AAA Pet Insurance 2025: Full Review, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on AAA
AAA offers pet insurance plans through Spot Pet Insurance with coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, providing an accessible entry point for basic accident protection and the option to add broader illness coverage.
The product line includes two core plans—Accident Only and Accident + Illness—each configurable with varied annual limits (examples shown: $2,500 to Unlimited), reimbursement rates (commonly 70% or 90%), and multiple deductible choices (examples include $100 to $1,000); routine care is available only via two Preventive Care endorsements (Gold and Platinum) with per-service limits such as small dental and neutering allowances. Compared with main competitors, AAA emphasizes customizable plan structures and low-cost accident-only options while its pricing scales steeply for unlimited, high-reimbursement configurations, positioning the offering as flexible but potentially costly at top tiers.
Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged dogs and cats who want modular cover—those seeking inexpensive accident-only protection or customizable accident+illness plans with optional wellness add-ons.
Underwriting is provided by Independence American Insurance Company and administration by Spot Pet Insurance, with administrative offices listed in Akron, OH; claims are submitted electronically via online claim forms and standard cancellation and appeal procedures are documented through the administrator.
- ✅Flexible plan customization
- ✅Accident-only low entry prices
- ✅Optional preventive care endorsements
- ✅24/7 telehealth vet access
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, and specialist consultations
- ✅Alternative medicine included under core plans
- ✅Electronic claims submission
- ❌Preventive care excluded without paid endorsement
- ❌Pre-existing conditions explicitly excluded
- ❌Specific dental and cosmetic services excluded
- ❌Higher premiums for unlimited/90% options
- ❌14-day waiting period for accident and illness
Our expert's opinion on AAA
- ✅Flexible plan customization
- ✅Accident-only low entry prices
- ✅Optional preventive care endorsements
- ✅24/7 telehealth vet access
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, and specialist consultations
- ✅Alternative medicine included under core plans
- ✅Electronic claims submission
- ❌Preventive care excluded without paid endorsement
- ❌Pre-existing conditions explicitly excluded
- ❌Specific dental and cosmetic services excluded
- ❌Higher premiums for unlimited/90% options
- ❌14-day waiting period for accident and illness
Score- ✅Flexible plan customization
- ✅Accident-only low entry prices
- ✅Optional preventive care endorsements
- ✅24/7 telehealth vet access
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, and specialist consultations
- ✅Alternative medicine included under core plans
- ✅Electronic claims submission
Why trust Hellosafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the Canadian market each year, providing you with trustworthy and unbiased analysis.
Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
AAA Guarantees
AAA offers two core plan types—Accident Only and Accident + Illness—plus two optional preventive endorsements (Gold Preventive Care and Platinum Preventive Care) designed to add routine wellness benefits. Core plans are positioned to cover urgent and diagnostic veterinary care (emergency, surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialist consultations), while preventive endorsements supply routine services such as vaccinations, parasite prevention, and limited dental cleaning allowances. Coverage parameters such as reimbursement percentage, deductible, and annual limit are customizable at the policy level to let owners balance premium cost and out‑of‑pocket exposure.
Plans are administered via Spot Pet Insurance and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. Core cover focuses on medically necessary veterinary treatment for accidents and (where selected) illnesses; radiotherapy is available on the Accident + Illness plan. Preventive endorsements are structured as per‑service benefit schedules and do not replace medical coverage—rather, they reimburse routine care subject to set limits. Telehealth and specialist consultations are available through the core plans, and death and cremation benefits are provided under the accident and accident + illness offerings.
