This has been hotly debated on a bunch of threads. After considering all the pros and cons and the problems and the satisfactions with the various insurers, I decided to go with PetPlan. I have had a policy with them on one dog for about 4 years.
Last September, that dog was diagnosed with lymphoma. We have spent 6 months and around $8000 on chemo at Iowa State University and a number of related visits to my primary vet at home. Thus far, my out-of-pocket has been around $1300 total.
Susan had related some bad experiences with PetPlan, particularly with them repeatedly asking for "more documentation, etc." and felt she was getting a "run-around". With a couple of my early claims, I had a similar misunderstanding with them. They asked several times for "more medical history", to which I replied, "I have sent you her entire medical records for the last 4 years". (was beginning to think I also was getting a run-around) I made a phone call and discovered that what they meant by "medical history" was actually the write-up of the findings and treatment administered at the last visit ... a matter of terminology. The clinic had been sending in the claims for me and were not including all the documentation that was required. Once we got the clinic on the same page, there has not been a hiccup since. I pay the bill when I leave the clinic, give the girl a signed claim form and get the check usually within 5 or 6 days.
I think with most all the insurers you can taylor your policy as you wish. PetPlan has three "levels" and with each, you can decide how much deductible, how much co-pay, etc. you want. My particular plan, for example, has $200 deductible per case. After the first $200, I pay a 10% co-pay if treated by my personal vet or a 20% co-pay if treated by a specialist like the University Oncologists.
It's hard for anyone to tell you what your premium will be with so many determinants involved ... the deductibles and co-pays you choose, the age of your dog, the breed of your dog, where you live (presumably medical costs vary widely in different areas). My premium started out at around $250 per year at age 4. by the time she was 7, it had gone up to $410. If you want something with lower deductibles & co-pays so you can claim routine visits, it will cost you a lot more.
I'm up for renewal soon so I am wondering how my currant status will be considered regarding "pre-existing conditions". As I understand it, as long as my policy is renewed before it lapses, coverage continues uninterrupted. I will keep you posted on that.
JS