Key Takeaways
- Pet and travel insurance policies can cover pet expenses while you travel
- Insurance can reimburse emergency pet boarding fees, lost pet recovery, and vet expenses
- Check coverage details and travel restrictions before taking your pet along
Looking to travel with your pet? Whether you’re hitting the open road or heading overseas, traveling with a pet can be an exciting adventure. When planning to journey with your pet, travel coverage can make the experience easier and safer. Travel pet insurance can cover injured paws, sudden illnesses, and even emergency boarding fees.
Buckle up as we dive into answering the common questions of can you use pet insurance when traveling and should you buy travel pet insurance?
Understanding Travel Coverage in Pet Insurance
Pet insurance companies and travel insurance companies both offer policies that cover pet expenses. These insurance policies may include coverage for the following.
Veterinary care while traveling
Should you need to visit the vet while far from home, travel coverage pet insurance may cover your vet costs. Comprehensive coverage can cover costs for accidents and illnesses, even if you are not in your home state.
Note that many pet insurance policies do not provide international coverage. If you’re leaving the country with your pet, it is a good idea to buy pet insurance specifically for international travel.
Lost pet recovery costs
Being unable to find your pet while traveling can be incredibly distressing for any pet owner. Travel coverage for pet insurance might be able to help reduce the costs of lost pet recovery services, allowing you to promptly handle any lost pet situation even while away from your local neighborhood. Reclaiming a pet can also be expensive. Lost pet recovery costs may include:
- Advertising for the lost pet
- Reward expenses
- Facilitating the safe return of your pet
Emergency boarding fees
Emergency boarding fee coverage is flexible and convenient for pet owners who are traveling. Those who face unexpected complications while traveling and cannot care for their pets can also benefit from this coverage.
If you unfortunately get hospitalized and cannot care for your pet, pet insurance could cover the emergency boarding fees for your pet. Your pet would be able to stay at a licensed pet-care facility, allowing you to focus on your own health as you resolve your health.
Other benefits
Some pet insurance companies offer additional perks and benefits when it comes to traveling with your pet. For example, ASPCA Pet Insurance offers these useful features for travel depending on your plan:
- Lost pet passport
- 24/7 pet health hotline
- Advertising and reward coverage for stolen pets
- Quarantine kennel fee coverage
Limitations and exclusions
While unlimited coverage plans exist, there is usually a maximum coverage limit for pet insurance policies. For example, a pet insurance provider may only be willing to cover up to $1000 in emergency boarding fees.
In addition, most pet insurance companies limit travel coverage to dogs and cats. If you want to bring along your pet hamster, iguana, or snake, you will likely need specialized pet insurance.
Benefits of Travel Coverage for Pet Owners
Travel coverage for pets can offer many benefits for pet owners who are traveling, particularly those who travel frequently. Here are the main advantages.
Financial protection
Travel insurance for pets offers great financial protection in the face of any emergency that results in pet expenses. For example, if your pet gets injured or you need to drop your pet off at an official pet care facility, pet travel insurance may be able to provide reimbursements to offset the related costs.
Diagnosing an unidentified condition and treating health issues can cost thousands of dollars, made even more challenging due to being far away from home. Urgent pet expenses can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars, so having insurance to mitigate the high upfront costs can be a great form of financial protection.
If your pet abruptly falls ill due to ingesting something unknown or other cause, accident and illness pet insurance can cover the costs of related veterinary services. Some common expenses covered by comprehensive coverage when traveling with a pet include:
- Bites and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Ingesting poison
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Diagnosing and treating unknown health issues
Travel insurance for pets can cost anything between $20 and $100. If you’re a frequent flier or traveler and tend to bring your pet with you, it is a good idea to consider pet travel insurance for the financial safety net.
Emergency assistance
When struck by an emergency away from home, it can be difficult to care for your pet at the same time. If a pet owner is hospitalized or otherwise unable to care for their pet, the emergency boarding and pet services offered by pet travel insurance can be invaluable. Knowing that your pet has someone professional to take care of them can make a big difference.
Emergency boarding for pets can be expensive depending on if you need pet boarding on short notice, the location, and other factors. Emergency boarding coverage in pet insurance can provide meaningful assistance, especially if a pet owner becomes incapacitated or preoccupied while traveling.
Peace of mind
Pet owners can feel more comfortable traveling with their pets if they know they can lean on their travel coverage in case something unexpected arises. Traveling with a pet is always a fun adventure when one sets out, but unexpected expenses and incidents can arise.
Lost pet recovery
Pet owners who lose their pets while traveling can feel distressed by the situation and overwhelmed by all the steps they need to take to try and recover their beloved companions. Pet travel insurance often provides coverage for recovering lost pets, which includes expenses such as spreading advertisements for the lost pet, reward money for finding the pet, and other relevant costs.
Types of Travel Situations Covered
Domestic travel
Pet insurance policies usually provide coverage for vet expenses across the country. Whether you’re on a brief trip to a different city or going cross-country to another state, standard pet insurance policies often still grant coverage. Depending on your type of insurance, your pet may be insured for accidents, illnesses, and/or emergencies while on the road.
