A Vet's Guide To Pet Insurance
Compare 24PetWatch Pet Insurance
Comparison Fact SheetTo get the most from these sheets, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.
Please Note:
24 Pet Watch is in the process of changing their plans.
Make sure you know which plan is being used in your state.
| Company Info | |
| Company Name | PetHealth, Inc. was acquired by Fairfax Financial in 2014 |
| Also Known As | PetCare, QuickCare, ShelterCare, UnionPlus |
| Address | P.O. Box 2150 Buffalo, NY 14240-2150 |
| Phone | 1-866-597-2424 |
| Website | www.24petwatch.com/pet-insurance |
| Plans That Provide Full Accident and Illness Coverage | 24 Pet Watch Accident and Illness* (New Plan) Standard, Select, and Elite* (Old Plans) |
| States Covered | All 50 states, including DC |
| Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating | Insurance underwritten by North River Insurance
Company which has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A"
and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 1/1/19. For the most recent ratings go to: AM Best and enter the name of the underwriter in the box labeled 'Text'. |
| Year Company Started | 1999 |
| Policy Basics | |
| Policy Term | 12 months |
| Effective Date | The Effective Date will be listed on the Declarations Page of your policy after you apply and are accepted. |
| Enrollment Age | New Plan Dogs - 8 weeks to 10 years Cats - 8 weeks to 12 years Old Plans Dogs - 8 weeks to 8 years (6 years for select breeds) Cats - 8 weeks to 10 years |
| Cancellation Policy | Ask for a current copy of their insurance policy so that you may review their cancellation policy |
| Waiting Period |
New Plan Accident coverage begins after 12:01am on the effective date There is a 14 day waiting period for illnesses Old Plans Accident coverage begins at 12:01am the morning after your application is approved According to website, 14 days after the policy effective date for illness |
| Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury |
New Plan 14 days for cruciate injuries. 24PetWatch considers cruciate injuries, patella luxations, elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia to be illnesses. Old Plans 14 days for cruciate injuries. 24PetWatch considers cruciate injuries to be an illness that falls under the musculoskeletal category. |
| Coverage When Travel Out of State or Country? |
New Plan Out of State Coverage - You WILL be covered while traveling to other states and Puerto Rico with your pet. Out of Country Coverage - You WILL be covered when traveling to Canada (all provinces and territories) and the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland with your pet (Coverage limited to 182 days while traveling in Canada or the UK) Old Plans Out of State Coverage - You WILL be covered while traveling to other states with your pet. Out of Country Coverage - You WILL be covered when traveling to Canada with your pet (Coverage limited to 182 days while traveling in Canada) |
| Can the Price of the Policy Increase as my Pet Ages? | Contact the company for more information on when and how your premium may increase. |
| Does Coverage Stop Due to Age? | No |
| What Happens when the Policy Renews? |
New Plan Conditions will continue to be covered each year as long as you do not go over your maximum annual payout Old Plans Chronic conditions will continue to be covered each year as long as you don't go over the maximum payout per body system for illnesses. Accidents will continue to be covered each year as long as you don't go over the maximum payout per incident for accidents. |
| Can the Price of the Policy Increase if a Claim is Filed? |
New Plan - It is unclear whether premiums may increase with excessive claims.
Old Plans - Premiums may increase with excessive claims. |
| Choice of Vet? |
New Plan - You can choose any licensed veterinarian in
the US, Puerto Rico, Canada and the UK, but you must live in the US permanently to purchase
a policy
Old Plans - You can choose any licensed veterinarian in the US and Canada, but you must live in the US permanently to purchase a policy |
| Money Back Guarantee? | It is not clear whether there is a money back guarantee |
| Surcharge for Visiting a Specialist or Emergency Clinic? | No |
| Referral needed to Visit a Specialist? | No |
| Pre-certification Required? | No |
| Additional Requirements | **See actual policy or call 24 Pet Watch for a complete list of the requirements you are expected to adhere to in order to maintain coverage. |
| Pet Insurance Policy Available for Pre-Purchase Review? | New Plan - Sample policy available online |
| What's Covered | |
| Species Covered | Dogs and Cats |
| Accident/Injury - Baseline Coverage |
Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication. |
| Illness - Baseline Coverage |
Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication. |
| Behavioral Therapy Coverage |
New Plan - [LIMITED] has a maximum benefit amount of $1000 per policy year. This limit is shared with Alternative Therapy.
Must be conducted by a licensed veterinary behaviorist certified by the American Board of Veterinary Specialists and American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Old Plans - [NO] |
| Alternative Therapy Coverage |
New Plan - [LIMITED] has a maximum benefit amount of $1000 per policy year. This limit is shared with Behavior Therapy.
