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The Best Pet Insurance In New York (2024)

Graci Daby

Graci Daby graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism. She has written for 365 Pet insurance, and edited pet insurance categories across other Insurance focused sites, including MarketWatch. Recently, Graci has been working as an SEO analyst and editor in the pet field for the past 2 years. In her spare time, Graci looks after her fur babies.

04/18/2024 03:05 PM

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:

Compare Pet Insurance Companies in New York

Best For Star Rating Monthly Cost Link
Spot Spot Most Inclusive
$22-$80 Compare Quotes
Lemonade Lemonade Most Affordable
$16–$30 Compare Quotes
ASPCA Pet Insurance ASPCA Pet Insurance Most Experienced
$18–$44 Compare Quotes
Embrace Embrace Best for Discounts Offered
$23-$85 Compare Quotes
Healthy Paws Healthy Paws Best for Chronic Conditions
$24–$54 Compare Quotes
Prudent Pet Prudent Pet Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
$18-$29 Compare Quotes
Wagmo Wagmo Best for Immediate Reimbursement
$18–$28 Compare Quotes
Trupanion Trupanion Most Flexible Deductible
$26-$208 Compare Quotes
Spot
Logo Spot
Best For Most Inclusive
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $22-$80
Compare Quotes
Lemonade
Logo Lemonade
Best For Most Affordable
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $16–$30
Compare Quotes
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Logo ASPCA Pet Insurance
Best For Most Experienced
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $18–$44
Compare Quotes
Embrace
Logo Embrace
Best For Best for Discounts Offered
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $23-$85
Compare Quotes
Healthy Paws
Logo Healthy Paws
Best For Best for Chronic Conditions
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $24–$54
Compare Quotes
Prudent Pet
Logo Prudent Pet
Best For Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $18-$29
Compare Quotes
Wagmo
Logo Wagmo
Best For Best for Immediate Reimbursement
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $18–$28
Compare Quotes
Trupanion
Logo Trupanion
Best For Most Flexible Deductible
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $26-$208
Compare Quotes
Company
Waiting Period
Money-back Guarantee
Maximum Enroll Age
Monthly Cost
14 days
Yes
No age limit
$22-$80
14 days for illnesses, 48 hours for accidents
Yes
14 years old
$18-$60
15 days
Yes
No age limit
$22-$46
14 days for illnesses, 48 hours for accidents
Yes
14 years old
$23-$85
15 days
Yes
14 years old
$14-$45
14 days for illnesses, 5 days for accidents
Yes
No age limit
$18-$29
15 days
Yes
No age limit
$18-$97
30 days for illnesses, 5 days for accidents
Yes
14 years old
$26-$208

*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.

Why Trust Quartz Advisor

Our editorial team follows a strict and comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing pet insurance providers. Our scores are not impacted by advertisers.

27

Companies rated

105

Hours researching

2,700

Quotes collected

Spot

Most Inclusive
4.8

Our Rating and Review

Spot Pet Insurance is a straightforward way to ensure that your pet receives the medical care it requires when it is most needed. Spot is neither challenging to use nor complicated — you simply visit your veterinarian, file a claim after treatment, and wait for payment. In addition, you may choose the amount of coverage you want and customize the policy to fit your pet’s needs and financial restrictions.

To learn more, read our Spot Pet Insurance review.

How Much Does Spot Pet Insurance Cost In New York?

The average cost for dogs is around $30 a month and around $25 a month for cats. Spot is underwritten by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance. Spot is customizable with an annual maximum of $2,500. It also provides a variety of preventative health packages for an extra fee and a 10% multi-pet discount on pets added to the policy. Spot likewise has plans that don’t have an annual limit.

What Is Covered?

  • Prescription medication
  • End of life expenses
  • X-rays
  • Tooth extractions
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Poison control
  • IV fluids 
  • Cancer treatment
  • Blood tests
  • Accidents
  • Emergency care
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization

What Is NOT Covered?

There are, of course, disadvantages. Spot’s coverage doesn’t include dental treatment, gland expression, preventive care, vitamins, experimental treatments, cosmetic procedures, or home visits.

Pros & Cons

Pros No age limit Multi-pet discount 30-day money back Cons No preventive care 14-day waiting period

Lemonade

Most Affordable
4.8

Our Rating and Review

Lemonade offers a wide range of insurance options. Lemonade also sells home, renters’, and auto insurance in addition to pet insurance. Lemonade Pet Insurance is now available in 35 states, with more to come.

