Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance Review

What’s New In 2021 For Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance

How Has Covid-19 Affected Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield worked with Meharry Medical College to offer clinical trials for one of the Covid-19 vaccines in March of 2021. 

BCBS also made a joint statement regarding the rise in insurance fraud during the pandemic and offered advice to their customers. 

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New Products or Changes

As of this year, customers opening a new Blue Cross Blue Shield pet insurance policy can receive up to a 10% discount and a $25 Amazon gift card. Some members of BCBS are offering insurance through PetPlan, for which there is no signup fee.

BCBS is also working with the ASPCA to offer quality pet insurance. Members may receive a 10% discount when applying for ASPCA pet insurance on their website. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance In The News

In January, BCBS ceased contributing to some Republican Congress members following the Capitol’s attack on January 6. 

In lighter news, PetPlan, a subsidiary of BCBS offering pet insurance, was listed as a major industry player by The Sentinel Newspaper in May 2021, alongside Nationwide and Ipet Insurance. This is corroborated by Yahoo Finance, who calls PetPlan a market leader, and report that they now hold 24.9% of the total GWP in the UK pet insurance market.

2021 Latest Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance Reviews

In November, Pet Insurance U did a full, in-depth review of the Blue Cross Blue Shield pet insurance options, including the coverage offered in different plans, advantages of the company, and hard limits on benefits. 

They also talk about the unique offering of alternative care coverage, which will help policyholders pay for physical therapy and rehabilitation alongside other non-surgical treatment alternatives. They recommend choosing the 70% reimbursement rate and explain the kinds of deductibles available.

Covering PetPlan, the offshoot pet insurance provider for some branches of BCBS, Buyer’s Guide recommended it with a 9.3/10 (or 4.5/5 star) rating out of 90 reviews. They appreciated the customizability of the coverage offered, as well as the fact that there is no upper age limit. They mention the optional coverage for dental, kennel boarding, and loss due to theft or straying and note that the company has particularly good customer service.

The Balance also reviewed PetPlan, giving it 3.8/5 stars. They mention being impressed that this “basic” plan can be customized to cover as much as it does. They mention that the waiting times can be longer for some reimbursement types and don’t offer preventative care plans.

All three reviews mention that pre-existing conditions are covered, but wellness checks aren’t.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is known for providing exceptional healthcare insurance throughout the United States.

And did you know that Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers pet insurance? Their coverage comes through Petplan, their insurance partner.

Blue Cross- Blue Shield members get a 10% discount when enrolling in Petplan.

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How Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance Works

Blue Cross-Blue Shield (through Petplan) offers pet insurance policies that are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company.

Fetch Insurance administers its pet insurance policies.

Blue Cross -Blue Shield’s Pet Insurance Offers Different:

• Coverage Options
• Plans
• Deductibles
• Reimbursement Options

You have many options to help find the right plan for your cat, dog, and budget.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance Advantages

• Coverage options for every budget
• 24/7 customer service
• Easy/Fast Claims via their mobile app
• Holistic Therapy included
• Insures pets of all ages
• Vet exam fee included (non-routine)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance Coverage

Their coverage includes:

• Medical prescriptions
• X-rays and MRI testing
• Surgery
• Hospital and vet of your choice
• Cancer treatment
• Genetic and chronic conditions
• Dental illness and periodontal disease
• Chronic conditions
• Ultrasound
• CAT scan
• Alternative treatment options

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Specialist Treatments Pet Insurance Coverage

Blue Cross- Blue Shield also covers specialist treatment if your needs the following:

• Cardiologist
• Oncologist
• Dermatologist
• Dentistry
• Neurologist
• Physiologist

Alternative Care Therapy Pet Insurance Coverage

For pet parents who have older pets or want to try a non-invasive alternative therapy, Blue Cross-Blue Shield through Petplan offers this type of treatment.

Physical therapy, rehabilitation, chiropractors, acupuncture and even hydrotherapy are just some of the alternative therapies that are included for no additional charge.

Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance Benefit Limits

The annual limits that you can choose for your dog or cat range anywhere starting from as low as $2,500 to the highest limit of $25,000.

How it works is you choose the limit you think would best suit your dog or cat for that policy year.

If you think your dog or cat might have some tests that can get pricey, go for the upper limit.

Or conversely, if your pet is healthy and you think this could be a calm year, you can go with the middle limits.

We always recommend going higher than you might anticipate because you never know what can happen in a year.

In the upper-level plans, there are no per condition limits or lifetime caps which is an excellent benefit.

However, some pet insurance providers, like Healthy Paws, offer unlimited lifetime benefits in all of their plans.

The higher benefit levels come with a higher monthly premium cost.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield Reimbursement

With Blue Shield Blue Cross, you have the choice or three different reimbursement levels: 70%, 80%, or 90% your pet’s medical bill.

If you want a lower monthly rate, pick the 70% level.

If you choose the 70% reimbursement rate, you will pay 30% of your total bill after the deductible has been reached.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Deductible Types

With Blue Cross- Blue Shield, you have a choice of deductible amounts from $100 to $2,500 and ranges in $50 increments.

