Pet insurance, like health insurance, is there to make medical care more affordable after an accident or illness. While pet insurance differs in several ways, the perfect plan for your pup or cat may offer financial support after the unexpected.
We’ve looked at many Arkansas pet insurance companies to develop our top 10 picks. Pet insurance should provide reassurance and not stress, and we promise to make it easier: breaking down each policy so you know what to expect.
Let’s start with a quick breakdown of our top providers and learn more about pet insurance in Arkansas.
A Quick Glance at Our Winners for 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Unlimited lifetime coverage
Per condition deductibles
Range of deductibles available
Click to Get Quote
Spot Pet Insurance
No upper age limit
Unlimited annual payout available
Two wellness plan options
Click to Get Quote
Lemonade
Claims are processed quickly
Policy discounts available
Supports nonprofit organizations
Click to Get Quote
Figo Pet Insurance
Wellness plans available
Customizable coverage plans
Partnered with Costco
Click to Get Quote
AKC Pet Insurance
Pre-existing conditions may be covered
Multi-pet discount
AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification Discount
Click to Get Quote
The 10 Best Pet Insurance Plans in Arkansas
- Trupanion – Best Overall
Compare Trupanion PlansMany pet insurance policies are alike, with specific options, coverages, or costs changing from plan to plan to meet various needs. However, Trupanion has introduced several unique features that make it highly valuable for many pet parents. Their accident and illness plan has an unlimited payout because of their deductible structure. Instead of an annual deductible, theirs is per condition. This model is especially beneficial should your pet have any chronic illnesses with long-term care, as the condition would be covered entirely once the deductible is met. Additional coverage options offer physical therapy, alternative medicine, or even non-medical expenses like boarding fees.
Trupanion is also different because it won’t automatically raise your premiums as your pet ages. Instead, the premium may change based on vet care costs in your area. These adjustments could be up or down and not based solely on your pet’s health or age. The app allows you to view your plan information, file claims, and track your claims. Trupanion can pay the claim directly to your vet or reimburse you for payments already made in full.
Compare Trupanion Plans
Many pet insurance policies are alike, with specific options, coverages, or costs changing from plan to plan to meet various needs. However, Trupanion has introduced several unique features that make it highly valuable for many pet parents. Their accident and illness plan has an unlimited payout because of their deductible structure. Instead of an annual deductible, theirs is per condition. This model is especially beneficial should your pet have any chronic illnesses with long-term care, as the condition would be covered entirely once the deductible is met. Additional coverage options offer physical therapy, alternative medicine, or even non-medical expenses like boarding fees.
Pros
Unlimited lifetime coverage
Per condition deductibles
Range of deductibles available
Discount for service animals
Claims can be paid directly to vet
Cons
No accident-only plan
No wellness plan
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Age cutoff at 14 years
More extended waiting periods
- Spot
Compare Spot PlansSpot offers both a standard accident and illness plan plus a more affordable accident-only plan. Their accident and illness policy is comprehensive and includes essential treatments, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and more. Spot is unique because alternative therapies, cancer treatments, and even prescription foods are covered. The accident-only plan would only cover costs associated with an injury or accident and not an illness. In addition to these policy options, there are two preventative care plans. The gold plan offers coverage for annual wellness exams, deworming, and dental cleanings. A platinum care plan includes flea and tick treatment, screenings, vaccinations, and more.
A dedicated app allows you to file reimbursement claims easily and track their status. You have 270 days from the date of service to file the claim, and most approved claims are paid within 10 to 14 days. Spot is popular with those with several pets in the home, as they offer a generous 10% discount for multi-pet policies. Coverage can start as soon as 8 weeks old, and there is no upper age limit, but there is a 14-day waiting period for coverage to begin.
Unlimited lifetime coverage
Per condition deductibles
Range of deductibles available
Discount for service animals
Claims can be paid directly to vet
- Unlimited lifetime coverage
- Per condition deductibles
- Range of deductibles available
- Discount for service animals
- Claims can be paid directly to vet
No accident-only plan
No wellness plan
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Age cutoff at 14 years
More extended waiting periods
- No accident-only plan
- No wellness plan
- Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
- Age cutoff at 14 years
- More extended waiting periods
Compare Spot Plans
Spot offers both a standard accident and illness plan plus a more affordable accident-only plan. Their accident and illness policy is comprehensive and includes essential treatments, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and more. Spot is unique because alternative therapies, cancer treatments, and even prescription foods are covered. The accident-only plan would only cover costs associated with an injury or accident and not an illness. In addition to these policy options, there are two preventative care plans. The gold plan offers coverage for annual wellness exams, deworming, and dental cleanings. A platinum care plan includes flea and tick treatment, screenings, vaccinations, and more.
