Traveling with your furry friend can be an exciting adventure, but it also adds an extra layer of planning and responsibility. From finding pet-friendly accommodations to ensuring their health and safety during the journey, there’s a lot to think about. One important aspect to consider is whether your pet is insured while traveling.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of pet travel insurance, how it works, and why it’s important for your peace of mind.
What is Pet Travel Insurance?
Pet travel insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect your pet against certain risks during travel, such as injury, loss, or even death. Unlike regular pet insurance, which primarily covers medical expenses, pet travel insurance is more focused on safeguarding pets when they are being transported from one place to another.
This type of insurance can be especially useful when you’re shipping a pet via a third-party company, or if your pet is traveling without you. It typically covers accidents or injuries during transit, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover health problems that occur naturally during travel, nor does it cover long-term issues caused by an accident during the trip.
Common Risks Covered by Pet Travel Insurance
- Motion sickness
- Injuries during transport
- Heatstroke or hypothermia
- Stress-induced health issues
For example, if you’re sending your dog by air, pet travel insurance may help in case your dog suffers from heatstroke or is injured during transit. Always check with the company providing the transport to ensure they offer at least a basic level of pet travel insurance, which can range from $100 to $500 per pet.
Can You Use Regular Pet Insurance When Traveling?
It depends on your pet insurance provider. Most pet insurance policies allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S., but international coverage can be more limited.
Some pet insurance providers offer global coverage, but others are more restricted. Here’s a breakdown of coverage by some top providers:
- Trupanion, Figo, Pets Best: Coverage is available in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
- Fetch and Healthy Paws: Coverage extends to the U.S. and Canada.
- Nationwide: Offers worldwide coverage.
- Bivvy and MetLife Pet Insurance: Coverage is limited to the U.S. only.
Make sure to check with your provider before traveling internationally to ensure that your pet’s health care is covered.
How Does Pet Insurance Work When Traveling?
If your pet insurance covers travel, the process for getting reimbursed for vet bills while on a trip is generally the same as it would be at home:
- Pay for the vet care upfront: When your pet needs medical attention, you’ll typically pay for the service out-of-pocket.
- File a claim: Submit the details of the medical treatment along with your receipt to your insurance provider.
- Get reimbursed: If the treatment is covered under your policy, you’ll be reimbursed based on your plan’s terms (e.g., after meeting your deductible, and according to the reimbursement rate).
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so keep that in mind when seeking treatment during your trip. Additionally, some providers offer extra perks for traveling pets, such as 24/7 pet health hotlines, lost pet passport coverage, and kennel fee coverage in case of quarantine.
Benefits of Travel-Related Pet Insurance
Some insurance providers also offer travel-related benefits, such as:
- Lost or stolen pet passport coverage
- Kennel fees if your pet is quarantined
- Advertising and rewards if your pet is lost or stolen
- Assistance hotlines in case of emergencies
These benefits can make traveling with your pet much easier and safer.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Trip Cancellations Due to Pet Illness?
In some cases, yes. Certain providers, like Trupanion and PetPlan, will cover the cost of canceling or cutting short a trip if your pet falls seriously ill. This could include covering non-refundable travel expenses such as hotel stays or flight tickets.
For example, if you had a trip planned and your dog suddenly needed emergency surgery, your insurance might cover the cost of canceling your plans to take care of your pet.
How Much is Pet Insurance for a Flight?
If you’re sending your pet on a flight (unaccompanied), you cannot purchase pet travel insurance yourself—only businesses that specialize in pet transportation can. However, if you plan to travel with your pet frequently, you might consider a traditional pet insurance policy to cover medical issues that could arise during a flight.
The average cost of pet insurance is around $49.51 per month for dogs and $28.48 per month for cats. While these costs can vary based on your location and the type of coverage you choose, this kind of insurance provides long-term protection. If your pet develops a pre-existing condition, canceling and re-enrolling in a new policy for each trip may not cover related future expenses.
Additionally, if your pet is flying internationally, they may require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, which might also be covered under a wellness plan offered by your pet insurance.
Is Pet Travel Insurance Worth It?
Traveling with a pet brings a host of potential risks that might not occur in everyday life. From injury during traveling to the possibility of illness brought on by stress, pet travel insurance helps cover the unexpected, while regular pet insurance ensures your pet’s long-term health care needs are met, even when you’re away from home.
If you travel frequently or are moving your pet long distances, having the right insurance coverage can bring peace of mind, knowing you’ll be financially protected if something goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
- Pet travel insurance covers injuries or accidents that occur while your pet is being transported, but it does not cover natural health problems.
- Some pet insurance providers extend coverage internationally, but it’s important to confirm the terms with your provider before traveling abroad.
- If your pet gets sick or injured while traveling, your regular pet insurance may help cover vet bills, but be aware of policy exclusions like pre-existing conditions.
- Pet insurance for travel cancellations due to a pet’s illness can be a great additional feature.
- Monthly premiums for regular pet insurance typically range from $28 to $50, which is often cheaper than paying for medical emergencies out-of-pocket.
In short, whether you need pet travel insurance or traditional pet insurance, it’s essential to choose the right coverage for your pet’s specific needs before embarking on your next adventure together. Safe travels!
So that was all about this article. If you have any further questions feel free to comment down below. We are always here to help you!
