He appealed the decision, providing additional information that convinced Embrace to pay, a spokeswoman said.Įxperiences like Arlene's are so common that California adopted consumer-protection laws about pet insurance beginning in 2014, and has since reinforced the rules. "I was so emotionally distraught," said Arlene. When Chance swallowed a stuffed animal last year, requiring hospitalization, Embrace initially denied the $1,100 claim, citing a "pre-existing condition" for eating objects. ![]() However, customers who buy insurance are often stunned by rejected claims, facing unexpected restrictions, or companies take aggressive stances about what should be covered.įor instance, Philadelphia-based consultant Chris Arlene pays Embrace Pet Insurance $45 a month to cover his dog, Chance. Pricier policies tend to have broader protections. Rates are typically based on animals' ages and care levels. Policies are similar to human health coverage, with annual premiums and deductibles. The research firm expects pet-insurance earnings to swell from $1.6 billion last year to $2.4 billion in 2025. ![]() pets are insured, compared to 20% in some European markets, according to IBISWorld. Dog inquiries on Petfinder, an online pet directory, rose 36% for the year ended January 31, a spokeswoman said. The pandemic led many Americans to adopt or purchase pets for companionship during extended lockdowns. It is an important development at a time when the pet insurance market is poised to grow. Then, state legislatures can decide whether to adopt the proposed law or create their own versions. The committee is getting closer to presenting the "model" pet insurance law to those regulators to approve. The committee is preparing for NAIC's national meeting in April, where regulators from all 50 states will congregate to discuss top-of-mind issues. Among them: determining whether a pet's condition is "pre-existing" and how long customers must wait after buying coverage to file claims. insurance regulators are close to creating a legal standard for pet insurance that would address long-standing consumer complaints that insurers rarely pay up when their furry friends are not well.Ī National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) committee is scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss fine-print provisions about several controversial issues. However, they are free of charge and available to anyone who has a policy.March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. It’s important to note that we don’t automatically do these medical history reviews, you must request one. If you’d like, you can request that we do a Medical History Review, which involves one of our claims adjusters reviewing your pet’s medical records to let you know what – if any – conditions would be considered pre-existing. We define what conditions are pre-existing for your pet by requesting their medical records for the 12 months (or less, if they are a new addition) prior to the purchase of the policy. ![]() As these issues can be completely cleared up, they could be covered moving forward if the pet goes 12 months symptom free. Curable pre-existing conditions include things like ear infections and undiagnosed vomiting or diarrhea. ![]() Examples of incurable pre-existing conditions include diabetes, allergies, etc. However, Embrace does distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. No pet insurance company covers pre-existing conditions. *Complementary treatments were previously called alternative therapies.Ī pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or irregularity noticed by you or your veterinarian before the end of your waiting period, even if your pet never went to see the veterinarian for it. One important thing to remember is that vitamins and herbal supplements (those that are not FDA approved for veterinary use) and complementary treatment options not associated with a covered condition are not covered under this portion of the policy, however Wellness Rewards does reimburse for them. We may need to verify that your vet recommended this treatment, but as long as they have – we’re good to go.Ĭomplementary treatment coverage includes: We do require that the treatment is for covered conditions and carried out either by a vet, under the direct supervision of a vet, or at a vet’s recommendation. Coverage for complementary and holistic veterinarians is included in your accident and illness policy at no extra charge. Embrace insurance covers complementary treatments* for any covered injury or illness.
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