Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

How does pet insurance work?

Since veterinarians do not accept insurance like human doctors, pet insurance works on a reimbursement basis. You pay your veterinarian as normal, get your itemized invoice and submit a claim form and invoice to us. We will reimburse you for eligible expenses once your deducible has been met. Reimbursement is subject to coinsurance amount and maximum limits.

Do you cover cats?

Yes! We insure cats too!

Do you cover mixed breed dogs or non-AKC registered dogs?

Yes! We insure purebred dogs, mixed breed dogs and non-AKC registered dogs! We don’t discriminate!

How much does pet insurance cost?

Plans start as low as $10 per month for accident and illness coverage. Our customizable coverage gives pet owners more control over their monthly premium by allowing them to create a personalized plan that meets their individual needs and budget. Therefore, you are not paying for coverage you don’t want or need. Age of pet and demographic location also play a role in premium amount.

What is the 30-Day Free Look?

The 30-Day Free Look offers 100% reimbursement of your premium if you are not completely satisfied within in your first 30 days of coverage. This is only eligible with new policies as long as no claims have been filed. Not available in all states.

What age can I insure my puppy or kitten?

Puppies must be at least 8 weeks of age and kittens must be at least 10 weeks of age to be eligible for coverage.

What veterinarians accept your insurance?

Since pet insurance is on a reimbursement basis, you can use any licensed veterinarian of your choice in the United States and Canada. This includes emergency hospitals and specialist clinics.

Can I insure my elderly pet?

Yes. We do not have a maximum age limit for enrollment. Pets 9 years of age and older at time of enrollment are eligible for our accident coverage. Those pets enrolled in accident and illness coverage prior to the age of 9 do not lose their accident and illness coverage as they age as long as there are no gaps in coverage.

Will my coverage be canceled as my pet ages?

No. We maintain your coverage for the life of the pet and will not cancel coverage due to age as long as there are no gaps in coverage.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! We offer a 5% multi-pet discount when you have more than one pet enrolled on one policy. When enrolling, your discount will be applied at checkout. If adding a pet, please call our Customer Care Team and they will ensure your discount gets applied. We also offer various other discounts, including to puppies that come from Breeders of Merit and Bred with HEART breeders and dogs who have their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification.

Will my rates increase because I filed claims?

No. We do not increase rates based on the number of claims filed or amount reimbursed. Rate increases are completely objective and are based on market conditions in your area and age of your pet.

What if I want to enroll another pet to my existing policy?

If you are a current policyholder and you would like to add another pet to your policy, please contact our Customer Care Team at (866) 725-2747 to make those changes.

Do you have a customer portal?

Yes! Our customer portal gives you access to all your policy documents, coverage details, claims status, payment information and more. You can easily submit claims, change your contact information and payment information from your computer or mobile device.

Who is AKC Pet Insurance?

AKC Pet Insurance is administered by PetPartners, Inc. and is a completely separate entity from the American Kennel Club itself. PetPartners has served as the exclusive pet insurance provider of the American Kennel Club since 2003 under the AKC Pet Insurance label. AKC Pet Insurance works closely with the AKC, breeders and dog owners to provide the best quality health protection possible.

What are the waiting periods?

A waiting period is a period of time specified in the policy that must pass before some or all of the coverage begins. Waiting periods begin on the effective date of the policy or the effective date of any coverage upgrades. Waiting periods do not apply to your annual renewal as long as there are no gaps in coverage. Waiting periods can vary with some conditions requiring extending waiting periods. Please refer to your Terms and Conditions for details.

Are pre-existing conditions eligible for coverage?

Yes, AKC Pet Insurance's Accident & Illness plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period. Coverage includes, but is not limited to the following commonly excluded conditions:

• Allergies
• Urinary tract infections
• Chronic ear infections
• Gastrointestinal issues, and more.

What determines a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury which occurred, reoccurred, existed or showed symptoms, whether or not diagnosed by a veterinarian, prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. Gaps in coverage can also cause a condition to be pre-existing.

Is there a deductible?

Yes. All policies have an annual deductible, meaning you only have to meet your deductible once per policy period. Only expenses covered under your policy will go toward meeting your deductible and reimbursement only begins after your deductible has been met. Most of our plans allow you to choose your own deductible at enrollment. Wellness coverage is not subject to the deductible.

What is coinsurance?

Coinsurance is your portion of covered expenses after the deductible has been met. Your reimbursement is our portion of covered expenses after the deductible has been met. (i.e. If you have 20% coinsurance, we will reimburse you 80% of covered expenses. Wellness coverage is not subject to coinsurance.)

Do you cover alternative and holistic therapies?

Some our new plans offer coverage for alternative and holistic treatment. At this time, this coverage is not available in all states. Eligible alternative therapies include chiropractic work, acupuncture, herbal therapy, homeopathic treatments. Treatment must be for a covered condition, diagnosed by a veterinarian and recommended by your veterinarian. (Laser therapy, hydrotherapy and physical therapy are not considered alternative treatment and are therefore covered under all plans.)

Do you cover cremation or burial?

Our base policies do not cover cremation or burial. However, some our new plans offer an add-on that covers cremation, burial, urns memorials and necropsy (autopsy). This add-on is not currently available in all states.

Is treatment for behavioral issues covered?

