compare pet insurance.

Check up to two companies to compare with VPI:

Companies are arranged in descending order of market share.

Feature	VPI	ASPCA	24PetWatch	Petplan	Pets Best	PetFirst	AKC	Embrace	Trupanion	PurinaCare	HealthyPaws
Plan Name	VPI Major Medical Plan with CareGuard Premier	Level 4 with Advanced Wellness	QuickCare Complete	Gold Plan	Pets Premier with BestWellness	Preferred Plus with Hereditary/Chronic/Congential 100% Rider and Routine 400	Wellness Plus Plan	Embrace Plan ($15k max) with Dental Rewards, Rx Rider, and Wellness Plus Rewards	Trupanion Plan	PurinaCare Plus	Healthy Paws Plan
Monthly Base Premium	$37.11	$73.28	$63.90	$60.67	$60.78	$49.95	$141.50	$83.15	$80.43	$54.04	$36.87
Wellness Rider	$22.00	$26.00	N/A: Wellness included in base plan	N/A: No Wellness Available	$22.00	$19.00	N/A: Wellness included in base plan	$24.98	N/A: No Wellness Available	N/A: Wellness included in base plan	N/A: No Wellness Available
Additional Coverage Rider(s) To provide most similar coverage as available with VPI Major Medical Plan	N/A	Continuing Care Rider, as well as Congenital and Hereditary Rider automatically included in base premium	N/A	N/A	N/A	Hereditary/Chronic/ Congenital 100% Rider: $50.00	N/A	Rx Drug Coverage (Prescription Medications Rider): $12.47 Dental Rewards (Dental Surgeries and Diseases): $24.98	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total Monthly Premium Monthly premium based on 1-yr-old Labrador Retriever in San Diego, CA 92114	$59.11	$99.28 (Based on current rates after recent increases of about 20% in some areas. Prices may have changed again, check website for details.)	$63.90 (Based on current rates after recent increases of about 6% in some areas. Prices may have changed again, check website for details.) Premium may increase if determined you've submitted an excessive number of claims	$60.67	$82.78 Premium may increase if determined you've submitted an excessive number of claims	$118.95 (Based on current rates after recent increases of about 40% in some areas. Prices may have changed again, check website for details.)	$141.50 (Based on current rates after recent increases of about 40% in some areas. Prices may have changed again, check website for details.)	$145.58 (Based on current rates after recent increases of about 25% in some areas. Prices may have changed again, check website for details.)	$80.43 (Based on current rates after recent increases of about 50% in some areas. Prices may have changed again, check website for details.)	$54.04	$36.80
Deductible	$100 Annual	$100 Annual	$100 Per Incident Per Incident deductible means the deductible is applied to each new incident. Therefore, one vet bill with two "incidents" means that the deductible is applied for each incident separately, resulting in two deductibles on one vet bill.	$50 Per Incident Per Incident deductible means the deductible is applied to each new incident. Therefore, one vet bill with two "incidents" means that the deductible is applied for each incident separately, resulting in two deductibles on one vet bill.	$250 Per Incident Per Incident deductible means the deductible is applied to each new incident. Therefore, one vet bill with two "incidents" means that the deductible is applied for each incident separately, resulting in two deductibles on one vet bill.	$100 Per Incident Per Incident deductible means the deductible is applied to each new incident. Therefore, one vet bill with two "incidents" means that the deductible is applied for each incident separately, resulting in two deductibles on one vet bill.	$125 Annual	$100 Annual	$50 Per Incident Per Incident deductible means the deductible is applied to each new incident. Therefore, one vet bill with two "incidents" means that the deductible is applied for each incident separately, resulting in two deductibles on one vet bill.	$250 Annual	$100 Annual
Co-Pay	None	10%	30%	10%	20%	10%	20%	20%	10%	20%	20%

