ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Review 2023

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is the first organization of its kind in the whole of North America. Today, the non-profit organization not only takes a stand against animal cruelty, but also provides an opportunity for pet lovers to adopt its rescued pets.

ASPCA also partners with an insurance company, Crum and Forster to provide pet insurance for pet owners. ASPCA believes that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment, and this belief guides all of their procedures and services.

As an organization that has long been in the business of protecting animals, it is trusted to be a provider of quality pet insurance. This article provides all you need to know about ASPCA pet insurance, including pricing, plans, and coverage options.

The information provided in the article will guide you and help you determine how ASPCA compares with other pet insurance companies, so you can make a choice that is best for you and your pet.

Pros and Cons of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Pros

• No Special Waiting Periods: ASPCA does not have extended waiting periods for conditions like cruciate ligament issues or hip dysplasia.
• Extensive Coverage: ASPCA’s standard plans feature extensive coverage that includes a number of conditions not readily covered by other companies’ standard plans. These conditions include microchipping and vet visit fees for accidents and illnesses. There is also an accident-only plan and an add-on wellness plan.
• Preventive Care: ASPCA covers preventive care through optional wellness plans that cater to costs incurred during such processes. These wellness plans are distinct from the standard pet insurance plans.
• Available Discounts: The insurance provider offer discounts like multi-pet and employee discounts. These discounts are also higher than the average discount offered by other pet insurance companies who are benevolent enough to offer them.
• 24/7 Pet Telehealth Line: ASPCA’s 24/7 working telehealth line makes it possible to perform functions like laying claims, making complaints, and canceling policies any day, any time.
• Covers More Pets: ASPCA also covers horses in addition to cats and dogs.

Cons

• Limited Annual Coverage: The maximum annual coverage option offered by ASPCA is only $10,000. This can be discouraging if you think your pet’s care costs for the year would be more than that amount.
• Higher Waiting Periods for Accidents: In comparison to the two to three-day waiting period that is obtainable in other companies, ASPCA’s 14-day waiting period for accident coverage is quite a long waiting time.

ASPCA Pet Insurance Plans

ASPCA has three distinct pet insurance plans with comprehensive coverage and friendly rates. From any of these plans, you will surely find a fit for you and your pet’s needs.

Complete Coverage (Accident and Illness Plan)

ASPCA’s standard accident and illness plan are referred to as the Complete Coverage, and it is truthfully so. It is that one plan that covers all vet care conditions except pre-existing conditions and preventive care. ASPCA’s complete coverage also covers certain conditions that other insurance companies do not include in their policies. The insurance plan is also open to all pets and those not place restrictions on age or breed.

ASPCA also offers a distinct complete coverage plan for horses that covers illnesses, accidents, and colic or abdominal problems.

Accident-Only Pet Insurance Plan

This is a cheaper plan that covers only conditions that are related to accidents and all the costs that comåe with such emergencies. ASPCA also has a separate accident-only plan for horses that covers accidents and colic.

The complete coverage and accident-only plan will offer reimbursement that is a certain percentage of your vet bill minus your deductible up to your annual coverage limit.

Preventive Care

ASPCA provides optional add-ons that cover preventive care and can be compared to the wellness plan offered by other insurance companies. Although this is a stand-alone plan, you cannot purchase it unless you have purchased one of the previously mentioned plans.

There are two distinct preventive care plans for cats and dogs: basic and prime, and two distinct preventive care plans for horses: routine and platinum.

Each of ASPCA’s preventive care plans pays a certain amount per covered condition and has an annual maximum reimbursement amount.

State Availability

ASPCA pet insurance is available in all 50 states of the United States and Washington, DC. However, horse insurance plans may not be widely available.

What Does ASPCA Pet Insurance Cover?

