Hartville Pet Insurance 2025: Full Review, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on Hartville
Hartville Pet Insurance offers a concise, expert-focused option for U.S. pet owners looking for clear accident protection and optional illness coverage, presented in an easy-to-understand two-plan format.
The insurer sells two primary plans: Accident Only and Complete Coverage (accident and illness), with core medical benefits including emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialist consultations, alternative medicine, death and cremation; waiting periods include 14 days for accidents and, on Complete Coverage, 14 days for illnesses. Reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles and wellness budgets vary by selected policy and pet profile, and sample monthly premiums show a relatively low flat accident-only price for many dog profiles and age- and breed-sensitive pricing for full coverage. Compared with major competitors, Hartville emphasizes a simpler product lineup and competitively low accident-only premiums while relying on age/breed pricing for full-coverage plans and offering more limited preventive benefits.
Best suited for owners seeking basic accident protection or budget-conscious buyers of younger, healthy pets, less suitable for those needing broad wellness or coverage of complex pre-existing issues.
Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Hartville carries a provider average rating of 3.3 and a Trustpilot score of 3.1/5 from 341 reviews; customers report some quick, straightforward claim experiences and helpful phone support, but a notable share report claim denials tied to pre-existing conditions and administrative issues during policy transitions.
- ✅Simple two-plan product lineup
- ✅Competitive flat accident-only pricing for many dogs
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, lab tests, and specialists
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅24/7 veterinary helpline access
- ✅Poison control consultation covered
- ✅Death and cremation benefits
- ❌Limited preventive and wellness coverage
- ❌Frequent claim denials linked to pre-existing conditions
- ❌Full-coverage premiums rise steeply with age/breed
- ❌Customer issues reported during policy transfers
- ❌Less clarity on specific reimbursement details
Our expert's opinion on Hartville
- ✅Simple two-plan product lineup
- ✅Competitive flat accident-only pricing for many dogs
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, lab tests, and specialists
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅24/7 veterinary helpline access
- ✅Poison control consultation covered
- ✅Death and cremation benefits
- ❌Limited preventive and wellness coverage
- ❌Frequent claim denials linked to pre-existing conditions
- ❌Full-coverage premiums rise steeply with age/breed
- ❌Customer issues reported during policy transfers
- ❌Less clarity on specific reimbursement details
Score- ✅Simple two-plan product lineup
- ✅Competitive flat accident-only pricing for many dogs
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, lab tests, and specialists
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅24/7 veterinary helpline access
- ✅Poison control consultation covered
- ✅Death and cremation benefits
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.
The Hartville Guarantees
Hartville offers two primary plans: Accident Only and Complete Coverage. The Accident Only plan focuses on accident-related veterinary care, while the Complete Coverage plan includes both accidents and illnesses, positioning Accident Only as an entry-level option and Complete Coverage as a more comprehensive, balanced choice. Both plans include core medical services such as emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, and laboratory diagnostics, and both allow some coverage for dental procedures when those procedures are required to treat a covered condition.
Financial parameters such as reimbursement rates, annual limits, and deductible specifics vary by policy configuration and are defined at the policy level. Both plans apply waiting periods for eligibility of treatment: a 14-day waiting period for accidents under both plans and a 14-day waiting period for illness under the Complete Coverage plan. Lifetime coverage status and certain enrollment age limits are determined per policy.
Plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company. Hartville includes several added-value features across plans, notably access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline and poison control consultation, acceptance of alternative medicine when provided by a veterinarian, identification coverage, and provisions for death and cremation costs.
| Accident Only | Complete Coverage | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level | Balanced / comprehensive |
| Type of coverage | Accident | Accident & Illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats |
| Reimbursement rate | N.C. | N.C. |
| Annual reimbursement limit | N.C. | N.C. |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | N.C. | N.C. |
| Age limits for enrollment | N.C. | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (accident) | 14 days | 14 days |
| Waiting period (illness) | N/A | 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | N.C. | N.C. |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes |
| Medications | N.C. | N.C. |
| Hospitalization | N.C. | N.C. |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests | Yes (imaging, lab tests) | Yes (imaging, lab tests) |
| Dental care | Yes (if for a covered condition) | Yes (if for a covered condition) |
| Preventive care | No | No |
| Alternative medicine | Yes (if administered by a veterinarian) | Yes (if administered by a veterinarian) |
| Travel coverage | N.C. | N.C. |
| Civil liability | N.C. | N.C. |
| Euthanasia | N.C. | N.C. |
| Death & cremation coverage | Yes (death & cremation listed) | Yes (death & cremation listed) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | N.C. | N.C. |
| Boarding fees | No | No |
Hartville excludes pre-existing conditions—any illness, disease, or injury that first occurred or showed symptoms before the policy effective date or during the applicable waiting period. Preventive and routine care (including vaccinations, routine exams, and parasite prevention) are not covered under standard plans. Dental services of an elective or cosmetic nature are excluded; dental cleanings are only covered when performed to treat a covered condition.
