PurinaCare Pet Insurance FAQs

Q: At what age are puppies and kittens eligible?
A: Dogs and cats that are at least 8 weeks old are eligible for PurinaCare insurance.

Q: Is there any other age restrictions?
A: There is no maximum age. Dogs and cats over the age of 8, however would require a full examination and a PC questionnaire completed prior to qualifying for coverage.

Q: What if the age of the pet is unknown?
A: This is a common problem, especially with pet adoptions, but the veterinarian should be able to estimate the pet’s age based on physical characteristics. The member just needs to get a physical exam from the veterinarian that includes an age estimate.

Q: Will medical records need to be provided to obtain coverage?
A: Not ordinarily. In some cases, PC may request medical records to clarify pre-existing conditions. They may also request medical records in some cases to assist with claims processing. Their goal is to make sure that all policyholders receive the maximum benefits available under their plan while minimizing any paper work on the part of the provider.

Q: Does PC offer multiple pet discounts?
A: Yes, members can receive 5% off policies if two pets are covered, 10% off if three or more pets are covered.

Q: Is there more than one deductible?
A: Yes. There are several deductible options for the plans. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower the monthly premium. ($100, $250, $500, $1000-not available for all plans).

Q: What are the co-insurance options?
A:  • 20%/80%
      • 30%/70%
      • 40%/60%

Q: What is an example of co-insurance (with a $250 deductible and 20/80 coinsurance)?
A: Here’s an example:

Total invoice amount                                $3,118.31
Ineligible times                                            -149.52
New total                                                 $2,968.79
Minus deductible                                         -250.00
New Total                                                     $2,718
Total amount paid by PC                         $2,175.03

Q: Is the deductible per year or incident?
A: The deductible is calculated on an annual basis. The annual limit is $20,000 that resets at the first of the year.

Q: Are there any waiting periods after sign up before the policy takes effect?
A: There’s a 48-hour waiting period after the policy effective date for accident coverage and a 14-day waiting period for claims as a result of illness.

Q: How is the monthly premium determined?
A:  • Policy type
      • Level of deductible
      • Co-insurance selection
      • Species (cat or dog)
      • Age of pet
      • Breed
      • Owner’s ZIP code

Q: Is the monthly premium locked in during the policy period?
A: The premium is subject to 3 changes over the course of the pet's life (at ages 5, 8, and 10).

Q: How do members sign up?
A: Members can enroll by clicking on the link on the VCU website, or by calling the PC member service center. They MUST have the VCU code (VTGCU) to get an accurate rate.

Q: What happens after the member signs up?
A: PC will send out a welcome packet within 7-10 days after the application is approved.

Q: How does a member cancel their policy?
A: The member may cancel the policy anytime by giving written notice to PC. The effective cancellation date is the date that we receive written notice. As long as no claims have been filed during the policy period, they can cancel the policy during the first 14 days of coverage and receive a full refund of premium.

Q: Can a policy be transferred between pets?
A: A policy cannot be transferred between different pets. Each pet must undergo an individual application process and underwriting review.

Q: Can a policy be transferred between policy owners?
A: A policy can, however, be transferred between pet owners for the same insured pet, if all premium-owed is current and the request for transfer is made in writing by both involved parties.

Q: How is a claim filed, and what assistance does the veterinary office need to provide?
A: Filing a claim is easy. The member simply prints out the one page claim form from the website before bringing their pet in for veterinary care. They fill out the section at the top and the veterinary office fills Filing a claim is easy. The member simply prints out the one page claim form from the website before bringing their pet in for veterinary care. They fill out the section at the top and the veterinary office fills out the rest, including a diagnosis (or clinical signs if a diagnosis is not available). They then send the claim to PC along with a copy of the receipt or invoice, keeping a copy for themselves. PC pays eligible completed claims as quickly as possible.

Q: How long does it take to get reimbursed?
A: The claims process is quick and usually is paid within 10-14 days.

Q: Are members limited in choice of veterinarians?
A: No. They may choose any veterinarian licensed in the state in which the services were performed.

Q: Hereditary conditions are covered. Wouldn’t those be excluded as pre-existing conditions?
A: PC covers hereditary conditions that have not manifested or been diagnosed prior to the effective date of the policy or otherwise met the requirements of a pre-existing condition under the terms of the policy.

Q: How long does the member have to submit a claim?
A: To be eligible for payment, covered claims must be submitted during the applicable policy period and up to 60 days after the expiration date of the applicable policy.

Q: What is excluded under PurinaCare polices?
A:   • All pre-existing conditions
       • Breeding, fertility and pregnancy
       • Cosmetic and elective procedures (spays/neuters are NOT excluded)
       • Training
       • Pet foods and supplements, such a vitamins
       • Grooming and bathing
       • Boarding
       • Preventable conditions if owner dos not provide preventative care
       • Dogs and cats under 8 weeks of age
       • Accidents or injuries intentionally inflicted by the owner