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Best Pet Insurance for Heartworm Prevention of 2024

Lisa Scott

Heartworm prevention is a key aspect of preventative care and by having access to the right medications, you can ensure that your pet is getting the medical attention it needs in order to remain healthy. Pet insurance can help pay for preventative care and offset those expensive vet bills. We’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality so you can find the best pet insurance for heartworm prevention.

Super-extensive accident & illness coverage

$20,000

Coverage Up To

90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pumpkin offers high-quality pet insurance plans for cats and dogs as well as an optional non-insurance preventive care plan for vaccinations, key tests and wellness exams, which will help to keep your pet happy and healthy through their life. You can travel with your pet in Canada or the US and can get access from any licensed vet in these countries. The platform is entirely digitized and serves as a one-stop-shop for all your pet's healthcare needs.

Pumpkin will cover up to $20,000 for dogs and $15,000 for cats annually.

What we like

  • Extensive coverage on multiple health issues
  • Optional preventive care plan that reimburses in full for annual wellness exams and vaccines
  • No exclusion on breeds or older pets
  • Offers a Fur Family Discount on multiple pets
  • Healthcare coverage in Canada and the US

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Pumpkin only covers dogs and cats

Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ) and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Paid Endorsement.

Multiple options for wellness plans

$100,000

Coverage Up To

90% - 100%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Wagmo began by providing stand-alone pet wellness coverages. Today, it has expanded its portfolio to include customizable pet insurance coverage.

What we like

  • Customizable policies
  • Variety of wellness plans
  • Fast reimbursements
  • High incident limits
  • Visit a vet of your choice

What we don't

  • 15 day waiting period on accident policy

Affordable prices with a fast reimbursement process

$100,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Lemonade has earned a stellar reputation in the pet insurance industry with its affordable monthly premiums and fast reimbursement of claims with its AI technology. This technology has attracted thousands with its customizable policies and provides comprehensive coverage on illness and accidents to dogs and cats.

What we like

  • Customizable plans so you only pay for coverage that your pet needs
  • Claims are reimbursed in minutes
  • Affordable monthly premiums starting at $10/month
  • Comprehensive wellness plans to keep your pet in good health
  • Pay deductible once per year and not per incident

What we don't

  • Lemonade is only available in 33 states
  • Certain hybrid breeds may be denied

Short waiting periods on accidental coverage

$25,000

Coverage Up To

50% - 100%

Reimbursement

Overview

MetLife Insurance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs and is known for the shortest waiting periods in the industry.

What we like

  • No restriction on breeds and pet age
  • Customizable annual benefit limits
  • Short waiting periods accidental coverage
  • Flexible deductibles from $50 to $2,000
  • No incident limits

What we don't

  • Wellness treatment not included (optional add-on)
  • Pay first out of pocket and reimbursed later

Quick claims process

$10,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Spot will insure older animals and provides a multi-pet discount when you insure two or more pets

What we like

  • Multi-pet discount
  • No upper age limit
  • Quick claims process
  • Fast and simple filing of claims
  • Optional no lifetime limits or caps on payouts

What we don't

  • Customer service limited to weekdays
  • 14 day waiting period

Pre-existing conditions and 6 pets covered for $24/m

$3,000

Coverage Up To

100%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pawp offers pet owners an emergency fund up to but not exceeding $3,000 annually. The platform is different from other traditional pet insurance agencies as it does not require you to provide a medical examination report before enrolling your pet. Whether your pet is healthy or has been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you can still enroll it and access the emergency fund when the need arises.

With no deductibles and low monthly premiums as low as $24, the digital platform will protect your furry friend during an incident and save money from large vet expenses. Although the agency does not provide any limitations on age, it is best to insure your pet while still young and be prepared in advance when an emergency occurs.

What we like

  • Monthly premiums as low as $24
  • Allows coverage on 6 pets for $24 a month
  • Allows enrollment of pets with pre-existing conditions
  • 24/7 unlimited access to Pawp’s virtual vet doctors

What we don't

  • Coverage is restricted to healthcare emergencies only
  • Does not offer wellness coverage
  • Emergency funds can be accessed only once per year

Provides holistic therapy coverage

$15,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Fetch covers various conditions and offers holistic therapy coverage.

