Wishbone Pet Insurance Review 2025: Is It Worth It?
Our expert's opinion on Wishbone
Wishbone offers a core Accident & Illness policy with two optional wellness tiers named Pedigree Wellness Care and Best in Show Wellness Care, providing emergency, surgery, imaging and lab test coverage plus short waiting periods of 3 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses and a free 24/7 US-based vet chat for policyholders.
Available plans include Accident & Illness, Accident & Illness + Pedigree Wellness Care, and Accident & Illness + Best in Show Wellness Care; reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles and specific wellness budgets are listed as NC in the plan tables, and compared with main competitors Wishbone emphasizes tiered wellness add-ons, digital claims processing through the Odie portal and breed-sensitive pricing that is competitive for young common breeds but can be high for older or brachycephalic breeds, reflecting a pricing strategy focused on add-on flexibility and targeted risk-based premiums.
Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged dogs and cats who want core accident and illness protection with optional wellness add-ons rather than full preventive coverage.
Administrator details: Thorson Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., 29899 Agoura Rd, Suite 110, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; claims submitted via www.odiepetinsurance.com or support@odiepetinsurance.com.
- ✅Tiered wellness add-ons
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, and lab tests
- ✅Short waiting periods for accidents and illnesses
- ✅Free 24/7 US-based vet chat
- ✅Digital claims portal via Odie
- ✅Breed-sensitive pricing examples provided
- ✅Emergency coverage included
- ❌Reimbursement rates and annual limits marked NC
- ❌Deductible details listed as NC
- ❌Many preventive services explicitly excluded
- ❌Ambulance and transport expenses excluded
- ❌Strict pre-existing condition definition (18 months)
Our expert's opinion on Wishbone
- ✅Tiered wellness add-ons
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, and lab tests
- ✅Short waiting periods for accidents and illnesses
- ✅Free 24/7 US-based vet chat
- ✅Digital claims portal via Odie
- ✅Breed-sensitive pricing examples provided
- ✅Emergency coverage included
- ❌Reimbursement rates and annual limits marked NC
- ❌Deductible details listed as NC
- ❌Many preventive services explicitly excluded
- ❌Ambulance and transport expenses excluded
- ❌Strict pre-existing condition definition (18 months)
Score- ✅Tiered wellness add-ons
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, and lab tests
- ✅Short waiting periods for accidents and illnesses
- ✅Free 24/7 US-based vet chat
- ✅Digital claims portal via Odie
- ✅Breed-sensitive pricing examples provided
- ✅Emergency coverage included
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Wishbone Guarantees
Wishbone offers three plan configurations built around a single core Accident & Illness product and two optional wellness-enhanced configurations. The base Accident & Illness Coverage provides emergency, surgical, imaging, and laboratory benefits, while the Pedigree Wellness Care and Best in Show Wellness Care configurations layer wellness features on top of the core protection. Plans are administered through Thorson Specialty Insurance Services, Inc.; the identity of the regulated underwriter is not communicated. Pricing is presented across these three configurations to reflect the addition of wellness benefits to the core medical cover.
Deductible rules, reimbursement percentages, and annual monetary limits are not publicly specified in the plan summaries; these elements are therefore listed as not communicated and are set on the policy Declarations Page. Waiting periods are short for accidental injury (3 days) and standard for illness (14 days). Consultations and specialist consultations are generally available only via optional add‑ons; emergency treatment, surgery, imaging, and lab diagnostics are included under the core Accident & Illness Coverage.
Wellness features are available only in the two wellness-tier configurations. Preventive services such as vaccinations and parasite prevention are excluded from the core plan but may be included within the wellness configurations; specific per-service caps and exact wellness inclusions are not detailed. Special member support includes a free 24/7 live chat with a US‑based veterinarian. Cremation, routine dental hygiene, and boarding fees are excluded across the presented configurations.
Overall strengths include a clear core medical coverage that incorporates emergency care and diagnostic services, and an option to add wellness benefits; main limitations include numerous exclusions for preventive and dental care unless a wellness upgrade is selected, restrictions on alternative therapies, and limited public detail on financial mechanics (deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual caps).
