Anyone with a beloved pet knows that our fur-covered (or feathered, scaled, etc.) friends are more than pets—they are family. Every animal I’ve brought into my home over the years has become a best friend. My dogs and cats know that my couch is their couch, my food is their food, and my water glass is, well, you get the idea.
If you’re reading this article, you likely will do anything to ensure your pet’s health, safety, and wellbeing. One thing (outside of your love and care) that could help your pet remain healthy throughout their life is pet insurance. (Check out our article on how pets improve aging in place for seniors.)
It probably comes as no surprise that there are many pet insurance options. So, I recently embarked on an online journey to determine what pet insurance options are worth considering. This overview will provide an analysis of various pet insurance options and detail why some options may serve seniors better than other choices. After reading, you’ll be able to narrow down pet insurance options that will best serve you and your loved ones.
My pick: Best Pet Insurance option for seniors
Veterinary pick: Best pet insurance option for seniors
Top 3 highest rated pet insurance options
I acquired the information in this article by researching seven pet insurance options. I also interviewed Crystal Litzenberger, a veterinary technician currently working at LolaHemp, for their professional input. Crystal has worked in animal nursing, hospital management, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is like health insurance for your pet; many options and policies feature exclusions, coverage levels, payment limits, and deductibles.
My research revealed no pet insurance covers an animal’s pre-existing conditions (also known as an ailment an animal developed before getting insurance). However, some companies will evaluate if your pets’ illness history is truly chronic or not.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the first pet insurance policy was created in 1890 in Sweden for livestock and horses. However, the United States didn’t have its first pet insurance policy until the early 1980s. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), now known as Nationwide pet insurance, created the policy.
What does pet insurance cover? What does it not cover?
Although pet insurance does cover many illnesses, accidents, and general animal care and maintenance, policies exclude many things, too.
No pet insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions. Some options do not cover congenital issues or hereditary conditions. Most pet insurance policies will only cover accidents or illnesses a pet has yet to experience or develop. However, some insurance companies provide wellness policy “add-ons” that provide some coverage for a pet’s health maintenance. The NAIC also adds that some policies “will not accept pets after a certain age.” Consumers also should be aware of policy “waiting periods,” also known as the time “before benefits begin.”
According to the NAIC, “The monthly cost of the policy will depend on many variables, including the species of animal, breed, gender, age, location, and the coverages and deductible chosen.”
Pet owners interested in insurance also should note that each pet insurance company’s reimbursement method is different. “Some companies use a benefit schedule, which reimburses policyholders based on the illness or injury and the coverage level chosen. Other companies reimburse percentages based on the amount spent by the policyholder.”
Why would someone consider having pet insurance?
The NAIC explains that anyone who is considering getting pet insurance should first do thorough online research before making a decision. However, if you find the right policy for you and your pet, obtaining pet insurance may be beneficial.
“As lifespans of companion animals increase, costs of veterinary care may increase for the consumer,” the NAIC explains. “This could be beneficial for the pet insurance industry in the future as more consumers turn to pet insurance to help manage preventive care, acute and chronic illness, and emergency medical care costs for their animals.”
According to a study performed by scholars Angelica Williams, Brian Williams, Charlotte R. Hansen, and Keith H. Coble, pet insurance has positively impacted pets’ overall health. With pet insurance, pet owners may spend more time at the veterinarian’s office because animals receive all the services they need in one visit. The researchers stated this is likely “because pet health insurance has allowed them to purchase with ease of mind.”
What makes a good pet insurance policy?
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a helpful list of things people should consider when researching pet insurance options.
1.) Consumers should choose insurance that is clear and easy to understand. A consumer shouldn’t have to search for hours on a website to understand what a policy includes or excludes or what the policy’s co-pays, deductibles, add-on charges, etc. encompass.
2.) A pet insurance policy should note if premiums increase when a claim is made or if the policy’s price will go up as your pet ages.
3.) When it comes to purchasing insurance, make sure you can easily understand how the policy will handle:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Claims
- Discounts (some insurance policies offer discounts if you enroll multiple pets)
- Aging pets
4.) A good insurance plan should allow you to choose your veterinarian. Thankfully, my research revealed that almost every pet insurance option enables a pet owner to select their veterinarian.
5.) A good pet insurance policy will provide information and answer any questions you have about reimbursement plans. Knowing this information could help you if an emergency occurs. “If you’re concerned about covering the expenses up front, ask your veterinarian about payment options that will work for you in case you need to make arrangements,” adds the AVMA. “It’s best to know your options ahead of time so you don’t have the added stress of trying to make payment arrangements during an emergency.”
