Table of Contents
- Most pet insurance can be canceled at any time, provided you follow the rules outlined in your policy
- To cancel your policy, most providers require a cancellation request to be submitted
- Depending on your insurance provider, cancellation requests may be done by writing an email or filling out a form, or they may be done verbally by speaking with a representative
- There are some considerations pet owners should make before deciding to cancel their pet’s policy, as future coverage can be impacted
Canceling Pet Insurance
The pet insurance market is vast and growing, with new policies and providers being added all the time. Sometimes pet owners decide their current policy is no longer working for them. Whether that be because they are seeking different coverage, better benefits, or their monthly premium no longer fits their budget. Regardless of the reason, once a pet owner has decided to cancel their pet’s insurance policy, there are steps that must be followed.
Each pet insurance provider has different rules, requirements, and refund policies when it comes to canceling an insurance plan. Some require that an email be written, a form be filled out, or that you speak to a representative. There may also be specific timeframes (outlined in your terms and conditions) of when a cancellation will take effect.
How To Cancel Your Pet Insurance Plan
Here’s a look at how to start a cancellation request with some of the top pet insurance providers.
- ASPCA – Cancellation requests must be submitted via written email to: [email protected]
- Embrace – Cancellation requests may be done verbally by phone at: 1-800-511-9172, or by written email to: [email protected]
- Figo – Cancellation requests must be submitted via written email to: [email protected]
- Fetch – Cancellation requests must be done verbally by phone at:1-866-467-3875
- Healthy Paws – Cancellation requests may be done verbally by phone at: 1-855-898-8991, or via written request sent by mail, fax, or email at: [email protected]
- Lemonade – Policies must be canceled through the Lemonade App. A series of prompts will take customers through the cancellation process by filling out some online forms
- ManyPets – Cancellation requests may be done verbally by phone at: 1-888-978-5291, or by written email to: [email protected]
- Pets Best – Cancellation requests must be completed by filling out an online form on the Pets Best website
- Pumpkin – Cancellation requests may be done verbally by phone at: 1-866-273-6369, or by written email to: [email protected]
- Spot – Cancellation requests must be done verbally by phone at: 1-800-905-1595
- Trupanion – Cancellation requests must be done verbally by phone at: 1-888-733-2685
the best rates on pet insurance
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Can You Cancel Pet Insurance At Any Time?
Most pet insurance policies allow you to cancel at any time. Depending on the terms of your provider, the policy may be terminated right away, or there may be a waiting period while they process your request. Typically, your policy will be inactivated by the end of the month in which you requested cancellation. Once your cancellation request is processed, any refunds that are due will then be issued.
Pet Insurance Cancellation Refund Policies
Most major pet insurance providers offer a 14 to 30-day money-back guarantee, this is known as a “cooling-off period.” If a new policy is canceled within 30 days and no claims have been made, a full refund will be issued. If claims have been made (and paid out), you may only receive a partial refund or no refund at all. This will all depend on the individual costs of any premiums you have paid and any reimbursements you may have received.
When canceling an established policy, your premiums may or may not be refunded. This will depend on whether payments were made annually or monthly, previous claims, and where you are on the policy schedule. For example, if you pay monthly premiums and cancel your insurance, you’ll likely not receive a refund. However, if you pay annual premiums and cancel, you’ll likely be issued a partial refund. The amount will be calculated based on previous claims and how many months were left on the policy.
Since rules and regulations can vary by state, it’s always best to review the refund policy on your specific pet insurance plan. Providers in some states may also deduct processing or administrative fees for filing paperwork to cancel your plan.
Things To Consider Before Canceling Your Pet Insurance
Before canceling your pet insurance policy, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on future insurance eligibility for your pet. This is especially important if you’ve had your policy for a while, your pet is of a certain age, and/or your pet has been treated for certain health conditions.
Pre-existing Conditions Coverage
No pet insurance policy will cover pre-existing conditions. These are any health conditions your pet had before enrolling in a new insurance plan. Potential symptoms of a condition, even if not yet diagnosed, could be enough to have it excluded from coverage. For example, a pet with a recent history of limping could have future claims denied for orthopedic surgery.
When switching from one pet insurance policy to another, the new provider will screen for any pre-existing conditions (by way of medical record review and/or veterinary exam). If your pet was being treated for an illness or injury under your previous insurance policy, that coverage will very likely not carry over.
If you are canceling your current pet insurance, intending to switch over to another, you’ll want to carefully review your pet’s medical history. It’s important to understand what will and won’t be covered under the new plan.
New Waiting Periods
When switching from one pet insurance policy to another, you’re essentially “resetting the clock” on your pet’s coverage. This means all new waiting periods.
Waiting periods among pet insurance companies vary greatly, not only by plan but by ailment. Many providers offer a short waiting period for accidents, typically 2 to 5 days, and a longer waiting period for illnesses, typically 14 to 30 days. There are also condition-specific waiting periods that tend to range from 6 to 12 months. These usually apply to orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament injuries.
Because of this, some pet owners choose to overlap coverage, essentially enrolling their pet in a new plan before canceling the old plan. Some providers do offer special introductory offers with waived waiting periods when switching from another provider but they may require a veterinary exam right away.
