Latest news with #Fetch
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Fetch pet insurance review 2025
Fetch pet insurance rating: 1 out of 5 stars Fetch has relatively generous coverage, but unfortunately, its rating in our evaluation was brought down by its extremely high cost: It was by far the most expensive pet insurance policy for $5,000 in annual coverage in our evaluation. Ultimately, you can get much more value with other pet insurers that offer good coverage at competitive rates. One upside to Fetch is that if your pet has a curable preexisting injury or illness and goes 12 months without signs, symptoms, or treatment, the condition is eligible for coverage. This can include problems such as respiratory infections and diarrhea. Another upside, if you choose to pay the high price for Fetch, is that policies include a range of small coverage types: Payment for advertising and a reward if your pet is lost or stolen Reimbursement for kennel costs if you're hospitalized Reimbursement of the price you paid for the pet if the pet dies Coverage for lost travel costs if you have to cancel a vacation because your pet becomes sick or injured Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. Pros Covers dental illness Covers acupuncture and chiropractic care Reimburses for a range of smaller costs, such as advertising and rewards Cons Very high average cost Maximum annual coverage of $15,000 No multi-pet discount If your pet has not been to the vet six months before the start of your policy, an exam is required within 30 days of the policy effective date Fetch pet insurance basics Annual maximum limit choices: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 Deductible choices: $300, $500, $700 Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90% Fetch waiting periods For accident coverage: 15 days For illness coverage: 15 days Special waiting period: 6 months for cruciate ligament problems, patella issues, and hip dysplasia Fetch age restrictions for buying a new policy Minimum pet age: 6 weeks Maximum pet age: None Fetch sells an accident and illness policy and a wellness plan. Fetch pet insurance provides a solid range of coverage, without the need to pay for add-ons. Fetch covers: The vet exam fee Hereditary and congenital conditions Diagnostics such as X-rays and ultrasounds Dental accidents and illnesses Behavioral therapy for conditions such as aggression, separation anxiety, and phobias Alternative therapy, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care Prescription drugs and supplements Up to $1,000 for pet telehealth visits Advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets Kennel costs if the owner is hospitalized Cost of pet if the pet dies Vacation cancellation costs due to pet illness or injury Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Fetch offers three wellness plans: Essentials, Advantage, and Prime. Prime provides the most comprehensive coverage and is, therefore, the most expensive option. Essentials: Covers up to $315 in annual care costs starting at $10/month Advantage: Covers up to $520 in annual care costs starting at $20/month Prime: Covers up to $735 in annual care costs starting at $30/month Learn more: Why a pet wellness plan is worth considering All three plans will reimburse you up to specified limits for the following: Annual exam Blood test Dental cleaning Heartworm tests Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention Spaying/neutering Urinalysis and fecal test Vaccinations The Advantage and Prime plans cover anal gland expression and microchipping. The Prime plan also covers a behavioral exam, activity monitor, and health certificate. Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? Fetch does not cover preexisting conditions. A preexisting condition is defined as an illness, injury, or condition that your pet has shown signs of or that you or your veterinarian noticed before you enrolled, your policy took effect, or during the waiting period for coverage. However, Fetch does cover curable preexisting conditions that go without signs, symptoms, or treatment for 12 months. Examples include broken bones, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections. Learn more: Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions Fetch pet insurance does not include access to a 24/7 vet helpline. Fetch policies don't cover the following expenses: Bathing, unless medically necessary Boarding and travel expenses Breeding and pregnancy Cremation Degenerative disorders, including cruciate ligament disease Elective procedures, including tail docking and ear cropping Euthanasia, unless recommended by a veterinarian Experimental treatments Grooming Injury or illness related to abuse, neglect, racing, organized fighting, occupational use of a pet Obedience or training classes Preexisting and bilateral conditions, even if they appear on the other side of the body Preexisting intervertebral disk disease Prescription food Preventive care Weight-loss treatment Yes, but there are restrictions if you want to increase your coverage. All requests for changes in coverage must be made in writing or with verbal confirmation. Increases. You can apply to increase your policy coverage – or decrease your deductible or co-pay – only if you haven't submitted any claims. In most states, you can only apply to increase your coverage once a year when your policy renews. Increasing your coverage will reset your waiting period and preexisting coverage exclusions. Decreases. You can apply to decrease your coverage – or increase your deductible or co-pay – at any time. Fetch had the highest-priced policy in our evaluation of policies with a $5,000 annual coverage limit. Fetch pet insurance came in at 55% above the average cost in our analysis. Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it? How to decide. Fetch does not offer a multi-pet discount. Most pet insurance companies provide a discount of 5% or 10% for insuring multiple pets. No, you must pay your vet and submit a claim to be reimbursed. However, if you expect a large bill, contact Fetch in advance to ask if it will make a special arrangement to pay the vet directly. Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly: How does it work? Here's what to know about filing a claim with Fetch: To make a claim: Submit a detailed invoice showing your balance was paid in full and medical records from your pet's most recent vet visit. To submit claims quickly: Upload documents through your online account or use the Fetch app. To receive reimbursements faster: Set up direct deposit to be paid five to 10 days faster than by check. If your claim is denied: You can appeal in writing within 90 days of denial of a claim. You must submit a claim within 90 days after a vet visit. Fetch says that it processes claims within 15 days and, once a claim is approved, makes payments in as few as two days if you have direct deposit. Fetch's mobile app is highly rated, but it may not offer as many features as some other pet insurance apps. The Fetch app can be used to upload records, submit claims, track the status of claims, and set up direct deposit. Fetch's mobile app ratings: Apple App store: 4.8 out of 5 stars Google Play store: 4.7 out of 5 stars Fetch pet insurance is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Yes, Fetch requires that your pet get a medical exam within six months before enrollment. You can contact Fetch by phone, email, mail, and interactive chat on its website. Contact the Fetch sales team at 1-866-984-0104 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on Saturday Contact the Fetch service team at 1-866-467-3875 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET The email address is info@ The mailing address is Fetch, P.O. Box 1489, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 The interactive chat is at You can cancel a policy at any time by calling or emailing Fetch. If you cancel a policy within 30 days and haven't filed any claims, you will receive a full refund. After 30 days, your refund will be pro-rated based on the date of termination. Tim Manni edited this article.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Fetch Revs Up Rewards with Expansion into the Fuel Category
Through exclusive integration with PDI Technologies, consumers can now earn Fetch Points at the pump MADISON, Wis., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fetch, America's Rewards App, today announced a new way for users to earn Fetch Points by fueling up at leading retailers—marking its entry into the fuel category. This new offering is powered by an integration with PDI Technologies, a global leader in the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. For consumers, this expansion means even more ways to score rewards for everyday purchases—now including fuel. By scanning their receipts for gas and grab-and-go goodies, drivers can turn fuel-ups into their favorite gift cards. Trusted by leading companies across the CPG, restaurant and retail industries, Fetch also helps brands across all categories acquire and retain lifelong consumers as a full-funnel performance advertising solution. Through this exclusive collaboration with PDI, Fetch is bringing the rewards revolution to yet another essential consumer category. In doing so, PDI delivers more value to convenience retailers, CPG brands and their consumers. 'We're always focused on enriching the consumer and brand experience with Fetch. This move into gas and convenience retail is another major step in creating value for both,' said Daniel Block, Head of Corporate Business Development at Fetch. 'Together with PDI Technologies, we're introducing a new way for brands to connect with consumers when they're fueling up.' With more than 12.5 million monthly active users, Fetch's business model is rooted in creating a win-win for both brands and consumers. By rewarding users every time they shop or engage with brands on the platform, Fetch fosters long-term loyalty while providing actionable insights that drive measurable results for brands. Using powerful purchase-based targeting for unmatched personalization, Fetch is proving that rewards are a better way to do advertising. 'PDI connects retailers, brands and consumers to drive measurable growth across the fuel and convenience ecosystem,' said Eric Stecker, Divisional COO, Brands & Consumers, at PDI Technologies. 