Pros
No upper age limit
Unlimited annual payout available
Two wellness plan options
Some pre-existing conditions covered
Multi-pet discount
Cons
Doesn’t pay your vet directly
14-day waiting period on all policies
Breeding/pregnancy not covered
Higher premiums than similar plans
- Lemonade
Compare Lemonade PlansYou can have a pet insurance policy in just minutes through the Lemonade app. Starting with the base accident and illness plan, you have comprehensive coverage for medication, basic injuries, many common illnesses, and some chronic ones. Extended coverage is available with add-ons to the basic policy, giving you reimbursement for vet visit fees, end-of-life care, and coverage for a broader range of injuries and illnesses. Deductible and reimbursement amount choices are common, but they offer a $100,000/year coverage limit, which some may find beneficial. The Lemonade preventative care plans have no deductible and will pay up to 70% of covered routine care like vaccines and flea treatments. The upgraded wellness plan includes additional covered care options and a program designed specifically for puppies and kittens.
Accident waiting periods are just 2 days, making it easier to get covered care when the unexpected happens. Not only can you sign up for a policy quickly through the app, but filing a claim is just as easy. About a third of all claims are paid immediately. Lemonade offers several generous discounts, including multi-pet, bundling with home or renters insurance, and paying your premium annually. Even with significant discounts, a portion of your premium is donated to nonprofits. Policyholders get to choose the organizations they support with their premiums.
No upper age limit
Unlimited annual payout available
Two wellness plan options
Some pre-existing conditions covered
Multi-pet discount
- No upper age limit
- Unlimited annual payout available
- Two wellness plan options
- Some pre-existing conditions covered
- Multi-pet discount
Doesn’t pay your vet directly
14-day waiting period on all policies
Breeding/pregnancy not covered
Higher premiums than similar plans
- Doesn’t pay your vet directly
- 14-day waiting period on all policies
- Breeding/pregnancy not covered
- Higher premiums than similar plans
Compare Lemonade Plans
You can have a pet insurance policy in just minutes through the Lemonade app. Starting with the base accident and illness plan, you have comprehensive coverage for medication, basic injuries, many common illnesses, and some chronic ones. Extended coverage is available with add-ons to the basic policy, giving you reimbursement for vet visit fees, end-of-life care, and coverage for a broader range of injuries and illnesses. Deductible and reimbursement amount choices are common, but they offer a $100,000/year coverage limit, which some may find beneficial. The Lemonade preventative care plans have no deductible and will pay up to 70% of covered routine care like vaccines and flea treatments. The upgraded wellness plan includes additional covered care options and a program designed specifically for puppies and kittens.
Pros
Claims are processed quickly
Policy discounts available
Supports nonprofit organizations
Higher coverage limits
Short waiting period for accidents
Cons
Some coverage types cost more
It doesn’t cover bilateral conditions
It doesn’t cover recurring conditions
Upper age limits vary by breed
- Figo Compare Figo PlansFigo is one of the top names in pet insurance because of the variety of services they offer and pet parents’ choices when building their ideal policy. Their accident and illness plan allows for three annual deductibles, three reimbursement amounts, and three coverage limits to create a pet insurance policy that meets your pets’ needs and your budget. The optional extra care pack adds coverage for boarding fees, lost pet advertising, cremation costs, and more. A wellness plan would cover routine care and prevention. Figo allows you to choose what’s best for you.
In addition to a solid policy, Figo offers a cloud-based app that allows you to save your pets’ medical records and receive health reminders. Use the app to locate nearby pet hospitals, groomers, pet-friendly restaurants, and even other pet parents. Pet telehealth services are available 24/7 through the Figo app, and it’s the fastest way to file and track insurance claims. Claims are processed within 30 days, but there may be a waiting period before filing one. For example, illnesses require 14 days and orthopedic conditions require 6 months.
