Is Pet Insurance Right For You? Pet Insurance 101

Pet Insurance 101

Top Things to Know


1. Insurers differ

All pet insurance is not the same. Some insurance plans cover accidents to your pet, but not illnesses. Some plans cover treatment for cancer, some don't. It can be confusing, so you will need to do some research (that's why we created this website.)


2. Don't just look at the price

A low price is no bargain if your insurance company denies your pet's claim. Cheaper policies tend to provide less coverage. Will the cheapest pet policy cover your dog's cancer treatment? Probably not.


3. You can use any veterinarian you want

Not sure if your existing vet takes pet insurance? Don't worry, this is not an issue. All pet insurance companies will allow claims from any licensed veterinarian.


4. You have to pay the veterinary bill out of your own pocket

With human health insurance, your doctor invoices your insurance company and you may never even see the bill. However, with pet insurance, you have to pay your veterinary bill and then submit your claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. (This is because pet insurance is considered a form of property insurance.)


5. Pre-existing conditions are not covered

Not ever. Think of it this way: if you got into a car accident and then tried to buy auto insurance the next day, do you think it would be fair to expect the insurance company to pay for your accident? Me neither.


6. Is pet insurance worth it?

Pet insurance protects you from large, unexpected vet bills. If you are the type of owner who does not want to choose between going into debt or putting your pet down, pet insurance is for you.


Source: Pet Insurance 101 - Pet Insurance Review
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Pet Insurance for Dog Owners:

http://www.petinsurancerevi ew.com/dog.asp

Pet Insurance for Cat Owners:

compare cat insurance - Pet Insurance Review

Top US Pet Insurance Companies:

Hartville Group, Inc./ASPCA

Offering pet insurance throughout 50 states under the brand names: Hartville Pet Health Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, and Petshealth Care Plan. Recently partnered with ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to offer pet insurance. Has distributed pet insurance plans since 1997 and currently covers more than 80,000 pets.

3840 Greentree Avenue SW
Canton, OH 44706
Phone: (866) 820-7764
Website: http://www.hartvillegroup.c om
Average Customer Rating: 7.1 out of 10
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Embrace Pet Insurance

An Ohio-based company offering customizable pet insurance in every state with flexible pricing options. Embrace added a wellness program in 2009 that has no deductible, copay, nor waiting period. For every policy sold, Embrace donates $2 to a pet-related charity.

781 Beta Drive, Suite D
Mayfield Village, OH 44143
Phone: 800-511-9172
Website: http://www.embracepetinsura nce.com
Average Customer Rating: 9.2 out of 10
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Petfirst Healthcare

PetFirst Healthcare, an innovative leader in pet insurance, offers easy to understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst’s comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified coverage with no per diagnosis limits and premiums unaffected by age, breed or location. The Family Plan from PetFirst allows owners to insure multiple pets under one policy for a fraction of the cost. PetFirst provides reliable customer service and prompt claims reimbursement to complement their healthcare offering.

One Quartermaster Court
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (866) 937-PETS (7387)
Website: http://www.petfirsthealthca re.com
Average Customer Rating: 8.2 out of 10
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Petplan USA

Petplan is the world's leading pet insurance provider, available in every state and the District of Columbia. Petplan policies include full coverage for all hereditary conditions with no dollar or time limits per condition. Nine out of 10 veterinarians recommend their policies.
1 International Plaza, suite 140
Philadelphia, PA 19113
Phone: (866) 467-3875
Website: http://www.gopetplan.com
Average Customer Rating: 9.3 out of 10
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Trupanion

Trupanion offers pet insurance in US and Canada. Currently doing business in 40+ states, with plans to expand to all 50 states. Trupanion insures dogs and cats between 8 weeks and 14 years. Recently changed terms so that policies have no payout limits.

1148 NW Leary Way
Seattle, WA - 98107
Phone: (800) 569-7913
Website: http://www.trupanionpetinsu rance.com
Average Customer Rating: 8.7 out of 10
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Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)

Founded in 1980, VPI is the oldest and largest health insurance plan for pets in the US. VPI plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional vaccination and routine care coverage is also available.

