Is Safeco Pet Insurance Worth It? Our 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Safeco
Safeco's pet offering is built around a base Accident plan with optional endorsements for Illness, Alternative Medicine, and a separate Wellness plan, aimed at letting owners tailor cover to need and budget.
On a comprehensive setup including all endorsements, the Accident & Illness coverage reimburses at 90% with an annual limit of $10,000 while the Wellness plan reimburses preventive care at 100% up to per-service caps (examples: routine exam up to $80, dental cleaning up to $100, vaccinations up to $60); deductibles are applied under policy terms and wellness benefits are capped per service.
Compared with main competitors, Safeco emphasizes modular add-on endorsements, a relatively high $10,000 annual Accident & Illness limit and strong A&I reimbursement while using per-service wellness caps to manage costs and scope.
Best suited for owners who want modular coverage and preventive allowances, pets that may need alternative medicine or routine wellness, and those seeking a high A&I annual limit rather than unlimited lifetime benefits.
Safeco Insurance Company of America operates nationally from Boston, MA, and public customer feedback highlights recurring problems with customer service responsiveness and claim handling speed, while sporadic positive reports note straightforward online or phone claim submissions.
- ✅Modular Accident base with multiple add-on endorsements
- ✅Accident & Illness reimbursement at 90%
- ✅$10,000 annual limit on A&I coverage
- ✅Wellness plan reimburses at 100% up to caps
- ✅Includes alternative medicine endorsement
- ✅Covers care in Canada for eligible incidents
- ✅Small death and cremation benefits included
- ❌Extensive exclusions including many hereditary conditions
- ❌Pre-existing conditions not covered with strict rules
- ❌Specific orthopedic conditions excluded under illness endorsement
- ❌Wellness benefits capped per service, not lifetime
- ❌Customer reviews noting slow or difficult claim handling
Score- ✅Modular Accident base with multiple add-on endorsements
- ✅Accident & Illness reimbursement at 90%
- ✅$10,000 annual limit on A&I coverage
- ✅Wellness plan reimburses at 100% up to caps
- ✅Includes alternative medicine endorsement
- ✅Covers care in Canada for eligible incidents
- ✅Small death and cremation benefits included
Our expert's opinion on Safeco
- ✅Modular Accident base with multiple add-on endorsements
- ✅Accident & Illness reimbursement at 90%
- ✅$10,000 annual limit on A&I coverage
- ✅Wellness plan reimburses at 100% up to caps
- ✅Includes alternative medicine endorsement
- ✅Covers care in Canada for eligible incidents
- ✅Small death and cremation benefits included
- ❌Extensive exclusions including many hereditary conditions
- ❌Pre-existing conditions not covered with strict rules
- ❌Specific orthopedic conditions excluded under illness endorsement
- ❌Wellness benefits capped per service, not lifetime
- ❌Customer reviews noting slow or difficult claim handling
Score- ✅Modular Accident base with multiple add-on endorsements
- ✅Accident & Illness reimbursement at 90%
- ✅$10,000 annual limit on A&I coverage
- ✅Wellness plan reimburses at 100% up to caps
- ✅Includes alternative medicine endorsement
- ✅Covers care in Canada for eligible incidents
- ✅Small death and cremation benefits included
Why trust Hellosafe
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Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Safeco Guarantees
Safeco structures its pet insurance around a core Accident plan that can be augmented with endorsements for Illness, Alternative Medicine, and a Wellness package, allowing customers to assemble coverage ranging from core accident protection to a more comprehensive accident + illness + wellness profile. The product mix positions the core offering as a foundational accident/illness policy with the Wellness endorsement serving as the preventive-care add‑on; when combined with the illness endorsement and alternative‑medicine option the overall package approaches an enhanced/premium level with broader clinical and routine benefits.
Key coverage features under the comprehensive configuration include reimbursement at 90% for accident and illness care with an annual clinical limit of $10,000, and a Wellness endorsement that reimburses preventive services up to per‑service caps (100% up to defined limits). Covered clinical services include emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, lab tests and specialist consultations; alternative medicine is payable when prescribed by a veterinarian; limited accidental death and cremation benefits apply. Waiting periods are short and uniform (14 days for both accident and illness), care abroad is limited to Canada, and several monetary caps apply within the Wellness endorsement (dental cleaning, vaccinations, parasite prevention).