Other notable exclusions and limitations include costs related to breeding and pregnancy, cosmetic procedures, food and supplements for general health, owner-caused incidents (intentional or gross negligence), non-medical fees and supplies (boarding, grooming, bedding, toys), and veterinary care arising from organized fighting, racing, or other excluded activities. Experimental or investigational treatments and major catastrophic events (e.g., war, nuclear incidents) are also excluded. Policyholders should review plan terms for detail on orthopedic limitations, waiting-period specifics, and any age-related or enrollment constraints.
Hartville Exclusions
Hartville’s exclusions focus on standard medical limits: pre-existing conditions (explicitly including ligament and knee problems) and bilateral conditions are excluded, alongside experimental or investigational treatments and major interventions such as organ or heart‑valve transplants.
Non-medical and elective exclusions are broad, covering cosmetic or elective procedures, breeding and reproductive costs, dental work of an aesthetic or endodontic nature (with dental cleanings excluded unless tied to a covered condition), and prescription foods or supplements and herbs for general maintenance.
The policy further excludes owner-caused incidents and injuries from prohibited activities (organized fighting, racing, guarding), routine non-medical fees, and costs arising from major catastrophic events such as pandemics, war, or nuclear incidents.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre-existing conditions (includes ligament and knee conditions) Bilateral conditions Experimental or investigational treatments Organ or heart‑valve transplants |
| Dental and cosmetic exclusions | Aesthetic, cosmetic, endodontic, and orthodontic dental services (caps, crowns, fillings, root canals) Dental cleanings excluded unless performed to treat a covered condition Cosmetic procedures (claw removal, ear cropping, tail docking) |
| Breeding and reproductive exclusions | Breeding, pregnancy, whelping, nursing |
| Food, supplements and herbal products | Prescription food and supplements for prevention or general health maintenance Herbal products |
| Owner and activity‑related exclusions | Injury or illness from intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent acts by the owner Treatment performed by the pet owner or co‑owner Injuries from coursing, organized fighting, racing, law enforcement or guarding activities |
| Non-medical fees and items | Boarding, grooming, non-medical supplies (toys, leashes), administrative fees, medical waste fees, house call fees, travel expenses |
| Catastrophic events | Treatment costs arising from pandemics (as declared by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture), war, or nuclear events |
Bilateral conditions
Experimental or investigational treatments
Organ or heart‑valve transplants
Dental cleanings excluded unless performed to treat a covered condition
Cosmetic procedures (claw removal, ear cropping, tail docking)
Herbal products
Treatment performed by the pet owner or co‑owner
Injuries from coursing, organized fighting, racing, law enforcement or guarding activities
Hartville Prices
Hartville’s pricing is bifurcated between an entry‑level Accident Only option and a broader Complete Coverage plan that positions the product in the mid‑range for comprehensive illness protection.
Premium differentials are pronounced by age and breed: Accident Only rates remain relatively low and stable across ages, while Complete Coverage rises substantially for senior animals and higher‑risk breeds, reflecting the additional expected claim costs associated with full illness benefits.
Reimbursement rates, deductible levels, and annual limits are the primary levers that determine value for money; the clear price gaps between Accident Only and Complete Coverage indicate that owners pay a premium for the broader scope of diagnostic imaging, specialist treatment options, and benefits such as death/cremation and diagnostic support. To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Accident Only | Complete Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $41.90 | $85.15 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $41.90 | $91.23 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $41.90 | $145.98 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $41.90 | $62.66 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $41.90 | $67.14 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $41.90 | $107.42 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $41.90 | $108.51 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $41.90 | $116.26 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $41.90 | $186.01 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $25.22 | $33.65 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $25.22 | $33.65 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $25.22 | $50.48 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $25.22 | $42.68 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $25.22 | $42.68 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $25.22 | $64.02 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $25.22 | $50.80 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $25.22 | $50.80 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $25.22 | $76.19 |
Hartville Promo Codes
| Hartville 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 is the reimbursement amount with Hartville?
Hartville reimburses eligible veterinary expenses after your annual deductible is applied and then the plan's reimbursement percentage is applied to the remaining eligible costs, up to any annual coverage limit.
