What are some good options for new pet insurance? I’m currently with Lemonade and I’ve been fairly satisfied. They recently raised my monthly premium to $110, which I’m okay with since I haven’t had any issues with their coverage. I had to take my golden retriever to the emergency room after he swallowed a small tennis ball someone threw for their tiny dog. He needed surgery, but Lemonade covered 80%. About six months ago, he swallowed a small Nerf ball, but thankfully, they induced vomiting and he was fine. However, I just got an email from Lemonade saying that since he’s had two foreign body incidents in the last 18 months, it’s now seen as a recurring condition. If it happens again within the next 18 months, it won’t be covered. I really hope it doesn’t happen again, but I’m worried about having to pay a lot of money out of pocket if it does, especially since I’m paying for pet insurance. Is this something most pet insurance companies do? Should I consider switching to a different company that doesn’t have these kinds of limits on coverage?
That could be seen as a pre-existing condition with other insurers too. If he goes 180 days without symptoms or treatment, Pumpkin might consider him cured.
Unfortunately, once you’ve used your insurance, anything related to previous claims will be seen as pre-existing. It can be tricky to switch due to these pre-existing issues. I know MetLife might waive pre-existing conditions if you had insurance before. But they usually require your employer to contract with them. If your employer isn’t partnered with them or if you’re not a first responder or veteran, that option might not be available.
I was worried this might be labeled as pre-existing even though it’s more of a behavioral issue.
I have AKC for my 3-year-old rescue and they do consider pre-existing conditions. I had to wait a year, but it was worth it. they paid out almost $5,000 with a $55 monthly premium. They even allow you to have a second insurance policy.
I suggest reading through sample policies and calling the companies you’re thinking about. From my experience, that’s not a typical exclusion. My previous insurer managed multiple pet insurance plans, and they treated foreign body ingestions as separate incidents.