Higher Premiums
If your current pet insurance policy was obtained while your pet was a puppy or kitten, it’s likely you have what’s considered a “good premium.” Even as your pet ages and premiums go up, those who insure their pets from a young age often have better premiums. There are also pet insurance companies, like Trupanion, that don’t raise premiums with age.
When choosing to switch insurance companies, it’s important to understand that you may not find the same rates as you once had. Especially when it comes to older pets, you may end up with higher premiums and less overall coverage due to age and pre-existing conditions.
Financing Your Pet’s Medical Care
If you’re planning to cancel your pet’s insurance and not switch to another, it’s important to consider how you’ll finance your pet’s future medical care. Some pet owners make this decision because they feel their pet doesn’t “need” insurance, although they can end up needing it later. Others cancel due to financial hardship or rising premiums that no longer fit their budget. Regardless of the reason for canceling insurance, many pet owners will find themselves faced with large unexpected veterinary bills at some point during their pet’s life.
Unfortunately, pet emergencies can happen at any time and they can incur medical bills in the thousands. Even healthy pets can come down with an illness seemingly out of nowhere or end up having an accidental injury. Around one out of three pets will need emergency care every year. If pet insurance is not an option, pet owners should plan ahead for how they may finance their pet’s care in an emergency. This could be by way of a special savings account, credit card, or veterinary financing option like Care Credit.
If savings and credit options are impractical for your financial situation, it’s a good idea to scope out local low-cost veterinary clinic options in your area. Sometimes these may be run by your local Humane Society or other animal charities. While these types of clinics may not be able to treat everything, they may be able to save you money on preventative care and some injuries and illnesses.
Alternatives To Canceling Your Pet Insurance Policy
Pet insurance is a valuable lifeline should your pet end up ill or injured. Unfortunately, veterinary medicine is not subsidized or funded in any of the same ways as human medicine. Therefore, it is necessary for pet owners to pay upfront for their pet’s care. In an emergency, this can mean having to come up with large sums. Having pet insurance can mean the difference between being able to afford a costly treatment or not. There are alternatives to canceling your pet insurance policy, depending on your reason.
Ways To Save Money On Your Pet Insurance
If you’re considering canceling your pet insurance to save money, there are ways you can lower your premiums or find more affordable plans. Start by contacting your pet insurance company. An agent can walk you through the process and help find ways to lower your premiums. Depending on your plan, this may be accomplished by switching to a higher deductible, lowering your reimbursement percentage rate, or dropping an add-on, if you have any.
Another way to save is by inquiring about special promotions or discounts. Many pet insurance providers offer discounts when you insure multiple pets, bundle with other services like home or auto (only available with certain providers), or have served in the military. Some also offer promotions for pet products and services which may help you save on other aspects of your pet’s care.
You may also want to consider switching to a different plan with the same provider. Many pet insurance providers offer several plans to choose from. Often there will be a more affordable version in the bunch. By switching to a new plan with the same provider, you can avoid some of the risks of losing coverage or having pre-existing conditions excluded that come along with switching to another provider.
Shopping Around For Better Coverage
If you’re considering canceling your pet insurance policy because you’re unhappy with the coverage or service, there are plenty of others on the market to choose from. It’s best to shop around and get customized quotes to be able to examine all of your options.
In some situations, switching to another provider may save you money and provide better coverage, while others may not. It all depends on the status of your current plan and the age and medical history of your pet. If your pet is older or has pre-existing conditions, you may run into higher premiums and reduced coverage. If you have a young, healthy pet, you may find better premiums and coverage to choose from.
the best rates on pet insurance
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Final Takeaways On Canceling Pet Insurance
Once you’ve decided to cancel your pet insurance, just be sure to follow the cancellation policy of your individual provider. This should be stated in your plan’s terms and conditions. If you’re planning to switch to another provider, it’s best to have that lined up ahead of time, so your pet doesn’t go too long without coverage.
Finally, if you’re on the fence about getting another plan or reducing coverage, just remember that some coverage is often better than none. Shop around, look for discounts and other ways to save, and talk to some insurance agents. They may be able to help you find the right plan, at the right place!
Will I Get A Refund If I Cancel My Pet Insurance?
This depends on your insurance provider and the terms of your policy. Some insurers may offer a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your premium, especially if you’ve paid upfront for the year, while others might not offer refunds. Check your policy details or contact your insurer for accurate information.
How Do I Cancel My Pet Insurance Policy?
The process varies by insurer, but typically, you can cancel by contacting the customer service department via phone, email, or sometimes through an online portal. They might require written notice or a specific form to be filled out. Always confirm the process with your insurer to ensure proper cancellation.
Are There Any Penalties For Cancelling My Pet Insurance?
Some insurers might charge a cancellation fee or have terms that prevent a refund if you cancel after a certain period. It’s crucial to read your policy’s fine print or consult your insurance provider to understand any potential penalties or fees associated with cancellation.
Find out more
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Determine if pet insurance is a good investment for you.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Understanding the financial aspects of pet insurance.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – A guide to help you choose the right insurer.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations? – Coverage details for vaccines and preventive care.
- Are Wellness Plans Worth It? – Assessing the value of adding a wellness plan.
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review – Insights into the coverage offered by Healthy Paws.
- Pets Best Review – Evaluating the services provided by Pets Best.
- Spot Review – Understanding what Spot Insurance has to offer.
