Best Pet Insurance in California
Finding the right pet insurance can be crucial for managing unexpected veterinary costs. This guide provides an overview of the top pet insurance companies in California, helping you make an informed decision.
Our Expert Picks
Here are the top pet insurance companies in California based on our evaluation:
Pets Best
Embrace
Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws is a top pick that offers broad coverage options.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in California
Pets Best: Pets Best scored highly due to its combination of strong coverage and competitive pricing, especially its unlimited annual coverage options. The Essential plan covers accidents, illnesses, and offers an accident-only plan for budget-conscious owners. Behavioral therapy and dental illnesses are included, as well as access to a 24/7 telehealth line.
- Pros: Offers direct payments to vets, no upper age limit for new policies, good mobile app user reviews.
- Cons: Does not cover prescription food or supplements, there is a waiting period for cruciate ligament issues, and doesn’t cover alternative therapies.
Embrace: Embrace stands out for their Healthy Pet Discount Program. Customers can receive a 5% discount in the first year, and 10% in the second year of coverage if claim reimbursements are below $300 per pet in the year prior to the discount period. Policies include coverage for behavioral and alternative therapies and stem cell treatment.
- Pros: Sells an accident-only policy, offers multi-pet and military discounts, and has a good mobile app.
- Cons: Does not offer direct payments to vets and charges extra for vet exam fees. There is a waiting period for orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days with an orthopedic vet exam.
Healthy Paws: Healthy Paws offers broad coverage for alternative therapies. They offer competitive prices for unlimited annual coverage. It also includes coverage for chiropractic treatments, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, massage therapy and physical therapy.
- Pros: Pays the veterinarian directly if approved prior to the treatment, and covers euthanasia.
- Cons: There is a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia, has limited customization options, does not sell an accident-only plan, and has an upper pet age limit to buy a new policy.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?
The cost of pet insurance in California depends on several factors. Here’s a look at average monthly costs:
- Dogs: Approximately $75 per month for unlimited annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.
- Cats: Approximately $40 per month for similar coverage.
How To Find the Best Pet Insurance in California
Consider these factors when choosing a pet insurance plan:
- Look for Plans With a 24/7 Vet Helpline: This can be extremely valuable for urgent situations.
- Check Whether the Company Can Pay the Vet Directly: This can reduce upfront costs. Pets Best offers this option.
- Look for Multi-Pet Discounts: Insuring multiple pets can lead to cost savings.
- Check for the Option to Add a Wellness Plan: This can help cover routine care expenses.
- Find Out the Waiting Periods for Coverage to Begin: Understand when coverage for accidents and illnesses starts.
- Look at Whether Vet Exam Fees Are Covered: Some plans include these fees, others do not.
Veterinary Costs in California
The average vet visit costs around $89 for dogs in California.
Methodology
- Pet insurance rates (40%): Average rates in California were calculated.
- Special waiting periods (10%): Plans with shorter waiting periods scored higher.
- Direct payment to vet (10%): Companies that pay vets directly earned points.
- 24/7 vet health line (10%): Access to a 24/7 health line was considered.
- Routine wellness plans (10%): Optional wellness plans added to the score.
- Pays veterinary exam fees (10%): Coverage of exam fees was included.
- Euthanasia or end of life expenses (5%): Coverage for end-of-life costs earned points.
- Multipet discount (5%): Discounts for insuring multiple pets were factored in.
