by Liz Demcsak
Owners know dogs are much more than a pet. They are loveable companions whose mission is to please, comfort and protect loved ones. Many view their dogs as another member of their family, and strive to shelter them from harm. Although difficult to think of, many do not plan for the possibility of their dog falling ill or getting injured. However, with the rising cost of veterinarian visits – they’ve more than doubled in price over the past 10 years – even “routine” appointments can leave owners paying huge bills out of pocket.
flickr Photo Credit: super-structure
To better understand the differences among plans, we’ve compiled a review of the top three pet health insurance plans, services covered and how much they cost.
Note: each quote was based on a healthy, 8-year-old male Golden Retriever.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
The ASPCA, one of the most recognized humane organizations in the world, offers four levels of protection, ranging from most affordable to high-coverage for senior pets. Their benefits include 80 percent reimbursement on usual and customary covered charges, discounts on insuring multiple pets, and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Insurances: All plans cover hospitalizations, x-rays and surgeries related to an accident. Advanced plans include illnesses and wellness care such as heartworm tests, annual physical exams, dental cleaning and advanced vaccinations.
Plans: Four options available
Monthly cost: $13/month (Level 1 plan) to $88 (Level 4 plan)
Maximum yearly benefits: $8,000 (Level 1 plan) to $13,000 (Level 4 plan)
Deductible: $100
Routine care: Heartworm prevention, annual dental cleaning, and advanced vaccinations included in Level 4 package
VPI Pet Insurance
Insuring pets for around 30 years, VPI’s plans differ from others as their packages are based on a benefit schedule, an itemized list of available reimbursement for specific medical diagnoses. Based on the plan they choose, customers can download these forms which outline what their insurance plan will cover and under what circumstances. Their senior plan is available for pets age 9 and over.
Insurances: All plans cover foreign body ingestion, lacerations, and poisonings & toxicities. Advanced plans include illnesses such as allergies, diabetes, cancer and certain hereditary problems like cherry eye, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Plans: Three options available
Monthly cost: $48/month (economical plan) to $63/month (comprehensive plan)
Maximum policy term benefits: $7,000 to $14,000
Deductible: Choose from $100, $250, $500 deductibles for economical and comprehensive plan. Senior pet protection only offers $250 deductible.
Routine care: Available with purchase of CareGuard plan. CareGuard Core package $12/month – covers lower reimbursements for routine care only. CareGuard Premium option – offers highest reimbursements for routine care, also includes dental cleaning or spay/neutering and urinalyses or ERD
Pets Best Insurance
Pets Best Insurance offers 80 percent reimbursement on veterinarian bills, a 14-day money back refund and no age limits on pets they’ll insure. They allow customers to use any licensed vet throughout the world, so you know your pet’s protected even when you’re away from home.
Insurances: Each plan covers treatment from accidents and illnesses including emergency care, hospitalization, X-rays, lab tests and surgeries.
Plans: Three options available
Monthly cost: $28/month (Pets Basic plan), $52/month (Pets First plan), $68/month (Pets Premier plan)
Maximum lifetime limits: $42,000 to $100,000
Deductible: Choose from $100, $250, $500 for Pets Basic and Pets First plans. Pets Premier plan only offered with $250 deductible.
Routine care: Available with purchase of BestWellness option for $22/month. The package covers $480 in annual benefits and covers annual exams, dental cleanings, heartworm tests, advanced vaccinations, urinalysis and more.
This article is brought to you from Liz at Wet Nose Guide, a nationwide dog care directory for dog owners on the go.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article with helpful insights!!
I am glad you reviewed these three plans. I have a lot of clients tell me about different pet insurance companies out there and some appear to be really big scams. Probably can’t go wrong with ASPCA!
I admit the fact that I have gained a lot of info from this article and I can say that it has a lot of helpful insights. I am glad to hear about these three plans.
More pet owners should take advantage of insurance plans like these- what a great service you are providing for our community by presenting what is available to us!