Claims are processed quickly
Policy discounts available
Supports nonprofit organizations
Higher coverage limits
Short waiting period for accidents
- Claims are processed quickly
- Policy discounts available
- Supports nonprofit organizations
- Higher coverage limits
- Short waiting period for accidents
Some coverage types cost more
It doesn’t cover bilateral conditions
It doesn’t cover recurring conditions
Upper age limits vary by breed
- Some coverage types cost more
- It doesn’t cover bilateral conditions
- It doesn’t cover recurring conditions
- Upper age limits vary by breed
Pros
Wellness plans available
Customizable coverage plans
Partnered with Costco
Comprehensive pet care app
No upper age limits
Cons
Doesn’t pay your vet directly
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
No accident-only plan
Wellness policy not widely available
- AKC Pet Insurance Compare AKC PlansThe American Kennel Club is a household name and authority on dogs’ training, health, and well-being. Now, AKC Pet Insurance offers comprehensive insurance to both dogs and cats. The CompanionCare plan provides coverage for essential treatments, medications, surgeries, diagnostic tests and procedures, hospitalizations, and emergencies. Many more specific types of coverage are only available through add-on policies, such as breeding coverage or treatment for hereditary and congenital conditions. While this allows you to choose the exact types of conditions you want to be covered, it can also quickly add to your policy premium.
To qualify for an AKC pet insurance policy, puppies must be 8 weeks old, and kittens must be 10 weeks old. Covered pets can keep their policy at any age, but new enrollment stops at 9 years. Certain conditions may not be covered based on age, like hereditary conditions only for pets under 2 years. Even if your pet’s coverage is limited, they may qualify for the Defender or DefenderPlus wellness plan that offers assistance with preventative care, routine screenings, regular flea and tick prevention, and much more. Straightforward claims may be reimbursed in as little as 3 days, while more involved claims could take longer.
Wellness plans available
Customizable coverage plans
Partnered with Costco
Comprehensive pet care app
No upper age limits
- Wellness plans available
- Customizable coverage plans
- Partnered with Costco
- Comprehensive pet care app
- No upper age limits
Doesn’t pay your vet directly
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
No accident-only plan
Wellness policy not widely available
- Doesn’t pay your vet directly
- Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
- No accident-only plan
- Wellness policy not widely available
Pros
Pre-existing conditions may be covered
Multi-pet discount
AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification Discount
Unlimited coverage available
Wellness plan available
Cons
Most dental procedures are not covered
Many conditions require extra coverage
Upper age limit for new enrollment
No dedicated app
- Embrace
Compare Embrace PlansEmbrace is another pet insurance carrier known for its customizable plans. While there is an affordable accident-only plan, the accident and illness policy is available with five deductible levels and three reimbursement amounts. You can also choose your annual payout limit, with plans from $5,000 to $30,000. The configuration of options you choose will determine your premium. Each year you don’t file a claim, your premium will go down. The Embrace Wellness Rewards program is not insurance. Still, it can help you budget for and afford preventive care in the future by reimbursing you for such things as wellness exams, grooming, training, and more.
Embrace offers some of the most affordable monthly and annual premiums for pet insurance. Some plans may cost as little as $7 per month. However, they also have additional fees, such as a $25 enrollment fee when you sign up and a convenience fee added to your premium should you choose to pay monthly instead of annually. Still, Embrace offers flexible coverage with the ability to create a policy that matches your needs. Submit claims online or through their app and receive reimbursements in 10 to 14 days.
Pre-existing conditions may be covered
Multi-pet discount
AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification Discount
Unlimited coverage available
Wellness plan available
- Pre-existing conditions may be covered
- Multi-pet discount
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification Discount
- Unlimited coverage available
- Wellness plan available
Most dental procedures are not covered
Many conditions require extra coverage
Upper age limit for new enrollment
No dedicated app
- Most dental procedures are not covered
- Many conditions require extra coverage
- Upper age limit for new enrollment
- No dedicated app
Compare Embrace Plans
Embrace is another pet insurance carrier known for its customizable plans. While there is an affordable accident-only plan, the accident and illness policy is available with five deductible levels and three reimbursement amounts. You can also choose your annual payout limit, with plans from $5,000 to $30,000. The configuration of options you choose will determine your premium. Each year you don’t file a claim, your premium will go down. The Embrace Wellness Rewards program is not insurance. Still, it can help you budget for and afford preventive care in the future by reimbursing you for such things as wellness exams, grooming, training, and more.
