Pet insurance has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Chewy’s CarePlus pet insurance and wellness plans are a great option for pet owners seeking comprehensive coverage for their furry friends. In this review, we’ll explore the different plans CarePlus offers and what they cover, as well as the pros and cons of using this particular insurer.
Before we dive into the details of CarePlus, it’s essential to understand the parties involved in offering these plans. Chewy is a renowned online website that provides pet products, supplies, and prescriptions to pet owners. CarePlus is the wellness and insurance brand created by Chewy, which curates the various plans on offer, and Trupanion is Chewy’s program partner and an affiliate of the American Pet Insurance Company (APIC) that administers the policy and manages claims on APIC’s behalf.
The CarePlus pet insurance plans offer some unique advantages, including Chewy perks that are well worth exploring. Let’s look at the plans offered by CarePlus and the features included in each package.
First up, we have the Accident-Only Plan, which is the most affordable of the four plans available. It covers accidental injuries only and doesn’t offer coverage for illnesses, making it a more limited option.
The Essential Plan is a step up from the Accident-Only package, offering coverage for accidents and illnesses, but it doesn’t include coverage for exam fees, behavioral treatments, or physical and rehabilitation therapies.
The Essential Plus Plan is a more comprehensive package offering coverage for accidents, illnesses, and exam fees. However, it still doesn’t include coverage for behavioral treatment or physical and rehabilitation therapies.
The Complete Plan is the most extensive option available, offering coverage for accidents, illnesses, exam fees, behavioral treatments, physical and rehabilitation therapies, and prescription medication coverage. While this plan is substantially more expensive than the other options, it also provides the most comprehensive coverage available.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the critical features of CarePlus plans. A significant advantage of using CarePlus is that it offers unlimited payouts for all plans, which is rare amongst pet insurance providers. This feature ensures that you don’t need to worry about hitting a cap or limit on how much you can claim.
On the downside, CarePlus quotes tend to be among the most expensive compared to competitors. It’s important to weigh the cost of the plan against the coverage provided to determine if it’s the best option for you and your pet.
Another advantage is that CarePlus plans offer shorter than average waiting periods for CCL surgery and hip dysplasia, with waiting periods of just 14 or 30 days, respectively. This quick turnaround can be crucial in emergency medical situations.
It’s worth noting that CarePlus pet insurance is only available in 42 states across the USA currently, which could be a disadvantage for some pet owners. However, CarePlus has an optional wellness plan available as a stand-alone plan that could be a more suitable option.
CarePlus also gives pet owners the option for Trupanion to pay the vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursement. While this feature isn’t available everywhere, it’s a helpful option to have for areas that do use Trupanion.
Additionally, all the prescription medications you purchase through Chewy.com are covered 100%. This advantage means you don’t need to worry about the cost of prescriptions when your pet falls ill.
While the CarePlus plans are comprehensive, it’s important to note that they don’t cover travel outside of the USA. It’s worth keeping this in mind when considering your pet insurance options.
Finally, the claim processing times for CarePlus pet insurance averages 3-7 days but is often paid in 24 hours, which provides peace of mind for pet owners.
If you’re considering a CarePlus pet insurance plan, it’s useful to know that the insurer offers two wellness plans for pet owners to choose from. The plans feature different coverage and maximum amounts that can be paid each year. Here’s a rundown of the two plans:
The Basic Wellness Plan – covers routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, flea and heartworm prevention, deworming, and more. It has a $250 maximum annual benefit and costs around $20 per month.
The Advanced Wellness Plan – covers everything included in the basic plan plus routine tests and routine dental cleanings. It has a $450 maximum annual benefit and costs around $35 per month.
In terms of customizing your policy, CarePlus offers a range of options, including annual deductibles ranging from $250 to $1,000 and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
When comparing CarePlus to other pet insurance providers, we found that its plans may be an excellent option for Chewy shoppers. While the accident and illness insurance plans tend to be among the more expensive options, they do offer some unique perks that may make them appealing to certain pet owners.
Overall, CarePlus by Chewy Pet Insurance has an overall rating of 3.5/5.0 based on our review process. Our team evaluates pet insurance companies based on factors such as A.M. Best ratings, claim processing reputations, customer service, pricing, and plan customizations. While CarePlus may not be the cheapest option, its unique features and comprehensive coverage make it worth considering for pet owners seeking exceptional pet insurance coverage.
