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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a non-profit organization working to protect animals. It focuses primarily on dogs, cats, and other domestic pets. In line with those efforts, it also lends its name to pet insurance.
ASPCA pet insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by Crum & Forster, one of the oldest pet insurance providers in the US. While the ASPCA focuses on rescues, awareness, etc., Crum & Forster handles pet insurance claims, takes your premiums, and manages your insurance experience. Despite the name, the ASPCA does not own ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. It simply collects royalties for the use of its name.
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ASPCA Pet Health Insurance gives customers various coverage options, including accident-only plans. In addition, it has pet insurance plans available not just for cats and dogs but horses. Unfortunately, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance does not offer coverage for other "exotic pets."
Pet insurance plans from ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA pet insurance offers two insurance plans for cats and dogs: the Complete Coverage plan and the Accident-Only plan.
Complete Coverage will cover your furry friend for accidents and illnesses like arthritis, epilepsy, and cancer. With the Accident-Only plan, pets are only covered for accidents. These include things like torn ligaments, bites, and broken bones.
Both plans are customizable. So you can choose your annual limit, deductible, and coinsurance (how much your insurance company pays for each claim). This allows you flexibility in finding a premium for your budget.
Unlike many other pet insurance providers, ASPCA Pet Health's accident and illness plans are available to all cats and dogs, regardless of age. So whether you're bringing a new puppy home or caring for your senior dog in their twilight years, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has pet insurance coverage options.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance also offers horse insurance plans, which is uncommon with pet insurance providers. In addition, those plans can provide complete or accident-only coverage.
Lastly, all plans come with a 24/7 veterinary helpline you can access after logging into your member portal for help with any questions about your pet's health.
Additional coverage options from ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Since the main plans from the ASPCA pet insurance don't cover preventative care, you can add it for an additional fee. However, unlike accident and illness plans, a pet wellness plan or rider would not have a deductible or coinsurance payment. Generally, the provider applies limits for individual preventative treatments.
The preventative care add-on comes in a few varieties, including basic and prime for dogs and cats and routines and platinum for horses.
With each plan, you'll know your annual maximum payout for the various covered services. Then you'll have to submit a claim to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for reimbursement.
How much does pet insurance from ASPCA Pet Health Insurance cost?
The cost of pet insurance will depend mainly on the type of coverage you choose and your pet's age and breed. Insurance premiums may also increase if your pet has a known history of certain medical conditions. While it does not cover preexisting conditions, ASPCA pet insurance's definition of preexisting is different than many competitors. According to its website:
"ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan states that a condition will no longer be considered pre-existing if it's cured and free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days, with the exception of knee and ligament conditions."
With ASCPA pet insurance, you can choose from the following levels of coverage:
- Policy coinsurance: ASPCA pays 70%, 80%, or 90% of each eligible bill
- Annual deductible: Buyers pay up to $100, $250, and $500. or $1,000 per year before ASPCA Pet Health Insurance coverage kicks in
- Annual maximum: ASPCA pays up to $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, and $10,000 per year
Let's look at quotes for a 1-year-old female retriever mix living in Kansas.
Below you'll see the premiums for both Complete and Accident-Only coverage with average coverage limits, reimbursements, and deductibles.
Meghan Hunter
The complete coverage comes in at $29.40 per month. So pet parents who choose accident-only coverage save a little over $10 on pet insurance premiums each month.
If you raise the annual limit and reimbursement amounts, you'll also see monthly premiums rise. Remember, when a claim occurs, you're engaging in a tradeoff. The higher your monthly premiums, the less you'll pay out of pocket in the event of an accident or illness. Conversely, the lower your monthly premiums, the more you can expect to pay when you need the vet.
Meghan Hunter
Business Insider found the average pet insurance premium ranges from $20 to $50. Unsurprisingly, accident-only policies are cheaper than coverage for accident and illness policies. So both of these quotes are in line with the average national pet insurance premiums.
How do I file claims with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance?