✅ Example 1: Consultation for ear infection
Total vet costs: $150 (consultation + medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: N.C.
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Complete Coverage plan: $150 – N.C. = N.C.
N.C. of that amount reimbursed: N.C.
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: N.C.
👉 You receive N.C.
Deductible and Reimbursement
Deductible and reimbursement rate are applied per policy year; small early claims may be absorbed by the deductible and therefore produce no reimbursement until the deductible is met.
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (stabilization)
Total vet costs: $4,800 (surgery, anesthesia, imaging, post-op meds)
Deductible amount to subtract: N.C.
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Complete Coverage plan: $4,800 – N.C. = N.C.
N.C. of that amount reimbursed: N.C.
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: N.C.
👉 You receive N.C.
Waiting Period and Exclusions
A waiting period and specific exclusions may apply to ligament and knee conditions; check your policy for any bilateral or special rules that could affect eligibility.
✅ Example 3: Emergency hospitalization and imaging for acute illness
Total vet costs: $2,200 (ER visit, hospitalization, imaging, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: N.C.
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Complete Coverage plan: $2,200 – N.C. = N.C.
N.C. of that amount reimbursed: N.C.
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: N.C.
👉 You receive N.C.
Reimbursement Limitations and Exclusions
Reimbursements are limited by the plan's annual coverage cap; emergency fees such as poison control consultations may be covered, but routine preventive care (vaccinations, parasite prevention) is typically excluded unless expressly endorsed.
Assistance in Hartville
Hartville’s assistance package offers immediate clinical support through a 24/7 veterinary helpline available in the member portal and covers poison control consultations, both of which are highly valuable for urgent triage and suspected toxin exposures.
The insurer includes access to specialist consultations and supports diagnostic and treatment pathways that help owners manage complex medical episodes.
Point-of-sale solutions such as third-party direct vet payment and installment billing are not promoted as standard features, which may require owners to cover costs up front.
Policyholders who prioritize in-app claims, a dedicated mobile experience, or a formal partner clinic network should verify those channels before enrolling, as they are not emphasized in public assistance communications.
| Assistance Hartville | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Member Center provides online account access. Specific online claim submission workflow: N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | 24/7 veterinary helpline accessible via the Member Center. Poison control consultation fees are covered. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | N.C. |
Specific online claim submission workflow: N.C.
Poison control consultation fees are covered.
Customer reviews of Hartville
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 3.1/5 (341 reviews) |
Customers frequently praise quick and straightforward claims processing, citing clear explanations of benefits and a simple online submission process that makes routine interactions efficient. Many account holders also report positive experiences when reaching customer service, noting helpful representatives who can explain coverage and pre‑existing condition rules.
On the other hand, a substantial portion of reviews center on problems arising from policy transfers, with customers describing unexpected premium increases, billing issues, and perceived downgrades in coverage. Several reviewers report claim denials tied to pre‑existing or orthopedic conditions and frustrations around cancellation, reinstatement, and responsiveness during account transitions.
Here are some examples of customer reviews:
- S.P.H., 08/08/2025 — “…our customer service was so helpful in making the switch... pleased to know what we are getting for the $$ especially understanding pre-existing conditions... Call for help before you post a negative because there are people to help…”
- R.F., 25/07/2025 — “I was forced into Hartville... My premium shot up... There’s no way to cancel on the website... No way to get a human... worst experience... SCAM!!!!”
- Meeoos, 10/06/2025 — “…paid thousands for insurance for 4 cats... then they stopped covering anything, everything was a pre-existing condition... insurance goes up a huge amount each year and they have paid almost nothing... AVOID THIS COMPANY.”
Contact Hartville
| Hartville 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 channel: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submission process: N.C. Required documents (itemized invoices, medical records, etc.): N.C. Deadlines for filing claims: N.C. Reimbursement method (direct deposit, check, direct vet pay): N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | How to request a certificate: N.C. Channels to request (portal, email, phone, postal mail): Member Center (customer portal) or N.C. for other channels. Information required to issue the certificate (policy number, insured name, pet details): N.C. |
| To contact assistance | 24/7 vet hotline: Available via the Member Center (customer portal). Customer Satisfaction Department for disputes and enquiries: Contact details N.C. Phone: N.C. Email: N.C. Postal mail: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | How to cancel: Contact the administrator by email, telephone, or in writing to request cancellation. Information to provide when cancelling (policy number, policyholder name, effective date): N.C. Cancellation deadlines and refund conditions: N.C. |
Online subscription channel: N.C.
