Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
The best pet insurance in California can cover emergencies, routine wellness care, and more. Just as we buy health insurance for our medical bills, your pet should have insurance to protect them. You can buy your pet insurance through a company you know, like Nationwide pet insurance, or seek a specialty pet insurance provider like ASPCA pet insurance. A little veterinary coverage could protect you when you need it most.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in California of 2023
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Best Overall
- Lemonade Pet Insurance: Best Cheap Pet Insurance
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: Best Coverage Limits
- Wagmo Pet Insurance: Best Wellness Plans
- ASPCA Pet Insurance: Best for New Pet Owners
- Fetch Pet Insurance: Best for Therapy Coverage
- TrustedPals: Best for Service Dogs
- Embrace Pet Insurance: Best for Multiple Pets
- Spot Pet Insurance: Best for Senior Pets
Compare the Best Pet Insurance Companies for Californians
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Pet Insurance in California
When reviewing pet insurance products, we go through a few basic steps:
- Check insurer websites: We look at advertised coverage limits and services. Insider looks for things that make individual pet insurance companies stand out. Is a company cheaper than its competitors? Does it have special coverage for puppies or seniors, or do specific customers qualify for discounts?
- Run pet insurance quotes for comparison: Insider looks at average pricing for pet insurance products being reviewed. How much should consumers expect to pay, and how does that compare to competitors? While we do not recommend making your decision solely based on pricing, we recognize it's a deciding factor for many pet parents.
- Check verified customer reviews: We look beyond the average rating in Google searches to read individual customer reviews. The reviews we read show us individual ratings. More importantly, we see patterns in claims processing, customer service, and more. All of this factors into our pet insurance reviews.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
Insider works to provide objective and reliable resources for all customers. We know finding a pet insurance policy in California can be difficult. Exclusions for preexisting conditions that remain an industry standard make it even harder to switch pet insurance later.
We check customer reviews and coverages and run quotes to provide objective comparisons. We also bring in our own experiences as pet parents and update our opinions based on the information we receive.
Best Pet Insurance Companies Ranked by Customer Satisfaction
At this time, J.D. Power has yet to release a ranking of pet insurance companies based on customer satisfaction. Pet insurance is still a new insurance market with wildly different claims and coverage standards depending on where you go in California or otherwise. Many pet insurers partner with or are underwritten by more established insurance giants like Crum & Forster or Chubb. However, according to customer reviews, some smaller brands often go the extra mile. We continue to be impressed by the diligence and love shown by many pet insurance providers.
As such, Insider factors customer reviews into our rankings and reviews. But we await a full ranking from J.D. Power for this insurance category.
How to Pick the Best Pet Insurance Policy for You
The average insurance shopper asks friends and family about their preferred insurance provider. It might start with using the auto insurance company your parents used, followed by getting a quote for pet insurance through that auto insurance company. That's where many consumers stop shopping for insurance products.
Insider encourages pet parents to get three quotes to compare pet plans before buying anything. Set the same coverage limits, deductibles, and coinsurance when possible. Then compare cost, unique coverages, limitations, and more. When you have this information individualized to your pet, you can make an informed purchase. If you have multiple pets, we recommend running quotes for all pets together to ensure your prices include all applicable discounts.
California Pet Insurance FAQs
Many experienced pet parents know how expensive vet bills can be. While a $5,000 policy may seem like a lot, your vet bill could escalate quickly after a major accident or with an unexpected illness like cancer, diabetes, Cushing's disease, or epilepsy. However, a few pet insurance providers still offer unlimited coverage at reasonable rates. We recommend as much coverage as you can comfortably fit into your monthly budget, as it could save you thousands after a claim.
Once you buy a pet insurance plan, you've locked the company in. Any covered illnesses or events that occur after you purchase qualify for reimbursement. If your pet has a history of a condition before you sign up (such as allergies), any related veterinary care would not be covered. Pet parents can choose between accident and illness policies and wellness policies to help with things like vaccines, routine checkups, etc.
Many of the pet insurance companies we've run quotes with offer coverage for as little as $10-12/month for cats, $20-$30/month for younger dogs, and $50-$60/month for senior dogs. The exact number will vary based on a pet's health history, age, and other factors. Most routine vet visits cost around $100, while emergency surgeries range from $1,500-$5,000. Certain illnesses could require multiple surgeries, medications, and other treatments. The peace of mind is worth the small monthly payment, even for pet parents who never have a pet emergency.
Pet insurance covers accidents, illnesses, and other unusual bills. In addition, pet parents can purchase wellness plans to supplement pet insurance. Some plans also cover procedures like spaying, neutering, or dental treatments.