'This collaboration enables PDI retailers to activate a network of 20M+ engaged consumers across GasBuddy®, Fetch and other programs—extending beyond their direct loyalty efforts. Brands too benefit from our focus on providing unmatched reach, in addition to PDI's expanded offer network, independent store solutions and more.' For more information about Fetch or PDI Technologies, visit here and here, respectively. About Fetch Fetch, America's Rewards App, empowers consumers to live rewarded and helps brands create lifelong customers through the power of Fetch Points. Designed to acquire and retain consumers, Fetch has unparalleled visibility into what people buy, capturing billions of spending transactions annually using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Users submit 11M receipts per day and have earned more than $1 billion in Fetch Points. The app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store and has more than 6 million five-star reviews from happy Fetchers. About PDI Technologies With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By 'Connecting Convenience' across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we're simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website. Media Contacts Fetch, [email protected] PDI Technologies, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Fetch
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Brands Can Build Lasting Relationships With Fickle Customers
Loyalty today means giving customers a reason to stick with a brand. First-party data is the loyalty engine, as is creating mutual value. Experiences, not discounts, seal the relationship. Consumers today have infinite ways to scroll past, swipe away, or price compare a brand out of their lives, and brands now have the daunting task of giving consumers a compelling reason to stay. During an ADWEEK House Cannes Group Chat co-hosted with Fetch, senior marketing leaders gathered to discuss and compare playbooks for turning fleeting attention into lasting loyalty. Loyalty used to be a punch card or points game. It's now a live scorecard that updates with every tap, scan, or scroll. Robin Wheeler, chief revenue officer at Fetch, opened the conversation by explaining how the rewards platform sees over 11 million receipts a day, and about 88% of consumers' monthly purchases. That breadth of data matters. "We know exactly what this person is doing in all aspects of their life," Wheeler said. Fetch can deliver targeting segments that nurture loyalty over time, vital when "consumers have more and more things to choose from." Citing fresh qualitative research run with Digitas, she reframed the stakes: "Loyalty is no longer about keeping the customer; it's about giving the customer a reason to keep you." Brands can't coast on yesterday's perks. "I think loyalty certainly has changed a lot, and I don't think it's necessarily about what you've done for that customer in the past," noted Jason Acker, VP of media, digital, and consumer data, Diageo North America. "It's what is the next thing you're going to provide for that consumer." For Coca-Cola, that "next thing" is built on credibility. "Simply put, it's a trusted relationship," shared Robin Triplett, VP of integrated marketing experiences at Coca-Cola North America. "Loyalty for me is pretty simple. It's mutual value," stated Melissa Berger, chief solutions officer at Digitas. When the exchange tilts, she warned, "Then it's just a discount. It's not loyalty. It's not driving a further relationship." That sentiment echoed across categories. Elaine Rodrigo, chief insights and analytics officer at Reckitt, stressed that enduring loyalty starts with shared values. "First and foremost, the product has to be superior and deliver on what it promises," she said, pointing to two of Reckitt's brands, Lysol and Dettol. "After that comes the relationship you build with people individually, so you have this shared value system." For Allegra Krishnan, chief loyalty and engagement officer at McDonald's, loyalty lives at the intersection of transactional and emotional rewards. "A program is our way of thanking customers for their loyalty to us in exchange for data," she explained. At Ulta Beauty, data is the brand's "secret sauce." With 45 million active loyalty members responsible for 95 cents of every sales dollar, the retailer sits on what CMO Kelly Mahoney called "a mountain of first-party data." That reservoir lets Ulta bring together each guest's beauty goals, suggest the perfect shade match, and nurture "lifelong loyalty and brand love." Andy Wells, head of growth marketing at DoorDash, shared the same principle in on-demand commerce. The brand uses data to understand "how the consumer has engaged with us, and then what's the next best thing to put in front of them, to teach them about a new use case or a new opportunity to leverage DoorDash." Digitas' Berger distilled the consumer side of the equation: ease is everything. Research that her agency just completed found that shoppers abandon programs that make them "do math." Her advice: bake rewards into the native experience, so the value shows up before customers even think to ask. "I think it's so important to follow the data, what drives the outcome, and be able to be nimble enough to quickly adopt and change," shared Carmen Gonzalez-Meister, general manager of food, beverage, and pet at Fetch. "So, if you're trying to get a brand buyer to shop your entire portfolio, how do you get them to actually make that change?" It's clear that younger generations are changing the loyalty game. "They want to be rewarded for everything they do, not just how they spend their money," explained Gonzalez-Meister. "Gen Zs, especially, want to be rewarded for how they spend their time." Experiences matter more to the younger generation than points, shared Ulta Beauty's Mahoney. However, they do "want to come to the stores" with their friends. And "we want the stores to become very much a destination." It's this insight that is driving Ulta's roadmap of in-store events, destination-style "eventing," and built-in gifting moments aimed at what Mahoney calls "the next generation of consumer." Featured Conversation Leaders Jason Acker, VP of Media, Digital, and Consumer Data for Diageo, North America Melissa Berger, Chief Solutions Officer, Digitas Carmen Gonzalez-Meister, General Manager, Food, Beverage, and Pet, Fetch Allegra Krishnan, Chief Loyalty and Engagement Officer, McDonald's Kelly Mahoney, CMO, Ulta Beauty Elaine Rodrigo, Chief Insights and Analytics Officer, Reckitt Zoë Ruderman, Chief Content Officer, ADWEEK Robin Triplett, VP, Integrated Marketing Experiences, Coca-Cola Andy Wells, Head of Growth Marketing, DoorDash
