Founded just recently, in 2020, Bingo is an insurance company which dedicates its expertise exclusively to dogs. Being the only dog insurer on our list of top pet insurance companies, Bingo offers dog coverage with a highly-customizable accident and illness insurance policy.
While the company doesn’t disregard the importance of the feline kingdom, they’d rather throw a bone only to those who bark. Their beliefs align with the notion that you cannot properly focus on multiple causes at once. To tackle that, they aim their full attention only at canines.
Bingo is quite young but has managed to attract many dog parents so far. Their business model revolves around offering only what you really need for your furry buddies instead of lumping every benefit into one basket. That way, they’re able to provide policies that are quite affordable, especially to those who have just started taking care of a young pup.
Bingo currently functions primarily on their iOS mobile app, so if you’re not an Apple user, we suggest browsing more pet insurance options to find your perfect match.
With that said, read on to learn everything there is about Bingo – from their coverage and extra add-ons to their customer service and pricing plans – all in this Bingo pet insurance review.
Bingo’s Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A vast number of deductible options including | No accident-only plan is available |
| Affordable prices for monthly premiums | $3.00 monthly transaction fee |
| One of the fastest claim processing times in the industry | No discount for enrolling multiple pets |
| Coverage for almost all bilateral conditions | Pet older than 14 are ineligible for a Bingo insurance policy |
| Reinstatement of curable pre-existing conditions | Veterinary exam required prior to enrollment |
| Unlimited annual and lifetime payout limit | No coverage for exam fees |
| Wellness care plan available | |
| Excellent rating by both online services and real customers | |
| Travel coverage available across the US and Canada | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee |
Bingo’s Key Attributes
- Underwriter: National Specialty Insurance Company
- AM Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Exam period: Bingo doesn’t obligate its future customers to take a full physical exam for their dog in order to become eligible for their dog insurance coverage. However, Bingo might request you to submit your dog’s full medical history when assessing any claims you would have submitted. They can also require you to have your dog examined by an independent veterinarian for which you and Bingo mutually agree to consult.
- Increase in monthly premium: There is no clear information on whether Bingo increases policyholders’ premiums and how they approach this practice. Looking at most pet insurance companies, we can notice the practice of increasing the premium prices over time being upheld in a similar fashion. Pet insurers closely monitor the changes of costs in veterinary services in order to keep up with pricing their own services. The pet’s age and breed are often factored in when providers consider increasing premium prices as well.
- Claim submission time limit: Every policyholder has a maximum of 90 days after the expiration of their policy period to submit a claim for any veterinary cost they had during the current policy period. Failing to observe this 90-day time limit may result in claim denial. You should note that a policy period is for an entire year (12 months from the date of the dog insurance policy going into effect).
- Claim processing times: Bingo states that they will make every effort to process and review each submitted claim within 15 days from the moment of the claim submission. Policyholders should expect to be notified within this period whether their claim is accepted or rejected to be covered by their Bingo dog insurance policy. It’s noteworthy to mention that Bingo strives to process claims in only 72 hours on average.
- Waiting periods: One of the biggest, if not absolutely the biggest advantage of Bingo is their approach to waiting periods for accidents and illnesses. We’ve combed through their website and sample policy and while it was very difficult to spot a clue of how long the waiting periods for most conditions and injuries are, we discovered that they are set at 3 days from the moment of enrolling.
The Bingo sample policy states more in-depth details about orthopedic conditions and their waiting period which is 6 months. They also note that if the dog owner takes their dog to a licensed veterinarian for an orthopedic check-up within the first 30 days of their Bingo dog insurance coverage, this waiting period can be waived if the vet declares that the dog has no pre-existing conditions affecting cruciate ligaments and knees.- Accidents – 3 days;
- Illnesses – 3 days;
- Wellness – 1 days;
- Orthopedic conditions – 6 months (can be waived by obtaining an orthopedic physical exam within the first 30 days after enrollment).
- Pet insurance coverage with Bingo is valid throughout the United States, but can only be obtained in fewer than half of the states. You can only sign up for Bingo if you and your dog reside in the following states: CA, CO, ID, IL, LA, MD, MA, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WY, DC. There is currently no information when they plan to open in the rest of the US, but they’ll email you once they are available in your state to the email that you provide while fetching a free quote.
