AKC Pet Insurance
Is This Your Business?AKC Pet Insurance was one of the first pet insurance providers in the United States. Administered by PetPartners, Inc., AKC Pet Insurance provides comprehensive, customizable, and affordable coverage for both dogs and cats to help protect them from injury or illness.
Insurance policies are available to members in all 50 states. AKC Pet Insurance doesn’t discriminate against any type of breed, so dog owners with German Shepards, Golden Retrievers, teacup puppies, or even Pit bulls are covered.
AKC Pet Insurance got its start from the American Kennel Club headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 2003 to this day, the company serves as the exclusive pet insurance provider for the American Kennel Club.
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The Good
- Annual Deductible
- Available Discounts
- 30 Day Certificate
- No Maximum Age Limit
- Thorough FAQ
Annual Deductible
All AKC policies have an annual deductible, meaning members only have to meet their deductible one per policy period. Only the expenses covered under a policy count toward meeting a deductible and reimbursement begins after the deductible has been met. Almost all AKC Pet Insurance plans allow members to choose their own deductible at enrollment. Wellness coverage is not subject to the deductible.
Available Discounts
AKC Pet Insurance offers a 5% multi-pet discount when pet owners have more than one pet enrolled on an insurance policy. The discount will be applied at checkout. If members add a second or third pet onto their policy later, they are encouraged to call the customer care team to ensure the discounts are applied.
AKC also offers various discounts for puppies that come from Breeders of Merit and Bred with HEART breeders, as well as dogs who have an AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate.
30-Day Certificate
Puppies are notorious for getting into things they shouldn't. The 30-day Pet Insurance Certificate gives puppy buyers the chance to protect their new member of the family. The certificate provides 30 days of accident and illness coverage included in their AKC registration at no cost.
No Maximum Age Limit
Pet parents can insure their kittens at 10 weeks old while puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to receive coverage. Along with this AKC Pet Insurance does not have a maximum age limit for enrollment. Older pets (9 years old or older) are eligible for accident coverage.
Pets enrolled in an accident or illness policy before the age of 9 will not lose their accident and illness coverage as they age (as long as there are no coverage gaps).
Thorough FAQ Page
AKC’s frequently asked questions page is full of common questions potential members and current members might ask. The answers are simple, making insurance jargon understandable. Those looking at the FAQ page can find information on topics such as:
- Enrollment and Costs
- Does AKC cover mixed breeds or non-AKC registered dogs?
- What is the 30-Day free look?
- What veterinarians/veterinary clinics accept AKC insurance?
- Coverage
- What are the AKC waiting periods?
- Do you offer wellness plans?
- What are chronic and congenital conditions? (hip dysplasia, arthritis, diabetes)
- Does AKC cover cruciate ligament (ACL/CCL) injuries?
- Billing
- How to make changes to coverage
- How to cancel a policy
The Bad
- Base Policy Limitations
- Mailed Reimbursement
- Traveling Coverage
Base Policy Limitations
The AKC Pet Insurance base policy doesn’t cover the cost of exam fees, although for an additional charge members can add it onto their base coverage. Base policies also don’t cover elective procedures. Elective treatments can include: dew claw removal, tail docking, ear cropping, and gastropexy.
Mailed Reimbursement
After filing a claim, members will receive their reimbursement check via mail; many other insurance providers issue reimbursement by direct deposit, which is considered much more convenient.
Traveling Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance coverage applies to pets as long as they are traveling within the U.S. or Canada. Members traveling outside these countries will not have veterinary care coverage for their pet.
The Bottom Line
AKC Pet Insurance has some helpful features such as the annual deductible (along with the fact that most members get to choose the deductible from the beginning), no maximum age limit, comprehensive coverage (in case an accident or injury happens), and the available discounts. The extensive FAQ page is another great feature as it provides information in a comprehensible and understandable way.
With accident and illness policies and wellness policies (commonly referred to as routine care policies), cat and dog owners can customize their insurance plan to fit their needs and budget. The wellness coverage is not subject to waiting periods, coinsurance, deductible or an annual limit. There are a few components that might frustrate members: the base policy limitations and the mailed reimbursement check, as well as the traveling coverage, only being within the U.S. or Canada but overall they don’t seem overly restrictive.
As far as pet insurers go AKC Pet Insurance is an excellent option to look into. The company's insurance plans are available all over the United States, and it has many benefits that outweigh the cons, such as a short waiting period and extensive coverage. No matter where members reside in the United States, this company has a lot to offer. AKC Pet Insurance honestly seems dedicated to caring for pets health and well-being. It prizes positive customer service and has transparent policies. Cat or dog owners in need of a pet insurance policy, AKC Pet insurance is a good option to look into.
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Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV
1 year ago Edited August 11, 2023
jamee emens Scottsdale, AZ
2 years ago
