Introduction
Lemonade offers a popular renters and homeowners insurance product. In recent years, they expanded their offerings to include pet insurance. However, while Lemonade’s pet insurance covers cats, it notably excludes coverage for dogs. This exclusion has led many dog owners to ask: Why won’t Lemonade cover my dog?
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Lemonade’s pet insurance and explore the reasons why dogs are not included. We’ll also look at alternatives for insuring your dog as well as tips for getting coverage. With the right information and insurance provider, you can make sure your beloved pup is protected.
Background on Lemonade
Lemonade is a relatively new insurance company founded in 2015 by Daniel Schreiber and Shai Wininger with the goal of disrupting the insurance industry (https://productmint.com/the-lemonade-insurance-business-model-how-does-lemonade-insurance-make-money/). Unlike traditional insurance companies, Lemonade uses artificial intelligence and behavioral economics to deliver policies and handle claims faster and with lower costs.
The company started by offering renters and homeowners insurance policies in New York and has since expanded across the United States. Lemonade takes a flat fee and donates leftover premiums to a charity selected by customers, distinguishing their business model in the insurance industry (https://www.usinsuranceagents.com/lemonade-vs-nationwide-homeowners-insurance-review/).
Lemonade’s Pet Insurance Policy
Lemonade’s pet insurance provides coverage for accidents, illnesses, injuries, and wellness care for cats and dogs. This includes emergency vet visits, surgeries, hospitalization, prescriptions, and more. However, Lemonade’s pet insurance currently does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine or preventative care, grooming, boarding, obedience training, breeding or pregnancy, elective and cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, pet foods or supplements, or behavioral therapy. There are also breed-specific exclusions for certain dog breeds.
According to their website, Lemonade pet insurance has an annual limit of $2,500 for cats and $10,000 for dogs, with reimbursements of 70-90% depending on the plan chosen. They offer three levels of accident and illness coverage, an optional wellness package, and additional riders. Their policies have a 14 day waiting period for illnesses and a 3 day waiting period for accidents from the start date of the policy. More details on Lemonade’s specific pet insurance coverages and exclusions can be found on their website at https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/pet-insurance/.
Why Dogs Aren’t Covered
Lemonade’s pet insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for dogs. According to their website, “Lemonade pet insurance currently only covers cats” (https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/pet-insurance/). They focus on insuring cats and do not provide coverage options for dogs at this time.
There are a few key reasons why Lemonade does not offer dog insurance:
- Insurance risk – Insuring dogs comes with higher risks and claims costs compared to cats. Dogs are more prone to injuries, illnesses, accidental damage, and liability issues.
- Business strategy – As a new insurer, Lemonade is starting with cats as a strategic entry point into pet insurance. Cats pose lower risks initially.
- State regulations – Some states have strict regulations around insuring certain dog breeds. Lemonade may be limiting their risk exposure by excluding dogs.
While unfortunate for dog owners, Lemonade has made a calculated business decision to only cover cats at this stage. Expanding into dog coverage would require revised underwriting, pricing, and operations to account for the increased risks.
The Risks of Insuring Dogs
Insurance companies consider dog breeds to have different levels of risk based on factors like their size, strength, health conditions, and incidents of aggression. According to research, large breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs typically have higher insurance costs due to having more orthopedic conditions, while breeds like German Shepherds and Pit Bulls may be deemed high risk due to bite histories.
Data shows that insuring certain breeds can carry more risk and result in higher claim costs for insurance companies. For example, a study by Embrace Pet Insurance found that Golden Retrievers had a higher incidence of cancer than mixed breeds, while Labrador Retrievers were prone to costly elbow and hip dysplasia claims. On average, reimbursements for cruciate ligament tears reached $3,049 for dog owners.1 These high-cost medical issues are why some providers exclude or limit coverage for certain breeds.
Alternatives for Dog Insurance
While Lemonade may not cover dogs, there are several other reputable pet insurance companies that do provide coverage for canines. Some top alternatives for dog insurance include:
GEICO – Known for auto insurance, GEICO also provides pet insurance plans covering accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, surgery, prescriptions, and more. GEICO offers customizable plans with reimbursements up to 90%.