- Bilateral conditions such as rupture or damage of any cruciate ligaments, disorders of the soft tissue of any knee, or patella luxation won’t be covered for one side of the dog’s body if they have been previously observed on the other side of their body (before the Bingo pet insurance policy went in effect or during the 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions.
Bingo’s Insurance Plans
Bingo offers three dog insurance plans – the Essential Plan, the Standard Plan, and the Premium Plan.
All three plans provide the same coverage for unexpected accidents and illnesses with the same level of annual protection and reimbursement rate. The only difference which is also used to determine the price of each plan is the annual deductible.
The following are all the options that are available on each of Bingo’s pet coverage plans:
- Essential Plan:
- Annual coverage limit: $100,000;
- Annual deductible: $1,000;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%;
- Standard Plan:
- Annual coverage limit: $100,000;
- Annual deductible: $500;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%;
- Premium Plan:
- Annual coverage limit: $100,000;
- Annual deductible: $250;
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%.
Dogs can get on any of the plans from day one. However, the oldest they can be to be allowed to sign up is 15 years of age. That’s not the best considering that there are pet insurance companies that don’t impose upper age restrictions, but from those that do, Bingo tends to be quite liberal with its upper age limit.
The waiting periods for both accidents and illnesses are 3 days on all of the plans. There is also a waiting period for orthopedic conditions (cruciate ligaments, luxating patella, knee conditions) which is 6 months but can be waived if you obtain an orthopedic health certificate within the first 30 days of the start of your policy noting that your dog doesn’t have these conditions.
Another fact that’s worth mentioning is Bingo’s availability. At the moment, the provider offers its dog insurance plans only in a handful of states (CA, CO, ID, IL, LA, MD, MA, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WY, DC), but they are constantly working on spreading their services to ultimately envelop the entire US.
Lastly, Bingo omits many coverage clauses from its policies in contrast to many other pet insurance companies that offer a more comprehensive pet coverage. Bingo’s strategy is to provide a flexible policy with a base accident and illness coverage for affordable premiums where dog parents can choose to add extra coverage in accordance with their particular needs.
What’s Covered With a Bingo Policy
Bingo will cover a vast number of unexpected accidents and illnesses no matter which plan you choose to go for. You can add some extra coverage to include stuff like prescription medications, alternative therapies, dental coverage, and more, but note that these will have an impact on your premium.
Additionally, there will always be exclusions from your policy no matter how many add-ons you choose to opt for. But, we’ll cover those in the section below.
Here, you can review everything that comes with the base Bingo dog insurance coverage:
- Accidents – veterinary expenses for treating injuries and emergencies that are a direct result of an accident such as car accidents, superficial injuries like bites, burns, tears, cuts, and wounds, then poisoning, ingestion of foreign bodies, bone, skull, and jaw fractures, and much more;
- Illnesses – veterinary expenses for illnesses that arise after signing up with Bingo such as digestive issues, diarrhea, vomiting, internal parasites, infections of the upper respiratory tract, eye, nose, and ear infections, heartworm disease, infections of the urinary tract, skin problems, chronic valve disease, illnesses connected to ticks, mites, mange, ringworm, and much more;
- Veterinary exam fees – medical expenses arising from vet visits and everything from physical check-ups and health consultations to diagnostics and lab tests;
- Hereditary conditions – conditions that are genetic and congenital like diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, IVDD, disorders of the nervous system, glaucoma, and many more;
- Chronic conditions – asthma, epilepsy, allergies, arthritis, and many more;
- Orthodontic procedures resulting from covered illnesses or injuries;
- Surgery and hospitalization;
- Intravenous (IV) fluids when hospitalized;
- Laboratory testing and imaging – MRI and CT scans, X-rays, hematology, urinalysis, blood tests, ultrasounds, and many more;
- Medical supplies required for veterinary procedures and surgeries but also including those recommended by a veterinarian for injuries and aftercare; (band-aids; casts, splints, bandages, mobility devices, etc.);
- Ambulance transportation for emergencies (maximum coverage for this instance is $100).
What’s Excluded From Bingo’s Coverage
As with any pet insurer, you can expect certain things to be excluded from your Bingo dog insurance policy as well. No insurance company out there will cover everything there is in order to be able to provide the necessary coverage when you most need it.