Must be performed by a licensed veterinarian Old Plans - [INCLUDED] Must be performed by a licensed veterinarian |
| Pre-existing Conditions Policy | Pre-existing conditions are not covered. New Plan A pre-existing condition is "... Any Condition or complication directly resulting from a Condition which first occurred, manifested, displayed signs and/or symptoms of, was treated, diagnosed or has been known by You, and/or Your Veterinarian prior to Your Pet’s Coverage Effective Date, as stated on Your Document of Insurance and any subsequent time period during which a lapse of coverage occurs." Old Plans A pre-existing condition "... Includes illnesses that are existing, symptomatic and/or treated but not necessarily diagnosed, prior to the coverage effective date, or during the Fourteen day waiting period for illness coverage." **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for complete description of pre-existing conditions. |
| Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage |
New Plan [LIMITED] Hip Dysplasia appears to be covered as long as the condition is not diagnosed or symptomatic prior to enrollment or during the 14-day waiting period for illness coverage. It is unclear whether or not other Hereditary and Congenital conditions are covered. Old Plans [LIMITED] Some congenital or hereditary defects or diseases are covered. The condition is covered as long as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for complete description of their Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Policy. |
| Continual Coverage for Chronic Conditions | [INCLUDED] Continual coverage for chronic conditions
is included in policy. (See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section below for maximum payout limits) |
| Chronic Conditions Policy |
They do not cover chronic conditions that are pre-existing or that
occur during the waiting period. New Plan Chronic conditions are covered up to the maximum annual payout each year. (See 'Max Payout Annually' section below) Old Plans Chronic conditions are covered up to the maximum payout per body system if the chronic condition is due to illness. (See 'Max Payout Based on Body System' section below) Chronic conditions are covered up to the maximum payout per incident if the chronic condition is due to an accident. (See 'Max Payout Per Incident' section below) **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for complete description of their Chronic Conditions Policy. |
| Cancer Coverage | [INCLUDED] Cancer conditions are covered
if they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting
period.
Because 24 Pet Watch's coverage of hereditary and congenital conditions is unclear, cancers that are considered to be hereditary or genetic may not be covered. (See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section above) |
| Cancer Coverage Limits |
New Plan - Cancer conditions are covered up to your maximum annual payout per year. (See 'Max Payout Annually' section below)
Old Plans - Cancer conditions are covered up to the maximum payout per body system for cancer. (See 'Max Payout Based on Body System' section below) |
| Hip Dysplasia | [INCLUDED] Hip dysplasia appears to be covered as long
as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed
or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. (See 'Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage' section above) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | [INCLUDED] **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for full list of inclusions and exclusions |
| Pregnancy Coverage | [NO] |
| Routine/Wellness Coverage |
New Plan [NO] - Routine Care is not covered and it is unclear if it is offered as an addon Old Plans [NO] - Routine Care is not covered or offered as an addon |
| Vaccinations | New Plan [NO] - Routine Care is not covered and it is unclear if it is offered as an addon Old Plans [NO] - Routine Care is not covered or offered as an addon |
| Spay/Neuter | New Plan [NO] - Routine Care is not covered and it is unclear if it is offered as an addon Old Plans [NO] - Routine Care is not covered or offered as an addon |
| Dental Care (Routine) | New Plan [NO] - Routine Care is not covered and it is unclear if it is offered as an addon Old Plans [NO] - Routine Care is not covered or offered as an addon |
| Dental Care (Illness/Accident) |
New Plan [NO] - Dental coverage in general is not included. This includes, Dental and orthodontic health care, Dental Treatment, Dental procedures and/or Dental diseases including but not limited to Treatment of the teeth and gums, dental caries (cavities), gingivitis, periodontitis, retained deciduous teeth, malocclusion, periodontal disease, root canals, caps, crowns, or abscessed teeth. It is unclear if Dental Coverage is offered as an addon. Old Plans [NO] Dental coverage for accident and illness is not covered **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for full list of inclusions and exclusions. |
| Bilateral Conditions Policy | If your pet develops a Bilateral Condition before
your policy effective date or during the waiting period, it will not
be covered and if your pet develops the same condition on the opposite
side after the waiting period it will not be covered. For example
if a dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate tear in this left knee
before the effective date or during the waiting period, a cruciate
tear in the right leg will not be covered. Even if it happens after