Pros
Decreasing deductible
Affordable accident-only policy
No maximum lifetime payout
High upper age limit
Affordable monthly premiums
Cons
A wellness plan is expensive
It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Some additional fees are unavoidable
Long orthopedic waiting period
- Pumpkin
Compare Pumpkin PlansPumpkin makes it easy to purchase pet insurance by offering a comprehensive accident and illness policy with your choice of deductible and coverage limit. While there are still a few ways to customize the plan to your needs, the process is simplified. You can also rest easy knowing that all basic tests, treatments, and surgeries are covered and some that other policies might not. A standard policy from Pumpkin will cover dental care, hereditary conditions, parasite infections, physical therapy, and some alternative therapies. With a Preventative Essentials package, your pet’s annual wellness exam, routine screening, and some vaccines are also covered.
The 14-day waiting period applies to all accidents and illnesses across the board. Most other carriers have a much longer waiting period for orthopedic injuries like hip dysplasia or ligament conditions but offer shorter waiting periods of as little as 1 day for more common, unexpected accidents. Pumpkin’s standardized 14-day policy can be beneficial or discouraging depending on the injury or illness. While they don’t have a dedicated app, their website is easy to navigate from mobile devices and can be used to file and track claims. Claims can be paid directly to the vet or reimbursed to you.
Decreasing deductible
Affordable accident-only policy
No maximum lifetime payout
High upper age limit
Affordable monthly premiums
- Decreasing deductible
- Affordable accident-only policy
- No maximum lifetime payout
- High upper age limit
- Affordable monthly premiums
A wellness plan is expensive
It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Some additional fees are unavoidable
Long orthopedic waiting period
- A wellness plan is expensive
- It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
- Some additional fees are unavoidable
- Long orthopedic waiting period
Compare Pumpkin Plans
Pumpkin makes it easy to purchase pet insurance by offering a comprehensive accident and illness policy with your choice of deductible and coverage limit. While there are still a few ways to customize the plan to your needs, the process is simplified. You can also rest easy knowing that all basic tests, treatments, and surgeries are covered and some that other policies might not. A standard policy from Pumpkin will cover dental care, hereditary conditions, parasite infections, physical therapy, and some alternative therapies. With a Preventative Essentials package, your pet’s annual wellness exam, routine screening, and some vaccines are also covered.
Pros
No upper age limit
Claims can be paid directly to your vet
Multi-pet discount
Short waiting period for ligament injuries
Some pre-existing conditions covered
Cons
Longer wait time for accident claims
No dedicated app
No phone customer service on weekends
No accident-only policy
- Nationwide
Compare Nationwide PlansNationwide is already a household name in insurance, and their pet policies cover cats and dogs, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and more. The Whole Pet accident and illness plan is similar to most other plans, with reimbursements for covered vet services. The Major Medical plan is unique because it pays a fixed amount for the treated condition. The extra funds could make those vet bills more affordable or even exceed the billed amount. A Major Medical policy is typically less than a Whole Pet plan because fewer conditions and treatments are covered. Wellness Basic and Wellness Plus may reimburse you for vaccinations, nail trimming, and other routine care.
New policies have a 14-day waiting period except for the stand-alone wellness plan. The upper age limit for most plans is 8 years. It’s important to note that many other carriers offer a 90% reimbursement option, but Nationwide only provides as much as 70%, with the highest annual coverage limit set at $10,000. They offer a 5% multi-pet discount, which is especially beneficial if you have several pets, particularly of various species. The Nationwide app is limited in pet insurance features, but the website is easy to navigate. Most claims are processed within 30 days.
No upper age limit
Claims can be paid directly to your vet
Multi-pet discount
Short waiting period for ligament injuries
Some pre-existing conditions covered
- No upper age limit
- Claims can be paid directly to your vet
- Multi-pet discount
- Short waiting period for ligament injuries
- Some pre-existing conditions covered
Longer wait time for accident claims
No dedicated app
No phone customer service on weekends
No accident-only policy
- Longer wait time for accident claims
- No dedicated app
- No phone customer service on weekends
- No accident-only policy
Compare Nationwide Plans
Nationwide is already a household name in insurance, and their pet policies cover cats and dogs, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and more. The Whole Pet accident and illness plan is similar to most other plans, with reimbursements for covered vet services. The Major Medical plan is unique because it pays a fixed amount for the treated condition. The extra funds could make those vet bills more affordable or even exceed the billed amount. A Major Medical policy is typically less than a Whole Pet plan because fewer conditions and treatments are covered. Wellness Basic and Wellness Plus may reimburse you for vaccinations, nail trimming, and other routine care.
