AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (2024)

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Our Expert Take On AKC Pet Insurance

Our Expert Take On AKC Pet Insurance

AKC pet insurance is the exclusive pet insurance brand of the American Kennel Club. It offers a good variety of plans and multiple optional add-ons, such as wellness coverage, breeding coverage and hereditary coverage. You can also get free coverage for 30 days when you register your dog with the AKC.

Pros

  • Short waiting period of 2 days for accident coverage.
  • 24/7 pet healthline.
  • Offers coverage for curable pre-existing conditions such as allergies and ear infections after a 12-month waiting period.
  • 5% multi-pet discount.

Cons

  • Does not pay the vet directly.
  • 180 day waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease.

Great For Add-On Coverage

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (1)

Compare Plans

Maximum annual coverage

$2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited

Reimbursement choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000

Table of Contents

  • AKC’s Types of Plans and Coverage
  • What Does AKC Pet Insurance Not Cover?
  • AKC Pet Insurance Coverage Levels
  • What are AKC’s Pet Insurance Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions?
  • How Much Does Pet Insurance from AKC Cost?
  • AKC Pet Insurance State Availability
  • AKC Pet Insurance Claims
  • AKC vs. Pets Best
  • AKC vs. Embrace
  • AKC vs. Paw Protect
  • About AKC Pet Insurance
  • AKC Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Show more

AKC’s Types of Plans and Coverage

AKC offers the types of pet insurance plans similar to what you would find among the best pet insurance companies. That includes an accident and illness plan, which is the most common type of pet insurance plan. You can also buy an accident-only plan and purchase add-on coverage.

Accident and Illness Plans

Here are some of the expenses that are covered under AKC’s CompanionCare plan:

Summary

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (2)

Accidents

Such as broken bones, broken teeth, bite wounds, ingested foreign objects and getting struck by a vehicle.

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (3)

Illnesses

Such as cancer, ear infections, skin infections, allergies, and congenital and genetic conditions like intervertebral disc disease.

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (4)

Hospitalizations

Such as emergency care and surgeries, including anesthesia, rehabilitation services and vet/technician time.

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (5)

Specialist Care

This includes veterinarians, behaviorists, oncologists and internal medicine experts. This can also include alternative therapy and rehabilitation such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (6)

Prescription Medication

This includes prescription medicine for a problem covered by your policy, such as a skin infection. It can also include prescription food if it is prescribed by your veterinarian due to a problem covered by your policy, such as digestive issues.

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (7)

Diagnostics

This includes tests like CAT scans, blood tests, X-rays and MRIs.

AKC Pet Insurance Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage

When you register your dog with the American Kennel Club, you can qualify for 30 days of free accident and illness pet coverage. It includes all the same coverage that you get with AKC’s standard accident and illness plan, but the waiting periods are waived. After the initial 30-day period ends, you can provide a payment method to continue your coverage, or find another pet insurer.

Accident-Only Insurance

AKC offers an accident-only plan that strictly covers vet expenses related to emergencies such as broken bones, swallowing foreign objects, torn cruciate ligaments and getting struck by a vehicle. This plan does not cover illness-related vet expenses, such as skin infections or cancer treatment.

AKC Pet Insurance Add-Ons

AKC offers a good selection of add-on coverage. The optional plans include:

  • Breeding coverage: Covers unexpected emergencies for dog breeders, such as liver failure and emergency C-sections.
  • Exam coverage: Covers the cost of primary care exams, specialist exams and emergency visits.
  • Final respects coverage: Covers the cost of cremation, burial and memorial expenses for your pet.
  • Hereditary coverage: Covers specific hereditary conditions that are not covered under AKC’s accident and illness plans, such as arthritis, diabetes and hip dysplasia.
  • Pet wellness coverage: Covers preventative care, such as annual wellness exams, microchipping, routine dental care and diagnostic testing. There are two wellness plans available: Defender and DefenderPlus. The DefenderPlus costs more per month but provides more coverage, including neutering and spaying.

What Does AKC Pet Insurance Not Cover?

