A Vet's Review of PetFirst Pet Insurance

by Frances Wilkerson, DVM

This review discusses coverage and payout structure

To get the most from this review, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.
For a detailed look at PetFirst, see PetFirst's Comparison Sheet.



Overview

PetFirst has offered pet insurance since 2004. This review refers to the following plans: Pet First Accident and Illness Plan


Coverage Overview

In general, PetFirst 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.

The type and amount of coverage for non-routine dental procedures is unclear.


Coverage For Chronic Diseases & Continual Coverage For Chronic Diseases

PetFirst Pet Insurance covers chronic diseases and provides continual coverage for chronic conditions as long as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period.



Hereditary & Congenital Coverage

Hereditary, congenital, breed-specific and genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia are covered by PetFirst Pet Insurance as long as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period.



Cancer Coverage

PetFirst covers cancer conditions as long as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period.



Coverage For Breed Specific Conditions

PetFirst covers breed specific medical conditions, as long as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period.



Maximum Payout Structure

PetFirst has an annual maximum payout structure. The highest annual maximum payout will work for those whose "Worst Case Scenario Costs" are less than $20,000. (See: Picking the Right Maximum Payout)


Summary of Coverage and Payout Structure

Gotchas

  • The extent of non-routine Dental coverage is unclear



Good Points

  • Strong underwriter
  • Provides comprehensive 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



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, 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?
  • 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 how and when 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 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:

AKC | ASPCA | Embrace | Figo | Healthy Paws | PetFirst | PetPlan | Pets Best | Trupanion | VPI | 24 Pet Watch


**Disclaimer:This review is meant to supplement not replace your own due diligence. Please read all terms and conditions of the pet insurance plan before you buy.

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