Pet Insurance in Texas: Protecting Your Furry Family
Pet insurance helps Texas pet owners manage unexpected vet bills when their pets are involved in accidents or become ill. It can also cover routine care costs, like annual check-ups and vaccinations. The average cost of pet insurance in the Lone Star State is $59.13 per month, slightly lower than the national average of $66.98.
This guide will cover the key factors to consider when comparing pet insurance quotes in Texas and finding the best plan for your pet.
Quick Facts About Pet Insurance in Texas
- Texas residents pay an average of $62.75 monthly for dog insurance and $30.06 for cat insurance.
- Some Texas cities require pet owners to spay or neuter their pets.
- Pet insurance in Texas is slightly more expensive than in neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Top Pet Insurance Companies in Texas
Choosing the right pet insurance involves considering factors beyond just the monthly premium. Think about deductible options, annual coverage limits, and reimbursement options.
Here are some of Insurify’s top picks for pet insurance providers in Texas:
Embrace: Best for Curable Pre-existing Conditions
Embrace offers customizable pet insurance with a range of deductibles, annual maximums, and reimbursement choices, making it easy to tailor a plan to your needs. The company offers a user-friendly claims process through its website and mobile app, with claims typically processed in 10–15 days.
Embrace sets itself apart by distinguishing between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions and may cover curable conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for 12 months.
- Plans Available: Accident, Accident and Illness, Wellness (Optional)
- Pros: 24/7 pet health line; exam fee coverage for covered accidents & illnesses; any licensed vet eligible
- Cons: No accident & illness enrollment allowed for senior pets (15+ years old); no custom accident-only plans for seniors; no prescription food coverage without a wellness plan.
Lemonade: Best for Add-On Coverage Options
Lemonade provides affordable pet insurance along with a variety of plans and extra coverage choices. Add-ons include coverage for vet visit fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, physical therapy, and end-of-life care.
Customers can benefit from a range of discounts, including 10% off when bundling with other insurance products (homeowners, auto, life), 5% for insuring multiple pets, and 5% for paying annually.
- Plans Available: Accident and Illness, Extended Accident and Illness, Preventative Care (Optional)
- Pros: Quick & easy claims process via a mobile app; visits to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. allowed; competitive monthly premiums
- Cons: Not available in all states; limited insurance for dogs and cats; coverage limitations for senior pets.
Pets Best: Best for Deductible Options
Pets Best lets you customize your pet’s insurance with various deductible options, starting from as low as $50 to as high as $1,000. You can visit any veterinary office in the U.S. or Canada, including specialty and emergency care clinics.
Pets Best offers online claims submissions that pay out in as little as two days after being processed. The company also allows direct payments to your vet, which is a convenient option.
- Plans Available: Accident-Only, Accident and Illness, Routine Care and Pet Wellness Coverage
- Pros: No upper age limits for senior pets; 24/7 pet helpline; accident & illness plans cover periodontal disease
- Cons: Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament issues; only covers dogs and cats; just two annual coverage limit choices ($5,000 or unlimited).
To determine the best pet insurance companies in Texas, a comprehensive approach was taken. This included a thorough review of each company’s coverage options, including deductible options, available discounts, pets covered, required waiting periods, and customer reviews. The costs were calculated using a Texas address. Sample quotes for dogs were based on a 2-year-old medium-sized, mixed-breed male dog. Cat insurance quotes were based on a 2-year-old American shorthair female cat. Both assumed accident and illness coverage with 80% reimbursement, a $500 annual deductible, and $15,000 or more in annual coverage.
The Cost of Pet Insurance in Texas
The average cost of pet insurance in Texas is $59.13 per month, lower than the national average of $66.98 (according to data from Fletch, Insurify’s pet insurance partner). Dog insurance averages $62.75 monthly, and cat insurance costs about $30.06 monthly.
These prices are slightly higher compared to neighboring states. For instance, in Oklahoma, dog insurance is at $54.05 and cat insurance is at $31.88. In Louisiana, pet owners pay an average of $51.28 for dog insurance and $27.40 for cat insurance.