You can submit a claim online, on the ASPCA pet insurance app, or through phone, email, or fax. Afterward, you can track your claim's progress online or through the app.
In terms of payment options, you can receive your reimbursement via direct deposit or check. Most claims are processed within 30 days from start to finish. For additional peace of mind, know ASPCA Pet Health Insurance will send periodic updates via email as your claim moves through our system.
Customers can reach ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's customer service using the following methods:
Phone: 866-204-6764
Email: cservice@aspcapetinsurance.com
Compare ASPCA Pet Health Insurance vs. Embrace
The coverage offered by ASPCA pet insurance and Embrace Pet Insurance is similar in many ways. For example, both providers' accident and illness plans cover things like congenital conditions, exam fees, and behavior therapies. However, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans differ because it also covers alternative treatments like supplements and prescription food.
As for age limits, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's accident-only plan is available to any pet, regardless of age. However, Embrace offers an accident-only plan for pets 15 years or older.
In comparing the waiting periods of both companies, you'll find Embrace's 48-hour waiting period for illnesses is much shorter than ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's 14-day waiting period for all conditions. But when it comes to orthopedic issues, Embrace requires a more extended 6-month waiting period than ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's 14-day waiting period. As noted above, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance also defines preexisting conditions as "cured" if your pet is symptom-free for six months for most conditions. Recurring conditions could then be covered like any other accident or illness. At this time, Embrace requires a 12-month waiting period for a condition to be "cured." The website also notes future coverage of known conditions is "at its discretion."
All in all, the company you go with will depend on your pet's needs.
Compare ASPCA Pet Health Insurance vs. Lemonade
Both ASPCA pet insurance and Lemonade Pet Insurance are well-known providers in the pet insurance space. Insurance products between the two providers are similar. Both offer choices of injury and illness plans with additional wellness and preventative care add-ons like dental illness, certain vaccines, and exam fees.
With Lemonade, you have options for 70% or 80% coinsurance. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers these reimbursement levels plus an option for 90% reimbursement.
In comparing annual maximums, Lemonade pays up to $100,000 in benefits annually based on your chosen plan. Cheap plans may only offer up to $5,000 in payouts annually. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers annual limits of $5,000 to $20,000 for dogs and cats. But in terms of availability, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is available throughout the US. Lemonade is only available in 37 states and Washington, DC.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's plans are more customizable, but Lemonade may be a less expensive option. The right provider for you and your pet will depend on your needs and budget.
Methodology
There are a few primary factors to consider when purchasing a pet insurance policy: cost, policy limits, ease of sign-up, claims processing, reimbursement levels, and available add-ons.
Customization is critical because it gives the consumer more control in choosing a policy that makes sense for their family. So whether you have multiple pets, concerns about specific genetic conditions, or strict budgetary limits, we understand your neighbor's preferred pet insurance plan may not meet your needs.
While we understand the appeal of a $10 policy, it could leave pet families vulnerable in an accident or illness. Therefore, we consider all these factors in reviewing and comparing pet insurance products.
FAQs
Does ASPCA Pet Health Insurance cover spaying and neutering?
Whether or not your ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers spaying and neutering depends on your policy. The Prime Preventative Care add-on wraps in spay and neuter coverage and more for $24.95 per month. The Preventative Basic Add-On includes a shorter list of preventative wellness services for just $9.95 per month.
Does ASPCA Pet Health Insurance cover preexisting conditions?
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance doesn't cover preexisting conditions. But it defines preexisting differently than many other pet insurance providers. So if your pet is symptom-free for 180 days, excluding particular bone and joint issues, your pet could qualify for future coverage.
How long is the waiting period for coverage with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans?
The waiting period for accident and illness coverage through an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan is 14 days.
Do ASPCA Pet Health Insurance premiums help shelter pets?
According to the ASPCA website, the ASPCA receives royalty fees from insurance companies using its name. The ASPCA, in and of itself, does not act as an insurer. While funds may help shelter pets and other animals the ASPCA helps, the royalties received are not considered donations.