| Accident & Illness Coverage | Accident & Illness Coverage + Pedigree Wellness Care | Accident & Illness Coverage + Best in Show Wellness Care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Base core plan | Base plan + wellness (enhanced) | Base plan + wellness (top tier) |
| Type of coverage | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness + Wellness | Accident & Illness + Wellness |
| Animals covered | 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) | 3 days / 14 days | 3 days / 14 days | 3 days / 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Consultations | No (optional add‑on) | No (optional add‑on) | No (optional add‑on) |
| Medications | NC | NC | NC |
| Hospitalization | NC | NC | NC |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, lab) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care | No | No | No |
| Preventive care | No | Yes (via wellness) | Yes (via wellness) |
| Alternative medicine | No | No | No |
| Travel coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Civil liability | NC | NC | NC |
| Euthanasia | NC | NC | NC |
| Death & cremation coverage | NC / No cremation | NC / No cremation | NC / No cremation |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | NC | NC | NC |
| Boarding fees | No | No | No |
Pre-existing conditions are excluded: any condition showing clinical signs or receiving treatment in the defined pre‑coverage lookback period is not covered, and chronic or bilateral conditions identified prior to policy inception are treated as pre‑existing. Preventive care, routine dental hygiene (prophylactic cleaning, scaling, polishing), vaccinations, and parasite prevention are excluded from the core plan and are available only if the wellness upgrade is selected; precise wellness inclusions and per‑service caps are not detailed publicly.
Key limitations include broad exclusions for elective and cosmetic procedures, breeding and pregnancy-related care, and many alternative or holistic therapies. Administrative and transport fees (including ambulance/transport costs), cremation, and boarding fees are not covered. Policy specifics that materially affect member costs—such as reimbursement percentages, deductible mechanics, and annual monetary limits—are not communicated in the plan summaries and must be confirmed on the policy Declarations Page.
Wishbone Exclusions
Wishbone’s exclusions start with a stringent pre‑existing condition rule: any condition showing signs or treated in the 18 months before policy start (including chronic and bilateral conditions) is excluded. Preventive services are not included unless a wellness add‑on is purchased, and the policy explicitly excludes many non‑medical and administrative costs such as boarding, transport/ambulance fees, and cremation. Alternative, holistic, and experimental therapies (homeopathy, stem cell, shockwave, etc.) and non‑formulary medications are excluded, while certain modalities like acupuncture or chiropractic may only be available via optional riders. Behavioral training, cosmetic/elective procedures, breeding and pregnancy costs, and conditions deemed preventable after repeated incidents (e.g., three similar events in 36 months) are also notable exclusions that can materially reduce coverage for common owner‑related risks.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions: any sign or treatment in the 18 months before policy start; chronic and bilateral conditions treated as pre‑existing; specific waiting periods for illness and orthopedic conditions; repetitive‑incidents rule (e.g., similar incidents considered preventable after repeated events). |
| Dental exclusions | Prophylactic dental cleaning, scaling and polishing; dental foods/chews; limits on endodontic treatment (restricted to canine and carnassial teeth); exclusions for treatment of supernumerary or absent teeth and malocclusion. |
| Alternative, experimental & medications | Homeopathy, herbal remedies, reiki, massage, stem cell therapy, shockwave therapy excluded; experimental or investigational treatments excluded; non‑formulary medications excluded. |
| Behavioral & training | Training and behavioral therapy excluded unless performed/purchased via specific supplemental benefits; standard behavioral training and non‑veterinarian interventions not covered. |
| Reproductive & elective procedures | Breeding, pregnancy, whelping, and related costs excluded; elective cosmetic procedures (declawing, tail docking, ear cropping) excluded. |
| Administrative & non‑medical costs | Administrative fees, boarding fees, transport expenses (including ambulance), biohazardous waste fees, cremation and after‑life services, grooming, bedding, and non‑veterinary supplies excluded. |
| Food & supplements | All non‑prescription foods, supplements, vitamins, and over‑the‑counter nutritional products excluded; prescription therapeutic diets subject to policy terms. |
| Activity & catastrophic events | Injuries or illnesses from intentional acts, organized fighting, racing activities excluded; losses from war, nuclear reaction, radiation, epidemics/pandemics excluded. |
Wishbone Prices
Wishbone’s pricing sits in the mid‑range segment with clear variability by breed, age, and selected wellness bundle; sample monthly premiums in the provided profiles span roughly from $33 to $247, reflecting higher costs for brachycephalic and older animals. Plan competitiveness is driven by the modular approach: a core accident & illness product plus two wellness tiers, where selecting wellness care increases premiums but adds preventive benefits that shift total value for routine care.
Reimbursement rates, deductible choices, and annual limits are central to final pricing and buyer trade‑offs, with higher reimbursement and lower deductibles pushing premiums upward while higher deductibles and narrower limits reduce cost. Key differentiators include bundled wellness options and included 24/7 veterinary chat support, and Wishbone’s digital pricing model and online administration allow rapid comparisons and adjustments compared with more traditional, less modular insurers.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Accident & Illness Coverage | Accident & Illness Coverage + Pedigree Wellness Care | Accident & Illness Coverage + Best in Show Wellness Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $75.60 | $89.60 | $98.60 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $75.60 | $89.60 | $98.60 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $148.25 | $162.25 | $171.25 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $56.80 | $70.80 | $79.80 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $56.80 | $70.80 | $79.80 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $87.49 | $101.49 | $110.49 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $114.26 | $128.26 | $137.26 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $114.26 | $128.26 | $137.26 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $224.06 | $238.06 | $247.06 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $33.10 | $47.10 | $56.10 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $33.10 | $47.10 | $56.10 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $45.17 | $59.17 | $68.17 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $34.71 | $48.71 | $57.71 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $34.71 | $48.71 | $57.71 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $62.15 | $76.15 | $86.15 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $33.10 | $47.10 | $56.10 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $33.10 | $47.10 | $56.10 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $45.17 | $59.17 | $68.17 |
Wishbone Promo Codes
| Wishbone 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 Wishbone?