Common pet insurance terms
Insurance waiting period: The amount of time before a policy becomes effective.
Deductibles: The amount you pay out of pocket before insurance begins to pay.
Reimbursement percentage: The amount of money you get back after paying your vet.
Upfront payment: What you pay the vet at the time of service. (NOTE: ALL of these policies require upfront payment at your vet. You get your money back AFTER filing a claim. Talk to your vet before investing in insurance if this concerns you.)
Pre-existing condition: A condition or illness a pet has before an insurance policy’s start date.
Congenital disorders: A condition present at birth.
Hereditary conditions: Health issues and conditions that are genetic, often considered breed-specific.
Cranial cruciate ligament: A ligament connecting the femur’s back with the front of the tibia.
Behavioral conditions: Behaviors (such as hair pulling, etc.) that are anxiety-related conditions concerning a pet’s mental wellness.
Pet insurance options
I spent a few afternoons browsing various pet insurance options and creating quotes for my eight-year-old dog, *Cash —who is a 33-pound mixed breed dog— so his quotes may read lower than pure-breed dogs.
(*Typically, cat pet insurance is cheaper than dog pet insurance.)
Each pet insurance review includes:
- A brief history of the company
- The quote for Cash
- Waiting period
- Usability information
- Benefits and exclusions
- Pros and cons
Pets Best
Pets Best Pet Health Insurance was founded in 2005 by veterinarian Dr. Jack Stephens and company CEO Greg McDonald. Dr. Stephens previously founded VPI in the early 1980s. He left VPI in 2004. Dr. Stephens entered the pet insurance world to “end economic euthanasia by helping to ensure pet owners are financially prepared when their pets need unexpected veterinary care.” Pets Best features an easy-to-use desktop and phone interface. I obtained various quotes for Cash in minutes with no hardship. The site also features a comprehensive list concerning general coverage questions.
Cost: Accident Only Coverage— $9 per month; Accident and Illness Coverage— you can choose between Essential, Plus, or Elite coverage depending on your spending. For example, “Essential,” the company’s least expensive illness and accident option, covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, emergency care, surgeries, and prescription meds for $43.48. For about an extra $7, I could obtain insurance that covers accident and illness exam fees. For $10 more, the policy would cover an animal’s rehab, too. (These quotes had an unlimited annual limit, a yearly deductible of $500, and a 90 percent reimbursement level. Note that you can change these numbers/amounts to fit your needs.) I also was able to add a routine care option to Cash’s insurance package. These packages, which cover services such as vaccines, prevention, and teeth cleaning, pay the pet owner back up to a specific amount every year without a deductible.
Waiting period: Pets Best’s waiting periods vary. For accidents, it’s three days. For illnesses; 14 days. The waiting period is six months for cruciate ligament conditions.
User-friendliness (1-10): 10/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 8/10
Total rating: 18/10
Pros:
- It’s easy to switch between plan options on the site. Each plan option also features an easy-to-read list of what is and is not covered. The company also clearly states its pet insurance waiting periods below its plan options.
- No upper age limits. Any dog or cat seven weeks and older can get insurance.
- A 24/7 pet helpline (phone, live chat, email) operated by vet experts.
- A discount for enrolling multiple pets (5 percent).
- Those interested in paying annually also can save money.
- Before finalizing your purchase, Pets Best makes you check a box stating that you understand the policy will not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Pets Best accepts claims via your account attached to their website (desktop), mobile app, email, mail, fax, or direct payment to your vet.
- The company also covers behavioral conditions (consults and prescribed medications) as well as prosthetic devices and wheelchairs “prescribed or provided by a licensed veterinarian.”
Cons:
- I had to change Cash’s breed a few times because it kept coming up incorrectly in the breed field. This wasn’t a big deal, but I’d recommend people double-check their pet’s information before checking out to ensure your plan contains the correct information.
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
Veterinary technician Crystal Litzenberger stated, “They offer more routine care coverage than some companies on the market right now, which to some pet owners is a huge selling point. They also have a 24-hour vet hotline so clients can call for advice and support via chat, phone, or email.”
What’s the bottom line on Pets Best?
Litzenberger emphasized, “Excellent customer service, which pet owners find priceless.”