Feature	VPI	ASPCA	24PetWatch	Petplan	Pets Best	PetFirst	AKC	Embrace	Trupanion	PurinaCare	HealthyPaws
Pancreatitis Bill Amount $1,075.49	Paid $897.44 (83% Reimbursed)	Paid $807.70 (75% Reimbursed)	Paid $632.49 (59% Reimbursed)	Paid $860.64 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $597.95 (56% Reimbursed)	Paid $807.70 (75% Reimbursed)	Paid $697.95 (65% Reimbursed)	Paid $780.39 (73% Reimbursed)	Paid $763.72 (71% Reimbursed)	Paid $597.95 (56% Reimbursed)	Paid $618.86 (58% Reimbursed)
Lacerations Bill Amount $415.00	Paid $415.00 (100% Reimbursed)	Paid $373.50 (90% Reimbursed)	Paid $220.50 (53% Reimbursed)	Paid $323.50 (78% Reimbursed)	Paid $132.00 (32% Reimbursed)	Paid $283.50 (68% Reimbursed)	Paid $332.00 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $332.00 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $276.75 (67% Reimbursed)	Paid $332.00 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $286.00 (69% Reimbursed)
Ear Infection Bill Amount $229.94	Paid $228.63 (99% Reimbursed)	Paid $205.77 (89% Reimbursed)	Paid $90.04 (39% Reimbursed)	Paid $156.95 (68% Reimbursed)	Paid $0.00 (0% Reimbursed)	Paid $115.77 (50% Reimbursed)	Paid $182.90 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $183.95 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $116.05 (50% Reimbursed)	Paid $182.90 (80% Reimbursed)	Paid $143.15 (62% Reimbursed)

