PetPlan Health Insurance For Pets - Company Overview 

PetPlan originally started providing pet health insurance plans in 2006. Even though they are a small company of less than 200 individuals, they are one of the leading pet insurance providers in both the United States and Canada.  Their Pennsylvania office, is more than just pet-friendly, they have a feline foster care facility, where they look after cats who have not yet found their forever home. They also created The Petplan Charitable Fund, to help facilitate health and welfare for animals. With customer service agents they call “happiness managers”, customer relationships are an important component of the company’s business model.

Is PetPlan Pet Insurance Worth It?

PetPlan is known for its excellent customer service and simplistic policy setup; they only have one comprehensive plan available that includes illnesses and injuries. Customers can pick and choose plan deductibles, benefit amounts, and reimbursement levels to build a plan that works for their needs.  Available plans also cover prescriptions, diagnostics and alternative therapy treatments. Whether not not a PetPlan pet health insurance policy it ultimately worthwhile will depend on the overall health of your pet. While a generally healthy pet may not cultivate a significant volume of reimbursements, costs associated with a critical illness or accident can become extensive and a pet insurance plan can result in considerable out-of-pocket savings.

Pros & Cons of PetPlan Pet Insurance  

Cons

• No wellness or preventive coverage is available  

• Accident-only plans are not available  

• Coverage for behavioral issues only applies if it is related to an underlying medical condition 

• A 15-day waiting period applies for both accidents and illnesses   

• Older pets over the age of 10 may have a limited reimbursement option and plans are higher  

• Deductibles are required for multiple types of services  

Pros

• There is no age limit to start enrollment; older pets can be covered  

• Discounts are available for service animals, veterans, and members active in the military  

• Plans cover congenital, chronic, and hereditary conditions pets may have  

• PetPlan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee  

• PetPlan provides customizable plans with varying deductibles, reimbursement levels, and payout limits  

Types of Pet Insurance Plans Offered  

PetPlan does not offer multiple types of pet insurance. Instead, they provide one comprehensive type of insurance coverage with multiple options to design a policy that works best for you and your pet. The one type of comprehensive coverage is simply referred to as the Comprehensive Plan.  

You get the opportunity to pick between 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement rates with the Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, you can also choose your annual deductible and payout limits. Deductibles range in $50 increments from $250 all the way up to $1,000. PetPlan also has per-condition deductibles that you pay one time per type of treatment. For instance, if your dog is treated three times for the same type of condition, you will only pay a deductible one time annually. Annual and per-condition deductibles are reset every year when you renew your policy.  

Benefit Limits  

Plan payout limits can be $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, $25,000, and unlimited. The higher the payout limit, the more expensive the monthly premium is going to be. If you do not go with an unlimited plan, your chosen limit will reset annually when you renew your policy for the year.  

What Does PetPlan Pet Insurance Cover?  

The Comprehensive Plan, which is considered an all-inclusive plan, covers:  

• Veterinary exam fees for non-routine procedures  

• Accidents, injuries, and illnesses 

• Cancer treatment  

• Prescription medications for life, including brand name medications  

• Surgical procedures and rehabilitation treatment after surgery  

• Non-routine dental care costs for things like tooth extraction or emergency root canal  

• Diagnostic treatments, including lab work, fecal tests, and urinalysis  

• Alternative therapy, which includes veterinary acupuncture, homeopathic treatments, and chiropractic adjustments 

• Referrals to specialists for specialized forms of care  

• X-rays, MRI, CAT scans and other imaging procedures  

• Costs associated with hereditary or chronic medical conditions  

Coverage options also vary according to the age and type of pet you have. For example, some dogs are eligible for coverage for loss due to theft or straying, boarding kennel fees, and costs incurred due to vacation cancellation if your pet gets sick. All plans also includes 24/7 veterinary assistance through their website and mobile app, PetCoach.