The following is a list of everything that’s excluded from Bingo’s base dog insurance coverage:
- Pre-existing conditions;
- Veterinary costs and fees if your dog is under 8 weeks old;
- Bathing unless it is deemed as medically necessary by a licensed vet;
- Telephone consultations with a vet unless the phone call is related to a life-threatening emergency;
- Boarding, housing (dog cages), or pet sitting unless deemed medically necessary by a licensed vet;
- Costs for a dog pool or hydrotherapy equipment;
- Costs and fees for training and obedience classes;
- Costs for grooming, de-matting, or grooming supplies;
- Costs for cosmetic, elective, or aesthetic procedures such as tail docking, declawing, ear cropping, debarking, nail trimming, and similar services;
- Only 2 removals of ingested foreign objects including anesthetics are covered;
- Bilateral exclusions for soft tissue or cruciate injury for knees and ligaments;
- Costs for treating IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) if a disc close to the one affected has been treated prior enrolling with Bingo (or during the waiting period);
- Hip dysplasia isn’t covered for dogs that are 6 years old or older;
- Costs related to or arising from genetic testing, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing;
- Experimental treatments and clinical trials, research trials, cloning, organ transplants, and similar procedures;
- Treatments for injuries or illnesses arising from racing, commercial guarding, coursing, law-enforcement, organized fighting, and similar activities;
- Injury, negligence, or abuse inflicted by you or a close member of your family;
- Costs for traveling to and from vet and emergency clinics;
- Prescribed drugs and foods including prescribed supplements like probiotics, herbal supplements, vitamins, or nutraceuticals (optional add-on available);
- Dental cleanings and routine dental and oral treatments (optional add-on available);
- Cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation therapy (optional add-on available);
- Alternative and complementary therapies including acupuncture, holistic therapies, homeopathic treatments, chiropractic therapy, hydrotherapy, and/or physical therapy (optional add-on available);
- Preventive care and preventive care products including spaying/neutering, vaccinations, wellness exams, parasite or flea control, and similar services (optional add-on available).
Bingo’s Wellness Plans
Being upfront with all the necessities your furry pup may have is always the best way to take care of that life-long companion. Preventing diseases shows not only that you don’t want to face hefty vet bills in the future but also that you truly care about your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Bingo has prepared a lovely add-on for this purpose – to make sure everything regarding the wellness of your dog is in check. The Preventative Care package offers one of the best preventative care benefits among the pet insurance companies that we’ve researched. It is also one of the most rewarding ones – it covers an incredible $560 in wellness benefits during a policy period (a full year).
Each of the benefits is scheduled with a dedicated benefit amount that goes into each policy period. That means that if you exceed the amount for a certain benefit, you can no longer use Bingo’s Preventative Care plan for that benefit until the start of a new policy period.
The following chart explains everything you need to understand about what comes with the Bingo Preventative Care package:
| Preventative Care Benefit Schedule | Bingo Preventative Care Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Wellness Exam (two exams per policy period) | $100 ($50 maximum per exam) |
| Spay/Neuter | $100 |
| Rabies Vaccine | $35 |
| DHLPP Vaccine | $35 |
| Bordetella Vaccine | $35 |
| Lyme Disease Vaccine | $35 |
| Heartworm Test | $35 |
| Microchip | $45 |
| FeLV Test (Leukemia) | $35 |
| Fecal Exam | $35 |
| Wellness Blood Screen | $35 |
| Deworming | $35 |
| Total Annual Benefits | $560 |
Bingo’s Preventative Care add-on covers all of the above without requiring a deductible nor a copayment on your part.
Its price depends on your dog’s age, breed, and location, but is usually about $23/month.
Extra Features
Bingo has a total of 7 extra features (we include the Preventative Care package here as well) that are in fact additional options designed to make each dog insurance policy more complete. This approach receives our highest praises because we agree that not everyone needs every bit of coverage available out there.
Our dogs are all different and have particular needs. So, you can pick additional coverage for dental necessities and alternative therapies or prescriptions drugs and cancer care. Choosing only what you need, will keep your policy premium at an affordable level.
Funeral & Next Dog
Designed to offset the costs of cremation and burial, this add-on is one of the cheapest extra options offered by Bingo. It always costs $1.5/month no matter the plan you choose nor your dog’s age, breed, size, or location.
