Pumpkin Pet Insurance 2025 Review: Pros, Cons & Coverage
Our expert's opinion on Pumpkin
Pumpkin offers accident and illness pet insurance for dogs and cats in the United States, marketed in three named tiers: Just in case, Peace of mind, and Whatever it takes, with premiums that vary by breed and age.
The plans focus on clinical cover for emergencies, consultations, surgery, imaging, lab tests, radiotherapy, specialist care, alternative medicine, microchip implantation, euthanasia and cremation, and apply 14-day waiting periods for accidents and illnesses; reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles and any optional wellness budgets are features that differ by plan and pricing level. Compared with main competitors, Pumpkin positions itself as a digitally streamlined, customer-rated provider emphasizing very fast claim turnaround and clear tiered pricing that increases with pet age and coverage level.
Best suited for owners who prioritize rapid reimbursements and broad accident-and-illness protection, particularly for younger pets or those wanting strong digital claims support.
Pumpkin is administered by Pumpkin and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company; customer feedback is strong (Trustpilot 4.8/5 with 2,064 reviews; Google 4.5/5 with 2,495 reviews), and reviews frequently report claims paid within minutes or days and an easy online claims experience.
- ✅Fast claim processing and reimbursements
- ✅High customer ratings on Trustpilot and Google
- ✅Three tiered plans to match needs and budgets
- ✅Covers emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab tests
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅Microchip implantation covered
- ✅Simple online claims process
- ❌Preventive care excluded without wellness endorsement
- ❌Dental treatments largely excluded or limited
- ❌Pre-existing conditions broadly excluded
- ❌Premiums rise substantially with pet age
- ❌Boarding and grooming costs not covered
Our expert's opinion on Pumpkin
- ✅Fast claim processing and reimbursements
- ✅High customer ratings on Trustpilot and Google
- ✅Three tiered plans to match needs and budgets
- ✅Covers emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab tests
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅Microchip implantation covered
- ✅Simple online claims process
- ❌Preventive care excluded without wellness endorsement
- ❌Dental treatments largely excluded or limited
- ❌Pre-existing conditions broadly excluded
- ❌Premiums rise substantially with pet age
- ❌Boarding and grooming costs not covered
Score- ✅Fast claim processing and reimbursements
- ✅High customer ratings on Trustpilot and Google
- ✅Three tiered plans to match needs and budgets
- ✅Covers emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab tests
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅Microchip implantation covered
- ✅Simple online claims process
kin
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Pumpkin's Guarantees
Pumpkin offers three consumer-facing plan tiers: Just in case (entry-level), Peace of mind (balanced), and Whatever it takes (premium). All three plans provide accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats, with tiered monthly premiums that increase with the level of cover. Policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.
Core medical cover includes emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, laboratory tests, and radiotherapy. Alternative medicine is accepted, specialist consultations are covered, and microchip implantation is included as an identified benefit. Euthanasia is covered and cremation is offered as part of the policy benefits.
Standard waiting periods apply: 14 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses. Pre-existing conditions are excluded; curable conditions may become eligible after a sustained symptom- and treatment-free period of 180 days for most conditions, with knee/ligament conditions excluded from that allowance. Preventive services such as vaccinations, routine parasite prevention, and routine neutering are not covered under the core plans.
Customer feedback highlights fast claims turnaround and high satisfaction, while common limitations include exclusions for preventive care, many elective procedures, and standard pre-existing condition rules. Boarding fees and many non-medical costs are not reimbursed under the core plans.
| Just in case | Peace of mind | Whatever it takes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level | Balanced | Premium |
| Type of coverage (accident/illness) | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats |
| Reimbursement rate | NC | NC | NC |
| Annual reimbursement limit | NC | NC | NC |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | NC | NC | NC |
| Age limits for enrollment | NC | NC | NC |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | NC | NC | NC |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | 14 days / 14 days | 14 days / 14 days | 14 days / 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medications | NC | NC | NC |
| Hospitalization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, lab) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care | No (only if treating a covered illness) | No (only if treating a covered illness) | No (only if treating a covered illness) |
| Preventive care | No (unless specific wellness endorsement purchased) | No (unless specific wellness endorsement purchased) | No (unless specific wellness endorsement purchased) |
| Alternative medicine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Travel coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Civil liability | NC | NC | NC |
| Euthanasia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Death & cremation coverage | Cremation: Yes | Cremation: Yes | Cremation: Yes |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | NC | NC | NC |
| Boarding fees | No | No | No |
Pumpkin excludes pre-existing conditions; any condition that occurs or shows symptoms before the policy effective date or during a waiting period is not covered. Curable conditions can become eligible after a continuous 180-day period without symptoms or treatment, except for knee and ligament conditions which remain excluded from that reinstatement rule.
