What You Should Know About Renewing an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Plan

When your renewal date comes around, you might have some questions. We gathered the info on some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding pet insurance renewal and how the ASPCA^® Pet Health Insurance program makes it easy.

What Is A Renewal?

In pet insurance, a renewal refers to the automatic continuation of your policy enrollment. Once you enroll in a pet insurance contract, it typically lasts for one year starting from your effective start date. After that, your pet insurance policy will renew on the same date every year.

Does My Pet Insurance Policy Renew Automatically?

Yes! Generally, a pet insurance plan renewal happens automatically as long as you keep paying your premiums and haven't canceled your plan or violated any agreements in your policy. Your renewed policy with the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program will kick in exactly one year after you first signed up, and it will continue to renew year after year for as long as you need or until you choose to cancel. If you’re unsure about your coverage start date, you can find this information in your Member Center account or on your Explanation of Benefits.

We’ll contact you about 60-75 days before the anniversary of your start date, letting you know the renewal date is coming up, and encouraging you to check your Member Center account. That’s where you’ll find the information regarding any changes to your coverage that may occur with renewal. Make sure you take a minute to review them so you’re up to date on your policy details.

For example, if your policy’s effective start date is October 20, 2022, you will receive a notice from us to check your Member Center account for renewal policy information sometime in August, and that’s it! Unless you decide to cancel or opt for non-renewal, your policy will officially renew on October 20, 2023.

If, for some reason, a provider chooses not to renew your coverage at the end of any policy period, they’re required to provide you with written notice at least 60-90 days prior to your policy ending so you can find alternative coverage for your pet.

Will My Premium Increase?

Prices are rising everywhere, and insurance premiums are no exception. But what factors are taken into consideration when calculating your premium and why might it increase?

In short, we may have to adjust premium rates to continue providing excellent, extensive coverage for your pets, and this goes for all insurance providers—as the cost of veterinary care rises, we have to keep up. These necessary increases provide you the opportunity to offer your pet the best medical treatment options available despite this rising cost of veterinary care.

Additionally, with the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program, your pet can enjoy coverage all throughout their golden years, as there are no upper-age restrictions. However, as your pet gets older, their medical needs and frequency of care tend to rise. Plus, the risk of more expensive claims becomes greater, too. This can contribute to a higher monthly premium, too.

With an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan, filing claims will never result in a rate change to your policy. Plus, we’ll always let you know about any changes to your price before it kicks in at renewal, so you'll be in the loop about any changes well in advance.

Can I Make Changes To My Policy?

If you want to make changes to your coverage, it's best to do so when your policy is up for renewal. Once you receive and review your renewal information documents, you’ll have the option to make changes to things like your annual limit, reimbursement percentage, and annual deductible, as well as adding on optional Preventive Care Coverage for an additional charge.

Even at renewal, there are some restrictions and conditions to consider. For example, if you choose to decrease your annual limit, you won’t be able to increase it in the future. You’re also unable to change the level of coverage or your plan type. For example, in the instance you have Accident-Only coverage, you can't switch over to Complete Coverage^SM, even at the time of renewal. If you do decide to make that switch, you will need to undergo a new enrollment process, and your current policy will be terminated. As a result, there may be a new premium, which could potentially be higher than your previous one, and you may have to go through another waiting period. It's also important to be aware that any conditions you had prior to the new enrollment will now be considered pre-existing and will no longer be covered.

Can I Add A Pet?

Yes, absolutely! Most pet insurance providers offer coverage for multiple-pet families, but generally each pet will require a separate plan. With an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan, you can cover each four-legged family member with a customized plan tailored to their specific needs. While you may need multiple plans, the good news is that with the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program, you can conveniently manage all plans through a single account, and you get a multi-pet discount, too!

To add a pet to your existing ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan coverage, just log into the Member Center, select “Pets”, and click “Add a Pet.” Any eligible discounts will be included automatically. You can do this any time of the year and You don’t have to wait until your renewal date if you’d like coverage for an additional pet, you can do this any time of the year.

Benefits Of Renewing

Renewing your pet insurance policy comes with many benefits. It’s designed to protect your canine companion or feline friend from unexpected veterinary expenses and ensure they receive the best possible care. By renewing your policy, you continue to enjoy these advantages.

One of the key benefits of renewing your pet insurance policy is ongoing coverage for medical expenses, with no gaps to worry about, just continuous coverage for essential healthcare needs. This means that if an unforeseen illness or accident occurs, eligible costs will be covered by your plan rather than coming out of your pocket. You ensure that your pet's coverage continues without any interruptions. If you choose to cancel your plan and come back in the future, regardless of how short or long it’s been, any conditions present during your last policy are now considered pre-existing and thus ineligible for coverage. Keeping your policy avoids that risk of those extra costs.

By understanding the ins and outs of pet insurance renewal, you can make informed choices that align with your budget and continue to provide robust coverage for your four-legged friends, protecting them and help your wallet, too!

_{An ASPCA^® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}

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