Pet Insurance Review by AKC: A Financial Perspective

In 2003, the American Kennel Club (AKC) joined forces with PetPartners, Inc. to launch AKC Pet Insurance, a unique insurance brand specifically tailored for family pets. This comprehensive coverage caters to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats, establishing itself as a reliable provider in the pet insurance landscape. Notably, AKC Pet Insurance offers some of the most exceptional add-on coverage options for expenses related to pregnancy and breeding. Furthermore, this company distinguishes itself by providing coverage for pets with pre-existing conditions after just one year of continuous coverage, a rarity in the pet insurance industry.

If you are in pursuit of the ideal pet insurance provider or are beginning your journey to understand how to purchase pet insurance, it is crucial to evaluate various factors before making a decision. Keep reading to explore the details of AKC Pet Insurance, including its plans and pricing, customer satisfaction ratings, and how it stacks up against other pet insurance companies.

Comprehensive Coverage for Breeding and Pregnancy Expenses

AKC Pet Insurance stands out as one of the few providers that offers coverage specifically for pregnancy and breeding-related expenses. This add-on coverage option is available for both male and female dogs, encompassing a wide array of unexpected complications, accidents, and health issues associated with pregnancy, breeding, nursing, and whelping. For breeders anticipating a litter or those looking to protect their pets from potential complications, investing in this type of coverage can be incredibly beneficial.

Analyzing the Advantages and Disadvantages of AKC Pet Insurance

Understanding the Advantages of AKC Pet Insurance

• 30-day free trial: New customers can take advantage of a 30-day free trial period that allows them to experience the extensive coverage and exceptional service that AKC Pet Insurance provides. This trial includes no incident limitations, 80% reimbursement, a $250 deductible, a maximum reimbursement of up to $5,000, and no waiting period.

• Coverage for pre-existing conditions: In a market where many insurers deny coverage for pets with pre-existing conditions, AKC Pet Insurance is notable for its willingness to provide this coverage. In most states, non-hereditary pre-existing conditions are covered after 12 months of continuous insurance.

• Breeding and pregnancy coverage: AKC Pet Insurance offers a detailed add-on for breeding and pregnancy. This plan encompasses a variety of services, including emergency C-sections, treatment for liver failure, and addressing mastitis.

• Unlimited annual coverage: For select plans, AKC Pet Insurance provides an unlimited annual coverage option, allowing pet owners peace of mind without worrying about caps on their claims.

Identifying the Disadvantages of AKC Pet Insurance

• Congenital and genetic conditions: AKC Pet Insurance does not cover hereditary or genetic conditions under its base plans, requiring pet owners to purchase a separate plan for these circumstances.

• Accident-only coverage for older pets: If your pet is 8 years or older and has not been continuously insured with AKC, they will only qualify for an accident-only coverage plan.

Explore the Diverse Plans Offered by AKC Pet Insurance

AccidentCare Plan: Essential Protection for Unexpected Injuries

The AccidentCare plan is a specialized accident-only policy designed to cover sudden accidents or injuries caused by external factors such as snake bites, sprains, toxic ingestions, and broken bones. This plan is available for pets aged 8 years or older, or for pets 8 weeks and older that do not qualify for other plans. It covers various medical expenses, including:

• X-rays & ultrasound
• Accidents
• Injuries
• CT scan & MRI
• Lab work
• Prescription medications
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Emergency care
• Pet ambulance

The AccidentCare plan includes a $100 deductible, 90% reimbursement, and an unlimited annual limit, ensuring your pet receives the necessary care without financial stress.

Comprehensive CompanionCare Plan for Accidents and Illnesses

CompanionCare represents AKC’s standard plan that encompasses coverage for both accidents and illnesses. In addition to covering all accident-related expenses detailed above, it also addresses various health issues such as skin allergies, ear infections, and digestive disorders. When opting for CompanionCare, you can choose between two plans — the fixed Basic plan or a customizable plan.

The more affordable Basic plan features a $100 deductible, 80% reimbursement, a $500 per occurrence limit, and an unlimited annual limit. The Customized plan allows you the flexibility to tailor your coverage by adjusting deductible amounts ranging from $100 to $1,000, reimbursement levels between 70% to 90%, and annual limits from $2,500 to unlimited. However, it is important to note that the following medical scenarios and treatments are not covered:

• Elective or cosmetic procedures
• Exam fees (unless enrolled in ExamPlus)
• Hereditary or genetic conditions (unless enrolled in HereditaryPlus)
• Breeding-related expenses (unless enrolled in BreedingCoverage)
• Routine and preventive care (unless enrolled in Defender/DefenderPlus)

Defender and DefenderPlus: Comprehensive Wellness Care Options

Defender and DefenderPlus are optional add-on plans that provide reimbursement coverage for various types of routine and wellness care. Each plan specifies a certain amount of annual coverage based on your selection. The Defender plan reimburses for rabies vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, health check-ups, blood/fecal/parasite tests, microchipping, urinalysis, vaccinations, and deworming. The DefenderPlus plan offers higher reimbursement levels for these services and also includes spaying, neutering, dental cleaning, and preventive gastropexy.

ExamPlus: Additional Coverage for Vet Visits

The optional ExamPlus plan covers veterinary exams and consultations, whether with primary vets, specialists, or during emergency services. This coverage adheres to the annual limits and reimbursement levels of the primary insurance plan, ensuring you are protected during critical veterinary visits.

HereditaryPlus: Essential Coverage for Genetic Conditions

HereditaryPlus is an add-on plan that offers protection for specific genetic and hereditary conditions not covered in the main coverage plan. Examples of covered conditions include:

• Heart disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Spondylosis
• Elbow dysplasia
• Diabetes
• Eye conditions
• Arthritis
• Luxating patella

This coverage is subject to the annual limits and reimbursement levels of the primary plan, along with a 30-day waiting period. It is also one of the most cost-effective optional add-on plans, typically costing between 50 cents and a few dollars monthly.