Here are some problems that are not covered by AKC pet insurance:

  • Elective procedures.
  • Experimental treatment.
  • Obesity treatments.
  • Organ transplants.
  • Treatment for chronic dental conditions.
  • Parasite treatment.
  • Prosthetic devices.
  • Grooming.

AKC Pet Insurance Coverage Levels

Maximum Annual Limit

The maximum annual limit is the most money AKC will pay for covered expenses during the policy period. You can choose your maximum annual limit when you purchase a policy. The options include:

  • $2,500
  • $5,000
  • $7,500
  • $10,000
  • $15,000
  • Unlimited

Deductible Options

The deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay before your coverage begins to reimburse you for vet expenses. AKC offers the following deductible options:

  • $100
  • $250
  • $300
  • $400
  • $500
  • $600
  • $750
  • $1,000

Reimbursement Options

When you purchase pet insurance, you can choose how much of your vet bills get reimbursed by AKC. You can select a reimbursement level of:

  • 70%
  • 80%
  • 90%

What are AKC’s Pet Insurance Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions?

AKC pet insurance has the following waiting periods:

  • 2-day accident waiting period.
  • 14-day illness waiting period.
  • 180 days for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease.
  • 12-month waiting period for curable pre-existing conditions like allergies and infections.
CompanyAccident waiting periodIllness waiting periodSpecial waiting period

Pets Best

3 days

14 days

6 months for cruciate ligament conditions

Embrace

Begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your plan

14 days

6 months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an orthopedic exam)

Paw Protect

Begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your plan

14 days

6 months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an orthopedic exam)

AKC

2 days

14 days

180 days for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease

AKC has some age restrictions for its plans. In most states, puppies can be insured at 8 weeks old and kittens can be insured starting at 10 weeks old. If your pet is under age 9, you can enroll them in any plan. If your pet is over age 9, you can only enroll them in the accident-only plan.

How Much Does Pet Insurance from AKC Cost?

AKC pet insurance costs an average of $48 per month for a dog and $26 per month for a cat, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of pet insurance costs. That’s for $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level. The average cost of AKC pet insurance is $60 per month for a dog and $32 per month for a cat for unlimited coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level.

AKC Price Comparison for Dogs

Dog breedAverage cost per month for puppies age 3 monthsAverage cost per month for dogs age 3 years

Beagle

$32

$44

Bulldog

$86

$118

Dachshund

$33

$45

French bulldog

$63

$87

German shepherd

$44

$60

Golden retriever

$51

$70

Labrador retriever

$47

$64

Mixed breed (large)

$38

$52

Mixed breed (medium)

$34

$46

Mixed breed (small)

$30

$42

Poodle

$38

$52

Rottweiler

$70

$96

Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs are based on unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level.

AKC Price Comparison for Cats

Cat breedAverage cost per month kittens age 3 monthsAverage cost per month for cats age 3 years

Abyssinian

$25

$35

Bengal

$25

$35

Bombay

$25

$35

British shorthair

$25

$35

Exotic shorthair

$25

$35

Maine coon

$32

$44

Mixed breed

$24

$33

Persian

$32

$44

Ragdoll

$32

$44

Siamese

$32

$44

Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs are based on unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level.

AKC Costs vs. Other Top Insurers

CompanyCompany - LogoAverage monthly cost for dog insuranceAverage monthly cost for cat insuranceForbes Advisor RatingForbes Advisor RatingLearn More CTA textLearn more CTA below textLearn more
Pets BestAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (8)$48$27 5.0AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (9)Compare Plans
EmbraceAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (10)$76 $37 4.5AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (11)Compare Plans
Paw ProtectAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (12)$77 $38 4.5AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (13)Compare Plans
FigoAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (14)$60$264.3AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (15)Compare Plans
SpotAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (16)$97$464.3AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (17)Compare Plans
FetchAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (18)$77$404.1AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (19)Compare Plans
Healthy PawsAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (20)$55$224.1AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (21)Compare Plans
LemonadeAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (22)$52$284.1AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (23)Compare Plans
AKCAKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (24)$60$32N/ACompare Plans

Source: Forbes Advisor research. Costs are based on unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade) with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level for dogs and cats, ages 3 months, 2 years, 5 years and 7 years.