With this add-on, Bingo will reimburse up to $250 for burial and cremation expenses, given that your pet dies or is euthanized as a result of an illness or injury covered by Bingo. Here you should note that Bingo won’t reimburse you if your dog is older than 8 and dies as a result of an illness.
This add-on is also great for covering the costs of purchasing a new dog. Bingo will reimburse you with the total amount that you paid for the new dog unless you don’t have a receipt or proof of how much you paid. In that case, they can only reimburse you with $150.
This add-on requires no deductible or copayment.
Prescription Drugs
This is another affordable add-on that’s useful for covering half of the costs of medications prescribed by a licensed veterinarian and used to treat your sick or injured dog.
The prescribed medications must be FDA-approved. Medical supplies are also included in this coverage. Note that only 50% of the cost of prescribed medications is covered. The add-on is valid only for conditions and injuries covered by the Bingo pet insurance policy. Pre-existing conditions aren’t included.
Dental Coverage
If we are ready to obtain the best dental coverage for ourselves and our families, so should we be ready to do the same for our beloved dogs. And that’s made very easy by Bingo’s Dental Coverage add-on.
The package covers everything dental – from traumatic dental and jaw injuries to root canals, crowns, and extractions that aren’t caused by trauma.
This can be very beneficial when you learn that most pet insurance companies only cover dental instances that are caused by an injury. Bingo covers routine dental work as well.
Cancer Care
About one in four dogs can become affected by cancer at any stage of their lives and cause their owners to face thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
That’s why we highly recommend Bingo’s Cancer Care add-on. It can help you provide the best cancer care for your sick dog – from chemotherapy to radiation therapy and all of the necessary aftercare.
Having this add-on on board will remove any reluctance when it comes to paying for your dog’s cancer treatments. And knowing that cancers are highly treatable in their early stages, this add-on should be a no-brainer for all dog owners.
Alternative Therapy
Unconventional therapies can be very beneficial for treating many injuries and illnesses in dogs. Sometimes, alternative methods are even more helpful than traditional medicine.
So for everyone interested to provide alternative care for their dogs, Bingo offers just the right add-on. With it, you can cover treatments for acupuncture, hydrotherapy, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, laser therapy, homeopathy, and more.
Diagnosing and treating behavioral issues by a licensed veterinarian is also covered by this add-on. In this case, the most that Bingo can provide is $2,000 for a policy period (annually).
Lost Dog Assistance
A handy coverage for mitigating the costs of advertising and reward in case your dog is lost, stolen, or strays from the home.
With the huge number of dogs going missing every year, it can be a life-saver to have this add-on at your disposal.
This add-on requires no deductible or copayment.
Bingo’s Pricing Quotes
Fetching online quotes from Bingo’s “free quote” tool brought us to a conclusion that the company is one of the most affordable on the pet insurance market. Especially when it comes to mixed-breed dogs of younger age.
Pure-breed dogs tend to have more expensive premiums, but that’s the case with absolutely every pet insurance company. This is due to the fact that pure-breed dogs have a bigger risk of developing certain illnesses and disorders than mixed-breed ones.
Another thing to keep in mind regarding the price of your policy premium is that Bingo might increase it over some time. As your dog becomes older, it can become prone to more frequent illnesses and injuries which will result in higher veterinary costs. Also, veterinary costs have a tendency to rise due to factors such as inflation, so it’s only natural that insurance prices can go up as well.
Check out the chart below to see how much Bingo’s monthly premiums cost for some popular dog breeds across different US states.
| 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 |
| Claim Limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Bingo’s Essential Plan ($1,000 annual deductible) | $33.69/month | $43.75/month | $37.39/month |
| Bingo’s Standard Plan ($500 annual deductible) | $49.34/month | $64.19/month | $54.62/month |
| Bingo’s Premium Plan ($250 annual deductible) | $60.53/month | $78.74/month | $66.89/month |
*quotes obtained in October 2021
Discounts and Savings
Most pet insurance companies offer a plethora of discount options in order to incentivize their customers to sign up for their affordable pet insurance plans. Some popular strategies include:
- Multi-pet discounts: 5-15% off premiums for signing up more than one pet with the same pet insurance agency. The discount is usually applied to the second, third, and all subsequent pets;
- Employer discounts: a benefit offered by your employer that enables you to get cheaper pet insurance rather than the regularly priced option;
- Money-back guarantees: a free trial period lasting 30 days per usual so customers can test the pet insurance service first-hand and get a full refund if they decide to cancel it.
