Pet Underwriting Managing Agents

Pet Underwriting Managing Agents is a company that offers complete short-term insurance for veterinary expenses related to dogs and cats.

The company was founded in 2012 and provides its services across South Africa, with a presence in Western Cape and KZN. P.UMA works as an underwriting manager for Renasa Insurance Co Ltd, even though its headquarters are in Cape Town.

The Business of Pet Underwriting Managing Agents (P.UMA)

P.UMA was founded to assist with covering the expenses of necessary medical care for cats and dogs, and its primary focus is providing short-term insurance for medical costs related to illness or injury.

The company manages all of their operations internally and is led by operational Director, Ms Chanelle Williams, who has over 20 years of experience in medical administration.

P.UMA prides itself on being approachable and empathetic, and while it can only interact with brokers, they are often able to handle claims directly with clients, applying its expertise to ensure speedy claims resolution. They do not have a corporate structure and are committed to maintaining a caring culture in all their dealings.

The Divisions of Pet Underwriting Managing Agents

P.UMA is comprised of various departments, one of which is the Underwriting Division. This department is tasked with managing all modifications to coverage particulars, such as processing applications, updating contact information, adding new pets, and handling requests for changes in details or proof of subscription payments.

Claims Processing Division

The Claims Processing Division of P.UMA possesses specialized industry expertise and practical experience, making them well-suited to provide advice on claims procedures and medical conditions.

Among other things, the Claims Processing Division manages all requests for authorization, quotes from veterinarians for procedures, inquiries regarding chronic medication, disease management, and pre-authorization.

They have a contracted veterinarian who assists with managing difficult situations and monitoring the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of proposed treatments.

To ensure the prompt payment of claims, the Claims Processing Division collaborates closely with Finance and strives to maintain a 48-hour turnaround time. Since they do not work in a call-centre environment, members receive individualized attention, whether it is via email, phone, or in-person interactions.

The exceptional sales department

The sales division of P.UMA is responsible for addressing inquiries and requests from potential customers, but only through their broker. They also work on building and strengthening their connections with brokers.

P.UMA are behind some of the biggest names in the industry including PawPaw, Medipet and Dogsure.

PawPaw pet insurance

PawPaw pet insurance is a comprehensive insurance policy designed to cover the medical costs of your beloved pet. This policy offers a range of benefits, including coverage for accidents, illnesses, and routine care.

The policy is flexible and can be customized to meet your pet's specific needs, ensuring that you have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is protected. With PawPaw pet insurance, you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best possible care, regardless of the situation.

Dogsure to secure your dog’s health 

Dogsure is a pet insurance product offered by P.UMA that covers medical costs related to sickness and injury for dogs. The policy provides comprehensive cover for veterinary consultations, medication, surgeries, and hospitalization.

Dogsure is available through brokers, and the claims processing division at P.UMA handles all claims in-house. The company prides itself on its caring and friendly culture, ensuring that pet owners receive personalised and attentive service.

MediPet: a pet insurance broker that delivers value

Medipet is a specialist pet insurance broker that has been associated with P.UMA since its inception. They’ve been instrumental in P.UMA's successful growth to date and are primarily responsible for maintaining their client base of 11,000 cats and dogs.

Medipet provides tailored pet insurance solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. They have a team of experienced brokers who work closely with P.UMA to provide comprehensive cover for their client's pets. Medipet is committed to delivering the highest level of service to its clients and maintaining the integrity of their personal information.

Finance and administration of P.UMA

P.UMA manages all administration tasks in-house, including the collection of premiums, which is handled by their finance section. The department also handles the payment of claims and ensures that payments are made directly to the vets' accounts within 48 hours.

The staff and clients of Pet Underwriting Managing Agents

The P.UMA team is comprised of a small group of dedicated employees who are knowledgeable in the field and are committed to providing positive interactions with service providers, brokers, and clients. They aim to provide accurate answers to questions, explain details when necessary, treat clients respectfully, and safeguard the privacy of their clients and pets' personal information.

Medipet, a specialist broker, has been associated with P.UMA and has played a key role in their successful growth so far. At present, P.UMA covers around 11,000 cats and dogs, and their growth has been managed carefully to ensure competitive premiums and a long-term mindset throughout the company. They are cautious about breed exclusions, anti-selection, and pre-existing risks, which could otherwise undermine their premium base.