ASPCA Review

Wednesday, June 7th

2023 Pet Insurance Company Reviews

ASPCA

• Coverage for dogs, cats, and horses
• Covers accidents and illnesses
• Covers behavioral issues and hereditary conditions
• Visit any vet, specialist, or emergency clinic
• Submit claims online, by mail, or by fax

We've all shed a tear and sung along with the ASPCA ads to please save a pet as we see the sad faces of lonely animals in need of adoption. This most-trusted humane society has been saving and caring for animals since 1886. Since 1997, ASPCA has offered pet insurance through Crum and Forster. They have good coverage, and you can choose the Accident-Only plan or the Complete Coverage plan, adding preventative care if you like. ASPCA even offers chiropractic care if medically necessary. They have it all - but only for dogs and cats, with a separate plan for horses.

Complete coverage for dogs and cats

If you only own a dog or cat, consider ASPCA as they can offer minimal coverage or complete coverage for your accident-prone or ailing pet that may have hereditary conditions, or require alternative therapies, behavioral therapies, and more. They show their humane-society side in covering microchipping and they don't stop coverage for elderly pets. They don't cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, preventive care, or breeding/pregnancy costs.

Totally customizable

You can pay as much or as little as you want with ASPCA, with as much or as little coverage as you need. It's a give and take. If you don't think you need much coverage, you won't need to pay as much in premiums. If your fur baby is high-maintenance health-wise, get more coverage and pay the higher premium.

• Choose a high or low deductible - $250, $500, or $1,000. A $250 deductible means that you pay $250 before the insurance company pays anything. This low deductible means you'll pay higher insurance premiums for it. If you choose a $1,000 deductible, your premiums, or payments, will be lower.
• Choose a high or low reimbursement percentage - 70%, 80%, or 90%. Once you meet your deductible, how much money do you want reimbursed from the insurance company? The more money you want from the appointment fee, the more you'll pay in premiums, and vice-versa.
• Annual coverage limit - $3,000 up to $15,000. If you are concerned about health issues with your pet requiring expensive surgeries or other procedures, you can choose the higher annual coverage limit. You'll be reimbursed for up to $15,000, but again, it will cost you in premiums.

Preventative care is an add-on

Neither the Accident-Only nor the Complete Coverage plan offers preventative care. However, you can choose it as an option for $9.95 per month. You'll get $250 to use for wellness exams, rabies vaccines, or deworming. For $119.40 per year, you can get $250 for preventative care - up to you to decide if you think the math on that works out.

Costs

• Dogs starting at $20 per month (for a one-year-old mixed breed)
• Cats starting at $11 per month (for a one-year-old American short hair)

It's so easy to submit a claim

Unlike human health insurance, the vet doesn't submit claims - you do. But ASPCA makes it easy. Even before you leave the vet's office, you can jump on their app to submit a claim. You can make a claim via mail, fax, or the app. If you use the app, you can even submit the receipt right there at the vet's office. You can expect reimbursement in about 30 days regardless how you submit. If you need to contact their office, they're open during regular business hours Eastern Time, and you can also contact them through email.

App greatly simplifies things

You can even make your payments through the app, track claims, find nearby veterinarians, and review your coverage details. This can be quite handy in the vet's office to have what's covered at your fingertips so you can choose the next steps for your pet.

Discounts on multiple pets

There's a 10% multiple-pet discount, and if you pay the year's premium up front, you can save the $2 per month transaction fee. The least expensive plan for a dog can be $14 per month if you choose the accidents-only plan and also choose the higher deductibles.

14-day waiting period

From the time you subscribe to the program, there's a 14-day waiting period before you can make a claim.

Positive customer feedback

Most reviewers seem to appreciate ASPCA's pet insurance, saying it delivers what it says it will and that it's easy to submit a claim. Those who are unhappy were disappointed that the rates went up as the pet got older and the site isn't user friendly. Others said that the time to get the reimbursement took too long as the company itself says it can take a month. The time to hear from Customer Service can take a long time as well.

Pet care is great, but they're lacking in human care

We love that your dog or cat can get comprehensive care, including chiropractic or other alternative care. We also love that you can customize your ASPCA plan. We've heard complaints about customer service - but they're great once you get a hold of them. Their app could use updating and their website isn't user friendly. A common complaint is that reimbursement can take 30 days, and there's a $2 transaction fee unless you pay the full year up front. But, if you can tolerate some of the frustrating aspects of this pet insurance option, ASPCA still does a great job of covering your pet's healthcare needs.