AKC Pet Insurance, exclusively from the American Kennel Club, is an incredible insurer that offers various plans with optional add-ons like wellness, breeding, and hereditary coverage.
This pet insurance company allows free 30-day coverage upon dog registration, with customizable plans for deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits. There are no age or breed restrictions, and breeders benefit from discounts and support programs.
AKC Pet Insurance Company offers members access to a 24/7 vet helpline. Keep in mind that standard waiting periods apply, but there’s a 180-day delay for IVDD and cruciate ligament conditions.
However, this can be waived if a vet evaluates the pet within seven days of the policy start. First-time AKC pet insurance registrants can get 30 days of free accident and illness coverage. But you need to know that this offer isn’t available in California, New York, and Washington.
AKC Pet Insurance: Plan Types and Coverage
Let’s take a look at the insurance plan types and coverage AKC Pet Insurance offers. AKC offers various pet insurance plans, including:
- Accident and illness plan: This is the most common. And it covers both accidents and illnesses.
- Accident-Only Plan: It covers emergencies such as broken bones and swallowed objects. But it does not cover illnesses.
- Add-On Coverage: Available for additional protection.
CompanionCare Plan Coverage
The CompanionCare plan covers a range of expenses:
- Accidents: This coverage includes broken bones, broken teeth, bite wounds, ingested objects, and vehicle accidents.
- Illnesses: Covers cancer, ear infections, skin infections, allergies, and congenital/genetic conditions like intervertebral disc disease.
- Hospitalizations: Coverage helps in covering emergency care, rehabilitation, surgeries, anesthesia, and vet/technician time.
- Specialist Care: Includes oncologists, veterinarians, internal medicine experts, behaviorists, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
- Prescription Medication: This plan covers coverage of medications for covered problems, including prescription food if prescribed for a covered issue.
- Diagnostics: Includes tests such as CAT scans, blood tests, X-rays, and MRIs.
30-Day Initial Coverage
Registering your dog with the AKC insurer will qualify you for 30 days of free accident and illness coverage, with waived waiting periods. After these 30 days are covered, you can continue coverage by providing payment details or choose another insurer.
Accident-Only Insurance
This plan covers emergencies (e.g., broken bones, torn ligaments, vehicle accidents). It won’t cover illnesses such as skin infections or cancer.
Add-Ons
- Breeding Coverage: Covers emergencies for breeders, like liver failure and emergency C-sections.
- Exam Coverage: Covers primary care, specialist exams, and emergency visits.
- Final Respects Coverage: Covers cremation, burial, and memorial expenses.
- Hereditary Coverage: Covers conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and hip dysplasia not included in standard plans.
- Pet Wellness Coverage: Covers preventative care, annual exams, microchipping, routine dental care, and diagnostic testing.
There are two plans: Defender and DefenderPlus (includes neutering/spaying and more coverage).
Pros and Cons of AKC Pet Insurance
Before going for this pet insurer, you need to know the benefits and drawbacks involved. Check them out below.
Pros
- No age limit for enrolling pets
- Covers pre-existing conditions after 365 days in most states in the United States.
- 24/7 access to a veterinary helpline
- Helps cover breeding and pregnancy-related diseases and complications.
Cons
- 180-day waiting period for cranial cruciate ligament injury and IVDD
- The highest annual limit is $20,000 for plans without incident limits.
- Pets over 9 years old can only get accident coverage.
AKC Pet Insurance Coverage Levels
Maximum annual limit
This is the most AKC will pay for covered expenses in a year. Options include:
- $2,500
- $5,000
- $7,500
- $10,000
- $15,000
- Unlimited
Deductible options
This is the amount you pay before coverage kicks in. Options include:
- $100
- $250
- $300
- $400
- $500
- $600
- $750
- $1,000
Reimbursement options
This is the percentage of vet bills AKC will reimburse. You can choose:
- 70%
- 80%
- 90%
How Much Does AKC Pet Insurance Cost?
Just as with every other insurer, the cost to insure your pet will depend on different factors. These factors include and are not limited to: pet breed, age, and your location. Nevertheless, the average cost of AKC pet insurance plan is;
Average monthly costs for
- Dogs: $48 (accident and illness plan)
- Cats: $27 (accident and illness plan)
Price Range:
- Dogs: $28 to $74
- Cats: $16 to $43
For pets 9 years and older:
- Dogs: $81 (accident-only plan)
- Cats: $36 (accident-only plan)
Optional wellness coverage:
- Defender Plan: $16 for dogs, $12 for cats
- DefenderPlus Plan: $27 for dogs, $22 for cats
When purchasing, ensure that you go for a pet insurance plan that matches with your pet needs and budgets.
How to Sign Up for AKC Pet Insurance
Signing up with AKC Pet Insurance is easy. Here’s a simple guide:
- Start on the Home Page: Enter your pet’s name and click “Get a Quote.”
- Enter Pet Details: Provide your ZIP code, email, pet’s species, breed, age, and health status.
- Choose Coverage: Click “Choose Coverage” to see your pet’s options.
- Review Plan Details: Check what’s covered in the basic plan and explore available upgrades.
- Adjust Coverage: Modify the deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit to see how it changes your monthly premium.
Call AKC Pet Insurance to speak with a representative if you need assistance. That’s it! Now you can find the right coverage for your pet easily.