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fetch Delivers New Valet Trash Amenity for the Apartment Industry
Building from its success in package delivery, Fetch has evolved into a tech-first, resident-focused service partner to multifamily AUSTIN, Texas, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fetch is launching its newest amenity, Valet Trash, nationwide to offer multifamily operators a reliable, tech-powered solution to a decades-old pain point. With successful rollouts in two major markets, Fetch has proven its superior service model for both managers and residents with a 100% reliability rating. Fetch Valet Trash redefines what a dependable, resident-first waste removal service should look like, with a 97.8% on-time pickup rate, a 97.9% resident satisfaction score, and deep integration with Fetch's national logistics network. "You guys are hands down the best, most reliable trash providers I've had. That actually includes city trash collection, believe it or not." — Ben C., Fetch Resident Built in Austin. Scaled for Communities Everywhere. Fetch launched in 2016 to solve the package problem for multifamily communities. Now, we're scaling a complete amenity platform to meet modern resident expectations and relieve the operational burdens of the teams who support them. With Valet Trash, we're bringing that same doorstep precision — delivering cleaner communities, happier residents, and real ROI for properties. "Trash is one of the most visible pain points in multifamily communities," said Michael Patton, CEO of Fetch. "We designed Fetch Valet Trash to make trash pickup invisible — reliable, predictable, and convenient for residents and onsite teams. Our success in package delivery made it clear that great doorstep service transforms the resident experience. We're leveraging our core competency of workforce management, combined with world-class logistics technology and national scale, to do the same for valet trash." Smarter Trash Service. Real Results. Precision at Scale — Every doorstep is mapped for optimized routing, minimizing missed units and ensuring consistent nightly coverage. Proactive Oversight — Your teams stay informed with centralized service logs and exception summaries that document service quality and highlight issues when they arise. Reliable, Five-Night Coverage — Standard Sunday–Thursday pickup, with flexible scheduling options tailored to your community's rhythm. Standardized Nationwide — Same training. Same support. Same reliability — from Austin to Atlanta and beyond. Operational Relief for Onsite Teams Maintenance teams and property managers have enough on their plates. Fetch Valet Trash replaces vendor chaos with predictability — and gives your team back hours every week. Whether you're managing three properties or 30, we make it easy to consolidate vendors and scale amenity services across your portfolio. The Next Evolution of Apartment Living Fetch Valet Trash is active in communities nationwide and growing fast. Whether you're adding it as a standalone amenity or bundling it with Fetch Package, it's the next evolution of apartment living — bringing convenience to residents' doorsteps and operational relief to your team. → [Learn More About Fetch Valet Trash Now] About Fetch Fetch is no longer just solving the package problem — we're redefining what it means to bring convenience to residents' doorsteps. Starting with package delivery, Fetch has evolved into a national amenity platform built for modern multifamily living. Our growing suite of services — including Fetch Valet Trash and Fetch Storage — help onsite teams streamline operations, increase NOI, and deliver premium, resident-first experiences without the added onsite burden. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas and operates in 25 major markets across the country. It supports over 400,000 apartment homes with a scalable logistics network that makes it easy to centralize amenities under one trusted partner. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. Hannah O'DonnellProduct Marketing Managerpress@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Fetch Package Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Your guide to what pet insurance covers
