Pumpkin Pet Insurance is one of the most comprehensive pet health insurance programs available. This pet insurance covers disease, accidents, and more. Here at A to Z Animals, we like that you can add on preventative services to keep your companion well in the coming years.
Vet fees may rapidly add up, particularly if your dog, cat, or exotic pet is stricken with a chronic illness or needs emergency surgery. However, with Pumpkin Pet Insurance, you can be assured that your pet’s medical requirements will be met without costing an arm and a leg.
We’ve done the research to share all there is to know about this insurance company. Keep on reading to see if Pumpkin Pet Insurance is right for your furry friend!
What Is Pumpkin Pet Insurance?
While there are many pet insurance options on the market, Pumpkin Pet Insurance stands out. They offer a preventive health plan that’s easy for pet parents to understand. One thing to note about Pumpkin Pet Insurance is that they only service cats and dogs.
Their insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. There is an annual deductible that has to be met and once it is, the company will reimburse you for the costs. For Pumpkin Pet Insurance there is a 10% co-insurance in their policy that the pet parent is required to pay. The other 90% is taken care of by Pumpkin.
Pet insurance billing is a bit different than human health insurance. For starters, most pet insurance companies require the pet parent to pay all bills in full and then file a claim for reimbursement. There’s also no network involved – they simply cover eligible costs for treatments from a licensed vet.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance History
Pumpkin Pet Insurance started its business in April 2020 due to the rise of animal adoptions during the pandemic. A globally veterinary vaccine and drug producer that goes by the name of Zoetis saw a problem and wanted to provide a solution.
Its goal as a company is to help pet parents afford increasing vet prices by offering insurance that can help their furry friends stay healthy. Pumpkin’s policy, like those of a few other well-known pet insurance companies like Spot and the ASPCA, is underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company and offered by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group.
Pumpkin’s coverage, invoicing, and customer service are handled by Crum & Forster (C&F) Insurance Agency, Inc.
Pros and Cons of Pumpkin Pet Insurance
There are a plethora of great things about having pet insurance. These are some of the main benefits of Pumpkin and what they could mean for you!
Care for Puppies and Kittens
Pumpkin, uniquely, has a wellness regimen tailored exclusively for pups. Its preventative basics plan offers yearly health checkups, up to four immunizations, and an annual fecal test for canines as young as two months old. A kitten plan is also available from Pumpkin Pet Insurance.
A Short Waiting Period
Pumpkin’s waiting time is merely 14 days for all conditions, but other pet insurance providers have a six-month waiting period. This is common at least for specific disorders including knee and ligament troubles. The short wait time Pumpkin offers is especially beneficial if your pet has a breed that is prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or luxating patella.
Advance Treatment Coverage
For pets suffering from arthritis or chronic discomfort, veterinarians may offer advanced or alternative therapy. However, not all insurance providers guarantee coverage for these. Acupuncture, stem cell therapy, and even behavioral therapy are all covered by Pumpkin as long as they are prescribed and conducted by a veterinarian.
Coverage for Seniors Pets
Most insurance providers either refuse to cover pets past a particular age or restrict the proportion of payment for senior dogs. Pumpkin, on the other hand, provides a flat 90 percent compensation for all dogs, regardless of age.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Cons Explained
All businesses, especially newer ones, could use some improvement. Here is where we think Pumpkin Pet Insurance falls short compared to other options on the market.
Only One Plan Option
Most pet insurance providers provide numerous reimbursement choices, ranging from 70% to 90%. However, Pumpkin only reimburses you 90% of your money. This lack of choice limits your capacity to change the reimbursement level to meet your budget because such a proportion often comes with higher rates.
No Mobile App
Most pet insurers now provide smartphone applications to help you maintain your insurance and submit a claim, but Pumpkin does not. You may only access your account on their website, and claims must be made via the website or the mail.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Plans
Pumpkin has plans for both dogs and cats. Its policies cover accidents and illnesses, but it also offers preventative programs.
