Who’s the Best Pet Insurance Provider? Comparing AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade
Looking for pet insurance coverage, but not sure what brand to pick? We compare coverage, costs, and customer service offered by AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade.
Americans are spending money on pet insurance. Nearly $2.6 billion in 2022 to be exact. With 70% of American households owning pets, it’s no wonder that the popularity of pet insurance has grown year-over-year. But, how do you know which pet insurance provider is going to best meet the needs of your pet? We’ve done the pet-insurance research so you don’t have to. Here’s everything provided by AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade Pet Insurance.
Company Information
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a world-renowned kennel club, as well as the first in the United States, and AKC Pet Insurance (AKCPI) is their exclusive pet-insurance partner.
Based out of Raleigh, N.C., AKCPI is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and administered by PetPartners, Inc., and has been providing world-class pet insurance in the United States since 2003.
Lemonade Pet Insurance provides pet insurance to 37 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. and differentiates itself by being mobile first and using bots and machine learning artificial intelligence (A.I.) for sign-up, claims processing, and customer service to reduce the need for paperwork.
Top Unique Features of AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade
Just like humans, pets may experience medical issues that have long-term implications on their health. AKC Pet Insurance is unique in offering coverage for your pet’s pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage1. Lemonade does not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, which includes conditions that were diagnosed prior to coverage or showed symptoms prior to your plan’s coverage or during waiting periods.
You never know when a medical emergency will strike, and you should rest easy knowing you can get medical attention for your pet whenever you need it. You can use the 24/7 Vet Helpline via phone and chat with the base plan through AKC Pet Insurance, so you can talk to veterinary professionals for advice and guidance on your pet’s health. It’s a great way to gauge whether you need to rush to an emergency vet immediately.
Though Lemonade Pet Insurance does not offer 24/7 access to vet professionals, they are part of the Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC group of companies, so they provide multiple insurance offerings. If you enroll in their auto, homeowners, renters, or life insurance along with your pet insurance plan, you are eligible for a 10% discount on your policies.
Lemonade also supports many charitable organizations. They are a Public Benefit Corporation and a Certified B-Corp and give unused premiums to nonprofits annually. Plan holders can select the nonprofit they would like to support, and Lemonade will make a donation during their annual Giveback.
Coverage Comparison: AKC Pet Insurance vs. Lemonade
AKC Pet Insurance offers the Accident and Illness Plan for cats and dogs. While the base plan is very robust, you may want to customize your pet’s coverage with add-on packages for a small addition to your premium, including Breeding Coverage, Exam Coverage, Final Respects Coverage, Hereditary Condition Coverage, and Wellness Options.
Similarly, Lemonade Pet Insurance offers their base package with customizable add-on options for an additional fee for each add on, including Vet Visits, Physical Therapy, Dental Illness, Behavioral Conditions, and Remembrance.
AKC Pet Insurance is available in all 50 states and has coverage options for pets of all ages and health conditions without an initial pet exam required. Lemonade Pet Insurance does not currently provide coverage to all 50 U.S. states, so you’ll want to check if it is available in your state. Additionally, you will need to provide all health records for the last 12 and a half months, as well as get a preliminary vet exam prior to enrollment.
AKC Pet Insurance | Lemonade Pet Insurance | |
Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered after 365 days of continuous coverage1 | Not Covered |
24/7 Vet Helpline | Included | Not Provided |
Cancer | Covered | Covered |
Diagnostics | Covered | Covered |
Physical Therapy | Covered | Covered with Add-on |
Wellness Exam Fees | Covered with Add-on | Limited Coverage with Add-on |
Exam Fees | Covered with Add-on | Covered with Add-on Only in the Event of an Accident or Illness |
Wellness and Prevention Care | Covered with Add-on | Limited Coverage with Add-on |
Microchipping | Covered with Add-on | Only Covered with Add-on for Pets Under 2-Years Old |
Spay/Neuter | Covered with Add-on | Only Covered with Add-on for Pets under 2-Years Old |
Vaccinations | Covered with Add-on | Covered with Add-on, But Limited to 6 Vaccinations under Age 2 or 3 Vaccinations 3-years of Age or Older |
Pregnancy or Birth Complications | Covered with Add-on | Not Covered |
Comparing the Cost of AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade
Prices for both AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade Pet Insurance are calculated on a monthly basis, but each company gives customers the option to make annual payments, depending on the pet and location. Both companies also offer a 5% discount on premiums if you get coverage for 2 or more pets on your account.
Pet insurance costs can be adjusted during enrollment by customizing your deductible, coinsurance, and annual limits. Both companies offer this level of customization with similar options. By changing your options, you can adjust your monthly or annual premium costs.
Customer Service and Claims Processing for AKC Pet Insurance and Lemonade
Sometimes, when things are rough, you just need a knowledgeable and compassionate person to speak to and answer your questions. So, customer service is just as important as pricing and coverage when selecting something as important as pet insurance. While both companies are rated highly by their customers, AKC Pet Insurance prides itself on its high-quality customer service. With seasoned pet-professionals and animal lovers on their claims and customer service teams, they are prepared to help you through the difficulties of dealing with a sick or injured pet.
Lemonade has built their insurance services around AI systems and machine learning. This means that most communications, including claims processing and customer service requests, will be handled by a bot rather than with a human’s touch. While this technology-forward technique does have some advantages, it also requires some sacrifices in the realm of customer interactions.
Because of their AI-centered platform, Lemonade Pet Insurance only accepts claims on their mobile app, and their claims processing time ranges between 12 and 18 business days. While their app is highly rated, the enrollment process can be time-consuming as you must navigate through many questions to get your quote prior to enrollment.
AKC Pet Insurance notes that the claims process, including reimbursement, will take 3-5 business days depending on the information provided. Claims are accepted online through the customer portal or a claim form submitted through mail, email, or fax. Claims are paid out quickly based on customer preference, and can be sent via direct deposit or mailed check.
Picking the right provider for your pet is important, so make sure to compare more than costs prior to enrollment. Select a provider that cares about customer service and offers coverage fit for your unique pet. Pick AKC Pet Insurance.
Every Dog and Cat Deserves the Pet Insurance of Champions
Get prize-winning care for your pets.
1Not available in all states. Pre-existing condition coverage available after 365 days of continuous coverage. “Only brand” refers to comparison with 5 pet insurance carriers making up approximately 80% of the US pet insurance market (Nationwide, ASPCA, Trupanion, HealthyPaws and PetPlan).
CJ has always wanted to be a writer. She even threatened to drop out after her first day of kindergarten when they weren’t immediately going to teach her to read and write. Fortunately, she stayed in school, earned her degree in Creative Writing from Christopher Newport University, and now gets to live her best life with her husband, 3 Japanese Chins, and cat writing for AKC Pet Insurance.
READ MORE ARTICLES