Strengths of Safeco’s proposition are the modular design (ability to add illness and wellness endorsements), a high reimbursement rate for clinical claims under the comprehensive configuration, and inclusion of alternative‑medicine reimbursement when veterinary‑prescribed. Weaknesses and practical constraints include numerous categorical exclusions (pre‑existing, hereditary/congenital, many elective and cosmetic procedures), specific multi‑month restrictions for joint disorders, defined caps on accidental death and cremation, and limited geographic portability (Canada only for care abroad).
| Accident & Illness Plan | Wellness Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Core accident + illness plan (can be enhanced via endorsements) | Preventive care endorsement (wellness add‑on) |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident + Illness | Prevention (wellness services) |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate | 90% | 100% (up to specified per‑service limits) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | $10,000 (clinical annual limit under comprehensive plan) | Capped per service (per‑service limits apply) |
| 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 periods (accident and illness) | Accident: 14 days; Illness: 14 days | 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | N.C. | No |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes (routine physical exam covered up to $80) |
| Medications | Yes (clinical medications for covered conditions) | Select tests/treatments covered (fewer medication benefits) |
| Hospitalization | Yes | No |
| Surgery | Yes | No |
| Diagnostic tests | Imaging: Yes; Lab tests: Yes | Fecal & heartworm tests listed |
| Dental care | Dental for accidental injury only | Dental cleaning: Yes (up to $100) |
| Preventive care | No (unless endorsement purchased) | Vaccinations: Yes (up to $60) Parasite treatment: Yes (flea/tick/heartworm/intest.) |
| Alternative medicine | Yes (if prescribed by a veterinarian) | No |
| Travel coverage | Care abroad: Canada only | Care abroad: Canada only |
| Civil liability | N.C. | N.C. |
| Euthanasia | Yes (subject to policy terms) | No |
| Death & cremation coverage | Accidental death: Yes (up to $150) Cremation: Yes (up to $250) | No |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | N.C. | No |
| Boarding fees | No | No |
Parasite treatment: Yes (flea/tick/heartworm/intest.)
Cremation: Yes (up to $250)
Safeco excludes pre‑existing conditions and applies a specific rule that a curable condition free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days is no longer considered pre‑existing, with an explicit exception for ligament and knee conditions. Many hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions are excluded from standard illness coverage unless otherwise specified by endorsements, and joint/spinal conditions have dedicated waiting or exclusion rules. Preventive and routine services are only covered when the Wellness endorsement is purchased and then only up to stated per‑service caps (for example, dental cleaning and vaccinations have dollar limits). Cosmetic, elective, breeding‑related, experimental, and certain high‑complexity treatments (organ transplants, prostheses) are excluded, and some age‑related eye/ear changes and sterilization‑preventable conditions are explicitly carved out of illness cover.
Safeco Exclusions
Safeco’s exclusions focus on standard medical limits—pre‑existing conditions are not covered unless a curable condition has been symptom‑ and treatment‑free for the specified period, with an explicit carve‑out that ligament and knee conditions are treated more restrictively. The policy also excludes a set of specific orthopedic and chronic diagnoses (for example FCP, UAP, OCD, arthritis, spondylosis, luxating patella and hip dysplasia) and applies condition‑specific waiting or exclusion rules that can be tighter than some competitors. High‑cost or experimental interventions such as organ or tissue transplants, prostheses, and investigational treatments are excluded, and routine breeding, pregnancy, and elective cosmetic procedures are not covered. Safeco further excludes owner‑caused incidents, professional/commercial use (with service animals carved out), geographic/event exclusions (outside the US/territories/Canada, war/epidemic), and conditions linked to lack of sterilization or age‑related eye/ear changes in older pets.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
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| Specific orthopedic & chronic conditions |
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| Treatments and procedures excluded |
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| Breeding & cosmetic exclusions |
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| Owner‑related & conduct exclusions |
|
| Geographic & event‑based exclusions |
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| Sterilization and age‑related exclusions |
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| Prescribed diets & supplements |
|
- Pre‑existing conditions: conditions with signs or treatment before policy start are excluded; curable conditions may be reconsidered after a symptom‑free period, except for ligament/knee conditions.
- Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP), Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), Arthritis, Spondylosis, Luxating patella, Hip dysplasia, and related knee/ligament disorders; condition‑specific waiting or exclusion rules apply.
- Organ and tissue transplants, prostheses, experimental or investigational therapies, and other high‑cost or non‑standard interventions.