Waiting periods apply to new coverage: core plans apply a 14‑day waiting period for accidents and illnesses where specified, and endorsements have plan‑specific timing. Pre‑existing conditions, many elective procedures, breeding‑related costs, and certain dental or cosmetic services are excluded or limited. Strengths include flexible policy settings (customizable limits, co‑pay/reimbursement options) and a broad range of clinical cover; weaknesses include reliance on endorsements for routine care, explicit exclusions for many dental and preventative items unless endorsed, and restrictions around specific orthopedic conditions.
| Accident Only | Accident + Illness | Gold Preventive Care | Platinum Preventive Care | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry / accident-only | Balanced / accident & illness | Preventive endorsement (routine care) | Preventive endorsement (enhanced routine care) |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident | Accident & Illness | Preventive | Preventive |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats |
| Reimbursement rate | Customizable (e.g., 70%, 90%) | Customizable (e.g., 70%, 90%) | N/A | N/A |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Customizable (e.g., $2,500, Unlimited) | Customizable (e.g., $2,500, Unlimited) | Per‑service limits apply | Per‑service limits apply |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Customizable | Customizable | N/A | N/A |
| Age limits for enrollment | NC | NC | NC | NC |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | NC | NC | NC | NC |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | 14 days / N/A | 14 days / 14 days | N/A | N/A |
| Lifetime coverage | NC | NC | NC | NC |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes | Yes (wellness exam) | Yes (wellness exam) |
| Medications | NC | NC | Specific tests/services only | Specific tests/services only |
| Hospitalization | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Diagnostic tests | Yes (imaging, lab) | Yes (imaging, lab) | Yes (specific tests listed) | Yes (specific tests listed) |
| Dental care | No (dental cleaning excluded) | Conditional (dental cleaning conditional) | Yes (up to $100) | Yes (up to $150) |
| Preventive care | No | No (covered via endorsements only) | Yes (vaccinations, parasite treatment, etc.) | Yes (vaccinations, parasite treatment, etc.) |
| Alternative medicine | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Travel coverage | NC | NC | NC | NC |
| Civil liability | NC | NC | NC | NC |
| Euthanasia | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Death & cremation coverage | Yes (death and cremation listed) | Yes (death and cremation listed) | No | No |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | NC | NC | NC | NC |
| Boarding fees | No | No | No | No |
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded: any illness or injury that occurred or showed symptoms before the policy effective date or during the waiting period is not eligible for reimbursement. Specific orthopedic waiting‑period rules apply: ligament and knee conditions are subject to exclusion if signs occur within the early coverage period. Bilateral rules and timing can affect eligibility where one side has pre‑existing signs.
Routine and preventive care is not part of the core accident or accident + illness plans and must be purchased via a Preventive Care endorsement; without that endorsement, vaccinations, routine parasite prevention, spaying/neutering, and dental prophylaxis are excluded. Cosmetic, elective, and breeding‑related procedures are excluded. Food, supplements, and many non‑medical items and fees (boarding, grooming, toys, administrative fees) are not reimbursed under core benefit schedules.
Other limitations include exclusions for treatments that are experimental, investigational, or not within the accepted standard of care, and for conditions resulting from catastrophic events (pandemics as declared, war, nuclear events). Coverage for alternative therapies is limited to those prescribed and administered by a veterinarian on the core plans; many behavioral, training, and holistic services are excluded unless specifically listed under an endorsement. Policyholders should select reimbursement, deductible, and annual limit settings carefully to reflect their coverage priorities, and consider preventive endorsements if routine care reimbursement is required.
AAA Exclusions
AAA's exclusions concentrate on pre‑existing conditions and waiting‑period limitations: any illness or injury that occurred or showed symptoms before the policy effective date or during the 14‑day waiting period is excluded, and this explicitly includes ligament and knee conditions.
Routine preventive care and many dental services are excluded from the core plans unless a Preventive Care endorsement is purchased, and aesthetic, endodontic, or orthodontic dental procedures (caps, crowns, fillings, root canals) are specifically not covered.
The policy also excludes breeding and cosmetic procedures, prescription food and supplements (including herbal products and CBD), owner‑caused or negligent incidents and treatment by an owner or immediate family member, plus non‑medical fees such as boarding, grooming, administrative charges, and travel expenses.
Notable differentiators include the option to add Preventive Care endorsements for routine wellness benefits and explicit coverage for microchip implantation under core plans, while catastrophic events, experimental treatments, and organ transplants remain excluded.
AAA Prices
AAA’s pet insurance is best described as mid-range in its baseline positioning, with scalable configurations that can function as entry-level on the low-cost accident-only options or approach premium pricing when selecting high-reimbursement, unlimited-limit accident + illness configurations.
