this company at why others are effected by someoene elses claims. It's not right, nor fair.
People who had made claims should have higher rates, and those who haven't made any, should be cut a break.
or hey, how about some coupons for dog food, or treats sent monthly. Nope, nothing of the sort.
I've come to realize with time, this company does not care about my dog, they only cre about taking my payments ever month.
It's been almost a year now since my last monthly payment rise. I have not seen a single letter or claim form sent since.
I honestly wouldn't even know they were taking my money if it werent for my credit card statement.
I have yet to have to make a claim. I'm thankful for that. But for such a large company, I feel I should be rewarded somehow. If it be by coupons, or by lowering my fees for a month out of the 12 billing cycles. Something of the sort. But no.
I continue to use this company, only because I know that Bubbas fees will be high due to his 5 year age mark. I am however searching for other options.
In conclusion though, I am glad he has insurance. I just hope that when I someday do have to make a claim, it will be a simple hassle free process.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dimeuhday
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Location: Earth
Reviews written: 181
Trusted by: 116 members
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