The 8 Best Pet Insurance Companies in California (June 2024)
After extensive research, the Quartz Advisor reviews team crowned Spot and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance as the top two pet insurance providers in California. We combed through customer reviews and rated popular providers based on pricing, coverage, reputation, and more to help Golden State pet owners choose a plan.
What are the Best Pet Insurance Companies in California?
Here are our rankings for the best pet insurance companies in California:
- Spot: Best overall
- ASPCA: Most experienced
- Embrace: Best for deductibles
- Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
- Prudent Pet: Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
- Figo: Most flexible reimbursement rates
- Wagmo: Best for immediate reimbursement
- Trupanion: Most flexible deductible
Compare California’s Best Pet Insurance Providers
Pet insurance plans have variable features, each of which appeals to different pet owners. Use our chart below to see how each of the top plans in California compares to the others.
*Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligaments or orthopedic conditions, may have longer waiting period times, usually six months to a year. This is common among many pet insurance providers, but most illnesses will be covered after the waiting period listed above.
How We Ranked the Best Pet Insurance Companies in California
The Quartz research team evaluates pet insurance providers based on a standard scoring system and then determines which providers offer the most relevant features and value for individual states. We heavily weighted cost in our Golden State rankings to account for the state’s high cost of living and variable pet owner incomes. We also prioritized companies that value transparency and have the pet owner’s best interests in mind to comply with California state insurance laws.
Our 5-star rating system is based on a 100-point scale that factors in plans, coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations. Each factor is weighted differently as follows:
- Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process for the customer. Affordable rates combined with comprehensive coverage scored top companies the most points.
- Coverage (20 points): We scored companies based on the treatments and procedures they cover. Providers offering broader coverage and more unique treatments received more points. Companies that impose age limits on new pet enrollment lost points.
- Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, and preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. Providers offering more plans earned more points.
- Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet gets only what they need by customizing your policy. Providers who offered a broader range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates scored higher.
- Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website and mobile app accessibility and usability, and awarded points to companies with the most customer experience options.
- Industry Reputation (10 points): We assessed each company’s industry reputation by reviewing up-to-date BBB ratings and accreditation information, as well as their years of experience in the industry.
- Waiting Periods (10 points): Companies with shorter accident and illness waiting periods scored higher than companies with longer waiting periods.
Our team revisits each company monthly to make updates and ensure the information remains accurate.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?
Pet insurance costs depend on where you live, as they’re based on veterinary care costs in your area. Your pet’s species, age, and breed also impact pricing. We obtained sample quotes from 11 providers for four pets, including a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog, a 2-year-old female golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed male cat, and a 2-year-old female Siamese cat, to determine average monthly pricing for California plans.
The average cost of a pet insurance plan in the Golden State is $83 per month for dogs and $43 per month for cats, according to our sample quotes.
Our table shows the wide range of quotes we obtained for hypothetical California pets:
Pet Insurance for Dogs | Pet Insurance for Cats | |
---|---|---|
Low-End | $30 | $20 |
Average | $83 | $43 |
High-End | $189 | $91 |
California Pet Insurance Cost Comparison
California is a notoriously pricey place to live, with a higher-than-average cost of living that varies widely across the state’s metro areas. Pet insurance pricing for California is higher than other states to account for higher veterinary care costs.
Overall, California’s average plan cost of $63 per month is higher than the national average of $49. The state ranks as the third-most expensive for pet insurance plan costs, coming in below Massachusetts’ average plan cost of $75 and Connecticut’s $70.
Compared to other states with large cities, the same plan that costs $63 in California costs $54 in Illinois and $58 in New York. The cheapest state for pet insurance is Arkansas, at $38 per month.
California Dog Insurance Cost
Dog insurance in California costs an average of $83 per month but can range from $30 up to nearly $200 per month depending on the carrier and the individual pet. California’s dog insurance costs rank as the third-most expensive in the nation, similar to the overall average discussed previously.
How To Save on Pet Insurance in California
Golden State pet owners can employ several strategies to help save on pet insurance costs and make their plans a worthwhile investment. Some pet owners choose to adjust plan choices to lower costs, while others reach out to local organizations to help with overall pet care costs. Possible options include:
- Choosing a lower annual limit: Reducing the annual coverage limit lowers premiums but increases the chances you’ll go over your limit in a given year.