As with other insurance types, you choose a plan based on coverage limits, deductibles, etc. Then you pay a monthly or annual premium to keep your pet insurance in place. When you have a qualifying claim, most companies require you to pay the bill upfront and get reimbursed.
Insider evaluates top competitors to see which companies offer the lowest rates and best services. Then we use customer reviews to see how they treat claims and customers.
Finding the best pet insurance plan the first time is critical to your pet's long-term health. Experts recommend purchasing a policy as soon as you bring a new pet home. Unlike people, pets are subject to exclusions for preexisting conditions. In short, if your pet is diagnosed with a disease before you sign up with a pet insurance company, it will not cover any related medical care. In addition, if you switch pet insurance plans in California or elsewhere, your medical coverage does not carry over. So, for example, if your pet has diabetes covered by your current insurance provider, it would not be covered if you switched to a new company.
The first pet policy issued in the United States was in 1982. Given its short history, pet insurance is an ever-changing market with new competitors entering constantly. As such, we continue to compare customer reviews on many websites to see what insurance provider pet parents love.
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Pumpkin Pet Insurance
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Lemonade Pet Insurance
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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
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Wagmo Pet Insurance
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ASPCA Pet Insurance
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Fetch Pet Insurance
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TrustedPals
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Embrace Pet Insurance
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Spot Pet Insurance
Best Overall Pet Insurance
Pumpkin pet insurance gets about as close to a one-size-fits-all solution as you can with insurance. It offers solid claims processing, affordable premiums, and a wide range of medical coverages. In addition, Pumpkin's waiting periods for conditions like hip dysplasia are standard for the industry, and customer service is available during regular business hours.
Pumpkin is among the pet insurers still offering unlimited reimbursement options for dogs and cats. Deductible options range from $100 to $500 with 10-30% coinsurance (you pay 10-30% of your pet's medical bills after the deductible is met), depending on the plan. Many consumer reviews describe a company with reliable policies and claims processing. Customers say Pumpkin also takes it up a notch with personalized service from a team of pet lovers.
Pumpkin pet parents enjoy personalized and reliable service: Kevin R. writes on Trustpilot, The whole process was easy and surprisingly quick... The customer service member I talk with during my process was nice and caring. Always referred to my pet by name. To say wow is an understatement.
Best Cheap Pet Insurance
The Lemonade pet insurance system is built for digital automation. Its website contains playful cartoon characters and bright colors, and products are described in plain English, making it easy to understand. The company's aim is for customers to self-manage. So while you may miss out on extra features like a 24/7 telehealth line, Lemonade offers low pricing to balance it out.
Lemonade customer service agents are available during business hours for extra assistance as needed. But reviews indicate many people enjoy an easy experience with the Lemonade pet insurance app. Standard plans include coverage for vet exam fees, physical therapy, up to $1,000 in dental coverage each year, behavioral correction, and end-of-life services.
Customers love Lemonade's easy claims process: Cedric of Fountain Valley wrote on ConsumerAffairs, They approve claims same day without any hassles and the claims process is super easy!
Megan of Santa Barbara added on ConsumerAffairs, It makes going to the vet less stressful knowing that I have help paying for the things that he needs. The claims process is so easy and everyone is very friendly.
Best Coverage Limits
As a young market, the rules of pet insurance are constantly changing, and coverage limits are the perfect example. Healthy Paws is among a few select pet insurance providers offering unlimited coverage for new applicants/pet parents. However, it does not currently offer wellness plans. So it does not cover vaccines or wellness checks.
On the other hand, Healthy Paws pet insurance covers cancer, hereditary conditions, car accidents, emergency surgery, and other costly vet bills, excluding preexisting conditions. It also offers alternative treatment coverage for acupuncture, chiropractic, and other out-of-the-box pet medical services.
The insurer advertises claim processing time as two business days or fewer. In cases like Christina's, Healthy Paws would offer the coverage she chose for all eligible services once the deductible is satisfied.
Customers appreciate Healthy Paws' customer service: Christina of Los Angeles left a review on Trustpilot saying, I have a 9 year old rescue dog that has been covered through Healthy Paws since her adoption about 5 years ago... Healthy Paws has been very easy to work with in submitting a claim, quick in responding, and easy to understand in terms of what is covered and what is not.
Best Wellness Plans
Wagmo pet insurance offers coverage with no restrictions for age. So you can buy pet insurance as soon as you bring a new pet home. A wellness plan covering vaccines, routine bloodwork, and fecal tests could cost as little as $20 per month and as much as $59 per month with Wagmo. Illness and injury coverage would have to be purchased separately, and preexisting illness exclusions would be based on when you buy the injury and illness plan.
