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Our Expert Take On AKC Pet Insurance
Our Expert Take On AKC Pet Insurance
AKC pet insurance is the exclusive pet insurance brand of the American Kennel Club. It offers a good variety of plans and multiple optional add-ons, such as wellness coverage, breeding coverage and hereditary coverage. You can also get free coverage for 30 days when you register your dog with the AKC.
Pros
- Short waiting period of 2 days for accident coverage.
- 24/7 pet healthline.
- Offers coverage for curable pre-existing conditions such as allergies and ear infections after a 12-month waiting period.
- 5% multi-pet discount.
Cons
- Does not pay the vet directly.
- 180 day waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease.
Great For Add-On Coverage
Compare Plans
Maximum annual coverage
$2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000
Table of Contents
- AKC’s Types of Plans and Coverage
- What Does AKC Pet Insurance Not Cover?
- AKC Pet Insurance Coverage Levels
- What are AKC’s Pet Insurance Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions?
- How Much Does Pet Insurance from AKC Cost?
- AKC Pet Insurance State Availability
- AKC Pet Insurance Claims
- AKC vs. Pets Best
- AKC vs. Embrace
- AKC vs. Paw Protect
- About AKC Pet Insurance
- AKC Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Show more
AKC’s Types of Plans and Coverage
AKC offers the types of pet insurance plans similar to what you would find among the best pet insurance companies. That includes an accident and illness plan, which is the most common type of pet insurance plan. You can also buy an accident-only plan and purchase add-on coverage.
Accident and Illness Plans
Here are some of the expenses that are covered under AKC’s CompanionCare plan:
Summary | ||
---|---|---|
AccidentsSuch as broken bones, broken teeth, bite wounds, ingested foreign objects and getting struck by a vehicle. | ||
IllnessesSuch as cancer, ear infections, skin infections, allergies, and congenital and genetic conditions like intervertebral disc disease. | ||
HospitalizationsSuch as emergency care and surgeries, including anesthesia, rehabilitation services and vet/technician time. | ||
Specialist CareThis includes veterinarians, behaviorists, oncologists and internal medicine experts. This can also include alternative therapy and rehabilitation such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. | ||
Prescription MedicationThis includes prescription medicine for a problem covered by your policy, such as a skin infection. It can also include prescription food if it is prescribed by your veterinarian due to a problem covered by your policy, such as digestive issues. | ||
DiagnosticsThis includes tests like CAT scans, blood tests, X-rays and MRIs. |
AKC Pet Insurance Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage
When you register your dog with the American Kennel Club, you can qualify for 30 days of free accident and illness pet coverage. It includes all the same coverage that you get with AKC’s standard accident and illness plan, but the waiting periods are waived. After the initial 30-day period ends, you can provide a payment method to continue your coverage, or find another pet insurer.
Accident-Only Insurance
AKC offers an accident-only plan that strictly covers vet expenses related to emergencies such as broken bones, swallowing foreign objects, torn cruciate ligaments and getting struck by a vehicle. This plan does not cover illness-related vet expenses, such as skin infections or cancer treatment.
AKC Pet Insurance Add-Ons
AKC offers a good selection of add-on coverage. The optional plans include:
- Breeding coverage: Covers unexpected emergencies for dog breeders, such as liver failure and emergency C-sections.
- Exam coverage: Covers the cost of primary care exams, specialist exams and emergency visits.
- Final respects coverage: Covers the cost of cremation, burial and memorial expenses for your pet.
- Hereditary coverage: Covers specific hereditary conditions that are not covered under AKC’s accident and illness plans, such as arthritis, diabetes and hip dysplasia.
- Pet wellness coverage: Covers preventative care, such as annual wellness exams, microchipping, routine dental care and diagnostic testing. There are two wellness plans available: Defender and DefenderPlus. The DefenderPlus costs more per month but provides more coverage, including neutering and spaying.
What Does AKC Pet Insurance Not Cover?
Here are some problems that are not covered by AKC pet insurance:
- Elective procedures.
- Experimental treatment.
- Obesity treatments.
- Organ transplants.
- Treatment for chronic dental conditions.
- Parasite treatment.
- Prosthetic devices.
- Grooming.
AKC Pet Insurance Coverage Levels
Maximum Annual Limit
The maximum annual limit is the most money AKC will pay for covered expenses during the policy period. You can choose your maximum annual limit when you purchase a policy. The options include:
- $2,500
- $5,000
- $7,500
- $10,000
- $15,000
- Unlimited
Deductible Options
The deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay before your coverage begins to reimburse you for vet expenses. AKC offers the following deductible options:
- $100
- $250
- $300
- $400
- $500
- $600
- $750
- $1,000
Reimbursem*nt Options
When you purchase pet insurance, you can choose how much of your vet bills get reimbursed by AKC. You can select a reimbursem*nt level of:
- 70%
- 80%
- 90%
What are AKC’s Pet Insurance Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions?
AKC pet insurance has the following waiting periods:
- 2-day accident waiting period.
- 14-day illness waiting period.
- 180 days for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease.
- 12-month waiting period for curable pre-existing conditions like allergies and infections.
Company | Accident waiting period | Illness waiting period | Special waiting period |
---|---|---|---|
Pets Best | 3 days | 14 days | 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions |
Embrace | Begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your plan | 14 days | 6 months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
Paw Protect | Begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your plan | 14 days | 6 months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
AKC | 2 days | 14 days | 180 days for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease |
AKC has some age restrictions for its plans. In most states, puppies can be insured at 8 weeks old and kittens can be insured starting at 10 weeks old. If your pet is under age 9, you can enroll them in any plan. If your pet is over age 9, you can only enroll them in the accident-only plan.
