Pet Care Coverage

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Pet care coverage with travel insurance typically consists of pet-related assistance services, such as coordinating the pet’s return home if the insured is hospitalized.

Let us tell you a story

Ellen, a retired schoolteacher and widow, traveled everywhere with her beloved Charlie, a Boston Terrier given to her by her husband before he died. She and Charlie had grieved for Harold together and learned to make a life of their own – just the two of them.

When Ellen had an opportunity for a long summer stay in the UK with an old friend, she was thrilled. She researched the options to bring Charlie with her and found that with some paperwork and veterinarian certifications, Charlie could go along. The second week of their trip found Charlie very ill and Ellen called the travel assistance services representatives for help. They guided her to a local veterinarian who could diagnose and treat little Charlie. Ellen was thrilled that Charlie would be OK.

What does Pet Care cover?

• Pet return if the insured is hospitalized and cannot care for their pet. In most plans, the costs related to the pet’s return are paid by the insured – the assistance services team will make the arrangements and follow up.
• Assistance services for pet-related services such as veterinarians, dog walkers, and local pet sitters.
• Two plans stand out with unique pet benefits: Travel Select and Travel Max both offered by Travelex. These plans include emergency veterinarian care up to $1,000 for a dog or cat (or both) if traveling with the insured. In addition, they provide up to $10,000 for pet transportation costs to return the pet home if left unattended.

Important notes about this coverage

• For trip delays, you will need to provide documentation from the licensed commercial kennel indicating the planned pick-up date and the actual pick-up date for your pet.
• For trip delays, you’ll need to provide written documentation of the reason for the delay from the common carrier.
• Plans that provide any type of pet care coverage also typically have pet-related assistance services for locating local vets, pet-sitters, dog walkers and more.

What type of policy covers this?

Not many plans offer this type of coverage and the ones that do are typically package plans.

How much coverage does each company provide?

* combined maximum for your travel delay charges and your pet’s
** with optional coverage

Summary

• Travel insurance benefits for pets is extremely limited and only a couple of plans offer any real protection for pets
• When making a travel delay claim for pet-related fees, you’ll need appropriate documentation from the kennel
• Your pet must be healthy and have updated shot records for pet benefits to be payable
• Your pet must be checked in with a licensed commercial boarding kennel for pet benefits to be payable