Alongside many of the pet insurance companies currently available on the market, 24PetWatch emerges as a complete solution to take care of all of the medical expenses associated with your cat’s or dog’s health.
Pethealth Inc., a company that specializes in animal management tools and microchips, founded 24PetWatch in 2003 as a subsidiary to offer pet insurance policies to pet parents across North America. Today, 24PetWatch is available to every resident in the United States and Canada, having insured over 120,000 pets since their foundation.
24PetWatch pet insurance policies offer flexible coverage for accidents, illnesses, and other exclusive benefits that many pet families can take advantage of. For a little extra each month, customers can also add pet wellness coverage to better manage the preventive and routine care of their furry companions.
Continue with this 24PetWatch pet insurance review to learn why we deem 24PetWatch as one of the best pet insurance companies for young pets with chronic conditions.
24PetWatch Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent rating with the AM Best and the BBB | A thorough veterinary exam is required prior to enrollment |
| Option for direct payment of your vet bills | Long claim processing times |
| Extremely short waiting period for accidents – only 1 day | Bilateral exclusions for cruciate ligament injuries and musculoskeletal conditions |
| Short waiting period for orthopedic conditions – 14 days | No coverage for non-routine dental treatments |
| Travel pet coverage is available throughout the USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada | Upper age restrictions – 10 years for dogs and 12 years for cats |
| Amazing coverage for chronic conditions | No multi-pet discount is available |
| Pet coverage for additional benefits like trip cancellation, euthanasia and cremation, boarding kennel fees, and lost pet recovery costs is available at no extra charge | $2.50 monthly transaction fee |
| 5% discount on every pet insurance policy if the pet is microchipped |
24PetWatch Key Attributes
- Underwriter:
- United States Fire Insurance Company:
- AM Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: A+
- The North River Insurance Company:
- AM Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: A+
- Exam period: 24PetWatch imposes a thorough physical exam required to enroll in one of their pet coverage plans. You are obliged to have your pet undergo a veterinary exam within 30 days of your enrollment with the company if you haven’t already taken such an exam for your pet within the past twelve months before signing up with 24PetWatch.
- Increase in monthly premium: 24PetWatch does impose increases in premium prices considering the fluctuations in veterinary costs in your area of residence, but also weighing in your pet’s breed and age, as pure breeds show an increased risk of illness and injury, especially with old age.
- Claim submission time limit: To be able to be considered for reimbursement, you must file your claim with 24PetWatch within 180 days from the date of your pet’s veterinary treatment.
- Claim processing times: After you submit your claim (providing your itemized invoice), 24PetWatch will process it within 60 days. However, judging by the many positive reviews about this segment of 24PetWatch services, the insurer takes a lot less time to reimburse you for your medical expenses (about 20 days on average). You can also avoid this by requesting direct vet pay, an option available by 24PetWatch to pay your vet bill directly instead of reimbursing you.
- Waiting periods: 24PetWatch has the lowest accident waiting period possible. After you sign up, you only need to wait a single day for coverage for accidents to become available. Most illnesses have a waiting period of 14 days, although some common illnesses such as ear and eye conditions, intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infection, mange/ringworm/mites, tick-borne diseases, parvovirus/feline panleukopenia, and heartworm disease have a waiting period of only 3 days. Cruciate ligament conditions and musculoskeletal injuries have a waiting period of 14 days.
- Accidents – 1 day;
- Illnesses – 14 days;
- Wellness – 1 day;
- Orthopedic conditions – 14 days.
- Pet insurance coverage with 24PetWatch is valid throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico (up to 182 while traveling within Canada).
- Bilateral conditions that were observed on one side of your pet’s body before you enrolled with 24PetWatch are excluded even when they appear on the opposite side. These include cruciate ligaments, patella luxation, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
24PetWatch Insurance Plans
If you ever try to obtain a free quote by 24PetWatch, you’ll notice that after you fill in your pet details you’ll be given an option to choose one of the four pet coverage plans offering different annual coverage limits.
The four plans that 24PetWatch provides are the Extra Plan, the Classic Plan, the Super Plan, and the Champion Plan, all offering the same pet coverage regarding unexpected accidents, injuries, and illnesses. They also provide some additional benefits that we’ll review below in the “Extra Features” section.