P.O. Box 2488
Brea, CA 92822-2344
Phone: (888) 899-4VPI
Website: http://www.petinsurance.com
Average Customer Rating: 6.9 out of 10
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Pet Partners Inc (AKC Pet HealthCare Plan)

Offers insurance plans through the AKC brand.

PO Box 37940
Raleigh, NC 27627-7940
Phone: (866) 725-2747
Website: http://www.akcpethealthcare.com/BHIA/
Average Customer Rating: 4.9 out of 10
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Pets Best Insurance

Currently offers plans in 46 states. Founded by veterinarian Jack Stephens, founder of VPI.

2710 Sunrise Rim Road
Boise, ID 83705
Phone: (888) 899-0402
Website: http://www.petsbest.com
Average Customer Rating: 8.0 out of 10
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24 Pet Watch Insurance

24 Pet Watch is the US insurance arm of Pethealth Inc., selling policies throughout the US except Alaska and Washington, D.C. Pethealth offers a range of products and services for veterinarians, shelters and pet owners through a number of brands including QuickCare, ShelterCare, CherryBlue, Union Plus Pet Insurance, EVE and Petpoint.

PO Box 2150
Buffalo, NY 14240-2150
Phone: (888) 897-7387
Website: http://www.24petwatch.com/petinsurance/
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 10
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PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance

PurinaCare offers up to 3 plans (depending on the state), including one with preventive care and one without. Currently doing business in 49 states and DC. PurinaCare is one of only a handful of companies to have received the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Seal of Acceptance. They are underwritten by Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha, a Berkshire Hathaway Company.

PO Box 599500
San Antonio, Texas 78259
Phone: (877) 8PURINA or (877) 878-7462
Website: http://www.purinacare.com
Average Customer Rating: 8.5 out of 10
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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

PO Box 50034
Bellevue, WA 98015
Phone: 800-453-4054
Website: http://www.healthypawspetin surance.com
Average Customer Rating: 10 out of 10
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Top Canada Pet Insurance Companies

Pethealth Inc.

PetCare is the canadian insurance arm of Pethealth, Inc. Pethealth offers a range of products and services for veterinarians, shelters and pet owners through a number of brands including QuickCare, ShelterCare, CherryBlue, Union Plus Pet Insurance, EVE and Petpoint.

710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400
Oakville, ON L6K 3V7
P: (866) 275-7387 (PETS)
Website: http://www.petcareinsurance .com
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 10
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Trupanion Canada (formerly Vetinsurance)

Canadian-founded Trupanion offers pet insurance throughout Canada and the US. Trupanion insures dogs and cats between 8 weeks and 14 years. Recently changed terms so that policies have no payout limits.

Vetinsurance Brokers Canada
PO Box 34538
1268 Marine Drive
North Vancouver, BC V7P 1T2
Phone: (800) 930-1019
Website: http://www.vetinsurance.com
Average Customer Rating: 8.7 out of 10
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Petsecure

Petsecure is the largest pet insurance company in Canada, offering pet insurance in every province and territory.

200-1200 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0T5
Phone: (800) 268-1169
Website: http://www.petsecure.com
Average Customer Rating: 8.4 out of 10
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Purina Care Canada

Purina Care is a new pet insurer underwritten by the SecuriCan General Insurance Company. Securican also is the underwriter for Petsecure and PC Financial pet insurance. They offer pet insurance in every Province and Territory in Canada.

200-1200 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0T5
Phone: (800) 661-3199
Website: http://www.purinacare.ca
Average Customer Rating: 5.5 out of 10
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PC Financial Pet Insurance

PC Financial is underwritten by the SecuriCan General Insurance Company. Securican also is the underwriter for Petsecure and PurinaCare Canada. They offer pet insurance in every Province and Territory in Canada.

200-1200 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 0T5
Phone: (877) 723-7387
Website: http://www.pcinsurance.ca/ROCEN/PI.asp
Average Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 10
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Hbc Pet Insurance

Hbc Financial Services began offering pet insurance in August of 2008. The program is underwritten by Securican General Insurance Company. Securican is also the underwriter for PetPlan Canada and Petsecure. They offer pet insurance in every Province and Territory in Canada.