Some of our new plans offer coverage for behavioral issues, like anxiety, aggression, destructive or compulsive behaviors that are not associated with an underlying medical condition. All diagnostics and treatment must be under the guidance a licensed veterinarian. Currently this coverage is not available in all states.

Do you offer wellness coverage?

Yes. We offer two wellness coverage options—Defender and DefenderPlus. Both will reimburse for routine and preventative care like vaccines, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and annual wellness exams. DefenderPlus has additional coverage for spay/neuter or dental cleaning. Wellness coverage has a schedule of benefits, where a set dollar amount is allotted toward each expense per year. Wellness coverage is not subject to deductible of coinsurance.

What are inherited and congenital conditions?

Inherited is defined as an illness, disease or condition whose presence is determined by genetic factors. Congenital is defined as an illness, disease or condition that was present at or was present from birth. Examples of conditions that could be considered inherited or congenital include heart disease, hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis also fall under this category.

Do you cover inherited and congenital conditions?

Yes. Coverage for inherited and congenital conditions can be added to the accident and illness base policy as long as the pet is under 2 years of age.

Are exam costs covered?

Our base policy does not cover the cost of exam fees; however, we offer optional coverage that can be added on to your base policy. This added coverage allows you to be reimbursed for exam fees at primary care veterinarians, emergency hospitals and specialty clinics, even if no treatment or diagnostics were performed.

Do you cover veterinary expenses relating to breeding?

Yes. Breeding coverage offers help with unforeseen accidents, illnesses, or complications of breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing.

Coverage is not offered for planned c‐sections, artificial insemination, progesterone tests, or any other elective, wellness, or routine treatment related to breeding. Available in most states. See terms and conditions for complete details regarding coverage, exclusions, and limitations.

Do you cover gastropexy or other elective procedures?

None of our base polices cover elective procedures. Some treatments that can considered elective are: dew claw removal, tail docking, ear cropping, and gastropexy when performed as preventive treatment.

Is dental care eligible for coverage?

Yes. Our base policies cover extractions of broken permanent(adult) teeth due to an accident. You can also add the DefenderPlus coverage to your base policy which includes an annual dental cleaning.

Do you cover cruciate ligament (ACL/CCL) injuries?

Yes. Cruciate ligament related conditions are covered under our accident and illness policy. However, are subject to a 180-day waiting period. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for details.

Do you exclude conditions for certain breeds?

No. We do not have breed-specific exclusions. All breeds of dogs and cats have equal availability to coverage and abide by the same rules of the Terms and Conditions.

Is my pet covered while traveling?

Yes. As long as you are traveling within the United States or Canada your pet has coverage.

Who underwrites AKC Pet Insurance?

AKC Pet Insurance is administered by PetPartners, Inc, who is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and American Pet Insurance Company.

How do I file a claim?

Filing a claim is easy. Simply download and complete all sections of our claim form. The completed claim form and itemized invoice from the visit will need to be submitted to us by email, postal mail or fax. No signatures necessary! For more detailed instructions please visit the file a claim page.

Should I still file a claim if my veterinarian bill is less than my deductible?

Yes. Eligible expenses from your veterinarian visit will go toward meeting your deductible.

How long do I have to file a claim?

We recommend filing your claim within 180 days from the date of service.

Can multiple veterinarian visits or conditions go on the same claim form?

Yes. You can include multiple veterinarian visits on one claim form. Be sure to provide all required information and corresponding invoices.

How long will it take for me to get my reimbursement?

Policyholders will receive acknowledgement of claim receipt immediately for claims submitted via the portal, or email or within 1 business day for faxed and mailed in claims. We will assign claims to an agent within 2 business days of receipt. Claims submitted with all documentation and requiring no further review will typically be finalized and payment initiated within 1 business day of claim assignment. Determination and payment of claims with documentation and requiring further review will typically be initiated within 2 business days of receipt of information. Claims requiring additional vet records can take up to 30 days, which includes receipt of records from the vet. Please check your portal for updates on claim status and contact the Customer Care Team with any questions.

Can I still submit a claim even if my policy has been canceled?

Yes. As long as the date of service was within the coverage period, the claim could still be eligible.

How will I get my reimbursement?

Claims are reimbursed in check form and will be accompanied by an Explanation of Benefits. Please make sure your mailing address is up to date to ensure a speedy return.

What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit cards are accepted for monthly payments. Payment by check and credit cards can be used if you are paying the annual premium in full; this will also exempt you from the monthly service fee. Payments are set to automatically charge the credit card we have on file unless we hear from you.

How do I update my payment or personal information?

To update contact information, payment information or to add or remove authorized users, please contact our Customer Care Team at 1-866-725-2747.

Can I make changes to my coverage?

Yes. Some coverage and limits can be changed, added or removed mid-policy period. Please contact our Customer Care Team at 1-866-725-2747 to inquire about what changes can be made.

What if I want to cancel my policy?

To cancel your coverage, please contact our Customer Care Team at 1-866-725-2747. There is no penalty for canceling coverage mid-policy period. Any unused premium will be refunded back to you. If you are canceling due to not being satisfied with your coverage, please contact us with your feedback. We can also look into any changes that can be made in order to better meet your needs.

What if my pet passes away or gets rehomed?

In the event your pet passes away or is rehomed, please contact our Customer Care Team at 1-866-725-2747 as soon as possible to cancel your policy. Any unused premium will be refunded to you and backdated to the date the event occurred as long as you provide supporting documentation of that date.