Pet insurance can play a major part in helping your pet stay healthy. Sometimes, pet care can be costly, whether to address an ongoing illness or an unexpected injury. In such an event, having pet insurance can be a lifesaver. Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group is not affiliated with any one specific insurance company; however, we do interact with a variety of companies when assisting pet owners with filing claims.
Because every pet insurance company varies in what it offers, you will need to do some research to see which company and which plan will work best for your circumstances. There is a company and a plan for just about every pet and family, so give yourself time to research your options. Heart of Chelsea typically recommends a policy that:
- Covers hereditary and congenital issues
- Has an ANNUAL deductible
- Offers AT LEAST a 90% reimbursement
- Covers veterinary exam fees
- Has AT MINIMUM a $20,000 annual limit
It is important to note that no insurance company covers pre-existing conditions. Also, most plans are subject to a waiting period before coverage begins to take effect.
Insurance Red Flags to Avoid
- Plans with a PER CONDITION or PER INCIDENT deductible
- Plans that are structured on a BENEFIT SCHEDULE (Defined Annual Benefits per condition) rather than a percent of invoice reimbursement
- Plans with LOW reimbursement percentages (<70%) or plans with LOW annual limits (<$20,000 annually)
- Plans that are NOT insurance, but rather membership programs for discounts at participating hospitals

Pet Insurance Resources
If you’re new to pet insurance and want to start exploring different companies and plans, use the links below to learn about several companies that may interest you, or get recommendations from experts who know the industry.
Insurance disclosure from Pumpkin: Pumpkin pet insurance plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), and are produced by Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN#19084749). Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states.
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108. Please see http://americanpetinsurance.com/to review all available pet health insurance products underwritten by APIC. Current customers, please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Pets Best is a Synchrony Health and Wellness solution.
Pet health insurance administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency, LLC is underwritten by one of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including American Modern Home Insurance Company d/b/a in CA as American Modern Insurance Company (Lic. No 2222-8), and American Southern Home Insurance Company. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, underwriting review, and approval, and may not be available for all risks or in all states. Rates and discounts vary, are determined by many factors, and are subject to change. Wellness Rewards is offered as a supplementary, non-insurance benefit administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency in the United States. © 2022 American Modern Insurance Group, Inc.
Wagmo Wellness is not an insurance policy. It is offered separately and distinctly from insurance, and customers may purchase either product on a standalone basis. Wagmo is responsible for the product and administration. For more information on Wagmo Wellness, please visit Wagmo Wellness and Wagmo Wellness Membership Agreement.