PetPlan Pet Insurance Exclusions 

PetPlan does have a few exclusions to consider, including:  

• Pre-existing conditions, which is defined as a condition that was present before policy enrollment  

• Costs associated with elective or optional procedures, such as dewclaw removal or tail docking  

• Costs relative to routine care or wellness exams  

• Bilateral conditions that existed before the onset of the policy on one side of the body  

• Costs related to pet ownership liabilities or incidents  

Other Common Questions About PetPlan Pet Insurance:

Do vets have to be in-network? 

PetPlan does not require that you visit a certain veterinarian or a vet in their network of providers to be reimbursed. You can continue to see your usual veterinarian.  

How does PetPlan handle insuring older pets? 

There is no age limit for pets who can be eligible for coverage with PetPlan. As long as an animal is over six-weeks-old, they can be covered. However, older pets may have lower reimbursement levels with all types of coverage depending on the situation.  

Will there be waiting periods before benefits kick in? 

From the date of the effective date of the policy, there is a 15-day waiting period before the policy will cover any injuries or illnesses. For six months after the policy begins, issues with hip dysplasia, cruciate ligaments, and patellas will not be covered. PetPlan waiting periods can vary slightly depending on the state where you live, so it's important to examine your individual pet insurance policy for details.  

Does PetPlan offer any discounts? 

A few discounts are available through PetPlan pet insurance. You may be eligible for a discount if your pet is a registered service animal, if you are a veteran, or if you are an active service member. Discounts are also offered for additional pets you enroll in coverage.  

Our Editorial Process

We offer free content and reviews, because we want to help you make the right choices for your needs. To aid in your decision-making process, we provide: 

• Impartial perspectives

• Comparative market analysis

• Aggregated research

• Comprehensive viewpoints

We hope you find the information we present both incisive and valuable. For more information on our editorial process Click Here.

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Embrace Health Insurance For Pets - Company Overview

Embrace pet insurance sold its first policy in 2006, but it was an award-winning business concept three years earlier when it won the 2003 Wharton Business Plan Competition. Since that point, Embrace has covered thousands of four-legged family members.  Embrace has been widely recognized as having one of the best pet insurance models available, but the company has also partnered with several non-profit animal organizations to give back to pets.

Is Embrace Pet Insurance Worth It?

Embrace Pet Insurance appeals to many clients for their flexible coverage options, healthy-pet deductible decreases, optional wellness rewards plan and their evaluation of curable vs incurable pre-existing conditions. While currently pre-existing conditions are not typically covered by any pet insurance plan Embrace will cover curable conditions when a pet has been 12 months free of symptoms and treatments. If your major concern is the potential for an accident or illness plan for a pet under the age of 15, insurance can be a cost saving measure. Pet parents also have the opportunity to personalize their policy parameters based on their budget and pets needs. Ultimately the value of your plan is determined by need. If your pet suffers a high-cost accident or illness it is very likely that you will save a significant amount on the treatment.

Pros & Cons of Embrace Pet Insurance  

Cons

• Not all deductible options are available online, but more options are offered if you call.

• There is a 6-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs. However, this can be reduced to 14 days with an orthopedic exam done by a veterinarian.

• The first claim may take additional time to process. This occurs because the pet’s medical history for the 12-months prior to the policy start date, through the end of the waiting period, must be collected and reviewed which can take some extra time.

Pros

• You only have one total deductible annually instead of a deductible

• per condition

• Curable pre-existing conditions may be covered in certain circumstances

• There is no lifetime payout maximum

• Multi-pet discounts and discounts for people in the military

• are available

• The healthy pet deductible reduces your deductible by $50 each year that you do not receive any accident or illness claim reimbursements.

• You can pick your own deductible, annual payout limit, and
  reimbursement amount to find a policy you can afford

• Alternative therapies and rehabilitation coverage is available

• Behavior coverage is available on all policies.