Let’s review what are the limits and options available on each plan:
- Extra Plan:
- Annual converge limit: $3,000;
- Annual deductibles: $100, and $250;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%.
- Classic Plan:
- Annual converge limit: $5,000;
- Annual deductibles: $100, $250, and $500;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%
- Super Plan:
- Annual converge limit: $10,000;
- Annual deductibles: $100, $250, $500, and $1,000;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%
- Champion Plan:
- Annual converge limit: $20,000;
- Annual deductibles: $100, $250, $500, and $1,000;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%
To be able to enroll your puppy in one of the above-mentioned plans, it must be at least 8 weeks old. Dogs are allowed on these plans only if they are younger than 10 years.
Kittens, on the other hand, need also be at least 8 weeks old but can be as old as 11 at maximum.
The pet coverage that comes with these plans is available with any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the US and Canada.
Before stepping into the coverage details of these 24PetWatch pet insurance plans, we feel compelled to mention that no matter which plan you choose to go for, you can apply for a direct vet bill payment instead of getting reimbursed. Other than that, reimbursement is available through mail check or direct bank deposit.
What’s Covered With a 24PetWatch Policy
24PetWatch covers pretty much everything concerning the health of your canine or feline best friend, as long as it’s unexpected and unplanned for.
The usual conditions like common illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions are supplemented by reimbursements for incidents such as veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, rehabilitative therapies, and more.
Check the following list of all the instances covered by 24PetWatch:
- Accidents – facial trauma and bone fractures, injuries inflicted by a moving vehicle, ingestion of foreign objects, poisoning, wounds from bites, burns, cuts, tears, and more;
- Illnesses – intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infection, mange/ringworm/mites, tick-borne diseases, parvovirus/feline panleukopenia, heartworm disease, stomach issues, ear infections, foreign growths, eye conditions, skin issues, chronic valve disease, and many more;
- Veterinary fees – any fees associated with veterinary visits and treatment of illnesses and injuries covered in this list;
- Hereditary and congenital conditions – liver disease, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, IVDD, thyroid disease, nervous system disorders, and more;
- Chronic conditions – epilepsy, arthritis, allergies, asthma, and more;
- Cancer treatment – radiation and chemotherapy;
- Diagnostic and laboratory tests – X-rays, MRIs, urinalysis, blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, hematology, and many more;
- Alternative therapies – chiropractic treatments, herbal therapy, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, naturopathy, stem cell therapy, acupuncture, and more (maximum benefit amount of $1,000 per year);
- Behavioral treatments – aggression, separation anxiety, marking, fur pulling, excessive licking, tail chasing, and more;
- Prescribed medications – medications that are prescribed by your veterinarian and are FDA-approved;
- Therapeutic food – foods prescribed by your veterinarian for treating a covered conditioned by 24PetWatch (50% reimbursement with a maximum benefit amount of $500 per year);
- Ambulance and paramedical services – emergency medical care while the pet is in transport to a veterinary clinic for treatment (maximum benefit amount of $500 per incident of a one-way trip);
- Surgery and hospitalization;
- Physical and rehabilitative treatments.
What’s Excluded From 24PetWatch’s Coverage
It is of utmost importance to be aware of everything that is excluded from your 24PetWatch coverage. That way, you’ll always know how to plan your pet healthcare budget and not be disappointed when figuring out that some instances aren’t included in your pet insurance policy.
The following is everything that doesn’t enter your 24PetWatch pet insurance policy:
- Pre-existing conditions;
- Cruciate ligament injuries and musculoskeletal conditions that were observed on one side of your pet’s body before you enrolled with 24PetWatch are excluded even when they appear on the opposite side (bilateral exclusions);
- Anal gland expression;
- Occupational or professional usage of your pet such as breeding, hunting, racing, coursing, organized fighting, guarding, or law enforcement;
- Any injury or condition caused directly by you or a member of your family including neglect and mistreatment;
- Routine treatments of preventative care such as vaccinations, flea control, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and other procedures in this category (optional add-on available);
- Elective and cosmetic procedures such as tail docking, ear hair plucking, ear cropping, tenectomy or declawing, nail trims, dewclaw removal, debarking, grooming, supplements, and treats;
- Treatments related to breeding, pregnancy, giving birth, nursing, fertility, and complications including mastitis and pyometra;
- Conditions that could be otherwise prevented by spaying/neutering such as prostate and testicular problems, mammary and perianal tumors, ovarian and uterine conditions, etc.;
- Transportation expenses;
- Any dental and orthodontic treatments including cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, root canals, crowns, caps, etc.;
- Experimental treatments and procedures;
- Memorial options such as urns, paw prints, caskets, memorial stones, etc.;
- Any losses or costs due to natural disasters, war, epidemic, or nuclear contamination.