- Any diagnosis or treatment related to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, nursing, and elective cosmetic surgeries (dew claw removal, tail docking, ear cropping).
- Injuries or illnesses resulting from intentional acts, abuse, persistent neglect, or failure to follow a veterinarian’s instructions; treatment by the pet owner is excluded.
- Incidents occurring outside the United States, its territories, and Canada are excluded; incidents caused by war, invasion, or an epidemic are excluded.
- Conditions in unsterilized pets that could have been prevented by sterilization (e.g., certain prostate or mammary conditions) and specified age‑related eye/ear changes in older pets are excluded.
- Prescription and non‑prescription diets, vitamins, and supplements are excluded under the policy.
Safeco Prices
Safeco’s pricing in 2025 sits in the mid-range of the market with a tilt toward the upper segment due to its illness cover and wellness endorsements. The Accident & Illness plan’s 90% reimbursement level and a $10,000 annual limit provide meaningful protection against high veterinary costs, while a dedicated Wellness plan offering 100% coverage up to set service caps appeals to owners who prioritize preventive care. Optional endorsements for alternative medicine and focused preventive benefits add flexibility that can drive premiums higher than basic accident-only products.
Reimbursement rates, deductible choices, and annual limits are the core factors shaping Safeco’s competitiveness: higher reimbursement percentages and larger annual caps reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket exposure, whereas higher deductibles lower premiums but increase initial cost to the owner. Safeco’s inclusion of specified death and cremation payouts and limited care-abroad coverage (Canada only) are differentiators that add tangible value for some owners. Compared with more traditional insurers, Safeco combines substantial illness limits and preventive endorsements with standard exclusions for pre-existing and specific orthopedic conditions, positioning it between low-cost entry-level options and boutique premium providers.
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| Safeco 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 Safeco?
Safeco reimburses eligible veterinary expenses after your annual deductible is applied, paying a percentage of the remaining cost under the Accident & Illness coverage (typically 90%), while wellness services under the Wellness endorsement are reimbursed at 100% up to per‑service caps.
✅ Example 1: Emergency fracture surgery
Total vet costs: $4,200.00
Deductible amount to subtract: $250.00
Reimbursable amount after deductible with the highest‑tier Safeco plan: $4,200.00 – $250.00 = $3,950.00
90% of that amount reimbursed: $3,950.00 × 90% = $3,555.00
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $645.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $3,555.00.
ℹ️ *The annual deductible applies once per policy year; the remaining out‑of‑pocket includes the deductible plus the insurer’s coinsurance share (10% in this example). Reimbursements count against the $10,000 annual limit on the Accident & Illness plan.*
✅ Example 2: Specialist consultation and diagnostics for chronic ear infection
Total vet costs: $850.00
Deductible amount to subtract: $0.00 (deductible already met earlier in the policy year)
Amount reimbursable with the highest‑tier Safeco plan at 90%: $850.00 × 90% = $765.00
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $85.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $765.00.
ℹ️ *When the deductible has already been satisfied, the insurer pays the stated percentage immediately and the full reimbursed sum reduces the remaining annual coverage limit.*
✅ Example 3: Preventive care visit (wellness exam, vaccinations, dental cleaning)
Total vet costs: $240.00 (routine exam $80.00 + vaccinations $60.00 + dental cleaning $100.00)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0.00 (wellness benefits are reimbursed per service under the Wellness endorsement)
Amount reimbursable under the Wellness endorsement at 100% up to per‑service caps: $80.00 + $60.00 + $100.00 = $240.00
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $0.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $240.00.
ℹ️ *Wellness reimbursements are paid at 100% up to the listed per‑service caps (routine exam up to $80, vaccinations up to $60, dental cleaning up to $100) and are subject to any annual wellness limits set by the plan.*
Safeco Assistance
Safeco’s pet insurance combines emergency and wellness endorsements, which is valuable for covering urgent treatment costs and routine preventive care when those endorsements are selected.
Coverage for care abroad is limited to Canada only, providing useful protection for short cross‑border trips but not for wider international travel.
There is no clearly documented advance‑pay clinic integration or marketed payment‑plan program for veterinary bills, which can limit options for avoiding upfront payment at the clinic.
Policyholders should confirm claims submission channels and expected response times before a claim, since customer experiences indicate variability in contact responsiveness and claim turnaround.
| Assistance Safeco | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted online or by phone. Some customers report straightforward digital claim handling. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | N.C. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Coverage extends to Canada only. Verify specific conditions and time limits with your policy. |
Some customers report straightforward digital claim handling.
