VPI & dental coverage

[reds2212]

Does anyone know or have experience with VPI and teeth problems. I just bought policies for both of my buns and both have points on their molars at this time but require no action. I just want to make sure that if they do have problems, the insurance will help. I just called and could not get a straight answer. Apparently they don’t cover maintenance care (filing and clipping) but at the same time, the rep told me they did. It clearly states in the exclusions they do not and I read this to him and the story changed. In the allowance coverage it does state overgrown teeth which is what he read to me. I already have one who is excluded for GI stasis problems and if teeth aren’t covered, is it really worth it? Anyone have a clue?

[Sarita]

You might ask the vet office too since they deal with this.

I’m not at all familiar with vet insurance.

[BinkyBunny]

I dont’ know if I have grandfather rights or something because when I bought it GI stasis was covered and still is. I got reinbursed just not too long ago. I don’t know about the teeth problems since unfortunately, Rucy’s was a pre-existing condition.

When you say you “already have one who is excluded for “GI stasis” problems, what do you mean?   I mean, all bunnies can have GI stasis problems, it can easily accompany any illness.  

Because of abcesses, infections, and gi stasis have been covered for me, VPI has saved me thousands of dollars. I would need to check to see if things are different for people now and if I just have some “grandfather rights” plan/??? I know that when I joined, they just asked for all the previous paperwork I could find and I didn’t have a waiting period. Now, I guess there is a 60 day waiting period?

I would call VPI, ask for a manager, let them know of the “differing” answers and ask for clarification.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m going to point out that ALMOST all policies regarding anything will not cover pre-existing conditions…IMO call your vet and check the files to see if they are mentioned in the file. They’d likely deny your claim if something had to be done, since the points were there before the policy was purchased. BUT I’m only in my twenties and don’t have tons of experience with insurance so I could be wrong. BUT read the fine print!!

Also I don’t have pet insurance so my big nose probably doesn’t need to be in this conversation LOL

[reds2212]

There was a 60 day waiting period for my new bunny, Baxter. As far as the GI stasis, Roo had so many complications from her spay that she had recurrent GI stasis for 4 months before a vet could figure out what was wrong. VPI considered it a pre-existing condition even though since it has been taken care of, she hasn’t had a problem since April. I believe I can ask for them to overturn this after 6 months of no problems so we’ll se about that. There was a note in Roo’s chart about the points on one tooth but the exclusion paper that I got  which was a generic form for the avian and exotic plan is where it mentioned it didn’t cover the teeth filing and clippings. I’m going to call the vet’s office today and see if I can get some answers. Thanks for everyone’s help!

[BinkyBunny]

I am surprised they would say GI stasis was a pre-existing condition because usually GI stasis is because of another condition. That’s like saying we won’t cover nausea. Nausea is usually not an illness on it’s own. Something makes you nauseous. Hmmmmm!

So what did the vet end up finding out what was wrong? You need to have the vet show THAT as the problem. Whatever was causing the stasis should be the pre-existing condition, NOT the stasis itself. I hope this gets resolved as that would be ridiculous.

Keep me updated as I would really like to know how VPI ends up handling this. Very interesting.

[reds2212]

After having GI stasis for 4 months and 4 vets later, she was diagnosed as having an abscess from her spay which was wrapped around her colon and causing the stasis. It took 2 doctors 2 1/2 hours in surgery to remove it. They dont’ know how she lived for so long. We just moved to Illinois and the start of finding a new vet is driving me crazy. There is only one in the area otherwise we need to drive 1 1/2 hours to the other who is the one that the current vet refers to if it is something she can’t handle with rabbits. I don’t know if I trust her though. If anything major happens, I think we’ll make the drive. Anyway, I just submitted more paperwork to underwriting and the vet who did the surgery is going to contact underwriting himself. He knows we’ve spent a fortune ($4,000) in trying to figure out what was wrong with her. He is a lifesaver!!!

[KatnipCrzy]

VPI Insurance will vary from state to state based on laws for that state.  One thing that should not be any different is that pre-existing conditions are NOT covered, and routine nail trims are not covered. 

I know that when I called and asked when I got coverage for Cotton (in Michigan)- that Malocclusion (crooked teeth) is NOT covered- that is considered to be a GENETIC condition- and genetic conditions are not covered either- but there should be a list of what is considered to be genetic.  But Cotton does not have maloccluded teeth- and if she were to develop an abcess- that WOULD be covered.

I do not believe that routine teeth trimming will be covered- as that is wellness care and not medical care.  And if your bunnys teeth need to be trimmed regularly- that could indicate malocclusion.

But on Cotton’s Benefit Schedule it does list that for “Oral Cavity”  they cover $50 for primary and $20 for secondary.  So it looks like they would cover a portion of treatment if it was for a medical procedure.

It is a little confusing- but I think that if a bunny with a history of healthy teeth were to develop an abcess and need medical treatment and possibly trimming because of abcess- that it would be covered. 

I think the difference is between routine wellness care and actual medical care- sedated or anesthetized medical procedure by a vet that will most likely include other treatment.

Example- for my dogs that are covered- their medical coverage does not cover dental cleanings- BUT their premium wellness care add-on does cover a certain amount.  Dental cleanings are wellness care- but if there were to have trauma to the mouth and require dental care- that would be covered under the medical portion of the policy.

[KatnipCrzy]

I should also add that even though Cotton has not shown any medical issues at all- I got her at 2 1/2 months old in January- and started her insurance at the beginning of May- I decided to try it for a year and then evaluate.

Her monthly premium is about $10.  So even if I claim nothing in the first year- I think I will continue her coverage.  One incident could easily result in a payout the exceeds the yearly cost.

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