International travel
If you plan on going abroad, make sure you have the proper pet insurance coverage for traveling. Not all pet insurance providers provide international coverage.
Many pet owners obtain pet travel insurance before going on a plane and then cancel the plan after they safely arrive at their destination. However, beware of cancelation fees and premium changes in the future if you cancel your pet travel insurance after each trip. Any conditions that are newly diagnosed during the lapse in coverage are also likely to be rejected by pet insurance providers if you try to buy insurance again the next time you travel.
Road trips and vacations
Many pet owners love to go on vacations with their furry companions. Pet insurance policies usually let you use services from any licensed veterinarian in the country.
Basic accident-only insurance will cover plenty of claims that involve accidents while you’re on the road, such as broken bones and cuts. However, if your pet suffers from illnesses or breed-specific conditions, you might need comprehensive coverage to have the expenses covered.
Air travel and airline regulations for pets
Pet owners traveling by air should know all the airline’s regulations and expectations for pets before boarding a plane. There may be specific requirements for kennels and carry-on pets. If you have a fully trained service dog, you may be able to avoid extra fees for bringing your dog aboard.
Temporary relocations
If you need to temporarily relocate due to work or personal reasons, travel coverage can be very helpful for you and your pet. Job assignments and temporary relocations to a new city can make it difficult to cover essential pet care due to the tighter budget for those who are moving.
Considerations When Choosing Travel Coverage
Here are the main factors to consider when selecting an insurance policy for traveling with your pet.
Coverage limits and exclusions for travel-related expenses
Pet and travel insurance policies both have coverage limits and exclusions. These exclusions that are not covered by insurance can be:
- Maximum reimbursement amount per incident/per year of coverage
- High-risk activities
- Pre-existing conditions
- Specific destinations
Requirements for pre-approval or notification before traveling with pets
Before you travel, your insurance company might expect you to inform them or apply for approval, especially if you’re traveling internationally or to a specific, high-risk destination. Your insurer might ask you to provide the following:
- Vaccination records of your pet
- Health certificates
- Travel itineraries
- Destination details
Additional costs or premiums associated with travel coverage
If you want travel coverage for your pet, you might need to pay an additional price. This could be added to your regular pet or travel insurance premium. On average, dog insurance costs around $65 a month, whereas cat insurance costs $32 a month. If you’re looking for comprehensive insurance featuring travel coverage, your insurance provider may raise the premium by a small amount.
Reviews and ratings of pet insurance companies for their travel coverage benefits
When selecting an insurance policy for your pet for travel, it’s essential to choose an insurance provider with a good reputation. Read trusted online reviews and testimonials to gain insight into the claims process and reimbursement speeds of each insurance company.
If you’re looking for the best pet insurance, some of the best providers include:
Meanwhile, if you would prefer to buy travel insurance, here are some great options.
Case Studies and Testimonials
Reading case studies and testimonials can help you get a better idea of how pet owners can benefit from travel coverage in pet insurance policies. Many pet owners have talked about how they have saved hundreds of dollars on vet fees and emergency boarding expenses when traveling with their pets.
Imagine a pet that’s been injured, breaking a bone while thousands of miles away from their usual vet. It can be frustrating and distressing to find a local vet and figure out the fees for pet services. If you have pet insurance, you can avoid the stress of expensive vet fees because insurance coverage can reimburse you for the high upfront costs, leading to less financial burden.
Tips for Traveling Safely with Pets
Consider your pet’s unique needs and situation before traveling with them. Here are general guidelines for traveling safely with a pet, whether they’re a dog, cat, or more unusual species.
Ensure pets are vaccinated and microchipped
Vaccinations help prevent pets from getting seriously sick. Before traveling, go through a vaccine checklist for your pet’s breed.
In case you get separated from your pet, it is important to make sure your pet is microchipped with your updated contact information.
Bring a pet essentials travel kit
If possible, pack your pet’s favorite snacks, bedding, and toys. These can help your pet feel more comfortable once you arrive in your new location. Medications and emergency resources should also be brought along when traveling. You should include a first aid kit, up-to-date photos of your pet in case they get lost, your pet’s medical information in case they need to be fostered or boarded, and a sturdy leash.
Avoid traveling in extreme temperatures
If it is currently very hot or very cold, it might be best to avoid traveling with your pet. Uncomfortable temperatures can make your pet sick and uncomfortable. For ideal traveling conditions, travel when it is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summary
Adding travel coverage for your pet insurance policy can grant you peace of mind and financial protection when traveling with your pet. It can be a great help to know that your vet expenses, potential accidents, lost pet fees, and emergency boarding fees are covered by pet insurance. Frequent travelers in particular can benefit the most from continuous pet insurance coverage.
Before going on a trip with your beloved companion, double-check to see if your insurance policy covers the type of trip you’re going on. Many pet insurance providers do not cover international travel.
Now, pack your bags, your pet’s travel kit, and a protective travel pet insurance plan. May you have safe and fun travels with your pet!
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