ASPCA | Pet Insurance Review

First of all, I would like to say that all of my pets are rescued animals...With that being said, I am very disappointed in how my most recent claim was handled. I have an older cat that has bad hips and sometimes has difficulty going to the bathroom. After speaking with the vet, she was placed on a lax 'aire (which of course is not covered by ASPCA insurance) two times per week. Well, within a two month period, because she is older, she had a severe emergency and was brought to the hospital because she could not go to the bathroom and was in severe pain. The vets in the hospital thought it could be a tumor. Turns out, fortunately, she just needed a change of diet. However, the bill of over $700 (which for for x-rays and other tests to rule out tumors) was not covered AT ALL - after putting in hundreds of dollars into pet insurance that should be covering me, they DID NOT AID ME AT ALL!!! In addition, I have had previous issues with receiving money back. The company dictates what they think a "reasonable cost" for vet bill is. In other words, vet check up for me may cost $69.34 - they feel that a reasonable cost is only $17.34. I think that is completely insulting and absolutely disgusting. This has occurred MANY times over the last few years. Finally, after calling up the company, they were completely unhelpful and fixing the matter.

Gus had three different claims. ASPCA was next to impossible to get someone to talk to, putting me on hold for more than ten minutes twice this last time(then I gave up and hung up). It could take over four weeks to get reimbursement, even if all information was faxed immediately. Once I was told they didn't receive the faxed material, as their fax number had changed(of course they didn't let policy holders know of the change). I was told they would 'expedite' the claim. Even then, weeks went by. I am currently starting my fourth week of waiting after faxing claims to them and e-mailing them to tell them what a lousy company they are and specifics about the last, and final, claim. I finally got a call from them, and was told they would 'expedite' the claim(sound familiar?). Gus deserved better in his short life. He didn't deserve ASPCA.

I obtained pet insurance for my Pomeranian a little bit over two years ago; first time I've ever had a pet let alone alone pet insurance. Their claim process is user friendly and almost hassle free. I say almost because noone is perfect. I recently had to submit a bill of over $2500 and I was expecting a check within the month, as they've always processed the claims with no problem. This time, they had a question (understandably so given the large amount) but neglected to let me know. If I had not inquired, I would not have known about any issues and don't know how long it would have taken to process. Luckily I called and was told of the problem, which I was able to take care of right away. Their response time was excellent and they internally resolved the issue in record speed. Overall I was very happy with their service and especially their customer service; I spoke to a Brenda (I believe her name was) and she genuinly seemed to care about my situation and most of all my dog's well being. I appreciated that. I would highly recommend this insurance but I would also strongly suggest (as with any other insurance) for the claimant to always follow up.

My 5 year old German Shepherd Dog Rocco had TPLO surgery. We were VERY pleased with the surgery and VERY Greatful to have Petshealth insurance for Rocco. They totally refunded us the amount promised with no problems. I recommend Petshealth insurance to all pet owners. Its the type of thing you are greatful to have once it's needed.

+I was a former subscriber to the Hartville Group who was taken for thousands of dollars and learned many unfortunate lessons. This company also has affiliates including PetsHealthPlan.com and ASPCAPetInsurance.com who also engage in the same untrustworthy manner. When I first signed up with this company many years ago, they paid based on the actual percentage of the bill. In a later renewal, they slipped in language changing the amount they reimburse from the agreed upon 80% of actual charges on my bill to a list of cost estimates that were much lower than actual cost of treatment. The cover letter did not provide any indication that these changes were being made. Also during initial signup, I don't believe this company had anything in their contract stating they would stop paying claims after my renewal date. Refusing to pay six months out of a twelve month policy isn’t much of a benefit is it? Honestly, though, I may not have looked as I naturally assumed (as almost everyone else does) that as long as I paid my premiums every month, this company would pay the claims my pet may generate later in life. The Hartville Group preys upon the people who make the logical but false assumption that pet insurance has regulations and protections. If I had signed up with a reputable insurance company my cat may still be alive today. Only after my cat became sick would I find out what a horrible company this was as they either massively underpaid the promised 80% reimbursement or flat out denied claim after claim after claim. Of course I had nowhere else to turn as my cat was now sick and therefore uninsurable. Of the many claims I submitted during my cat's debilitating illness, there was not one claim where I was reimbursed the 80% I was promised after meeting my $100 deductible. Not one! NOW they have introduced a so-called "Continuing Care Endorsement" to fend off the complaints by me and the many others like me who were abandoned by them in years past. Too late for my cat, though. Besides, it still doesn’t stop them from underpaying claims. Thanks for nothing Hartville, I hope you all burn in hell. So my question to you is, with all of the other choices available to you for pet insurance, why would you trust your pet to these people? Thank you pet insurance review for allowing me to publish this warning. If it keeps others from suffering like I did, then maybe my cat's death won't be in vain.