Vet visits can really claw into your budget, especially if your pet suffers from a serious illness or injury. Whether it's an X-ray or a more complex procedure like surgery, emergency care for a pet can cost anywhere from $150 to well over $5,000. Pet insurance can help cover those costs. But pet insurance policies can vary significantly in what they cover and what can be added on. It's important to understand what's included so you can choose the best pet insurance coverage for your furry friend. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. Pet insurance helps pay for part of your pet's vet bills for medically necessary care. A typical accident and illness pet insurance plan will cover the following: Broken bones Swallowing a foreign object or something toxic Bite wounds Being hit by a car Cuts and scrapes Diarrhea Skin or ear infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Vomiting Blood-related conditions Eye problems like cherry eye Hip issues, including hip dysplasia Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) Allergies Arthritis Stomach problems Seizures Cancer Diabetes Heart problems Parasites Parvo Lyme disease Hospitalization Surgery Chemotherapy Endoscopies Antibiotics Steroids Insulin Eye drops Infections Medications for pain Biopsies X-rays MRIs Ultrasounds Learn more: The best pet insurance companies of 2025 Based on Yahoo Finance's analysis of what pet insurance covers, the more robust pet insurance policies will also pay for the following: Alternative care. Specifics will vary by policies but can include acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy, and massage. Behavioral therapy. When prescribed by a veterinarian for issues such as anxiety, constant licking, pulling out fur, repetitive pacing, and destructive behavior (like chewing or scratching furniture). Dental illnesses. Dental issues like extractions, gingivitis, and gum disease. Euthanasia. When medically necessary, such as for humane reasons. A small number of pet insurance companies will reimburse for costs not related to a pet's illness or injury. For example, Fetch and Prudent Pet will cover the following issues up to certain limits: Kennel costs for the pet while you're hospitalized. A mortality benefit if the pet dies (Prudent Pet) or reimbursement for the price you paid for the pet (Fetch). Vacation cancellation costs if you have to cancel a trip because the pet is sick or injured. Advertising and reward for a lost or stolen pet. Learn more: Pets Best pet insurance review 2025 Pet insurance falls into two types of policies: Accident and illness plan Accident-only plan Pet wellness plans are often available as add-ons, but technically aren't insurance. Accident and illness plans are a common choice among pet parents. This type of coverage gives you the most comprehensive coverage for injuries and illnesses. Whether your cat swallows something it shouldn't have or your puppy comes down with kennel cough, accident and illness plans can help cover treatment and medication costs (up to your policy limits). Routine vet expenses — like wellness checkups and preventive care — aren't paid for by accident and illness plans. Like the name suggests, accident-only plans cover injuries, not illnesses. So, if your dog gets into a scuffle with another pup, this type of plan can help pay for treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and medication. But if your pet gets sick, it won't cover your vet costs. Since some accident and illness plans come with age limits, accident-only plans can be a good fit for folks with older pets who may not qualify for full coverage. Plus, they're easier on the wallet since coverage is limited, making them a good option if you're on a tight budget but want some coverage without the higher price tag. Routine wellness or preventive care plans cover vet costs like checkups, vaccines, and dental cleanings — usually up to a certain amount each year. This type of plan is typically offered as an add-on to an accident and illness policy. Pet insurance usually won't cover preexisting conditions — meaning any illness or injury your pet had before you signed up for coverage or that started during the pet insurance waiting period. So, if your dog was already diagnosed with allergies, the costs for allergy-related care likely won't be covered. That said, not all pet insurance policies rule out preexisting conditions forever. Some will cover certain curable conditions — like ear infections, diarrhea, or vomiting — if your pet hasn't shown symptoms or needed treatment for a set amount of time. For example, ASPCA and Spot will cover a curable condition if your pet has been symptom-free for 180 days. (These rules usually don't apply to knee or ligament issues.) Buying pet insurance coverage early on is a good idea. That way, you can lock in coverage before new conditions start. How much your pet insurance covers generally depends on three factors: Annual limit. This is the total amount your pet insurance will reimburse you for during the policy term. Depending on the policy, choices can start as low as $2,000 and go up to unlimited annual coverage. Deductible. This is what you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering some of the vet costs. Most plans have an annual deductible, which can range from $50 to $1,000. Reimbursement level. After you've paid your deductible, your insurance will cover a portion of the remaining costs (up to the policy's annual limit). Reimbursement levels are usually 70%, 80%, or 90%, though some policies, like Figo, offer a 100% reimbursement option. Pet insurance policies have waiting periods, which is the time you have to wait after enrolling before your coverage kicks in. Each provider sets its own timelines, but waiting periods typically range from a couple days to 14 