The Complete Coverage (accident and illness) plan for cats and dogs covers the following:

• Examinations, hospitalization, treatment, and surgery for diseases, including diabetes and cancer
• Treatment of illnesses like digestive issues and ear infections
• Injuries from accidents such as broken bones and cuts
• Other accidents such as poisoning and swallowing a foreign object
• Prescription medicine for covered conditions
• Food and supplements used for treating a covered condition
• Hereditary and congenital conditions such as epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, and glaucoma
• Behavioral therapies for conditions such as destructive chewing, pacing, pulling, and excessive licking
• Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other alternative treatment such as rehabilitation
• Stem-cell therapy
• CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays
• End-of-life expenses

The Colic, Accident, and Illness Plan for horses covers:

• Prescription medication and medical supplies
• Hospitalization, examination fees, and surgery for accidents and illnesses
• Diagnostic tests
• Tooth extractions
• Cancer treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy
• Microchipping
• Intravenous fluids and medications
• Treatment for colic
• Euthanasia

The Accident-Only Plan for cats and dogs covers:

• Accidental ingestion and poisoning
• Animal and insect bites
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Exam fees, hospitalization, and surgery that is required after an accident
• The Colic and Accident Plan for horses covers:
• Treatment for colic
• Accidental ingestion and poisoning
• Animal and insect bites, broken bones, and lacerations
• Exam fees, hospitalization, and surgery that is required after an accident

Depending on your preferred option, the preventive care plan for cats and dogs will cover nearly all or all of the following:

• Annual exam
• Dental cleaning
• Spaying and neutering
• Flea and heartworm prevention
• Vaccinations and titers
• Blood and fecal screening
• Urinalysis

Depending on your preferred option, the preventive care for horses will cover nearly all or all of the following:

• Wellness exam
• Dental floating
• Vaccinations and titers
• Blood, fecal, and Coggins tests

What Does ASPCA Pet Insurance Not Cover?

Irrespective of the type of plan, ASPCA’s pet insurance plans will not cover any of the following:

• Pre-existing conditions, except for curable conditions that have not occurred in the past 180 days or more. This exception does not apply to knee and ligament issues
• Boarding and travel costs
• Experimental treatments
• Dental cleaning and certain dental procedures, unless the procedure was required to treat an illness that is covered in the coverage
• Funeral costs
• Cosmetic and elective procedures such as nail trimming, tail docking, and ear cropping
• Herbal treatments and holistic therapies
• House-call fees
• None medical costs like food, diet plans, supplements, toys, and dressing that do not treat a covered condition
• Organ transplants
• Vet treatments that you, a co-owner included in the policy, or a family member is solely conducting or assisting in

ASPCA Waiting Periods for Coverage

ASPCA’s waiting period is quite friendly. However, the waiting period for accidents takes up to two weeks, while the waiting period for illnesses is the standard waiting period across the industry. Here is a breakdown of the insurance company’s waiting period:

• 14 days for accidents
• 14 days for illnesses.
• No extended waiting period for conditions like cruciate ligament issues.

Note that the waiting period is how long it takes to receive reimbursement after you lay a claim with ASPCA for any of these conditions.

ASPCA’s non-extended waiting period for cruciate ligament issues makes the company an excellent option for owners of pets whose breeds might be prone to such conditions

How Much Does Coverage Cost?

The following table shows the prices of ASPCA pet insurance for popular pet breeds in Dallas, Texas (postal code 75242) at a reimbursement rate of 80%, an annual limit of $4,000, and a $250 annual deductible.

Note that premium costs can vary based on location. For exact rates, you should visit the ASPCA pet insurance website and request a quote.

The quote will provide you with rates that are tailored to your conditions. You should also check the company’s pricing policy for other important pricing information.

Available Coverage Levels, Deductible, and Reimbursement Options

The coverage level, deductible amount, and reimbursement rate you opt for will also impact the final amount you get to pay as premium for pet insurance. ASPCA provides pet owners with extensive options where these factors are concerned, and we have discussed them below.

Coverage Levels

For the Complete Coverage plan, you can set your annual coverage limit anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. If you prefer unlimited coverage, you must place a call to ASPCA to request it, and you will not get a quote online for that.