key plan details

Feature	VPI	ASPCA	24PetWatch	Petplan	Pets Best	PetFirst	AKC	Embrace	Trupanion	PurinaCare	HealthyPaws
Use Any Veterinarian, Emergency Clinic, or Specialist	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, HOWEVER, regardless of chosen co-insurance, an automatic 20% co-pay is charged for visits to an ER hospital or specialist	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Accidents and Illnesses Including hospitalizations and surgeries	Yes	Yes	Yes, except for dental surgeries See below	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Chronic and Ongoing Diseases (example: allergies)	Yes	Yes, Continuing Care rider automatically included; however, additional limitations apply, including a lifetime maximum and separate $100 annual deductible	Yes	Yes	Yes, but lifetime limitations apply, since chronic conditions are considered a single incident over the pets' lifetime, and per-incident benefits for chronic conditions do not renew with the policy.	No, but optional Hereditary/Chronic/Congenital coverage riders available at additional cost per month (see above under "Coverage and Pricing"). Limitations still apply with Hereditary/Chronic/Congenital coverage, including per incident limits.	Yes; however, the following chronic conditions do not qualify for coverage: eye conditions, chronic renal (kidney) failure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and spondylosis.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cancer Coverage	Yes	Yes, but chronic/ongoing limits apply.	Yes	Yes	Yes, but chronic/ongoing limits apply.	Yes, but chronic/ongoing limits apply.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dental Surgeries and Diseases	Yes	Limited. Only extractions are covered. No coverage for extractions related to most common dental diseases, including periodonal disease	No	Yes, but annual dental exam req'd for dental treatment coverage	Limited. No coverage for most common dental diseases, including periodontal disease.	Limited. No coverage for most common dental diseases, including periodontal disease.	No	Yes, included with Dental Rewards Program at additional cost per month (see above under "Coverage and Pricing").	Limited. Only extractions are covered, and only if all prior dental recommendations were followed and paid out of pocket.	Yes	Yes
Prescription Medications	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, included with Rx Drug Coverage at additional cost per month (see above under "Coverage and Pricing").	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wellness Coverage	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Based on Usual and Customary limits	Yes	No	Varies depending on chosen co-pay level	No
Wellness Deductible	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	Same as medical ($125/year)	None	N/A	$250/year with limits on wellness expenses that may be applied toward this deductible	N/A
Exclusions	All pre-existing conditions, congenital disorders, developmental defects Cruciate ligament injuries and hereditary conditions within the first 12 months.	All pre-existing conditions All congenital disorders unless rider is purchased All hereditary conditions unless rider is purchased Diagnosis or treatment for any and all types of knee or ligament conditions within the first 12 months All chronic/ongoing or recurring conditions from term to term unless the Continuing Care rider is purchased	All pre-existing conditions, congenital disorders, developmental defects All dental procedures and diseases Illness coverage for dogs is excluded if adult onset demodex has been noted, treated or diagnosed prior to the coverage effective date or during the waiting period Only one (1) occurrence of a newly symptomatic or diagnosed preventable disease (e.g. vaccine reactions or flea allergy) is covered each policy term	All pre-existing conditions, developmental defects All routine and wellness (No coverage available in plans or as a rider) All dental treatment is not covered unless pet has had annual dental exam prior to enrollment Costs of having pet euthanized or cremated, unless recommended by a veterinarian	All pre-existing conditions, congenital disorders, developmental defects Cruciate ligament injuries within the first 12 months. Hereditary conditions, whether diagnosed, treated, or not, that manifest in a pet that enrolls after its second birthday Progressive periodontal disease caused by the accumulation of tartar Alternative therapy is limited to only acupuncture or chiropractic	All pre-existing conditions All congenital disorders unless rider is purchased All hereditary conditions unless rider is purchased All chronic/ongoing conditions from term to term, as well as any long term conditions that manifest in a previous term, unless rider is purchased Treatment of periodontal disease Diagnosis or treatment for any and all types of cruciate ligament damage or rupture (e.g. ACL rupture or MCL tear) Diagnosis or treatment for patella luxation or hip dysplasia	All pre-existing conditions, congenital disorders, developmental defects All hereditary conditions Chronic renal (kidney) failure, most eye conditions, diabetes, elbow dysplasia, hemophilia, heart murmurs or failure, cardiomegaly, hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, Von Willebrand's disease, and luxating patella All dental treatment except medically necessary services for broken permanent teeth Alternative therapy, e.g. holistic medicine or acupuncture Services performed by a veterinarian for his/her own cat or dog Reimbursement for cremation	All pre-existing conditions Prescription medications unless rider is purchased Dental diseases unless rider is purchased Services performed by a veterinarian for his/her own cat or dog Treatment arising from any pre-existing behavioral problems. For example, if a dog had a habit of eating rocks or other foreign objects before he was insured, foreign object ingestion may not be covered. Treatment for any injury or illness caused by the aggressive actions of another animal in your household	All pre-existing conditions, developmental defects Veterinary examination or office visit fees All routine and wellness (No coverage available in plans or as a rider) Dental diseases (only extractions may be covered under specific conditions) Prostate problems, hormonal skin problems, testicular tumors, perianal tumors, mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian conditions, birthing, or injury due to fighting, collision with a motor vehicle or agressive behavior are excluded unless pet is spayed or neutered prior to age 1 or within 30 days of adoption Alternative therapy, e.g. holistic medicine or acupuncture, unless the Optional Benefits rider is purchased Hip dysplasia unless Optional Benefits rider is purchased	All pre-existing conditions, congenital disorders, developmental defects All pre-existing conditions and illnesses are considered bilateral. This means illnesses on one side of the body based on a pre-existing condition would not be covered if the same condition occurred on the opposite side of the body. For example, if a dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate tear in his left leg before he was insured, a cruciate tear in his right leg is considered pre-existing and may not be covered.	All pre-existing conditions, developmental defects Veterinary examination or office visit fees All routine and wellness (No coverage available in plans or as a rider) Services performed by a veterinarian for his/her own cat or dog Cruciate ligament conditions are considered bilateral, therefore, if your pet has a cruciate injury in one leg before he is insured, a cruciate injury in the opposite leg would also be considered pre-existing. Alternative therapy, e.g. holistic medicine or acupuncture Pets six (6) years of age or greater at enrollment are ineligible for coverage related to hip dysplasia
Additional Limitations	None	Only one (1) surgical removal of a foreign object--ingested or otherwise--is covered each policy term No coverage is available for law enforcement dogs	Chinese Shar-peis and Chinese Shar-pei crossbreeds are not eligible for any illness coverage All conditions and illnesses are considered bilateral. This means illnesses on one side of the body based on a pre-existing condition occurrence on the opposite side of the body are not covered. Also, even if caused by accident, cruciate ligament conditions, hip dysplasia, and patella luxations fall under these same bilateral limitations. This means, if a dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate tear in his left leg before he was insured, a cruciate tear in his right leg is considered pre-existing and may not be covered.	An automatic 20% co-pay is charged for visits to a veterinary specialist or ER hospital (even if your normal co-pay is only 10%) Extra costs associated with treatment performed outside of usual surgery hours is not covered unless your veterinarian certifies that an emergency consultation was necessary If your pet has a cruciate injury in one leg, the other leg is automatically excluded from coverage for twelve (12) months No coverage is available for working pets	Cancellation of the wellness rider may result in non-renewal of some policies at the insurer's discretion	Only one (1) removal of an ingested foreign object is covered each policy term	Euthanasia only covered if happens as a result of a covered incident	Only one (1) removal of an ingested foreign object is covered each policy term Foreseeable illnesses on one side of the body based on a pre-existing condition would not be covered if the same condition occurred on the opposite side of the body. For example, if a dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate tear in his left leg before he was insured, a cruciate tear in his right leg is considered pre-existing and may not be covered.	Foreseeable illnesses on one side of the body based on a pre-existing condition would not be covered if the same condition occurred on the opposite side of the body. For example, if a dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate tear in his left leg before he was insured, a cruciate tear in his right leg is considered pre-existing and may not be covered. Conditions arising from a specific activity are not covered if the same or similar activity occurred twice within 18 months prior to the policy enrollment date, including activities such as repeated contact with other dogs, repeated ingestion of foreign objects, etc. For example, if a dog had a habit of eating rocks before he was insured, foreign object ingestion, including any complications, may not be covered. Law enforcement dogs must pay an additional premium	Cruciate ligament damage, torn meniscus, patella luxations, ingested gastrointestinal foreign bodies, GDV (stomach torsion or stomach bloat), and all associated conditions are all defined as illnesses even if caused by accident or injury; therefore, they fall under all illness limitations, including illness waiting period.	Conditions arising from a specific activity are not covered if the same or similar activity occurred prior to the policy effective date. For example, if a dog had a habit of eating rocks before he was insured, foreign object ingestion, including any complications, may not be covered. No coverage is available for law enforcement dogs
Alternative/Holistic Therapy	Yes	Yes, but limited to $300 per year	Yes	Yes	Yes, but limited to acupuncture and chiropractic	Yes	No	Yes	No, but optional coverage is available at an additional cost per month	Yes	No
Annual Exam Required	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes, to begin coverage, but not on an annual basis

