A Vet's Guide To Pet Insurance
Compare VPI Pet Insurance
Comparison Fact Sheet (Dogs and Cats)To get the most from these sheets, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.
| Company Info | |
| Company Name | Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) |
| Also Known As | |
| Address | P.O. Box 2344 Brea, CA 92822-2344 |
| Phone | 1-888-899-4VPI |
| Website | www.petinsurance.com |
| Plan Name(s) | VPI Superior; VPI Standard |
| States Covered | All 50 states, including DC |
| Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating | Insurance underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (in California) and National Casualty Company (in all other states) Veterinary Pet Insurance Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of NR-5 as of 2/08/10. National Casualty Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A+" and an Outlook of "Negative" as of 2/08/10. For the most recent ratings go to: AM Best and enter the name of the underwriter in the box labeled 'Text'. |
| Year Company Started | 1982 |
| Policy Basics | |
| Policy Term | 12 months |
| Effective Date | The Effective Date will be listed on the Declarations Page of your policy after you apply and are accepted. |
| Enrollment Age | Pet must be at least 6 weeks of age to 9 years of age |
| Cancellation Policy | Sample policy not available before purchase so call VPI for their current cancellation policy. |
| Waiting Period | 14 days after the policy effective date for accidents and illness |
| Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury | 12 months after the policy effective date |
| Coverage When Travel Out of State or Country? | Out of State Coverage - You WILL be covered while traveling to other states with your pet. Out of Country Coverage - You WILL be covered when traveling to another country with your pet |
| Can the Price of the Policy Increase as my Pet Ages? | Yes, the policy premium can increase as your pet ages.
Contact the company for more information on these increases. |
| Does Coverage Stop Due to Age? | No |
| What Happens when the Policy Renews? | Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent
years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment
as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit
schedule allowances are reset every policy year. |
| Can the Price of the Policy Increase if a Claim is Filed? | No |
| Choice of Vet? | You can choose any licensed veterinarian worldwide, but you must live in the US permanently to purchase a policy |
| Money Back Guarantee? | If you change your mind within 10 days they will refund your money in full as long as you have not filed a claim. |
| Surcharge for Visiting a Specialist or Emergency Clinic? | No |
| Referral needed to Visit a Specialist? | No |
| Pre-certification Required? | No |
| Additional Requirements | **See actual policy or call VPI for a complete list of the requirements you are expected to adhere to in order to maintain coverage. |
| Pet Insurance Policy Available for Pre-Purchase Review? | Policy not available for review* |
| What's Covered | |
| Species Covered | Dogs and Cats |
| Accident/Injury - Baseline Coverage |
Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication. |
| Illness - Baseline Coverage |
Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication. |
| Behavioral Therapy Coverage | [NO] |
| Alternative Therapy Coverage | [INCLUDED] Alternative therapy must be performed
by a licensed veterinarian. The medical condition the Alternative
Therapy is used for must be listed in the benefit schedule to be covered.
Homeopathic remedies or medicines and nutritional supplements are not covered by the policy. **See actual policy or call VPI for any additional limitations on Alternative Therapy Coverage. |
| Pre-existing Conditions Policy | Pre-existing conditions are not covered unless
the condition is temporary and has been cured for 6 months, then it
might be covered. This is at VPI's discretion to determine. According to VPI's website, a pre-existing condition "...is an injury or illness that began or was contracted, manifested or incurred before the date the policy coverage began." **See actual policy or call VPI for complete description of pre-existing conditions. |
| Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage | [LIMITED COVERAGE] Congenital/developmental defects are not covered. Certain hereditary conditions are excluded **See actual policy or call VPI for complete description of their Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Policy. |
| Continual Coverage for Chronic Conditions | [INCLUDED] Continual coverage for chronic conditions
is included in policy. Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year. |
| Chronic Conditions Policy | Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent
years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment
as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident
payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy
year. They do not cover chronic conditions that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period. **See actual policy or call VPI for complete description of their Chronic Conditions Policy. |
| Cancer Coverage | [LIMITED COVERAGE] Cancers listed in the benefit
schedule are covered up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits.
If the cancer is not on the schedule consider it is not covered. An additional Cancer rider can be added to increase the benefit allowance for cancer related treatment to twice the original amount. They do not cover cancers that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period. They do not covered cancers that are considered to be hereditary or congenital. (See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section above) |
| Cancer Coverage Limits | Coverage for eligible cancers in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year. |
| Hip Dysplasia | [NO] (See 'Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage' section above) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | [INCLUDED] Coverage for prescription drugs
for covered medical conditions is included up to the benefit allowance
for the diagnosis/treatment **See actual policy or call VPI for full list of inclusions and exclusions |
| Pregnancy Coverage | [NO] |
| Routine/Wellness Coverage | [OPTIONAL] VPI offers two Routine/Wellness addons (for dogs and cats) for an additional cost:
Each benefit has reimbursement limits Deductible does not apply to Wellness Coverage. **See actual policy or call VPI for complete description of their Wellness Coverage |
| Vaccinations | [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details |
| Spay/Neuter | [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details |
| Dental Care (Routine) | [OPTIONAL] Routine dental care is optional. You will need to purchase the Well Care Premier addon. |
| Dental Care (Illness/Accident) | [LIMITED COVERAGE] Only the dental conditions
listed in their benefit schedules are covered. **See benefit schedule, actual policy or call VPI for full list of inclusions and exclusions. |
| Bilateral Conditions Policy | ? |
| Coverage - Overview (please read policy for full coverage details) |
Diagnostics and treatments of eligible illnesses and accidents. Diagnosis/treatment must be listed in the benefit schedule to be covered.
**See benefit schedule, actual policy or call VPI for full list of inclusions, exclusions, limitations and conditions. |
| What's not Covered - Overview (partial listing, please read policy for full details) |
|
| How The Policy Works | |
| Co-pay | 10% |
| Deductible | $50 per incident
Deductible does not apply to the optional wellness benefits. |
| Flat Deductible vs % Deductible | Flat |
| Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible | Per Incident |
| How is Reimbursement Determined | Benefit Schedule - VPI uses a benefit schedule to determine how much you will be reimbursed per diagnosis/treatment per policy year. The benefit schedule allowances are reset each year. |
| Max Payout Annually | The VPI Superior Plan maximum annual payout is $14,000 The VPI Standard Plan maximum annual payout is $9,000 |
| Max Lifetime Payout | VPI does not have a maximum lifetime payout |
| Max Payout per Incident | The VPI Superior Plan has a per incident maximum payout of $4,500 The VPI Standard Plan has a per incident maximum payout of $2,500 |
| Max Payout Based on Body System | VPI does not have a maximum payout based on body system |
| Client Reimbursed or Vet Paid Directly | You pay the veterinarian and then you are reimbursed after you file the claim. |
| Pricing | |
| Approximate Monthly Costs | Approximately $10.00 - $61.00 depending on plan, addons, species, etc. |
| Additional Info | |
| My Review | VPI Review |
| What are Customers Saying? | PetInsuranceReview.com Amazon.com |
| Better Business Bureau | bbb.org |
| American Animal Hospital Association Seal of Acceptance | No |
| Additional Info | |
*Because sample policies are not available for review from VPI, please use the trial period to review the actual policy for confirmation.
**Disclaimer: These charts are created based on my research. While I do my best to stay current, information can change quickly. Also, terms and conditions can vary from state to state. Before buying a pet insurance plan, confirm all information by calling the company or reading the most current policy. We will not be held liable for errors or omissions. If you see something that is incorrect or needs clarifying, please let me know.
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