Pros
It covers other pet species
Multi-pet discount
Two reimbursement policy types
24/7 access to VetHelpline
Two wellness plan options
Cons
Wellness plans not widely available
Spay/neuter surgery not covered
Lower reimbursements
Lower annual coverage limits
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Compare ASPCA PlansThe ASPCA has partnered with Crum and Forster, a respected insurance company, to offer accident and illness pet insurance. You have plenty of options for maximum annual coverage, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, along with your choice of reimbursement rate and deductible. Exams, diagnostic testing, treatments, surgeries, prescriptions, and many other services are covered under their plan. ASPCA’s insurance partner is the same company contracted with Spot. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Spot have similar coverage with different options when creating your plan. Several wellness plans are available and start at just $9.95 per month to help make preventative and routine care more affordable.
All plans have an initial 14-day waiting period, which is industry standard. They also have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and accidents. While this waiting period for illnesses is reasonable, many other carriers have shorter ones for accidents. However, there are no extended waiting periods for congenital and ligament conditions, which often come with 180-day waits. Depending on your pet’s breed, health, and the conditions they are susceptible to, this plan could be one to consider. The ASPCA has a generous 10% multi-pet discount as well as a discount for employees of the organization.
It covers other pet species
Multi-pet discount
Two reimbursement policy types
24/7 access to VetHelpline
Two wellness plan options
- It covers other pet species
- Multi-pet discount
- Two reimbursement policy types
- 24/7 access to VetHelpline
- Two wellness plan options
Wellness plans not widely available
Spay/neuter surgery not covered
Lower reimbursements
Lower annual coverage limits
- Wellness plans not widely available
- Spay/neuter surgery not covered
- Lower reimbursements
- Lower annual coverage limits
Compare ASPCA Plans
The ASPCA has partnered with Crum and Forster, a respected insurance company, to offer accident and illness pet insurance. You have plenty of options for maximum annual coverage, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, along with your choice of reimbursement rate and deductible. Exams, diagnostic testing, treatments, surgeries, prescriptions, and many other services are covered under their plan. ASPCA’s insurance partner is the same company contracted with Spot. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Spot have similar coverage with different options when creating your plan. Several wellness plans are available and start at just $9.95 per month to help make preventative and routine care more affordable.
Pros
Generous multi-pet discount
24/7 pet telehealth service
Covers microchipping
No waiting period for ligament issues
Routine wellness plans are available
Cons
Long waiting period for accident coverage
Lower annual coverage limits
Offered through an insurance partner
No accident-only policy
- Healthy Paws
Compare Healthy Paws PlansA higher deductible plan may be the way to go if you still want pet insurance coverage but need a more affordable monthly premium. Healthy Paws offers deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000 in addition to most standard reimbursement amounts of 70-90%. There are no annual or lifetime coverage limits. While their plans are more affordable and can be customized to fit your budget, they have a few coverage exclusions. Exclusions like hip dysplasia after a certain age, behavioral therapies, costs related to pregnancy, and burial expenses aren’t uncommon, and you may expect to find them in most pet insurance policies. However, Healthy Paws excludes exam fees, most dental procedures, and spay/neuter procedures. Accident-only and wellness plans aren’t available.
All accidents and illnesses have a 15-day waiting period, which could exclude some vet visits from coverage. Claims can be made online or through the app, although the app doesn’t have as good of ratings in the App Store and Google Play as many other carrier apps. Most claims are processed within 2 days, but some may take as long as 10. If your vet approves, Health Paws can set up a claim payment directly to their office, or they may reimburse you for the expense.
Generous multi-pet discount
24/7 pet telehealth service
Covers microchipping
No waiting period for ligament issues
Routine wellness plans are available
- Generous multi-pet discount
- 24/7 pet telehealth service
- Covers microchipping
- No waiting period for ligament issues
- Routine wellness plans are available
Long waiting period for accident coverage
Lower annual coverage limits
Offered through an insurance partner
No accident-only policy
- Long waiting period for accident coverage
- Lower annual coverage limits
- Offered through an insurance partner
- No accident-only policy
Compare Healthy Paws Plans
A higher deductible plan may be the way to go if you still want pet insurance coverage but need a more affordable monthly premium. Healthy Paws offers deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000 in addition to most standard reimbursement amounts of 70-90%. There are no annual or lifetime coverage limits. While their plans are more affordable and can be customized to fit your budget, they have a few coverage exclusions. Exclusions like hip dysplasia after a certain age, behavioral therapies, costs related to pregnancy, and burial expenses aren’t uncommon, and you may expect to find them in most pet insurance policies. However, Healthy Paws excludes exam fees, most dental procedures, and spay/neuter procedures. Accident-only and wellness plans aren’t available.
