Spot pet insurance provides one of the most popular insurance coverage options for pets in the United States. The company offers insurance coverage for both cats and dogs, and it is especially notable for its ability to provide flexible and affordable plans for everyone.
The company’s insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Co., which started offering pet insurance in 2006. So, they have quite the impressive history and track record as well.
With different ways to adjust benefits to fit your budget and low deductibles available, Spot is definitely one of the highest rated insurance providers for pets in the country. However, this doesn’t mean that the company doesn’t have areas where it might fall short.
This review will give a full breakdown of Spot pet insurance and what pet owners should expect if they sign up for the company’s plans.
Pros and Cons for Spot Pet Insurance
Pros
- Discounts available: For pet owners who might be looking for ways to minimize their fees, Spot pet insurance provides different discounts. You can save up to 10% with this company.
- Efficient customer support: Spot pet insurance also provides impressive customer support, which is available round the clock. They can cater to all of your needs and more—just give them a call!
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions: One of the many factors that set Spot pet insurance apart is the fact that they cover some pre-existing conditions. However, you should note that there’s a catch as well.
Cons
- Payment issues: For all its benefits, Spot pet insurance won’t pay your vet directly. For some pet owners, this might be a tad inconvenient.
- Lengthy waiting period: With Spot pet insurance, you will most likely have to wait for up to 14 days for accident coverage. This pales in comparison to some other competitors, which require between 2 and 3 days for coverage to kick in.
Spot Pet Insurance Plans
With Spot pet insurance, your pets usually get coverage and can choose between the following plans:
Accident and illness
The accident and illness plan is perhaps the most comprehensive available from Spot pet insurance. It covers treatment for your dog or cat if they sustain injuries such as broken bones, cuts, or bites.
The plan also covers treatments for illnesses such as urinary tract infections, cancer, and more.
Accident-only plans
As its name suggests, the accident-only plan from Spot pet insurance will cover unexpected injuries from accidents alone. These include treatments for broken bones, torn muscles, etc. that result from accidents.
The plan does not include coverage for ailments or diseases.
Preventative care plans
If a pet owner pleases, they can add a preventative care plan to the ones listed above. These plans essentially pay for visits to vet offices to ensure that your pet is in good condition.
With Spot pet insurance, you get to enjoy two preventative care options—gold and platinum.
- Gold preventative care coverage: With the gold level coverage, Spot will reimburse you for up to $250 annually for preventative care measures. These include fecal tests, deworming, dental cleanings, feline FELV tests, wellness exams, heartworm tests for dogs, and vaccinations.
- Platinum preventative care coverage: This preventative care plan has higher limits, with Spot reimbursing you for up to $450 annually. The plan covers everything in the gold package, as well as procedures such as blood tests, spaying and neutering, urinalysis, flea prevention, health certificates, and bordetella vaccinations for dogs.
It is worth noting that families with pets that have curable chronic illnesses can be eligible for preventative care coverage options once their pet has been treated and is free of symptoms for up to 180 days. However, note that Spot pet insurance doesn’t offer coverage for pre-existing conditions or daycare.
State Availability
Another factor that sets Spot pet insurance apart is that the company provides coverage for all states in the United States—and the District of Columbia.
What Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover?
With Spot pet insurance, you can rest assured of coverage for different conditions. Below is a breakdown you can use:
With the standard accident and illness policy, you get coverage for:
- Tooth extractions and other associated dental procedures
- Hereditary health conditions
- X-rays
- MRIs and CT scans
- Hospitalization, surgery, and examinations
- Cancer treatments
- Behavioral issue treatments—as long as they are prescribed by a vet
- Prescribed foods and supplements that treat a medical condition with coverage
- Microchip implants
- Alternative therapy such as stem cell therapy and acupuncture. However, note that this treatment needs to be conducted by a licensed vet at a medical facility
- IV fluids, medications, and other prescription drugs
- Pre-existing conditions—as long as they have been cured and free of treatment for up to 1280 days. Note that this doesn’t cover any pre-existing ligament or knee issues
With the accident-only plan, you get coverage for:
- Stem cell therapy
- Tooth extractions
- Prescription supplements and foods that treat covered conditions
- Alternative therapy—such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture, as long as they are performed by a licensed vet
- Prescription drugs
- Examinations, surgical procedures, and hospitalizations
The gold preventative plan from Spot covers the following:
- Specific screening tests and vaccinations
- Deworming
- Annual examinations
- Dental cleaning
Under the platinum preventative plan, you get coverage for:
- Everything in the gold plan
- Blood tests
- Spaying or neutering
- Heartworm and flea prevention
- Additional vaccines
- Urinalysis
The platinum plan also provides higher annual coverage limits than the gold plan for specific procedures that your pet might require.