Currently, Bingo doesn’t offer any type of discount for their policyholders. That’s a notable disadvantage of the company considering the fact that this practice is normalized within the pet insurance industry.
How Does Bingo Compare With Its Competitors?
Comparing all features offered by several services makes it easier to understand who’s a better match for the requirements you have for your doggo.
Each key feature is presented side by side so you can clearly outline those that matter the most to you.
Bivvy, Petco, and Healthy Paws are the three pet providers that we’ll test today. All different from one another, but also similar to a certain degree, so you can figure out which one suits your needs the most.
Bingo vs. Bivvy
Bivvy is a pet insurance company that can certainly brag about their fast claim processing times. If Bingo’s claim processing is fast, Bivvy’s is faster.
The company imposes no upper age restrictions for pets and includes alternative therapies in their accident and illness policies at no extra charge.
| Feature | Bingo | Bivvy |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Effective | USA | USA |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 50% of the covered expenses |
| Co-Payment | 20% | 50% |
| Deductible | $250 – $1,000 | $50 – $250 |
| Type of Deductible | Annual | Annual od Per-Claim |
| Claim Limit Options | $100,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 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 | 3 days | 14 or 30 days depending on the state |
| Accident Waiting Period | 3 days | 14 days (3 days in AZ) |
| Orthopedic Conditions Waiting Period | 6 months | 6 or 12 months depending on the state |
| Bilateral Exclusions | Yes | No |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Dental Coverage | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Prescription Medicine | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapy | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Behavioral Issues | Yes | No |
| Exam Fees | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Required for Enrollment | No | No |
| Available At Any Vet Clinic | Yes | Yes |
| Microchip | Optional add-on | No |
| Minimum Pet Age Limit | No limit | No Limit |
| Maximum Pet Age Limit | 15 years | No Limit |
| Entry Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Monthly Transaction Fee | $3.00 | $0.00 |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Not available | Not available |
| Claim Repayment | Within 15 days (3 days on average) | Within 2 days (1 day on average) |
| Direct Vet Bill Payment | Not available | Not available |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Not available | 30 days |
| AM Best Rating | A | A |
| BBB Rating | N/A | N/A |
*companies compared in October 2021
Read the full Bivvy Pet Insurance review.
Bingo vs. Petco
Petco is amazing when it comes to paying your vet bills directly. Who doesn’t want someone else to take care of their pet’s medical expenses in the literal sense of the word?
They also cover veterinary exam fees, microchip implementation, and have an accident-only coverage plan on board. Their Vital Care wellness care plan is a unique option that gives you an unlimited number of wellness vet visits and discounts on grooming services.
| Feature | Bingo | Petco |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Effective | USA | USA, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and Canada |
| Reimbursement | 80% | Choice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expenses |
| Co-Payment | 20% | 10%, 20%, or 30% |
| Deductible | $250 – $1,000 | $100 – $5,00 |
| Type of Deductible | Annual | Annual |
| Claim Limit Options | $100,000 | $5,000 – Unlimited |
| Accident-Only Plan | Not available | Available |
| Wellness Plan | Available | Available |
| Unlimited Benefits Plan | No | Yes |
| Accidents | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | Yes | Yes |
| Illness Waiting Period | 3 days | 14 days |
| Accident Waiting Period | 3 days | 14 days |
| Orthopedic Conditions Waiting Period | 6 months | 14 days |
| Bilateral Exclusions | Yes | Yes |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Dental Coverage | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Prescription Medicine | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapy | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Behavioral Issues | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Fees | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Required for Enrollment | No | No |
| Available At Any Vet Clinic | Yes | Yes |
| Microchip | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Minimum Pet Age Limit | No limit | 8 weeks |
| Maximum Pet Age Limit | 15 years | No limit |
| Entry Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Monthly Transaction Fee | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Not available | 10% on each additional pet |
| Claim Repayment | Within 15 days (3 days on average) | Within 30 days (10-16 days on average) |
| Direct Vet Bill Payment | Not available | Available |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Not available | 30 days |
| AM Best Rating | A | A |
| BBB Rating | N/A | B |
*companies compared in October 2021
Read the full Petco Pet Insurance review.
