Is Hartville Pet Insurance Worth It? Review 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on Hartville
Hartville Pet Insurance, underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, offers a customizable and comprehensive health insurance plan for dogs and cats, allowing policyholders to tailor their coverage via deductible, reimbursement rate (typically 70%, 80%, or 90%), and annual limit. Its structure provides broad reimbursement on both accident and illness claims, with notable inclusions like alternative therapies, behavioral treatment, prescription diets (for covered conditions), and microchipping, after a 14-day waiting period. Unlike many competitors, Hartville does not restrict to set plan tiers; customers adjust major parameters to their individual preference, yet must accept numerous and explicit exclusions. In terms of market standing, Hartville's price positioning is generally mid-range, offering flexibility but lacking notable prevention or wellness allowances compared to higher-end rivals. The product is best suited for owners—especially of younger, healthy pets—seeking customizable vet bill protection without needing preventive care reimbursement. While some purebred or senior animals may benefit, considerable policy exclusions—especially for pre-existing and orthopedic conditions—warrant caution for high-risk breeds or chronic illness profiles. Hartville benefits from the backing of Crum & Forster group, one of the largest insurance underwriters in the US pet sector, supporting financial stability and claims capacity. On Trustpilot, Hartville currently holds a 3.4/5 score (over 330 reviews), notably lower than major competitors (Spot, Embrace, Healthy Paws), with clients praising claims speed and customer service in typical cases, but reporting issues with policy transfers, pre-existing condition exclusions, and communication lapses. Observed claims turnaround is generally fast when processed digitally, with direct-vet pay possible.
- Customizable reimbursement rates, deductibles and annual limits
- Covers both accidents and illnesses, including chronic conditions
- Includes alternative therapies and behavioral treatment
- Covers prescription food for covered conditions
- Efficient online claims process and rapid reimbursements
- Microchipping costs included
- Direct payment available to vets
- Comprehensive exclusions for preventive and dental care
- Strict pre-existing and ligament/knee condition policy
- No routine wellness or vaccination benefits
- Frequent negative feedback on policy transfers and billing
- Lower customer satisfaction than most top peers
- Hartville Warranties
- Hartville Exclusions
- Hartville rates
- Hartville Assistance
- Customer feedback on Hartville
- How to contact Hartville?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and conditions as well as the premiums of leading insurance policies across the market every year to provide you with reliable and impartial analyses. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the U.S. trust us each month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Hartville Warranties
Hartville offers a single modular pet insurance contract for cats and dogs, allowing owners to choose their annual deductible, reimbursement rate (up to 90%), and annual coverage limit, with uniform guarantees regardless of configuration. This approach stands out for its comprehensive inclusion of both accidents and illnesses (including hospitalization, surgery, behavioral therapy, alternative treatments, prescribed diet for covered conditions, and prescribed medication), but does not include routine preventive care or non-curative dental treatments. The annual deductible applies once per year, and excluded items are numerous: dental cleaning unless disease-related, preventive care (routine exams, vaccines), conditions during waiting period, elective or cosmetic procedures, and pre-existing conditions (unless symptom-free for 180 days, except ligaments/knees). Coverage applies throughout the US, US territories, and Canada, with a strict 14-day waiting period for all diagnoses, and a “cured condition” clause stricter than some rivals. Strengths include flexible customization, broad illness/injury coverage, FDA-approved medicine and prescription diet reimbursement, but limits are strict on wellness, preventive, and routine care, which are not covered, and the contract lacks options for multi-pet discounts or liability.
