Whether your pet is a young pup or a geriatric kitty, or any age in between, unexpected veterinary bills can sneak up and put a serious dent in your budget. Puppies and kittens are prone to finding mischief that may require emergency, life-saving care, such as foreign body surgery, after eating a toy, your sock, or your sewing needle. Older pets develop age-related conditions, including chronic issues that require life-long medication, such as thyroid imbalances, kidney or liver disease, or heart failure. You naturally want to provide your furry pal with the best possible care, no matter her age, and the size of your bank account. With a pet health insurance plan, the provider will pay the bulk of the bills, depending on your plan’s coverage. 

Let’s shed some light on how pet insurance plans work, and the benefits your pet and your wallet will gain, by looking at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) policy options. 

ASPCA pet insurance

The ASPCA’s plans provide coverage for your pet that includes the most advanced veterinary treatments, from chemotherapy and stem cell therapy, to alternative treatments like acupuncture and hydrotherapy. Choose a plan that fits your budget, and will help ensure your pet receives the care she requires, regardless of cost. Health insurance can be challenging to understand, but breaking down each component can help you decide what works best for your family.

  • Premium — Your premium is your monthly fee, which will vary, depending on your coverage option, deductible amount, and your pet. 
  • Deductible — Some insurance plans include a deductible for each incident. ASPCA insurance offers deductibles of $100, $250, and $500—the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium, and vice versa.
  • Reimbursement — With ASPCA pet insurance, you submit a claim after paying your veterinary bill, whether for an emergency veterinary visit or an appointment at Walnut Creek Animal Hospital. The ASPCA’s pet insurance app makes claim submission simple. Reimbursement is based on the bill total, so once you’ve met your annual deductible, you will be reimbursed 90%, 80%, or 70% of your covered bill, depending on the reimbursement percentage you chose during enrollment. After submitting your claim, you’ll be reimbursed by check or bank account deposit. 
  • Coverage options — The ASPCA’s Complete Coverage insurance policy covers almost every aspect of your pet’s care, including:
    • Accidents, injuries, and emergencies related to torn ligaments, bite wounds, cuts, broken bones, swallowed objects, and toxin exposure, including necessary services, such as X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, blood work, surgery, hospitalization, and medication
    • Major and minor illnesses, such as ear infections, arthritis, hypothyroidism, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, and cancer, including diagnostic testing and treatment
    • Hereditary and congenital conditions, such as heart disease, intervertebral disc disease, eye disorders, and hip dysplasia, that may not show up till later in your pet’s life
    • Alternative therapies used to treat a covered condition, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, rehabilitative therapy, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy
    • Behavioral issues, such as hair-pulling, pacing, excessive licking, inappropriate elimination, and destructive chewing
    • Chronic conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, that require care across multiple plan periods
    • Prescription medication, food, and supplements
    • Microchip implantation

You can add wellness care to your pet’s base plan, and be reimbursed for annual wellness exams, parasite preventives, dental cleanings, vaccines, and routine screening tests.  

  • Exclusions — Like all insurance providers, the ASPCA excludes coverage for some conditions, including:
    • Pre-existing conditions that occur before coverage begins, or during the waiting period
    • Cosmetic procedures, such as ear cropping, tail docking, and claw removal
    • Breeding or pregnancy 

The advantage of the ASPCA’s pet insurance is that you do not need to switch veterinarians, because coverage is guaranteed at any U.S. or Canadian veterinary hospital. You can also use your pet’s insurance at an emergency hospital or a specialty facility, without needing a referral or pre-authorization.

Together, we have welcomed your new pets, and watched them grow and mature, and we always recommend pet insurance to help cover their cost of care. For more information on how to sign up your pet for health coverage, contact us.