Bingo vs. Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws is a top-tier pet insurance provider that’s highly regarded in the pet care community and adorned by thousands of pet owners.
Their pet insurance policies are highly customizable with a vast number of deductibles to choose from. They are fast, affordable, and have an excellent online rating. What’s more, Healthy Paws cover most bilateral conditions and even reinstate curable pre-existing conditions.
| Feature | Bingo | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Effective | USA | USA and Canada |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 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 | $250 – $1,000 | $100 – $1,000 depending on pet’s age |
| Type of Deductible | Annual | Annual |
| Claim Limit Options | $100,000 | 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 | 3 days | 15 days |
| Accident Waiting Period | 3 days | 15 days |
| Orthopedic Conditions Waiting Period | 6 months | 15 days (12 months for hip dysplasia) |
| Bilateral Exclusions | Yes | Yes |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Dental Coverage | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Prescription Medicine | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapy | Optional add-on | Yes |
| Behavioral Issues | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Fees | Yes | No |
| Exam Required for Enrollment | No | Yes |
| Available At Any Vet Clinic | Yes | Yes |
| Microchip | Optional add-on | No |
| Minimum Pet Age Limit | No limit | 8 weeks |
| Maximum Pet Age Limit | 15 years | 14 years (4 years in New York) |
| Entry Fee | $0.00 | $25.00 |
| Monthly Transaction Fee | $3.00 | $0.00 |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Not available | Not available |
| Claim Repayment | Within 15 days (3 days on average) | Within 10 days (2-3 days on average) |
| Direct Vet Bill Payment | Not available | Available |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Not available | 30 days |
| AM Best Rating | A | A++ |
| BBB Rating | N/A | A |
*companies compared in October 2021
Read the full Healthy Paws Pet Insurance review.
Customer Service
Bingo is quite limited in offering the communication channels that online services currently provide their customers. Visiting their website, we only discovered a live chat tool that barely works and their email address.
Other than that, Bingo has an excellent mobile app that only works for iPhones. There, you can contact the pet insurer, get a quote, insert and update your dog’s medical information, and submit and review your claims. There are also features where you can learn how to become a better dog parent and tools that can help you take better care of your doggo.
To submit a claim with Bingo, you can also use their online claims form or send them your vet bills via email: claims@joinbingo.co.
Bingo is based in Columbus, Ohio, but their exact address isn’t listed online. They also don’t list a phone number, so you can use their email (hello@joinbingo.co) to contact them. If you want to partner with them and offer their dog insurance options, you can contact them at partner@joinbingo.co.
Bingo Customer Reviews
Bingo is one of the very few pet insurance companies that lack online reviews by real customers. That’s probably due to the fact that they’re a brand new insurance provider on the market and need more time to get “discovered” by online reviewers.
However, we discovered some reviews on their iOS app page which are all positive. You can read some of them below to get a broad sense of what real customers have to say about their experience with Bingo.
Romeo loves it!
My dog Romeo (10-year-old Shih Tzu) has overcome stage 4 periodontal disease, recurring UTIs, and the regular quirks of aging. It’s comforting knowing we’re doing all that we can, with the help of Bingo, to keep him healthy and insured! Special props to the product team for building such a responsive UI, the app functions very well. Will be a user and proponent to all friends and family with canine companions!
4 paws up
Excellent Concept
Pet insurance has always been something that I felt like I’ve needed for my furry companion, but it’s always been so expensive even though I have a healthy breed with a healthy lifestyle. Bingo has given me peace of mind knowing my furry friend is covered no matter what life throws at us. Thank you so much!!!
Glaningg55
Very Efficient App
This app is very efficient. It makes tracking my pup’s insurance information much easier. It functions well, I haven’t noticed any bugs. The programmers must’ve done a great job. Looking forward to sharing this app with my friends. 10/10 would recommend.
NGARB004
So happy I found these guys!