the waiting period. New Plan According the the policy a bilateral condition is..."Any Condition, which may affect both sides of the body, relating to both the right and left sides of the body or of the body system (example: cruciate ligaments, eyes, ears, limbs, and lameness). All Conditions are considered to be Bilateral unless otherwise noted...Cruciate Ligaments, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia and Patella Luxation, regardless of cause, are considered to be Bilateral Musculoskeletal Illness Conditions (affecting both sides of the body). " Old Plans Cruciate Ligaments, Hip Dysplasia and Patella Luxation, despite the cause, are considered to be bilateral conditions and are classed under the Musculoskeletal Illness Category of the Policy. **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for a list of medical conditions that are considered bilateral and for a complete description of their Bilateral Conditions Policy. |
| Coverage - Overview (please read policy for full coverage details) |
Diagnostics and treatments due to illness and accidents New Plan - [Included] Hip Dysplasia. Other covered Hereditary & Congenital Disorders are Not Clearly Defined, Alternative Therapy (Limited), Behavioral Therapy (Limited), Continual Chronic Conditions Coverage, Cancer Coverage, Hip Dysplasia, Prescription Medications (Refer to each category's section for limitations) Old Plans - [Included] Some Hereditary & Congenital Disorders, Alternative Therapy, Continual Chronic Conditions Coverage, Cancer Coverage, Hip Dysplasia, Prescription Medications (Refer to each category's section for limitations) **See actual policy or call 24PetWatch for full list of inclusions, exclusions, limitations and conditions. |
| What's not Covered - Overview (partial listing, please read policy for full details) |
New Plan
|
| How The Policy Works | |
| Co-pay |
New Plan - 20%
Old Plans - 30% |
| Deductible | New Plan - $100 Annual Old Plans - $100 Per Incident |
| Flat Deductible vs % Deductible | Flat |
| Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible |
New Plan - Annual
Old Plan - Per Incident |
| How is Reimbursement Determined | Actual veterinary bill |
| Max Payout Annually | New Plan Choose from $3000, $5,000,
$10,000 or $20,000 Old Plan - Not applicable |
| Max Lifetime Payout |
New Plan Not applicable Old Plans Standard Plan - $18, 000 lifetime payout for Illness Select Plan- $36,000 lifetime payout for Illness Elite - $60,000 lifetime payout for Illness |
| Max Payout per Incident |
New Plan Not applicable Old Plans Standard Plan - $1,500 per incident limit for Accidents Select Plan- $3,000 per incident limit for Accidents Elite Plan- $6,000 per incident limit for Accidents |
| Max Payout Based on Body System |
New Plan Not applicable Old Plans Standard Plan has a maximum payout of $1,500 per body system category for Illnesses. Select Plan has a maximum payout of $3,000 per body system category for Illnesses. Elite Plan has a maximum payout of $5,000 per body system category for Illnesses. The body system categories are:
|
| Client Reimbursed or Vet Paid Directly | You pay the veterinarian and then you are reimbursed after you file the claim. |
| Pricing | |
| Approximate Monthly Costs | Approximately $10.00 - $80.00 depending on location, breed, plan, etc |
| Additional Info | |
| My Review | 24PetWatch Review |
| What are Customers Saying? | PetInsuranceReview.com and Yelp.com |
| Better Business Bureau | bbb.org |
| Additional Info | 24 Pet Watch will reimburse you for fifty
percent (50%) the actual cost of required and eligible veterinary
prescribed therapeutic food for the Treatment of a definitively diagnosed
covered and eligible Medical Condition subject to 20% co-payment and
policy deductible up to the Maximum Benefit Amount of $500 per policy
year. 24 Pet Watch does not cover any Treatment for Medical Conditions that would be preventable with sterilization (spaying or neutering the Pet) such as prostate problems, testicular problems, perianal tumors, mammary tumors, uterine and/or ovarian conditions that occur in an unsterilized Pet. For cats, if Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and/or Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) has been noted, treated or diagnosed, prior to the coverage effective date, or within the Fourteen-day waiting period for illness coverage, then no Illness coverage is available. For dogs, if Adult onset Demodex (after age five) has been noted, treated or diagnosed, prior to the coverage effective date, or within the Fourteen day waiting period for illness coverage, then no Illness coverage is available. If there are no medical records for the Insured's pet and/or the Insured's pet has not attended a veterinary clinic within the past twelve months, the Insured agrees to have the pet taken to a licensed Veterinarian for a complete physical exam within 30 days from the coverage effective date. |
*The information in the above charts applies to 24PetWatch's pet insurance plans that cover illness and accidents. If your pet is only eligible for accident coverage, please contact 24PetWatch for details on that policy.
**Disclaimer: These charts are created based on my research. While I do my best to stay current, information can change quickly. Also, terms and conditions can vary from state to state. Before buying a pet insurance plan, confirm all information by calling the company or reading the most current policy. We will not be held liable for errors or omissions. If you see something that is incorrect or needs clarifying, please let me know.
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