Here, it’s worth noting that pre-existing conditions that haven’t been observed in a period of 24 months may be considered as not pre-existing and allowed to enter the list of covered conditions.
24PetWatch Wellness Plans
Every 24PetWatch policyholder is given a chance to add a pet wellness care rider to their base pet coverage plan for just a little more on their monthly premium.
Pet parents can use this benefit to get reimbursed for preventive and routine care treatments up to an annual scheduled amount.
Wellness care is of extreme importance helping you keep your pet from getting sick while prolonging their life and ensuring their happiness.
24PetWatch offers two pet wellness care plans – Routine and Advanced. Here’s what’s included on each of them:
| Benefits | Routine | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Cleaning | N/A | $100 |
| Fecal Screen | $15 | $15 |
| Heartworm/Flea Prevention | N/A | $55 |
| Heartworm Test or FELV Screen | $15 | $15 |
| Microchip and/or Urinalysis | $20 | $20 |
| Spay or Neuter Procedure and/or Wellness Blood Test | $80 | $100 |
| Wellness Exam | $40 | $50 |
| Canine Bordetella Vaccine/Titer or Feline FELV Vaccine/Titer | N/A | $15 |
| Canine DHLPP Vaccine/Titer or Feline FVRCP Vaccine/Titer | $15 | $15 |
| Rabies Vaccine/Titer and/or Canine Lyme Disease Vaccine/Titer or Feline FIP Vaccine/Titer | $15 | $15 |
| Total Annual Benefit | $200 | $400 |
It’s great that all of the benefits that are included on both the Routine and Advanced wellness plans are not subject to coinsurance or an annual deductible.
Finally, it doesn’t matter if you’re adding one of the wellness plans to your cat’s or dog’s pet insurance coverage. They both have fixed pricing. The Routine wellness plan costs $10.00/month and the Advanced wellness plan costs $25.00/month.
Extra Features
One of the best characteristics of 24PetWatch’s pet coverage is how much it gives to pet parents. Every policy is designed to include additional benefits such as boarding fees, trip cancelation, additional living expenses, and lost pet recovery costs at no extra cost.
What’s more, these benefits are not subject to copayment and the annual deductible. Instead, their related costs are reimbursed based on a scheduled benefit system that works on per-incident benefit limits.
Here’s everything that’s included in the 24PetWatch additional benefits:
- Boarding kennel or cattery fees – If you happen to be hospitalized for at least 2 days, and you have to board your cat or dog at a licensed cattery or kennel, or with someone that doesn’t live with you, 24PetWatch will cover the related costs up to a maximum benefit amount of $25 per day or $500 per incident. Note that if your hospitalization is due to pregnancy, giving birth, cosmetic or elective surgery, or for treating alcohol or drug abuse or addiction, you won’t be able to use this 24PetWatch coverage to get reimbursed for your pet’s boarding fees;
- Lost pet recovery costs – If your pet is lost or stolen, 24PetWatch will reimburse you for the costs of advertising and paid reward up to a maximum benefit amount of $500;
- Trip cancellation costs – If you need to cancel a trip because your pet requires an urgent, lifesaving intervention that’s covered by 24PetWatch, the company will reimburse you for your travel and accommodation expenses as long as this incident happens within 7 days before your departure. The maximum benefit amount that you can be reimbursed with is $500 per incident;
- Additional living expenses – Should your home be damaged and deemed unfit for living and you must board your cat or dog with a licensed cattery or kennel, 24PetWatch will reimburse you for the related costs with up to $25 per day or up to the maximum benefit amount of $500 per incident;
- Euthanasia and cremation – If your pet needs to be put down because of a covered illness or injury, 24PetWatch will reimburse you for the costs of euthanasia and cremation with up to the maximum amount benefit of $200;
- Accidental death – If your beloved companion passes away as a result of a sudden accident, 24PetWatch will reimburse you for their purchase price or shelter/rescue adoption fee with up to the maximum benefit amount of $1,000.