| Name of Guarantee | Hartville (Single Modular Formula) |
|---|---|
| Positioning of the formula | Fully modular: owner's choice of deductible, reimbursement %, and annual limit |
| Type of coverage | Accident & illness |
| Animals covered | Cats and dogs only |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Owner's choice: 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| Annual reimbursement limit for vet fees | Owner's choice: details on contract (NC) |
| Annual/per claim deductible | Owner's choice, annual deductible (NC value) |
| Min/max age for subscription (cat) | Not specified (NC) |
| Min/max age for subscription (dog) | Not specified (NC) |
| Pre-existing health questionnaire? | Not required, but pre-existing exclusions apply |
| Waiting period for illness | 14 calendar days |
| Waiting period for accident | 14 calendar days |
| Life-long renewal possible? | Yes, provided continuous coverage |
| Vet consultations (regular/emergency/specialist) | Covered if for accident or illness |
| Medications | Covered if FDA-approved and prescription for covered issue |
| Hospitalization | Covered |
| Ambulance costs | Covered if medically necessary |
| Surgery, anesthesia | Covered |
| Scans, MRI, ultrasounds | Covered |
| Laboratory tests | Covered |
| Radiotherapy | Covered for cancer |
| Dental (disease, accident, extractions) | Covered for extraction/illness/accident; excludes cosmetic/routine cleaning |
| Scaling (dental cleaning) | Only if linked to covered disease |
| Preventive care allowance (vaccines, wellness etc.) | Not covered |
| Alternative medicine (acupuncture, osteopathy, etc.) | Covered if recognized and for accident/illness |
| Therapeutic diet | Covered if prescribed for covered condition |
| Countries covered / travel | USA, US Territories, Canada |
| Death / cremation | Covered for euthanasia, burial, cremation (excl. ceremonial/urn) |
| Euthanasia | Covered for medical necessity |
| Theft/loss and search costs | Not covered |
| Boarding costs | Not covered |
Good to know
All benefits are subject to the annual reimbursement limit and chosen deductible—exact amounts depend on what you select at enrollment. Claims must be submitted within 270 days, and coverages automatically renew yearly. Coverage for “cured” pre-existing illnesses is possible after 180 symptom-free days (except cruciate/ligament issues, which are always excluded if pre-existing or within waiting period). No wellness, vaccines, neuter/spay, or microchip renewal fees are reimbursed, though initial microchip implantation is covered.
Hartville Exclusions
Hartville (United States Fire Insurance Company) applies a robust exclusion policy, notably refusing all coverage for pre-existing conditions unless symptom-free for at least 180 days, but never for knees/ligaments (very restrictive compared to peers). Orthopedic and ligament issues present prior to, or developing within, the initial waiting period, are systematically excluded—this leads to denials frequently reported in client feedback, even after claims of telephonic coverage confirmation. Cosmetic dental and surgical procedures (orthodontics, crowns, crops, docking) are excluded regardless of context, and reimbursement is strictly limited to medical, FDA-approved, and veterinarian-prescribed treatments—no prevention or wellness, nor alternative/experimental therapies outside medical consensus. Geographical coverage is limited to the US, US territories, and Canada, with no overseas or extended travel flexibility. Any care or supply not performed by a licensed vet, plus expenses related to combat, organized sport/hunting, reproductive services, elective boarding, or non-medical incidentals are never covered, with precise enforcement of administrative, fraud, and safety clauses.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions (unless 180 days symptom- and treatment-free, except knees/ligaments: never re-covered) - Conditions arising during the 14-day waiting period - Cosmetic/orthodontic dental care (crowns, implants, prosthetics, etc.) - All cosmetic procedures (tail/ear crop, prosthetic devices for cosmetic purposes) - Organ or valve transplants - Non-FDA/non-veterinarian prescribed meds - Non-approved experimental/alternative therapies - Routine/preventive (wellness/vaccines/lab screening if not associated with illness) - Supply, food, supplements for prevention or general maintenance - Behavioral coverage only if prescribed by accredited vet/behaviorist - Injuries/disease from deliberate/negligent acts by owner |
| Geographical exclusions | - No coverage outside the USA, US territories, and Canada - Animal must reside at the policyholder's address - Policy lapses/coverage ceases if living outside covered geography |
| Provider/identification | - Care not delivered by a licensed veterinarian - Procedures provided by the owner or co-owner - Administrative fees by providers (file fees, licensing, records, taxes) - Home visits/house calls by veterinarians (not covered) - Microchip: only implantation cost covered, not registry/renewal |
| Risk/activity exclusions | - Boarding/pet hotel fees - Training, education, or related equipment - Activities involving organized combat, hunting, racing, protection - Damages/injury from war, epidemics, terrorism, nuclear/radiological events |
| Reproduction-related | - Breeding, pregnancy, whelping/kittening, and lactation—any related expenses |
| Non-medical exclusions | - Non-medical supplies (toys, leashes, clothing, etc.) - Funerals, urns, commemorative/ceremonial costs - Grooming or non-prescribed skin/hair treatments - All herbal, over-the-counter, or not specifically prescribed products |
- Conditions arising during the 14-day waiting period
- Cosmetic/orthodontic dental care (crowns, implants, prosthetics, etc.)
