Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5
ASPCA Pet Insurance stands out in two specific areas: it includes exam fees in the base plan (a charge that Lemonade, Spot, and Figo exclude or require a separate add-on for), and it has no upper age limit for enrollment — making it one of the best options for senior pets. It's underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company and backed by the ASPCA brand, which carries significant consumer trust. Pricing is competitive in the mid-range, and it offers the ability to waive the standard waiting period via a vet exam at enrollment.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage breadth | 4/5 | Includes exam fees; covers hereditary, cancer, dental illness |
| Price / value | 4/5 | Competitive mid-range pricing; exam fee inclusion adds real value |
| Plan flexibility | 4/5 | Wide deductible and limit range; waiting period waivable |
| Claims experience | 3/5 | 5–10 business days; no instant AI claims |
| Wellness add-ons | 4/5 | Basic and Prime wellness plans available |
Best for: Senior pets (no age limit), owners who want exam fees included, military households, multi-pet households (10% per additional pet).
Not ideal for: Budget buyers wanting the absolute lowest base premium (Lemonade or Spot are cheaper); those wanting unlimited annual benefit (ASPCA max is $10,000 standard).
ASPCA Pet Insurance Plans and Pricing
| Setting | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual deductible | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500 | Widest deductible range of any provider |
| Reimbursement rate | 70%, 80%, 90% | — |
| Annual limit | $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 | No unlimited option; $10,000 max |
| Waiting period (accident) | 3 days | Can be waived via vet exam at enrollment |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days | Can be waived via vet exam |
| Waiting period (orthopedic) | 14 days | No extended ortho waiting period |
| Age limit | No upper age limit | Older pets pay more but can enroll at any age |
Sample monthly premiums (2-year-old, mixed breed, mid-size U.S. city, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement, $5,000 limit):
- Domestic shorthair cat: ~$16/month (exam fees included)
- Mixed breed dog (medium): ~$20/month
- German Shepherd (2-year-old): ~$35/month
- Senior cat (10 years): ~$35–$45/month
Exam Fee Coverage: What It's Worth
Every vet visit includes a consultation/exam fee — typically $50–$100 at a regular vet, $150–$250 at an emergency clinic. Most pet insurers (Lemonade, Spot, Figo) exclude this charge from reimbursement in their base plan. ASPCA includes it by default.
For a pet with 3–4 vet visits per year, exam fee inclusion adds $150–$400 in annual reimbursements that competing policies would deny. For senior pets with more frequent visits, this compounds significantly.
Waiting Period Waiver: How to Activate Sooner
ASPCA allows owners to waive the accident and illness waiting period by completing a veterinary wellness exam within 14 days of enrollment. With a clean exam, coverage can begin as early as the exam date — eliminating the standard 3/14-day wait. This is particularly valuable for owners enrolling an older pet who may need medical care soon.
What ASPCA Covers
- Exam fees / consultation charges (included in base plan)
- Accidents and injuries from day 4
- Illnesses from day 15
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
- Cancer — surgery, chemo, radiation, diagnostics
- Dental illness — fractures, resorption, stomatitis, periodontal extraction
- Chronic conditions — diabetes, CKD, epilepsy, allergies
- Prescription medications
- Diagnostic imaging, specialist referrals, hospitalization
- Microchipping (when medically necessary post-injury)
ASPCA Wellness Plans
| Tier | Monthly Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Wellness | $9.95/mo | Annual exam, 1 core vaccine, flea/tick/heartworm prevention — up to $250/yr |
| Prime Wellness | $24.95/mo | Annual exam, multiple vaccines, dental cleaning, spay/neuter benefit, flea/tick — up to $450/yr |
ASPCA Discounts
- Multi-pet: 10% per additional pet (one of the best rates)
- Military/veteran: ~5%
- Annual payment: ~5%
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exam fees included in base plan (rare) | No unlimited annual limit option ($10,000 max) |
| No upper age limit | Mid-range pricing — not the cheapest |
| Waiting period waivable with vet exam | Claims 5–10 days; no instant AI claims |
| Widest deductible range in market ($100–$2,500) | $10,000 max annual limit may be insufficient for catastrophic claims |
| 10% multi-pet discount | No direct vet payment option |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASPCA pet insurance good?
Yes — ASPCA is particularly strong for senior pets, multi-pet households, and military owners. The inclusion of exam fees in the base plan adds genuine ongoing value (typically $150–$400/year depending on visit frequency). The main gap is the $10,000 annual limit cap — for breeds at risk of catastrophic claims (cancer, major orthopedic surgery), Healthy Paws or Pumpkin with higher limits may be more appropriate.
What is the ASPCA pet insurance waiting period?
3 days for accidents, 14 days for illness and orthopedic conditions. The waiting period can be waived by completing a vet wellness exam within 14 days of enrollment — coverage begins from the exam date. This is one of the most accessible waiting period waiver programs among major providers.
Does ASPCA pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. ASPCA applies a 180-day "curable condition" window — conditions that were treated and have been symptom-free for 180 days before your policy's effective date may be considered for coverage. Incurable conditions (cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia) remain excluded.
How much does ASPCA pet insurance cost?
ASPCA starts at approximately $16/month for cats and $20–$31/month for dogs with a $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement, and $5,000 annual limit. At comparable settings, ASPCA is priced slightly above Spot and Lemonade but the exam fee inclusion narrows the effective cost gap.