200-1200 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 0T5
Phone: (800) 664-9204
Website: http://www.petinsurancehbc. com
Average Customer Rating: Not Rated Yet
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Other Pet Insurers

Pet Assure

An alternative to insurance, Pet Assure members obtain discounts from a network of thousands of veterinarians and pet suppliers. Members must go to participating veterinarian to get the savings.

328 Second Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone: 888-789-PETS (7387)
Website: http://www.petassure.com
Average Customer Rating: 7.2 out of 10
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Banfield Wellness Plans
*Disclaimer - check with Dre on this...I've heard too many horror stories apart from his ordeal. I would stay away until you do a review of the one located nearest you. Not everyone has a problem with Banfield. In fact, there are MANY satisfied customers.*

Banfield is not an insurance company, but a membership plan that offers wellness benefits. Members must go to Banfield pet hospitals, which are located within PetSmart stores throughout the United States.

There are several different plans available for dogs and cats, including one that includes a spay or neuter service. There is a one-time signup fee and monthly payments that start at $12.95.

8000 NE Tillamook
PO Box 13998
Portland, OR 97213-0998
Phone: 800-838-6738
Website: http://www.banfield.net
Average Customer Rating: 5.8 out of 10
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United Pet Care

Not insurance, but a membership program that permits members to obtain discounted services through a network of veterinarians located in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Texas.

6232 N. 7th Ave., Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 877-872-8800
Website: http://www.unitedpetcare.co m
Average Customer Rating: 10 out of 10

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waste of money
oh and shoutout to Banfield at Petsmart
yall can kiss my ass

Pet insurance is not a waste for all pet owners. Depends on the specific health issues and genetic problems each breed has.

Anyone who has a pet needs to make the determination if purchasing pet insurance for their pet is an expense they can handle, and will cover all of their routine, preventative and emergency care. I would suggest comparing plans, premiums, genetic propensities of their breed, and make a final decision on insurance, savings or putting their pet down.

What is good for one is not for another. And vice versa.

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I went back and read the requirements for getting pet insurance. Wow this is a bunch of bull Pre-existing conditions are not covered that statement speaks volume. I don't think it is right at all.

oh really
Exhibit A: My last bill
that total is without insurance
notice it says i would of so called saved $93.52 if I had their BS insurance
But they require a $75.00 fee to sign up for their insurance
Their insurance does not cover most of their medication
Their BS insurance is only good for waiving the $44.95 Office Visit Fee. I love my dog to death but he is a pet and not a "child"
And lets not even talk about the grooming fees which average around $65.00

Dre, I remember this from a few months ago. Check the original post with the disclaimer for Banfield

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haven't been back since but since then i took my dog to a private spot to get groomed and washed. whateva shampoo they used gave him a eye infection hes still fighting now. gotta take him back to the doctor for that. ugh

Hmmm... I am not sure how I feel abut pet insurance. Our dog got sick a few months ago because she ate something that she had no business eating and came home with all types of meds after the Vet.

The bill ended up being $325, but she is not sick that often.

I don't blame you. I've read a lot of horrible stories about them. More negative reviews that positive. It's sad. And I hope the baby feels better soon. I would make them pay your vet bill.

And I agree. When I had Max, I wasn't going to get it. I think it's better if you can't afford the top tier premium plans, to save at least $50-100 a month in a pet account solely for vet expenses.

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I've been trying to find good Pet Insurance for my 2 dogs. Im glad i checked this thread out

How did it go? Did you decide on the insurance that's best for you, your fur-baby, and your pocketbook/wallet?

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My dog has insurance through Banfield

Greatest thing ever for pets. I have them their insurance, plus they're covered in my car and homeowners insurance.

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Awesome info

I AGREE..BANFUCK IS FULL OF SHIT. AND THATS BULLSHIT ABT INSURANCE NOT ACCEPTING PETS WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS. MY POODLE IS BLIND..YOU'D NEVER KNOW IT UNTIL U SEE HIM WALK INTO A WALL..THAT FUCKA IS RIGHT ON TIME..I HAVE GROWN ATTACHED TO HIM..WITH THAT SAID..IF ANYTHING EVER HAPPENS TO HIS LIL APRICOT ASS..HE WILL HAVE A FUNERY IN THE BACK YARD LISTENING TO QUEEN JANETS "TOGETHER AGAIN"