✅ Example 1: Emergency abdominal surgery (bloat)
Total vet costs: $4,500 (surgery, hospitalization, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (annual deductible not yet met)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Best in Show plan: $4,500 – $250 = $4,250
85% of that amount reimbursed: $4,250 × 85% = $3,612.50
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $3,612.50.
ℹ️ *The annual deductible applies once per policy year; reimbursements reduce your remaining annual coverage limit if your plan has one.*
✅ Example 2: Dental extraction and treatment (cat)
Total vet costs: $650 (extraction, anesthesia, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the year)
Amount reimbursable at 85% with the Best in Show plan: $650 × 85% = $552.50
👉 You receive $552.50.
ℹ️ *Dental coverage can have specific sub-limits or waiting periods under wellness add-ons — confirm your dental allowance for the policy year.*
✅ Example 3: Annual wellness visit and vaccinations (dog)
Total vet costs: $220 (exam, vaccinations, heartworm/flea prevention)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (wellness services are typically exempt from the annual deductible on the Best in Show plan)
Amount reimbursable at 100% under the wellness component: $220 × 100% = $220
👉 You receive $220.
ℹ️ *Wellness benefits often have a separate annual cap and may be reimbursed in full up to that cap; check your wellness limit when enrolling.*
Wishbone Assistance
Wishbone’s assistance package gives clear value with a free 24/7 vet hotline and live chat staffed by U.S.-based veterinarians, which is highly useful for immediate triage and after-hours guidance.
Claims can be submitted digitally through a customer portal and by email, supporting a largely paperless process that helps speed reimbursements.
Transport and ambulance services are explicitly excluded and boarding fees are not covered, so owners should plan for out-of-pocket emergency transport or temporary care.
Advance-pay options at the clinic and a dedicated mobile app are not confirmed in the assistance details, so verify billing and app availability before treatment.
| Assistance Wishbone | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | Customer portal exists (www.odiepetinsurance.com). Dedicated mobile app: N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims accepted via online customer portal and by email. Supports digital submission to speed processing. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | Free 24/7 live chat with U.S.-based veterinarians for triage and advice. Available at no additional cost. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | N.C. |
Dedicated mobile app: N.C.
Supports digital submission to speed processing.
Available at no additional cost.
Customer Reviews of Wishbone
There are no public customer reviews for Wishbone Pet Insurance on Trustpilot or Google Reviews, so a platform‑based synthesis of user sentiment cannot be produced from those sources. Without ratings or review counts from the major platforms, it is not possible to reliably identify frequently praised features reported by customers. Equally, common concerns such as claims handling, billing, or responsiveness cannot be summarized from platform feedback; prospective buyers should seek out independent testimonials or contact the provider for clarifications.
Contact Wishbone
| Wishbone 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. Visit wishboneinsurance.com to review plan options online. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Process: Submit claims via the customer portal (www.odiepetinsurance.com) or email claim forms to support@odiepetinsurance.com; postal submissions can be mailed to Thorson Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., 29899 Agoura Rd, Suite 110, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Required documents: N.C. Deadlines for filing claims: N.C. How reimbursements are paid: N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request method: Ask via the customer portal or by emailing support@odiepetinsurance.com; you may also send a written request to Thorson Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., 29899 Agoura Rd, Suite 110, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Information required to issue the certificate: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Available channels: Customer portal (www.odiepetinsurance.com); email support@odiepetinsurance.com; postal mail to Thorson Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., 29899 Agoura Rd, Suite 110, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; 24/7 live vet chat is provided with policies. Phone contact: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | How to cancel: Submit a cancellation request through the customer portal, by emailing support@odiepetinsurance.com, or by mailing a signed cancellation request to Thorson Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., 29899 Agoura Rd, Suite 110, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Information to include with the request: N.C. Cancellation deadlines / notice period: N.C. Refund and prorated premium conditions: N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Wishbone?
Wishbone does not advertise a nationwide third‑party advance payment program; most policyholders pay the clinic at the time of treatment and file a claim for reimbursement.