Lemonade is unlike other insurance companies in that it is not exclusively concerned with profit. Instead, premiums are used to cover claims. At the end of the year, any unspent money is returned to its clients’ preferred causes. It also provides multi-pet discounts and a 10% discount if you have your home insured with the company. Currently, it only offers coverage for cats and dogs.

To learn more, read our Lemonade Pet Insurance review

How Much Does Lemonade Pet Insurance Cost In New York?

Lemonade gives customers the option of paying monthly. The average cost of a cat is $15 per month, whereas the average cost for a dog is $37 per month. You may also choose to add a preventative package to your policy for an extra charge. For cats, it starts at $10 per month and rises to $15 per month if you select the highest level. 

Depending on the extent of coverage, Lemonade might provide up to $100,000 in coverage and annual deductibles ranging from $500 to $5,000. Remember that the cost will vary based on species, gender, and age.

What Is Covered?

  • Blood tests
  • MRIs
  • CT scans
  • X-rays
  • Urinalysis
  • Lab work
  • Ultrasounds
  • Outpatient procedures
  • Specialty care
  • Emergency care
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Medications

What Is Not Covered?

When considering Lemonade, what it doesn’t cover is one thing to keep in mind. Pre-existing ailments, preventable illnesses, problems that develop during the waiting period, and experimental therapies are all examples of things that aren’t covered.

Pros & Cons

Pros Customization options Multi-pet discount Fast claim with mobile app Cons Still new to the pet insurance market No posted money-back guarantee

ASPCA Pet Insurance

Most Experienced
5

Our Rating and Review

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is one of the world’s largest humane societies founded first in North America. Hartville Pet Insurance Group, which began operations in 2006 and is one of the most established and renowned pet insurance providers in the United States, provides pet insurance for the ASPCA.

ASPCA has three plan levels: accident only, injuries and illnesses, and injuries, illnesses, and advanced care. All plans include a 14-day waiting period.

To learn more, read our ASPCA Pet Health Insurance review

How Much Does ASPCA Pet Insurance Cost In New York?

Add-on preventative care plans can help you stay on top of your pet’s health. The typical dog coverage cost is $48.78, while the average cat coverage cost is $29.16.

What Is Covered?

  • Cancer treatments
  • Microchipping
  • End of life expenses
  • IV fluids and medications
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Prescription foods
  • Supplements for specific conditions
  • Tooth extractions
  • Exams
  • Medical supplies

What Is NOT Covered?

The issues and procedures ASPCA insurance doesn’t cover are pretty standard. Its policy will not include dental aesthetics and cleanings, boarding, pre-existing conditions, and conditions prone to specific breeds.

Pros & Cons

Pros Range of deductibles Various coverage options Cons No pre-existing conditions No Treatment for breed-specific conditions

Embrace

Best for Discounts Offered
4.7

Our Rating and Review

Embrace was formed in 2003 and has insured over 100,000 pets. It also gives $2 to a pet-related charity for every policy sold. Embrace has been working with American Modern Insurance Group since 2012 as the underwriter for its policies.

To learn more, read our Embrace Pet Insurance review

How Much Does Embrace Pet Insurance Cost In New York?

Plans average $30 to $40 per month for dogs and $15 to $20 per month for cats. Remember, rates will vary based on age, gender, and breed. 

There are several discounts available, depending on your location. For example, Embrace gives a 10% multi-pet discount, a 5% military discount, ACH savings, spay/neuter savings, and a monthly payment difference if you pay yearly rather than every month.

Embrace also has some exciting ideas for the future. Its Embrace Wellness Rewards is one such idea. Preventative care reimburses for regular veterinary training and grooming expenses. Embrace also provides a Healthy Pet Deductible, stated in its terms and conditions. If you don’t make a claim every year, your pet’s annual deductible goes down by $50 every year.

What Is Covered?

  • Exam & consultation fees
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Emergency 
  • Specialty care
  • Surgery 
  • Cancer treatments
  • Hospitalization
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Follow-up care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Prosthetic limbs
  • Prescription medications 
  • Breed-specific issues
  • Congenital illness
  • Chronic conditions

What Is NOT Covered?

