Is AARP Pet Insurance Good? Here's How It Stacks Up

Waiting periods

Fetch by Dodo requires customers to wait 15 days before their pet insurance policy takes effect. This waiting period applies to both illnesses and accidents. For orthopedic conditions, the waiting period is six months.

Exclusions

Like all other pet insurance companies, Fetch doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, i.e., conditions that were present or showed symptoms during the waiting period or before coverage kicks in.

However, the provider does distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. This means that they will reinstate coverage for curable conditions, such as UTIs and ear infections, after a certain period passes without recurrence.

AARP pet insurance also doesn’t cover elective procedures.

Claims and reimbursement times

The claims process is straightforward — all you need to do is take a photo of your paid veterinary bill. The company offers a time frame of 30 days for payout, but most claims are processed and paid within two days.

Customer service

AARP members get access customer service through Fetch. Representatives are available weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 6:30 PM via phone, social media, live chat, and email.

AARP Pet Insurance cost

Fetch pet health insurance plans start at $25 a month for cats and $35 a month for dogs. The cost of your policy will depend on factors such as the pet’s age, breed, medical conditions, and location. Although your monthly premium will not increase if you make a claim, it might go up as your pet gets older.

Policy benefits include an annual coverage starting at $5,000 for illnesses and accidents. Deductible options range from $100 to $2,500.

AARP members are eligible for a 5% member discount plus a 5% online discount in all US States except Florida, Hawaii, and Tennessee.

What we like about this coverage

One of the most significant benefits of AARP pet insurance through Fetch is complete coverage with a straightforward plan. The policy covers many unexpected pet illnesses and injuries and provides coverage for things not included in competitor plans, such as behavioral treatments, comprehensive dental benefits, acupuncture, and homeopathic treatments.

Policyholders get virtual vet visits at no extra charge and can choose any veterinarian in North America.

If you become hospitalized and cannot care for your four-legged friend at home, you can claim their boarding fees. The company will cover any pet boarding costs while you’re in the hospital.

Fetch also provides a 15% pet insurance discount known as a Healthy Pet Credit for each consecutive 12-month policy period a pet goes without a claim, up to 30%.