Best Pet Insurance in Texas
Texan pet owners have a wide range of pet insurance choices available to them. NerdWallet has researched and assessed numerous insurance providers to guide you in finding the most suitable pet insurance in Texas.
Here’s a quick look at the best pet insurance in Texas:
- MetLife: Top overall choice.
- Pumpkin: Best budget selection for dogs.
- Lemonade: Best budget selection for cats.
- ASPCA: Best for comprehensive coverage.
How We Found the Best Pet Insurance
Our team of writers and editors adheres to strict editorial guidelines to ensure the content on our website is accurate and unbiased, helping you make informed financial decisions and select the best products for your needs. NerdWallet’s rating system highlights pet insurance companies that offer extensive coverage, options for plan customization, strong financial stability, and a positive customer experience. To determine each insurer’s score, we’ve adjusted the scores using a curved, 5-point scale. You can explore the complete methodology behind our pet insurance ratings.
Best Overall: MetLife
MetLife
See rates on MetLife’s website
- NerdWallet Rating: 5.0/5 (Ratings are based on NerdWallet’s editorial team and take into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.)
- Annual Maximum Coverage: Unlimited (The maximum coverage the insurer offers per year.)
- Reimbursement Rates: 50% – 90% (Percentage of your bill paid after you meet your deductible.)
- Deductibles: $0 – $2,500 (Amount you pay for vet bills before the insurer starts reimbursing you.)
- Policy Highlight: No age restrictions for enrollment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- In some states, the deductible decreases each year if you don’t file a claim.
- Accident coverage begins immediately, without a waiting period.
- Includes coverage for holistic and alternative care options.
Cons:
- There’s no option for the company to pay your vet directly.
Bottom Line
MetLife provides customizable plans for dogs, cats, and even other animals in specific states.
Why It’s the Best
MetLife earned the highest overall score among the pet insurance companies NerdWallet reviewed. It’s known for its customizable plans and broad coverage. Their accident and illness plan includes coverage for hereditary conditions, prescription food, and complementary medicine. Sick exam fees are included in the plan.
MetLife also offers coverage for burial, cremation, and even grief counseling in many states. A great feature is that those with more than one pet can cover up to three pets under a “family plan” and share one deductible. Those interested can find out more through our MetLife pet insurance review.
Best Budget Pick for Dogs: Pumpkin
Pumpkin
- NerdWallet Rating: 4.5/5 (Ratings are based on NerdWallet’s editorial team and take into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.)
- Annual Maximum Coverage: Unlimited (Maximum coverage the insurer offers annually.)
- Reimbursement Rates: 80%, 90% (The percentage of your bill the insurer covers after your deductible is met.)
- Deductibles: $100 – $1,000 (The amount you must pay toward vet bills prior to reimbursement.)
- Policy Highlight: Coverage includes prescription food and supplements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 10% discount is provided for each additional pet insured.
- There is no maximum age for enrollment.
- The waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia is 14 days, which is shorter than most other plans.
Cons:
- Does not offer coverage for herbal supplements.
Bottom Line
Pumpkin provides a comprehensive accident and illness plan, including coverage for dental illnesses and some pre-existing conditions.
Why It’s the Best
Pumpkin offered low rates for dog insurance in our tests. Their accident and illness plan is very comprehensive, covering costs such as vet exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, along with alternative therapies, and more. Without age limits, it’s an option for all dogs that are at least 8 weeks old. Pumpkin has a preventive care package that can be added to an accident and illness plan. It helps pay for services such as checkups and vaccines. For those interested in coverage for regular care only, pet owners can sign their pet up for the Wellness Club, where you get reimbursed for health screening tests, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleaning. Refer to our Pumpkin pet insurance review for more information.
Best Budget Pick for Cats: Lemonade
Lemonade
See rates on Lemonade’s website
- NerdWallet Rating: 4.0/5 (Ratings are based on NerdWallet’s editorial team and take into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.)
- Annual Maximum Coverage: $100,000 (Maximum coverage the insurer offers annually.)
- Reimbursement Rates: 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% (Percentage of your bill paid after the deductible is met.)
- Deductibles: $100 – $750 (Amount paid toward vet bills before the insurer starts reimbursement.)
- Policy Highlight: Some claims are paid almost immediately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quick processing of claims.
- Discounts available for multiple policies and for paying in full.
- A percentage of premiums is donated to nonprofit organizations.
Cons:
- Not available in all states.
- Coverage for physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care is an extra cost.
Bottom Line
Lemonade is known for a seamless online experience and swift claims processing. However, their default coverage is more limited than other plans.
Why It’s the Best
Lemonade had some of the lowest sample rates for cats. Discounts are offered for multiple pets, for bundling pet insurance with another Lemonade policy, or for paying in full versus monthly payments. Lemonade’s plans cover fundamental needs, including diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries and hospitalization. Boost coverage with add-ons, such as those for preventive care, physical therapy, vet visit fees, and any other treatments needed for dental illnesses. Check out our Lemonade pet insurance review for further details.
Best for Comprehensive Coverage: ASPCA
ASPCA
- NerdWallet Rating: 5.0/5 (Ratings are based on NerdWallet’s editorial team and take into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.)
- Annual Maximum Coverage: Unlimited (The maximum coverage amount annually.)
- Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, 90% (Percentage of your bill covered after the deductible.)
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500 (The amount you pay toward vet bills before the insurer reimburses.)
- Policy Highlight: Broader coverage than most other plans.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Covers horses in addition to cats and dogs.
- Standard plans cover alternative therapies, behavioral issues and congenital conditions.
- Shorter waiting period for cruciate injuries (14 days) compared to most plans.
Cons:
- You must call, rather than get an online quote if you’re interested in unlimited annual coverage.
Bottom Line
ASPCA offers extensive coverage and multiple plan options, including an accident-only policy.
Why It’s the Best
When it comes to coverage, ASPCA provides for nearly everything, including sick exam fees, prescription food and supplements, alternative therapies, treatments for dental illnesses, behavioral consultations, and microchipping. You can also add a wellness plan for services like checkups and teeth cleaning. A welcome feature of ASPCA is that there’s no upper age limit, so even senior pets are eligible. Also, the company has a straightforward 14-day waiting period for all accidents and illnesses. For more, check out the ASPCA pet insurance review.
