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If you have a dog, cat, or any other pet, you probably have to go to the vet on a regular basis, which can be relatively expensive in the United States. Thus, It is convenient that you purchase an insurance policy for your pet, which works in a similar way to that of human life insurance, insofar as it includes annual premiums, deductibles, co-payments and spending limits, and is available for all types of pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, exotic birds, reptiles, small pigs, and rodents.
Pet Insurance and particularly dog insurance have become increasingly popular policies. That’s because anyone who has ever taken a sick or injured pet to the vet knows how expensive veterinary care can be. In this article we will talk a little about the types of pet insurance that exist; and which are the most popular insurers that offer excellent insurance for dogs and cats. Keep reading and find out more details…
Types of Pet Insurance
The types of pet insurance in the USA vary greatly from one company to another. The following are some of the benefits that can be found in the most comprehensive insurance policies:
- Accidents. All necessary expenses for injuries caused by accidents, such as dislocations, broken bones, allergies and problems due to exposure to toxic substances, bites, damage and obstructions when swallowing bones and others. It includes the necessary therapies for its restoration
- Diseases. They cover everything from stomach ailments and diarrhea to serious conditions such as cancer
- Hereditary diseases. Some insurers also protect against congenital diseases and even behavioral problems
- Preventive Care. Necessary care to avoid diseases, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, laboratory analysis and necessary tests, etc
Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered by insurers. Deductibles apply per year that vary in most cases between $100 and $1,000.
Best Insurance for Dogs and Cats
Our count is listed as follows:
- Healthy Paws
- Pet Assure
- PetFirst
- Embrace
- ASPCA
Keep in mind that we select the best dog insurance companies because they offer the following aspects:
- Generous coverage for accidents and illnesses
- Flexible premiums and deductibles
- Transparent terms.
- Discounts for insuring multiple pets
- Preventive Care Coverage Option or Riders
Healthy Paws: Best Insurance for Dogs and Cats Overall
This company offers a single insurance plan for dogs that covers accidents and illnesses with a cheap annual deductible and no payment limits. However, if you want to lower your premiums, Healthy Paws offers you the option of increasing your deductible or lowering your reimbursement level. In addition, it offers alternative medicine and treatments that include: Hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Please note that Healthy Paws does not cover wellness expenses, veterinary exams and treatment for behavior problems. Among its most notable features are:
- Average Score: 4.3/5 stars
- Dog Premium: $39.10/mo
- Cat Premium: $12.71/mo
- Annual deductible: $500
- No coverage limitations
- This policy includes race-specific conditions such as: Hip Dysplasia
Pet Assure: Best for Low Cost Dog Insurance
Pet Assure isn’t included in standard pet insurance, but its low cost and flexibility make it our top pick for pet owners of all types looking to save money on pet insurance. This company offers plans for a single cat or a single dog, and a family plan for up to four animals of any size; plus an unlimited plan for all the pets in your home. Best of all, there’s no waiting period before you can use your coverage. Its main features include:
- Average Score: 4.1/5 stars
- Dog Premium: $99/year or $8.25/month
- Cat Premium: $99/year $8.25/month
- Annual Deductible: $0
- Low monthly rates
- Covers all kinds of pets
- No trial periods
Finally, all Pet Assure plans include discounted veterinary services, including specialized treatments for:
- Accidents
- Diseases
- Preventive care
- Pre-existing conditions
Pet First: Best Dog Insurance for Routine Care
PetFirst offers a unique insurance policy that provides coverage for pet-related injuries, illnesses and treatment, this policy protects your dog in the event of:
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Diagnostic tests
- Exams
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Medicines
- Holistic care
- Alternative therapies
- Emergency care
Another point in favor of Pet First is that you can use your coverage just 1 day after your subscription begins. However, in terms of protection against diseases; This insurer limits your waiting period to 14 days.
Also, you have the option of adding PetFirst Routine Rider Coverage, which pays for the cost of your pet’s annual veterinary exam; as well as vaccinations, behavioral training, microchipping and more. This rider is available in five levels, with annual coverage from $125 to $575. Now, the most outstanding features of this insurance are:
- Average Score: 4.0/5 stars
- Premium for dogs: $15/mo
- Cat Premium: $9/mo
- Annual deductible: $250
- Waiting period: 1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses
- Annual limits: $10,000
- Network size is unlimited
Embrace: Best Overall Insurance for Emergencies
Embrace does an exceptional job when it comes to dog emergency insurance. In the event of an injury, Embrace has plans that will cover your pet’s emergency bills at any licensed veterinary hospital. Now, accident benefits start after just two days. This means that Embrace has a much shorter waiting period than most of the competitors in this ranking.
For its part, Embrace offers two pet insurance policies that are:
- Accident policy: 2-day waiting period
- Disease Coverage: Waiting period of 14 days
This insurer is responsible for including in its policies a wide range of treatments and services, such as:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Hereditary conditions
- Exam fees
- Emergency care
- Chronic conditions
- Cancer treatment
- Congenital conditions
- Behavior therapy
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescriptions
- Rehabilitation
Embrace stands out in the following aspects:
- Average Score: 4.0/5 stars
- Premium for dogs: $150/year
- Annual deductible: Varies between $200 and 1,000/year when you combine accident policy with illness
- Waiting period: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses
- Annual limits: $30,000
Finally, keep in mind that Embrace’s accident insurance plan is available ( exclusively for dogs over 15 years of age ) and covers costs related to:
- Swallowed objects
- Car accidents
- Injuries
- Poisoning
- Cuts and lacerations
- Prescription drugs for covered conditions
ASPCA: Best Insurance for Grouping Multiple Pets (Dogs and Cats)
The ASPCA insurer covers dogs and cats while offering a 10% discount for multiple pets; making it the best option for homes with multiple furry family members. The ASPCA Full Coverage Policy includes the following:
- Accidents
- Diseases
- Hereditary conditions
- Dental Diseases
- Behavioral Health
On the other hand, the ASPCA Accident Only Coverage policy pays exclusively for accident-related injuries and treatment, such as:
- Torn Ligaments
- Bite Wunds
- Broken Bones
- Swallowed Objects
- X-rays
- MRIs
- Ultrasounds
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
Additionally, pet owners can add a Preventive Care Coverage Rider to any of the policies to get coverage for immunizations, dental cleanings, routine exams and more. ASPCA is an insurance company that stands out in the pet industry for the following:
- Average Score: 4.0/5 stars
- Dog and Cat Premium: $8/mo up to $40/mo depending on number of pets
- Annual Deductible: Varies between $100 and 500/year depending on the number of pets
- Waiting period: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses
- Annual limits: $10,000
- Copayments: 10% to 30%
- Waiting period: 14 days for accident and sickness coverage, one day for preventive care
- Network size: Unlimited
- Discount for multiple pets (10% discount for each one)
- Cover dogs and cats
- Offers an app for smartphones
- You can visit any licensed vet in the US or Canada
Regulatory Bodies
- The Department of Internal Insurance ( DOI ) of each state within the United States is in charge of examining insurers that claim to offer pet insurance
- On the other hand, pet insurance is considered within property insurance, such as vehicle and home insurance, rather than health insurance. The NAIC is also involved in insurance companies
- Finally, the Consumer Protection offices are an option in case of discrepancies with any of the insurers