ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Reviews – ASPCA Pet Insurance Ratings

ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance scored very well in customer service however they didn’t make our top 5.

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• History
• Qualification Process
• Coverage Options
• Claims Service
• Help & Support
• Contact
• Resources

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History of ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance – How it all Started

When it comes to a household name that has more longevity than any other, the ASPCA® tops the list. Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® was America’s first animal welfare organization.  They’ve spent decades fighting animal cruelty and striving to promote a better life for animals and people alike.  In 2006 the ASPCA® chose to offer pet insurance and teamed up with the oldest and largest pet insurance provider in the United States, Hartville Pet Insurance Group. They are the ASPCA’s® only strategic partner for pet insurance committed to pet health and also upholding the ASPCA’s standards for the humane treatment of animals.

One of the ways that the ASPCA® sees as important in helping pet owners afford medical care they may need for their pets is by offering excellent and reliable pet insurance to them. Through partnering with Hartville Pet Insurance Group, there are 4 increasing levels of insurance that pet owners can choose from.

All four of these plans are consistent with the ASPCA’s belief system.  One example of this is that they cover spaying and neutering in support of the belief system the ASPCA® has that population control and reproductive health is important. On the flip side of that, they do not cover such procedures that the ASPCA® is opposed to such as tail docking, ear cropping and removing claws.

One of their priorities is helping pet owners take care of their animal family members. They know that providing them with the means to provide important health care when they need it furthers this goal. Making it affordable for the pet owners increases the value even more.  Pet owners want to take care of their pets in the majority of situations. Having to choose between a healthy pet and finances is not a pleasant predicament for any pet owner. Affordable pet insurance eliminates this problem from pet ownership and gives pet owners the chance to truly enjoy their pets without worry or financial fears.

There are many other ways that the ASPCA® provides resources and services for pet owners. The ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center can help if your pet ever gets poisoned by ingesting something hazardous to them. There is also the ASPCA® Animal Behavior Center, Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and they have many mobile spay/neuter clinics and even pet loss support services.

Another way that the ASPCA® is helping animals is by helping at-risk pets with community programs geared towards putting an end to unnecessary euthanasia of pets that are adoptable. Last but not least, on national and state levels they are at the forefront of helping the victims of animal cruelty, helping to get laws passed that protect animals.

There is no doubt that the ASPCA® is all about animal welfare. Their long established track record speaks for itself and gives pet owners peace of mind that the company is a good one that will truly provide what they need to help their pets live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Qualification Process for Getting Your Pet Insured

If you are interested in getting your pet’s insurance from a long standing name in animal welfare, you can get a quote and even purchase online.  Once you click the “start your quote” link, you’ll be taken to a page that you will need to fill out some starting information on including:

• Pet name
• Pet type
• Breed
• Pet’s birthdate or as close as possible
• Pet’s gender
• Answer if any of the following are applicable: Shown symptoms for a medical condition, had surgery, currently on medication. (answer yes or no)
• Pet owner’s name
• Address
• Email address
• Telephone
• Where you heard about ASPCA insurance

The next page brings you to the coverage page where you will choose reimbursement level, deductible and which of the 4 plans you want. You can also choose to add on a wellness package. There are two wellness packages to choose from.  After you choose the plan, deductible, reimbursement level and wellness plan if any, you go on to the next page which is where you input your billing information and complete the purchase.

That’s all there is to it.  The plans are explained in detail on the website so you can know exactly what you are getting and what is not covered. Read everything carefully about the coverage you have selected so there are no surprises for you when it comes time to use your coverage.

Coverage Plans ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Offers

There are four levels of coverage that ASPCA offers to pet owners along with two choices for wellness care. Each of the programs supports the belief system of the ASPCA of being the best for the animal. The details of each are outlined below.

