Frequently Asked Questions

AKC Pet Insurance is administered by PetPartners, Inc. and is a completely separate entity from the American Kennel Club itself. PetPartners has served as the exclusive pet insurance provider of the American Kennel Club since 2003 under the AKC Pet Insurance label. AKC Pet Insurance works closely with the AKC, breeders and dog owners to provide the best quality health protection possible.

A waiting period is a period of time specified in the policy that must pass before some or all of the coverage begins. Waiting periods begin on the effective date of the policy or the effective date of any coverage upgrades. Waiting periods do not apply to your annual renewal as long as there are no gaps in coverage. Waiting periods can vary with some conditions requiring extending waiting periods. Please refer to your Terms and Conditions for details.

Yes, AKC Pet Insurance's Accident & Illness plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period. Coverage includes, but is not limited to the following commonly excluded conditions:

• Allergies

• Urinary tract infections

• Chronic ear infections

• Gastrointestinal issues, and more.

A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury which occurred, reoccurred, existed or showed symptoms, whether or not diagnosed by a veterinarian, prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. Gaps in coverage can also cause a condition to be pre-existing.

Yes. All policies have an annual deductible, meaning you only have to meet your deductible once per policy period. Only expenses covered under your policy will go toward meeting your deductible and reimbursement only begins after your deductible has been met. Most of our plans allow you to choose your own deductible at enrollment. Wellness coverage is not subject to the deductible.

Some our new plans offer coverage for alternative and holistic treatment. At this time, this coverage is not available in all states. Eligible alternative therapies include chiropractic work, acupuncture, herbal therapy, homeopathic treatments. Treatment must be for a covered condition, diagnosed by a veterinarian and recommended by your veterinarian. (Laser therapy, hydrotherapy and physical therapy are not considered alternative treatment and are therefore covered under all plans.)

Our base policies do not cover cremation or burial. However, some our new plans offer an add-on that covers cremation, burial, urns memorials and necropsy (autopsy). This add-on is not currently available in all states.

Some of our new plans offer coverage for behavioral issues, like anxiety, aggression, destructive or compulsive behaviors that are not associated with an underlying medical condition. All diagnostics and treatment must be under the guidance a licensed veterinarian. Currently this coverage is not available in all states.

Yes. We offer two wellness coverage options—Defender and DefenderPlus. Both will reimburse for routine and preventative care like vaccines, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and annual wellness exams. DefenderPlus has additional coverage for spay/neuter or dental cleaning. Wellness coverage has a schedule of benefits, where a set dollar amount is allotted toward each expense per year. Wellness coverage is not subject to deductible of coinsurance.

Inherited is defined as an illness, disease or condition whose presence is determined by genetic factors. Congenital is defined as an illness, disease or condition that was present at or was present from birth. Examples of conditions that could be considered inherited or congenital include heart disease, hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis also fall under this category.

Yes. Coverage for inherited and congenital conditions can be added to the accident and illness base policy as long as the pet is under 2 years of age.

Our base policy does not cover the cost of exam fees; however, we offer optional coverage that can be added on to your base policy. This added coverage allows you to be reimbursed for exam fees at primary care veterinarians, emergency hospitals and specialty clinics, even if no treatment or diagnostics were performed.

Yes. Breeding coverage offers help with unforeseen accidents, illnesses, or complications of breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing.

Coverage is not offered for planned c‐sections, artificial insemination, progesterone tests, or any other elective, wellness, or routine treatment related to breeding. Available in most states. See terms and conditions for complete details regarding coverage, exclusions, and limitations.

None of our base polices cover elective procedures. Some treatments that can considered elective are: dew claw removal, tail docking, ear cropping, and gastropexy when performed as preventive treatment.

Yes. Our base policies cover extractions of broken permanent(adult) teeth due to an accident. You can also add the DefenderPlus coverage to your base policy which includes an annual dental cleaning.

Yes. Cruciate ligament related conditions are covered under our accident and illness policy. However, are subject to a 180-day waiting period. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for details.

No. We do not have breed-specific exclusions. All breeds of dogs and cats have equal availability to coverage and abide by the same rules of the Terms and Conditions.

Yes. As long as you are traveling within the United States or Canada your pet has coverage.

AKC Pet Insurance is administered by PetPartners, Inc, who is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and Independence Pet Insurance Company.