Pumpkin Pet Insurance: A Comprehensive Review
This review examines Pumpkin Pet Insurance, assessing its plans, coverage, costs, and overall value for pet owners. Forbes Advisor’s editorial team provides unbiased ratings and information, using data-driven methodologies to evaluate insurers. They analyzed key coverage categories, including costs, direct vet payments, 24/7 vet health lines, and wellness plan options.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Plans and Coverage
Pumpkin offers a single accident and illness plan, which is the most common type of pet insurance, and provides the option of adding a wellness plan. Unlike some competitors, it does not offer an accident-only plan. The accident and illness insurance includes:
- Accidents: Coverage includes orthopedic injuries, cuts, swallowing objects, or broken bones from car accidents.
- Illnesses: Coverage encompasses cancer, growths, dental, eye, ear, or skin infections, congenital and genetic conditions (like hip dysplasia), as well as parasitic diseases.
- Hospitalizations: Coverage includes emergency care, consultations, surgeries, rehabilitation services, and vet/technician time.
- Specialist Care: Benefits extend beyond general veterinarians to behaviorists, internal medicine experts, and oncologists.
- Alternative Therapy and Rehabilitation: Acupuncture and advanced care, such as stem cell therapy are also included.
- Prescription Medication: Coverage for medications prescribed for covered conditions, including prescription food for medical issues like digestive conditions.
- Diagnostics: Coverage includes tests like blood tests, CAT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Add-Ons
Pumpkin offers a preventative wellness package, “Preventive Essentials,” which covers:
- Annual wellness exams
- Parasite screenings (heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, ticks, and whipworms)
- Vaccinations
What Pumpkin Pet Insurance Does Not Cover
Pumpkin pet insurance does not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions that began before the policy’s effective date or during the waiting period.
- Dental cleanings, except for those needed to treat an illness covered by the policy.
- Costs resulting from breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing.
- Veterinary costs not directly related to pet care (taxes, administration fees, medical waste, and medical records expenses).
- Experimental treatments.
- Elective or cosmetic prostheses or procedures like tail docking.
- Supplements and vitamins used for prevention and general health maintenance.
- Grooming and grooming supplies.
- Boarding.
Pumpkin does cover curable pre-existing conditions, except for knee and ligament problems if a pet has not shown signs or symptoms, and is free from treatment for 180 days. New symptoms will be treated as a new occurrence.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Coverage Levels and Options
Maximum Annual Limit Options
This is the maximum reimbursement payout per policy year.
- Dogs: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, or Unlimited.
- Cats: $5,000, $7,000, $15,000, or Unlimited.
Deductible Options
Pumpkin offers the following choices for the amount you pay toward vet costs before coverage begins:
- $100, $250, $500, or $1,000
Reimbursement Options
Pumpkin offers only one reimbursement level for dogs and cats:
- 80% or 90%
Many pet insurers also have a 70% reimbursement option, which typically results in a lower monthly premium.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions
Waiting periods are the time you must wait after purchasing a policy before coverage begins.
- Accidents and Illnesses: 14 days.
A 14-day waiting period for illnesses is standard. Pumpkin has no special extended waiting period for conditions like hip dysplasia.
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be at least eight weeks old to enroll. There’s no upper age limit for new policies.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Cost Analysis
According to Forbes Advisor’s analysis, Pumpkin pet insurance costs:
- An average of $75 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats. This is for $10,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible, and a 90% reimbursement level.
- An average of $125 per month for dogs and $59 per month for cats for unlimited coverage, a $250 deductible, and a 90% reimbursement level.
Pumpkin Price Comparison for Dogs
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs based on unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement.
Pumpkin Price Comparison for Cats
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs based on unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Availability and Claims
- Pumpkin is available in all 50 U.S. states.
- Claims: Claims can be filed online, by phone (866-273-6369), or by mail.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Digital Experience
Pumpkin’s digital experience has both strengths and weaknesses.
- Downsides: The lack of a mobile app is a drawback when compared to some competitors with robust apps.
- Upsides: Claim submissions and bill payments can be made on the website. There’s no search function on the website, but helpful responses are received via the live chat feature quickly.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Customer Service
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Contact: Contact their customer experience team by phone, email, or online chat.
- Phone: 866-273-6369, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET; Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
- Email: [email protected]
- Online chat: Chat with a representative Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
Conclusion: Is Pumpkin Pet Insurance Right for You?
This detailed review helps potential customers evaluate Pumpkin Pet Insurance’s suitability for their needs. Pumpkin pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage, but potential customers should consider their individual requirements and compare offerings from various insurance providers to determine the best fit for their pets.