What Doesn’t Spot Pet Insurance Cover?
As expected, Spot pet insurance doesn’t cover every form of health-related issue. Generally, you might not be able to get cover for the following problems:
- Anal sac expression or resection
- Experimental treatments
- Boarding and daycare
- Funeral arrangements and services
- Costs associated with pregnancy or breeding
- Prescription foods or supplements that don’t treat covered ailments
- Illnesses due to mistreatment or dangerous organized sports—racing, fighting, etc.
- Pre-existing conditions that occur within the waiting period or before the insurance policy was bought
- Cosmetic, aesthetic, orthodontic, or endodontic dental procedures
Keep in mind that the accident-only plan won’t cover any of the above treatments or treat any illnesses in general. Just as well, the preventative plans won’t pay for anything besides the wellness services listed in the coverage section as well.
Waiting Periods for Coverage
As many know, pet insurance usually doesn’t start until the waiting period—an amount of time that needs to pass after you enroll. The waiting period begins once you purchase your policy, and it is designed to help protect insurance companies from fraud.
With Spot pet insurance, the waiting period is simple—14 days for accidents and illnesses.
This waiting period is a bit of a mixed bag. Most insurance companies take 14 days for illnesses, so it is pretty competitive for Spot as well. However, for accidents, Spot isn’t so competitive since many other insurance companies have waiting periods that are much shorter for accidents.
Some insurance companies also apply extended waiting periods for issues and conditions such as cruciate ligament issues. However, Spot doesn’t do this at all.
Spot Pet Insurance Costs
Now, let’s consider how much you should expect to pay for coverage with Spot pet insurance.
Maximum annual limit options
Generally, some insurance companies place limits on the amount of money they pay you in annual benefits. With Spot pet insurance, you can choose between different coverage limits:
- $2,500
- $4,000
- $5,000
- $7,000
- $10,000
- Unlimited
Deductible options
The deductible is one of the most important things you need to consider when choosing an insurance provider. It is the amount of money you need to pay for covered expenses before you can get a reimbursement on your policy.
With Spot pet insurance, you can choose between the following deductible amounts:
- $100
- $250
- $500
- $750
- $1,000
Reimbursement options
The reimbursement level is the percentage of vet expenses that your insurance will pay annually. With Spot, you have three reimbursement options:
- 70%
- 80%
- 90%
Discount Options
Generally, Spot pet insurance provides two major discount options for pet owners.
- You get a 10% discount on your fee for insuring more than one pet.
- You get a 10% group employee discount as well from Spot pet insurance, although you need to make sure your company offers this benefit as part of its policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Spot offer a wellness plan?
Yes, Spot pet insurance offers a wellness plan. The company provides different options for you to choose from as well.
Does Spot cover pre-existing conditions?
Spot pet insurance covers some pre-existing conditions. However, they will only be covered if they are curable and have been treatment-free for at least 180 days.
Does Spot cover dental cleaning?
Yes, Spot covers dental cleaning as part of its plans. Usually, you can find this as part of the company’s preventative care package.
Does Spot have any coverage limits?
Spot allows its customers to choose between different coverage limits, usually ranging from $2,500 to unlimited.
How do I file a claim with Spot?
With Spot pet insurance, you can file claims by filling out a form on their website or through their mobile app. Simply click on the “claims” icon and upload a picture of your billing invoice.
If the company requires any medical records, they will get in touch with your vet.
Note that with Spot, you have 270 days from the treatment date to make a claim filing.
How long does it take Spot to pay out?
Once you pay your vet bill and submit your claim, Spot will check for eligibility and immediately send a direct deposit or mail you a check. However, claim appeals with Spot can take up to 30 days.
How do I cancel a policy from Lemonade?
Spot pet insurance claims that you can cancel an insurance policy whenever you want. Simply get in touch with them via phone or email, and make your request.
Does Spot cover spaying or neutering?
Yes, Spot pet insurance covers spaying or neutering procedures. This service is covered under the company’s Preventative Care package.
Does Spot cover hip dysplasia?
Spot pet insurance offers coverage for hip dysplasia. However, note that the coverage won’t extend to this condition if it is pre-existing.
Is Spot accepted by every vet?
Spot pet insurance is available across every state in the country. So, there is a significant chance that their claims will be accepted by every vet. However, you might want to ask your vet to be on the safe side.
Does Spot pay the vet directly?
No, Spot pet insurance doesn’t pay the vet directly. Since its insurance policy works on a reimbursement basis, you will need to settle the vet bills upfront and submit a claim to Spot. If your insurance policy covers the bills, you will get a reimbursement.