Types Of Pet Insurance Plans Offered Through Embrace Pet Insurance 

Embrace offers a comprehensive accident and illness plan. You can choose between 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement levels, and you can set your deductible at $200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000 per year with the comprehensive plan. Embrace also provides accident-only coverage online for pets over 14. Pet Parents can also select a routine care plan.  Separate from the insurance plans, a Wellness Rewards program is also available for flexible preventative care. This program reimburses for everyday veterinary, training, and grooming costs. While Wellness Rewards is not an insurance policy, it can be effective for budgeting and creates an incentive for being proactive with your pet’s care.

 Benefit Limits 

Embrace allows you to pick a payout limit that applies annually. Those payout limits start at between $5,000 and go all the way to $30,000 annually. Unlimited payouts are available in some states, there is no lifetime maximum payout.

What’s Covered with Embrace Pet Insurance? 

Embrace offers one comprehensive accident and illness plan. The prescription drug coverage can be removed in some states, but that would be considered the only optional add-on. If you call Embrace there is an accident-only plan available to pets over the age of 14 being insured for the first time. Coverage for routine care is available through the non-insurance Wellness Rewards Plan that can be purchased in addition to insurance.

Embrace's Accident and Illness Plan

Embrace provides a comprehensive insurance plan that covers accidents and illnesses. A few examples of what could be covered with this comprehensive plan include: 

• Cancer treatment

• Chronic conditions, like allergies 

• Physical therapy 

• Emergency dental treatment 

• Genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia, and congenital conditions 

• Exam fees 

• Prescription drug coverage

• Hospitalization and surgery 

• Lab tests and biopsies 

• Alternative therapy, such as chiropractic treatment or acupuncture  

Accident-Only Plan 

The accident-only plan is available as a standalone type of coverage if you do not want a an accident or illness policy or if you have an older pet that is not eligible for a regular policy. This plan is meant to cover the costs that are related to accidents, such as broken bones or cuts and lacerations, or accidentally ingesting something harmful. The accident-only plan reimburses up to $5,000 annually, has a $100 deductible, and you always have a 90% reimbursement.  However, this is typically not available to purchase online if your pet is under the age of 15.

Optional Wellness Rewards Coverage

Wellness Rewards is meant to pick up the tab for those preventive and routine care costs that your typical accident and illness policy does not cover. Wellness Rewards is only available as an add-on; it is not available as a standalone policy. Some things that can be covered with the Wellness Rewards add-on include:   

• Grooming and nail clipping 

• Medicated bathing supplies

• Nutritional supplements 

• Pet activity monitors 

• OFA & Penn HIP exams and X-rays

• Routine anal gland expression 

• Teeth cleaning and other dental treatments 

• Microchipping 

• Spaying or neutering 

• Fecal exams, urinalysis, and routine blood work 

• Parasite prevention

• Wellness exams 

• Cremation/burial 

 There are three annual allowance options with Wellness Rewards: $250, $450, or $650 allowance per policy year. There is no per-item limit, so you can use the entirety of your allowance for one specific covered costs, such as to cover the costs of spaying or neutering your pet. 

Embrace Pet Insurance Exclusions

Embrace does a good job of making sure just about everything is covered by their insurance policy options. However, there are still some excluded coverages to know about before enrollment, including: 

• Breeding, whelping, and pregnancy

• Injuries caused by a deliberate action by you or someone in your home, such as if your child injures your pet

• Non-medically necessary stem cell therapy 

• Avian flu 

• Injuries caused during a nuclear war 

• Injuries related to cruelty, neglect, or abuse 

• Cosmetic or elective procedures like tail docking or ear cropping 

• Pre-existing conditions, which is any condition noticed by you or your vet before the waiting period is over after enrollment 

Embrace does exclude pre-existing conditions, but they differentiate how pre-existing conditions are treated based on whether they are curable or non-curable. If your pet has a curable pre-existing condition, and they have not had any issues for at least 12 months prior to a claim, the condition may be covered. 