- All cosmetic procedures (tail/ear crop, prosthetic devices for cosmetic purposes)
- Organ or valve transplants
- Non-FDA/non-veterinarian prescribed meds
- Non-approved experimental/alternative therapies
- Routine/preventive (wellness/vaccines/lab screening if not associated with illness)
- Supply, food, supplements for prevention or general maintenance
- Behavioral coverage only if prescribed by accredited vet/behaviorist
- Injuries/disease from deliberate/negligent acts by owner
- Animal must reside at the policyholder's address
- Policy lapses/coverage ceases if living outside covered geography
- Procedures provided by the owner or co-owner
- Administrative fees by providers (file fees, licensing, records, taxes)
- Home visits/house calls by veterinarians (not covered)
- Microchip: only implantation cost covered, not registry/renewal
- Training, education, or related equipment
- Activities involving organized combat, hunting, racing, protection
- Damages/injury from war, epidemics, terrorism, nuclear/radiological events
- Funerals, urns, commemorative/ceremonial costs
- Grooming or non-prescribed skin/hair treatments
- All herbal, over-the-counter, or not specifically prescribed products
Hartville rates
Overall, Hartville Pet Insurance holds a median price position in the US pet insurance market. Its offering is modular, allowing customization of deductible and reimbursement rate, but overall benefits align with sector standards—covering real veterinary expenses for accidents and illnesses, including some costly items like cancer treatments and behavioral therapy. Despite this, strict exclusions on certain conditions (notably preexisting and specific orthopedic issues), as well as a standard waiting period, match typical industry practice and explain why pricing does not reach either extreme. Customer reviews indicate service speed and claims management are solid for standard cases, but administrative rigidity lowers perceived value for more complex scenarios, especially during policy transfers. In summary, Hartville is neither the cheapest nor the most comprehensive, but suits pet owners seeking balanced, average-priced, and flexible coverage without premium-level extras.
Compare plans to ensure you get the best rate and level of coverage for your pet's needs.
| Custom Plan (average 80% reimbursement, $250 annual deductible, $10k annual limit) | |
|---|---|
| Young Cat (2–4 years) | $22/mo |
| Senior Cat (7–8 years) | $31/mo |
| Small Dog (2–4 years) | $38/mo |
| Large Dog (2–4 years) | $54/mo |
| Senior Dog (7–8 years) | $74/mo |
Hartville promo codes
| Hartville Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% off your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed with Hartville?
| Type of care | Average price (USD) | Hartville (90% reimbursement, excluding deductible) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary consultation | $70 | Reimbursed $63 Out-of-pocket: $7 (excluding deductible) |
| Neutering / Spaying | $300 | Not covered* Out-of-pocket: $300 |
| Annual vaccines | $90 | Not covered* Out-of-pocket: $90 |
| Surgery (e.g. fracture) | $2,500 | Reimbursed $2,250 Out-of-pocket: $250 (excluding deductible) |
| Hospitalization (24h, illness) | $1,200 | Reimbursed $1,080 Out-of-pocket: $120 (excluding deductible) |
Out-of-pocket: $7 (excluding deductible)
Out-of-pocket: $300
Out-of-pocket: $90
Out-of-pocket: $250 (excluding deductible)
Out-of-pocket: $120 (excluding deductible)
Important information
* Preventive care (vaccines, spaying/neutering) is not covered by the Hartville accident & illness plan. Only diagnostic/treatment for illnesses or accidents is reimbursed.
Hartville Assistance
Hartville provides a standard assistance experience based on reimbursement after vet care is paid out-of-pocket, with no advance payment solution such as Payvet, which can be limiting in cases of high expenses.
There’s no evidence of premium payment flexibility—installments may incur additional charges and annual payment is incentivized, which requires financial planning from pet owners.
Digital claim management is available and widely advertised as efficient and user-friendly, though customer experience feedback notes administrative rigidity in special contexts like policy transfers.
No emergency telehealth or 24/7 vet hotline is included, and there is no network of partner clinics, so urgent or guided care is not directly facilitated.