ASPCA Pet Insurance – ASPCA pet insurance offers comprehensive plans covering accidents, illnesses, exams, cancer, emergency care, hereditary conditions, and more. Plans have annual limits up to $15,000 and reimbursement rates up to 90%.
Healthy Paws – Healthy Paws offers unlimited annual benefits and up to 90% reimbursement for accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, alternative therapies, and more. Customizable deductibles help keep premiums affordable.
These leading pet insurers provide dog owners alternatives to get quality coverage and financial protection against vet bills for their canine companions. Carefully comparing plans, coverage details, and costs can help consumers find the right provider for their needs if Lemonade does not meet them.
Tips for Getting Dog Insurance
Finding affordable, comprehensive dog insurance can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help:
Shop around and get quotes from multiple providers. Comparing plans and pricing is the best way to find a good value. Some top pet insurers to consider are Pets Best, Trupanion, and Healthy Paws.
Look for discounts. Some companies offer multi-pet discounts if you insure more than one dog. There may also be discounts for military members, students, or association memberships.
Consider coverage carefully. Comprehensive plans with higher premiums can save money over basic plans in the long run if your dog has health issues. But for a young, healthy dog a lower premium plan may suffice.
Choose an appropriate deductible. Plans with higher deductibles have lower premiums. Select a deductible amount you could comfortably afford if an emergency occurred.
Read policy terms closely. Pre-existing conditions are often excluded so make sure you understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions.
Compare customer reviews and ratings. Customer service and claims repayment reputation matter when choosing a provider.
Take advantage of trial periods. Many insurers offer 10-30 day trials so you can return the policy if unhappy.
Is Dog Insurance Worth It?
When considering dog insurance, there are several pros and cons to weigh.
Pros of Dog Insurance
Some of the advantages of insuring your dog include:
- Coverage for unexpected vet bills – Dog insurance can help cover expenses like surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and more in the event your dog gets sick or injured. This can provide financial peace of mind for dog owners.
- Prevention of having to make difficult healthcare decisions based on cost – With insurance, owners may be more likely to approve procedures or treatments their dog needs, rather than declining due to financial constraints.
- Lower out-of-pocket costs – Most policies cover 70-90% of eligible vet bills after the deductible. This significantly reduces direct costs for dog owners.
Cons of Dog Insurance
Some potential downsides of dog insurance include:
- Monthly premiums – Policies require ongoing monthly payments, which can get expensive over a dog’s lifetime.
- Pre-existing condition limitations – Many policies exclude coverage for any pre-existing conditions.
- Reimbursement model – Owners must pay vet bills upfront and then submit claims for reimbursement.
- Deductibles and co-pays – Most plans have annual deductibles ($200-$500) and require co-pays (10-20%) on claims.
Overall, while dog insurance has costs, it can provide valuable protection against unpredictable and expensive veterinary care. For many dog owners, the peace of mind it provides is worth the monthly expense.
What To Do If Your Dog Isn’t Covered
If you don’t have pet insurance for your dog, there are still some options to help you prepare for and manage vet costs:
Start a veterinary savings account – Even putting away a small amount each month into an account just for vet bills can help offset an unexpected cost down the road.
Look into payment plans – Many vets are willing to work out a monthly payment schedule for large treatments and procedures.
Research low-cost vet clinics and non-profits – Organizations like the ASPCA and Humane Society have clinics with discounted rates and payment assistance programs.
Consider pet insurance alternatives – Options like LendingPaw allow you to crowdfund vet bills from family and friends.
Ask your vet for advice – Let them know your financial constraints and see if they can suggest more affordable treatment options or referrals.
Having a plan in place before an emergency strikes can help reduce stress and financial burden when your dog needs care.
Conclusion
In summary, while Lemonade pet insurance does not currently cover dogs, there are some good alternative options to look into if you want coverage for your furry friend. Pet insurance can provide valuable protection against expensive vet bills and give you peace of mind. Before purchasing a policy, be sure to read the fine print to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. With some diligent research, you should be able to find an affordable provider that meets your needs. While insuring a pet does come with some risks, for many dog owners, the benefits of coverage outweigh the costs. Be an informed consumer and determine if pet insurance makes sense for you and your beloved pup.