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Saturday, January 18th
ASPCA Pet Insurance has been providing coverage for cats and dogs since 1997 through PTZ Insurance Agency. They do not have upper age limits for new enrollments, and you can visit any licensed vet, specialist, or emergency clinic in the US or Canada. Their annual limit options range from $2.5k to $10k, while reimbursement options are set at 70%, 80%, and 90%. Your annual deductible options are $500, $250, or $100.
Accident and illness coverage includes hereditary and congenital conditions
With ASPCA's Complete Coverage plan, your pet will be covered for the following:
Accident coverage available separately
Our research indicates that ASPCA plans start at $16 a month for young cats and dogs. For an 8-year-old large mixed-breed dog in Illinois, the Complete Coverage plan would cost us $98.89 per month. (When possible, the quotes in our review use a $5,000 annual limit, 80% reimbursement, and $500 annual deductible.) If we only wanted Accident Coverage, we could purchase it separately for $26.25. In addition to Complete Coverage and Accident Coverage, ASPCA offers add-ons for preventive care.
Two preventive care add-on plans available
Responsible pet owners are proactive about the health of their pets, but costs for preventive care (dental cleaning, spaying and neutering, vaccines, and flea and heartworm prevention) can add up quickly. If you've run the numbers and balked at your results, you might want to consider ASPCA's Basic Preventive Care add-on ($9.95/month, annual coverage up to $250) or their Prime Preventive Care add-on ($24.95/month, annual coverage up to $450). There is no deductible or waiting period for either of these plans. Be sure to make sure the benefits schedule works for you - each type of care is only covered up to a certain amount, and unused amounts cannot be rolled over from other types of care.
14-day waiting period, no medical history required to enroll
ASPCA Pet Insurance goes into effect 14 days after enrollment for all conditions, which is great. They say you do not need to provide proof of your pet's past exams or other medical history to enroll. You can get a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets, whether they're cats or dogs.
30 days for claims to be reimbursed
ASPCA's claims process can be completed right from the vet's office. Just open the app, answer a few questions about the reason for your visit, upload a photo of your invoice, and hit "submit”. If you're a bit of a Luddite, don't despair - you can also complete this process by filling out a claim form and sending it with email, fax, or paper mail. Unfortunately, getting your claim reimbursed takes a bit longer than submitting it - you'll be waiting up to 30 days before the money hits your account.
Rates will increase
As with every pet insurance company, your premium will increase as your pet ages. ASPCA says they will not increase your premium based on your claims, which is something. The earlier you enroll your pet, the lower your prices will stay.
Most customers have no issues
ASPCA Pet Insurance has a 4-star average on Trustpilot from over 6,000 reviews. For the most part, people are happy with payment turnaround time, helpful customer service, and comprehensive coverage. As with any pet insurance provider, we encountered a few complaints about claims being denied. Also, despite not needing to provide your pet's medical history to enroll, you will need to in order to be reimbursed.
Exam fees are covered with Complete Coverage
Why should you choose ASPCA's pet insurance over another provider's? According to them, what makes them stand out is that they offer coverage of exam fees for covered conditions with Complete Coverage, which can save you money on regular check-ups. There's no age limit for pets to join, so even older pets can get coverage. ASPCA also offers extra support as an add-on for when a pet passes away, which can be helpful during such a tough time.
May require notice to cancel
Before you commit to ASPCA Pet Insurance, you should know that they may consider bilateral conditions pre-existing if they affected one side of your pet's body before being insured (like a ligament tear in one knee). It also seems as though ASPCA requires 60 days notice for policy cancellations, which could be hard to budget for if you don't plan in advance. We did find a few reports from customers that canceling was difficult. Despite emailing and calling, they couldn't get in touch with anyone.
A decent choice
ASPCA's pricing is comparable to their competitors, with no significant gaps in the coverage they offer. We do recommend them, with the caveat that you may have difficulty canceling your policy if you're not happy with it.
If you're a pet owner, chances are you've thought about how to care for your furry friend in the event of an emergency. Veterinary bills can add up quickly, especially if your pet needs surgery or treatment for a chronic illness. Pet insurance can help cover these unexpected costs, making it easier to provide the best care for your pet without breaking the bank.
From puppies prone to accidents to older cats with ongoing health needs, pet insurance can be a valuable tool to help you manage costs while giving your pet the treatment they deserve.Pet insurance comes in a few different types, which vary based on the coverage they offer. For instance, some plans only cover accidents, such as a broken leg from a fall, while others offer more comprehensive coverage that includes illnesses, wellness checkups, and vaccinations.
Basic accident-only plans tend to be more affordable, but they won't help if your pet develops a long-term health condition. Comprehensive plans may include preventive care as well, though they often come with higher monthly premiums. Other policies cover hereditary or congenital conditions, which can be particularly important if your pet is a breed known for specific health issues.
The cost of pet insurance depends on factors like your pet's age, breed, and health history, as well as the type of coverage you choose. Monthly premiums can range from under $10 to over $100, so understanding the differences among plans can save you money in the long run. Additionally, different insurance companies have various reimbursement models and payout limits. Some plans reimburse a percentage of each vet bill, while others have annual limits, meaning you'll want to consider how much you're likely to spend on your pet's healthcare each year.
It's important to choose the right pet insurance plan the first time. If you decide to switch to another provider later, any health issues your pet has developed in the meantime will be considered pre-existing conditions by the new provider and not covered. You should also be aware that "upgrading” to a better policy from the same provider can technically be considered canceling your old policy, meaning the conditions your pet is currently covered for may become considered pre-existing.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping for pet insurance:
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best pet insurance companies available. We hope this review helps you find the best service for your pet, so you can feel confident they're covered, no matter what life brings.
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