Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Wednesday, June 7th
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.
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
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.
We love our fur babies and want to help them live as long and as healthy as possible. Pets take daily care, and they also require vet visits, whether for wellness, to update vaccinations, if they are ill or in an accident. Veterinarian bills can be expensive, so many owners have chosen pet insurance.
Pet insurance has only been around since 1982, so if you don't know much about it, that's understandable. Pet insurance can be similar to human health insurance where you can see a provider for wellness visits, illness, or accidents. There are in-office visits, telehealth, and 24/7 availability for answering questions.
However, you should be aware of some essential differences between human health insurance and pet insurance. The vet doesn't file a claim, like your own provider would. You pay the vet bill, submit the claim online or on your phone, and then you're reimbursed by the insurance company - the vet doesn't get involved. Wellness care can be an add-on rider to cover a routine exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter, teeth cleaning, and so on.
Although accidents are the most common to be covered, many companies don't cover illnesses such as diabetes, allergies, or infections. Younger pets may cost less to insure, but that will greatly increase as they age; and when they are elderly, the company may even drop the coverage, so be sure to ask about aging pets, even when your pet is young. You can choose your deductible, copay, max annual reimbursement, and optional add-ons. Find out what coverage they recommend for your breed, and ask about multiple-pet or other discounts.
More dogs have pet insurance than any other animal, and the rate for cats is about half that of dogs. Owners of indoor cats might think they don't need pet insurance, but older felines can have chronic or recurring conditions which might require costly care or frequent vet visits.
While you might not expect your pet to become ill or have an accident, those vet bills can be quite costly, especially if a procedure, surgery, or ongoing care is needed. Unless you're budgeting in anticipation of these, pet insurance could be quite the relief for when you need it. If you have an older pet or pet prone to certain conditions, prices can vary greatly between companies, so we suggest getting quotes from a couple of your favorite companies before you make your final decision. In addition, even if you are getting a puppy or kitten, ask about coverage and premiums as if they were older so you get a look into the future.
When choosing which pet insurance provider is right for you, here are a few things to consider:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed the best pet insurance companies available today. We hope this information helps you to get the best pet insurance for your fur baby so they can be well cared for in a long, happy, and healthy life!
Select any 2 Pet Insurance Companies to compare them head to head