AKC Pet Insurance has one feature no other major provider matches: coverage for pre-existing conditions — including incurable ones — after 365 days of continuous coverage. Pumpkin, by contrast, never covers pre-existing conditions but includes dental illness coverage standard. If pre-existing conditions are a concern, also see our dedicated pre-existing conditions guide. Here’s how these two compare.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | AKC Pet Insurance | Pumpkin |
|---|---|---|
| Plan tiers | Custom and Basic (CompanionCare) | Single accident-and-illness plan |
| Deductible | $100–$1,000 (Custom); $100 fixed (Basic) | Customizable annual deductible |
| Reimbursement rate | Customizable (Custom); 80% fixed (Basic) | Flat 90% |
| Pre-existing conditions | Curable AND incurable covered after 365 days continuous coverage | Never covered |
| Dental illness coverage | Not standard | Included on base plan |
| Add-ons | ExamPlus, HereditaryPlus, Breeding, SupportPlus (end-of-life) | Preventive Essentials wellness add-on |
| Sample cost | ~$40/mo (dogs), ~$27/mo (cats) average | Varies; competitive for cats |
Sample prices vary by pet’s age, breed, location, and the plan/deductible combination you choose.
How We Compared These Plans
The following comparison is made with respect to the documents available on the web sites for AKC Pet Insurance and Pumpkin, especially with respect to the way both companies cover pre-existing illnesses, dental insurance, and other optional insurance packages.
Where AKC Pet Insurance Wins
The only provider covering incurable pre-existing conditions. After 365 days of continuous coverage, AKC will cover incurable or chronic conditions — like joint deterioration, hip dysplasia, or a cruciate ligament tear — that were present before your policy started, something virtually no other insurer offers. This can matter a lot if you’re switching from another provider; see our deductible structures guide and pre-existing conditions guide for related context.
End-of-life support. The optional SupportPlus add-on covers end-of-life services — a benefit not commonly offered elsewhere.
Breeding coverage. AKC’s optional Breeding add-on covers pregnancy and whelping expenses, relevant for owners working with breeders.
Where Pumpkin Wins
Dental illness coverage included. Pumpkin covers dental illness on its base plan; AKC requires no equivalent built-in benefit. See our dental coverage guide.
Simpler, flatter pricing. Pumpkin’s flat 90% reimbursement is straightforward, while AKC’s overall costs have been reported as relatively high compared to competitors for similar coverage.
Preventive Essentials add-on. Pumpkin’s wellness add-on is well-regarded for routine care, especially for kittens and puppies — see our kitten insurance guide and puppy insurance guide.
Coverage and Exclusions
Outside of AKC’s unique pre-existing condition pathway, both providers apply standard waiting periods to new accidents and illnesses. Neither provider’s pre-existing condition handling should be relied upon as a substitute for enrolling your pet as early as possible — see our beginner’s guide to pet insurance for why timing matters.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose AKC Pet Insurance if: your pet has an incurable pre-existing condition you’d like covered eventually, you’re interested in end-of-life support, or you need breeding coverage.
- Choose Pumpkin if: you want dental illness coverage included automatically and prefer a simple flat reimbursement rate without AKC’s higher reported costs.
Claims Process and Customer Experience
Pet insurance by AKC provides plans in various levels that give pet owners the option to get insured according to their financial capability and considering the risks associated with certain dog breeds. This can be done either online or through an application, and the insurance pays after the process of reviewing the claim has been done. Similarly, Pumpkin provides a straightforward and easy-to-understand policy document when making claims as a newly acquired pet owner.
Which One Should You Choose?
Since AKC Pet Insurance uses breed information, this plan is suitable for those who want their insurance plan to reflect the risk that comes with their breed. The fact that Pumpkin Pet Insurance covers preventive care with its basic packages is a plus for anyone looking to get regular checkups, vaccinations, and cleanings covered as well. This may be the plan for you if breed underwriting and the reliability of AKC is what you’re looking for. If you prefer to have preventive care included straight away, then Pumpkin would be the choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AKC’s pre-existing condition coverage actually work?
After 365 days of continuous coverage with no lapse, AKC will consider covering incurable or chronic pre-existing conditions (like hip dysplasia or joint deterioration) going forward — something virtually unique among major insurers. Curable pre-existing conditions may be covered sooner if your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for a defined period.
Is AKC Pet Insurance more expensive than Pumpkin?
Reported average costs for AKC have been relatively high compared to competitors offering similar coverage, though your actual quote depends on your pet’s profile. Compare quotes directly.
Does Pumpkin ever cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Pumpkin, like most insurers, permanently excludes any condition that existed before your policy’s effective date or during the waiting period.
What is AKC’s SupportPlus add-on?
It’s an optional add-on that covers end-of-life services, such as cremation or burial costs — a benefit not commonly found in standard pet insurance plans.
Our Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, veterinary, or insurance advice. We are not a licensed insurance agency, and nothing on this page should be taken as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, or claim outcomes. Pet insurance pricing, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, and exclusions vary by state, by pet, and change frequently — always review the official policy documents and get a personalized quote directly from the provider before purchasing a plan. We may earn a commission if you sign up for a plan through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or opinions, which are based on our independent research of publicly available plan information.
Last updated: June 2026.