RCU Insurance Services: Pet Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is pet health insurance?
A: Pet health insurance helps you pay your veterinary bills for your dogs or cats.
Q: What does it cover?
A: With ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, you can protect your pets in case of accident, illness, or for routine preventive care, like dental cleanings and vaccinations. Consistent with the ASPCA’s beliefs, most plans cover spaying and neutering, but do not cover surgical treatments we oppose, such as tail docking, ear cropping, or de-clawing.
Q: Why do I need it?
A: The costs of veterinary care are rising rapidly. In fact, they have more than doubled over the past ten years. Plus, the costs of certain treatments like surgery and chemotherapy have risen even faster. With ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, you’ll have the financial support you need to keep your pets healthy.
Q: What does it cost?
A: The cost depends on a few factors, but plans can start as low as $7.50 per month for cats and $9.50 per month for dogs.
Q: How does it work?
A: Our plans are simple and easy to use:
- Get treatment. Go to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada and pay for the services.
- File a claim. Submit our simple claim form along with any receipts.
- Get reimbursed. You’ll be reimbursed for 80% of allowable veterinary charges, after your $100 annual deductible is met.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Just call us at 1 (866) 477-4225 for a free quote, friendly advice, or to enroll your pet today.
Q: How soon will my pet be covered?
A: Your pet is covered for injuries as soon as your plan is effective. After 30 days, your pet will be covered for illness as well. You can also get coverage for routine preventive care.
Q: When will my plan be effective?
A: We issue pet health insurance plans on the 1st and 15th of the month. That means if you apply between the 1st through the 14th of the month, your anticipated effective date would be the 15th of the month. If you apply on the 15th or later, your anticipated effective date would be the 1st of the following month. (Please note that all plans are subject to underwriting and are not issued without receipt of payment.)
Q: When can I start using my pet health insurance?
A: Coverage for accidents and routine preventive care (if included in your plan), begins immediately upon your effective date. Illness coverage begins 30 days after your effective date.
Q: What are my payment options?
A: Payments may be made by credit card or automatic check withdrawal. We accept payments on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.
Q: Can I save money by paying annually?
A: Yes. If you pay your plan in full at the beginning of your plan year, we’ll waive the $10.50 issuance fee.
Q: Do only specific veterinarians accept pet health insurance?
A: You can use any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada with our plans. Even specialist visits are covered, when the treatment provided is covered under your plan.
Q: Can I use my current veterinarian?
A: Yes. You can use your veterinarian or any other licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. You do not have to select from a list of providers.
Q: How do I submit a claim?
A: Fill out our simple one page claim form, including the signatures of you and your vet. Then mail, fax or email it to us along with copies of your receipts.
Q: Can my claim be paid directly to the veterinarian?
A: Yes. Simply check the box on the front of the claim form to send the reimbursement directly to the veterinarian.
Q: How much money will I get reimbursed?
A: With our plans, you will receive 80% of reasonable and customary charges, once your $100 deductible is met.
Q: How much is the deductible?
A: A low $100 annual deductible applies to each pet. You’ll need to meet this deductible before we start reimbursing you for your allowable veterinary expenses.
Q: How does the annual deductible work?
A: Your deductible only needs to be met once per year. For example, let’s say your plan was effective on October 1 and you incurred a vet bill of $250 on December 12.
You would be responsible for the first $100 to cover the deductible, and we would reimburse you 80% of the remaining allowable charges from $150. You would not be responsible for paying a deductible again until the following October.
Q: Can I cancel my plan at any time?
A: You can cancel at any time.
Q: How old do my pets have to be to start protecting them?
A: Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old for initial enrollment.
Q: Are older pets eligible for coverage?
A: We want to protect your pet through a long and rewarding life. With our plans, illness coverage is available for dogs prior to turning age 13 and cats prior to turning age 15. There are no limits for the Safety Plan.
Q: Will my insurance be canceled when my pets get older?
A: Insurance certificates will not be canceled based on the age of your pet, but premium surcharges may apply (except on the Safety Plan).
Q: How do I enroll?
A: You can enroll by calling one of our friendly sales specialists at 1 (866) 477-4225.