Level 1 –

This coverage is the one to choose if you’re looking for accident coverage for your pet’s injuries.  It is the lowest costing of the four levels and covers injuries such as:

• Broken bones
• Cuts
• Swallowed objects
• Vehicle accidents
• poison ingestions
• burns
• bite wounds

This is a great plan for older pets and indoor cats that tend to eat things they shouldn’t.  Any pet over 8 weeks is eligible for level 1 regardless of age or health.  Treatment costs for accidents are covered up to $2500 per incident and there are no restrictions on the number of conditions that can be covered each year.  Some of the treatments that may be needed and are covered for accidents include:

• Diagnostic procedures
• Lab tests
• X-rays, CT scans and MRI
• Surgeries
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications
• Emergency visits
• Veterinary exam fees

Also in Level 1 are chronic conditions that are covered under continuing care. The way this is covered is by reimbursing you 80% of the usual and customary costs. There is a $100 annual deductible and other limits that are separate from the base plan. At level 1, continuing care reimburses up to $500 per incident and $1500 over the course of the pet’s life.

The following are some things NOT covered under level 1 –

• Pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic treatments
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Dental diseases
• Fees that are above “usual and customary” for your area

Level 2 –

One of the more popular of the four levels, level 2 is the most affordable plan that has both accident AND illness coverage.  You will get $3000 in coverage for each accident and illness and there are no restrictions to the number of claims that can be covered each year. Accidents will include such things as:

• Broken bones
• Cuts
• Swallowed objects
• Vehicle accidents
• poison ingestions
• burns
• bite wounds
• Illnesses can include conditions such as:
• ear infections
• stomach upset
• cancer

Treatments that might be needed for accidents and illnesses on level two are the same as they are for level 1:

• Diagnostic procedures
• Lab tests
• X-rays, CT scans and MRI
• Surgeries
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications
• Emergency visits
• Veterinary exam fees

Chronic conditions are covered under level two as well if eligible. Chronic conditions mean that ongoing care will be needed over a time period of months or even years. With Level 2, Continuing Care reimburses up to $1,000 per incident and up to $2,500 over pet’s life.

The following are some things NOT covered under level 2 –

• Pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic treatments
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Dental diseases
• Fees that are above “usual and customary” for your area

Level 3 –

If you want more, well rounded coverage you may love level 3. You get accident and illness coverage and can also choose from two wellness plans.  Hereditary and congenital conditions, alternative therapies and behavioral issues are covered in level 3 as well.  Level 3 offers up to $5000 in coverage for each accident and illness and there are no restrictions on the number of claims covered each year. You will get up to 90% reimbursement after your deductible is paid. Level 3 also covers hereditary and congenital conditions up to $500 per incident and up to $1,250 over your pet’s life. There is a 6-month waiting period for this coverage after your plan’s effective date.

• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Wellness care (OPTIONAL)
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Alternative therapies
• Behavioral issues
• Chronic conditions, if eligible
• Travel assistance services – travel assistance is provided from global pet plus at no cost to pet owners. If you’re 100+ miles away from home and need help for your pet, there is a toll free 24/7 hotline that you call for assistance, not unlike roadside assistance for cars.  You can receive vet referrals, prescription fulfillment, travel arrangements to bring a sick or injured pet home, referrals for pet sitters and kennels and also access to info about quarantine laws. In addition get pre-trip checklists and missing pet resources too.

Some of the treatments that may be required in the event of an accident or illness are:

• Diagnostic procedures
• Lab tests
• X-rays, CT scans and MRI
• Surgeries
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications
• Emergency visits
• Veterinary exam fees

In addition to accidents and illnesses, level 3 covers alternative therapies and behavioral therapies up to $150  for alternative and $150 for behavioral per year, including:

Alternative – A licensed veterinarian has to perform the treatment

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitative therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Low-level laser therapy

Behavioral – A licensed veterinarian or Certified Animal Behaviorist with a referral from a veterinarian has to perform the treatment.

• Consultations
• Exams
• Lab tests
• Medications

The following are some things NOT covered under level 3–

• Pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic treatments
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Dental diseases
• Fees that are above “usual and customary” for your area
• Multiple foreign object ingestions requiring surgery above one per year

Level 4 –

Level 4 is the highest coverage you can get. It reimburses up to 90% of the costs after your deductible is paid. Treatments for accidents and illnesses are covered up to $7,000 per incident and there are no restrictions on the number of conditions that can be covered each year. Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered on level 4 with up to $1000 per incident and $2500 over the pet’s life, also with no claims restrictions.  There is a 6 month waiting period for the hereditary and congenital coverage.

