A Vet's Review of Bivvy Pet Insurance
2024

by Frances Wilkerson, DVM

This review discusses the 5 important pieces of coverage and payout structure

To get the most from this review, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.
For a detailed look at Bivvy, see Bivvy's Comparison Sheet (Dogs & Cats) and Bivvy's Comparison Sheet (Birds & Exotic Pets).

***Please Note***
Bivvy is no longer taking new applications.
If you have a current plan with Bivvy it will end on your policy anniversary date. This date is located on your declarations page.
Be aware that if you move to a new company, any previous medical conditions under Bivvy will be considered pre-existing by a new company. If the condition is considered curable, there are some companies that may cover it after a certain amount of days.



Overview

Bivvy has offered pet insurance since 2019.

Bivvy also offers pet insurance for exotic pets and birds.

This review refers to their plan: Bivvy Accident and Illness Plan



Coverage Overview

In general, Bivvy Pet Insurance covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, and prescription medications for accidents/injuries and illnesses as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout.

Dental coverage for accidents and illnesses is limited.



Coverage For Chronic Diseases & Continual Coverage For Chronic Diseases

Bivvy Pet Insurance provides chronic diseases coverage and continual coverage for chronic conditions as part of the base policy, as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout limit.

Bivvy does not cover adrenal gland disease and endocrine neoplasia in ferrets. These ailments are very common in ferrets.



Hereditary & Congenital Coverage

Bivvy Pet Insurance covers hereditary and congenital conditions as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period and you have not reached your maximum payout limit.



Cancer Coverage

Bivvy Pet Insurance provides cancer coverage as part of the base policy, as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout limit.

Orthopedic cancers have a 180 day or a 12 month waiting period (depending on the state you live in) - Based on the wording in their policy, it appears this applies to dogs only.



Coverage For Breed Specific Conditions

Bivvy Pet Insurance covers breed specific medical conditions as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout limit.



Maximum Payout Structure

Bivvy has a mixed bag when it comes to payout structure. What you get depends on the state you live in.

In some states, Bivvy offers plans with an annual maximum payout structure combined with a lifetime maximum payout structure. The annual maximum payout ranges from $1000-$10,000. The amount you can choose depends on the state you live in. The lifetime maximum payout is $25,000.

In other states, Bivvy offers plans with an annual maximum payout structure combined with a lifetime maximum payout structure AND a per-incident maximum payout structure. The per-incident maximum payout is $1,000 (which resets each year). The annual maximum payout ranges from $1000-$10,000. The amount you can choose depends on the state you live in. The lifetime maximum payout is $25,000.

You will need to see what structure is available in your state and decide if the payout meets your "Worst Case Scenario Costs". (See: Picking the Right Maximum Payout)



Summary of Coverage and Payout Structure

Limitations

  • Some states have a low per-incident payout of only $1000. While it resets each year, it may not be enough for those with medium to high "Worst Case Scenario Costs".
  • Bivvy's bilateral conditions policy is not clear at the time of this writing
  • Customer service is via email. There is no phone number listed on their website at the time of this writing.
  • Bivvy does not cover the common ailments of adrenal gland disease and endocrine neoplasia in ferrets.
  • Dental coverage for accidents and illness is limited


Good Points

  • Strong underwriter
  • Provides coverage in the 5 important areas as part of the base plan:
    1. Chronic disease
    2. Continual coverage for chronic disease
    3. Hereditary/congenital conditions
    4. Cancer
    5. Breed specific conditions


Concerns

  • Bivvy is a newer company. Based on what I've seen since 2008, it can take time for a company to settle in on consistent premium pricing and policy terms.
  • Based on their pre-existing conditions policy, clinical signs can be used to denote something as pre-existing. As with all pet insurance companies that use this wording, I have concerns that this can be used to deny claims even when these previous signs are not directly related to the disease or condition currently in question.
  • At the time of this writing, Bivvy's bilateral conditions policy is unclear.
  • At the time of this writing, it is not clear whether reimbursements are calculated by taking the deductible first or the reimbursement percentage first.
  • I have concerns that the One Price For All model that doesn't take in to account age, species, or breed will not be sustainable without future increases in premiums or decreases in medical coverage and monetary coverage.
  • [Updated: 2/6/2023] - Bivvy is shutting down and no longer providing new policies. As stated above, I believe the One Price For All model was not sustainable.

    If you have a current plan with Bivvy it will end on your policy anniversary date. This date is located on your declarations page. Be aware that if you move to a new company, any previous medical conditions under Bivvy will be considered pre-existing by a new company. If the condition is considered curable, there are some companies that may cover it after a certain amount of days.



Additional Comments Regarding All Pet Insurance Companies:

  • Make sure you research what customers are saying about the company. A company may have the 5 components that should be part of a pet insurance plan, but the company may not be a hit with customers. Sites to check include but are not limited to BBB.org, Yelp.com and PetInsuranceReview.com Things to look for include but are not limited to: How fast are payments paid?, What are customers saying about the pre-existing conditions policy?, How often are claims denied and for what reason?, What is the customer service experience like?, Are there issues with premium increases?
  • Check with your state's Department of Insurance to see if any complaints have been filed for the company you are interested in.
  • Make sure you understand what the waiting periods are.
  • Make sure you understand their bilateral conditions policy.
  • Make sure you understand any requirements that you must adhere to to maintain coverage.
  • Make sure you read the terms and conditions to get a thorough understanding of all exclusions.
  • Make sure you understand when and by how much your premium can increase.
  • If you change plan levels, there is a possibility that all medical conditions present under the old plan will be considered pre-existing in the new plan. Make sure you ask the company if this is the case.
  • For some companies, pre-existing conditions can be based on signs and symptoms alone, a diagnosis is not needed. For example, if your pet had a cough before you applied for pet insurance and this cough was discussed and written in the pet's medical record, there is the possibility that all future cough conditions, no matter what the cause, would be considered pre-existing - even if there was no treatment given. Make sure you ask the company if this is the case.
  • Pet insurance companies are businesses. The top priority of any business is to make a profit for their stakeholders. Pet insurance companies can and may change your rates and terms to meet that top priority. A change of business ownership or underwriters can also be a catalyst for changes in your rates and terms.

    When you purchase pet insurance make sure you have a realistic understanding of this and how it can affect you.


Additional Reviews:

24PetProtect | AKC | ASPCA | Bivvy | Companion Protect | Doggo | Embrace | Fetch | Figo | Hartville | Healthy Paws | Lemonade | ManyPets | MetLife | Nationwide | Odie | Petco | Pet Partners | Pets Best | Physicians Mutual | Prudent Pet | Pumpkin | Spot | Toto | Trupanion | Wagmo


**Disclaimer: This review is meant to supplement, not replace your own due diligence. Terms and conditions can vary from state to state. Before buying a pet insurance plan, confirm all information by contacting the company or reading the most current policy for your state. 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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