While Wagmo does cover many hereditary conditions, it's important to note the company's age restrictions. Specifically, hip dysplasia coverage may not be available on plans purchased for older pets. Claim payments may also be delayed. Some reports indicate it could be as long as three to four weeks. However, customer reviews show claims are eventually paid in line with the policy purchased. The exact processing time varies widely.
Customers enjoy quick and easy claims with Wagmo: Customers like Aly on Facebook report, The claims get processed very quickly and its incredibly easy to file a claim.
Best for New Pet Owners
ASPCA pet insurance is available for dogs, cats, and horses across the United States with no age limits. It partners with Travelers Insurance Company to reach customers with ease. Plans offer coverage of up to 90% reimbursement once the deductible is met. For unlimited annual coverage, though, ASPCA pet insurance requires you to call and get a quote from a licensed insurance agent.
ASPCA pet insurance offers various plans, from simple wellness plans for preventative care to accident and illness coverage for pets of all ages in all 50 states and Washington DC. Waiting periods for coverage for hereditary joint disease are low compared to other companies, but claims processing may be longer than some competitors. In addition, ASPCA pet insurance policies can be purchased at any age.
ASPCA pet insurance customers relax knowing they'll be taken care of: ConsumerAffairs reviewer Mary of Rancho Cucamonga says, I don't care how much money I spend cause I know I'll be reimbursed. I have always been reimbursed in a timely manner and through direct deposit.
Best for Therapy Coverage
Fetch by The Dodo offers accident and illness pet insurance coverage in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Annual limits range from $5,000 to $15,000, but unlimited annual policies may be available if you call in. Common claims submitted to Fetch include veterinary exam fees, dental disease, MRIs, chiropractic care, and cancer treatment.
Fetch pet insurance is unique in that it also covers pet boarding fees if you are in the hospital. However, note that teeth cleaning and other preventative services are not included in the accident and illness plans. Prescription foods are also not covered even for conditions that are otherwise reimbursed. But some Fetch plans cover long-term therapy for inherited diseases, chiropractic care, and other treatment. Available deductibles range from $50 to $1,000 annually.
Fetch's strong customer service leads the way: According to Dwayne of Mission Viejo on ConsumerAffairs: When the app had a glitch, I was able to talk to a representative about processing a claim. He handled the processing for me over the phone, so it all went forward.
Best for Dervice Dogs
While premiums may be slightly higher, TrustedPals protects pet owners against surprises. It's one of a few companies offering $0 deductible options and 100% reimbursement on some policies. In other words, coverage would kick in immediately with $0 out-of-pocket for qualified expenses.
Service dog owners and handlers can work pet insurance coverage into a monthly budget along with expected vet expenses TrustedPals pet insurance won't cover. This insurer is a favorite for many service dog handlers because qualified service dogs are eligible for a 5% premium discount. For anyone with dogs or cats, TrustedPals also offers wellness plans.
Customers appreciate quick enrollments and claims with TrustPals: Raquel of San Francisco added her review to ConsumerAffairs: It's super easy to sign up. Making a claim was super easy as well and took less than 5 minutes. I also like how they gave out email confirmations stating that my claim went through and I am able to feel relaxed.
Best for Multiple Pets
Embrace pet insurance offers multi-pet and other discounts. It also partners with larger insurance providers like GEICO and USAA. The company will reimburse any vet you choose, and its mobile app and website offer 24/7 plan management. Most accident claims are paid within 48 hours, but it may take longer for larger claims or during high-volume months.
Embrace plans allow multiple cats and dogs, but it doesn't cover farm or exotic animals. However, premiums increase each year you wait to buy for the first time. So it's best to sign up early with Embrace pet insurance. Average premiums are frequently around $20-$30 per dog for a relatively young, healthy dog.
Embrace gives pet parents peace of mind: Xiomara of Los Angeles reviewed Embrace, on TrustPilot saying, I was so relieved when I remembered that I had a pet insurance policy. The representatives were very friendly and guided me through the whole process.
Best for Senior Pets
Spot pet insurance offers both wellness plans and accident and illness pet insurance plans. In addition, the company covers cats and dogs with reimbursements for vet visits and wellness exams along with dental cleanings under some plans. Spot doesn't protect pets until they're at least eight weeks old, but there's no upper age limit. So senior dogs and cats enjoy the same options younger pets would.
Keep in mind exclusions for preexisting conditions still apply. Healthy senior pets are not automatically disqualified from coverage for certain hereditary conditions as they would with some other companies.
Customers love the comprehensive coverage Spot offers: Julianne of Las Vegas, Nevada, highlights senior pet coverage on ConsumerAffairs saying, My dog, Penny, a 10 year old Border Collie, and the light of my life, was healthy but getting older... I was not prepared for her diagnosis... TCC! We were referred to an oncologist for treatment. Thank God for Spot! We were able to start her on meds right away.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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