Pet Insurance Companies & Plans: As a foreigner in the United States, you may be surprised to find that pet insurance is commonly used to help pay for veterinary care. Most Americans obtain pet insurance to assist with expensive medical bills in case their furry family member gets sick or injured. When searching for the right pet insurance plan, you’ll want to compare costs, coverage options, exclusions, reimbursement rates, and customer service.
This article reviews the top pet insurance companies in 2024 based on premiums, reimbursement percentages, deductibles, coverage options, ease of claim processing, highly rated customer service, and additional perks that may benefit you as a foreigner in the US. We’ll outline what to look for when choosing the best pet insurance for your needs and budget as someone new to the US pet insurance market. You’ll learn the key factors to weigh when deciding on coverage so your beloved companion animal receives the best care.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in the USA for Foreigners
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws offers affordable pet insurance for both dogs and cats. They have a simple plan with 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement and an annual deductible of $100, $250 or $500. There are no caps on claims and premiums do not increase with age. Healthy Paws is a reputable company that pays claims quickly. They do not cover exam fees but do cover hereditary and congenital conditions. Healthy Paws insurance is a great option for foreigners.
Petplan Pet Insurance
Petplan is one of the oldest and largest pet insurance companies. They offer comprehensive coverage for veterinary care with 70-100% reimbursement and $200-$1000 deductibles. Petplan covers exam fees, hereditary conditions and alternative therapies. Premiums are a bit higher but they don’t exclude breeds and have generous coverage. Claims are processed within 5 days. Petplan is available for both dogs and cats and would suit most foreigners well.
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Trupanion offers 90% coverage for all veterinary costs with no payout limits. Deductibles are $0 to $1000. They have comprehensive coverage including exam fees, diagnostics, surgeries and medications. However, they do not cover preventative care or pre-existing conditions. Trupanion has premiums on the higher end but never increases premiums over the lifetime of the pet. They pay most claims within 5 days, making them a reliable choice for foreigners.
In summary, when choosing pet insurance as a foreigner, look for reputable companies with comprehensive coverage, reasonable premiums and quick claim processing. Healthy Paws, Petplan and Trupanion are highly rated options that suit most foreigners’ needs for pet insurance in the USA. By taking out a policy with a trusted provider, you can have peace of mind that your pet will receive the best care in case of illness or injury.
What to Look for in a Pet Insurance Plan as a Foreigner
Comprehensive Coverage
As a foreigner, look for a pet insurance plan that provides coverage for all necessary medical treatments to keep your pet healthy. This includes emergency care, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, and routine vet checkups. Some plans may limit coverage to specific conditions or have low annual limits, so choose a plan with lifetime coverage and higher limits.
Reasonable Premiums
Pet insurance premiums will vary based on factors like your pet’s age, size, and breed. Do some comparison shopping to find a plan with premiums that fit your budget. Keep in mind that insurance for younger pets or certain breeds may cost more. Consider if you want to pay premiums monthly, quarterly, or annually. Monthly payments may have a small service fee.
Reputable Company
Choose a pet insurance company that is reputable and financially stable. Read reviews from other customers and check the company’s rating with independent organizations like AM Best. Reputable companies will be transparent in their policies, provide good customer service, and pay out claims in a timely manner. They will also not increase premiums excessively or drop coverage for pets as they age.
Easy Claim Process
Look for a straightforward claim process that allows you to submit claims quickly and receive reimbursement payments within a reasonable time frame. The insurance provider should not require excessive paperwork or documentation from you or your vet. Digital claim submission and direct payment to your vet are helpful features. Clear explanations of what is and is not covered will avoid confusion when claims are processed.
With the right pet insurance plan chosen carefully based on these factors, you can gain peace of mind knowing you will have financial assistance for your pet’s medical needs. Focus on finding a comprehensive, reputable plan with reasonable and stable premiums to properly care for your pet as part of the family.
Our Top 5 Recommended Pet Insurance Plans for Expats
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance offers comprehensive yet affordable coverage for dogs and cats. They provide a range of plans to suit different budgets, including their most popular “Wellness Rewards” plan which covers routine care, vaccinations, and wellness exams as well as accident and illness coverage. Premiums start around $20 per month. Embrace is a good option for expats as they do not have any restrictions on breed or age, and they offer a simple claims process with fast reimbursement via direct deposit.
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Trupanion is a reputable company that offers lifetime coverage for dogs and cats with no payout limits. They provide 90% coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and vet stays with no caps on claims. Premiums average around $50 per month but will vary based on your pet’s breed, age, and location. Trupanion allows you to use any vet and they aim to process claims within 5 business days. They do not cover routine care but are a great choice if you want comprehensive coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries.
PetPlan Pet Insurance
Founded in the UK, Petplan is now one of the largest pet insurance providers in the U.S. and Canada. They offer three levels of coverage including their highest tier “Ultimate” plan which covers hereditary and congenital conditions as well as cancer treatments and alternative therapies. Petplan reimburses up to 90% of vet bills and does not impose any annual caps on claims. Premiums start around $30 per month. As an international company, Petplan is accustomed to providing coverage for expats and does not have location restrictions. They also offer additional services like 24/7 vet helplines, lost pet recovery and cremation/burial coverage.
