Finding the best pet insurance requires balancing cost and coverage. Choosing the lowest option may sound enticing, but it often leaves holes in safety that become obvious when needed. Hartville's pet insurance offers a wide range of advantages. However, the rate for this substantial coverage may deter potential policyholders. Understanding the balance between affordability and pet protection is essential to making an informed selection.

About the Company

Hartville Pet Insurance Group was one of the first pet insurance firms in the US, founded in 1997. The firm formed a landmark agreement with the ASPCA in 2006. This partnership solidifies Hartville's commitment to animal welfare and makes it the ASPCA's official insurance provider.

Hartville, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is known for more than insurance. The 2017 Business Insurance Best Places to Work in Insurance list recognized the company's workplace performance. Beyond business success, Hartville is highly involved in community engagement.

The organization donates to human and animal charities and supports employee-driven volunteer efforts beyond pet financial safety.

Plans Available

Hartville Pet Insurance provides flexible and customizable policies to meet pet owners' needs. Accident-Only Coverage and Complete Coverage, which cover accidents and illnesses, are the main options. These plans offer comparable advantages, but recognizing the differences can help pet owners choose the best one.

Accident-only Coverage

Accident-only Coverage covers just accidental injury treatments. Despite this, more injuries are covered than expected. Torn ligaments, foreign objects, and poisonous ingestions are examples. The Accident-Only plan supports pet owners who want financial protection for unexpected injuries that may arise during their busy and unpredictable lifestyles.

Complete Coverage Plan

The Complete Coverage plan covers accidents and illnesses, making it more complete. This greater coverage financially protects pet owners from accidental accidents and a wide spectrum of diseases. Complete coverage provides peace of mind for pet owners worried about accidents and diseases by covering common and serious health concerns.

Both plans let pet owners customize their coverage to fit their needs and budget. Five yearly limits provide consumers with a choice in picking coverage levels. Pet owners may also choose from three deductibles and three reimbursement levels to suit their budgetary needs. Hartville's online pricing tool helps pet owners visualize how coverage changes affect their monthly costs. This openness helps pet owners make educated decisions and understand the cost and advantages of their coverage.

Additional preventive care riders are available for the Accident-Only Plan and Complete Coverage. These riders help pet owners proactively approach their dogs' health by covering preventative care. The Basic preventive care rider covers immunizations, screenings, deworming, dental cleanings, and wellness assessments. The Prime preventive care rider provides greater limits and more treatments. This covers spaying/neutering, microchipping, immunizations, dentistry, and behavioral care.

Pricing

Hartville pet insurance offers extensive coverage at higher prices than the industry norm. Hartville's lowest accident-only policies are equivalent to several rivals' entry-level accident and sickness coverage. Hartville provides a variety of policies, including more expensive ones for pet owners seeking greater coverage and advantages.

Hartville's pet insurance premium depends on age. Pet premiums rise significantly with age, especially for dogs over five. This age-related pricing modification may raise expenses for pet owners with older pets, making full coverage difficult to afford. A six-year-old dog may pay over $100 monthly for an accident and sickness policy with a $100 deductible, 90% coverage, and unlimited yearly benefits. The industry trend of greater health risk with age leads to higher insurance rates for older dogs.

Accident-only insurance doesn't consider age, which is a plus for Hartville insurance pricing approach. This implies accident-only premiums do not grow with pet age. This can benefit pet owners seeking accident-specific coverage without age-related rate increases. Accident-only pricing gives pet owners who value coverage for unforeseen injuries and accidents more financial security.

Pros of Hartville Insurance

With several benefits for pet owners, Hartville Pet Insurance distinguishes out from the competition. One noticeable feature is the flat-rate accident-only coverage for dogs of all ages. It covers incidents without age-related price levels, making it transparent and easy for pet owners. This technique supports the company's goal of simplifying pet insurance.

The Hartville Member Center's online tools improve user experience. Policyholders may easily join up, manage accounts, and find nearby veterinarian clinics on the web platform. This electronic connection simplifies administrative procedures and improves the client experience, making pet insurance easier to use.

Hartville's no-age-limit enrollment is a major benefit. Unlike other rivals, Hartville allows pet owners to enroll their animals at any age. Many insurance companies limit coverage for elderly pets, so this is helpful. Hartville recognizes that people adopt dogs at different ages and provides coverage for elderly pets without age restrictions.

Hartville's 30-day trial gives pet owners more choice and assurance. Non-claims policyholders can cancel during the first month and get a full return during this trial period. Pet owners may test the insurance coverage risk-free to make sure it meets their needs. Hartville prioritizes openness and happiness with this customer-focused strategy.

Hartville lets policyholders pay monthly or annually. This option helps pet owners plan payments according to their finances. Annual payments can save up to $24 in transaction costs. Payment lengths are flexible to suit varied financial conditions and encourage cost-effective policyholder choices.

Cons of Hartville Insurance

Potential policyholders should study Hartville pet insurance pros and negatives. Zero-budget policy alternatives are a drawback. Hartville offers accident and sickness coverage for cats and dogs starting at $15 and $25 per month, respectively. Some rivals provide cheaper options.

Thus, this cost structure may be higher. Pet owners prioritize affordability. Thus, the lack of lower-cost choices may dissuade those who manage costs without sacrificing coverage.

Another negative is older canines' increased expense. Illness benefit premiums rise significantly after five years for dogs. This age-related cost shift may make it difficult for senior dog owners to afford complete coverage. Senior dog insurance prices may deter some pet owners from insuring their older pets, leaving them vulnerable when they need it most.

Hartville's minimal preventative care is another issue. The corporation offers wellness riders, but preventative care benefits are scheduled, so each treatment has an annual restriction. This limitation may prohibit pet owners from receiving complete preventative treatment without constraints. Pet owners who value comprehensive wellness coverage may prefer competitors with more preventative care alternatives.