What we like

  • Covers examination fee during vet visits
  • Holistic therapy coverage
  • Comprehensive dental coverage
  • No penalty for multiple claims
  • No upper age limit for the pets

What we don't

  • Offers a single plan
  • No preventive care plans
  • No multi-pet discount

No age limit on pets - older dogs and cats are covered

Unlimited

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Prudent pet has excellent coverage for your pet regardless of their age. The insurer can customize your plan from illnesses, medications, accidents to preventive care that will fit your pet's needs and financial situation. This plan will give you peace of mind that you won't break the bank with unlimited coverage if an emergency occurs since treatments tend to be more expensive for older pets.

What we like

  • Older cats and dogs are covered
  • Customize your plan to fit your pet's needs and financial situation
  • Customers from US can get covered in Canada as well
  • Unlimited live vet chat if an issue occurs with your pet
  • 10% multiple pets discount

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Wellness add-ons can get expensive

Is pet insurance worth it for heartworm prevention?

Heartworms are parasitic worms that can infect cats and dogs through mosquito bites. For mosquitos that carry heartworm larvae, the bite transfers the larvae over to the pet, where they mature into adults. Here, they will continue to reproduce and mature, causing a widespread infection that largely takes place in the heart, lungs, and veins. Over time, the infection can progress, causing serious damage to the affected organs that result in organ damage or failure, leading to death.

Wherever mosquitos are active, there is a risk that your pet could be affected by heartworm. Often, it can be difficult to recognize the early signs of heartworm, preventing you from getting your pet the treatment they need earlier. Once the disease has progressed, treatment can become extremely expensive and invasive.

One of the best defenses for heartworm in your pet is heartworm preventative medication. This greatly reduces your pet’s risk of contracting the deadly disease. With medication and routine care, you can work to minimize your pet’s risk of contracting heartworm, contributing to overall better health for your pet.

By getting pet insurance for your animal from a young age, you can ensure your pet is getting routine care while also securing affordable treatments with your coverage.

What does pet insurance cover for heartworm prevention?

Insurance plans can differ by provider when it comes to the specific treatments and care options you are seeking for your pet. That being said, many cover a variety of medical treatments such as:

  • Medication costs: Some plans will cover partial medication costs while others will cover total costs to treat your pet for various illnesses and ailments.
  • Diagnostic tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostics are often covered under pet insurance plans. To diagnose heartworm, a blood test is required.
  • Vaccinations and other treatments: Vaccines and other injections your pet may need are often covered by most pet insurance plans.

Most insurance providers also offer add-on options for your existing pet insurance plan, so you can access wellness and routine care. Typically, this includes wellness check-ups at the veterinary clinic, which will also allow you to arrange regular appointments with the veterinarian. Moreover, it will allow you to keep your pet’s health up to date and to keep heartworm preventative care treatment in check, including medication refills.

It is important to note that most pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. Therefore, if your pet has already been diagnosed with heartworm, your pet may not be eligible for coverage related to this condition.

How are pet insurance premiums determined for heartworm preventative care?

Insurance premiums for heartworm prevention and other preventative care can vary depending on the type of insurance coverage you’re seeking. A variety of factors can also come into play when determining your monthly premium such as:

  • Age: The older your pet is, the more expensive your monthly premium will be.
  • Type of pet: The type of pet you have will determine your premium. Monthly premiums can vary for dogs, cats, or any other type of animal.
  • Breed: Specific breeds of animals are more susceptible to certain illnesses and ailments, including heartworm. Breeds that are more likely to get serious health issues will likely have a higher monthly premium.
  • Coverage details: If you are opting for treatment coverage for illnesses and injuries, and looking to add on wellness coverage, your monthly premium is likely to be higher. Wellness coverage allows for a more holistic and preventative approach against heartworm so it’s a useful add-on to your basic plan.

How to choose the best pet insurance plan for heartworm prevention

There are plenty of plans available to help your pet avoid heartworm disease, and for keeping up with their overall health. To help you make a decision, keep these key factors in mind:

  • Consider your pet’s needs: You will want to consider what your pet really needs when it comes to finding the right coverage. If your pet spends a lot of time outside, you may want to look for a plan that consists of regular routine care so your pet can avoid heartworm, rather than a plan that only focuses on treatment.
  • Ensure your pet is covered: Some insurance plans have constraints related to a pet’s age, breed, and species. Be sure that your pet is covered completely before pursuing a plan.
  • Compare plan coverage options: Different plans offer different types of coverage such as illness-only, injury-only, or wellness care. Take a look at what each has to offer and compare their coverage types, as well as monthly premium expectations, reimbursement options, and deductibles.
  • Read customer reviews: See what customers have to say about an insurance provider you are considering. Take a look at how the insurer processes claims and handles inquiries from customers.

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