Is Safeco Pet Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025

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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of leading insurance policies on the market each year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the US trust us every month to guide them through their most important financial decisions.

Safeco warranties

Safeco offers a modular pet insurance structure, allowing policyholders to combine core accident/illness coverage with optional endorsements for hereditary conditions, alternative therapies, and preventive care. The standard reimbursement is set at a competitive 90% with a $250 annual deductible and a $10,000 annual cap per pet, and wellness endorsements are reimbursed at 100% up to set limits with no deductible.

Safeco stands out by systematically removing many common exclusions when optional endorsements are added, covering hereditary diseases, hip dysplasia, and even holistic/behavioral therapies, which is rare among US insurers. Still, some exclusions persist: coverage for conditions like obesity (unless medically necessary), certain orthopedic/chronic conditions, and a one-year waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries.

Notably, the alternative medicine and prevention add-ons are among the most comprehensive, but the policy lacks coverage for loss/theft, boarding, and only limited sum coverage for accidental death or end-of-life expenses.

Good to know

• Up to 5 covered behavioral therapy sessions per year when endorsed.
• Wellness coverage has strict annual sub-limits per act (e.g., $80 physical exam/year, $100 dental/year, etc.), and no deductible for wellness acts.
• Cruciate ligament injuries carry a special 1-year waiting period; all other claims have a 14-day wait.
• Filing deadlines: 180 days for standard claims, 90 days for end-of-life expenses.
• Policy is secondary to any other pet insurance.

Compare different US pet insurance providers to find the lowest price for the level of coverage you need.

Safeco Exclusions

Exclusions under the Safeco Pet Health Insurance contract reflect both conventional and more nuanced industry practices. Notably, Safeco systematically excludes pre-existing conditions except for curable illnesses with a 180-day symptom-free period and maintains a strict 1-year waiting period for cruciate ligament coverage—a longer wait than many competitors.

Further, non-therapeutic procedures, incidents linked to neglect or intentional acts, and use of the pet for commercial purposes are categorically excluded. Some exclusions stand out, such as lifetime exclusions for conditions related to unsterilized pets, specific orthopedic and degenerative conditions (like luxating patella, OCD, or spondylosis) even if hereditary coverage is added, and a cap of five behavioral therapy visits annually.

Territorial coverage is reasonably broad but limited to the US, its territories, and Canada, and all claims must be filed within 180 days (90 for end-of-life expenses), with policy cancellation precluding ongoing claim eligibility.

Safeco rates

Safeco positions itself as a premium, but comprehensive pet insurer, reflecting higher monthly premiums owing to its broad scope of guarantees, high annual reimbursement limit, and low annual deductible.

Its policies are notably inclusive, combining core accident and illness with hereditary/congenital conditions, alternative medicine, behavioral therapy, and robust wellness/preventive care endorsements.

The reimbursement rate at 90% and a $10,000 annual max set Safeco at or above most U.S. competitors, although this coverage richness contributes directly to above-average cost.

Distribution is handled exclusively by independent agents, forgoing some digital efficiencies and potentially resulting in higher operational charges compared to fully digital players.

Overall, Safeco is expensive but complete, best suited for owners prioritizing wide-ranging, hassle-free coverage rather than minimizing monthly spend.

To be sure you’re getting the right balance of coverage and cost for your pet, compare Safeco with several other leading U.S. insurers before making your decision.

Safeco promo codes

Note: Promo codes are subject to change. To get the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of top pet insurance providers.

How much will I be reimbursed with Safeco?

With Safeco’s pet insurance (with all available endorsements), you’re reimbursed quickly for the majority of your vet bills according to the coverage selected. The strongest plan offers a $10,000 annual max, only $250 deductible per year, and a 90% reimbursement rate on accident, illness, hereditary, alternative/behavioral, and even hip dysplasia claims—plus a full 100% reimbursement on routine and preventive care (up to annual limits), with no deductible for those.

Example 1: Emergency Surgery After Swallowing a Sock

Total veterinary bill: $2,500 (includes x-rays, surgery to remove foreign body, anesthesia, and overnight stay)

Annual deductible remaining: $250 (first claim of policy year)

Amount eligible after deductible: $2,500 – $250 = $2,250

Reimbursed at 90%: $2,250 × 90% = $2,025
👉 You receive $2,025 back from Safeco.