Pros
No coverage limits
Short claim process time
Claims may be paid directly to your vet
High upper age limit
Customizable coverage
Cons
Enrollment fee required
Exam fees and other fees not covered
No wellness plan available
15-day waiting period across the board
No coverage limits
Short claim process time
Claims may be paid directly to your vet
High upper age limit
Customizable coverage
- No coverage limits
- Short claim process time
- Claims may be paid directly to your vet
- High upper age limit
- Customizable coverage
Enrollment fee required
Exam fees and other fees not covered
No wellness plan available
15-day waiting period across the board
- Enrollment fee required
- Exam fees and other fees not covered
- No wellness plan available
- 15-day waiting period across the board
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Plan in Arkansas
When shopping for pet insurance in Arkansas, there are a few things you want to consider. While many pet insurance policies seem similar on the surface, they have their differences. Because the policy ultimately protects your pet, keep them in mind as you evaluate each one.
Policy Coverage
Policy coverage also includes any waiting periods for covered charges. If your pet is young, perhaps an accident-only plan would suffice, as long as there’s a short waiting period. Is your dog’s breed prone to hip dysplasia and ligament conditions? Some policies won’t cover these, while others will after a waiting period.
If there is an upper age limit, you may not be able to enroll an older pet. However, most policies will allow a pet already enrolled in a plan to keep its coverage. Once the per-condition, annual, or lifetime coverage limit is reached, they’ll essentially have no pet insurance until the plan resets, if it does.
Keep a list of what types of coverage are necessary to support your pet’s health and long-term budget needs.
Things to keep in mind as you shop:
Your dog’s breed, age, general health, etc.
Accident-only plan vs. accident and illness
Conditions covered
Waiting periods for accidents, illnesses, special cases, etc.
Coverage limits (per condition, annual, lifetime, etc.)
Specific exclusions
Upper age limits, breed restrictions, etc.
Customer Service & Reputation
After you’ve narrowed down your list of insurance providers based on necessary coverage, visit each website. Get to know the company and how they support families with pets. The company website will provide more information about its history, policies, additional services, and processes.
- Your dog’s breed, age, general health, etc.
- Accident-only plan vs. accident and illness
- Conditions covered
- Waiting periods for accidents, illnesses, special cases, etc.
- Coverage limits (per condition, annual, lifetime, etc.)
- Specific exclusions
- Upper age limits, breed restrictions, etc.
You should also look up their customer service. Each carrier will have a contact page on its website that you can review for the following:
How can you reach them?
What are their customer service hours?
How long does it take to hear back from them?
Do the offered contact methods work for your lifestyle?
Claim Repayment
Pet insurance companies can differ widely when it comes to claim repayment. Some pet owners may be unable to afford a vet bill easily and await reimbursement, so finding a plan that offers repayment directly to the vet clinic is essential. For others, it’s more important that they can make a claim via an app and receive the reimbursement through direct deposit.
- How can you reach them?
- What are their customer service hours?
- How long does it take to hear back from them?
- Do the offered contact methods work for your lifestyle?
Regarding claim repayment, consider the following:
Will the reimbursement come to me to go to the vet?
How long do I have to submit the claim to the insurance company?
How long will it take to process the claim?
How much will I get back for covered claims?
Price Of Policy
Several factors determine your policy premiums. You have some control over what you pay each month or year for your pet’s insurance. However, your location within the state of Arkansas, the average cost of vet services, the type of pet and breed, their age, and their general health will all play a role in the policy’s price.
- Will the reimbursement come to me to go to the vet?
- How long do I have to submit the claim to the insurance company?
- How long will it take to process the claim?
- How much will I get back for covered claims?
Of course, there will be price variations between insurance providers as well. Look for policies that offer the coverage your pet needs, and then compare quotes if you aren’t sure which company would be the most affordable.
