An endless number of insurance coverage plans give you protection and peace of mind, so why should it be any different for your pets? Pet insurance helps you recover medical costs for your pet the same way you would for yourself, your automobile or your home. For the most part, plans are affordable compared to the cost of medical emergency care and range from basic emergency coverage to comprehensive preventative and wellness care.
- Traumatic injury coverage
- Protection for naturally occurring illnesses.
- Preventive care plans available
- Affordable
- Easy to use and manage
- Pre-existing conditions not covered
- Breeding and pregnancy not covered
- Cosmetic procedure not covered
USAA Pet Insurance Ratings at a Glance
Are you a pet owner who is considering getting a pet insurance policy? Pet insurance companies provide a great service that can save you money if your pet needs emergency care, surgery or another expensive procedure. Below, you will find Benzinga's USAA pet insurance review to help you decide if this is the right pet insurance company for you.
| Minimum Coverage | $5,000 |
| Maximum Coverage | $30,000 |
| Eligible Ages | All ages; over age 14 eligible for accident-only insurance |
| Eligible Animals | Dogs; cats |
| # of Plan Options | 2 |
USAA pet insurance offers two plans: accident and illness and accident-only. Under the accident and illness plan, most essential veterinary services needed to treat injuries and illnesses are covered. This includes allergy conditions, cancer treatment, congenital conditions, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays. Before customers can file a claim for their pets, they must wait for two weeks for illnesses, six months for orthopedic conditions and 48 hours for accidental injuries.
There is a 90% reimbursement rate, a $100 deductible and a coverage limit of $5,000 per year with accident-only coverage. Under this plan, only injuries are covered. Injuries associated with poisoning, foreign body ingestion, bloating, cuts and lacerations fall under this plan. Any dog over the age of 14 will automatically be enrolled in this type of protection plan. USAA pet insurance for older pets does not include illnesses.
USAA also extends a Wellness Rewards plan for coverage of preventive pet care. Policyholders can choose an annual limit of $250, $450 or $650. Funds left in your account at the end of the year are not refundable.
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| AM Best Rating | A++ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 2.35 |
| Moody’s Rating | Aa1 |
| J.D. Power Rating | 902 |
USAA pricing totals roughly $42.77 to insure a 2-year-old labrador retriever dog or a cat with benefits of 80% coverage, a $10,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible.
The pet insurance company decides which injuries and illnesses are covered under each plan or policy option. You may see certain providers offer coverage for common genetic-related health issues such as eye disorders, while others exclude these conditions. Review your plan and become familiar with common illnesses your pet might suffer before you invest in protection.
The USAA pet insurance mobile app has a 4.5-star rating for its easy use and managing insurance policies and all other USAA services. Customers who take advantage of the mobile app save time and contribute to a more eco-friendly environment.
USAA vs Competitors
Compare USAA pet insurance with some of the other providers in the space like Spot, Lemonade and Pumpkin pet insurance.
- Best For:Military members and eligible family with petsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through USAA Pet Insurance's website
- Best For:Top-rated pet insuranceVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Lemonade Pet Insurance's website
- Best For:Prescription food and supplementsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Spot Pet Insurance's website
- Best For:Families with multiple petsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Pumpkin Pet Insurance's website
Pet Insurance protects you from high veterinary bills incurred if your pet becomes sick or is injured. Certain types of pet insurance will also include protection for routine wellness checkups.
You might wonder how pet insurance works. Benzinga is here to explain. When you purchase pet insurance, review your terms of coverage, which details what is covered and what isn’t as well as coverage limitations. If your pet becomes sick or injured, you can take them to receive the care they need. You will be asked to pay your veterinary bill when your pet receives attention.
After you pay your bill, you can submit a claim with your insurance provider showing how much you spent on care costs. The pet insurance company will review the bill and your coverage to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. If your claim falls within the boundaries of your policy, the pet insurance company will reimburse you accordingly.
In most cases, pet insurance has no network limitations so you can use it at any provider and get reimbursed, which is beneficial if you travel with your pet and need care when away from home. If you are traveling internationally, you may want to look into an international health certificate. Your pet insurance can offer savings on expenses for getting your pet vaccinated and records up to date.
Overall, USAA pet insurance is an excellent selection. Its partnership with Embrace is cost-effective even before the USAA discounts and is easily customizable. USAA goes above and beyond competitors in all coverage options. USAA’s insurance receives a 4 stars out of a possible 5-star rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit on insurance for dogs or cats?
With the collaboration between USAA pet insurance and Embrace, dogs and cats of any age can be insured. Pets older than 14 are eligible for an accident-only policies. Once your pet is enrolled, coverage locks in for life. If your pet qualifies for complete accident and illness coverage at the time of enrollment, it will continue for as long as your pet remains insured. Your pet will never be dropped from coverage with Embrace because of its age, health status or claims.
What is a pre-existing condition for pets?
Pre-existing conditions can include chronic conditions that you or your vet observe before the end of your waiting period, illnesses or injuries that occur before the end of your waiting period and any other conditions you may have observed previously but didn’t have a vet diagnosis.
Is pet insurance a good idea?
Pet insurance is a good idea if you want to save money if your pet needs emergency vet care or an expensive procedure. Vet bills can be expensive and this type of insurance can help relieve some of those costs.