Alaska is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. The Last Frontier, as it’s commonly called, is home to an abundance of wildlife, and it’s a beautiful place for fur babies to roam. That said, it can also be dangerous due to rugged terrain and dangerous animals. Let us get to our point: if you’re a pet owner and live in Alaska, it’s wise to have some type of pet insurance.
Life is full of unknowns, and if you live in this beautiful state, you may find yourself at an emergency vet because your pet was attacked by a wild animal.1 Dogs and cats are natural hunters, and it’s in their blood to stalk, track, chase, or even kill another animal, making pet insurance in this state warranted. In this guide, we’ll walk you through pet insurance reviews in Alaska so that you have the information you need to get started on your search. We’ll explain how each plan works and the pros and cons, respectively.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners in 2024
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Best Overall
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Figo |
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Best Value
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Wagmo |
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Spot |
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Fetch |
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Healthy Paws |
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The 10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in Alaska
1. Figo – Best Overall
Figo is an affordable option for dog and cat insurance due to only offering an accident and illness plan; however, you can add preventative care for an extra fee. The wellness package covers vaccines and exam fees, and you can “power up” for dental coverage. Dental coverage, however, does not include cleanings, but it will cover dental fees if caused by an injury or illness. Figo also has no age limit or caps for coverage, and you can choose between $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited annual benefits.
An outstanding perk is their 1-day waiting period for accident coverage, which is the shortest we’ve seen. Another excellent perk is their 100% reimbursement rate, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find that with any other pet insurance.
Figo is affordable for residents of Alaska; you’ll pay roughly $28 per month for a dog and roughly $14 per month for a cat. Claims take only 2–3 days to process, and they have access to a veterinarian 24/7 via a hotline. Orthopedic conditions will be covered after the 6-month waiting period.
Another standout feature is their Figo Pet Cloud app that allows you to connect with other pet owners, talk with veterinarians, schedule play dates, and more. With the excellent perks, this company is our pick for the best overall pet insurance for residents of Alaska.
2. Wagmo – Best Value
Wagmo pet insurance offers three affordable plans. The most popular is the classic plan which only costs roughly $36 a month and covers one routine exam, three vaccines, blood work, grooming, flea and tick medications, and heartworm medication. Diagnostic testing, hospitalizations, ER visits, orthopedics, and hereditary and congenital conditions are covered.
Wagmo also offers a value plan that costs roughly $20 a month that covers the same as the classic plan with the exception of grooming services, flea and tick medication, and heartworm medication. The deluxe plan will run you around $59 per month, which covers an additional two routine wellness visits, four vaccines per year, and dental coverage. There is a 15-day waiting period for coverage.
Drawbacks are they cover cancer treatments, but there is a 30-day waiting period, and they only cover hip dysplasia in pets under 6 years of age.1 They also have a lifetime limit of $100,000. You can choose a deductible of $250, $500, or $1,000, and you’ll receive a 10% discount for multiple pets. You also receive 15% off each year no claims are filed.
This insurance is affordable and covers a slew of accidents, illnesses, and routine exams for the best value.
3. Spot
With Spot pet insurance, you can choose between five deductibles that range from $100–$500, and you can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Spot is one of the most expensive pet insurance companies, but they cover a vast amount of health conditions and offer a 10% discount for multiple pets.
The accident and illness policy covers behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, alternative therapy, and chronic conditions. You have a choice of two preventative care packages: the Gold package and the Premium package. Both packages cover dental cleanings, wellness exams, heartworm medication, and deworming. The Gold package costs an extra $9.95 per month. However, if you opt for the Premium package, that will cost an additional $24.95 per month, but it includes fecal tests, blood tests, urinalyses, and a health certificate.
There is no age limit for coverage, but they have no 24/7 hotline. There is also a 14-day waiting period for coverage. They do not cover knee or ligament conditions, but they cover curable pre-existing conditions, as long as there have been 6 months of no treatments or symptoms. End-of-life expenses are covered, but there is a $2 transaction fee if not paid annually.
