AKC rating: 1.9 out of 5 stars

AKC pet insurance can be an attractive option if your pet has preexisting conditions: After 365 days of continuous coverage with AKC, the preexisting conditions can be covered. But AKC's rating in our evaluation was hampered by a lack of robust coverage in the base policy – you have to buy a number of add-ons if you want to build generous coverage. In fact, AKC pet insurance was the only company in our evaluation that does not cover hereditary and congenital conditions in the base policy, which requires a rider for extra cost.

Overall, the average costs were high for the base plan, even before factoring in extra costs for riders.

Learn more: The best pet insurance companies

AKC pet insurance pros and cons

Pros

• Wide range of deductible choices from $100 to $1,000

• Covers alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care

• Breeding coverage available

• Covers emergency ground pet ambulance transportation in emergencies

Cons

• High average cost

• Add-ons required if you want coverage for vet exam fees, hereditary and congenital conditions, behavioral therapy, and more

Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it ?

AKC pet insurance details

AKC pet insurance basics

• Annual maximum limit choices: $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, $25,000, Unlimited

• Deductible choices: $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000

• Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%

AKC waiting periods

• For accident coverage: 2 days

• For illness coverage: 14 days

• Special waiting period: 180 days for cruciate ligament issues and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Learn more: Pet insurance with no waiting period: How it works ?

AKC age restrictions for buying a new policy

• Minimum pet age: None (in most states)

• Maximum pet age: None

What does AKC pet insurance cover?

AKC offers an accident and illness policy, an accident-only policy, and a pet wellness plan.

Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers

AKC's accident and illness policy

AKC's accident and illness base policy includes coverage for:

• X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostics

• Surgery and hospitalization

• Dental accidents

• Chemotherapy, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy

• Alternative therapies

• Prescription drugs

• Pet ambulance transportation

• Prescription pet food if it is the sole treatment for a condition

• Euthanasia

Learn more: Does pet insurance cover separation anxiety in dogs ?

Add-ons to AKC's accident and illness policy

Expect to pay more if you want this extra coverage:

• ExamPlusto cover vet exam fees

• HereditaryPlusto cover hereditary and congenital conditions and chronic conditions like arthritis, and diabetes

• SupportPlusfor certain end-of-life expenses

• BreedingCoveragefor medical expenses related to breeding, pregnancy and whelping, nursing, and emergency c-sections

AKC's accident-only plan

The accident-only plan from AKC covers X-rays, lab tests, medication, surgery, hospitalization, and more when there's an accidental injury. This includes problems such as a broken bone, bite wound, cut, or bee sting.

AKC's pet wellness plan

AKC offers two wellness plan options: Defender and DefenderPlus. Both cover routine care costs, with the more expensive DefenderPlus option providing higher reimbursement levels for treatments.

The Defender and DefenderPlus plans will reimburse you up to specified limits for the following:

• Wellness exam

• Vaccinations and titer testing

• Rabies

• Flea and tick prevention

• Heartworm prevention

• Screening for heartworm and feline leukemia

• Blood, fecal, parasite exam

• Deworming

• Urinalysis or ERD

• Microchipping

DefenderPlus also covers spaying and neutering , and dental cleaning .

Learn more: Why a pet wellness plan is worth considering

Does AKC cover preexisting conditions?

Yes, AKC will cover preexisting conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. A preexisting condition is defined as an illness or injury that occurred, reoccurred, existed, or showed symptoms prior to the start date of coverage or during the waiting period.

Learn more: Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions

Does AKC pet insurance include access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line?

Yes, AKC provides access to a 24/7 vet helpline. The service's licensed veterinarians can answer general questions and offer advice on when to seek medical care for your pet, but they can't diagnose or provide treatment.

What does AKC pet insurance not cover?

AKC pet insurance does not cover expenses such as:

• Anal gland expression

• Boarding and transportation (including non-emergency ambulance)

• Conditions due to racing, organized fighting, and security/law enforcement training

• Congenital and inherited conditions (unless you purchase add-on coverage)

• Cremation and burial (unless you purchase add-on coverage)

• Routine dental care (unless you purchase add-on coverage)

• Elective cosmetic procedures

• Experimental treatments

• Grooming

• Illness or injury from intentional acts

• Illness or injury from war, riots, pandemics, and avian or swine flu

• More than one injury from repetitive behavior, such as swallowing objects

• Pet food

• Preventive care (unless you purchase add-on coverage)

• Weight and obesity treatment, if not due to a medical condition

Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide .

Can I increase or decrease my coverage during the policy term?

