Brindle and white puppy sitting in the doorway of a motorhome
Purchasing pet insurance is a complex decision, especially when it comes to traveling pets. With the pressure of pre-existing conditions and the fear of inadequate coverage, finding the right plan can feel overwhelming. As a pet owner who recently went through this process, I can save you some time by sharing my analysis of the best pet insurance for traveling pets. Keep in mind that these are solely my findings and I have no affiliation with any of the mentioned companies.
Determining the Best Pet Insurance for Traveling Pets
Each pet insurance company has its own approach when it comes to benefits, restrictions, and plan customization. Comparing plans across providers can be tricky due to the diverse premiums. Additionally, each pet owner has unique priorities and considerations. That's why it's crucial to identify the aspects of pet insurance that matter most to you before making a decision.
Why Get Pet Insurance at All?
Some pet owners prefer to set up savings accounts or rely on credit cards for unexpected veterinary bills. However, I chose pet insurance because I want my pet's well-being to be the sole factor in determining his care. With escalating vet costs, the thought of compromising my pet's health due to financial constraints is unbearable. Pet insurance provides the peace of mind and financial support that I need.
Which Components Matter Most to Me?
Comparing policies can be overwhelming, so it's essential to define your priorities beforehand. Based on my experience, here are the key variables I considered when selecting the best pet insurance for traveling pets:
- Annual limit: Ensure it covers potential treatments your pet might need during the year.
- Lifetime limit: Look for a high or no lifetime limit, especially if your pet is young and switching providers is discouraged.
- Deductible amount: Consider your pet's age and expected health when deciding on a deductible.
- Reimbursement percentage: Determine the portion of the vet's bill that the insurance company will cover.
- Additional coverage: Assess whether the policy includes routine care, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments.
Factors Specific to Traveling Pets
In my case, as I travel full-time with my pet in a motorhome, there were additional considerations:
- Freedom to choose any licensed veterinarian, including emergency and specialty vets.
- Paperless claims and direct deposit reimbursement.
- Coverage for international travel.
- Access to a 24-hour vet hotline for peace of mind.
Comparing Pet Insurance for Traveling Pets
With these priorities in mind, I explored various pet insurance policies to identify the best option. Here's what I found:
Bivvy
- Quote: $10/mo
- Annual Limit: $1,000
- Lifetime Limit: $25,000
- Deductible Amount: $250 annually
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80%
- Coverage: Exams, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States.
- Does Not Cover: Routine or wellness care.
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims but no direct deposit or telemedicine hotline.
Companion Protect
- Quote: $44.99/mo (premium doesn't reset annually)
- Annual Limit: No limit
- Lifetime Limit: $100,000
- Deductible Amount: $50 per visit (in-network), $100 per visit (out-of-network)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 90% (in-network), 80% (out-of-network)
- Coverage: Exams, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States.
- Does Not Cover: Routine or wellness care (except for complimentary wellness exams).
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims but no direct deposit or telemedicine hotline.
Embrace
- Quote: $29.29/mo
- Annual Limit: $30,000 (adjustable)
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $500 annually (adjustable)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80% (adjustable)
- Coverage: Exams, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments worldwide.
- Does Not Cover: Routine or wellness care (optional riders available).
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims, direct deposit of reimbursements, and a telemedicine hotline.
Figo
- Quote: $18.20/mo
- Annual Limit: No limit (adjustable)
- Lifetime Limit: No limit (adjustable)
- Deductible Amount: $500 annually (adjustable)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80% (adjustable)
- Coverage: Diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
- Does Not Cover: Routine or wellness care.
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims, direct deposit of reimbursements, and a telemedicine hotline.
Healthy Paws
- Quote: $20.12/mo
- Annual Limit: No limit
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $500 annually
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80% (adjustable)
- Coverage: Diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States and Canada.
- Does Not Cover: Exam fees or routine wellness care.
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims and direct deposit of reimbursements but no telemedicine hotline.
Nationwide
- Quote: $25.46/mo
- Annual Limit: No limit
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $250 annually
- Coverage: Exams, diagnostics, and prescriptions worldwide.
- Does Not Cover: Most hereditary and congenital conditions.
- Optional Riders: Routine and wellness care (at an additional cost).
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims, direct deposit of reimbursements, and a telemedicine hotline.
Pets Best
- Quote: $18.56/mo
- Annual Limit: No limit (adjustable)
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $500 annually (adjustable)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80% (adjustable)
- Coverage: Exams, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
- Optional Riders: Routine and wellness care (at an additional cost).
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims, direct deposit of reimbursements, and a telemedicine hotline.
Pet Partners
- Quote: $22.13/mo (custom plan)
- Annual Limit: No limit (adjustable)
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $500 annually (adjustable)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80% (adjustable)
- Coverage: Diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States and Canada.
- Optional Riders: Exams, routine and wellness care, hereditary and congenital conditions (each with a separate rider).
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims, direct deposit of reimbursements, and a telemedicine hotline.
Fetch by the Dodo
- Quote: $28.32/mo
- Annual Limit: No limit (adjustable)
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $500 annually (adjustable)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 80% (adjustable)
- Coverage: Exams, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States and Canada.
- Does Not Cover: Routine or wellness care.
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims and a telemedicine hotline, but no direct deposit of reimbursements.
Trupanion
- Quote: $34.31/mo
- Annual Limit: No limit
- Lifetime Limit: No limit
- Deductible Amount: $500 (per condition)
- Reimbursement Percentage: 90%
- Coverage: Diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care, and alternative treatments within the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
- Optional Riders: Recovery and Complementary Care Rider (at an additional cost).
- Convenience: Offers paperless claims, direct deposit of reimbursements, but no telemedicine hotline.
Our Decision
After careful consideration, my choice for the best pet insurance for traveling pets is Embrace. The worldwide coverage, telemedicine support, and unlimited lifetime coverage were the deciding factors for me. However, it's important to remember that each pet owner's circumstances may differ, so it's crucial to choose the insurance that aligns with your specific needs.
Brindle puppy laying on a cushion in a motorhome
Shopping for pet insurance can be overwhelming, but staying organized and comparing options based on your priorities can help you find the best fit. Consider creating a spreadsheet with your criteria and the providers you're evaluating to make an informed decision.
I hope my experience can assist you in finding the perfect pet insurance for your traveling pets! Please share your results in the comments below.