- Annual Maximum: $10,000, $20,000 or unlimited
- Reimbursement Options: 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250 or $500
Pumpkin’s insurance covers cover unforeseen diseases or injuries. For the management and therapy of your pet by a veterinarian, you can get paid for up to 90% of qualified expenditures, up to the yearly limit. The expense of microchipping your pet is also included in this plan.
- Annual Maximum: $7,000, $15,000 or unlimited
- Reimbursement: 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250 or $500
Cat insurance covers unforeseen accidents and injuries as well, although with a smaller yearly limit than dog insurance. Microchipping is included in the cat insurance plan.
Preventative Essentials
Customers who purchase a preventative plan will get a welcoming box and a pet toy. Pumpkin’s optional wellness program is the Preventative Essentials plan. It pays for part of your pet’s normal or preventative care:
- One yearly wellness checkup
- Two vaccines every calendar year
- A yearly blood test for Lyme disease, heartworm disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis
- A single yearly fecal exam for worms including whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms
Preventative Essentials for Puppies
Extra coverage is provided through the Preventative Essentials plan for puppies. It’s for pets under the age of six months and will compensate you for the following costs:
- One wellness checkup
- One fecal exam
- Four puppy vaccines
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Waiting Periods for Coverage
Waiting periods, or periods of time before the insurance begins, are common in pet insurance plans. For accidents and illnesses, Pumpkin Pet Insurance, for example, offers a 14-day waiting period.
While most insurers have a 14-day waiting time for illness, other insurers have shorter wait times for accidents. For instance, Embrace pet insurance provides a two-day accident waiting time, whereas Pets Best pet insurance has a three-day incident waiting period.
For illnesses like hip dysplasia and ligament problems, Pumpkin Pet Insurance doesn’t have a long waiting time. When it comes to these sorts of issues, several insurers have lengthy waiting periods of six months.
What Does Pumpkin Pet Insurance Cover?
Pumpkin Pet Insurance offers a comprehensive accident and sickness plan for both dogs and cats. You can anticipate getting reimbursed for the following expenses:
- Digestive issues
- Ear infections
- Swallowed objects
- Orthopedic injuries
- Vet examination costs
- Emergency care
- Virtual appointments
- MRIs
- CT scans
- Operations
- Hip dysplasia
- Cancer
- Hospitalizations
- Behavioral therapy
- Dental care
- Acupuncture
- Stem cell therapy
- Prescription medication
- Prescription food
- Microchipping
Preventive Essentials is an optional wellness program offered by Pumpkin Pet Insurance. This add-on assists in the payment of health and wellness expenses such as yearly wellness exam costs, immunizations, fecal examinations, and heartworm and tick disease testing.
What Pumpkin Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Unfortunately, pet insurance providers won’t cover everything. Here are some of the things Pumpkin Pet Insurance doesn’t cover:
- Pre-existing conditions that start before the policy’s effective date
- Dental cleanings
- Experiment procedures or treatments
- Veterinary admin fees or taxes
- Cosmetic surgeries
- Costs related to pregnancy or breeding
- Grooming
- Boarding
- End-of-life care such as urns or burial plots
- Supplements and vitamins
With the exception of knee and ligament disorders, Pumpkin Pet Insurance covers treatable pre-existing diseases. Any new problems will be considered as a new occurrence if your pet has not displayed noticeable symptoms of a treatable pre-existing ailment and has not been treated in the past 180 days.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Pricing
When we compared Pumpkin’s pet insurance premiums to those of other suppliers, we discovered that they are much higher. Consumers can pay less upfront during a claim because all insurance has a 90% reimbursement rate, but the premiums begin at a higher rate.
Choose from three yearly deductibles of $100, $250, or $500, as well as two annual limitations, to set your monthly premium.
- $10,000 or $20,000 for dogs
- $7,000 or $15,000 for cats
Furthermore, the additional preventive care add-on costs $18.95 for dogs and $11.95 for cats every month. Bottom line, Pumpkin Pet Insurance is a great option if you want more coverage than other providers. While premiums are often higher, you get more for your money.Â
Next Up: Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets
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