A claim can be submitted through the customer portal or by emailing support@odiepetinsurance.com with invoices and medical records.
If you expect a very large bill, contact Wishbone support in advance to discuss possible arrangements with your clinic.
Always confirm payment options with your veterinarian before treatment to avoid surprises.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Wishbone?
To cancel, contact Wishbone’s customer support via the customer portal or email support@odiepetinsurance.com and provide your policy number and written request.
Include the effective cancellation date and the name of the policyholder to help the administrator process the request.
Refunds or prorated premium adjustments, if any, are handled according to the terms of your policy and billing cycle.
Retain written confirmation of cancellation for your records and follow up if you do not receive acknowledgment within a few business days.
What are Wishbone’s waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Wishbone applies a short waiting period for accidents of 3 days and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses.
These waiting periods begin on the policy effective date and must be observed before related claims are eligible.
Care for conditions that appear during a waiting period is typically excluded from reimbursement.
Always check the exact effective date on your policy documents before scheduling non‑urgent care.
What exclusions and pre‑existing condition rules should I know?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded if signs, symptoms, or treatment occurred in the 18 months before the policy start date or during a waiting period.
Routine preventive care such as vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and elective procedures are not covered under the base plan.
Certain alternative therapies, cosmetic procedures, and breeding‑related costs are also excluded unless a specific add‑on covers them.
Review your policy’s exclusion section or contact support for clarification on specific conditions.
How do I submit and track a claim with Wishbone?
Submit claims via the customer portal at www.odiepetinsurance.com or email support@odiepetinsurance.com with the completed claim form, itemized invoice, and medical records.
Keep copies of all documents and note the date of submission for tracking purposes.
Wishbone processes claims through the portal and will communicate status updates; contact support if you need an estimated timing.
Ask the claims team which payment method will be used for reimbursements and whether additional information is needed.
Does Wishbone offer telemedicine or 24/7 veterinary assistance?
Yes — Wishbone provides free 24/7 vet support via live chat with a U.S.‑based veterinarian to help triage concerns and answer urgent questions.
This service is intended for initial advice and guidance and does not replace in‑person veterinary care when required.
Access to the hotline is included for policyholders and can be reached through the customer portal or as specified when you enroll.
Use the chat for immediate non‑emergency guidance and follow up with your veterinarian as directed.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Wishbone?
Wishbone does not advertise a nationwide third‑party advance payment program; most policyholders pay the clinic at the time of treatment and file a claim for reimbursement.
A claim can be submitted through the customer portal or by emailing support@odiepetinsurance.com with invoices and medical records.
If you expect a very large bill, contact Wishbone support in advance to discuss possible arrangements with your clinic.
Always confirm payment options with your veterinarian before treatment to avoid surprises.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Wishbone?
To cancel, contact Wishbone’s customer support via the customer portal or email support@odiepetinsurance.com and provide your policy number and written request.
Include the effective cancellation date and the name of the policyholder to help the administrator process the request.
Refunds or prorated premium adjustments, if any, are handled according to the terms of your policy and billing cycle.
Retain written confirmation of cancellation for your records and follow up if you do not receive acknowledgment within a few business days.
What are Wishbone’s waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Wishbone applies a short waiting period for accidents of 3 days and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses.
These waiting periods begin on the policy effective date and must be observed before related claims are eligible.
Care for conditions that appear during a waiting period is typically excluded from reimbursement.
Always check the exact effective date on your policy documents before scheduling non‑urgent care.
What exclusions and pre‑existing condition rules should I know?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded if signs, symptoms, or treatment occurred in the 18 months before the policy start date or during a waiting period.
Routine preventive care such as vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and elective procedures are not covered under the base plan.
Certain alternative therapies, cosmetic procedures, and breeding‑related costs are also excluded unless a specific add‑on covers them.
Review your policy’s exclusion section or contact support for clarification on specific conditions.
How do I submit and track a claim with Wishbone?
Submit claims via the customer portal at www.odiepetinsurance.com or email support@odiepetinsurance.com with the completed claim form, itemized invoice, and medical records.
Keep copies of all documents and note the date of submission for tracking purposes.
Wishbone processes claims through the portal and will communicate status updates; contact support if you need an estimated timing.
Ask the claims team which payment method will be used for reimbursements and whether additional information is needed.
Does Wishbone offer telemedicine or 24/7 veterinary assistance?
Yes — Wishbone provides free 24/7 vet support via live chat with a U.S.‑based veterinarian to help triage concerns and answer urgent questions.
This service is intended for initial advice and guidance and does not replace in‑person veterinary care when required.
Access to the hotline is included for policyholders and can be reached through the customer portal or as specified when you enroll.
Use the chat for immediate non‑emergency guidance and follow up with your veterinarian as directed.
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