PetPlan cheat us out of massive insurance claim for dying Labrador Puppy (Pet Plan)

Member Name: Tracey Banting

Product:	Pet Plan
Date:	05/02/08 (249 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: No insurance cover provided.

We have just had a claim for our 12 week old Labbrador puppy declined by PetPlan on the grounds that he was anaemic at 4 weeks old. As part of the investigation into anaemia a liver enzime test was done, which showed a very slight abnormality. However this was so slight that the breeder's vet wasn't concerned at all. Our own vet supports her findings.

At 9 weeks old our puppy was taken critically ill with what was eventually diagnosed as a complex liver shunt. Our own vet was unable to diagnose him, though he saved his life in the short term, for which the bill was £400. The puppy then went to the Liverpool Veterinary Hospital, who were wonderful, but needed a few days to diagnose him. This cost £1,400.

Our puppy was treated by the fantastic John Williams, a liver shunt specialist, for which the bill was over £2,300. Worth every penny, as he will lead a normal live. John is a hero and a miracle worker.

However, despite all this expert treatment and advice, some office clerk at Petplan says she knew what was wrong, and wouldn't have insured him had she seen his initial blood test results. To be fair the company are supposed to be reviewing their decision, but all we have heard is silence. Also to be fair we have only, at this point, claimed for the shunt operation, but this has been declined, so it is highly unlikely they will pay out for the rest of the treatment!. Four vets have told us they are disgusted at this decision.

PetPlan use their free insurance to reel in clients, just don't rely on it to help out if you need it. We will probably face bankruptcy because of this, but at least our puppy is alive.

I intend to let as many people as possible know how badly we have been treated by this so-called reputable company.

Summary: So called reputable company hide behind dubious excuses!