Coverage is strictly limited to the US and Canada, excluding pets abroad for travel and preventing any international vet support or claim processing overseas.
| Assistance Hartville | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment to vet | ❌ | No advance payment (Payvet-type) is available. Owners always pay the bill first, then submit for reimbursement. |
| Payment flexibility | ❌ | No formal mention of interest-free installments. Premiums paid monthly can incur higher costs compared to annual payment. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | A mobile app is available for claims and management. Users rate it as functional but not sector-leading in UX or usability. |
| Fully digital claim process | ✅ | Reimbursement management is digitized, with online forms and document upload. Process is reported as fast and easy in most standard cases. |
| Emergency vet line or telehealth | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency hotline or integrated teleconsultation/telemedicine service is provided. |
| Network of partner clinics/vets | ❌ | No network partnerships: policyholders may use any licensed vet in the USA or Canada. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | Only care in the US, US territories, and Canada is covered. No cover for treatment or claims if the pet is abroad. |
Customer feedback on Hartville
| Review Site | Rating and Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 3.4 / 5 (336 reviews) |
We analyzed the reviews from the site listed above. On the positive side, policyholders who have chosen Hartville Pet Insurance for their pets often mention:
- The reimbursement process is fast and efficient: many customers praise the quick turnaround and high reimbursement rate of up to 90% after the deductible.
- The claim submission is simple: an intuitive online process is cited as making filing claims straightforward and hassle-free.
- The coverage and support provide peace of mind: several long-term clients (some since 2006) report consistent and comprehensive claim repayments on eligible veterinary expenses.
- The customer service is compassionate and responsive: policyholders generally find the staff empathetic and proactive, especially during difficult times such as the loss of a pet.
- The company delivers on its promises for basic claims: many customers note never needing to escalate issues, with automated systems functioning smoothly for standard cases.
On the negative side:
- The transfer of policies from other insurers (notably 24PetWatch) causes major dissatisfaction: changes to coverage terms without consent, the introduction of new pre-existing condition exclusions, and loss of benefits for chronic conditions are frequent complaints.
- Contract cancellations and lapses occur abruptly or with insufficient communication: recurring payment and billing errors go unaddressed, and notifications about failed payments are often not sent in time.
- Administrative and technical issues create frustration: some customers struggle to add new pets or resolve billing errors after policy migrations, encountering slow or unhelpful responses.
- Denials of reimbursement are sometimes perceived as unfair: clients cite examples such as claims for orthopedic surgeries denied on technicalities, despite verbal assurances from the company before procedures.
- Premiums increase significantly after policy migration: some customers see abrupt rate hikes (reported up to 20%) when transferring from previous insurers.
- The company's responses to complaints are not always satisfactory: less than half of negative reviews receive a reply, and resolutions are sometimes delayed or incomplete.
How to contact Hartville?
| Hartville customer service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe best pet insurance comparison tool, select the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. You can also request a quote or subscribe directly from the official Hartville website: https://www.hartvillepetinsurance.com/ For every question, contact customer service: - Phone: 1-800-799-5852 - Email: [email protected] |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim online via your customer portal or by filling out the claim form within 270 days of care. - Attach detailed invoices and all veterinary documents. - Option for direct payment to the vet is available. - Usually settled within a few days to 2 weeks after validation, by bank transfer or check. To track progress or for any issues: - Phone: 1-800-799-5852 - Email: [email protected] |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Contact customer service by phone or email to request a certificate. Prepare your policy number or the insured animal’s details. - Phone: 1-800-799-5852 - Email: [email protected] |
| To contact support | For any general questions, administrative help, or post-claim support: - Phone: 1-800-799-5852 (Monday to Friday, hours may vary by US time zone) - Email: [email protected] |
| To cancel my contract | You can cancel at any time before the annual renewal with advance notice. - Send a written request by email or mail specifying your details, contract number, desired cancellation date and reason, with a recommended 30-day notice. - Include proof if there’s a specific reason (e.g. pet’s death, moving out of covered area). - 30-day cooling-off period ('money back guarantee') if you haven’t claimed: request by email. - Email: [email protected] - Mailing address (if needed): Hartville Pet Insurance, C&F Insurance Agency, Inc., 1208 Massillon Road, Suite G 200, Akron, OH 44306, USA. - Phone: 1-800-799-5852 (for fast notification or contract cancellation questions) |
You can also request a quote or subscribe directly from the official Hartville website: https://www.hartvillepetinsurance.com/
For every question, contact customer service:
- Phone: 1-800-799-5852
- Email: [email protected]
- Attach detailed invoices and all veterinary documents.