24PetWatch Pricing Quotes
Every pet insurance company needs your exact information to be able to provide you with a custom quote adequate to the pet coverage level that you require.
Costs of veterinary services differ depending on the location. If you happen to live in an upscale urban area, it’s only natural to expect that veterinary clinics would charge more to treat and upkeep the maintenance of your pet’s health. Consequently, rural and small-town veterinary services are usually offered at affordable prices.
Another segment that influences the price attached to your 24PetWatch insurance policy is your pet’s details. Their breed and age can make a big difference when determining the price of your premiums.
Given that, we ran multiple free quotes from 24PetWatch and concluded that the service is considerably on the higher end in comparison to other options from the same industry.
Younger cats and dogs of mixed breeds can be enrolled for an affordable monthly fee, however, adult pets might not find the best pet insurance solution in 24PetWatch, price-wise.
Pricing Quotes for Dogs
| Breed | German Shepherd | French Bulldog | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | Male | Female |
| Age | 2 years 4 months | 4 years 2 months | 6 years 6 months |
| Location | New York | California | Colorado |
| Deductible | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| 24PetWatch Extra Plan ($3,000 coverage limit) | $46.49/month | $47.90/month | $50.19/month |
| 24PetWatch Classic Plan ($5,000 coverage limit) | $54.41/month | $56.06/month | $58.73/month |
| 24PetWatch Super Plan ($10,000 coverage limit) | $63.32/month | $64.21/month | $67.27/month |
| 24PetWatch Champion Plan ($20,000 coverage limit) | $78.15/month | $80.52/month | $84.35/month |
*quotes obtained in August 2021
Pricing Quotes for Cats
| Breed | Siamese | Persian | Abyssinian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | Male | Female |
| Age | 2 years 5 months | 4 years 1 month | 8 years 2 months |
| Location | New York | Colorado | California |
| Deductible | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| 24PetWatch Extra Plan ($3,000 coverage limit) | $24.73/month | $25.48/month | $32.76/month |
| 24PetWatch Classic Plan ($5,000 coverage limit) | $28.69/month | $29.56/month | $38.01/month |
| 24PetWatch Super Plan ($10,000 coverage limit) | $32.64/month | $33.64/month | $43.25/month |
| 24PetWatch Champion Plan ($20,000 coverage limit) | $40.56/month | $41.79/month | $53.73/month |
*quotes obtained in August 2021
Discounts and Savings
Lowering your premium’s price is another aspect where 24PetWatch falls behind its fellow competitors. The company doesn’t offer a multi-pet discount, a benefit most pet insurance companies offer to incentivize pet owners with multiple pets to sign up on their pet coverage plans.
Besides, 24PetWatch doesn’t allow their policyholders to test the services for free for a limited period. Most pet insurance companies usually offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows customers to cancel within the first month of enrollment if they are dissatisfied with the company’s services. 24PetWatch doesn’t offer this benefit (it is, however, available for California).
On the upside, if your pet is microchipped before you enroll with 24PetWatch, they’ll grant you a 5% discount on your premiums. All you have to do is provide the microchip number when obtaining your free quote from 24PetWatch.
How Does 24PetWatch Compare With Its Competitors?
In this section, 24PetWatch will stand against some notable pet insurance providers in order to prove their worth.
The three companies that we’ll use to compare to 24PetWatch are Pumpkin, Embrace, and Healthy Paws. They all provide unique pet coverage options but are also quite similar in some regards.
Review the comparison details below to discover which of these companies complies with your criteria for a solid pet insurance solution.
24PetWatch vs. Pumpkin
After thoroughly evaluating Pumpkin, we’ve discovered that, unlike 24PetWatch, they don’t impose upper age restrictions for cats and dogs. Moreover, the company offers a 10% discount if pet owners decide to enroll multiple pets with them, and they also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Nevertheless, compared to 24PetWatch, Pumpkin has a long waiting period for accidents and they don’t provide coverage for cremation.