Spot
Spot’s website has a social media-like feel. The site touts that the company consists of a community of pet lovers who understand that pets are family. One of Spot’s Chairman is Cesar Millan, the famous dog trainer. “As Chairman, Cesar uses his voice to educate pet owners about the real benefits of pet insurance and everyday pet wellness, especially at a time when veterinary treatments are becoming more expensive each year,” Spot explains.
Cost: For $104.51 Cash would get illness and accidental insurance. Price-conscious pet parents should note that Spot highlights its most affordable option when giving you a quote. Spot also allows you to get accident-only coverage for $31.44. These quotes had an unlimited annual limit, a yearly deductible of $500, and a 90 percent reimbursement level. Note that you can change these numbers to fit your needs. Like other pet insurance with optional preventative plans, you can add this type of coverage during checkout.
Waiting Period: The site highlights when your pet’s coverage starts (14 days for accident and illness, day-after for preventative care) before you finish checking out.
User-friendliness (1-10): 9/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 8/10
Total rating: 17/20
Pros:
- An incredibly detailed FAQ section.
- Spot will cover all cats and dogs, seven weeks of age and older, and does not have an age cap.
- Spot explicitly states that it will cover end-of-life care for pets. It also covers body disposition. The only thing Spot will not recover regarding end-of-life care are memorial items.
- The company also provides a discount (10 percent) if you add additional pets to your insurance.
- The company also features 24/7 telehealth available via chat, phone, messenger, and video.
- There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Spot covers behavioral issues, as well as some prescription diets and dietary supplements.
- There are no “incident or lifetime caps on coverage.”
- Spot accepts claims via an online app, fax, and mail.
Cons:
- I could not easily find if ligament tears, etc., had a longer waiting period than other illnesses or ailments. After searching the site’s various dropdown menus, I discovered that pets who are enrolled after age 6 are “not eligible for hip dysplasia coverage.”
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
Litzenberger stated, “They cover prescription food, tooth extractions, holistic health, and they focus on pet parent education. Those are a few things that most insurance companies out there now don’t cover. They have Cesar Millan as their chairman and over 1,000 employees.”
What’s the bottom line on Spot?
Litzenberger claimed, “They have been in the business since 2006, and they seem to be going strong. This is the first time I’ve heard of this company, but I may start telling more folks about it.”
Nationwide / VPI Pet Insurance
Nationwide pet insurance, formerly known as VPI, is the oldest pet insurance company in the United States. Nationwide has always served as VPI’s underwriter. However, it acquired the company in 2009.
Cost: Cash’s quote came to $78.23 for Major Medical and Wellness. I had the option of omitting Wellness care (annual needs) for a lower monthly cost. The set deductible for coverage is $250 per year. The benefit plan schedule appears limited, and I could not easily determine the percentage I could get back after paying upfront. It does appear that reimbursement varies according to the plans you’ve chosen to purchase. (For example, on Nationwide’s FAQ, the company states that its “Whole Pet with Wellness plan reimburses 90 percent of what you pay your veterinarian.”)
Waiting Period: The company’s Whole Pet and Wellness plan has a 14-day waiting period. Its Major Medical plan is 14 days. Wellness alone kicks in after 24 hours. However, coverage for cruciate ligament injuries starts after 12 months. This is a longer waiting period than other companies on this list.
User-friendliness: 7/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 8/10
Total rating: 15/20
Pros:
- One of the benefits of Nationwide / VPI is you can choose to purchase a Pet Wellness plan and forgo any illness and accident insurance. These fees start as low as $12 a month and go as high as $22.
- Nationwide also has a 24/7 vet helpline. And similar to other insurance options, this company also provides a 5 percent discount for multiple pets.
- Nationwide covers birds and exotics. Most other pet insurance policies do not.
- There’s a 100 percent money-back guarantee if you cancel within ten days, but this term varies by state.
- Nationwide allows people to submit claims via email, fax, or traditional mail.
Cons:
- Nationwide bundles its accident and illness plans together, only allowing the buyer to omit or add a wellness plan.
- Nationwide’s insurance reads a lot more like a traditional insurance plan, making it less easy to understand.
- Nationwide’s pet insurance covers many ailments but does not cover all hereditary conditions (some are covered under the plan’s most expensive option, which costs similar to other companies in the field). And while the company does state that it will not drop coverage due to a pet’s age, there is a sentence under the FAQ question, “will you drop my pet from coverage because of age?”— that made me pause. The sentence reply starts, “as long as your pet is enrolled before the age of 10…” This wording makes me wonder if there are age stipulations.
- Although it’s easy to get a Nationwide insurance plan, the company’s website is less easy to navigate. I also had to work harder to find information regarding the company’s insurance plans.