- Choosing a higher deductible: Higher deductibles increase the amount you pay for care, which reduces overall reimbursements and lowers your premiums.
- Switching to accident-only insurance: Accident-only plans provide low-cost coverage for emergencies, but exclude coverage for illness and other non-emergency care.
Additionally, pet owners can find national or local organizations to help them pay for veterinary care that insurance doesn’t cover. Possibilities include:
- BowWow Buddies Foundation: This national foundation uses donations to fund grants of up to $2,500 for pets facing serious medical issues.
- Best Friends Animal Society: Best Friends operates pet sanctuaries and maintains a list of foundations providing financial assistance to LA-based pet owners.
- Assistance Dog Partners: This organization provides financial assistance for owners of service dogs with medical needs.
Cheapest Pet Insurance Company in California
The cheapest pet insurance plan in California is Lemonade, according to our sample quotes and research. Lemonade’s policies offer basic coverage that’s customizable with several add-ons and riders, each costing an additional monthly fee. We recommend Lemonade to pet owners looking for budget-friendly policies and the option to bundle with other insurance products for discounts.
How To Pick Pet Insurance in California
Picking a pet insurance plan can feel like an overwhelming task because of the multitude of available options. We recommend thoroughly researching plan choices to get a feel for what matters to you most, then narrowing down your choices to a short list. Consider the following in your search.
Learn About Plan Types and Structures
Most plans are structured to cover either accidents only or accidents and illnesses–but not all of them are created equal. Some plans are designed to cover emergencies, while others are geared toward long-term care and health. Wellness plans are also available as add-ons to cover routine costs such as spaying or neutering, annual exams, dental cleanings, and vaccines.
Consider Financial Limitations
If you have little savings, purchasing a high-coverage plan may cost more than lower-coverage options each month, but you won’t get hit with surprises when your pet needs care. Alternatively, those with more savings can likely afford to carry a policy with a higher deductible.
Read the Fine Print
The fine print in a sample policy or your actual policy documents may contain confusing or vague clauses that allow for multiple interpretations. Look for clearly worded policy terms that are easy to understand.
Consider Illness Coverage
California pets may live in densely populated urban areas, exposing them to various infectious diseases. Although accident-only plans have tempting premiums, they won’t cover your pet if they get sick with influenza, parvo, or Lyme disease.
Research Plans
Read reviews from customers and organizations to learn the ins and outs of each provider before obtaining quotes for comparison. Choosing a pet insurance plan is a lot like choosing a car–you must do your research beforehand, but at a certain point, you’ll know which is the right one for you.
Pet insurance provider availability varies by state because of differences in insurance laws. We recommend obtaining quotes from your top choices to ensure they operate in your area.
How Does Pet Insurance Work in California?
California pet owners can purchase a pet insurance plan directly through the provider by calling or signing up online. After choosing a policy type and paying at least the first month’s premium, the policy goes into effect. But you can’t file any claims until after a set waiting period has passed, typically between one day and two weeks for accidents, two weeks and 30 days for illnesses, and two weeks up to a year or more for orthopedic injuries. Claims filed during the waiting period are considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage in most cases.
When you file a claim after the waiting period, your policy will first determine the amount eligible for coverage, less any excluded services. Then they will subtract your deductible amount and apply your reimbursement rate to determine how much you’ll get back on the claim.
For example, if you file a $1,000 claim, assuming all expenses are eligible for coverage, with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement rate:
- $1,000 – $250 = $750
- $750 x 90% = $675
You’ll typically pay your provider directly and get reimbursed later after you file a claim, usually through an app or website portal. Some providers, mainly Trupanion, can pay your veterinarian directly in select cases.
California was one of the first states to enact pet insurance consumer protection laws. The main purpose of the Golden State’s laws is to ensure companies are required to provide clear and complete disclosures regarding plan terms and conditions.
Types of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is available in several popular plan types, including:
- Accident and illness plans: These plans cover diagnostics and treatments for a broad range of conditions, including accidents, emergencies, injuries, acute illnesses, and chronic illnesses.
- Accident-only plans: Accident-only plans offer limited coverage for accidental injuries and follow-up care, excluding all illness coverage.
