Pet Insurance Interviews >PetFirst Healthcare Insurance
This interview is part of a continuing series of pet health insurance company interviews. I will be using the same ten questions for each of the veterinary health insurers so that viewers can learn about each company and compare what plans are available. In this interview, Katie Grant, company representative for Petfirst Healthcare, answers ten questions about pet care plans available through Petfirst Healthcare.
Question 1: How long has your company been in business, and where are you based?
Answer 1: PetFirst has been in business since 2004. We are based in Jeffersonville, Indiana which is across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY.
Question 2: Are clients able to go to any veterinarian, or only through your insurance providers?
Answer 2: PetFirst policyholders are able to use any veterinarian nationwide including specialists and emergency care clinics.
Question 3: Are hereditary and breed-related conditions covered?
Answer 3: Hereditary conditions are covered by adding an endorsement to PetFirst's comprehensive plans. Pet First does not currently cover breed-related conditions.
Question 4: Are age-related (senior) checkups, illnesses, and medications covered?
Answer 4: Yes, senior-related checkups are covered under the routine care portion of PetFirst's comprehensive plans. Illnesses and medications are covered as well.
Question 5: Does your company offer wellness plans?
Answer 5: Yes, PetFirst offers $100 of routine wellness coverage per pet with Basic plans and $220 of routine wellness coverage per pet with Preferred and Preferred Plus plans.
Question 6: What types or levels of health insurance medical plans are offered?
Answer 6: PetFirst offers comprehensive insurance plans covering accidents, illnesses and routine care. Plans offering accident only coverage or accident and illness coverage are also available.
- Preferred Plus - $15,000 of accident and illness coverage with $220 of routine care coverage per pet
- Preferred - $12,000 of accident and illness coverage with $220 of routine care coverage per pet
- Basic - $7,500 of accident and illness coverage with $100 of routine care coverage per pet
Question 7: If a wellness plan is available, can it be added to, or incorporated with, the medical health plan?
Answer 7: Routine wellness coverage is included with all comprehensive plans including Basic, Preferred and Preferred Plus.
Question 8: Is there an annual or lifetime benefit cap?
Answer 8: PetFirst plans do not have a lifetime benefit cap. Our plans do have annual benefit limits. Preferred Plus has a maximum annual benefit of $15,000, Preferred has a maximum annual benefit limit of $12,000, and Basic has a maximum annual benefit limit of $7,500.
Question 9: How are "usual and customary" fees determined?
Answer 9: PetFirst reimburses policyholders' claims based upon what they pay at the veterinary clinic. We do not use a schedule of benefits that limits reimbursement based upon the diagnosis.
Question 10: What specific things stand out about your company? (i.e. strengths, unique offerings, etc.) Feel free to ad-lib here.
Answer 10: PetFirst Healthcare provides simple, straightforward pet insurance plans that are easy for pet owners to understand and use. Here are a few strengths that set PetFirst apart from the rest: Published premium pricing - PetFirst's premiums are independent of the pet's age or breed. A 1-year-old mixed breed dog will pay the same rate as a 9-year-old pure bred dog.
Family plans - PetFirst is the only pet insurance provider to offer plans designed especially for multi-pet householders. With PetFirst's family plans, pet owners can insure up to three pets under one plan for a fraction of the cost. The family coverage may include cats, dogs, or a blend of the two. Industry leading coverage - PetFirst reimburses 90% of veterinary expenses after a $50 per incident deductible. There is no deductible for routine care.
Thank you, Katie Grant, for taking time to answer these questions.
Please visit the Petfirst Healthcare web site or call 1-866-937-PETS (7387) to learn more and ask any specific questions you may have.
Company web site: www.PetfirstHealthcare.com
Pet Insurance Interviews >PetFirst Healthcare Insurance