Other Common Questions About Embrace Pet Insurance:

Can you get insurance for an older dog or cat?

You can only enroll a pet up to their 14th birthday for a regular policy. However, if your pet is already enrolled with Embrace when they turn 14 years old, you will not lose your coverage. If you are interested in an accident-only policy for an older pet, Embrace does offer this form of coverage. 

Can you use any vet or animal clinic you want?

There is no network with Embrace insurance; you can visit any vet, animal hospital, or specialist you want to visit and still be reimbursed for care costs. 

 How long are waiting periods with Embrace?

Embrace has a 14-day waiting period for illnesses after you enroll your pet in pet insurance coverage. Accident coverage will begin after a 2-day wait period. There is also a six-month orthopedic waiting period (OWP) for dogs, which means any condition related to orthopedic problems will not be covered for six months. You may be able to have this waiting period reduced to 14 days by taking your dog to the vet for an exam and having their orthopedic report card completed.

 Does Embrace give you any discounts for additional pets or otherwise?

Embrace provides a 10% discount if you enroll multiple pets, except in NY where the multi-pet discount is only 5% Military members are also eligible for a 5% discount in most states. People employed by a vet practice that has partnered with Embrace are eligible for a 20% discount. Other discounts may apply depending on where you live.

A Disclaimer From Embrace

Pet health insurance is administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency, LLC and underwritten by one [DG1] of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including American Modern Home Insurance Company d/b/a in CA as American Modern Insurance Company (Lic. No 2222-8), and American Southern Home Insurance Company. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, underwriting review, and approval, and may not be available for all risks or in all states. Rates and discounts vary, are determined by many factors, and are subject to change. Wellness Rewards is offered as a supplementary, non-insurance benefit administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency in the United States. © 2020 American Modern Insurance Group, Inc.  + Wellness Rewards not available in Rhode Island.

Our Editorial Process

We offer free content and reviews, because we want to help you make the right choices for your needs. To aid in your decision-making process, we provide: 

• Impartial perspectives

• Comparative market analysis

• Aggregated research

• Comprehensive viewpoints

We hope you find the information we present both incisive and valuable. For more information on our editorial process Click Here.

 Read More Pet Insurance Reviews:

PetFirst Health Insurance for Pets - Company Overview

PetFirst is described as a fastest-growing pet insurance provider in the United States. The company was initially founded in 2004, and to-date has covered tens of thousands of beloved pets nationwide.  Many people recognize PetFirst from its partnership with numerous shelters and rescues across the United States.

Is PetFirst Pet Insurance Worth It?

PetFirst offers pet insurance policies for both dogs and cats, without upper age limits for enrollment, and simple, straightforward plans and pricing.  The company even offers a plan tailored to “cost conscious” pet parents looking for coverage on a very limited budget. Unlimited benefit policies are available and for plans that have annual limits, the benefit cap resets every year. In both cases there is no lifetime maximum benefit. As for the total overall worth and value of a pet insurance plan, that all depends on your pet’s all-around health. However, for many pet owners the cost of a single major accident or serious illness can create expenses that more than justify the annual costs of a pet insurance plan.

Pros & Cons of PetFirst Pet Insurance 

Cons

• Basic plans do not cover preventive care, but it can be added for an additional cost 

• Supplements are not covered unless they are prescribed and not just recommended 

• Claim reimbursements can only be distributed through the mail 

Pros

•  PetFirst covers pets of all ages, beginning at 8 weeks 

• You have access to several discounts, such as a discount for multiple pets and reduced deductibles for healthy pets

• Pets do not require an exam to be enrolled in coverage

• Hereditary, chronic, and congenital conditions are included in coverage

• Flexible deductions and reimbursement percentages
  allow you to create a plan that works for your budget 

• Short periods for accident reimbursements

• Spaying and neutering is covered in the routine care rider

• Reimbursements are typically processed within 10 business days

Types of Pet Insurance Plans Offered  by PetFirst

PetFirst provides one all-inclusive policy type with the option to add on a routine wellness rider for an additional cost. Deductible options are available in amounts ranging from $0-$2,500. You also get the option to choose your reimbursement level, which can be 70%, 80%, or 90%. Naturally, higher-deductible, lower-percentage plans are the least expensive. 