There are two types of deductibles offered:

1. Per-Condition
2. Anual

The Per-Condition Deductible

This means you pay a deductible one time each year for any condition or illness. You can file as many claims as needed for the same illness each policy year but only pay it one time annually.

For example, if your cat has kidney disease or cancer, you might need to see your vet multiple times a year. But, you would only pay once for the deductible for kidney disease.

However, if your cat than injures his or her paw, you would have to pay another deductible for the injury.

The Annual Deductible

This means you pay your deductible only once per policy year. This is usually our recommended because there are no surprises. You know what you are paying.

If you want a lower monthly premium than choose a higher deductible.

What Is The Cost Of Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance?

The cost of Blue Cross- Blue Shield (via Petplan) has pricing that is in-line with most of the pet insurance providers we have reviewed.

Cats are typically less expensive to insure than dogs.  And pricing always depends on the age of your pet, the breed, and where you live.

Cat insurance starts at $17 a month while dog insurance starts at $29 a month.

For Blue Cross- Blue Shield members a 10% discount is offered.  New members also get a free Bark Box.

Read more: How much is cat insurance?

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Claims Process

Claims are usually paid within two weeks.

You can fill out the claims online through Petplan’s mobile app.

Log in to the app, file a new claim, and upload your invoice and vet records and that’s it!  Of course, you can always print it out, and mail, fax or email it to them within 90 days of your vet visit.

Another great feature of Petplan is what they call their “Telehealth” service. This service answers questions you might have regarding your pet’s health or consults for an emergency.

Read more: Is pet insurance paid monthly or yearly?

Enrollment and Waiting period

Enrollment for dogs and cats starts as young as six weeks old. Pets of all ages are welcome at Petplan so even your 14- or 15-year-old cat or dog can get covered.

Coverage for an accident starts 5 days after your enrollment date.

Coverage for illnesses starts days after your enrollment date. You usually have 30 days to take your pet to the vet after enrollment and then send the appropriate records.

Coverage for any cruciate ligaments and/or patella conditions has a six month waiting period.

Like most pet insurance policies, there is a 30- day free look period. That means you have 30 days to decide whether you want to enroll your pet with Petplan through Blue-Cross Blue Shield.

Pet Insurance Questions and Answers

Are pre-existing conditions covered like they are in human health plans?

No.  Similar to all pet insurance providers, if your dog or cat has a specific illness or condition prior to enrollment, your pet will not be covered for that particular issue.

Your pet will be covered for all other conditions or illnesses that could occur in the future.  This is why a vet visit prior to enrolling in any pet insurance plan is a must!

Is there anything unique about the pet insurance offered?

All types of testing, dental care, tooth canal, and specialist treatments are covered.  And if your dog or cat has surgery, all post-op costs such as rehab or physical therapy are covered.

Do you need to pay extra to get coverage for hereditary or chronic conditions?

No. With their pet insurance, hereditary and chronic conditions are covered in all plans.

Some examples of chronic conditions are skin allergies, hay fever and many other conditions that need consistent treatment.

How does the pet insurance coverage offered through Blue-Cross- Blue Shield compare to others?

Our comparison chart gives you a quick snapshot of how Petplan prices and coverage compare with other providers.

Is wellness coverage offered?

No.  They believe that those routine visits are easily payable out of your pocket and therefore aren’t covered.

If you want to learn more about wellness coverage and what pet insurance companies have policies, take a look here.

Is behavioral therapy covered?

Yes.  For those pet owners who need some behavioral therapy for your pets, you have up to $1,000 coverage.

But, you need to enroll in a plan with an annual limit of at least $15,000.

How can you get in touch with Petplan?

Their customer service representatives are available to help you and answer your questions at 1-866-467-3875 and are available 24/7.

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Is Blue Cross Blue Shield Pet Insurance For You?

If you are already a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan member, you can add Petplan’s insurance to your own health pet insurance to have all your family (including pet’s) coverage in one place.

The discount is only offered on the Blue Cross Blue Shield website.

The other option is just head over to the Petplan website.

If they don’t have the coverage you are looking for, then take a look at our top 10 pet insurance companies for more options!

Other articles you may find helpful: 

Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary? 

The Best Pet Insurance By State 

What Is Pet Insurance?

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Cat Breeds

You may find helpful one of our other Best Pet Insurance Reviews which include over 35 top insurers compared with cheap and affordable pet insurance and discounted mixed breed pet insurance. 

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• Allstate
• American Modern
• ASPCA
• Banfield Pet Hospital
• Bivvy
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• CareCredit
• Embrace
• Esurance
• Farmers
• Figo
• Geico
• Hartville
• Healthy Paws
• Liberty Mutual
• Nationwide
• Pet Assure
• PetFirst
• Petplan
• Pets Plus Us
• Petco
• PetPartners
• PetPremium
• Petsecure
• Pets Best
• Pin Paws
• Progressive
• Prudent
• Trupanion
• USAA 
• VCA CareClub
• VIP Petcare
• VPI

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