Pet insurance is something I always wanted for my furry friend but it seemed overly complex and expensive. Bingo has completely changed my opinion. It’s simple, inexpensive, and fun to interact with the app and healthy lifestyle tips for my furry companion. Thank you so much!
ooooodum
Easy to use and quick sign up
I created a puppy profile and got a quote for my 8-year-old beagle in less than a minute. The process was painless and signing up using my Face ID was really cool. Hoping I never have to make a claim but glad my pup is covered.
jhutch
Amazing app
First off, so well organized, which made for a smooth and simple setup process. I absolutely love the additional add-ons that provide me with multiple options to personalize my policy for my yorkie!
nmerce
Easy and quick process
Getting a quote was super quick. I know exactly what will be covered in my policy and what won’t be covered. I hope I don’t have to use any of my endorsements but if I do, Bingo has me covered!
4lefac
This is it!
You don’t understand how ecstatic I am that there’s an app like this. This makes it so much easier for me to keep track of my puppies’ health with minimal effort! This is THE app to download if you’ve got a dog.
MarySafi
Conclusion
To complete this Bingo pet insurance review, we inspected every corner of the pet insurance provider and dug out all the hidden bones in order to uncover everything they offer for dogs across the US.
After our thorough research, we concluded that Bingo is certainly a great option for every dog parent that wants to insure their dog for the unexpected misfortunes in life for the most affordable prices.
Their accident and illness pet coverage isn’t the most complete solution in existence, but it’s totally worth it considering the low price tag. For everyone that wants to add more options like preventive care, alternative therapies, and dental coverage, Bingo has 7 extra add-ons for an additional price.
If you still want a pet coverage package that’s more comprehensive than Bingo’s, our ultimate database of pet insurance companies will undoubtedly contain what you’re looking for. Go ahead and check it out.
Bingo’s Alternatives
Lemonade fills in all the boxes that Bingo leaves unchecked. The company implements an AI-powered approach to their pet insurance policy building and managing process so every customer spends the least amount of time getting their pet coverage. Their services are fast and reliable while providing everything you need to keep your pet’s health in check.
Pets Best is another cheap alternative to Bingo. They keep their spot among the top pet insurance companies on the current market by always keeping up with the latest industry trends and constantly optimizing their policies to include what pet owners need the most. Other huge assets of Pets Best are their speed and the possibility of paying your veterinarian directly.
Our last Bingo alternative is Prudent Pet – a pet insurance agency known for their affordability that comes from their many discount options. Prudent Pet doesn’t impose any annual or lifetime limits when it comes to claim payouts. The fact that they still don’t offer a smartphone app is their biggest disadvantage as most customers want to have access to all their services right from their pockets.
F.A.Q.
Are certain dogs restricted from getting a Bingo pet insurance policy?
Bingo imposes no eligibility restrictions when it comes to dogs’ breed, sex, size, location, or medical history. Every dog regardless of those factors is welcome on their platform. However, Bingo does have minimum and maximum age restrictions. The youngest dog eligible for a Bingo coverage can be 8 weeks old and the oldest dog can be 16 years at maximum.
Is it possible to make changes to my Bingo pet insurance policy once I have already signed everything?
Yes, making changes to your pet coverage is definitely possible. You can increase your coverage once per policy period by submitting a request in a written, electronic format. Your request will be reviewed, and upon approval, your changes may be subject to a new deductible, copayment, and waiting period. Note that conditions or injuries that happened before the policy change will not have their annual benefits waived because of the change.
When and how can I cancel my Bingo pet coverage plan?
You can request a cancellation with Bingo anytime you wish to do so. All you have to do is notify Bingo in writing about your intention to cancel and the date you wish to cancel your coverage. Some pet insurance companies allow transfer of your policy to another owner, but that’s unfortunately not possible with Bingo.
Do I need to have Bingo dog insurance coverage to be able to obtain their wellness care package?
That’s correct. Bingo’s wellness benefit is an endorsement to your base accident and illness dog coverage and cannot be purchased as a standalone preventive care plan. With this package, you ensure that your dog gets all the routine and preventive care it needs without worrying that you need to pay the entire amount at once.
Is there a network of Bingo veterinary locations where I can use my Bingo dog insurance?
No, with Bingo, you can take your dog to any licensed veterinarian in the country. They will be covered for every condition no matter if you choose to treat your dog in your home state or any other state in the US.
