Petplan Questions & Answers

So my original policy is no longer with the company (Guide Dogs) I chose??? You have not answered the question - when did Guide Dogs give their customers to Petplan.

My understanding is that it's an annual contract and remaining months are deducted from the nominated compensation amount.

That is my reading of it too, though I have never even made a claim, let alone have a dog die 3 months into the contract year.

Hi Debra, is this question directed at me or Petplan?

Petplan will pay the lot

Thank you Tony. It’s comforting if it can help pet owners make informed decisions and ask hard questions about pet insurance before purchasing.

I doubt it. They usually expect you to pay then put in a claim but I am not sure.
Mine went from 70 to 105 a month overnight. With a 500 plus excess it wasn't worth it. Even at 80% within 2 years even a major claim would see me ahead. The fact is their insurance is the same or higher than my medical insurance yet the cost compared is nothing like it. They screwed up and are now making the policy holder pay for it.

Thank you for your reply. I sent the inquiry to petplan and this is what i was informed “If you select the option ‘Pay Vet’ on the claim form and they are okay to be paid directly, this is an option. You will have to pay them your applicable excess on the policy, as well as anything that isn’t covered after the claim is finalised.” i reviewed my policy and my excess is $150. I have never claimed anything yet, but i will update my review if i do claim in the future. Thank you kindly.

No you can't ... and beware Pet Plan will not want to pay your claim at all. They will use every excuse in the book not to pay, stall, seek further information and still not pay - and won't even return your calls. I've had a claim with them now 4 months old and after stalling month in and month out, they've now asserted they've never received our claim despite our vet having the claim number and having multiple communication with them. They are so bad they really do warrant an investigation by the authorities. Nothing more than a scam, read the one after another * "Terrible" reviews below.

It covers for a lot dude. You should read your documents. It is expensive but I’ve had nothing but good things to say about them. They’ve always paid out and have been very helpful when I’ve called them up

They can not justify it and use the excuse that the underwriter has driven the price up. There is no risk increase as they state just a grab for cash on 2018 premiums.

Lloyd's of London's underwriter, MS Amlin, is the new underwriter for Petplan. And yes, the company can most certainly justify their price hikes...because, if my research is correct, they are performing badly financially and are desperate to make a profit. Bad news for us and maybe them if customers keep cancelling policies (if statistics on this review page are anything to go by).

It used to be Allianz. Lloyd's apparently insured some porno guys tool of trade for $1M... just a bit of trivia... Also a few actresses legs. It is definitely the new underwriters lifting the price. That is when the premiums doubled in price..and then some. Posted on Petplan's website in May last year, the new underwriters state they did not want to take on policies for older or sick animals (because they would have to pay). On a google search of MS Amlin, employees have written that the company is doing badly, very bad financial results in 2017 which were the worst in the history of the company. One employee even said they should just cut their losses and close down! Another said the new boss is determined to bring profits back up, to the detriment of staff, the customer, all in the name of making a profit. It is written that their long term CEO left 12 months prior, only 1 external applicant applied for the role but they, apparently, employed internally, the person partly responsible for the companies losses.

If this is the correct company that I googled and the statements are true...we are probably up shirt creek without a paddle! Here's hoping this is not the case. Pet Plan were always fantastic in the past and I am hoping they make no more premium hikes and continue Petplan's past reputation. Let's see if they win any awards and compare reviews with the new underwriters. I'm not happy with the price hike but Petplan, to date, have always paid our claims via our vet, with no problems. I've recommended them to everyone I know and staff have always been awesome with me.. But if my premium doubles again, that means I will be paying over $240 pm, I will need a third job to cover another big hike. Reading everyone else's reviews does have me very worried about the future premiums and claims outcomes and also the type of business that Petplan and their underwriters want to cover...like healthy dogs only and that are of breeds of minimal claims... For now I only have praise. So here's hoping it remains that way.

Date: 03/05/17
Petplan's new underwriter

Pet and equine insurer Petplan has appointed Lloyd’s underwriter MS Amlin as underwriter for its business in Australia and New Zealand, ending an arrangement with Allianz that began in 2008.

All new Petplan business is now underwritten by MS Amlin Syndicate 2001 at Lloyd’s.

Some renewal business will transfer to MS Amlin over the next year, but some will remain with Allianz.

It is understood MS Amlin did not want to take on policies relating to older or sick animals, but Allianz is obliged to continue underwriting these due to lifetime guarantees within policies.

Petplan Australasia was established in Australia in 2004 by Victorian brokers Doug and Gwen Ford, and expanded into New Zealand in 2008.

Mr Ford told insuranceNEWS.com.au the new partnership may lead to further expansion.

“MS Amlin has written pet insurance for a number of years and its experience in equine and livestock was also key for us, together with its financial standing and reputation,” he said.

“We thank Allianz Australia for its past and ongoing support, but we see our partnership with MS Amlin as a stepping stone for Petplan’s growth, not only in Australia and New Zealand but also in other parts of the world.”

Source File: InsuranceNews

In my honest opinion I think they pay very little claims out.
My claim was $1500 they refused it. First one ever I made.
I would say cancel your policy and go elsewhere.
My dogs are with Bow Wow and they pay all claims even $60 claims.

did you every appeal?

Nah, gave up, tried several times, was just too hard. Went to change providers, but choice mag said they were still at the top of the list soooo..

Our Basset had a growth growing in top front jaw.. turned out to be cancer and needed half his top jaw removed.. $6000 later but Petplan paid out full amount within a week minus the excess..

Actually- I want to know if you cover this as someone told me you changed underwriters and no longer cover this whereas it was covered last year with my other dog so Im confused. Please can you state in this open forum what your new rules are regarding maligned puppy teeth that are causing detriment to the upper palate. I need an open honest reply that everyone else can see.

I doubt it as I'm sure they would consider teeth cleaning to be "routine, preventative or elective". I cancelled my policy after having to fight for a claim for treatment to save my pet's life. My cat was semi paralysed and having difficulty breathing. The reason for denying the claim was that the life saving treatment was "routine, preventative or elective" even though I provided my vet's report saying that the cat would have died without intervention. They don't care about your pet, they care about money.

ok thanks for letting me know this.

You may have the wrong addressee? I have a small dog - I think you need to direct this to the PetPlan staff.

Hi Petplan sure you can change the premium & terms but you are obliged to advise the customer in advance as this is a RETAIL product. It is the law!

An observer.

Thanks observer, definitely no advance notice that the price would be increased by $60 on a $330 plan. This is an 18% increase in one year with no advance notice. Let's hope the insurance is honoured should I need to make a claim.

Hi, Have not dealt with them since the whole ordeal, so I cant comment on how they are now, considering its only been a short time I doubt much has changed. Personally I wouldn't use them at all.. What I've decided to do is get insurance for the next 12 months with another company and in that time keep putting in $50 to $100 a f/n into another account I started just for the pets... and after I save up a decent sum of $ I'll continue to put money into it fortnightly and get rid of pet insurance all together. Too many stories of pet insurers not paying up when you need the money..

All the best :)

My review is recent, so unless they have made some major changes to their operation, then I would say yes.