Preventive and routine care (wellness exams, vaccinations, routine parasite prevention, and routine neutering) are not covered under the core plans unless a specific wellness endorsement is purchased. Dental care is limited: aesthetic, orthodontic, and many endodontic procedures are excluded, and routine dental cleanings are only covered when they are part of treatment for a covered illness. Elective and breeding‑related procedures, owner-caused injuries, food and supplements, and most non-medical costs (boarding, grooming, training, administrative fees, and travel expenses) are excluded.
Pumpkin Exclusions
Pumpkin’s exclusions focus first on pre‑existing conditions and specific orthopedic rules: any condition showing signs before the policy start is excluded, curable conditions become eligible after 180 days symptom‑ and treatment‑free, and knee/ligament conditions are explicitly excluded from that rehabilitative rule.
Cosmetic, elective, and breeding‑related procedures are excluded (ear cropping, tail docking, de‑clawing, breeding, pregnancy and whelping), and owner‑caused, intentional, or negligent injuries are not covered.
Experimental or investigational treatments, organ/heart valve transplants, and certain alternative therapies are excluded, while prescription and non‑prescription foods, herbal products, CBD, and supplements are not reimbursed.
Non‑medical and administrative costs are also excluded (boarding, grooming, travel, supplies, taxes, training), and catastrophic or declared‑event losses (epidemics/pandemics, government‑ordered slaughter, nuclear events, war, terrorism) are specifically excluded.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions: any condition with signs, symptoms, or treatment before policy start; curable conditions eligible after 180 days symptom‑ and treatment‑free (excluding knee/ligament conditions) |
| Orthopedic & bilateral rules | Knee/ligament conditions excluded from curable‑condition reinstatement; bilateral or related orthopedic conditions treated per pre‑existing rules |
| Dental & oral | Aesthetic, cosmetic, endodontic, orthodontic services (crowns, fillings, root canals) excluded; dental cleanings excluded unless performed to treat a covered illness |
| Breeding & elective procedures | Costs related to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, nursing; elective/cosmetic procedures (ear cropping, tail docking, de‑clawing) excluded |
| Owner & conduct exclusions | Injuries from intentional, malicious, or negligent acts; failure to provide responsible care; treatment supervised by policyholder or immediate family excluded |
| Treatments & investigational | Experimental/investigational treatments excluded; organ or heart valve transplants excluded; certain alternative therapies excluded |
| Nutrition & supplements | Prescription food for prevention/maintenance excluded; herbal products, Cannabis (CBD), non‑prescribed supplements and vitamins excluded |
| Non‑medical costs | Boarding, grooming, house call fees, travel expenses, non‑medical supplies (toys, leashes), administrative fees, and taxes excluded |
| Activity & occupational exclusions | Expenses related to coursing, organized fighting, law enforcement, guarding, or racing excluded |
| Catastrophic & public‑health events | Treatment related to avian influenza, government‑ordered slaughter, declared epidemics/pandemics, nuclear events, war, or terrorism excluded |
Pumpkin Prices
Pumpkin’s pricing in 2025 is structured to cover a broad market: the "Just in case" tier behaves as an entry‑level option with modest monthly premiums, "Peace of mind" sits in the mid‑range, and "Whatever it takes" targets the premium segment with materially higher monthly costs to reflect broader claim scope and fewer out‑of‑pocket tradeoffs.
Reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual coverage limits remain the primary levers that determine value for any given premium, so the monthly prices should be read in tandem with those contract terms; Pumpkin’s clear tiering makes it straightforward for owners to trade price for protection level.
Pumpkin differentiates itself with a digital claims experience and rapid reimbursements, plus practical inclusions such as microchip implantation, access to advanced treatments like radiotherapy, and cremation coverage that can justify higher premiums compared with more traditional providers that carry greater legacy operating costs.