The accident-only policy has more options, but still has a $10,000 limit per year. Available options are:

• $3,000
• $4,000
• $5,000
• $7,000
• $10,000

All insurance plans for horses allow for only three coverage levels:

• $3,000
• $5,000
• $7,000

There are no variable coverage levels for any of the preventive care plans. All coverage limits are fixed and depend on the specific plan. The fixed amounts for each condition will be included in your quote.

Once you exceed any of these stated limits for your insurance policy, you will have to pay vet costs out of your pocket for the rest of the year.

Deductible Options

You must pay a certain amount out of your pocket for vet care. The remainder of the total cost is what will be used to determine your reimbursement. ASPCA offers three deductible options:

• $100
• $250
• $500

Reimbursement Options

You can determine your reimbursement percentage by choosing from any of the following options:

• 70%
• 80%
• 90%

Available Discounts Offered by ASPCA

ASPCA offers two types of discounts that can help you save money if you qualify:

• A 10% multi-pet discount for insuring more than one pet
• A 10% discount for ASPCA employees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does ASPCA Offer a Wellness Plan?

ASPCA offers two preventive care plans for cats and dogs that cover the same conditions covered in plans other insurance companies might call wellness plans. There are also two distinct preventive care plans for horses. Any of these plans can be purchased as an add-on to any of the standard pet insurance plans.

Does ASPCA Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

ASPCA does not cover pre-existing conditions except on one condition: if the condition has not recurred within the past 180 days or more. Mind you this condition does not include knee and ligament issues.

Does ASPCA Cover Dental Cleaning?

ASPCA’s standard insurance plans do not cover dental cleaning and many other dental procedures unless they are required to treat a covered condition. However, dental cleaning is covered in ASPCA’s preventive care plans.

Does ASPCA have any coverage limits?

ASPCA technically does not have a coverage limit. However, the unlimited coverage limit is not readily available. Also, you cannot request a coverage limit that is higher than $10,000 unless it’s unlimited coverage. To purchase the unlimited coverage, you must place a call through the company’s customer care lines. The standard coverage limits available are $5,000 and $10,000.

How Do I File a Claim with ASPCA?

You can lay a claim with ASPCA by submitting a claim online, using the ASPCA app, or sending an email or fax. You can also track the progress of your claim online or through the ASPCA app. ASPCA will also periodically update you on the claim’s progress via email all through the process. You can decide to receive your payment through direct deposit or by check.

How Long Does it Take ASPCA to Pay Out?

ASPCA outlines that claims are processed within 30 days after they are filed and approved by the company. That said, you never can tell how many days it will take to get your claim. However, you should expect to receive it within one month of the claim being approved.

How Can I Cancel a Policy from ASPCA?

To cancel an ASPCA policy, email the insurance provider’s address:

[email protected] The email should provide a substantial reason for cancellation. The company will reach out to you after that with procedures for canceling.

Does ASPCA Cover Spaying and Neutering?

ASPCA’s standard plans do not cover spaying and neutering. However, the Preventive Care Prime Plan covers it. The other preventive care plan for cats and dogs does not cover spaying and neutering.

Does ASPCA Cover Euthanasia?

Yes. ASPCA has plans that cover euthanasia. These are often the standard accident and illness and accident-only plans

Does ASPCA Cover Hip Dysplasia?

ASPCA covers hip dysplasia in its Complete Coverage Plan. However, the coverage will not apply if your pet already suffers from hip dysplasia before the plan became active. ASPCA’s coverage offers an advantage over most other companies in that it does not have a waiting limit for covering hip dysplasia, unlike some other companies.

Is ASPCA Accepted by Every Pet?

It is possible that certain vets may not consider ASPCA to be a credible pet insurance provider. This doesn’t matter, however, since the company does not pay vets directly. You will have to pay for vet costs upfront, lay claim, and then expect ASPCA to send the reimbursement into your account.

Does ASPCA Pay the Vet Directly?

No. ASPCA will not pay the vet directly. The company only sends reimbursement directly into policyholders’ accounts. Therefore, you will need to pay pet bills upfront, submit a claim to the company and then expect reimbursement once the waiting period is complete.