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