4. Fetch
You might have seen cute videos of animals’ stories from the Dodo, a famous animal brand on social media. Now, you can buy pet insurance from Fetch by The Dodo. Fetch is a comprehensive pet insurance for cats and dogs that does not increase prices based on breed, sex, or age.
Fetch offers one simple plan that covers a slew of conditions and illnesses without certain exclusions like most pet insurance companies, including exam fees. However, with no option to add preventative care, you’re responsible for routine checkups, vaccines, and blood work.
You can customize your deductible and reimbursement rates, and you don’t have to worry about getting add-ons for additional coverage. They cover sick visits completely, including the exam fees, which can save you up to $250 per visit. They also cover any tooth due to injury or disease and not just the canines like some pet insurance companies.
What sets Fetch apart is they cover pet boarding fees if you end up hospitalized for 4 days or more; we haven’t found any pet insurance company with this perk. They will cover up to $1,000 per year in boarding fees. Claims are processed fast with a 2-day direct deposit time frame, but there is a waiting period of 15 days. There is a 6-month waiting period for knee and ligament treatment, but if you take your pet to a vet within the first 30 days of your policy, you can waive this time period if the vet determines the condition is not pre-existing.
5. Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws makes it easy to choose a plan because they only have an accident and illness plan that’s easy to understand. This plan covers accidents and illnesses, including injuries, emergency care, genetic conditions, cancer, and alternative care.2 They cover diagnostics, hospitalizations, prescriptions, testing, procedures, and surgeries. You don’t have to worry about reaching a maximum annual limit because there are no lifetime caps, regardless of the number of incidents. Claims are processed in 2 days, and their customer service is stellar.
Healthy Paws does have a few drawbacks. They do not offer add-on coverage for preventative care, which means you’re responsible for wellness exams, blood work, and vaccines. They also have exclusions, such as spay/neuter, pre-existing conditions (standard with any pet insurance), and exam fees. There is a 1-year waiting period for hip dysplasia, which is longer than the standard 6-month waiting period, and they do not offer discounts.
Even with these drawbacks, coverage is affordable and customizable as far as deductible and reimbursement rates. They also donate to a homeless pet’s care with each free quote.
6. ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) covers dogs, cats, and horses. A perk with this pet insurance is you don’t have to add preventative coverage for exam fees to be covered. However, they offer an accident-only plan that is more affordable, but you can select complete coverage if necessary. Complete coverage covers chronic conditions, medicine, prescriptions, hereditary conditions, supplements, prescription food, alternative therapies, and microchipping.
They have a 14-day waiting period for coverage, and claims can take as long as 30 days to process, which is quite lengthy compared to its competitors, but you can file claims conveniently through the website.
You don’t have to worry about an age limit, and they offer a 10% for multiple pets. Preventative care coverage will cost an extra $9.95 per month.
7. Embrace
Embrace pet insurance covers a wide array of conditions and illnesses. As with all other pet insurance, they do not cover pre-existing conditions, but they have a comprehensive list of what they do cover. However, a perk with this company is they review the last 24 months of your pet’s medical records as opposed to 12 months like most other companies, which means pre-existing conditions will be covered sooner.
You can customize your deductible in a variety of 10 different ways, and with each year you don’t file a claim, you will receive a $50 credit that goes toward your deductible. For instance, if you have $500, that amount will go down to $450 for the following year.
Military and veterans receive a 5% discount, and multiple pet households receive a 10% discount. You also have the option of paying your premiums monthly or annually.
This company offers a Wellness Rewards program that pays for grooming services. However, pregnancies, breeding, and cosmetic procedures are excluded. There is a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, a 2-day waiting period for accidents, and a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. One drawback is they have a cut-off at the age of 14 for enrollment, so you may need to look elsewhere if you have a senior pet. They have a 24/7 hotline, and you can file claims through the website with a 10–15-day timeframe for reimbursement.
8. Pawp
Pawp is different from any pet insurance company on our list, and we thought it was worth mentioning. For pet parents on a budget but want some type of coverage, Pawp may be the best and most affordable option for you and your fur baby.
