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Do Pets Need Insurance To Fly? 2024 Guide
Are you wondering, “Do pets need insurance to fly?”
No one likes to leave their pet behind while on vacation, which is why so many airlines have made it possible to accommodate pets!
But the process can feel complicated, from keeping your pet calm on the plane to vaccinations, travel documents, and their safety.
One way to feel more protected flying with your pet is to have quality pet travel insurance.
I fly with Theo (my service dog) A LOT, so I know the process better than anyone, and I always buy pet travel insurance before we go! It gives me peace of mind because I know he will receive the proper care in an emergency.
So, if you want a safe, fully protected flight, here’s everything you need to know about pet travel insurance!
🐾 Check out my favorite Happy Hoodie to protect your dogs’ ears here!
What Is Pet Travel Insurance?
Pet travel insurance, also called pet transport insurance, pet taxi insurance, or pet health insurance, covers the cost of anything that may happen to your pet while traveling. This coverage usually includes unforeseen travel expenses, vet visits, and other emergencies.
Although pets do not NEED insurance to fly, I highly encourage any pet owner to get it before taking a trip with their furry friend.
It helps you get reimbursed for any unexpected costs and ensures your pet stays safe and healthy while on the road.
What Does Pet Travel Insurance Cover?
Basic pet travel insurance typically covers emergency evacuation (transport costs), quarantine costs, and emergency vet fees. More comprehensive coverage will also cover lost pet travel documents, loss of pets, theft, and third-party liability.
However, the coverage you receive will depend on the type of policy you choose. Travel insurance for dogs and other pets looks different with each company.
So always research each insurance company to find the best fit for you.
Most basic pet insurance policies don’t offer routine checkups or preventative treatments, such as vaccinations, worming, and nail clipping. But some insurance companies do offer these benefits as add-on services for an additional fee.
Also, some companies may only cover medicine and primary care within the U.S. and Canada, so double-check your policy before you sign the dotted line and travel abroad.
If you only need countrywide pet insurance, these are usually straightforward.
However, an international policy is an essential travel item if you are traveling from North America to Europe.
What Is The Best Pet Travel Insurance Option?
There are many pet travel insurance policies to choose between when traveling with your pet. At first, I found it somewhat challenging to figure out which company was right for me.
Each policy has different benefits and various deductibles. So once you answer the question, “Do pets need insurance to fly?” the next step is to find out which company is best!
The best coverage in the U.S. is with Spot Pet Travel Insurance USA. This pet travel coverage is popular because it has various policy options and packages for most budgets.
Spot also offers preventative care to your policy, so your pet can get regular check-ups, vaccinations, and more before hitting the road.
Plus, you can visit any vet in the U.S. or Canada and make unlimited claims – so there are no issues getting care, no matter where you are or how often you need a checkup.
Spot also covers microchip implantation, which limits the risk of loss or theft of your pet.
Their easy-to-use app is another reason this is the best insurance on the market. It makes it possible to submit your claim immediately and start the reimbursement process.
Other Travel Insurance Options
Spot is my top pick, but it’s not the only reputable pet insurance available. Here are some more companies worth considering.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin offers several low-cost options, and you can even include preventative care for young cats and dogs.
Pumpkin also covers all prescription food, so your pet can follow the same diet, even if you are away from your home vet for an extended time.
It’s also a great option if you have multiple pets since adding more than one pet to your policy gets you a 10% discount per plan!
Plus, their refundable pet insurance comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Not all insurance companies cover you outside the US, but Nationwide Pet Insurance does!
What sets Nationwide apart from other pet insurance companies is its free 24-hour vet hotline, allowing you to get the help and advice you need at any time of day or night.
Plus, with Nationwide’s any vet, anywhere policy, you can take your furry friend to any vet with zero restrictions on location.
It also covers exotic animals, including birds, so you don’t have to worry about finding specialized care for uncommon pets.
ASPCA
If you own multiple pets and want them covered, ASPCA is another fantastic option. With ASPCA, you will also get a 10% discount for each additional pet, but there is no age limit!
Also, if you are flying with your dog outside your home country, you should always purchase their global policy!
It’s worth noting that there are not many pet travel insurances for single use. That’s because most standard policies will cover you when traveling. But the few that do exist rarely offer full coverage, so it’s better to go with a long-standing insurance plan that also covers travel.
Can You Use Pet Insurance Anywhere?
It depends on your policy, but plenty of insurance companies will cover your pet anywhere within your home country, and a select few offer global coverage!
The nice part is that all licensed veterinarians worldwide should accept pet insurance.
But before traveling overseas, check that your insurance covers your pet internationally. Also, you’ll need to visit your vet to process the paperwork for their health certificate or Pet Passport.
Most countries won’t accept documents (or will require you to pay a fine) if your documents are not approved by a certified vet.
How Does Pet Insurance Work When Traveling?
Most companies will cover you once you get confirmation, but certain insurance policies require you to wait at least 14 days before submitting a claim.