| Feature | 24PetWatch | Pumpkin |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Effective | USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada | USA, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and Canada |
| Reimbursement | 80% of covered expenses | 90% of covered expenses |
| Co-Payment | 20% | 10% |
| Deductible | $100 – $1,000 | $100 – $500 |
| Type of Deductible | Annual | Annual |
| Claim Limit Options | $3,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 and $20,000 for dogs$7,000 or $15,000 for cats |
| Accident-Only Plan | Not available | Not available |
| Wellness Plan | Available | Available |
| Unlimited Benefits Plan | No | No |
| Accidents | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | Yes | Yes |
| Illness Waiting Period | 14 days | 14 days |
| Accident Waiting Period | 1 day | 14 days |
| Orthopedic Conditions Waiting Period | 14 days | 14 days |
| Bilateral Exclusions | Yes | Yes |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Coverage | No | Yes |
| Prescription Medicine | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapy | Yes | Yes |
| Behavioral Issues | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Fees | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Required for Enrollment | Yes | No |
| Available At Any Vet Clinic | Yes | Yes |
| Microchip | No | Yes |
| Minimum Pet Age Limit | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Maximum Pet Age Limit | 10 years for dogs;12 years for cats | No limit |
| Entry Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Monthly Transaction Fee | $2.50 | $2.00 |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Not available | 10% for each additional pet |
| Claim Repayment | Within 60 days (20 days on average) | Within 30 days (10-14 days on average) |
| Direct Vet Bill Payment | Available | No |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Not available | 30 days |
| AM Best Rating | A | A |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not rated |
*companies compared in August 2021
Read the full Pumpkin Pet Insurance review.
24PetWatch vs. Embrace
Embrace is a well-established pet coverage provider that’s more popular than 24PetWatch. They are widely known for their worldwide pet insurance coverage that comes at an affordable price thanks to their various discount options.
While Embrace is an amazing solution, you need to keep in mind that their policy comes with a hefty entry fee and a long waiting period for orthopedic conditions (6 months).
| Feature | 24PetWatch | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Effective | USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada | Worldwide |
| Reimbursement | 80% of covered expenses | Choice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expenses |
| Co-Payment | 20% | 10%, 20%, or 30% |
| Deductible | $100 – $1,000 | $200 – $1,000 |
| Type of Deductible | Annual | Annual |
| Claim Limit Options | $3,000 – $20,000 | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Accident-Only Plan | Not available | Available |
| Wellness Plan | Available | Available |
| Unlimited Benefits Plan | No | No |
| Accidents | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | Yes | Yes |
| Illness Waiting Period | 14 days | 14 days |
| Accident Waiting Period | 1 day | 2 days |
| Orthopedic Conditions Waiting Period | 14 days | 6 months (14 days with orthopedic report card) |
| Bilateral Exclusions | Yes | Yes |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Coverage | No | Yes |
| Prescription Medicine | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapy | Yes | Yes |
| Behavioral Issues | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Fees | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Required for Enrollment | Yes | No |
| Available At Any Vet Clinic | Yes | Yes |
| Microchip | No | Yes |
| Minimum Pet Age Limit | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Maximum Pet Age Limit | 10 years for dogs;12 years for cats | 14 years |
| Entry Fee | $0.00 | $25.00 |
| Monthly Transaction Fee | $2.50 | $1.00 |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Not available | 5%-10% (depending on state) for each pet |
| Claim Repayment | Within 60 days (20 days on average) | Within 14 days (8-9 days on average) |
| Direct Vet Bill Payment | Available | No |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Not available | 30 days |
| AM Best Rating | A | A+ |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
*companies compared in August 2021
Read the full Embrace Pet Insurance review.
24PetWatch vs. Healthy Paws
Our final 24PetWatch competitor, Healthy Paws, doesn’t offer any pet wellness care options nor do they cover any veterinary exam fees.
However, Healthy Paws is much loved by its customers. They are fast, affordable, and provide coverage for almost all bilateral conditions.