Why Pet Insurance is Important in Texas
Pet insurance can be especially valuable for Texas pet owners. The state presents unique health risks to pets, including:
- Snake Bites: Texas is home to venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. [1] A snake bite requires immediate veterinary care, and some pet insurance plans cover treatment.
- Parvovirus: Canine parvovirus, which is highly contagious and can be fatal, is common in Texas. [2] Puppies are especially vulnerable.
- Chagas Disease: This parasitic disease, spread by “kissing bugs,” is prevalent in Texas and can cause heart problems in dogs. [3]
Texas Pet Regulations and Laws
Keep in mind that pet regulations and laws vary by city. Always check your local ordinances. Some things to consider:
- Puppy Lemon Laws: Texas does not offer refunds if a dog purchased from a breeder becomes sick, unlike some other states.
- Spay/Neuter Laws: Some Texas cities, like Fort Worth, require spaying or neutering and/or require permits for intact pets. [4]
- Leash Laws: Many cities, like Beaumont, have leash laws that dictate how pets must be contained on public property.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
Most pet insurance companies offer several types of coverage:
- Accident and Illness: This is the most comprehensive option, covering both accidents and illnesses.
- Accident-Only: This is the most affordable, covering accident-related injuries only. It does not cover illnesses.
- Wellness: Provides coverage for routine care, such as vaccinations and preventative services.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) [5], accident and illness plans are the most common.
Accident and Illness Plans
If you opt for an accident and illness plan, the policy typically covers the diagnosis (e.g., X-rays and blood tests) and treatment of an illness (e.g., surgery or medications). These usually do not cover pre-existing conditions, pregnancies, cosmetic procedures, or alternative treatments.
Such plans cover a range of accidents and illnesses, including:
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- Digestive issues
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Infections
- New chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes
- Skin and ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
Accident-Only Plans
Accident-only pet insurance focuses on accident-related medical care. For example, it will cover surgery if your dog is hit by a car, including any diagnostic services (X-rays).
Examples of what is usually covered by accident-only plans include:
- Broken bones
- Bite wounds
- Foreign body ingestion
- Lacerations
- Ligament tears
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Poisoning
Wellness Plans
Wellness plans can be purchased as an additional policy. These plans help you pay for regular care to catch potential issues early. They often cover:
- Annual wellness exams
- Blood work
- Dental work
- Parasite or heartworm tests
- Screening and diagnostics
- Vaccinations
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Texas
Follow these steps to find the best policy for your pet:
- Assess Your Pet’s Needs: Different breeds of cats and dogs have different health risks. Choose a plan covering your pet’s specific potential needs.
- Compare Multiple Quotes: Compare coverage choices, paying attention to annual coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
- Read Customer Reviews: Look at customer reviews to understand other pet owners’ experiences with different pet insurance companies.
Texas Pet Insurance FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
- What’s the average cost of pet insurance in Texas? The average cost of pet insurance in Texas is $59.13 per month.
- What factors influence the cost of pet insurance? Cost can vary based on your ZIP code, your pet’s age, and the type of coverage selected.
- Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions? Usually, no. Some companies, like Embrace, may cover curable conditions if your pet is symptom-free for a set period.
- Do I need my vet’s acceptance for coverage? Not typically. Most plans require the pet owner to pay upfront and get reimbursed.
- Where can I take my pet for treatment? Most companies allow visits to any licensed veterinarian in your state.
The best pet insurance depends on various factors, including your pet’s individual medical history, their specific needs, and what fits into your budget. Many pet owners favor plans that offer comprehensive coverage for both accidents and illnesses, with the possible inclusion of some wellness coverage.
Sources
- Texas A&M Today. “What To Do If Your Pet Is Bitten By A Snake.”
- City of Pasadena Animal Shelter. “All About Parvo.”
- CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets. “Chagas Disease in Dogs.”
- City of Fort Worth. “Spaying and Neutering.”
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. “Gross Written Premium.”
