If you’re a pet owner in California, you know that caring for your beloved companion can be expensive. Pet insurance is one way to cover the cost of veterinary treatment for accidents or illnesses.
The best pet insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage with many plan options that allow you to tailor your coverage to your pet’s needs. We’ve reviewed pet insurance company information – from cost to benefits – to help you find the best pet insurance in California.
Best pet insurance in California 2023
Compare the best pet insurance companies in California
Here’s how to compare the best pet insurance companies in California.
Compare the best pet insurance rates in California
California pet insurance rates with an annual maximum coverage of $5,000
California pet insurance cost unlimited annual premium coverage
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a medical plan designed to partially cover the unexpected accidents and illnesses of pets that require pet care. You don’t have to worry about finding an in-network vet like you do with people’s health insurance.
Since most pet insurance companies pay for covered expenses, you can see any licensed veterinarian in California. Pet insurance works nationwide, so even if you’re on vacation, your pet will be covered under your pet insurance plan.
Types of pet insurance plans
When purchasing pet insurance, you can choose from accident and disease or a more basic accident only plan. Depending on the pet insurance company, you may have the option of adding a wellness plan to your accident and illness plan.
Danger and pain
Offering the widest range of coverage, accident and illness pet insurance is the most common type of coverage that pet owners purchase. It covers risks such as broken bones, skin injuries, hospital stays and diagnostic tests. It includes hereditary diseases such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory infections and hip dysplasia.
Only danger
If you don’t need coverage for illnesses, you can buy the cheapest option, which is pet insurance only in case of an accident. This plan only covers accidents like snakebite, being hit by a car or breaking a tooth while gnawing on a bone.
Health plan
A health plan provides coverage for preventive and routine care. Since pet insurance does not cover these costs, most companies offer health coverage as an additional rider. A regular care plan can pay for microchipping, annual exam fees, vaccinations, and spay and neuter surgeries.
How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for some of your pet’s medical expenses. Typically, you pay the bill in full after your pet receives veterinary treatment, and then the company reimburses you based on your coverage choices.
Annual maximum limit. The annual maximum is the maximum the pet insurance company will pay for your pet’s eligible expenses during a plan year. Annual maximum limits are usually between $5,000 and $20,000, although some carriers offer $50,000, $100,000 and unlimited options.
Deductible. Similar to human health insurance, the pet insurance deductible is the amount you pay before the company begins to reimburse you for covered animal expenses. Deductibles range from $50 to $1,000, with higher amounts lowering your premium.
Percentage of return. The payout percentage is the amount of the claim, or portion of the covered expenses, that the pet insurance company will pay after meeting the deductible. The most common payout percentages are 70%, 80%, or 90%, but they can range from 50% to 100%.
How to find the best pet insurance in California
When comparing quotes to find the best pet insurance in California, consider:
- Pet Insurance Plan with 24/7 Pet Helpline: You’ll get advice and answers from licensed veterinarians to your questions, including whether you should seek medical attention.
- Direct payment option; Pet insurance companies that offer out-of-pocket payments allow you to pay your vet’s expenses up front instead of paying in full and waiting for a refund. Some pet best plans offer direct payments.
- Plans with discounts: If you have more than one pet, you can save on premiums with a multi-pet discount. You may be able to get a discount if you pay your premiums in full, if your employer offers pet insurance benefits, if you work in animal welfare, or if you are a member of the military.
- Plans with Standard Health Rider: A wellness plan provides some coverage for routine and preventative care your pet receives regularly, such as annual checkups and vaccinations.
Common California Pet Injuries and Diseases
California is a diverse state, with potential dangers lurking in each county. Here are some common pet injuries and illnesses and how pet insurance can cover the cost of prevention or treatment.
Dog flu
Across the state, the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of dog flu are causing ongoing outbreaks. A pet safety plan can help cover the cost of flu shots to limit your dog’s chance of contracting the virus. If your dog gets sick, having pet insurance can cover some of your pet care costs.
Gila monster bite
These poisonous lizards are the only ones of their kind in California. If your pet is bitten by one, you may need an experienced veterinarian to remove the lizard from them. Your pet may require treatment for the wounds, including IV fluids and antibiotics, which are covered by pet insurance.
Leptospirosis
If you board or send your pet to daycare, it is more susceptible to this contagious bacterial infection. Lepto can cause diarrhea, high fever, jaundice and vomiting. Pet insurance may cover antibiotics to improve your pet’s health and a health plan may cover vaccinations to prevent infection.