Reimbursement rates, deductible levels, and selected annual coverage limits are the main levers that determine cost competitiveness: lower reimbursement and higher deductibles reduce premiums for entry-focused buyers, while unlimited limits and higher reimbursement percentages push plans into a higher-cost segment. Added-value services such as a 24/7 telehealth vet hotline and poison control, along with digital administration through a partner platform, support flexibility in pricing and can justify higher premiums relative to less digitally enabled, traditional providers; this structure allows AAA to compete with both low-cost and more comprehensive legacy insurers without prescribing a single positioning.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Accident Only | Accident + Illness |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $16.47 / $101.39 | $33.63 / $223.73 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $16.47 / $101.39 | $36.03 / $239.71 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $16.47 / $101.39 | $57.65 / $383.54 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $16.47 / $101.39 | $28.10 / $186.92 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $16.47 / $101.39 | $30.10 / $200.27 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $16.47 / $101.39 | $48.17 / $320.43 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $16.47 / $101.39 | $42.86 / $285.10 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $16.47 / $101.39 | $45.92 / $305.46 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $16.47 / $101.39 | $73.47 / $488.73 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $9.49 / $62.16 | $12.87 / $90.33 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $9.49 / $62.16 | $12.87 / $90.33 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $9.49 / $62.16 | $19.30 / $135.49 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $9.49 / $62.16 | $16.32 / $114.55 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $9.49 / $62.16 | $16.32 / $114.55 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $9.49 / $62.16 | $24.47 / $171.83 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $9.49 / $62.16 | $19.42 / $136.34 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $9.49 / $62.16 | $19.42 / $136.34 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $9.49 / $62.16 | $29.13 / $204.50 |
AAA Promo Codes
| AAA Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
What are the reimbursement amounts with AAA?
AAA reimburses eligible veterinary expenses after you meet your annual deductible, paying a percentage of the remaining eligible costs under the Accident + Illness plan (Unlimited limit, 90% reimbursement, $100 annual deductible).
✅ Example 1: Consultation for allergic dermatitis
Total vet costs: $300 (consultation + topical medication + prescription)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (this is the first expense of the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Accident + Illness plan: $300 – $100 = $200
90% of that amount reimbursed: $200 × 90% = $180
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $300 – $180 = $120
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $180.
Annual Deductible
*The annual deductible applies once per policy year; subsequent eligible claims that year are not reduced by the deductible again unless the deductible resets at renewal.*
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament repair surgery
Total vet costs: $7,500 (surgery, specialist fees, hospitalization, imaging, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Accident + Illness plan: $7,500 – $0 = $7,500
90% of that amount reimbursed: $7,500 × 90% = $6,750
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $7,500 – $6,750 = $750
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $6,750.
Annual Limit Information
*This reimbursement will count toward your annual limit; with an Unlimited limit selected here, eligible costs are not capped by a dollar maximum for the year, though policy terms and exclusions still apply.*
✅ Example 3: Annual wellness visit and vaccinations (Platinum Preventive Care endorsement)
Total vet costs: $180 (wellness exam $80 + vaccinations $60 + fecal/parasite test $40)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (preventive benefits are handled separately from the accident/illness deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Platinum Preventive Care endorsement: $180 – $0 = $180
Assumed reimbursement for preventive services: $180 × 100% = $180
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $0
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $180.
Preventive Endorsement Limits and Coverage
*Preventive endorsements have per-service limits and specific covered items; check your Gold/Platinum endorsement for exact caps and eligible services.*
AAA Assistance
AAA’s assistance package includes a 24/7 VetAccess tele‑health helpline that gives policyholders immediate access to licensed veterinary professionals for triage, behavioral guidance, and non-diagnostic advice, which is particularly valuable in early-stage emergencies.
The plan also covers poison control consultation under accident benefits and supports pet identification implantation, both of which reduce downstream costs and improve recovery chances for lost animals.
Claims can be submitted electronically through the insurer’s online channels, enabling a largely paperless process that speeds reimbursement when claimants file via the portal.
