ASPCA | Pet Insurance Review

I purchased two health plans - one for my 12 year old cat and another for a 6 week old kitten. For the kitten, after submitting about $300 in claims for vaccinations and checkups, I got about $30 back from this plan (The Advantage Plan). For the 12 year old, I took him in because he was limping and for a general checkup. The vet took some x-rays of his leg and determined he had a tumor (cancerous). Other tests and procedures were done, and overall I submitted about $600 in claims for him on the Sterling plan. To date, not a dime has been paid for various excuses and bogus reasons. Processing of claims is very slow and there are many exclusions, so beware. The only bright point is that customer service is quick to respond. Overall, ASPCA is not worth it...look elsewhere. So far, I have lost more money than I have put into this, and this was for services that were supposedly "covered".

My dog was diagnosed with mast cell cancer. The ASPCA was good about paying half the cost of her treatment for the first year I had them, but after that they considered the cancer a pre-existing condition and paid nothing more. They explained that their insurance is renewed annually, so anything my dog had the previous insurance year was pre-existing the second insurance year. This was really outrageous to me but there was nothing I knew to do. They were very nice when they rejected my claims. I don't know if I would recommend this company to other pet owners - I think I would as long as they understood and were willing to accept this issue. Perhaps ASPCA has a cancer rider?

I have 2 dogs and have been very satisfied with the company's payment, response time, customer service and coverage. It has been well worth the cost. My only concern is the definition or deemed date of a pre-existing condition. When the policy renews, a condition should not be deemed pre-existing because it first began during the previous policy period.

I had insurance on 2 cats with this company for about 10 years. Overall I would say they are fair. The biggest drawback is the "pre-existing condition" clause. I have never looked into any other company policy and, therefore, am not aware if this is common practice. It seems to be a major source of complaint by many and can prove to be devastating upon an animals illness. After my cat died, I filed the claims for medical reimbursement and was at first denied because they considered his condition "pre-existing". I spoke to several women in the office regarding the matter and they were so very nice. After I explained the complete story of my cats illness, one suggested that I put those facts in writing and file a formal appeal. After 2 letters from me and one from my Vet, the company became aware that there was no "pre-existing condition" and paid fairly on the claims. My advice is keep good records so you can deal with facts if necessary.

This insurance was great at paying the annoying piddling expenses the first 8 years of my pets life. Insurance is definately NOT something that I want to get my money's worth. But, when a deabilatating accident (ACL tear) happened to my pet I was comfortable in the fact that I would be covered. after 8+ years of paying premiums. This is why we buy insurance right? Well, they gave every excuse in the book not to honor my claim. After filing a lawsuit with small claims court, they settled the day before they were to appear but with no admission of guilt on their part for continually rejecting the claim.