Verify specific conditions and time limits with your policy.
Customer Reviews on Safeco
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 (62 reviews) |
Some customers report positive, straightforward interactions for individual claims, noting that certain claims can be handled online or over the phone and that premiums have been stable for a subset of policyholders. These favorable comments are intermittent but indicate experiences where claim resolution met expectations and digital service channels worked effectively.
More frequently, reviewers raise concerns about difficulties reaching customer support and delays or dissatisfaction in claim handling, with additional complaints about unexpected premium increases, billing or refund disputes, and policy cancellations or non‑renewals. Frustration with program features like telematics or discount mechanisms also appears repeatedly in the critical feedback.
Contact Safeco
| Safeco 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. Safeco online subscription process: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Process: N.C. Required documents: N.C. Deadlines for submission: N.C. Reimbursement method (direct deposit, check, credit): N.C. For assistance, contact Safeco customer service at 1-800-332-3226. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | How to request: N.C. Available channels (email, portal, phone, mail): Phone and postal mail contact available; other channels: N.C. Information required to issue certificate (policy number, pet details, owner ID): N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1-800-332-3226. Postal address: SAFECO INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. Email: N.C. Online portal/contact form: N.C. Hours of operation: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | Cancellation process: N.C. Information to provide (policy number, owner details, effective date): N.C. Deadlines and notice period: N.C. Refund conditions and prorated premium rules: N.C. Contact phone for cancellations: 1-800-332-3226. |
FAQ
What are Safeco’s waiting periods for accidents and illnesses?
Safeco applies a 14‑day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses before most coverable events are eligible for reimbursement.
Wellness endorsements also follow a 14‑day waiting period.
A curable condition that has been symptom‑free and untreated for 180 days is generally no longer considered pre‑existing, with special rules for ligament and knee conditions.
Always confirm exact start dates and any endorsement‑specific waits when you enroll.
What reimbursement levels and annual limits apply under Safeco’s plans?
The Accident & Illness coverage is shown at a 90% reimbursement level for covered services.
The Wellness plan pays eligible routine care at 100% up to the listed service caps.
The comprehensive plan carries a $10,000 annual limit as stated for the policy.
Reimbursements remain subject to your chosen deductible and the per‑service or yearly caps on your policy schedule.
Which conditions and services are commonly excluded from Safeco pet coverage?
Safeco excludes pre‑existing conditions, hereditary and congenital disorders, many behavioral issues, routine/wellness care, prescribed diets, and most dental care except accidental injury.
Breeding and pregnancy‑related care, cosmetic procedures, organ transplants, prostheses, and experimental treatments are also excluded.
Incidents occurring outside the US, its territories, and Canada, along with losses due to war or epidemics, are not covered.
The illness endorsement specifies additional orthopedic exclusions such as FCP, UAP, OCD, arthritis, spondylosis, and luxating patella.
What are Safeco’s waiting periods for accidents and illnesses?
Safeco applies a 14‑day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses before most coverable events are eligible for reimbursement.
Wellness endorsements also follow a 14‑day waiting period.
A curable condition that has been symptom‑free and untreated for 180 days is generally no longer considered pre‑existing, with special rules for ligament and knee conditions.
Always confirm exact start dates and any endorsement‑specific waits when you enroll.
What reimbursement levels and annual limits apply under Safeco’s plans?
The Accident & Illness coverage is shown at a 90% reimbursement level for covered services.
The Wellness plan pays eligible routine care at 100% up to the listed service caps.
The comprehensive plan carries a $10,000 annual limit as stated for the policy.
Reimbursements remain subject to your chosen deductible and the per‑service or yearly caps on your policy schedule.
Which conditions and services are commonly excluded from Safeco pet coverage?
Safeco excludes pre‑existing conditions, hereditary and congenital disorders, many behavioral issues, routine/wellness care, prescribed diets, and most dental care except accidental injury.
Breeding and pregnancy‑related care, cosmetic procedures, organ transplants, prostheses, and experimental treatments are also excluded.
Incidents occurring outside the US, its territories, and Canada, along with losses due to war or epidemics, are not covered.
The illness endorsement specifies additional orthopedic exclusions such as FCP, UAP, OCD, arthritis, spondylosis, and luxating patella.
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