Doesn't pay well enough for routine care!
Written: Dec 07 '00 (Updated Mar 21 '01)
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Pros: for new healthy puppies or kittens, it's a good thing
Cons: too expensive to use just for "routine" care
The Bottom Line: Check and double check rates, read the fine print and check the "normal charges" in your area. For routine medical care, put the money in a savings account instead.
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| jessicarbt's Full Review: Veterinary Pet Insurance |
I didn't select this company because working for a vet clinic meant I saw the problems with it.
Did I ever recommend it? YES, for people who had healthy puppies or kittens who were from healthy parents who had no "genetic" problems. I did advise the people that the cost of the program versus what they would get back was going to be poor UNLESS there was an illness.
This program just does not cover the "basics" and still "save you money". You actually spend more for the insurance than you get back if you just have a simple once yearly office visit. (or even for the series of puppy/kitten shots) You would be "saving" some money, but the savings doesn't start until after your deductible and the initial cost of the insurance are added in. For pets over a year old who have already had any type of health problem that could come back, forget it...VPI is going to be a pain. (for example of a health problem that could come back, an allergy related ear infection)
I can say that from a receptionist standpoint, VPI is a pain. They are constantly sending letters to the clinic, "Fax or mail us the records for X dog from xx/xx/xxxx to xx/xx/xxxx". It's a bit of extra work for us, but it means that the owner is not getting paid until the company decides if and how much they want to pay.
They REALLY double check things to make sure that a "possible pre-existing" problem is or isn't. They even refuse to pay on hereditary problems, so if mom or dad had hip displaysia and they can prove it, they won't pay. (or any other hereditary problem)They consider these problems to be pre-existing. They will cover pre-existing IF the problem has been "cured" and has not needed to be treated for at least 6 months. Maybe, you would have to check their loopholes.
It doesn't always cover realistic bills. They only pay small amounts for things..For instance, here in CA, a routine exam averages $30, VPI pays $10. (but that's AFTER the deductible of $40 has been paid) Dentistry on a small dog (under 25#) would run you $250 with the antibiotics. VPI is kind enough to pay $65. (you can choose one benefit, spaying/neutering, dentistry or comprehensive blood test for this $65 benefit, it WON'T cover all three in a year!) All is ADDITIONAL coverage you have to pay an EXTRA $100 a year for. It does save you money, BUT, you are going to have to check with your vet to find out HOW much it saves.
If you were to put back the $9 a month (plus the $8.25 for vaccine benefit) into a savings account, this would come close to covering the cost of a routine exam and vaccines for a pet. It might even totally cover it. (the $9 is for a kitten under a year, lower priced plan, the higher priced plan is aprox $15 a month plus the $8.25)
For accidents or serious illness, yes, it's going to help. It still won't cover the entire costs though so if you are getting the plan to cover the costs, don't bother. PLUS, in an emergency situation, you still have to pay the entire bill, then WAIT to be reimbursed. Some of the clinics DO accept payment directly from VPI so you don't have to wait to be reimbursed. ASK at the clinics you use, including your emergency clinic.
Sadly, pet health insurance is not like human health insurance, it only HELPS...For the cost of VPI, the hassles are not worth it in my opinion. There are too many forms, too long a wait, and not enough paid back for what you get. Talk to your vet receptionists. They know the score. Ask them if people using the program are HAPPY. Ask them if their clients feel they are getting their money's worth for basic health care.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
jessicarbt
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Member: Angela
Location: Southern Ca
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
Rabbit and small animal rescuer
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