• Illnesses
• Wellness care if selected
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Alternative therapies
• Behavioral issues
• Chronic conditions, if eligible
• Travel assistance services – travel assistance is provided from global pet plus at no cost to pet owners. If you’re 100+ miles away from home and need help for your pet, there is a toll free 24/7 hotline that you call for assistance, not unlike roadside assistance for cars.  You can receive vet referrals, prescription fulfillment, travel arrangements to bring a sick or injured pet home, referrals for pet sitters and kennels and also access to info about quarantine laws. In addition get pre-trip checklists and missing pet resources too.

Alternative – covered up to $300 per year. Must be performed by a licensed veterinarian

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitative therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Low-level laser therapy

Behavioral – covered up to $300 per year. Must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or by a Certified Animal Behaviorist with a referral from a veterinarian, NO obedience classes covered.

• Consultations
• Exams
• Lab tests
• Medications

The following are some things NOT covered under level 4–

• Pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic treatments
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Dental diseases
• Fees that are above “usual and customary” for your area
• Multiple foreign object ingestions requiring surgery above one per year

Wellness Plans – Wellness plans are for the more routine things that can come up as a pet owner. Below is a cost table for both wellness plans and the amount that each would pay as well as the total yearly benefit.

Regular        Plus

Filing a Claim with ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance

ASPCA and Hartville want to make filing claims as simple, fast and easy as possible. To get a claim filed, download a copy of the claim form.  You can print it out after you type information in, or print it out and write it in.  You will need to include your pet’s medical records and the itemized invoices, showing paid, for the visits you are filing for. The information needed on the claim for is outlined below:

• Pet owners name, address, telephone and email
• Pet’s name, breed, age and gender
• Policy number
• The diagnosis/treatment given at the visit (have this filled out by the vet or vet tech
• Fill out the rest of the information on the claim form
• Sign and date the form

Once all of the form is filled out, gather your receipts and records and you’re set to go. You can mail the whole package to the ASPCA by regular mail, through email or by faxing. The claims email is: [email protected] Claims must be filed within 270 days from the date of incident. For the fastest reimbursement possible you can sign up for direct deposit. When the claim has been processed they will simply direct deposit your reimbursement right into your bank account. You need to pay your deductible and the bill as well so you can get your claim approved and processed.

Help and Support Services

The ASPCA® is about helping pet owners and pets. They are here to help and support you in getting your issues and questions answered.  Don’t hesitate to call them with any questions you have or problems you need help solving. Their knowledgeable staff is more than happy to provide excellent service in getting those problems and questions fixed so your pet remains happy and healthy.

Veterinary Clinics Allowed by the Plan

You can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian or ER animal hospital in the US and Canada.  If you already have a vet when you enroll, you don’t have to move to another one. This also means that if you are traveling with your pet and need to take them to an ER hospital or vet, as long as they are licensed, you’ll still be covered under the terms and conditions of your policy and plan.

Contact Information and Where to Find ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance on Social Media

You can contact the ASPCA® Pet Insurance several different ways.  They can be emailed, faxed, regular mail or telephoned. Regardless of the way you choose to contact them, you will receive excellent customer service to get the issues resolved and welcome your calls. Their office hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 9:00pm EST, Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST but you can get a quote and sign up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/

Email:  On the website in an embedded form for both sales and policyholders

Customer Service –         1-866-204-6764

Sales – 1-888-716-1203

Fax –     1-866-888-2497 (customer service) 1-866-888-2495 (new claims)

If you’d like to follow ASPCA® Pet Insurance on their social media sites (and they invite all of their customers and supporters to do that) you can find them at the links below.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ASPCAPetInsurance

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ASPCAPetIns

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/aspcapetins/

Google + – https://plus.google.com/+aspcapetinsurance/posts

Resources

1. VPI Pet Insurance – http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/