Remember that you can adjust the following to come up with a plan that meets both your insurance coverage needs and your budget:
Deductible amount
Reimbursement amount
Coverage limit amount
Type of policy (accident-only, accident and illness)
Carrier with discounts (multi-pet, bundled policy)
Plan Customization
There is no one-size-fits-all-pets insurance policy. Some plans may offer all the coverage you need as part of their comprehensive accident and illness plan. All that’s left is choosing your deductible, reimbursement amount, and coverage limit. Other policies come with a basic coverage plan and allow you to build from there through add-on insurance riders. You may even choose whether the repayment goes to the vet clinic or you or is split between both.
- Deductible amount
- Reimbursement amount
- Coverage limit amount
- Type of policy (accident-only, accident and illness)
- Carrier with discounts (multi-pet, bundled policy)
With so many ways a pet insurance plan in Arkansas may be customized, let’s look at the most common choices you’ll have to make.
Deductible: Your deductible is just like that of your own insurance plan. Once you’ve met the deductible, your plan will cover the rest up to the agreed-upon reimbursement amount. Deductibles typically range from $100 to $500 but may be as high as $1,000.
Reimbursement: The reimbursement amount is the percentage of the vet bill that comes back to you when you file a claim for covered expenses. Most plans offer amounts anywhere from 50% to 90%.
Coverage Limit: You may see that some carriers have no coverage limit on any of their plans. If you need to choose a coverage limit, it typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 but can be as high as $100,000.
Can I use pet insurance outside the US?
Yes! Many pet insurance policies allow vet services in Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. If you travel with your pet often, look for this coverage option as part of your new policy.
Is it good to have pet insurance?
Pet insurance may help make significant vet expenses and routine care more affordable. However, it may not be the best investment for you. Review our top picks for coverage and premiums, then make the best decision for you and your pets.
Should I get pet insurance before going to the vet?
All pet insurance policies have an initial waiting period where coverage is restricted. Enrolling in a plan before visiting the vet could mean that the visit and any approved charges are covered.
Is pet insurance the same as human insurance?
Pet insurance makes medical care more affordable, just like human insurance. Deductibles and coverage limits work similarly as well. However, it’s paid out differently, based on a reimbursement model instead of copays or coinsurance.
What is the best and most affordable pet insurance?
Because there are so many insurance providers and their premiums vary by pet and location within the state, it’s hard to say which plan is the cheapest pet insurance. The best pet insurance will meet the needs of both you and your pet.
What the Users Say
Pet insurance is relatively new and rapidly evolving to offer better coverage in more locations and affordably. Pet parents who have invested in insurance have primarily been happy with their purchase, saying that it has helped them cover unexpected expenses they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
An owner of a cat with diabetes could afford their insulin and prescription diet food only with the help of their insurance plan that reimbursed her for 70% of its cost. A dog hit by a car had high medical bills, most of which were covered by their pet insurance and reimbursed at 90% until the coverage limit was reached.
Because not all conditions are covered, however, there are cases in which a pet cannot get the care they need through their insurance. A 6-year-old Pitt bull developed a ligament condition that was excluded because of the breed’s predisposition.
Many pet owners have reported that filing claims and receiving repayments have been easy with their respective providers.
Which Pet Insurance Provider in Arkansas Is Best For You?
We recommend Figo as the best pet insurance provider in Arkansas. They offer affordable premiums with plenty of customization options to fit your coverage needs and budget. Their accident and illness plan provides comprehensive coverage, plus an optional wellness plan covers some routine and preventative care. With their pet care app and partnership with Costco, caring for your pet has never been easier.
However, one of our other top picks may be the best for you. If you are already a State Farm customer, Trupanion has an excellent discount for you, and Nationwide offers pet insurance to a wide range of pet species beyond cats and dogs. Read through the reviews of our top picks and find the pet insurance policy that best fits your and your pets’ needs.
Conclusion
Pet insurance can be an investment in the future. No one knows if there will be an accident or illness, although we hope there won’t be. Just like health insurance, it’s there in case we need it, making medical care more affordable.
If you are ready to enroll your pet in an insurance policy, you can’t go wrong with one of our top picks reviewed above. Understanding your needs and the needs of your pet comes first. Then, you can find the perfect policy to keep them protected.
- Related Read: Best Pet Insurance Providers in Arkansas
Featured Image Credit: Sam Lion, Pexels