Required documents (itemized invoices, medical records, etc.): N.C.
Deadlines for filing claims: N.C.
Reimbursement method (direct deposit, check, direct vet pay): N.C.
Channels to request (portal, email, phone, postal mail): Member Center (customer portal) or N.C. for other channels.
Information required to issue the certificate (policy number, insured name, pet details): N.C.
Customer Satisfaction Department for disputes and enquiries: Contact details N.C.
Phone: N.C.
Email: N.C.
Postal mail: N.C.
Information to provide when cancelling (policy number, policyholder name, effective date): N.C.
Cancellation deadlines and refund conditions: N.C.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Hartville?
N.C. for an explicit advance‑payment or third‑party direct‑pay program with Hartville.
Policyholders generally pay the veterinary provider at time of treatment and then submit a claim electronically via the online claim form.
Required documents typically include an itemized invoice and medical records to support the claim.
Reimbursements are issued after claim review; exact timing and payment method are managed by the administrator.
Contact the Member Center or customer service to confirm any immediate assistance options available in urgent cases.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Hartville?
Cancel by contacting Hartville’s administrator by email, telephone, or in writing as specified in your policy documents.
Provide your policy number, policyholder name, and pet details to verify and process the request.
The administrator will confirm the cancellation effective date and any prorated premium adjustment per policy terms.
For unresolved billing or cancellation disputes, contact the Customer Satisfaction Department and follow the written appeal process if required.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Hartville applies a 14‑day waiting period for accident coverage and a 14‑day waiting period for illness on the Complete Coverage plan.
The Accident Only plan has a 14‑day waiting period for accidents and does not include illness coverage.
Conditions that showed signs or were treated before coverage began or during the waiting period are treated as pre‑existing and are excluded.
Review your policy declarations for any additional condition‑specific timing rules or exceptions.
How do I submit and track a reimbursement claim, and what documents are required?
Submit claims electronically using the administrator’s online claim form; electronic submission is the standard process.
Include the itemized invoice, full medical records, and any requested diagnostic files with your claim.
The administrator reviews claims and may request further documentation during processing.
Tracking and payment timing are provided via the Member Center or the administrator’s claims portal; if tracking is unclear, contact customer service for a status update.
What assistance services does Hartville provide to policyholders?
Hartville provides a 24/7 veterinary helpline accessible via the Member Center for clinical triage and veterinary advice.
Poison control consultation fees are covered under the policy’s accident benefits when applicable.
Other services such as legal or psychological support are N.C.
Use the Member Center or the administrator’s contact channels to access these services or for help locating covered resources.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Hartville?
N.C. for an explicit advance‑payment or third‑party direct‑pay program with Hartville.
Policyholders generally pay the veterinary provider at time of treatment and then submit a claim electronically via the online claim form.
Required documents typically include an itemized invoice and medical records to support the claim.
Reimbursements are issued after claim review; exact timing and payment method are managed by the administrator.
Contact the Member Center or customer service to confirm any immediate assistance options available in urgent cases.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Hartville?
Cancel by contacting Hartville’s administrator by email, telephone, or in writing as specified in your policy documents.
Provide your policy number, policyholder name, and pet details to verify and process the request.
The administrator will confirm the cancellation effective date and any prorated premium adjustment per policy terms.
For unresolved billing or cancellation disputes, contact the Customer Satisfaction Department and follow the written appeal process if required.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Hartville applies a 14‑day waiting period for accident coverage and a 14‑day waiting period for illness on the Complete Coverage plan.
The Accident Only plan has a 14‑day waiting period for accidents and does not include illness coverage.
Conditions that showed signs or were treated before coverage began or during the waiting period are treated as pre‑existing and are excluded.
Review your policy declarations for any additional condition‑specific timing rules or exceptions.
How do I submit and track a reimbursement claim, and what documents are required?
Submit claims electronically using the administrator’s online claim form; electronic submission is the standard process.
Include the itemized invoice, full medical records, and any requested diagnostic files with your claim.
The administrator reviews claims and may request further documentation during processing.
Tracking and payment timing are provided via the Member Center or the administrator’s claims portal; if tracking is unclear, contact customer service for a status update.
What assistance services does Hartville provide to policyholders?
Hartville provides a 24/7 veterinary helpline accessible via the Member Center for clinical triage and veterinary advice.
Poison control consultation fees are covered under the policy’s accident benefits when applicable.
Other services such as legal or psychological support are N.C.
Use the Member Center or the administrator’s contact channels to access these services or for help locating covered resources.
On the same topic