- Pet wellness plans: Wellness plans are not technically insurance. Rather, they’re reimbursement plans. These plans pay you a predetermined, partial amount for each wellness service listed in the plan documents.
Pet insurance isn’t right for everyone. Some alternative options for California pet owners include:
- Pet savings accounts: Setting aside money for your pet’s care each month can add up to a substantial amount over time. However, when you use this money it’s gone–it doesn’t reset like a pet insurance plan.
- Hospital wellness plans: Some veterinary hospitals offer in-house wellness plans that allow you to pay in installments for a discounted service bundle, spreading annual costs out over 12 months.
- Third-party payments: An interest-deferred credit card designed for pet care needs, like CareCredit, offers a way to finance your pet’s care without penalties. Although CareCredit is the most widely accepted option, some hospitals use similar alternatives.
California Pet Owner Resources
California pet owners have financial assistance, education, and other resources available to them to help with their pet’s care. Check out the following helpful links:
- California Pet Insurance Law
- California Animal Emergency Response
- Los Angeles Pet Owner Resources
- PetsLifeline Resources
California Pet Laws
Pet laws in California regulate statewide pet ownership, ensuring all pets are vaccinated for rabies, licensed with the county, kept in acceptable conditions, and treated with respect, and aren’t a nuisance or danger to others. Each city in the Golden State can enact additional local laws, including:
- Los Angeles: Dogs over four months must be licensed with the city, but licensing for cats is voluntary and designed to help identify cats who get lost. Dogs must remain on a leash when off the owner’s property and cannot cause a nuisance by being noisy.
- San Francisco: Dog breeders aren’t allowed to operate within city limits, but citizens can purchase pets from breeders in surrounding areas. Pets should not be transported in an open pick-up truck or tethered outdoors without meeting specific requirements.
- San Diego: Pets over three months must be vaccinated against rabies. Pets transported in a vehicle must be restrained to prevent falling or ejection in an accident. When pets are left in hot cars, it is legal to break a window and rescue the animal when law enforcement is called and you have reasonable concern about the animal’s life.
Things To Do With Your Pet in California
California is a vast state where a plethora of pet-friendly activities and adventures await. One favorite for pet owners is a trip to the local dog beach to let their dogs run and play in the sand and water. Popular beaches include Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach or Coronado Dog Beach.
A trip on the Skunk Train in Fort Bragg might be your pup’s thing if the beach isn’t their style. This dog-friendly train ride appeals to pet owners who enjoy being immersed in history and nature and dogs looking for an unconventional yet relaxing adventure.
Try the Skytrail in Klamath if you and your pet are the forest-dwelling types. This redwood park allows dogs in almost all areas, including the gift shop. Visit with the giant Paul Bunyan or get on the sky tram for once-in-a-lifetime views and experiences for the whole family.
Is California Pet Insurance Worth It?
Veterinary care is costly across the country, but especially so in California where living costs are high overall. Unexpected veterinary costs from illness or accidents can be financially devastating, but a pet insurance policy can prevent losses and give you peace of mind. With pet insurance in place, you pay a predictable monthly premium and get reimbursed for veterinary bills so you can make decisions based on your vet’s recommendations instead of how much is currently in the bank.
We recommend researching pet insurance providers and how pet insurance works to learn more about each plan type and what features are important to you. Narrow down your choices to three or four providers, then obtain quotes to see which offers the best overall value for your specific pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does California’s climate affect pet health and insurance coverage?
California’s generally warm climate can expose pets to summer hazards, such as heat stroke or paw pad burns from hot pavement. Additionally, sun exposure can worsen some eye conditions and parasites and infections are common year-round. A pet insurance policy with accident and illness coverage reimburses costs for weather-related health issues provided they are not pre-existing.
Is pet insurance in California expensive?
Pet insurance costs in California are above average because the cost of living in the state is high. The average pet insurance plan costs $63 and will increase in price as pets get older. However, the plan can pay for itself after a single emergency visit or chronic disease diagnosis, which can cost several thousand dollars.
Are California pet insurance providers subject to special laws?
California was one of the first states to enact pet insurance laws, but they aren’t as strict as some other states. California requires pet insurance providers to disclose the fine print details about each plan, such as exclusions, waiting periods, and premium calculations, in clear language.