| Feature | 24PetWatch | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Effective | USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada | USA and Canada |
| Reimbursement | 80% of covered expenses | Choice of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expenses, depending on pet’s age |
| Co-Payment | 20% | 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, or 50% depending on pet’s age |
| Deductible | $100 – $1,000 | $100 – $1,000 depending on pet’s age |
| Type of Deductible | Annual | Annual |
| Claim Limit Options | $3,000 – $20,000 | Unlimited |
| Accident-Only Plan | Not available | Not available |
| Wellness Plan | Available | Not available |
| Unlimited Benefits Plan | No | Yes |
| Accidents | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | Yes | Yes |
| Illness Waiting Period | 14 days | 15 days |
| Accident Waiting Period | 1 day | 15 days |
| Orthopedic Conditions Waiting Period | 14 days | 15 days (12 months for hip dysplasia) |
| Bilateral Exclusions | Yes | Yes |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Coverage | No | Yes |
| Prescription Medicine | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapy | Yes | Yes |
| Behavioral Issues | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Fees | Yes | No |
| Exam Required for Enrollment | Yes | Yes |
| Available At Any Vet Clinic | Yes | Yes |
| Microchip | No | No |
| Minimum Pet Age Limit | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Maximum Pet Age Limit | 10 years for dogs;12 years for cats | 14 years (4 years in New York) |
| Entry Fee | $0.00 | $25.00 |
| Monthly Transaction Fee | $2.50 | $0.00 |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Not available | Not available |
| Claim Repayment | Within 60 days (20 days on average) | Within 10 days (2-3 days on average) |
| Direct Vet Bill Payment | Available | Available |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Not available | 30 days |
| AM Best Rating | A | A++ |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A |
*companies compared in August 2021
Read the full Healthy Paws Pet Insurance review.
Customer Service
To contact 24PetWatch, you can simply visit their website and fill in their email contact form. The company also provides other means of communication if you’re in the need of a faster response.
- Phone: 1-866-375-7387 and 1-866-597-2424
Operating hours:
Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 9 pm ET
Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm ET - Mail:
24PetWatch Pet Insurance Programs
P.O Box 2150
Buffalo, NY 14240-2150
If you wish to submit your claims by mail, you can use the address listed above. A faster way to do so would be to scan your itemized invoice and submit your documentation by logging into your 24PetWatch Customer Portal.
The service still seems underdeveloped if we consider the channels provided by other pet providers. 24PetWatch doesn’t have options for a mobile app nor a live chat.
Customer Reviews
To complete this 24PetWatch pet insurance review, we decided to provide a genuine insight into what their customers say about the service online.
In this section, you can witness real users’ experiences, both positive and negative, and build a complete picture about the entire 24PetWatch machinery.
Positive 24PetWatch Pet Insurance Reviews
This company is the best for pet insurance. They offer incredible customer service and have paid out consistently and timely. Unfortunately, my dog has a lot of medical issues and they have been great at helping us go through his issues. I highly recommend this company!
Wayne G.
I purchased this insurance for my puppy that I adopted. When I have a question they are very helpful. If I had a problem with why a claim wasn’t paid, all I had to do was call and they would help me through the process of refiling. They are always there if you have any questions and are more than willing to help you. Would definitely purchase insurance from them again should I adopt another dog.
Arlene K.
I am so grateful for this insurance company. I have a one-year-old cat who has had periods where he just stopped walking. The pet insurance has reimbursed us 80% for all vet visits regarding this problem, which our vet originally thought was arthritis. During this last episode, our cat was recommended to an orthopedic and neurologist where he had a 4-day in-patient stay to be tested for a musculoskeletal condition that he will have for the rest of his life.
This vet bill and upcoming medications would have ultimately led to having to euthanize our cat. After hospitalization and starting treatment, our cat has made a full recovery. I am so grateful for this insurance coverage because it has allowed us to see our cat recover! Customer service has been great, the claim review process is easy and fast! I have recommended this insurance to all my friends.
Erin M.
Surprised at all the negative reviews for this company. I’ve had cat insurance for about 5 years for two cats. My cat Sophie became ill and I really got my use out of it until she had to be put to sleep. I’d file my claim the same day of my vet’s visit and I’d be reimbursed within a week. In the beginning, I had to wait for a check to be mailed, now they just directly deposit into my account. They always reimbursed what they should.
I still have one other cat who I am paying for now but haven’t used it much for her. I would say they are probably a little more pricey than others and for a wellness plan it’s more than the $70 I’m paying now. I’ve never had an issue with wait time to speak to an agent. Everyone is always helpful and courteous. Zero complaints.
Jazz G.
Negative 24PetWatch Pet Insurance Reviews
I have used this company for 4 years. Their website was designed by an inept moron who never actually used it. It takes 30 minutes to fill out a claim because you have to guess the condition that’s on their list, you can’t just say “foot infection” because that is not on their limited list. It does not work with Chrome so you have to use Explorer. That also sucks.