Benefit Limits 

With PetFirst there is a maximum annual benefit level, which you will select when you enroll in coverage. You’ll have the option to choose an annual benefit amount ranging from $1,000 up to unlimited annual benefits. However, there is no lifetime maximum for ongoing medical conditions and your annual payout max resets every year. 

What Does PetFirst Pet Insurance Cover?

PetFirst provides one type of plan for illness and injury coverage, which makes it simple to pick what you need for your pet. 

Basic Policy 

Coverage included in the basic policy offered by PetFirst is meant to be an all-inclusive plan that helps you pay for the most pertinent costs during an illness or injury. Some of the things covered with this policy will include: 

• Costs related to accidents 

• Exam fees 

• Holistic therapies and alternative treatments

• Illnesses, including hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions

• Surgeries and hospitalizations 

• Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds 

• Emergency care 

• Prescription medications 

• Euthanasia due to an illness or injury 

• PetFirst also provides coverage for things like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and anterior cruciate ligaments after a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions.

PetFirst’s Routine Rider Coverage

The  PetFirst’s Routine Rider Coverage can be added to your policy to help cover some of the costs of preventative care. You can choose your annual benefit for routine coverage from a number of flexible dollar amounts or select an unlimited plan. Some things that can be reimbursed with this rider add-on include: 

• Vaccinations

• Routine dental cleanings or teeth polishing services 

• Spaying and neutering 

• Behavior training 

• Microchipping 

• Routine wellness exams and health screenings 

• Preventive parasite treatment 

PetFirst Pet Insurance Exclusions

PetFirst strives to offer some level of coverage for many health-related costs. However, there are exclusions to be considered, including:  

• Pre-existing conditions, which is defined as any injury, illness, or symptom that takes place before your waiting period ends 

• Elective or optional procedures, such as tail docking or ear cropping 

• Orthodontics or removal of deciduous teeth

• Conditions related to breeding 

• Vitamins, supplements, or special foods 

• Grooming costs and costs for medicated grooming supplies

• Parasite treatment or prevention 

• Organ transplant procedures

• Anal gland expression 

• Routine wellness and preventive care costs 

Examine your pet's policy carefully to better understand the exclusions that may apply. Depending on what plan you choose and what riders or add-ons you elect, your excluded coverages can vary. 

Other Common Questions About PetFirst Pet Insurance:

Does PetFirst insurance cover senior-aged pets?

PetFirst accepts enrollment of all pets who are over the age of eight weeks old. Therefore, senior pets are covered regardless of their age.

What are the waiting periods before your PetFirst policy kicks in?

PetFirst advertises that they have some of the shortest waiting periods of any pet insurance provider. Your coverage for accidents takes effect the day after you enroll your pet, and there is only a 14-day waiting period for other illnesses.  There is however a 6-month waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions including Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), medical cruciate and other cruciate ligaments.

Does PetFirst offer discounts?

PetFirst actually offers several discounts. If you enroll more than one pet, you will save on average 10% for the second pet, 15% for the third. (note: total discounts are capped at a certain level). Additionally, there is a $24 savings if you pay a full year at a time, and you may be eligible for $25 off of your deductible for every year that your pet goes claim-free. People who purchase a policy online can garner a $10 discount as well. 

Our Editorial Process

We offer free content and reviews, because we want to help you make the right choices for your needs. To aid in your decision-making process, we provide: 

• Impartial perspectives

• Comparative market analysis

• Aggregated research

• Comprehensive viewpoints

We hope you find the information we present both incisive and valuable. For more information on our editorial process Click Here.

Read More Pet Insurance Reviews