Finding the Best Pet Insurance
Having the best pet insurance is important to protect your dog or cat's health. Here are seven recommended options for pet insurance plans and companies.
Top 7 Best Pet Insurance Firms
1. Nationwide
Nationwide resides at number one on our list for three reasons. Firstly, because they are the only company that offers great coverage for birds and exotic pets along with dogs and cats. Secondly, because they have no benefit limit. Thirdly, because they have a 90% reimbursement policy. Premium monthly cost starts at $35 with an annual deductible of $250.
2. Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws is our number two pick because they also have no limit on benefits. Their reimbursement varies though at 70%, 80% or 90%. Also, their deductible is variable depending on the diagnosis and treatment. Premium cost starts at $10 per month and goes up from there.
3. Embrace
Embrace sits at the number three spot because they have a high benefit ceiling of $30,000 and a low monthly cost starting at only $9. They do have a variable reimbursement though, ranging from 70% to 90% and an annual deductible range of $100 to $1,000 that you must decide on.
4. Petplan
Like number three, Petplan offers a strong benefit limit of $25,000 and a reasonably low monthly cost starting at just $18. They also have an annual deductible range of $100 to $1,000 with 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursements.
5. Figo
Figo has received broad acceptance among millennials and techies. Although it has been in business since 2012, this insurer sits at number five on our list because it comes with a fairly high monthly cost starting at $28 and a deductible that can go up to $500. This is a company that will probably gain more traction as they further develop their innovative approach and as millennials age.
6. ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have been around for a long time and are best known for their animal recovery and rescue shelter actions. They offer a good, reasonably-priced dog and cat insurance program. But, with a $5,000 per claim benefit limit and substantial deductibles ($100 to $500), they are somewhat overshadowed by the higher-ranked providers.
7. Pets Best
Pets Best is a good company, but with an annual benefit limit of $5,000, a budget-busting deductible that can reach $1,000 per year and a slightly higher premium than the ASPCA, they rank at number seven on our list.
What is Pet Insurance?
Like all types of health insurance, pet insurance is about providing for the health, well-being, emergency care and rehabilitation of a loved one. In this case, the loved one is a beloved family pet rather than a human member of the family. Like all forms of insurance, pet insurance comes only with a paid monthly or annual premium.
Most livestock species are excluded from pet insurance, albeit agricultural insurance is available for domestic farm animals and some exotics. It is important to know that almost all pet insurance companies cover dogs and cats only.
Why is Pet Insurance Important?
Unlike auto and mortgage liability insurance, there is nothing that legally mandates that we buy insurance for our pets. However, it makes sense to insure our pets against theft, injury and disease.
All too often pet owners are overwhelmed by huge vet bills resulting from catastrophic pet illness or injury. Too often the heart-wrenching choice to euthanize a pet rather than treat them is made by pet owners simply because they can’t afford the bill.
Pet insurance is an affordable alternative to the heartbreaking finality of euthanasia. Options are available throughout Canada and the U.S.A.
What Your Chosen Pet Insurance Should Cover
The cost of pet insurance varies between companies and each company offers various structured plans to meet the needs and budgets of pet owners. You should only buy pet insurance from reputable companies that offer the following basics:
- Any type of injury or wound.
- Diseases of hereditary or breed-specific nature.
- Lab tests, x-rays and scans.
- Triage and emergency services, including surgery.
- Specialist diagnostics, treatment and surgery.
- Prescribed medicine.
- Kennel care, short and long-term recovery.
When picking a pet insurance plan, you can also ask if they cover things like pet allergy treatments or pre-existing conditions. It's best to have all the details and information up front before making a final decision.