More Features to Compare
Exclusions Additional Limitations	Alternative/Holistic Therapy Annual Exam Required	Check All Uncheck All

company

Feature	VPI	ASPCA	24PetWatch	Petplan	Pets Best	PetFirst	AKC	Embrace	Trupanion	PurinaCare	HealthyPaws
Market Share	60.7%	9.6%	9.4%	4.6%	4.5%	4.3%	3.6%	2.3%	0.5%	0.4%	-
Years in Business	30 years Created the pet insurance industry in the U.S. in 1982	11 years First policy under Hartville Group Inc. name sold in 2001.	11 years First policy sold in U.S. in 2001.	6 years First policy sold in 2006.	7 years First policy sold in 2005.	7 years First policy sold in 2005.	9 years First policy sold in 2003.	6 years First policy sold in 2006.	4 years First policy sold in U.S. in 2008.	4 years First policy sold in 2008.	2 year First policy sold in 2010.
Underwriter	Veterinary Pet Insurance Company, National Casualty Company (Nationwide Insurance) A.M. Best Rating: A+	United States Fire Insurance Co. A.M. Best Rating: A	Praetorian Financial Group A.M. Best Rating: A-	AGCS Marine Insurance Company A.M. Best Rating: A+	Aetna Insurance Company of CT A.M. Best Rating: A	American Alternative Insurance Corporation A.M. Best Rating: A+	Markel Insurance Company A.M. Best Rating: A	RLI Insurance Company A.M. Best Rating: A+	American Pet Insurance Company A.M. Best Rating: unavailable	Central States Indemnity Company A.M. Best Rating: A+	Markel American Insurance Company A.M. Best Rating: A
Underwriter Stability	VPI has always underwritten its own plans in California since 1982 and has always had the same underwriter in all other states since expanding nationwide in 1984.	ASPCA (Hartville) has had six underwriters since it began selling under Hartville in 2001. Check website for current details.	24PetWatch has had two underwriters since it began selling in U.S. in 2001. Check website for current details.	Petplan has had three underwriters since it began selling in 2006. Check website for current details.	Pet's Best has had four underwriters since it began selling in 2005. Check website for current details.	PetFirst has had two underwriters since it began selling in 2005. Check website for current details.	AKC has had two underwriters since it began selling in 2003. Check website for current details	Embrace has had two underwriters since it began selling in 2006. Check website for current details.	Trupanion has always had the same underwriter since it began selling in U.S. in 2008.	PurinaCare has had two underwriters since it began selling in 2008. Check website for current details.	Healthy Paws has always had the same underwriter since began selling in 2010.

Sample Reimbursements shown are calculated as if they occurred to the same dog during one year/policy term, and based on 1) actual claims received by VPI in 2010 from San Diego, CA and 2) the latest policy terms and conditions available on the pet insurance providers' websites as of February 10, 2012.

Pet insurance marketshare percentages are as listed in Packaged Facts "Pet Insurance in North America, 4th Edition" released in November 2010.

Pet insurance comparison data is provided using all available information as of February 10, 2012 and is only meant to summarize key features. Please review insurers' policy terms and conditions for more details.

It is VPI's intent to provide consumers with fair and accurate information regarding pet insurers. Despite all efforts to keep information up-to-date, we realize that the comparison data provided will change from time to time. As such, if you are aware of any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the data provided, we encourage you to let us know by emailing comparison@petinsurance.com.