Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance
We've put together answers to frequently asked questions about pet health insurance and our plans. If you'd like more information, please call us at 1-866-861-9092 and we'll be happy to help.
Questions About Pet Insurance
1. What is pet health insurance?
Pet health insurance helps you pay your veterinary bills, so you'll never have to choose between your pet's well-being and your personal finances.
2. Why do I need it?
The costs of veterinary care are rising rapidly. In fact, veterinary costs have more than doubled over the past ten years. Plus, the costs of treatments like surgery and chemotherapy are rising even faster. With pet health insurance, you'll have the financial support you need to keep your pets healthy – or even save their lives.
3. What does it cover?
You can protect your pet for unexpected situations like accidents and illnesses. You can also
choose plans that include routine preventive care, such as annual checkups, vaccines, and dental
cleanings. View our plans for details.
4. What does it cost?
We work hard to make our pet health insurance plans as affordable as possible. Your cost will
depend on a few factors, such as the plan you pick and the breed and age of your dog or cat.
To find out how much it would cost to protect your pet,
get a free quote now.
Questions About Getting and Using Your Plan
1. Once I've enrolled, how long before my pet insurance plan is effective?
We issue pet health insurance plans on the 1st and 15th of the month. If your application is accepted
and payment is received from the 1st to the 14th of the month, your anticipated effective date would
be the 15th. If your application is accepted and payment is received after the 15th, your anticipated
effective date would be the 1st of the following month. (Please note that all plans are subject to
underwriting and are not issued without receipt of payment.)
2. When can I start using my pet insurance?
Accident and routine preventive care coverage (if included in your plan) begin on your effective date.
Illness coverage begins 30 days after your effective date.
3. What are my payment options?
Payments may be made by credit card or automatic check withdrawal. We accept payments on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.
4. Can I save money by paying annually?
Yes. We'll waive the $10.50 issuance fee if you pay your twelve month plan in full.
5. Can I use my current veterinarian or is there a list of providers I have to choose from?
Yes. You can use your veterinarian or any other licensed veterinarian in the United States or Canada.
6. How do I submit a claim?
Simply visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada and pay for the visit at the time of
service. Then just fill out a
claim form and mail, fax, or email it to us with any receipts.
7. How long does it take to receive my reimbursement check?
We make every effort to process claims as quickly as possible. Claims turnaround time can fluctuate
based on the number of claims received. Our claims processors review every claim thoroughly and at
times we may require additional paperwork.
8. Can my pet insurance claim be paid directly to the veterinarian?
Yes. Simply check the box on the front of the claim form to send the reimbursement directly to the veterinary clinic.
9. How does the deductible work for my pet insurance?
Your deductible only needs to be met once a year. For example, if your plan was effective on October
1 and you paid a vet bill of $250 on December 12, you would be responsible for the first $100 of
allowable veterinary expenses to cover the deductible.
10. Can I switch to a different plan at a later time?
Yes. You can change your plan at anytime.
View our plans
or
contact us for more details.
11. Do you provide pet insurance for residents of Canada?
No. Unfortunately, we do not offer pet insurance coverage in Canada at this time. However, if you live
in the US and travel to Canada, you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian there for treatment.
You would submit the claim the same way you would if you saw a veterinarian in the US.
12. Can I cancel my pet insurance at any time?
We'll do everything we can to make sure you're satisfied with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, but you can
cancel at anytime. Please
contact us
if you are thinking about canceling your pet health insurance.
Questions About Your Pet
1. What are the age requirements for your pet insurance plans?
For initial enrollment, dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and younger than 13 years old. Cats must also
be at least 8 weeks old and younger than 15 years old.
2. Will my insurance be cancelled when my pets get older?
Insurance plans will not be cancelled based on the age of your pet; however, premium surcharges relating
to the age of the pets will apply (Safety Plan excluded).
3. What if I have more than one pet?
If you have multiple pets, you are eligible for a 10% discount when you enroll them in the same plan (Safety Plan excluded).
4. What is a pre-existing condition?
Any illness or injury that has manifested or occurred prior to the effective date of your insurance,
or an illness within the first 30 days of a new plan. This would include conditions that have not yet been
clearly diagnosed or are being treated with medication.
5. Are pre-existing conditions covered?
To help keep our premiums as affordable as possible, our plans do not include coverage for pre-existing conditions.
6. What does congenital/hereditary mean?
A congenital condition is one that is considered a birth defect, or a defect in growth development. A hereditary
condition is one that may have been passed down from an animal's parents or through the breed. Both congenital
and hereditary conditions can manifest or show their symptoms at any time during a pet's life.
7. Are congenital/hereditary conditions covered?
To help keep our premiums as affordable as possible, our plans do not include coverage for congenital/hereditary conditions.
8. What is not covered?
In addition to pre-existing and congenital/hereditary conditions, there are some other exclusions to our plans, which help us keep our premiums more affordable. See our
list of exclusions for more details.
NOTE: This is not a complete description of all coverage terms, conditions, and exclusions. See coverage terms for
a full description of the scope and limitation of coverage.