days for accidents and 14 to 30 days for illnesses, depending on the insurer. Some insurers also require longer waiting periods for orthopedic issues, such as joint or ligament problems. For example, Lemonade and Pets Best have six-month waiting periods for cruciate ligament conditions. Some common pet insurance exclusions are: Preexisting conditions Breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth Genetic testing or cloning Illnesses or injuries caused by fighting, racing, abuse, or neglect Cosmetic or elective procedures like ear cropping, tail docking, or dewclaw removal Routine care like wellness checkups (unless you add a wellness plan) Whether or not you can change your pet insurance coverage during the policy term depends on the insurer. Some allow you to increase your pet's coverage at any time, while others may require you to wait until your policy renews. For example, Embrace pet insurance lets you increase coverage, although the waiting period and preexisting conditions also reset as of the date the coverage changes. Conversely, most pet insurers allow you to reduce your coverage. Details will vary by provider. For example, Figo lets you reduce your annual maximum, deductible, and reimbursement at any time. Pet insurance can cover multiple pets. Most pet insurers will require each pet to have their own policy, but you may get a discount of 5% or 10% per pet by buying multiple policies. MetLife has a unique way to insure multiple pets: Its Family Plan covers up to three pets under one policy with a shared deductible and annual limit (and a discount). Or choose separate MetLife policies with a multi-pet discount that lets you customize coverage for each pet. Many pet parents in the U.S. care for animals other than cats and dogs, but it's hard to find pet insurance that covers exotic pets. 'Exotic' usually includes animals like birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals like ferrets. MetLife and Nationwide sell exotic pet insurance. The average cost of comprehensive pet insurance (an accident and illness policy with a wellness plan) is around $54 per month for cats and $110 per month for dogs. For accident-only plans, the cost is much lower — about $9 per month for cats and $17 for dogs, according to a 2025 report from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. The cost of pet insurance will generally depend on these key factors: Your annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement level The pet's age, gender, and breed Where you live Deciding on whether you need pet insurance will depend on your pet's needs and your budget. To decide if pet insurance is worth it, make sure to compare the monthly premium with what you might spend on vet care if something goes wrong. Pet insurance can give you some peace of mind that an unexpected vet bill won't cause too much financial disruption. Pet insurance can be especially helpful for older pets, high-energy animals, or breeds with known health risks. Bulldogs, for example, have unique physical features that often lead to issues with breathing, teeth, eyes, and more. As an example, let's say you have a pet insurance policy with the following terms: Unlimited annual coverage 90% reimbursement $250 annual deductible $500 annual premium If your dog has an emergency vet visit that costs $7,500, you'd first pay your $250 deductible toward vet bills. After that, your insurance would cover 90% of the remaining $6,525 bill. That leaves you with just $975 to pay out of pocket instead of the full $7,500. In this case, your insurance could save you over $6,000, which can make the $500 annual premium feel worthwhile. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pet insurance policies, since coverage and rates vary. That's why it's important to compare similar policies. You'll want to look at things like the range of problems covered, annual coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement levels. Consider these factors: Check what's covered. Coverage will vary from plan to plan, so focus on what matters most to you — like prescription medications, dental illness, alternative therapies, or behavioral treatments. See if vet exam fees are included. Not all policies cover the cost of simply visiting the vet for an injury or illness, so double-check that the policy includes this. Watch for longer waiting periods. Some conditions, like joint or ligament problems, might have a longer waiting period before coverage kicks in. Compare extra benefits. Many policies go beyond vet bills and offer perks like 24/7 pet telemedicine. Pet insurers like ASPCA, Healthy Paws, and Trupanion also give the option to pay the vet directly, so you don't have to wait for reimbursement. Ask about discounts. Many pet insurance companies offer savings, such as multi-pet and military discounts. Pet insurance plans typically don't cover routine care like vaccinations or checkups. But many pet insurers offer wellness add-ons you can buy to help pay for these types of expenses. Pet insurance policies generally do not cover spaying or neutering. You can usually add this coverage with a wellness plan. Yes, most pet insurance policies cover treatment for dental accidents. However, not all policies include coverage for dental illnesses, such as treatment for gingivitis. Make sure to check the policy details to see if dental illness treatment is included. Amy Danise and Tim Manni edited this article.
