The Best Pet Insurance In New York (2024)
The pet insurance industry is a multi-billion dollar market that has seen an increase in recent years. As the number of pets increases, so does the need for pet insurance in New York. Pet owners are beginning to realize what it would be like without their furry best friend around and want to make sure they can take care of them if something were to happen.
You can find many different types of policies that fit your needs and budget, but here are some things you should consider before you buy one:
- Does it cover significant illnesses?
- Does it cover accidents?
- What about pre-existing conditions?
- Do I have enough coverage?
- Are there any age restrictions on my pet?
- What is the annual limit for coverage?
- Is there a deductible on my plan?
The 8 Best New York Pet Insurance Companies
Everyone loves their pets, so it is vital to get the best insurance you can afford. Many pet insurance companies offer policies to those living in New York. Furthermore, a lot offer low monthly payments and have excellent customer service reviews.
Here is our list of the best pet insurance companies for those who live in the great state of New York:
- Spot: Best overall
- Lemonade: Most affordable
- 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
- Wagmo: Best for immediate reimbursement
- Trupanion: Most flexible deductible
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in New York
*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 Does Pet Insurance Work in New York?
Purchasing pet insurance in New York can be a great way to ensure your furry friend receives the best routine care possible, no matter what. Most pet insurance companies offer various coverage options and will reimburse you for a wide range of treatments and procedures your pet may need. However, reading the fine print before signing up is essential, as each company has different exclusions.
Generally, pet insurance works like any other insurance policy. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and if your pet needs treatment, you file a claim with the insurance company, which then reimburses you for a portion of the treatment cost. Keep in mind that there is a waiting period of 14 days from when you sign up for your policy to when you can file a claim. The amount of time and money reimbursed varies by plan, so it’s always best to read the fine print before signing up.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in New York for You
Before deciding on a pet insurance policy, you’ll first need to consider your budget. Also, what kind of coverage are you looking for? To make sure everything is covered, it’s a good idea to have two different policies that together can cover any significant expense.
While the average cost of premiums will vary from company to company, certain factors can push costs up or down. For example, if you live in an area where pets frequently require treatment, such as New York City, it’s going to be more expensive than living in a small town with a low incidence of accidents and illness. Likewise, if you own a purebred dog (such as a poodle), your premiums will generally be higher than they would be for a mixed breed.
The next step is to read the fine print and understand what isn’t covered by each policy. Each company has different exclusions, so knowing what treatments and procedures your pet will be eligible for before signing up is essential.
Finally, don’t forget to ask around for recommendations. Friends, family, and your veterinarian are all excellent sources of information when it comes to finding the best pet insurance in New York for you and your furry friend.
How Much is Pet Insurance in New York?
On average, pet insurance in Iowa costs $30-$50 for dogs and $12-$20 for cats. While researching providers, keep in mind that Iowa’s monthly pet insurance premiums vary by ZIP code.
For example, Embrace’s average price for a 4-year-old mixed-breed dog in Des Moines costs $37 per month. Move over to Davenport, and that same plan costs $45 per month.
If you’re curious about how Iowa’s pet insurance costs vary between providers, take a look at some sample quotes. These prices reflect average monthly costs for a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever and Domestic Mediumhair cat living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Provider | Sample Monthly Cost For Dogs | Sample Monthly Cost For Cats | Sample Monthly Wellness Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Spot | Average $30-$50/month | Average $18-$25/month | Starting at $9.95 |
Lemonade | Average $37/month | Average $15/month | Cats start at $10 |
Dogs start at $15 | |||
Embrace | Average $30-$40/month | Average $15-$20/month | Start at $18.75/month |
Healthy Paws | Average $39/month | Average $12/month | N/A |
ASPCA | $48.78 | $29.16 | N/A |
Prudent Pet | Average $39/month | Average $23/month | Cats start at $7.95 and dogs at $11.95 |
We obtained a few test quotes with New York City as the destination to determine the costs in that city. For the cost, we used a 3-year-old mixed-breed dog weighing 21-70 pounds with a $14,000 annual benefit package and a $250 deductible. Of course, the price will vary depending on what you pick in the plan and where you live. Manhattan was found to be the most expensive, followed by Brooklyn, whereas the remainder of the state appeared to be more aligned with pet insurance rates throughout the country.
City or Borough | Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Manhattan | $65.79 |
Brooklyn | $57.04 |
Albany | $39.29 |
Buffalo | $43.54 |
Syracuse | $45.67 |
If you choose a cat, the pet insurance cost will be a lot less. For example, it’s about half as expensive to cover a cat in Manhattan, which costs around $38.
With the average cost of pet routine care rising, and better access to more expensive therapies, an emergency vet visit or accident can cost quite a bit. Here’s a look at some data from CBS News on pet care costs (as of 2016):
- Joint injuries: $3,456
- Cancer: $2,039
- Swallowing foreign objects: $1,728
- Lameness: $986
- Intestinal problems: $857
- Periodontal disease: $850
- Allergies: $803
As most things do, the cost of veterinary care is expected to continue to rise, and numbers in NYC will climb even higher as rising rents, cost of equipment, salaries and more also rise in the largest city in our nation.