- I was unable to find information regarding if the company covers behavioral conditions.
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
“VPI is one of the oldest pet insurance companies on the market, and veterinarians stand by them for their reputation. They have been taken under the Nationwide wing in recent years, so the company has a solid foundation to remain a leader in the industry,” stated Litzenberger.
What’s the bottom line on VPI / Nationwide?
“They are one of the more fairly priced companies, and they have higher reimbursements than most pet insurance on the market,” Litzenberger claimed.
Petplan
For over 15 years, Petplan has provided pet insurance. The company’s homepage states it will cover a pet’s entire sick visit, provide comprehensive dental care (including injury and disease in every adult tooth), as well as breed-specific conditions.
Cost: Petplan allows you to customize your plan. To keep my quotes similar, I chose the same parameters as I used for other comparisons. For an unlimited max annual payout, a $500 yearly deductible, and a 90 percent reimbursement policy; Cash’s insurance came to $124.40 a month.
Waiting period: Like other policies, Petplan has a 15 day waiting period. It also has a six-month exclusionary period on hip dysplasia, cruciates, and patellas. However, you can get this waiting period waived.
User-friendliness: 8/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 10/10
Total rating: 18/20
Pros:
- I like that the company covers boarding fees if your pet needs hospitalization. Another attractive Petplan perk is its “advertising and reward” benefit. You can get back up to $1,000 if your pet gets lost “during the policy period.”
- Seniors looking for flexible pricing should consider Petplan because AARP provides its members with a discount.
- From AARP’s website: “Members save up to 10 percent on premiums when signing up online, plus receive a Visa® Prepaid Card (up to $35) to help cover wellness expenses. Plans are accepted at every veterinarian in the U.S. and Canada.” You obtain this discount online by clicking here and following the link, or over the phone by calling Petplan at 1-800-239-6870.
- Petplan allows you to file a claim through its app, email, or mail.
- You can get a discount if you pay quarterly or annually.
- When you’re getting ready to check out, Petplan does have some commonly asked questions you can click on to ensure you fully understand your plan before proceeding. Questions include “What’s Covered?” “How do I get paid back?” and more. The site also offers a chat option if you need more information.
- Petplan also covers behavioral therapy.
Cons:
- Petplan does not give the option of accident-only versus accident and illness coverage. And Petplan does not include a wellness option that covers routine visits. I also could not find a multi-pet discount.
- Petplan’s overall website is pretty simple, and it doesn’t provide as detailed information concerning what is and is not covered as I would like. Although, Petplan does feature various checklists throughout the enrollment process, giving customers a general idea of what’s covered.
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
Litzenberger offered, “Petplan offers holistic care options, which is rare in pet insurance these days, and I feel like that is a huge selling point for folks nowadays. They also focus on senior services.”
What’s the bottom line on Petplan?
“Petplan is a great choice for folks with specific interests and needs,” according to Litzenberger.
Embrace
Embrace positions itself as the insurance company that will treat you and your pet like family. Embrace prides itself on its personal responsibility, passion, and charity contributions.
Cost: Cash’s quote was $78.41. For this price, I’d get an annual reimbursement of $30,000 (unlimited was not an option), a yearly deductible of $500, and a 90 percent reimbursement. I could add Wellness Rewards (essentially a pet wellness policy) that cover a certain amount of money per year. Plans start at $18.75 a month for an allowance of $250 a year and go up to $52.09 for $650 a year.
Waiting period: Embrace’s waiting periods are similar to other companies. Accident coverage starts 48 hours after you enroll. Illness coverage begins 14 days after enrollment. Orthopedic conditions require a six month waiting period unless you fill out the company’s Orthopedic Exam and Waiver Process, which can reduce the wait time to 14 days.
User-friendliness: 9/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 9/10
Total rating: 18/20
Pros:
- Embrace offers a 10 percent multi-pet discount.
- If you’re concerned about pre-existing conditions, you can request a “free medical history review” after purchasing a policy. If you are unhappy with the review’s findings, you can “cancel your policy and receive a prorated refund of the unused premium.”
- Embrace also offers a 5 percent military discount.
- You can save money by paying annually.
- Although Embrace does not cover pre-existing conditions, it will evaluate your pet’s health records to determine if your pet has been symptom-free of an ailment for 12 months. If this is determined, the condition may still get covered.
- Embrace’s website is quite comprehensive and includes dropdown menus on its home page, including important information regarding general policy coverage.