To help you compare estimated monthly prices by profile, see the table below.
| Profile of the animal | Just in case | Peace of mind | Whatever it takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $47.17 | $107.58 | $146.71 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $50.54 | $115.27 | $157.19 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $80.87 | $184.43 | $251.50 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $39.41 | $89.98 | $122.56 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $42.23 | $96.30 | $131.32 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $67.58 | $154.08 | $210.11 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $60.11 | $137.09 | $186.94 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $64.41 | $146.88 | $200.29 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $103.05 | $235.01 | $320.47 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $18.09 | $44.44 | $56.66 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $18.09 | $44.44 | $56.66 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $27.13 | $66.66 | $84.89 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $22.94 | $56.36 | $71.85 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $22.94 | $56.36 | $71.85 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $34.41 | $84.54 | $107.78 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $27.30 | $67.08 | $85.52 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $27.30 | $67.08 | $85.52 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $40.95 | $100.61 | $128.27 |
Pumpkin Promo Codes
| Pumpkin 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.
How much will I be reimbursed with Pumpkin?
✅ Example 1: Consultation for allergic dermatitis
Total vet costs: $200 (consultation + medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Whatever It Takes plan: $200 – $100 = $100
90% of that amount reimbursed: $100 × 90% = $90
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $90.
ℹ️ *The annual deductible applies once per policy year; subsequent eligible claims in the same year won’t be subject to the deductible again until it resets.*
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO)
Total vet costs: $4,500 (surgery, hospitalization, implants, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already satisfied earlier in the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Whatever It Takes plan: $4,500 – $0 = $4,500
90% of that amount reimbursed: $4,500 × 90% = $4,050
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $4,050.
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $4,500 – $4,050 = $450.
ℹ️ *Large claims are paid up to your annual coverage limit; reimbursements reduce the remaining annual benefit available for the policy year.*
✅ Example 3: Emergency hospitalization and imaging after GI obstruction
Total vet costs: $1,800 (emergency exam, X‑rays, ultrasound, hospitalization, meds)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (first eligible expense of the year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Whatever It Takes plan: $1,800 – $100 = $1,700
90% of that amount reimbursed: $1,700 × 90% = $1,530
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $1,530.
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $1,800 – $1,530 = $270.
ℹ️ *Certain services or riders may have sublimits or exclusions; check whether specific procedures or diagnostics are subject to separate caps.*
Pumpkin Assistance
Pumpkin’s assistance is strong on digital claims: policyholders report fast, paperless reimbursements and easy online submission of invoices.
Emergency veterinary care and veterinary consultations are covered under the policy, giving owners support for acute incidents and specialist visits.
There is no widely promoted advance payment (Payvet/Petcard) or structured installment program, so owners should be ready to pay upfront in many cases.
The insurer emphasizes quick digital claim turnaround and responsive customer service, but partner clinic networks and explicit international coverage are not positioned as core assistance benefits.
| Assistance Pumpkin | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | App/portal for policy management and claims submission. Rating: N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Online claims submission and rapid digital reimbursements reported. Notifications and email support for claim status. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | Emergency veterinary visits are covered under the policy. 24/7 hotline / teleconsultation: N.C. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | N.C. |
Rating: N.C.
Notifications and email support for claim status.
24/7 hotline / teleconsultation: N.C.
Customer reviews of Pumpkin
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 (2,064 reviews) |
| Google Reviews | 4.5/5 (2,495 reviews) |
Notes and reviews by platform
Customers consistently praise Pumpkin for its fast and user‑friendly claims handling, with many reporting very quick reimbursements and straightforward online submission processes that reduce financial stress after vet visits. The responsiveness and helpfulness of customer service are frequently highlighted, and high scores across Trustpilot and Google reflect broad satisfaction with day‑to‑day operations and the peace of mind provided by coverage.
On the other hand, several customers raise concerns about premium increases at renewal and the impact of pre‑existing condition exclusions on claim outcomes, which can lead to frustration when coverage expectations clash with policy terms. A smaller share of reviews point to occasional confusion over what specific treatments are covered, suggesting clearer communication around limits and endorsements would benefit some policyholders.
- K. — 03/09/2025 — Thank you for providing a service that allowed me to financially care for my cat’s health… the turnaround time for financial reimbursements is incredible… within minutes (5–7 minutes).
- A. — 01/09/2025 — Pumpkin makes me believe in the value of pet insurance… I don’t have to think twice about taking my dog to the vet…
- D. — 31/08/2025 — Amazing speed in processing a relatively large claim $686… All of our claims over the past 4 yrs have been handled quickly.