Pets Best Pet Insurance
Pets Best offers highly customizable plans for both dogs and cats at affordable rates. They provide 70%, 80% or 90% coverage for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and medications. Policyholders can choose from $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited annual claim limits. Routine care and wellness coverage is available as an optional add-on. Pets Best starts at around $20 per month and does not charge extra based on breed or age. They have a fast, easy to use claims process and allow you to use any licensed vet. Pets Best is a good, budget-friendly option for expats looking for flexible coverage.
PetFirst Pet Insurance
PetFirst is a reputable pet insurance provider that offers 70% to 90% coverage for all accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and medications with annual limits up to $10,000. Premiums start around $20 per month for dogs and $15 for cats. PetFirst does not charge higher rates based on factors like breed, age
How to File a Pet Insurance Claim as a Foreign Policyholder
As a foreign national with pet insurance in the U.S., filing a claim for your pet may differ slightly from the process for citizens. There are a few additional steps you will need to take to verify your policy and submit the necessary documentation. By following the proper procedures carefully, you can ensure your claim is processed promptly and accurately.
Verify Your Policy Details
The first step is to locate your pet insurance policy documents to confirm the details, such as your policy number, coverage amounts, and the claims submission process for your specific provider. Most companies allow you to access policy details on their website or mobile app by entering basic information like your name, address, and policy number. Make note of the required documentation for filing a claim, e.g. veterinary records, receipts, etc.
Submit Veterinary Records
You will need to obtain detailed veterinary records from your pet’s recent vet visit, especially if filing a claim for an illness or injury. The records should include your pet’s medical history, diagnosis, treatment plan, medications prescribed, services provided, and itemized fees. Submit copies of the records along with your claim request, either by uploading to the provider’s website, mailing hard copies, or faxing.
Provide Proof of Payment
In addition to veterinary records, you will typically need to submit proof that you paid for the services in full at the time of the visit. Acceptable forms of proof include itemized receipts, invoices, or statements showing the charges paid along with the date of payment. Debit or credit card receipts may also be requested to validate payment. Submit clear copies of the payment proof with your claim.
Include Additional Identification
As a foreign policyholder, you may be asked to provide copies of identification documents to confirm your identity and eligibility to file a claim, such as your passport, driver’s license, or government ID. Check with your pet insurance provider for the specific types of ID they require from non-citizens. Submit high-quality color copies of the requested identification along with the other claim documentation.
By following these steps carefully and providing the necessary documentation to validate your policy, payments, and identity, you can successfully submit a claim for your pet as a foreign national. Most pet insurance companies aim to process claims within 30 days or less, so filing promptly and ensuring all information is complete and accurate is critical to avoiding delays. Please contact your pet insurance provider directly with any questions you may have about submitting a claim.
Pet Insurance Companies & Plans FAQ – Your Top Questions Answered
Which pet insurance companies are available for foreigners in the U.S.?
Several reputable pet insurance providers in the U.S. offer coverage for foreigners and their pets. Some of the top companies include Nationwide, Healthy Paws, Trupanion, Petplan, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. These companies offer a range of plans at varying price points to suit most budgets. Most do not require U.S. citizenship to enroll and will cover foreign pets entering the country. Be sure to check with the specific companies for their latest eligibility requirements.
Do pet insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?
Typically, pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition refers to any illness or injury that occurred before you enrolled in the plan or during any waiting period stated in the policy. Most pet insurance companies have waiting periods of 5 to 15 days for accidents and illnesses and 6 to 12 months for orthopedic conditions. Some companies do not cover chronic conditions at all. It is best to buy pet insurance for your pet when they are young and still healthy to avoid coverage exclusions.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on several factors like your pet’s age, size, breed, and coverage level. On average, dog insurance costs between $15 to $50 a month and cat insurance ranges from $10 to $40 a month. Accident-only plans starting at $5 to $10 a month can cover injuries and emergencies. Comprehensive plans that include coverage for illnesses, surgeries, and prescriptions typically start at $15 a month for cats and $20 for dogs. The more extensive the coverage, the higher your monthly premiums will be. Some companies offer discounts for multiple pets, microchipping, and annual checkups.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance plans typically cover the costs for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostic testing, emergency care, and some prescriptions. Accident-only plans cover injuries and emergency care. Comprehensive plans cover a wider range of medical issues and usually have higher premiums. Some insurance providers offer additional coverage for dental care, behavioral issues, alternative therapies, and more. Make sure to review policy details to understand exactly what each plan covers before purchasing.
Conclusion
As a foreigner living in the United States, choosing the right pet insurance provider for your furry friend can be a daunting task. With many options to weigh, consider your needs and your pet’s pre-existing conditions to find the optimal balance of coverage and affordability.
Comparing companies like Healthy Paws, Tropaion, and Nationwide can illuminate key differences in pricing, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and exclusions. While no one company is universally the “best,” this guide equips you to make an informed decision to protect your pet. Approach the process patiently, ask questions, and trust your judgment – the investment of time will pay dividends in your pet’s health and your peace of mind.
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