- You can manage claims on your phone via the company’s app or on your desktop. Claims can also be submitted by email, fax, or mail.
- Embrace also features PawSupport, a 24/7 pet helpline, and provides behavioral therapy.
Cons:
- Embrace does not provide “new” illness coverage for pets 15 years of age and older. This means that if your pet is currently 15 or older, you can not get illness insurance through Embrace. Animals 15 years and older are only eligible for accident coverage.
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
According to Litzenberger, “Embrace offers 24-hour customer support, which can be helpful for ER clinics to process claims easily. They also offer a fair evaluation of pre-existing conditions, which most companies would just turn down immediately.”
What’s the bottom line on Embrace?
Litzenberger claimed, “Embrace offers a product that is honest and fair, and their customer service goes above and beyond.”
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™, which has operated since 1997, is the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance provider. Crum & Foster partnered with the ASPCA in 2006.
Cost: For annual coverage of $10,000 (unlimited is not an option), a $500 yearly deductible, and 90 percent reimbursement; Cash’s coverage would be $76.64. ASPCA also provides add-on preventive coverage. You can select between a Basic ($250 annually) and Prime ($450) option.
Waiting period: The comprehensive Complete Coverage option also has lower waiting periods for knee and ligament conditions (14 days). There is a 14 day waiting period for illness coverage. Accidents and optional preventative care are covered when a plan goes into effect.
User-friendliness: 8/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 5/10
Total rating: 13/20
Pros:
- The ASPCA offers accident-only insurance for various low rates. You also can get a 10 percent discount for adding multiple pets during enrollment.
- ASPCA also covers some prescription foods (this is only available with its Complete Coverage plan). According to the ASPCA, pet owners can get reimbursed for some prescription food and supplements if prescribed for a health condition. Note that general maintenance or weight management is not covered, and the insurance has “set limits on how long this coverage can be used.”
- You can submit a claim online, by mail, and by fax. Insurance reimbursements can be deposited into a bank account or mailed.
- This insurance company also covers behavioral issues.
- ASPCA covers horses, too.
Cons:
- It’s not clear if ASPCA’s insurance has age limits. Call to ask for more information.
- The site is a bit difficult to research. Although you can find answers to common questions, I searched around a bit more than I did on other sites.
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
Litzenberger stated, “They do not cover pre-existing conditions. They cover microchipping, which is something that most companies don’t offer. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.”
What’s the bottom line on ASPCA’s pet insurance?
Litzenberger argued, “ASPCA has been around for many years, so it is a trusted name.”
Pumpkin
Pumpkin appears to be the newest pet insurance brand on this list, so there’s not much history to report. However, similar to the other companies that provide pet insurance, Pumpkin claims to be in the business to help pet owners have healthy pets.
Cost: Cash’s quote (with a $20,000 annual limit, $500 yearly deduction, and 90 percent reimbursement rate) was $94.01 a month. (Note: Pumpkin does not have an unlimited yearly reimbursement option.)
Waiting period: The waiting period is 14 days for all conditions, including knee injuries and hip dysplasia.
User-friendliness: 7/10
Veterinary technician’s rating: 8/10
Total rating: 15/20
Pros:
- Pumpkin gives multiple pet households a 10 percent discount.
- Similar to some other brands, Pumpkin will cover certain foods prescribed to treat an illness or accident.
- Pumpkin covers behavioral issues.
- Pumpkin will cover certain pre-existing conditions if your pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for that condition for 180 days. This excludes knee and hind leg ligament conditions.
- Pumpkin does not have an age limit.
Cons:
- For seniors who don’t use a computer or mobile phone, it appears that you can only file a claim online via a customer account or by email. I would call to ask if they allow faxed or mailed-in claims.
- Although Pumpkin does provide preventative care, I was unable to research it because the add-on is not available in Missouri.
- Pumpkin’s insurance information is a bit scattered. It’s all there, but you have to search for it.
What stuck out to you after visiting the company’s website?
Litzenberger stated, “The waiting period for orthopedic coverage is only 14 days, and they don’t have an upper age limit for enrollment, which is huge.”
What’s the bottom line on Pumpkin?
Litzenberger recognized, “This is still a young company, but it looks like it may have a lot of potential in the future being backed by Zoetis, a huge veterinary pharmaceutical company.”
Use my research, do your research, talk to your vet, and then call the provider of your choice and ask detailed questions to ensure you and your pet get what you both need.
(Note: All quotes lightly edited for readability.)
