Insurance delays

Re: Insurence delays

Bob Russell — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:29:58 GMT

We have had an issue with what I consider a genuine claim for dental treatment related to gingivitis in a cat. We have sent in similar claims with identical histories without problems.

Petplan have really dug their heels in on this one. We removed all PetPlan material from the consulting room and stopped issuing cover notes. The case was referred back with a letter of explanation from me to be reconsidered and rejected again. I made it clear that I would support the owner if he decided to take it to the Insurance Ombudsman and we thought the matter was ended when PetPlan agreed to pay the claim.

The cheque duly arrived with the statement that it was a 'goodwill payment' not payment of the claim. Clearly this will need to go to the Ombudsman as gingivitis is a chronic problem and I suspect further claims would be rejected.

This has certainly dramatically lowered PetPlan in my estimation. Poor and unfair service in my opinion.

Re: Insurence delays

Hannah Wynne Richards — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:02:44 GMT

There's definitely an increase in the number of people wanting direct claims,but since that doesn't alter the number of claims processed, merely the payee, it shouldn't affect processing time

If they are more vigilant against possible fraud, I could understand new claims being delayed, but I've also noticed a delay in paying for repeat medication on long-standing cases with standard treatments-things like CHF on frusemide and vasotop, or diabetics on insulin

I suppose I could ask those owners to pay me,and for them to claim,but I don't want to upset good long-standing loyal clients

My worry is whether the financial institutions are heading for another 2008 style collapse-and the delay is because the money's not there

Wynne

Re: Insurence delays

Mark Rowland — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:54:53 GMT

I wonder... Is it the extra intrest they will get or are they being more scrupulous about trying to wriggle out of claims or are there more people who are having to do direct claims because they can no longer afford to pay at the time... or all 3

Re: Insurence delays

Mark Holmes — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:54:41 GMT

My wife has to make claims from human health policies and they take 60 days as standard. You cannot get the client to pay up front as the insurance company will not make payments to them.

Re: Insurence delays

plantagenet — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:50:59 GMT

yes - funny that I was just thinking the same.