AKC does not specify whether you can increase or decrease your coverage. You must contact the company if you want to make a change to your coverage. Changes are subject to underwriting and AKC's approval. Some changes might result in new enrollment, which would reset your waiting period and the 365-day waiting period for treatment of preexisting conditions.

How much does AKC pet insurance cost?

AKC pet insurance costs were very high compared to many competitors in our evaluation.

Learn more: How much does pet insurance cost?

Average pet insurance costs for a $5,000 annual limit

The average AKC pet insurance plan with $5,000 in annual coverage costs $106.05 per month, which is higher than the average across all insurers below.

Learn more: How to compare pet insurance quotes

Average pet insurance costs for unlimited annual coverage

AKC's average monthly cost for an unlimited pet insurance plan is $215.32, which is higher than the average for all insurers below.

Does AKC have a multi-pet discount?

Yes, AKC offers a 5% discount if you insure more than one pet. However, the multi-pet discount isn't available in all states. Most pet insurance companies' multi-pet discounts are 5% or 10%.

Can AKC pet insurance pay the vet directly?

No, you must pay your vet and file a claim to be reimbursed. However, if you expect a large bill, contact AKC ahead of time to ask if it will make a special arrangement to pay your vet directly.

Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly

How to file a claim with AKC

Here's what to know about filing claims with AKC:

• To file a claim: Submit an AKC reimbursement claim form and an itemized invoice from your vet through the online customer portal or by email, mail, or fax.

• To submit claims quickly: Use the online customer portal to submit documents electronically.

• To receive reimbursements faster: Opt to have reimbursements directly deposited into your checking or savings account.

• If a claim is denied: You have the right to appeal.

How long do I have to submit claims to AKC?

You must file claims within 180 days of the date of treatment or receipt of an invoice.

How fast does AKC pay pet insurance claims?

If you submit a claim by email or through your online account, you should receive an immediate notification that your claim was received, according to AKC. You'll receive a notification within one business day after a mailed or faxed claim is received.

Once claims are received, they are assigned to a claims agent within two business days, then payment is typically made within one day if all required documents have been submitted. Payment for claims requiring additional documentation can take up to 30 days.

AKC's mobile app

AKC uses the Pet Cloud app, which is also shared by Figo pet insurance and others. The app allows you to quickly submit claims, store your policy documents and pet's medical records, and get 24/7 access to a vet to ask questions. It can also send you reminders about vet appointments, help you connect with pet owners in your area, and find pet-friendly places and services.

AKC mobile app ratings:

• App store: 4.8 out of 5 stars

• Google Play store: 4.4 out of 5 stars

AKC pet insurance FAQs

Where is AKC pet insurance available?

AKC pet insurance is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Does AKC require an exam?

No, AKC doesn't require a vet exam for enrollment.

How do I contact AKC customer service?

You can contact AKC by phone, email, fax or mail:

• Contact AKC at 1-866-725-2747 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday

• The email address is help@akcpetinsurance.com

• The fax number is 1-919-859-8193

• The mailing address is AKC Pet Insurance c/o PetPartners, P.O. Box 2150, Buffalo, NY 14240-2150

How do I cancel an AKC policy?

You can cancel a policy at any time by calling 1-866-725-2747. You can receive a full refund of your premium if you cancel within 30 days and haven't filed any claims. If you cancel after 30 days, the amount of your refund will be calculated on a daily pro rata basis.

Tim Manni edited this article.

Methodology

We researched the coverage details and prices for 28 pet insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each pet insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best pet insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated.

Coverage types: 40% of score.We examined the coverage provided by the base policy without the extra cost of add-ons. This encompassed coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, dental illness, euthanasia or end-of-life expenses, exotic pets, hereditary and congenital conditions, preexisting conditions, prescription food and supplements, veterinary exam fees, and advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets.

Average cost: 30% of score. We evaluated costs in five states for $5,000 and unlimited coverage for a mixed-breed dog (age 1), a French bulldog (age 5), and a Labrador retriever (age 8).

Unlimited coverage option: 10% of score.We gave points when pet insurers offered an unlimited annual limit (or a $100,000 limit), which gives pet owners the most robust financial protection possible in the event of a catastrophic pet medical issue.

Direct payments to the veterinarian: 5% of score.We gave points to pet insurers that state on their websites that they accommodate direct vet payments.

No special waiting periods for special conditions: 5% of score.We gave points when pet insurers have no waiting periods for special conditions, such as cruciate ligament conditions.

Routine wellness plan: 5% of score.Companies that offer a routine wellness plan in addition to pet insurance received points.

Multi-pet discount: 5% of score.We gave points when pet insurers offered a discount for insuring multiple pets.