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Which Pet Insurance Plan Is Right For You?

Overview
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    dog in a cage at the vet

    One of the scariest moments is when your dog suddenly needs an emergency room visit or a life-saving surgery for a tumor. This isn’t just scary but it’s expensive. Emergency room visits can run upwards of $1,000 and surgery upwards of $500 and more and not everyone just has that laying around. Being prepared for times like this can take some of the stress out of an already stressful situation. Pet insurance can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars as it pays, partly or in total, for veterinary treatment of the insured ill or injured dog…but with so many options, which one is best for you?

    Pros: 

    • Can see any provider
    • Comparison tool for providers
    • Can customize plan to for accident, illness, and wellness coverage
    • 10% discount for each additional pet

    Cons:

    • Ran by a third party and ASPCA has very little control 
    • Can be inconsistent in coverage
    • Longer reimbursement period

    Average plan: $35/month for dogs

    Pros:

    • Deductibles start at $50 
    • No max age limits for enrollment
    • Offers discounts for multi pet households and professionals in certain fields
    • Covers hereditary, chronic and congenital conditions

    Cons:

    • Only a 14 day money back guarantee 
    • Does not offer an accident only plan
    • Maximum annual limit of $10,000
    • Does not cover pre-existing conditions

    Plans start at: $16/month

    Pros:

    • Customizable plans for individual needs
    • Offers a wide range of options for their plans
    • Three levels of coverage plans
    • Have an option for accident coverage only
    • Covers alternative and behavioral treatments

    Cons: 

    • Plans above level 1 have an age limit
    • Require more personal information to receive a quote
    • Coverage is not available in every state
    • Highest coverage plan costs more than most other insurance plans

    Plans start at: $9.95/month

    Pros:

    • Quote customized based on species, breed, age, zip code, reimbursement and deductible selections 
    • No incident, annual or lifetime caps
    • Offers one straightforward plan that covers up to 90% of the bill for accidents, illnesses and emergency care
    • Claims are quick and easy to process

    Cons:

    • No coverage on preventative care 

    • Does not cover behavioral care or behavior medications

    • Limited policy customization

    • Limited coverage for older pets

    Plans start at: $20 for dogs/month

    Pros:

    • Quote customized based on species, breed, age, zip code, reimbursement and deductible selections 
    • Covers alternative and behavioral treatments
    • Offers coverage for damage caused by the pet
    • Can reimburse participating vets directly

    Cons:

    • Limited customization on policies
    • Doesn’t offer wellness coverage
    • No discounts for multiple pets
    • Average quote is more expensive than other insurance plans


    Plans start at: $10/month

    Pros:

    • Offers an accident only plan
    • Offers optional Wellness Rewards
    • Pays claims between 8-9 day (vs the average of 30)
    • 10% discount for multiple pets
    • Deductibles are annual and not per incident

    Cons:

    • No unlimited or zero-deductible options
    • Hidden fees including monthly transaction and enrollment fee
    • Only pets 14 and younger are covered for acciden

    Average plan: $30-40/month for dogs

    Pros:

    • Covers non-routine dental coverage for oral disease and injuries
    • Covers alternative, holistic and homeopathic therapies 
    • Behavioral treatments are covered for policies with an annual limit of $15,000 or more.
    • No max age limits for enrollment
    • Covers the exam fees for sick visits

    Cons:

    • Requires pet owners to prove their pet is healthy through medical records before start of coverage
    • Must have annual dental and health exams
    • Average quotes higher than most competitors
    • Does not offer a wellness plan

    Plans start at: $42.45/month for dogs

    8 (1)
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    ASPCA Shares Lifesaving Tips to Keep Pets Safe as Above-Average Temperatures are Predicted Throughout Summer

    NEW YORK, July 1, 2021 — As many regions across the country continue to experience historically high temperatures, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is reminding pet owners that hot weather conditions can be particularly dangerous for pets. With temperatures expected to be above averagethroughout the summer, the ASPCA is providing the below safety tips to keep pets healthy over the next few months.

    “It’s critical for pet owners to be prepared in cases of extreme heat, and we urge them to take the necessary steps to protect their pets as temperatures may rise across the country,” said Susan Anderson, Director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA National Field Response team. “Remembering to provide fresh water, keep pets indoors, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion are three simple ways to ensure their health and wellbeing during the hot summer months.”

    To help prevent warm weather dangers from impacting your pet’s health, the ASPCA advises pet owners to remember the following safety tips:

    • Pets can get dehydrated quickly so it is important to make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water, a shady spot to get out of the sun, and a cool, indoor area when the weather is too hot to be outside.
    • If air conditioning is unavailable, add ice to water bowls and give pets frozen treats like dog ice cream, frozen broth popsicles, chilled cucumbers, or frozen food toys to keep them cool and occupied while indoors. Place a fan in front of a pan of ice to generate cooler air, provide them with wet, cool towels to lie on, or sponge cold water on their feet, abdomen and under their legs.
    • Never leave animals alone in a parked car. A car can overheat even when the window has been left cracked open. Not only can it lead to a fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in many states.
    • When the temperature is very high, don’t let pets linger on asphalt, sand, or other hot surfaces. Being so close to the ground, their bodies can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
    • It’s vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. If your pet is experiencing any of these issues, contact your local veterinarian immediately.

    For more information on how to safeguard your pet’s health during a heatwave, visit aspca.org.

    About the ASPCA®
    Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    SOURCE ASPCA

    Related Links

    http://www.aspca.org