ASPCA Pet Insurance: A Comprehensive Review
ASPCA pet insurance offers a range of coverage options designed to protect your pets from unexpected accidents and illnesses. This review explores the features, benefits, and drawbacks of ASPCA pet insurance to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
NerdWallet’s Rating
ASPCA pet insurance receives a 5.0 out of 5 stars rating from NerdWallet. This rating reflects the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive coverage and a positive customer experience.
Key Features and Coverage
- Annual Maximum Coverage: Unlimited
- Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, or $500
ASPCA offers several types of pet insurance plans, including accident and illness coverage as well as accident-only options. Their plans are available for cats and dogs, and ASPCA even offers specific plans for horses.
Complete Coverage (Accident and Illness)
ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan is their primary accident and illness plan. It typically includes coverage for:
- Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses, including cancer and diabetes.
- Prescription medication, food, and supplements.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions.
- Microchip implantation.
- Alternative treatments (acupuncture, chiropractic care).
- Behavioral therapies.
- Diagnostic tests (MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays).
- Stem cell therapy.
- End-of-life expenses.
Note: Some of this coverage is additional with other insurers.
Accident-Only Plan
This plan provides coverage for accidents, such as bites, broken bones, and torn ligaments. It does not cover illnesses. This coverage may be a good option for older pets or those who are not at high risk.
Preventive Care
ASPCA offers a preventive care package that can be added to an accident and illness plan or an accident-only plan, but cannot be purchased separately. These plans have no deductible or coinsurance and provide reimbursement for routine procedures, like vaccinations, dental cleanings (for Prime plan) and annual exams. There are different levels of preventive care to choose from, each with its own services and annual reimbursement maximums.
Pros of ASPCA Pet Insurance
- Comprehensive Coverage: The Complete Coverage plan offers extensive coverage, including alternative therapies and behavioral issues.
- Horse Insurance: ASPCA provides insurance for horses, covering accidents and certain illnesses.
- Shorter Waiting Period: ASPCA has a shorter waiting period for cruciate injuries (14 days) compared to most other plans.
Cons of ASPCA Pet Insurance
- Unlimited Coverage Quote: You must call to get a quote for unlimited annual coverage.
Choosing ASPCA
ASPCA may be a good choice if you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, coverage for horses, or a shorter waiting period for certain conditions.
ASPCA vs. Competitors
ASPCA competes with other leading pet insurance providers like Nationwide, Embrace, and Healthy Paws. Here’s how ASPCA stacks up against the competition:
- ASPCA vs. Nationwide: ASPCA offers broader coverage and a shorter waiting period for certain conditions.
- ASPCA vs. Embrace: Both companies offer comprehensive accident and illness plans, but Embrace does not cover prescription food and supplements.
- ASPCA vs. Healthy Paws: ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan covers prescription food, exam fees, and accident plans, unlike Healthy Paws.
Plan Customization
You can customize your ASPCA policy by selecting different deductibles, reimbursement amounts, and coverage limits.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, or $500 annually for Complete Coverage and the Accident-Only plan. (Preventive Care has no deductible).
- Reimbursement: Available at 70%, 80%, or 90% of your vet bills (most policies).
- Coverage Limits: Can be set from $2,500 to unlimited depending on the plan and how you purchase it.
Waiting Periods and Restrictions
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to be eligible.
- Waiting Periods: 14-day waiting period for illness and accident coverage. Preventive care plans are effective immediately.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Not covered, unless they are curable and have not reoccurred in at least 180 days.
Sample Rates
The cost of ASPCA pet insurance depends on various factors like your location, the age and breed of your pet, and the coverage options. To give a sense of the cost, NerdWallet gathered sample monthly premiums based on dogs and cats living in Katy, Texas. These are sample rates, and your own rate will vary.
Additional Considerations
- Discounts: ASPCA offers a 10% discount for insuring multiple pets and for veterinary office employees.
- Availability: Available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., though horse insurance plans have limited availability.
- Digital Experience: ASPCA has a website, app, and various ways to submit claims. It offers online quotes, and a 24/7 help line.
How to File a Claim
Claims can be submitted online, through the app, or by email, mail, or fax. Claims are usually processed within 30 days, with payment made via direct deposit or check.
Contact Information
- Customer Service: 866-204-6764
- Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute financial advice. It is essential to conduct your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