You pay: $475 ($250 deductible + $225 coinsurance)

ℹ️ The $250 deductible only applies once per policy year. For all new eligible claims for the remainder of the year, the deductible is already met. Covered up to the generous $10,000 yearly limit.

Example 2: Ongoing Care for Hip Dysplasia (Hereditary Condition)

Total vet expenses: $1,800 (orthopedic consult, hip x-rays, physical therapy, medication)

Annual deductible already used (see prior claim; this is later in policy year): $0

Reimbursed at 90%: $1,800 × 90% = $1,620
👉 You receive $1,620 reimbursement directly from Safeco.

You pay: $180

ℹ️ Hip dysplasia and other hereditary conditions are fully covered under this top-tier plan—most insurers limit or exclude these. Safeco’s $10,000 annual limit gives peace of mind for even significant ongoing needs.

Example 3: Preventive Wellness Care — Annual Exam, Vaccinations & Dental Cleaning

Annual wellness visit + core vaccinations + dental cleaning:
- Physical exam: $80
- Vaccines (rabies, distemper combo, Lyme): $60
- Routine dental cleaning: $100
- Total eligible (annual maximums): $240
(No deductible applies for wellness, 100% reimbursed up to stated limits)

Reimbursed:
- Physical exam: $80 (limit: $80)
- Vaccines: $60 (limit: $60)
- Dental cleaning: $100 (limit: $100)
👉 You receive $240 back from Safeco (full reimbursement up to annual limit).

You pay: $0 (if care provided within Safeco’s covered annual allowance)

ℹ️ Routine, wellness, and preventive care—including key vaccines, fecal exams, dental cleaning—are all reimbursed at 100% up to listed annual limits, with no deductible. Preventive coverage is optional with many plans, but built in with this endorsement.

Safeco Assistance

Safeco's pet insurance assistance package lacks advance payment options such as CareCredit or a similar system, requiring policyholders to pay vets upfront and wait for reimbursement.

While digital claim submission and tracking are available via web and mobile app, there is no indication Safeco provides direct veterinarian-to-insurer payment or specialty UX-optimized interfaces tailored for pet coverage.

No 24/7 veterinary teleconsultation or emergency hotline is offered, potentially leaving owners unsupported during urgent or after-hours situations.

Safeco does not maintain a preferred provider network or discounted partner clinics for pet insurance, which limits cost-management options for owners.

Coverage outside the US extends only to US territories and Canada; protection ceases for pets traveling or relocating to other international destinations.

Customer feedback on Safeco

We analyzed reviews from the above sites. On the positive side, policyholders who have chosen Safeco for their insurance often cite:

• A clear explanation of policy terms and inclusions: many users appreciate having detailed documents and endorsement breakdowns that are easy to understand.
• The ability to customize coverage: the modular approach and availability of endorsements like wellness, alternative therapies, and hereditary condition cover make the product flexible for different needs.
• The financial reliability of the parent company: a number of customers have noted that Safeco’s backing by Liberty Mutual inspires confidence that claims will be paid and the insurer’s stability is assured.
• Convenient digital tools for policy management: users find the app and online portal helpful for accessing documents and managing claims.

On the negative side:

• A slow and often difficult claims process: many customers describe long wait times for claims to be reviewed and a lack of transparency or proactive updates from the Safeco team.
• Frequent claim denials or strict application of exclusions: policyholders are sometimes caught off guard by what is not covered, including nuanced exclusions for hereditary conditions, wellness care, or “pre-existing” issues.
• Customer service perceived as unhelpful or difficult to reach: several reviews mention minimal follow-up, conflicting information from agents, or challenges in escalating concerns.
• Rising premiums at renewal: some users report substantial increases in their annual or monthly premiums without clear justification.
• Delays in reimbursement: the reimbursement process is sometimes reported as slow, with various administrative hurdles required before funds are released.
• Limited product awareness among independent agents: since Safeco is sold only through independent agents, clients sometimes feel the agents lack detailed knowledge about the pet insurance product, contributing to misunderstandings about coverage.

How to contact Safeco?

FAQ

Jordan Mitchell

Jordan is a U.S.-based personal finance editor with over a decade of experience in financial literacy and consumer advocacy. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a CFP® certification. Before joining HelloSafe, Jordan worked as a financial advisor and later as lead content strategist at several fintech startups. His mission: making money management clear, relatable, and empowering for everyday Americans. At HelloSafe, he writes in-depth guides on topics like insurance, credit, loans, savings, and budgeting—focused on helping readers make smart, confident financial choices.