So always select a policy a couple of weeks before travel!
But how does payment work?
If you need to use your coverage during your trip, you must pay for the costs upfront and then submit a claim to get the money back from your pet insurance company.
Then after processing the claim, the insurance company will reimburse you.
Since you have to pay for treatment upfront, always take a credit card with a high spending limit, just in case of an emergency.
This is also why it’s great to use a company with an app or 24-hour support, so you can submit your claim immediately and get your money back a lot faster!
No matter which insurance company you choose, pet insurance coverage should be at the top of your pet travel checklist before you leave for your trip!
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of pet insurance varies, depending on which type of coverage you choose and if your pet has any pre-existing conditions.
For dogs, you should expect to pay between $40-$60 per month in insurance premiums.
For smaller animals like cats, that number is closer to $25. However, it can be cheaper if you are simply looking for basic coverage.
The problem with basic coverage is that it may not cover your pet’s preexisting conditions or preventive care and may have a high deductible.
Comprehensive coverage is more expensive, but it is worth it if you have an older pet or some health issues or travel with your pet frequently.
FAQs
To help you prepare for your flight with your pet, here are some of the most commonly asked questions by pet owners:
Do airlines require pet insurance?
Airlines do not require pet insurance to fly with your pet, but they highly recommend it. Pet insurance will protect your pet in an emergency and assist with unexpected travel costs that may come up.
Keep in mind that some pet insurances do not cover international travel, so if traveling abroad, you may need to switch providers to one that offers global coverage.
What does an airline require for your pet to travel?
To take your pet on a flight, here are the most common airline requirements:
– Health Certificate issued within 10 days before travel
– Small pets need a pet carrier to go in the cabin (unless they are service dogs)
– Vaccination and microchip paperwork
– Direct booking for you and your pet with the airline
How much does it cost to take a pet on a plane?
It costs between $75-$500 to take your pet on a plane, but all airlines allow service dogs for free! The costs also vary depending on the flight length and whether your pet travels in the cabin or the hold.
No matter what, it’s a good idea to read the airline’s pet policy and understand the fees before booking your ticket.
Do airlines ask for pet health certificate?
Most airlines will ask to see a pet health certificate provided by a certified vet during check-in. The airlines need to know your pet is fit and healthy before flying for liability purposes and the safety of all people and animals on board.
How do I get through TSA with my pet?
In order to get through TSA with your pet, you must remove your pet from its carrier or harness so they can walk through the metal detector.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
No, when your dog is with you on your flight, it must be in a carrier underneath the seat. If you are traveling with a service dog, they don’t need a carrier but must remain by your feet without blocking the aisle.
Wrap-Up
No, pets do not need insurance to fly. They are permitted to be on a plane as long as they have proper documentation and an up-to-date health check certificate with vaccinations.
But I highly recommend purchasing pet insurance coverage!
Flying with a pet can be an exciting adventure for the whole family – but it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected costs or health issues.
I love Spot Pet Travel Insurance. Their full coverage is the best pet travel insurance on the market.
Also, pack some anti-sickness tablets for your pet to make the flight even more comfortable. They’re excellent for helping air sick puppies fly!
🐾 Check out my favorite Happy Hoodie to protect your dogs’ ears here!
Dog Travel Planning Guide
🐶 How do you travel with a dog?
You can road trip, go camping, fly (depending on your dog’s size), go for day trips, and even live in an RV or motorhome with your dog! I’ve done all of the above with my dog, Theo.
✈️ How to travel with a dog by plane?
Check the airline requirements, if you’re flying with a large dog you’ll need to book far ahead, get a travel crate or carrier, and make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring along a leash, collapsible dish, and plenty of treats! (Read more)
🚗 How to travel with a dog in a car?
Get a seatbelt or car-friendly crate, a seat protector, and a few toys to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Bring along items like a leash, pee pads, treats, collapsible bowl, and some calming treats for anxious dogs. Take frequent potty breaks (I recommend every 2 hours minimum).
🧳 What should I pack in my dog travel bag?
I always pack a collapsible bowl, back up leash, 50ft long leash, Toppl food toy, plenty of dog food, and a few toys for my pup when we go on our travels. It’s important to have all the essentials packed before you leave home since it can be difficult to find pet-friendly stores in some locations. (Read more)
📝 What paperwork do I need to travel with a dog?
The paperwork you need will depend on where you’re going. You will always need your dog’s veterinary records and their vaccine status. You may also need an international health certificate, titre test, and even a spay/neuter certificate.
🐾 What is the best travel dog crate?
This collapsible crate is great for local travel and road trips. For plane travel, I recommend this hard crate for large breeds and this carrier for small breeds.
📍What is the best way to travel with a dog?
It depends! The best way to travel will depend on you and your dog. Small dogs will have an easier time with plane travel. Large breeds are better for long term trips to minimize plane time, or road trips.
🛌 Best dog travel mat?
This non-slip, water-proof, easy to wash travel mat is my go to!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com.
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