SupportPlus: Compassionate End-of-Life Coverage

SupportPlus is an add-on plan that provides coverage for end-of-life expenses such as cremation, burial, urns, and memorials. To enroll, pets must be under the age of 5, and the maximum benefit is $300, ensuring that pet owners can honor their beloved companions with dignity.

BreedingCoverage: Specialized Protection for Breeding-Related Issues

The optional BreedingCoverage rider offers coverage for specific health issues, accidents, and problems associated with breeding, whelping, nursing, and pregnancy. This includes coverage for conditions such as:

• Emergency C-section
• Eclampsia
• Liver failure
• Mastitis
• Gestational diabetes
• Pyometra
• Dystocia

BreedingCoverage does not cover routine, preventative, or elective treatments and does not provide coverage for planned C-sections. Eligible expenses are covered after one month of continuous coverage, with reimbursement subject to the deductible and coinsurance of the primary plan.

Understanding AKC Pet Insurance Pricing Structure

As with any insurance, the pricing for AKC pet insurance varies based on several factors, including your pet’s age, breed, and geographical location. For pets that only qualify for AccidentCare coverage, monthly premiums are quite affordable, starting at approximately $5 to $10 for young dogs ($3 to $8 for young cats), and gradually increasing to around $40 to $50 monthly for very senior dogs ($20 to $30 for older cats). Here are some key factors that influence the costs of AKC Pet Insurance coverage:

• Annual deductible: This is the amount you must pay before the insurance coverage begins. Higher deductibles generally lead to lower monthly premiums.

• Reimbursement percentages: This indicates the percentage of qualifying veterinary bills that the insurance reimburses you for.

• Annual coverage limit: This represents the maximum amount the insurance will reimburse you for during a fiscal year.

• Per occurrence limit: This is the highest amount the insurance will reimburse you for a single incident or illness. The standard CompanionCare policy offers a maximum of $500.

• Age: Older pets typically incur higher insurance costs.

• Breed: Certain breeds are more susceptible to specific genetic and hereditary conditions, resulting in higher monthly premiums for those breeds.

• Zip code: Insurance premiums fluctuate based on regional veterinary costs and the local pet population density.

• Optional riders: Riders are additional coverage options you can include in your plan. Examples from AKC include breeding coverage, exam coverage, and coverage for genetic conditions.

Pet owners interested in coverage can easily obtain a quote through the online AKC pet insurance website. A 5% discount is available for customers who insure more than one pet. Additionally, there are 10% discounts for full-term policies for breeders participating in the AKC Breeder of Merit Program and the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T Program.

Evaluating the Financial Stability of AKC Pet Insurance

All plans provided by AKC Pet Insurance are underwritten by the Independence American Insurance Company. The company holds an “A-” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best. This rating, which reflects the company’s financial strength and stability, indicates that it is a solvent entity likely to meet its financial obligations.

Exploring the Accessibility of AKC Pet Insurance

Nationwide Availability of AKC Pet Insurance

AKC Pet Insurance is accessible in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, although the 30-day free trial, breeding coverage, and genetic coverage may not be available or may be subject to specific limitations in certain states (e.g., NY, CA, FL, and WA). Additionally, waiting periods for AKC pet insurance can vary based on state regulations.

Contact Information for AKC Pet Insurance

Customers or those seeking additional information can contact AKC Pet Insurance customer service by phone at 1-866-725-2747. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. There is also a contact form available on the company’s website for those who prefer to send an email.

Enhancing User Experience with the AKC Pet Insurance Website

Overall, the AKC Pet Insurance website is well-designed and user-friendly. The site features a quote tool for AKC pet insurance, comprehensive FAQs, recent sample payments to customers, a dedicated page for each type of coverage offered, and easy-to-understand sample policies. A 24/7 veterinarian helpline page connects policyholders to support services provided by licensed veterinary professionals via live chat or phone.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for AKC Pet Insurance

Customer reviews regarding AKC from various online review platforms are predominantly positive. Many customers commend the company for offering comprehensive coverage at competitive prices, providing helpful customer service, and fulfilling claims up to the stated limits of their policies (unlimited in some cases). The company is also quick to address customer complaints on these platforms, demonstrating a strong commitment to customer service.

Methodology for Evaluating AKC Pet Insurance

To assess AKC Pet Insurance, we evaluated various criteria, ranging from policy coverage and pricing to customer service and financial stability. Here’s a breakdown of the factors we considered:

• Policy coverage: We examined the types of coverage offered, annual limits, deductibles, availability of optional riders, and more.

• Pricing: We compared AKC Pet Insurance’s pricing with that of other pet insurance providers to determine its competitiveness.

• Customer reviews: We analyzed the company’s customer service ratings and reviews to gauge the experiences individuals have had with the provider.

• Financial stability: We reviewed ratings from A.M. Best to evaluate the financial health of AKC Pet Insurance’s underwriter.

• Accessibility: We investigated the regions where AKC Pet Insurance’s policies are available and the types of pets the company insures.

• User experience: We explored the company’s website to assess how easily users can find and understand insurance-related information.

Insights from Money’s Review of AKC Pet Insurance

While it may not rank among the top budget-friendly pet insurance providers, American Kennel Club insurance is a solid choice for pet owners seeking customizable coverage, quality customer service, and competitive premiums. Backed by a solvent insurance company, the firm’s policies are easy to navigate for prompt policy quotes. Thanks to the discounts offered, AKC presents an attractive option for pet owners participating in various AKC breeder programs. The company also excels in coverage for pre-existing conditions and offers riders for breeding and pregnancy.