Embrace’s list of what isn’t covered is better than some other insurers’ plans, in our opinion. However, pregnancy, pre-existing conditions, deliberate injury, cosmetic treatments, DNA testing, and stem cell therapy are excluded from Embrace’s coverage. Remember that premiums will vary depending on your pet’s age, gender, and breed. Lastly, Embrace presently only covers cats and dogs.

Pros & Cons

Pros Money-back guarantee Mobile app for immediate claim access Wellness Rewards Program Cons Long illness waiting period Lower annual maximums compared to others

Healthy Paws

Best for Chronic Conditions
4.3

Our Rating and Review

Healthy Paws was established in 2009 as a nonprofit to help pet owners with financial obligations for their animals while assisting animal rescue organizations with sick pets.

Healthy Paws has joined forces with the global insurance broker Aon Corporation, and Chubb Group backs its pet insurance plans. Healthy Paws insurance covers accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, dental care, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic.

To learn more, read our Healthy Paws Pet Insurance review.

How Much Does Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cost In New York?

The most notable features are a 30-day money-back guarantee, customizable coverage, and a one-time new customer fee of $25. In addition, the monthly cost for dogs is $39, while cats cost $12 each month on average.

What Is Covered?

  • Prescription medication
  • End of life expenses
  • X-rays
  • Tooth extractions
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Poison control
  • IV fluids 
  • Cancer treatment
  • Blood tests
  • Accidents
  • Emergency care
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization

What Is NOT Covered?

Now the bad news, some of the services you’ll have to pay for out of pocket include pre-existing conditions, examination costs, preventative care, behavioral treatment, pet diets, and non-FDA treatment or supplements.

Pros & Cons

Pros Covers breed-specific conditions No limits on coverage Good BBB rating Fast claim repayment Cons New member fee No preventive care benefits

Prudent Pet

Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
4

Our Rating and Review

Prudent Pet was founded in 2018, making it one of the newest pet insurers in the business. Despite this, plans are insured by far more well-known names in the insurance sector. Also, Markel underwrites all of its policies.

Transparent and easy-to-understand policies are among Prudent’s strengths. The company provides various coverage options for pet owners, including comprehensive and accident-only plans. Coverage limits start at $10,000 and can have no limit if you choose to go with the highest tier policy.

To learn more, read our Prudent Pet Insurance review.

How Much Does Prudent Pet Insurance Cost In New York?

The cost of monthly premiums varies greatly depending on your pet’s breed, age, and gender. Some plans start at $10 per month for dogs and cats, with the average being around $39 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats. Prudent also offers add-on pet wellness plans starting at $7.95 per month for cats and $11.95 per month for dogs.

What Is Covered?

  • Cancer and treatments
  • Bite wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Emergency care
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgery
  • Congenital defects
  • Eye, ear, and skin conditions
  • Urinary infections
  • Hereditary conditions
  • Hip dysplasia

What Is NOT Covered?

Prudent does not cover prescription food, organ transplants, non-emergency dental work, intervertebral disc disease, and knee issues. Make sure you keep this in mind when considering it for a policy.

Pros & Cons

Pros Customization options Offers a multi-pet discount No upper age limit Cons Higher premiums than other companies High amount of exclusions

Wagmo

Best for Immediate Reimbursement
4

Our Rating and Review

Founded in 2017 in New York City, Wagmo is a technology-focused provider that offers pet insurance for both dogs and cats in New York. The company offers a number of convenience features for users on the go – like the ability to upload bills directly from your phone and receive payments via Venmo or PayPa.

In addition to pet insurance, Wagmo offers wellness plans that provide additional coverage for routine checkups and medications for your pet. You can buy these plans with or without a traditional pet insurance policy, helping you get just the coverage that fits your needs.

To learn more, read our Wagmo Pet Insurance review.

How Much Does Wagmo Pet Insurance Cost in New York?

Wagmo’s insurance policies cost an average of about $50 per month for dogs and $25 per month for cats. These figures do not include the additional wellness plans that Wagmo offers, which range from $12 to $36 per month in New York. This is a lot pricier than many other pet insurance providers, but the technology behind the company is top-of-the-line, and the coverage is more comprehensive than you’ll find with most providers, as well.

With three deductible options ($250, $500, or $1,000), Wagmo users can control their monthly cost by choosing the right option for their needs. Wagmo’s insurance covers a lifetime maximum of $100,000 and a per-incident limit of $10,000.