AKC Pet Insurance State Availability

AKC pet insurance is available in all 50 states.

AKC Pet Insurance Claims

There are a few ways to file a claim with AKC pet insurance:

  • Online: You can submit the claim through the online customer portal.
  • Email: claims@petpartners.com.
  • Fax: Fax the completed claim form to (919) 859-8193.
  • Mail: Send the completed claim form to: PetPartners Inc., PO Box 37940, Raleigh, NC 27627

You will need to complete AKC’s claim form and submit it along with your veterinary invoice. The claims process typically takes about two business days of receipt of your information. If additional vet records are required, the claims process can take up to 30 days.

If your claim is approved, you will be reimbursed via a direct deposit to your bank account or you will receive a paper check.

AKC vs. Pets Best

Rating and coverage detailsAKC pet insurancePets Best pet insurance

Forbes Advisor rating

N/A

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (25)

Average monthly cost for a dog with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement

$60

$48

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000

$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000

Optional wellness plan available?

Yes

Yes

24/7 vet helpline available?

Yes

Yes

Details can vary by state.

AKC vs. Embrace

Rating and coverage detailsAKC pet insuranceEmbrace pet insurance

Forbes Advisor rating

N/A

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (26)

Average monthly cost for a dog with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement

$60

$76

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000

$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Optional wellness plan available?

Yes

Yes

24/7 vet helpline available?

Yes

Yes

Details can vary by state.

AKC vs. Paw Protect

Rating and coverage detailsAKC pet insurancePaw Protect pet insurance

Forbes Advisor rating

N/A

AKC Pet Insurance Review 2024 (27)

Average monthly cost for a dog with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement

$60

$77

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000

$100, $250, $500

Optional wellness plan available?

Yes

Yes

24/7 vet helpline available?

Yes

Yes

Details can vary by state.

About AKC Pet Insurance

AKC pet insurance was founded in the 1980s in the United Kingdom. In 2002, AKC began selling pet insurance in the U.S. under the brand name PetPartners. One year later, AKC pet insurance became the exclusive pet insurance brand of the American Kennel Club, a leading non-profit with expertise in pet breeding, health and training. Currently, AKC insures more than 32,000 pets across the U.S.

AKC Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Does AKC pet insurance work with any vet?

Yes, you can make a claim with AKC for bills from any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. and Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics.

Can I add multiple pets to my AKC Pet Insurance policy?

Yes, you can add more than one pet to an AKC pet insurance policy. When you enroll multiple pets on the same insurance policy, you can qualify for an automatic 5% discount on your premium.

Does AKC pet insurance cover dental care?

AKC pet insurance covers extractions of broken teeth due to an accident. The DefenderPlus add-on includes coverage for annual dental cleaning.

Does AKC insurance cover spaying and neutering?

You will need to add the optional DefenderPlus wellness plan from AKC to cover spaying and neutering.

How can I reach AKC’s customer service?

You can contact AKC’s customer care team by calling (866) 725-2747.

How do I cancel AKC pet insurance?

To cancel your AKC pet insurance plan, you can call the Customer Care Team at (866) 725-2747. If you cancel in the middle of the policy period, there is no penalty fee and your unused premiums will be refunded.

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FAQs

Is AKC good dog insurance? ›

AKC Pet Insurance scored 4.8 out of 5 stars based on our in-depth pet insurance methodology. It received high marks for covered treatments because, unlike most providers, it covers curable and incurable pre-existing conditions and breeding-related diseases and complications.

How long is the waiting period for AKC Pet Insurance? ›

AKC Pet Insurance has the following waiting periods: Injuries - 2-Day Waiting period. Illnesses - 14-Day Waiting Period. Cruciate Ligament-Related Conditions - 180-Day Waiting Period.

What is the maximum amount for AKC Pet Insurance? ›

No Incident Limit, $20,000 per year per pet,$250 deductible once per year per pet, 90% reimbursement.