There is no prominently marketed clinic advance‑payment program or advertised installment payment option, and AAA does not emphasize a nationwide partner clinic network, so owners should be prepared to handle in‑clinic payments and confirm any direct-billing arrangements.
Policies are structured around domestic care; owners planning veterinary treatment abroad should verify travel‑related terms with their provider before departure.
| Assistance AAA | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Electronic claim submission available via online portal. Paper claim forms accepted for mail or fax as needed. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | VetAccess 24/7 Pet Tele‑Health Helpline included with Spot plans offered via AAA. Provides licensed-veterinarian triage, behavior, and wellness guidance. Poison control consultation covered under accident benefits. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | N.C. |
Paper claim forms accepted for mail or fax as needed.
Provides licensed-veterinarian triage, behavior, and wellness guidance.
Poison control consultation covered under accident benefits.
Customer reviews on AAA
There are no pet‑insurance‑specific customer reviews available on Trustpilot or Google Reviews for AAA that can be reliably excerpted or summarized. Because platform‑level feedback specific to AAA pet insurance is not published on these review sites in a dedicated form, it is not possible to produce a balanced synthesis of commonly mentioned positives and concerns from verified customer comments.
Contact AAA
| AAA Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. Online subscription channels: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit claims electronically using the claim form available online. Required documents: claim form (available online); additional supporting documents: N.C. Deadlines for submission: N.C. Reimbursement method: N.C. Appeals and dispute handling: contact the Customer Satisfaction Department; written appeal if unresolved. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | How to request: N.C. Channels to request: N.C. Information required to issue the certificate: N.C. Administrator mailing address for written requests: Independence American Insurance Company, 1208 Massillon Rd, Suite G200, Akron OH 44306. |
| To contact assistance | Claims submission: claim form available online. VetAccess 24/7 Pet Tele‑Health Helpline: Yes (availability may vary by affiliate). Phone: N.C. Email: N.C. Customer portal / online services: N.C. Postal mail (administrative office): Independence American Insurance Company, 1208 Massillon Rd, Suite G200, Akron OH 44306. |
| To cancel my policy | You can cancel by contacting the administrator via email, telephone, or in writing. Cancellation contact mailing address: Independence American Insurance Company, 1208 Massillon Rd, Suite G200, Akron OH 44306. Information to provide for cancellation: N.C. Cancellation deadlines and refund conditions: N.C. |
Online subscription channels: N.C.
Required documents: claim form (available online); additional supporting documents: N.C.
Deadlines for submission: N.C.
Reimbursement method: N.C.
Appeals and dispute handling: contact the Customer Satisfaction Department; written appeal if unresolved.
Channels to request: N.C.
Information required to issue the certificate: N.C.
Administrator mailing address for written requests: Independence American Insurance Company, 1208 Massillon Rd, Suite G200, Akron OH 44306.
VetAccess 24/7 Pet Tele‑Health Helpline: Yes (availability may vary by affiliate).
Phone: N.C.
Email: N.C.
Customer portal / online services: N.C.
Postal mail (administrative office): Independence American Insurance Company, 1208 Massillon Rd, Suite G200, Akron OH 44306.
Cancellation contact mailing address: Independence American Insurance Company, 1208 Massillon Rd, Suite G200, Akron OH 44306.
Information to provide for cancellation: N.C.
Cancellation deadlines and refund conditions: N.C.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with AAA?
You should generally expect to pay the veterinary bill at the time of service and then submit a claim to Spot/AAA for reimbursement.
Claims can be filed through the online claims portal, by email, fax, or mail.
Reimbursement is issued after claim review and processing; timing depends on the claim and chosen payment method.
Ask your clinic in advance about any direct‑billing arrangements they may offer.
Contact the claims department to verify third‑party payment options for your specific veterinarian.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with AAA?
To cancel, contact the policy administrator by phone, email, or in writing and request policy termination.
Provide identifying information such as your policy number, account holder name, and pet details to process the request.
Any final premium adjustments or refunds are handled per the administrator’s cancellation procedures.