By becoming a member, you have access to a licensed veterinarian 24/7 for video calls or chats in case of life-threatening emergencies, such as toxic ingestion, difficulty breathing, and blockages. You don’t have to worry about copays or deductibles, and you can get coverage for up to six pets of any breed or age for only $24 per month. Pawp is more or less an emergency fund for your pet, which provides up to $3,000 per year. How it works is if the veterinarian you have a video call with concludes your pet should be seen, he/she will recommend taking your pet to your vet, where you can be reimbursed up to $3,000.
A unique feature about Pawp is pre-existing conditions are covered in the event of an emergency. There is a 14-day waiting period from the time you become a member before coverage begins, and you must take your pet to your vet upon recommendation by the virtual vet within 8 hours of the video call.
You can also do a video call regarding behavioral issues, nutrition, and general health issues. Another perk is you don’t have to file claims to be reimbursed.
Pawp is not ideal for those seeking complete coverage, but for those that want coverage for emergency-type situations, you can’t go wrong with Pawp, especially if your pet has a pre-existing condition. You can also cancel at any time.
9. Hartville
Hartville pet insurance offers complete coverage but with a $10,000 payout cap. One perk is it covers exam fees, which some do not, even without preventative coverage. You can choose a deductible of $100, $250, or $500, and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Another nice perk is they offer an accident-only plan, which will also cover exam fees. The preventative coverage plan covers dental cleanings and vaccines, which is yet another nice incentive.
You can choose between a $5,000 annual limit up to unlimited, and there is no age limit for enrollment. There is also no increase in rates or a decline in coverage as your pet ages. They have the standard 14-day waiting period, and they do not cover breeding, cosmetic procedures, or grooming services. A downfall is they charge a $2 transaction fee with your monthly premium.
10. Prudent Pet
Prudent Pet has three plans to choose from: Accident-Only, Essential, and Ultimate. All plans offer customizable deductibles and reimbursement rates, with the Essential plan being the most popular. This plan covers accidents and illness and has an annual benefit of $10,000. A downfall is if you want exam fees covered, you’ll have to opt for the veterinary exam fee coverage for an extra charge. You can add preventative care to any of the three plans you choose.
Dental treatment will only be covered if the pet parent has taken the necessary precautions, such as keeping up with cleanings. It does not cover dental cleanings; it only covers extractions or some other injury. The waiting periods are 5 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for knee and ligament coverage.
The accident-only plan is by far the cheapest, but if you’re looking for more coverage, you may be looking at roughly $76 per month for accident and illness and up to $100 for unlimited coverage. Bear in mind that choosing a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate drops the price significantly.
A pre-existing condition has to be healed and symptom/treatment free for a year before being covered, but they have quick reimbursement, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Pet Insurance Provider in Alaska
What to Look for in Pet Insurance
Shopping for pet insurance may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to look for in a plan. Few factors can influence your decision, such as preventative care options, policy customization, and age limit enrollments. Below you will find more information about what to look for.
Policy Coverage
The type of policy coverage you’ll need depends on your pet’s age, breed, and overall health condition. It’s advisable to get coverage sooner rather than later to ensure your pet has coverage before a pre-existing condition arises.
It’s hard to find a pet insurance company that will cover dental cleanings, making keeping up with dental hygiene important. However, most will cover dental treatment due to an injury or illness, although some companies will not cover dental treatment if dental hygiene has not been kept in check.
Preventative care is mostly covered if you purchase an add-on to your existing policy, and that will cost extra per month. The price usually ranges from $9.95 per month to $24.95 per month. Not having preventative care means you’ll be responsible for routine checkups, vaccines, and blood work.
Customer Service & Reputation
Reading reviews about a company you’re interested in will give you a good idea of how the company itself operates. For example, pay attention to how long it takes to get reimbursed for services, as some companies have a quicker turnaround than others.
Some companies offer a 24/7 hotline where you can speak to a licensed veterinarian in the event of an emergency or other concern. The ease of submitting claims is another factor you’ll want to review. Some have their own apps, and some have access to submit claims from the website. The friendliness of the staff is another important factor, as well as the company’s reputation.
