ASPCA | Pet Insurance Review

Blondie was hospitalized after eating an entire bag of Nestles chocolate chips. She spent two days in the hospital. The bill was over $ 1,000. I was reibursed about $ 650. I was a little dissapointed in that so much was discounted. I live about 6 miles from Manhattan and costs are high here. I don't really know if all that is taken in to account. (Although it is the same with human medical reimbursements) The first time I submitted the claim, I was never acknowledged. I guess it never made it to a desk. Once I resubmitted it, it was addressed immediately.

Sweet Baby Girl is my chocolate brown Toy Poodle, and my baby. She recently had a bout of "something" and was just not herself. Long story but finally an X-ray was taken and revealed inflamed bowels. She went on medication and is back to her adorable self to the tune of over $500. This claim has not yet been paid but there has never been a hassle on the other two submitte; just fair and timely payment. Being in the real estate business in California, the past few years have been a little lean money wise, so it's comforting to know that I have insurance to cover these types of situations :-)

In the recent past, I know of someone who was presented with an $8,000.00 bill to cover the expences incurred attempting to keep a standard poodle alive. Unfortunately, the dog did not make it through the surgeries, blood transfusions and other treatments provided to him. Would YOU ever want to make the decision about your pet's welfare based solely on the cost? I know I wouldn't. Pet insurance has become as important to our pets as health insurance is to us. ASPCA is reputable and honest in its evaluations of each claim. Just weigh the cost of the premiums against the peace of mind it affords you, and the protection it provides for our loving pets.

I am going into my 2nd year with an ASPCA policy after switching from another carrier. This is the first year that I have accessed the policy for anything beyond routine exams and I have to say that I am disappointed. The policy and website indicate that the company reimburses claims based on the actual bill as opposed to set fees. However, the company uses "customary fees that are set geographically" which truly amounts to set fees that are based on where you live and have nothing to do with your actual bill. They then pay 80% of their "customary fee" which further minimizes the customer's reimbursment. In addition to receiving a reimbursment that was pennies on the dollar, the premiums for my plan increased by about 20% without notice! Needless to say, we are looking for new pet insurance.

My dog Coco had a few medical procedures due to an ear hematoma. This was the first time I have ever needed to submit an insurance claim. The ASPCA Pet Insurance representatives were helpful in guiding me step by step on the claim process. It was easy and with no hassles. Thank you.