Rattlesnake bite
There are about 50 species of snakes in California, and at least seven are venomous. If your pet is bitten by a venomous snake, it needs immediate emergency care. Accident pet insurance can save you thousands, allowing you to focus on your pet’s care rather than the financial burden of treatment.
Valley fever
If you live near the California desert, this fungal lung infection can infect your dog. All it takes to get your puppy healthy again is antifungal medication and a visit to the vet, which pet insurance can help pay for.
California pet laws
If you are a pet owner in California, you should be aware of some laws that may affect you and your beloved companion.
- You must have a rabies vaccination for dogs over 4 months of age and a California license. The permit must be renewed for the remainder of your pet’s life.
- It is illegal to own gerbils, hedgehogs, monkeys and squirrels in California.
- Parties in a divorce may request joint or full custody of their pets during the trial.
- It is illegal to buy a rabbit, dog or cat from a pet store in California. Californians looking for a specific breed can purchase from a breeder registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or training facility.
method
Using data, we analyzed 12 pet insurance companies in California. Petinsurer.com.
For this analysis, average rates are based on accident and illness plans, which cover 98% of pet insurance policies purchased, according to data from the North American Health Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Dogs are included in 85% of NAPHIA’s insured pets, so the price depends on the number of dogs insured.
Each pet insurance company was qualified for up to 100 points based on its performance in the following key categories:
Price: 50 points. We calculated the average rates for accident and disease pet insurance plans for a medium-sized mixed breed dog of two different ages in California based on an unlimited annual premium (or the highest level offered by that company), a $250 deductible, and a $90 deductible. % Return percentage. The lower the average, the higher the number of points.
Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer up to $100,000 in annual coverage or unlimited annual coverage file under this category.
24/7 Animal Line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer 24/7 access to a vet line have earned points. Being able to call for medical advice can save you money on vet visits.
Regular Wellness Plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer optional health plans score extra points. Health plans can pay for preventative care for your pets.
Animal inspection pays fees: 10 points. If the pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer gets 10 points. If this is offered as cover, the insurer gets 5 points.
Behavioral therapy: 5 points. An insurance company scores points if it covers behavioral therapy in its pet insurance plans.
Euthanasia or cost of life included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end-of-life expenses are covered by pet insurance, the insurance company scores in this category.
Why some companies did not cut
When it comes to the best pet insurance in California, they are the only insurers that score a minimum of 4 out of 5 stars. Those with lower star ratings are included in the comparison table based on the criteria above, but are not featured as the best pet insurance company.
Why you can trust us.
Our insurance experts follow strict editing guidelines to ensure fairness and unbiased reviews. We analyzed 12 pet insurance companies in California and came up with the top seven based on the plan prices and benefits offered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average cost of pet insurance in California? $27.64 per month For a policy with a $5,000 annual limit, a $250 deductible and a 90% return rate.
With an unlimited annual limit and the same deductible and copayment, the average cost is $42.18 per month. California pet insurance rates depend on your zip code, your pet’s age, breed, breed, sex, and size.
know more: How to compare pet insurance
of Best pet insurance The cover is a comprehensive accident and sickness plan with an unlimited annual cover limit and a health plan add-on. This provides maximum coverage for your pet every year, even if they get hurt. The health plan rider provides some coverage for preventive and routine care such as vaccinations, titers and flea, tick and heartworm preventatives.
Whether to save or get pet insurance is a personal choice. Enrolling your pet in an insurance plan still comes with out-of-pocket costs, so it’s a good idea to set aside some money even if you buy pet insurance. A strict savings account for your pet can help you pay for the deductible and the portion of your coinsurance that the company won’t reimburse.
know more: Is pet insurance worth it?
One of the disadvantages of pet insurance is that there is no coverage for routine and preventive care unless you buy a health plan supplement. Other weaknesses Pet insurance does not cover those who cannot be treated. Pre-existing conditionsEven after meeting the deductible, there are still out-of-pocket expenses.
However, having pet insurance can cover emergency care costs for accidents and illnesses, which can be thousands of dollars and result in lifelong veterinary care. For example, if your cat has diabetes, checkups and vet visits can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 a month. A prescription diet can cost up to $80 a month. And if you don’t manage your pet’s diabetes properly, it can lead to many costly complications, such as liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, and blindness.
know more: What does pet insurance cover?