Claim Repayment
Every company operates differently when it comes to reimbursements. Some will send a direct deposit to your bank account, and some will pay your veterinarian directly. Most times, you’ll pay for services rendered, but you’ll be reimbursed once the claim is processed. The timeframe will differ; some companies will reimburse quicker than others. Ensure you understand your policy’s reimbursement protocol to avoid future headaches.
Price Of Policy
Every pet insurance company has its own rates, and a few factors influence the cost. Some companies charge more for older pets, as they require more healthcare, while younger pets are cheaper to cover.
Most companies offer accident-only coverage for those on a budget, but keep in mind that these plans do not cover illnesses. For Alaska residents, accident-only policies come in handy due to the abundance of wildlife in the state, and that type of policy may be all you need.
Accident and illness policies will cost a bit more, and if you can swing it, it’s worth having both accidents and illnesses covered to avoid costly vet bills.
Plan Customization
Luckily, you have options to customize your policy; however, if you want one simple plan, you can find that with companies like Fetch, Healthy Paws, and Pawp.
For altering your monthly premium, you can adjust your deductible and reimbursement rates with most companies, and in doing so, you can adjust the plan to fit your budget. A rule of thumb is the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium will be, but you’ll have to spend more to reach the deductible for the insurance to pay. A lower reimbursement rate will also lower your monthly premium. For the most coverage (and if it fits your budget), opt for a middle-of-the-road deductible with a high reimbursement rate.
FAQ
Can I Get Pet Insurance Outside the U.S.?
Most companies offer coverage in both the U.S. and Canada. For people who travel with their pets, Embrace pet insurance offers travel insurance for your pet.
What If My Insurance Company Is Not Listed in Your Reviews?
Just because an insurance company is not in our review does not mean these are the only companies worth checking out. Do your research with any company you’re contemplating, and call and ask questions if so inclined. Most companies do a good job explaining every aspect of the company and what they cover.
Which Pet Insurance Provider Has the Best Consumer Reviews?
From our research, Figo seems to get the best overall consumer reviews. Claims are processed within 2–3 days and offer one simple plan with the option of adding on a wellness package. They have the shortest waiting period of 1 day, and the customer service is extremely helpful and friendly. They also have a 100% reimbursement rate, which is hard to find.
What Is the Best and Most Affordable Pet Insurance?
Figo wins again in this department. For Alaskans, you can expect to pay roughly $44 monthly at a 70% reimbursement rate with a $1,000 deductible for a dog and roughly $17 monthly with those same customized options. Figo has a comprehensive list of what they cover for the money, and there is no age limit for enrollment.
What the Users Say
Generally, pet parents are happy with their pet insurance plan. One snag that seems to be the most talked about is not covering pre-existing conditions. No pet insurance covers pre-existing, and the snags come from the company determining a condition as pre-existing and denying the claim. While no company covers pre-existing, some have different protocols regarding this subject. Ensure you understand the policy before committing.
Many pet parents love the quick turnaround for reimbursements, while others state it takes approximately a month to receive payment. Ensure you’re aware of the company’s claim processing rate so that you know what to expect for repayment.
Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
Essentially, you know your pet the best. As we’ve mentioned, it’s best to get coverage as soon as possible. The reason is some companies have age limits, and some increase the rates the older the pet gets.
Most companies cover dogs and cats, but your choices are limited if you have an exotic animal. ASPCA covers horses, and Nationwide covers exotic animals; if you fall into this category, these two companies are your best bet for coverage.
Look for companies that do not increase rates with age and have no age limits. For basic coverage, look for a company that offers a straightforward plan without having to figure out the best-customized plan; on the flip side, if you want to customize your plan, ensure the company has those options.
In Conclusion
Pet insurance can drastically cut down on vet bills. A trip to the vet can be very expensive, and having peace of mind takes a load off. Most companies allow you to customize your policy to fit your budget, and all that we’ve seen allow you to see any licensed vet within the locations covered. Ensure you understand the policy thoroughly, including the rates, protocols, and caps. In the end, having pet insurance can save you financial hardships down the road.
See also:
- 10 Best Pet Insurance Providers In Florida
- 10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in Maine: Reviews & Comparisons
Featured Image Credit: Viktor Gladkov, Shutterstock