What Is Covered?

  • Prescription medications
  • Emergency vet visits
  • Virtual, in-home, or in-office care
  • Hospital stays
  • Surgeries
  • X-Rays
  • Ultrasounds
  • CT scans
  • Laboratory tests
  • Cancer treatment
  • Hereditary and congenital conditions
  • Prosthetics and orthopedics
  • Hip dysplasia
  • End of life care (euthanasia)
  • Pet ambulance

What Is NOT Covered?

Wagmo goes into much more detail than its competitors when spelling out what is and is not covered. This transparency makes the choice easier for consumers. Like most providers, routine veterinary exam bills, spaying or neutering, breeding or pregnancy and birth, and vitamins are all not covered. Pre-existing conditions are also excluded.

Pros & Cons

Pros Quick and easy payouts through Venmo and PayPal Can buy wellness coverage without purchasing a full pet insurance plan Cons Institutes per-incident and lifetime coverage limits Higher monthly cost

Trupanion

Most Flexible Deductible
4

Our Rating and Review

Founded in 1998, Trupanion has decades of experience in the pet insurance business and has funded over $2 billion in payouts. Today, Trupanion insures over half a million pets across the United States and Canada. Trupanion covers cats and dogs with unlimited annual reimbursements, with the option to choose a deductible as low as $0 – makings its policies among the most generous on the market.

To learn more, read our Trupanion Pet Insurance review.

How Much Does Trupanion Pet Insurance Cost in New York?

Trupanion’s dog insurance may cost between $40 to $200 per month, and cat owners may pay up to $100 per month for insurance. This makes Trupanion one of the most expensive pet insurers in the country. However, you get what you pay for: Trupanion’s low deductibles and 100% reimbursement rates can protect your wallet better than most other competitors.

Trupanion offers customized deductibles ranging from $0 to $1,000 and this amount can be changed during your pet’s coverage to lower your bill or increase your coverage. Like other providers, Trupanion offers add-on coverage but this extra coverage does not include wellness like offerings from Wagmo or Figo.

What is Covered?

  • Hospitalization 
  • Outpatient treatments 
  • Any other care services needed for both accidents and illnesses
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Hereditary and congenital conditions
  • Surgery
  • Prescription medications
  • Prescription food and supplements
  • Prosthetic devices and carts
  • Herbal therapy
  • Dental disease

What is NOT Covered?

Trupanion has one of the greatest breadths of coverage for your pets illnesses or accidents. The company’s single accident and illness plan covers everything mentioned above, excluding only pre-existing conditions. However, note that Trupanion excludes rehabilitative services from its plans, which are considered standard inclusions with most other providers.

Pros & Cons

Pros No maximum payout amount Can pay some vets directly Coverage for more types of events than other providers Cons Very expensive No options for everyday care

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.

ProviderSample Monthly Cost For DogsSample Monthly Cost For CatsSample Monthly Wellness Cost
SpotAverage $30-$50/monthAverage $18-$25/monthStarting at $9.95
LemonadeAverage $37/month Average $15/month Cats start at $10
Dogs start at $15
EmbraceAverage $30-$40/monthAverage $15-$20/monthStart at $18.75/month
Healthy PawsAverage $39/monthAverage $12/monthN/A
ASPCA$48.78 $29.16 N/A
Prudent PetAverage $39/monthAverage $23/monthCats 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 BoroughMonthly 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.

Our Methodology

​​Here at Quartz, our research team looks to examine all pet insurance policies and comes up with reviews based on:
  • Coverage
  • Plan options
  • Cost 
  • Reputation
  • Customer service 
  • Species available
  • Wellness benefits 
We’ve created a 5-star rating system to score pet insurance brands based on a 100-point scale. To develop a list of the best pet insurance plans, we looked into plans, rating coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations.  Each factor is weighted differently based on the following factors:
  • Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process of the customer. Affordable rates and comprehensive coverage are the defining characteristics of providing the best pet insurance.
  • 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.  Pet insurance policies are not offered by all companies for older pets. Providers who have an age limit on the pets they cover were deducted points.
  • Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, wellness add-ons, and pet preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. We also factored in costs to achieve the most comprehensible review for your pet’s needs.
  • Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet only gets what they need by customizing your policy. A higher score was earned by providers who offered a greater range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
  • Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website accessibility and usability, mobile apps, and grating 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’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.