Much like human medicine, veterinary care is in a constant state of evolution. New medical advances are available every day that once were not options for our pets.
 
Because of these advances, our pets are living longer—and healthier—lives than ever before and pet insurance is becoming more common among owners who are looking for ways to proactively manage pet health care costs.
 
Many companies offer pet insurance, but of course, not all are created equal. At The Drake Center, we recommend Trupanion, Petplan and Embrace. Each company reimburses pet owners based on a percentage of the veterinary expense rather than a pre-selected fee schedule.
 
TRUPANION | www.trupanion.com | (888) 733-2685
 
Trupanion offers customizable plans with no payout limit and a 90 percent reimbursement rate. Each plan includes an adjustable per-incident deductible between $0 and $1,000. Additional benefits packages are also available.
 
You may obtain a quote online or connect with a live representative 24 hours a day to guide you through the information. With an exam at The Drake Center, you may also enroll for a free 30-day trial.
 
  • What is covered: Trupanion covers veterinary costs due to accidents, illness and injury, as well as hereditary and congenital conditions. This includes diagnostic imaging, surgery, hospitalization, nursing care and treatment, chronic disease management, cancer treatment and referral or specialty care.
 
In addition, Trupanion covers prescription medications, supplements, therapeutic pet food, orthotic and prosthetic devices, mobility aids and non-routine dental care. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, rehabilitation and chiropractic care, are also available for coverage with an additional benefits package.
 
  • What is not covered: Trupanion does not cover exam fees or other routine costs, such as preventative care, parasite control, spay/neuter and routine dental care (scaling, cleaning and polishing). Pre-existing conditions are also excluded from coverage.
 
PETPLAN | www.gopetplan.com | (866) 467-3875
 
Petplan offers three different levels of coverage. Payout limits range from $8,000 to $20,000 per year and reimbursement rates are between 80 and 100 percent, depending on the plan selected. You may choose a deductible of $50, $100 or $200 per incident, per year.
 
You may obtain a quote online or connect with a live representative during the following hours: 7 a.m. to midnight (EST), Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (EST) on Saturday or 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (EST) on Sunday. You can also save five percent by enrolling online.
 
  • What is covered: Petplan covers veterinary costs due to accidents, illness and injury, as well as hereditary and congenital conditions. This includes diagnostic imaging, surgery, hospitalization, nursing care and treatment, chronic disease management, cancer treatment and referral or specialty care.
 
In addition, Petplan covers veterinary exam fees, prescription medications, alternative therapies and non-routine dental care.
 
  • What is not covered: Petplan does not cover routine costs, such as preventative care, parasite control, spay/neuter and routine dental care (scaling, cleaning and polishing). Pre-existing conditions are also excluded from coverage.
 
EMBRACE | www.embracepetinsurance.com | (800) 511-9172
 
Embrace offers customized plans based on the annual maximum, deductible and reimbursement percentage you select. Annual maximum payout may be set at $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with a lifetime payout maximum of $50,000. Embrace provides reimbursement rates of 65, 80 or 90 percent with deductible options of $100, $200, $300, $500 or $1,000 per year. Additional benefits packages are also available.
 
  • What is covered: Embrace covers veterinary costs due to accidents, illness and injury, as well as hereditary and congenital conditions. This includes diagnostic imaging, surgery, hospitalization, nursing care and treatment, chronic disease management, cancer treatment and referral or specialty care.
 
In addition, Embrace covers alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, rehabilitation and chiropractic care. Prescription medications are available for coverage with an additional benefits package. An additional flexible health savings account may also be added to your insurance to cover wellness care expenses, such as annual exams, spay/neuter, vaccines, heartworm medication and routine dental cleanings.
 
  • What is not covered: Embrace does not cover exam fees or other routine costs, such as preventative care, parasite control, spay/neuter and routine dental care (scaling, cleaning and polishing) without an additional benefits package. Pre-existing conditions, as well as expenses related to breeding and pregnancy, cremation and burial and illness or injury to the teeth or gums are also excluded from coverage.
 
For more information about pet insurance options, please visit www.petinsurancereview.com.