What is the incident limit for AKC insurance? ›

To know if the maximum payout will cover your "Worst Case Scenario Costs", you will need to check the annual maximum payout options for your state. For its basic plans, AKC has a per-incident maximum payout structure combined with an unlimited annual maximum payout structure. The maximum payout per-incident is $500.

Which is better AKC or ACA? ›

Although the AKC was once a top-level dog registry in the USA, it has failed in providing the services according to the modern needs and demands. ACA, on the other hand, is continuously providing customers and breeders with high-quality services that are being improved day by day.

Does AKC Pet Insurance cover vaccines? ›

Yes. We offer two wellness coverage options—Defender and DefenderPlus. Both will reimburse for routine and preventative care like vaccines, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and annual wellness exams. DefenderPlus has additional coverage for spay/neuter or dental cleaning.

Does AKC Pet Insurance cover prescription food? ›

AKC's prescription food coverage

AKC won't cover most pet food, but it makes an exception for prescription diets used as the sole treatment for a covered condition. So if your veterinarian prescribes a special diet to manage your pet's condition, AKC will consider covering the cost.

Does AKC Pet Insurance cover C sections? ›

If an incident does occur during breeding, whelping, or nursing, you can have peace of mind knowing you have the best Breeding Coverage for your dogs! Common claims covered under Breeding Coverage include, but are not limited to: Emergency c-sections. Mastitis.

How soon after getting pet insurance can you use it? ›

What Are Typical Pet Insurance Waiting Periods? The typical waiting period is 14 days, particularly for illness coverage. Some pet insurance providers have a waiting period of only a few days for accident coverage. Hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia typically have much longer waiting periods — up to a year.

What is the most expensive breed of dog to insure? ›

Generally, the bigger your dog, the more expensive its pet insurance premiums. The most expensive breeds to insure include Newfoundland, Dogue De Bordeaux, and Jack Russell terrier. You can cut pet insurance premiums by paying your premium in full and shopping around for pet insurance.

Does AKC Pet Insurance cover microchips? ›

Plans through AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance company) offer coverage for vaccinations, microchip services, certain lab tests and blood work, parasite prevention (flea, tick, and heartworm), and much more.

How do I use my AKC Pet Insurance? ›

How Pet Insurance Works
  1. Pay Your Vet. Visit any licensed vet, specialist or emergency clinic and pay your bill.
  2. File a Claim. Submit via mail, email, fax, or app—whatever is easiest for you.
  3. Get Reimbursed. Eligible expenses are repaid by check or direct deposit into your bank account.

What is the average excess on pet insurance? ›

This is not included as standard with every policy but is very common with insurance for older pets. It is a contribution you will pay towards vet bills and is typically 10-20% depending on your policy.

What percentage of dog owners have pet insurance? ›

About half, or 44.6%, of pet owners stated they currently have pet insurance in our survey. On a larger scale, NAPHIA's 2022 State of the Industry Report found that more than 4.41 million pets were insured in North America in 2021, up from 3.45 million in 2020.

What does maximum payout mean for pet insurance? ›

A maximum limit or payout per year (also known as Annual Limit) is the maximum amount of money a pet insurance provider will reimburse you for eligible claims within a given year.

Is it worth getting your dog AKC registered? ›

Some of the best benefits of registering your dog include complementary services and care to make sure your dog is healthy and happy. These include: A frameable AKC Registration Certificate and your dog's name recorded in the AKC Registry.

What is the difference between AKC and Aspca pet insurance? ›

ASPCA Pet Insurance offers coverage for accidents, illnesses, and preventive care. This includes coverage for veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and vaccinations. AKC Pet Insurance primarily offers coverage for accidents and illnesses, including treatments, surgeries, and medications.

Does AKC guarantee health? ›

AKC does not guarantee that you are getting a puppy that will be free of hip or elbow dysplasia; eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or pigmentary uveitis (PU); and heart issues such as Subarterial Aortic Stenosis (SAS) or Mitral Value Dysplasia (MVD).

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