How Much Does Pet Insurance from AKC Cost?
AKC pet insurance costs an average of $48 per month for a dog and $26 per month for a cat, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of pet insurance costs. That’s for $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level. The average cost of AKC pet insurance is $60 per month for a dog and $32 per month for a cat for unlimited coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
AKC Price Comparison for Dogs
Dog breed | Average cost per month for puppies age 3 months | Average cost per month for dogs age 3 years |
---|---|---|
Beagle | $32 | $44 |
Bulldog | $86 | $118 |
Dachshund | $33 | $45 |
French bulldog | $63 | $87 |
German shepherd | $44 | $60 |
Golden retriever | $51 | $70 |
Labrador retriever | $47 | $64 |
Mixed breed (large) | $38 | $52 |
Mixed breed (medium) | $34 | $46 |
Mixed breed (small) | $30 | $42 |
Poodle | $38 | $52 |
Rottweiler | $70 | $96 |
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs are based on unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
AKC Price Comparison for Cats
Cat breed | Average cost per month kittens age 3 months | Average cost per month for cats age 3 years |
---|---|---|
Abyssinian | $25 | $35 |
Bengal | $25 | $35 |
Bombay | $25 | $35 |
British shorthair | $25 | $35 |
Exotic shorthair | $25 | $35 |
Maine coon | $32 | $44 |
Mixed breed | $24 | $33 |
Persian | $32 | $44 |
Ragdoll | $32 | $44 |
Siamese | $32 | $44 |
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs are based on unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
AKC Costs vs. Other Top Insurers
Company | Company - Logo | Average monthly cost for dog insurance | Average monthly cost for cat insurance | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pets Best | ![]() | $48 | $27 | 5.0 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Embrace | ![]() | $76 | $37 | 4.5 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Paw Protect | ![]() | $77 | $38 | 4.5 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Figo | ![]() | $60 | $26 | 4.3 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Spot | ![]() | $97 | $46 | 4.3 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Fetch | ![]() | $77 | $40 | 4.1 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Healthy Paws | ![]() | $55 | $22 | 4.1 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
Lemonade | ![]() | $52 | $28 | 4.1 | ![]() | Compare Plans | ||
AKC | ![]() | $60 | $32 | N/A | Compare Plans |
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs are based on unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade) with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level for dogs and cats, ages 3 months, 2 years, 5 years and 7 years.
AKC Pet Insurance State Availability
AKC pet insurance is available in all 50 states.
AKC Pet Insurance Claims
There are a few ways to file a claim with AKC pet insurance:
- Online: You can submit the claim through the online customer portal.
- Email: claims@petpartners.com.
- Fax: Fax the completed claim form to (919) 859-8193.
- Mail: Send the completed claim form to: PetPartners Inc., PO Box 37940, Raleigh, NC 27627
You will need to complete AKC’s claim form and submit it along with your veterinary invoice. The claims process typically takes about two business days of receipt of your information. If additional vet records are required, the claims process can take up to 30 days.
If your claim is approved, you will be reimbursed via a direct deposit to your bank account or you will receive a paper check.
AKC vs. Pets Best
Rating and coverage details | AKC pet insurance | Pets Best pet insurance |
---|---|---|
Forbes Advisor rating | N/A | |
Average monthly cost for a dog with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | $60 | $48 |
Deductible choices | $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000 | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 |
Optional wellness plan available? | Yes | Yes |
24/7 vet helpline available? | Yes | Yes |
Details can vary by state.
AKC vs. Embrace
Rating and coverage details | AKC pet insurance | Embrace pet insurance |
---|---|---|
Forbes Advisor rating | N/A | |
Average monthly cost for a dog with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | $60 | $76 |
Deductible choices | $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
Optional wellness plan available? | Yes | Yes |
24/7 vet helpline available? | Yes | Yes |
Details can vary by state.
AKC vs. Paw Protect
Rating and coverage details | AKC pet insurance | Paw Protect pet insurance |
---|---|---|
Forbes Advisor rating | N/A | |
Average monthly cost for a dog with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | $60 | $77 |
Deductible choices | $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500 |
Optional wellness plan available? | Yes | Yes |
24/7 vet helpline available? | Yes | Yes |
Details can vary by state.
About AKC Pet Insurance
AKC pet insurance was founded in the 1980s in the United Kingdom. In 2002, AKC began selling pet insurance in the U.S. under the brand name PetPartners. One year later, AKC pet insurance became the exclusive pet insurance brand of the American Kennel Club, a leading non-profit with expertise in pet breeding, health and training. Currently, AKC insures more than 32,000 pets across the U.S.
AKC Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Does AKC pet insurance work with any vet?
Yes, you can make a claim with AKC for bills from any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. and Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics.
Can I add multiple pets to my AKC Pet Insurance policy?
Yes, you can add more than one pet to an AKC pet insurance policy. When you enroll multiple pets on the same insurance policy, you can qualify for an automatic 5% discount on your premium.
Does AKC pet insurance cover dental care?
AKC pet insurance covers extractions of broken teeth due to an accident. The DefenderPlus add-on includes coverage for annual dental cleaning.
Does AKC insurance cover spaying and neutering?
You will need to add the optional DefenderPlus wellness plan from AKC to cover spaying and neutering.
How can I reach AKC’s customer service?
You can contact AKC’s customer care team by calling (866) 725-2747.
How do I cancel AKC pet insurance?
To cancel your AKC pet insurance plan, you can call the Customer Care Team at (866) 725-2747. If you cancel in the middle of the policy period, there is no penalty fee and your unused premiums will be refunded.
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