Contact Pumpkin
| Pumpkin 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. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim via Pumpkin's online claims channel or by contacting customer service; required supporting documents, claim submission deadlines, and the standard reimbursement method are N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request a certificate by contacting Pumpkin customer service by phone, email, or via the customer portal; the specific information required to process a certificate request and expected turnaround times are N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1-866-273-6369 (1-866-ARF-MEOW); Email: help@pumpkin.care; FAQs available at pumpkin.care/faqs; postal or underwriter contact details: Independence American Insurance Company — N.C. for a full mailing address. |
| To cancel my policy | Initiate cancellation by contacting customer service by phone or email; required cancellation details, notice periods, and refund or prorated premium conditions are N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pumpkin?
Pumpkin generally requires you to pay the veterinary bill at the time of service.
You then submit a claim through the Pumpkin app, website, email (help@pumpkin.care), or by phone.
Pumpkin is known for very fast reimbursements; many customers report payouts in minutes or within days after claim approval.
Direct payment to the veterinarian (third‑party billing) availability: N.C.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pumpkin?
To cancel, contact Pumpkin customer service by phone (1-866-273-6369) or email (help@pumpkin.care) and request policy termination.
Provide your policy number and account holder details when asked to help the agent locate your file.
Any required written cancellation form, specific notice period, and refund/proration rules: N.C.
Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation and retain it for your records.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Pumpkin applies a 14-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses from the policy effective date.
Some specific conditions or endorsements may have different or additional waiting periods.
Pre-existing conditions follow separate rules and may not be eligible during waiting periods.
Coverage for eligible conditions begins once the waiting period has passed.
How do reimbursements work and how long do they take?
Submit an itemized invoice and claim via the Pumpkin app, website, email, or by phone.
Pumpkin reviews claims against your policy terms (deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit) and pays eligible amounts.
Many customers report rapid processing and fast payouts—often within minutes or a few days.
Exact reimbursement percentage and timing depend on the plan you chose and claim complexity.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Pre-existing conditions are excluded if signs, symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment occurred before your policy start date or during a waiting period.
Curable pre-existing conditions can become eligible after 180 days completely symptom- and treatment-free.
Certain conditions, such as knee/ligament issues, are excluded from that 180-day rule.
Check your policy declarations for any declared or specific exclusions that apply to your pet.
Does Pumpkin cover preventive care like vaccinations and dental cleanings?
Routine preventive care such as vaccinations and standard dental cleanings are not included in the core accident & illness plan.
Dental cleanings may be covered when they are performed to treat a covered illness or condition.
Optional wellness or preventive endorsements may be available on some plans to cover routine care.
Review your chosen plan’s details to confirm whether a wellness add-on is offered and what it includes.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pumpkin?
Pumpkin generally requires you to pay the veterinary bill at the time of service.
You then submit a claim through the Pumpkin app, website, email (help@pumpkin.care), or by phone.
Pumpkin is known for very fast reimbursements; many customers report payouts in minutes or within days after claim approval.
Direct payment to the veterinarian (third‑party billing) availability: N.C.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pumpkin?
To cancel, contact Pumpkin customer service by phone (1-866-273-6369) or email (help@pumpkin.care) and request policy termination.
Provide your policy number and account holder details when asked to help the agent locate your file.
Any required written cancellation form, specific notice period, and refund/proration rules: N.C.
Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation and retain it for your records.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Pumpkin applies a 14-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses from the policy effective date.
Some specific conditions or endorsements may have different or additional waiting periods.
Pre-existing conditions follow separate rules and may not be eligible during waiting periods.
Coverage for eligible conditions begins once the waiting period has passed.
How do reimbursements work and how long do they take?
Submit an itemized invoice and claim via the Pumpkin app, website, email, or by phone.
Pumpkin reviews claims against your policy terms (deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit) and pays eligible amounts.
Many customers report rapid processing and fast payouts—often within minutes or a few days.
Exact reimbursement percentage and timing depend on the plan you chose and claim complexity.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Pre-existing conditions are excluded if signs, symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment occurred before your policy start date or during a waiting period.
Curable pre-existing conditions can become eligible after 180 days completely symptom- and treatment-free.
Certain conditions, such as knee/ligament issues, are excluded from that 180-day rule.
Check your policy declarations for any declared or specific exclusions that apply to your pet.
Does Pumpkin cover preventive care like vaccinations and dental cleanings?
Routine preventive care such as vaccinations and standard dental cleanings are not included in the core accident & illness plan.
Dental cleanings may be covered when they are performed to treat a covered illness or condition.
Optional wellness or preventive endorsements may be available on some plans to cover routine care.
Review your chosen plan’s details to confirm whether a wellness add-on is offered and what it includes.
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