Compare Petco Pet Insurance

Comparison Fact Sheet
Updated 9/4/2024

To get the most from these sheets, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.

NOTE: Nationwide now provides insurance for the Petco brand. It appears that Petco's plan may be Nationwide's Modular Plan but it is not clear if this is the case for all states as certain links on Petco's website go to a Nationwide page that lists all of Nationwide's plans. It is also not clear if there are any features that are specific to Petco only.

If you buy a plan through Petco's brand, make sure you throughly understand what you are getting with your policy.

PLEASE READ
In the spring of 2024, Nationwide unexpectedly announced it was canceling 100,000+ policies. This left a lot of pet owners in an extremely bad situation. Pet owners reported that they were not grandfathered into another policy with Nationwide.

This meant that any medical conditions covered under the canceled policy could be deemed pre-existing under a new policy within Nationwide or under a new policy with a different pet insurance company. This may be okay for young pets with no conditions, but many people reported that their older pets with chronic incurable conditions were dropped.

None of this is acceptable no matter what reasons a company may give. A pet owner needs to have assurance that the policy will be there for them for the life of their pet. Otherwise, what is the point of having pet insurance. Trust is earned, not given.

For these reasons, I cannot recommend Petco/Nationwide Pet Insurance at this time.



Company Info
Company Name Petco
Also Known As / Affiliates / Partners Petco has partnered with Nationwide to provide pet insurance.
Address  
Phone 844-244-3649
Website www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/insurance
Plans That Provide Both Accident and Illness Coverage Petco Accident and Illness Plan*
States Covered Not Clear
Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating Insurance underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (in California) and National Casualty Company (in all other states)

Veterinary Pet Insurance Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A" and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 9/4/2024.

National Casualty Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A" and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 9/4/2024.

For the most recent ratings go to: AM Best
Year Company Started Petco has partnered with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Nationwide acquired VPI in 2015. VPI was started in 1982.

 

Policy Basics
Policy Term Not Clear
Effective Date The Effective Date will be listed on the Declarations Page of your policy after you apply and are accepted.
Enrollment Age Not Clear
Cancellation Policy Ask for a current copy of their insurance policy so that you may review their cancellation policy
Waiting Period 14 days for illness

14 days for accidents

It is not clear if there is a waiting period for hip dysplasia or cruciate and meniscal damage.

**Waiting Periods can vary by state. See actual policy or contact Petco | Nationwide to confirm the waiting periods for your state.
Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury Not Clear
Coverage When Travel Out of State or Country? You can choose any licensed veterinarian worldwide
Can the Price of the Policy Increase as my Pet Ages? Yes, the policy premium can increase as your pet ages. The premium may also increase due to inflation or other reasons.

Contact the company for more information on when and by how much your premium may increase.
Does Coverage Stop Due to Age? Not Clear.

In the FAQ it says no, however, Petco sells Nationwide policies and in the spring of 2024 Nationwide unexpectedly announced was not renewing 100,000+ pet policies. A good number of those pets were Senior pets.
What Happens when the Policy Renews? If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
You must purchase accident AND illness coverage to get Continual Chronic conditions coverage. The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Can the Price of the Policy Increase if a Claim is Filed? Not Clear

The Modular Pet Insurance Plan does appear to use a utilization level factor when calculating initial/renewal premium pricing which may imply the price can increase based on utilization.
Choice of Vet? You can choose any licensed veterinarian worldwide
Money Back Guarantee? There is a 10 day money back guarantee. They will refund your money in full as long as you have not filed a claim.

*May vary by state
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 contact Petco 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? Sample Policy is NOT Available on Petco's Site

 

What's Covered
Species Covered Dogs and Cats

Petco, through Nationwide, covers birds and exotic pets - See Nationwide Pet Insurance (Birds and Exotic Pets)-Comparison Sheet
Accident/Injury -
Baseline Coverage		 If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, and prescription medication.

May not be available in all states

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Illness -
Baseline Coverage		 If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, and prescription medication.

The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional so you must make sure this box is checked to receive this coverage.

May not be available in all states.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Behavioral Therapy Coverage Not Clear
Alternative Therapy Coverage Not Clear
Pre-existing Conditions Policy Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

According to website a pre-existing condition is "Any condition that began or was contracted, manifested or incurred before the effective date of the policy or during any waiting period is considered pre-existing and therefore not covered under our medical plans."

"...If a condition has been noted as pre-existing and excluded from coverage, the condition may be eligible for coverage once the condition has been deemed cured by the attending veterinarian and your pet has been treatment-free for at least six months (including dietary or medical management). Chronic conditions or conditions that cannot be cured are not eligible for review."


**See actual policy or contact Petco for complete description of their pre-existing conditions policy.
Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
Hereditary and Congenital conditions have a $5,000 annual max payout.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Continual Coverage for Chronic Conditions If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
You must purchase accident AND illness coverage to get this coverage. The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Chronic Conditions Policy If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
You must purchase accident AND illness coverage to get Chronic Conditions coverage. The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Cancer Coverage If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
You must purchase accident AND illness coverage to get Chronic Conditions coverage. The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide.
Cancer Coverage Limits If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
You must purchase accident AND illness coverage to get Cancer coverage. The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional.

Cancer conditions are covered up to the Maximum Payout. (See 'Max Payout' section below)
Hip Dysplasia See 'Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage' section above.
Prescription Drug Coverage If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
Coverage for prescription drugs for covered medical conditions is included.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Pregnancy Coverage Not Clear
Routine/Wellness Coverage [OPTIONAL]


**See actual policy or contact Petco for complete description of their Wellness Coverage
Vaccinations See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Spay/Neuter See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Dental Care (Routine) See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Dental Care (Illness/Accident) Not Clear
Bilateral Conditions Policy Not Clear
Coverage - Overview
(please read policy for full coverage details)		 If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
Diagnostics and treatments due to illness and accidents. The way this plan is structured, illness coverage is optional so you must make sure this box is checked to receive illness coverage.

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
What's not Covered - Overview
(partial listing, please read policy for full details)		 Not Clear

 

How The Policy Works
Reimbursement If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
Choose from 50% to 80%
May vary by state

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Deductible If the plan you receive is Nationwide's Modular Pet Insurance Plan:
$250, $500 or $1,000 annually
May vary by state

For other plans, contact Petco | Nationwide
Flat Deductible vs % Deductible Flat
Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible Annual deductible
How is Reimbursement Determined Not Clear
Max Payout Annually For the Modular Plan, the website states that the annual maximum payout is $5,000 or Unlimited, but...

Petco's Quote Engine states:
The maximum annual payout for Accidents is $2,500 or $5,000

The maximum annual payout for Illnesses is $5,000 or $10,000.

For the Modular Plan, Hereditary and Congenital conditions have a $5,000 annual max payout.
Max Lifetime Payout This plan does not appear to have a maximum lifetime payout.
Max Payout per Incident This plan does not appear to have a maximum payout per incident.
Max Payout Based on Body System This plan does not appear to have a maximum payout based on body system .
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 $22 - $120 depending on plan, your location, etc

 

Additional Info
My Review Petco Review
What are Customers Saying? Check with your state's Department of Insurance to see if any complaints have been filed for this company.
Better Business Bureau  
Additional Info  

*The information in the above charts applies to Petco's Accident and Illness Plan only. For information on other plans, please contact Petco.

**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 contacting the company or reading the most current policy for your state. 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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