2
out of 5
POSTED: | BY: Amy D
Huge rate hikes as your dog gets older
I had been a satisfied customer since 2013. The claims process was straightforward, the coverage was great, etc. My rates went up annually, which I expected, and the notices and FAQs said is based on the rising costs of veterinary care. Back in 2013 my monthly premium for two dogs was $63, with a $250 deductible for each dog.
In 2019 I doubled my deductible to lower my monthly premium and keep it under $100/month.
In 2020 I got a notice that my monthly premium was increasing by 30%, and this year I received a notice that my premiums were increasing another 50%. My monthly premium will now be $194, over 3x more than when I signed up—and I have a higher deductible.
I’ve since learned that though they don’t come out and say it, they factor your pet’s age into their anniversary increases even if you signed them up when they were young. Once your dogs are seniors and likely have various health conditions, it is not easy to switch insurers because of their age and all of the conditions that would become “preexisting” with a new provider. So you’re stuck.
If you’re shopping for pet insurance, there is at least one competitor to Healthy Paws that bases premiums on your pet’s age at the time you enroll and doesn’t do “birthday increases.” I only chose Healthy Paws because their misleading language suggested they were the same. After doing some research I’ve learned that there was actually a class action lawsuit against Healthy Paws over this issue, and Healthy Paws does base the increases on your pet’s age.
Loyal customers who have paid premiums for many years on young, healthy dogs should not get stuck with thousands of dollars a year in premiums and high deductibles once their dogs age. They shouldn’t be forced to consider dropping coverage at exactly the time their dogs need it most. I really wish I had made a different choice back in 2013.
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