They are slow to pay claims and you have to monitor them like a hawk because they will just zero out a claim if you are not on top of them. They eventually pay the claim but with their deductions. You basically have no one to speak with because the underwriter who does the claims is basically OZ and he is untouchable. The representatives are ‘powerless’ to even get an answer. I am using them because changing would be far more expensive but I guess you always get what you pay for. I rate them a 2.5 out of 5.
Erik H.
Zero stars! This service which I was introduced to because the adoption agency used their microchip, never updated my pet’s name & info or my contact info. Instead, they want to sell you [bad] pet protection and insurance. Why offer a microchip service if you don’t actually do it? I would be happy to pay a one-time fee to save the info and not have to deal with these high-pressure sales tactics to buy something I do not need or want. But that is not how they operate. So now, I have a useless chip inside my dog and have to remove it and get another one. Avoid at all costs.
Vic K.
I have paid into 24PetWatch for 2 years, over $1200.00, and the first time I sent in a claim for $115.00 they denied it. When I called to inquire about this they said I didn’t provide medical information, which I did, and when I wanted to cancel my account they said they could not refund my current payment, only give a prorated amount.
I told the representative that your FAQ section states that I will be refunded 100% if I cancel within 30 days of my payment date. I canceled on the payment date, and they reluctantly agreed to reimburse my account within 5-15 days. Stay away from this company, they don’t do what is agreed.
Scott T.
Conclusion
Time to wrap things up. In this 24PetWatch review, we covered everything there is about the company’s pet insurance and pet wellness plans, their pricing, customer service, discount options, and real user reviews.
Overall, we concluded that 24PetWatch is a decent pet insurance solution, suitable mostly for younger pets that are prone to chronic conditions. Our favorite 24PetWatch features are their waiting period for accidents which is incredibly short and the additional benefits that are included on every pet coverage plan.
However, we definitely understand that some customers might not find 24PetWatch favorable since the provider lacks multi-pet discount options and imposes upper age restrictions for adult cats and dogs.
To discover more pet insurance options, take a look at our other reviews at ProtectMyPaws and find the company that tailors insurance plans that best fit your budget and your pet’s needs.
24PetWatch Alternatives
If 24PetWatch’s 80% reimbursement doesn’t cut it for you, take a look at Wagmo. The pet insurance company offers a full payback on your vet bills that can settle into your bank account within hours. Even though Wagmo is still only in its cradle, they are constantly gaining more traction by being a thoroughly transparent, simple-to-use, and reliable pet coverage solution.
SPOT is another great alternative to 24PetWatch. The pet insurer doesn’t require a mandatory vet exam prior to enrollment and offers an option to insure your pet only against accidents – something that’s not offered by 24PetWatch. They also provide a free whiskerDocs® 24/7 pet telehealth helpline for each policyholder to use whenever they have questions regarding their pet’s health.
Our last 24PetWatch alternative is TrustedPals. Like Wagmo, they also offer a 100% reimbursement rate, but also have a $0 deductible option. Why we like them so much is because of their pet wellness care plan which offers routine and preventive care benefits valued at almost double of what’s provided by most other wellness care providers.
F.A.Q.
At what age should I insure my dog with 24PetWatch to benefit the most out of their pet insurance plan?
It’s always best to insure your pets as soon as possible. The younger they are, the more benefits you’d receive, not only from 24PetWatch but every other pet insurance company out there. When your furry friend is still a baby the chances they have developed a condition that may be deemed as pre-existing are at the lowest.
Should I still buy pet insurance from 24PetWatch even though my pet is always healthy?
While your pet is seldom sick and quickly recovers on their own, you’d never know when they might come down with a serious illness or get injured badly in an accident. The veterinary costs for complex treatments can be in the thousands, but you won’t be able to get insurance coverage for them if you don’t enroll your pet while they are still symptom-free for the conditions you want them to be treated for.
Will I still receive my reimbursement even though I’m missing some of the necessary documentation?
To be able to reimburse 80% of your vet bills, 24PetWatch needs to process all of the necessary documents related to the veterinary treatment you filed a claim for. That includes an itemized invoice, a properly filled claim form, and your pet’s medical records. If any of these documents are missing, 24PetWatch will be forced to deny your claim until you complete the entire documentation.