- Option for direct payment to the vet is available.
- Usually settled within a few days to 2 weeks after validation, by bank transfer or check.
To track progress or for any issues:
- Phone: 1-800-799-5852
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1-800-799-5852
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1-800-799-5852 (Monday to Friday, hours may vary by US time zone)
- Email: [email protected]
- Send a written request by email or mail specifying your details, contract number, desired cancellation date and reason, with a recommended 30-day notice.
- Include proof if there’s a specific reason (e.g. pet’s death, moving out of covered area).
- 30-day cooling-off period ('money back guarantee') if you haven’t claimed: request by email.
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing address (if needed): Hartville Pet Insurance, C&F Insurance Agency, Inc., 1208 Massillon Road, Suite G 200, Akron, OH 44306, USA.
- Phone: 1-800-799-5852 (for fast notification or contract cancellation questions)
FAQ
Do I have to pay the veterinarian upfront with Hartville Pet Insurance?
With Hartville, you are generally required to pay your veterinarian upfront for your pet’s care. Afterward, you submit your claim with itemized invoices for reimbursement. However, in certain situations, Hartville may be able to pay your vet directly, but this is not guaranteed or systematic. Always check with your clinic and Hartville before your visit to see if direct payment is possible.
How can I cancel my Hartville pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Hartville pet insurance, contact their customer service by phone or email and request cancellation. You must observe a 30-day notice period. Be prepared to provide your policy number and written confirmation; additional documents may be requested if needed for identity or verification purposes.
What does Hartville cover and are there any exclusions?
Hartville covers veterinary expenses due to accidents and illnesses, including diagnostics, medication, surgeries, cancer treatments, behavioral therapy, and microchipping. Coverage is subject to annual limits, deductibles, and a reimbursement rate you select. Notable exclusions include pre-existing conditions, routine/preventive care, cosmetic procedures, breeding, and conditions occurring during waiting periods.
How are pre-existing conditions handled under Hartville?
Pre-existing conditions, meaning illnesses or symptoms present before the policy starts or within the waiting period, are not covered by Hartville. If a condition is symptom-free and untreated for 180 consecutive days (except for knee and ligament issues), it may be covered again. Always review specific terms in your contract for details about your pet’s health history.
How do I file a claim and how long does reimbursement take?
After paying your vet, complete the claim form and submit it with detailed invoices within 270 days of treatment. Hartville reviews your claim and, if approved, reimburses you for eligible costs minus your deductible, according to your reimbursement rate. Many users report straightforward online claims and prompt payment, with most reimbursements processed within a few weeks.
Do I have to pay the veterinarian upfront with Hartville Pet Insurance?
With Hartville, you are generally required to pay your veterinarian upfront for your pet’s care. Afterward, you submit your claim with itemized invoices for reimbursement. However, in certain situations, Hartville may be able to pay your vet directly, but this is not guaranteed or systematic. Always check with your clinic and Hartville before your visit to see if direct payment is possible.
How can I cancel my Hartville pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Hartville pet insurance, contact their customer service by phone or email and request cancellation. You must observe a 30-day notice period. Be prepared to provide your policy number and written confirmation; additional documents may be requested if needed for identity or verification purposes.
What does Hartville cover and are there any exclusions?
Hartville covers veterinary expenses due to accidents and illnesses, including diagnostics, medication, surgeries, cancer treatments, behavioral therapy, and microchipping. Coverage is subject to annual limits, deductibles, and a reimbursement rate you select. Notable exclusions include pre-existing conditions, routine/preventive care, cosmetic procedures, breeding, and conditions occurring during waiting periods.
How are pre-existing conditions handled under Hartville?
Pre-existing conditions, meaning illnesses or symptoms present before the policy starts or within the waiting period, are not covered by Hartville. If a condition is symptom-free and untreated for 180 consecutive days (except for knee and ligament issues), it may be covered again. Always review specific terms in your contract for details about your pet’s health history.
How do I file a claim and how long does reimbursement take?
After paying your vet, complete the claim form and submit it with detailed invoices within 270 days of treatment. Hartville reviews your claim and, if approved, reimburses you for eligible costs minus your deductible, according to your reimbursement rate. Many users report straightforward online claims and prompt payment, with most reimbursements processed within a few weeks.