Final Thoughts
In the end, pet insurance is a smart choice for most owners. It’s beneficial for those with dogs — purebred or not — who like to go on long walks and hikes where they may find themselves in an accident. Of course, there’s no such thing as perfect coverage (there will always be exclusions), but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
Information for Pet Owners in New York
Living in New York with a pet can be exciting. There’s never a dull moment, from the many dog parks to the abundance of outdoor activities. But along with the fun comes specific responsibilities, such as ensuring your pet is always safe and healthy.
Here is some valuable information for pet owners in New York, including laws, things to do, and places you can turn to for help.
New York Pet Laws
All dogs over four months old must be licensed, according to New York state law, though each city has its own fee schedule for licensing. Local pet ownership laws can also vary depending on which part of New York you live in. Here are some of the key city pet laws you’ll want to be familiar with.
Just like every other state, New York has a set of laws that you must follow if you want to have a pet. Here are a few worth noting:
Buffalo Pet Laws
- Licenses are $13.50 for a dog that is spayed or neutered, or $20.50 for an unspayed/unneutered dog
- Any household can have a maximum of three dogs. If you more than that within a period of four months, you must apply for a kennel license.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in any public place.
- Dogs must be kept in sanitary conditions, and fed and cared for in a manner sufficient for the dog per veterinary standards.
Rochester Pet Laws
- Dog licenses are $10 for a spayed or neutered animal, or $30 for a dog that’s not spayed or neutered. Licenses for pure-bred dogs are $35.
- No more than 4 dogs are permitted in a house or apartment with three or fewer units. For a building with more than four units, one dog per unit is permitted.
- All dogs must be leashed or confined to the owner’s property.
- You may not bring pets to public special events, festivals or firework displays.
Yonkers Pet Laws
- Licenses are $12.50 for dogs that are spayed or neutered, or $20.50 for animals that are not spayed or neutered. If you are older than 65, your license fees are $2.50 or $10.50.
- Dogs outside of private property must remain on leashes not longer than 6 feet long.
- Any pet that becomes a nuisance is subject to fines. Examples include failure to pick up the dog’s excrement, injury to another person or animal, damage to property, and habitual howling.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in NY
New York is a big state. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the frigid winters in Buffalo, a lot is going on. This makes for a great place to have a pet. Here are just a few of the things you can do with your pet in New York:
- Check out Central Park
- Ride the Staten Island Ferry
- Go Shopping
- Grab a Bite to Eat
- Create a work of art with Puppy Picasso
- Take a walk on Prospect Park Dog Beach
New York Pet Resources
Everyone needs help sometimes. Here are some resources to keep handy for when times are tough:
- Helping Paw – low-cost spay/neuter on Long Island.
- Healthy Pets Project of NYC
- Kent Animal Shelter Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Animal Relief Fund – helps keep families with their pets and reduce the number of abandoned cats and dogs.
- Pets of the Homeless – works with local food banks, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens to distribute pet food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in New York
How much is pet insurance a month in NY?
Expect to pay about $30 to $50 per month for dog insurance and between $8 and $20 for cat insurance in New York. However, the specific price you’ll pay will depend on the breed of animal you own, and the levels of coverage you select. Even prices from a single provider can vary dramatically based on these factors.
Do I legally have to insure my dog in New York?
It is not a legal requirement to insure your dog as a New York state resident, but it is still a good idea to consider pet insurance. Pet insurance is generally a good investment, helping you cover the cost of your pet’s vet bills if he or she gets hurt or sick.
Does pet insurance only cover dogs and cats?
Most pet insurance providers only cover dogs and cats. To date, the only pet insurance provider that covers birds and exotic pets in the United States is Nationwide Insurance. Nationwide can cover your pet pig, lizard, parrot, chinchilla, and other exotic animals. Exotic pets need excellent veterinary care just as much as dogs and cats, so consider looking into a pet insurance plan for them today if you have an exotic pet.
Is buying pet insurance worth it in New York?
For most pet owners, pet insurance is absolutely worth it. We never know when our pet could have an unexpected accident or develop an illness, so having a backup plan in place to help pay for your pet’s vet bills is beneficial for most pet parents. Vet bills can quickly add up to hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, which many pet parents don’t have readily available.
Having pet insurance protects you financially and gives you peace of mind that you won’t have to say no to recommended treatments to benefit your pet’s health and happiness.
What Does Pet Insurance Typically Cover?
Depending on what type of plan you choose, your pet insurance plan will cover different things. Accident-only plans provide medical coverage for accidental injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, and prescription medications. Accident-and-illness plans try to extend that coverage to include cancer treatments, digestive illness, hip dysplasia, and similar issues.