ASPCA | Pet Insurance Review

My 150 lb Bullmastiff cracked one of his lower teeth (canine fang) and he appeared to be uncomfortable because the root was exposed. I took him to a veterinarian who specialized in dog dentistry. I had two options - pull it or put a crown on it. Needless to say, the cost of a crown was extremely prohibitive ($2,000+) and it would have created maintenance issues because it is common for crowns to come loose and they usually end up being swallowed, therefore needing to be replaced. The vet assured me he would be fine without the tooth (unlike some animals in the wild who rely on their canine teeth for survival). Pulling the tooth required major surgery. I realized why after seeing the tooth once it was pulled (the entire tooth was over 2 inches long and looked like it had come out of a shark!). The cost of the surgery was almost $900 of which my pet insurance covered over half without any question or delay.

Please read my story below...I have filed formal complaints against this company with the BBB, and the Attorney Generals office of both Missouri and OhioI would like to file a formal complaint against PetsHealth Care Plan based in Canton Ohio. Their practices are very deceiving and just plain unethical. I have had a pet insured through their plan since 1998. In the past 10 years I have paid the premium promptly each month and have only made one claim. Back on August 14th I took my dog to the vet because he seemed to be having problems. At first they thought he had some type of intestinal virus and put him on antibiotics and I was to bring him back in a couple of weeks. He seemed to get somewhat better but we returned on August 16th and they thought he might have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They took blood work and then treated him with additional antibiotics. The blood work came back 3 days later and unfortunately the news was much worse. He was diagnosed with Canine Leukemia. Within two weeks he went completely downhill and we were forced to Euthanize him on August 31st. Understand that I have been insured continually since 1998 on this pet. Now they have refused to pay on a claim from 8/16/08 because they claim that it was a pre-existing condition prior to my policy renewal date of 8/15/08. If this is the case, it should have been covered under the policy prior to 8/15/08. How can they be allowed to deny a claim that was made when my premiums have been paid monthly for the past 10 years. Not only do we have to deal with the grief of losing our pet of 11 years but now we will not get reimbursed for the cost of his care when I have paid over $2400 in premiums over the past 10 years. This is unethical and should not be allowed. I want my premiums refunded to me for the past 10 + years. This type of poor service should not be allowed. At the very least I expect all my claims to be paid

When my 13 year old Doxie had to go the the emergency vet it cost me almost $800.00. I was glad they helped me but they wanted all their money right away. Unfortunately he passed away and I now have a new puppy 2 months old miniature Doxie Duke. I have sent in 3 claims and all are being processed as we speak. It was well worth the price because it pays for his medications and shorts and as a Registered Nurse I can tell you pet medication and doctor visits are as expeensive as humans. One day I accidently dropped a pill that would have been lethal to him in 1 hour. I rushed him to the vet within 20 minutes and they kept him for about 3 hours to induce vomiting and keep a close eye on him. The pill he passed was not even totally dissolved and I brought him home. They said he would probably be a little sleepy for the rest of the day but he never missed a beat. The only things not covered so far for him were his vitamins and special shampoo but getting back 80% of everything else was well worth the cost of the insurance and I already have the $100.00 deductible in. This would have been wounderful with the $800.00 bill but unfortunately I had no coverage then. I would not be without it for future regular visits and I hope there are no more emergencies but with a puppy you never know. I only know he has the best of care and I get money back. He and all other animals deserve it. They are sweet innocents that depend on us to take care of them just like children and I am glad for the opportunity to provide this coverage for my Doxie. The cost of the monthly premium would have been well worth it for the 13 years I had my other Doxie but did not know about the insurance. I would recommend it to anyone with a pet. They deserve good care and depend on you to provide it and with the insurance it is much easier.

I have been very satisfied with the coverage that I have for my two dogs and one cat. I feel that the coverage that I had was reasonably priced, unfortunately I did have to cancel due to rising economic costs in other areas. Any time that I have contacted customer service I have received a prompt and curteous reply. I know that when I am looking to re-establish coverage for my pets I will return to being a Hartville customer.

Sam and Sally (7-year-old beagles) have had three claims so far this year, our first with the policy. First was wellness exams, second and third were for illnesses. The claims were handled promptly and the statements were clear.