If you need clarity on required documentation or notice periods, contact customer service for confirmation.
What waiting periods apply before coverage starts?
Standard waiting periods for AAA Spot plans are 14 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses on Accident + Illness plans.
Accident‑only plans apply the stated accident waiting period.
Certain conditions, especially ligament and knee issues, are subject to stricter exclusion or waiting rules.
Waiting periods begin on the policy effective date and must be met before related claims are eligible.
What reimbursement rates and annual limits can I expect?
Reimbursement rates and annual limits are customizable when purchasing a plan, with common reimbursement choices including 70% and 90%.
Annual limits range from lower caps (for example, $2,500) up to unlimited coverage depending on the option you select.
Your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit together determine your out‑of‑pocket exposure.
Check your policy declarations for the exact figures that apply to your coverage.
What common exclusions should I be aware of?
Major exclusions include pre‑existing conditions, routine preventive care unless a preventive endorsement is purchased, and elective or cosmetic procedures related to breeding.
Prescription diets, supplements, many dental procedures, and experimental or investigational treatments are excluded.
Owner‑caused incidents, non‑medical fees (boarding, grooming, administrative fees), and injuries from organized fighting or racing are not covered.
Catastrophic events such as epidemics, war, or nuclear incidents are also excluded.
What assistance services are included with AAA pet insurance?
VetAccess 24/7 Pet Tele‑Health Helpline is included to provide around‑the‑clock access to licensed veterinarians for health, behavior, and wellness questions.
Poison control consultations are covered under Accident Benefits for qualifying incidents.
Claims submission and appeals can be handled electronically through the online portal to streamline processing.
For emergency procedures, direct‑billing options, or other operational assistance, contact the administrator for guidance.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with AAA?
You should generally expect to pay the veterinary bill at the time of service and then submit a claim to Spot/AAA for reimbursement.
Claims can be filed through the online claims portal, by email, fax, or mail.
Reimbursement is issued after claim review and processing; timing depends on the claim and chosen payment method.
Ask your clinic in advance about any direct‑billing arrangements they may offer.
Contact the claims department to verify third‑party payment options for your specific veterinarian.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with AAA?
To cancel, contact the policy administrator by phone, email, or in writing and request policy termination.
Provide identifying information such as your policy number, account holder name, and pet details to process the request.
Any final premium adjustments or refunds are handled per the administrator’s cancellation procedures.
If you need clarity on required documentation or notice periods, contact customer service for confirmation.
What waiting periods apply before coverage starts?
Standard waiting periods for AAA Spot plans are 14 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses on Accident + Illness plans.
Accident‑only plans apply the stated accident waiting period.
Certain conditions, especially ligament and knee issues, are subject to stricter exclusion or waiting rules.
Waiting periods begin on the policy effective date and must be met before related claims are eligible.
What reimbursement rates and annual limits can I expect?
Reimbursement rates and annual limits are customizable when purchasing a plan, with common reimbursement choices including 70% and 90%.
Annual limits range from lower caps (for example, $2,500) up to unlimited coverage depending on the option you select.
Your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit together determine your out‑of‑pocket exposure.
Check your policy declarations for the exact figures that apply to your coverage.
What common exclusions should I be aware of?
Major exclusions include pre‑existing conditions, routine preventive care unless a preventive endorsement is purchased, and elective or cosmetic procedures related to breeding.
Prescription diets, supplements, many dental procedures, and experimental or investigational treatments are excluded.
Owner‑caused incidents, non‑medical fees (boarding, grooming, administrative fees), and injuries from organized fighting or racing are not covered.
Catastrophic events such as epidemics, war, or nuclear incidents are also excluded.
What assistance services are included with AAA pet insurance?
VetAccess 24/7 Pet Tele‑Health Helpline is included to provide around‑the‑clock access to licensed veterinarians for health, behavior, and wellness questions.
Poison control consultations are covered under Accident Benefits for qualifying incidents.
Claims submission and appeals can be handled electronically through the online portal to streamline processing.
For emergency procedures, direct‑billing options, or other operational assistance, contact the administrator for guidance.
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