As a customer with dogs insured with Petplan in Australia, I happened to be on their Facebook page a couple of months ago and noticed some unfavourable customer reviews that were displayed at the time. I can no longer seem to find these reviews only a link back to their website for comments. If anyone can find them I will stand corrected. I wonder why I can no longer find them??
As a result of these reviews which mainly related to the high cost rises since the new policies started coming out in March this year, I thought I would investigate the policy myself. Many people claimed massive increases. I have also spoken to the senior people at Petplan in regard to the new changes to the policies. I want facts and only facts no sell. I can make my own opinion based on these facts.
The problem I have with what is claimed is an overhaul of the policy is that all the current clients are effected by these changes. In many cases (like mine) people have older dogs which cant get illness insurance elsewhere (due to age) and others have previously had claims and in many cases these claims could mean pre existing conditions if they were to change to another insurer. In effect that gives people like me two choices. First to pay what I have been verbally told (dont find out officially until the policy renewal comes due) amounts to a huge increase 100% or close to it, or failing that withdraw from pet insurance all together. I have been with Petplan several years. I have one dog who is 11 with no claims history (but unable to go elsewhere due to age if I want illness as well) and the other has a two minor claims which I have officially been told elsewhere would be pre existing.
My own policies have gone from what was called Standard Dog to the new product that those currently on Standard Dog will be offered called Classic Ultimate. I have not checked the Clauses Boarding Kennel Fees, Holiday Cancellation and a couple of others, primarily because they do not affect me personally and it is time consuming to go through every Clause and make comparisons.
These are the changes in simple terms between the Petplan policy prior to March this year Standard Dog and the new policy now called Classic Ultimate which will be issued as renewals come due to existing customers.
http://caninecancer.org.au/documents.html Which has been taken from my current policy document and the new document I was sent.
I have requested information on what the percentage of any vet bill that I will be required to pay when the new policy comes due. I have been unable to find out until the policy renewal arrives. Does thiis mean it is no longer across the board as the previous years and clear for all to see? Is percentage now based on previous claim history? I think fair questions for dog owners to ask in the interest of transparency. .
Not all dog owners get 100% of their vet bill paid. For many dog owners this is not the case, Age pays a part in it and breed may also.
Petplan is not the only pet insurance company that has a for Life policy. I dont know all that do but Bow Wow Meow is another that does.
In terms of the Petplan claim service the last claim I made with them for about $400 (approx) took several months to complete. All documentation was provided at the time of claim and no further vet records were called for. I also recently claimed via Bow Wow Meow for the passing of Frodo in April. I was paid out several thousand dollars in 36 hrs in contrast.
It is hard to give advice on pet insurance other than to say choose wisely as once you make the first claim it may well prevent you from going elsewhere. The pre-existing clause is definitely not clear on countless conditions. Pet insurance companies do not advise you of any specific pre-existing conditions in my experience until after you make your first claim. This is when they inspect your pets medical records and deem whether or not something is pre existing. It makes it very hard for owners. Even if you ask them upfront when you call you may not get the right advice on a pre-existing as the decision comes down to what is determined by someone else from claims who is not who you talk to when you make enquiries on pet insurance.'
I invite the Underwriter at Petplan to comment on the facts of the changes in policy I have posted. If it is felt that there is something inaccurate I am happy to give her the opportunity to correct it for all dog owners. In the interests of transparency for dog owners, lets keep to the facts though not enter into a marketing spiel.
Lisa