I was so happy when I first signed up my 4-month old Dobe with Trupanion, they offered great coverage at a great rate with all kinds of implied promises that the rate wouldn't go up over time.
I recently received a communication from Trupanion informing me that new rates were being put in place this year.
I used to pay $53 a month for a zero deductible policy. My new rate effective on 6/11/2011 for exactly the same coverage will be $126!!!!
In order to keep my current payment I have to agree to a $750 deductible.
I used to have nothing but great things to say about this company but now I would warn anyone away from a company that would so readily hike it's rates on it's customers.
I was going to sign up with Trupanion until I caught wind of them rejecting the coverage on a boxer with genetic maladies. The company states they will cover things breed specific (like DCM, for example, and the only reason I considered them) and will reimburse you annual follow up echoes and all sorts of promises. Well, Trupanion claimed they would cover this woman's dog only to backpedal and reject the costs. Ever since seeing that on TV I never followed through with my application. Guess that's a good thing, now that they've jacked up the prices considerably.
The underwriting terms are were they "hide" the info like increases. I found one of their policies and it states:
CHANGES TO YOUR COVERAGE: Your coverage, premium, and co-insurance will not change due to your pet aging or your claims experience. However, your monthly premium may change during the life of the policy as a result of increases in the overall cost of veterinary care for your enrollment factors. If your premium is increased, you will be notified in writing or by email (to the last addresses made known to us), at least thirty days before your increase is to take effect.
Try Purina Care. We pay $33.03 a month each for our boys with a $500 ded. Just renewed and it didn't go up. It also has a $20,000 a year and no lifetime amount.
I checked the Purina Care and they have a $2000 limit per accident/illness and Trupanion has no limits. This is on the Canadian site not sure if US is different. Also, they only cover 80% and Trupanion is 90%. Price quote for me is $10 more than I pay now but lower ($100) deductible. I'll stick with Trupanion for now. I don't like limits as most serious things cost well over $2K these days
I don't know about the limits in Canada. Ours has the $20,000 per year with no lifetime limit. Our youngest boy had a blocked intestine. That bill was $4,000. With the ded. and them paying 80% it only cost around $1,200
The increases will be at 5yr old. Good luck.
I have been looking at Trupanion, attracted by the absence of limits. I find other posts on the 'net from other disillusioned customers who have been surprised by large rate hikes.
Now I feel unsure, but the only other carrier I see that covers breed specific/genetic conditions/diseases is Embrace, and it looks like they only cover purebred dogs until age 6.
So the best compromise appears to be the Trupanion with a companion savings account to allow for needing to boost the deductible to compensate for the premium increase(s).
I have not looked at the others, but Embrace now covers up to $15,000/year, and Trupanion no longer has annual or lifetime limits.
In other words, it's a nice chart, but it's not current. Wish it was, as I do get tired of juggling windows.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums
1.8M posts
53.8K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to doberman owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!