The Definitive Guide to Pet Insurance

Having a pet in the home has a way of brightening everyone’s day, but it can also be a serious responsibility. While that may sound like something you tell your kids when they’re begging for a new dog, it’s also a fact, and many pet owners save thousands of dollars to ensure that their pet lives a happy and healthy life.

It’s a fact that most things we cherish in life can be insured, and pets are no exception. Pet insurance exists to lessen the financial burden on pet owners, but it’s one of the lesser-known types of insurance. This guide will condense all of the relevant info about pet insurance into one easily-accessible resource.

It will start with the basics about pet insurance, including the various types of coverage, some jargon that buyers should know about, and ways to minimize pet insurance premiums. The second half of this guide will go over pet insurance in all 50 states and the facts that potential customers should keep in mind.

What is a Pet Insurance Policy?

A pet insurance policy combines aspects of both property insurance and health insurance to form a category of its own. Pet insurance helps cover your pet’s medical expenses, and it may also pay out in the unfortunate circumstance that a pet dies prematurely.

While pet insurance is designed to pay for pet-related medical bills, it shares more in common with home and property insurance than it does with health insurance for human beings. One of the main things that distinguish pet insurance from other types is that policyholders file claims for reimbursement, not the vet bills themselves.

This means that there are still considerable out of pocket expenses for pet insurance policyholders, but they are nearly always reimbursed by the insurance carrier. So why do pet owners get pet insurance? There are a few different mindsets and corresponding reasons.

Why Do People Buy Pet Insurance?

Most pet owners who insure their pets do so because most pets are likely to rack up plenty of medical bills over the course of their lives. From a puppy’s first shots to an aged cat’s arthritis treatments, vet bills can pile up and end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.

While pet insurance won’t cover 100% of your pet-related expenses, it can help pay for many of the most expensive ones. Of course, the veterinary services covered by your pet insurance policy will depend on how much you pay and the amount of coverage that you opt for, as with many other forms of insurance.

How Has Pet Insurance Changed Over the Years?

Pet insurance policies originate with a specific type of livestock insurance that was first sold in Sweden in 1890. It took until 1947 for pet insurance to start becoming popular in England, and it took even longer in the USA, with the first pet insurance policy in America only being sold in 1982.

Types of Pet Insurance Coverage

Pet insurance can cover many different expenses, though the number of perils to your animal that are covered will also affect your premiums. The three tiers of standard pet insurance include accident only, accident and illness, and comprehensive coverage.

Accident Only

Accident only pet insurance policies are the most affordable because they cover the fewest possible vet bills out of the three options. As you may have deduced from the name, accident only coverage will only kick in when your pet has been in an accident and needs treatment because of it.

The cause for your pet’s injuries can range from a car accident to a fight with another animal. Many pet owners pick accident only coverage because their pet is healthy, and they don’t expect to pay many other vet bills, but they want to be sure that their pet is covered in case the worst happens.

Accident and Illness

Accident and illness coverage is the next step up, and it’s slightly more expensive than accident only coverage yet still more affordable than comprehensive pet insurance. Accident and illness coverage will pay out in the same circumstances that accident only insurance does, with the added bonus of covering any of your pet’s illnesses that are diagnosed by a vet.

Keep in mind that accident and illness coverage will usually only apply to conditions that have been diagnosed after you signed the contract for your insurance policy. Many insurers also won’t cover illnesses that are discovered within the first 30 days after signing the contract.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is the most expensive kind of pet insurance, but it will also pay out in more cases. Along with everything that is covered by accident and illness coverage, comprehensive pet insurance will also help cover your pet’s routine care from the vet.

Routine care can include vet checkups, vaccinations, deworming, and even dental care.

Comprehensive coverage can also help pay for some of the expenses that new pet owners have to frequently deal with, including neutering, spaying, or micro-chipping their pets. As more and more municipalities start making these procedures mandatory, America is likely to see a rise in comprehensive coverage for pets.

Common Pet Insurance Terms

Pet insurance contracts and policies tend to use a lot of jargon that is exclusive to the industry. If you’re new to buying insurance or you just want a quick reference point for what each term means, this section will define some of the most common terms used in pet insurance.

Deductible

In any type of insurance policy, the deductible is the amount of money that has to come out of your pocket before the insurance company will pay out. Due to the way reimbursement works with pet insurance, your deductible will typically be subtracted from the amount that the insurance company reimburses you for the procedure.

Premium

Your premium is the fee that you pay in exchange for pet insurance coverage, and it is determined by the insurance company when you apply for a policy. Insurance carriers determine premiums by taking a look at their risk of paying out for a particular policy, charging more for policies that have a higher chance of paying out.

Exclusion

An exclusion in an insurance policy is a condition noted in the contract where the policyholder will not be covered. In pet insurance, common exclusions include coverage for pre-existing conditions, death payouts for animals that have died of old age, and cosmetic veterinary procedures.

Existing Medical Condition

Also known as a pre-existing medical condition, this is a health problem that your pet has been suffering from since before it was covered. Most pet insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions to ensure that pet owners don’t just apply for insurance to treat a single condition that their pet has been diagnosed with.

Copay and Coinsurance

As with medical insurance, copay and coinsurance can both apply when you’re taking your dog to get treated by its vet. Both of these terms represent the proportion of the vet bill that you have to cover out of pocket, while the rest of the bill will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

The main difference between the two is that coinsurance is a percentage of the bill that you have to pay every time. On the other hand, copayment is typically a fixed amount that the policyholder has to pay instead of an overall percentage of the cost of the procedure. Keep in mind that these are separate from your deductible.

Out of Pocket Costs

Out of pocket costs are expenses that you have to pay without the help of the insurance company. An out of pocket cost can be something as simple as paying your deductible.

How Are Pet Insurance Premiums Priced?

Pet insurance premiums are no different from any other form of insurance in that countless factors can go into determining how much each customer can expect to pay. Two different pets can potentially have wildly varying premiums for the same type and amount of coverage.

The Species of the Pet

The pet’s species is one of the primary factors that determine how much you can expect to pay for their insurance. One of the main things to consider is the size of the pet, as larger animals will usually cost more to insure. This is why dogs tend to be the priciest traditional pet for owners to get a policy for.

However, certain species can cost even more than dogs to insure, including certain species of birds, namely exotic parrots and parakeets. Other exotic pets may even be uninsurable unless you get a specialized exotic animal insurance policy that will have higher limits and premiums than a typical pet insurance policy.

The Pet’s Breed

Within each species, there is a lot of variety between various breeds, especially for cats and dogs. If your pet is of a relatively rare breed, it may be more expensive to get it treated because all vets may not understand their biological quirks, and this can result in a higher pet insurance premium.

Keep in mind that certain pet breeds also have unique health defects that may pop up once they’re insured. For example, dogs like Boston Terriers tend to have eye problems because their recessed snouts don’t provide them enough protection when they’re moving through areas filled with obstacles.

The Pet’s Age

As with human beings, the age of a pet will significantly influence how much you can expect to pay to have it insured. Insurance companies rely on age because it lets them know more about animals that they would otherwise have no idea about, and it’s a pretty good indicator of what you can expect from the animal’s health.

It is a simple fact that all living beings have their bodies gradually give in as they get older, as cells become less effective at multiplying and repairing damage. In pets, cancer rates increase significantly as they age, much like with human beings, and this makes them riskier for insurance companies to cover.

The Pet’s Medical History

Another similarity between pet insurance and health insurance is that the rate is also dependent on medical history, namely, your animal’s. A pet that has had a lot of health troubles in the past will be a less attractive candidate for insurance companies as it may end up suffering even more issues in the future.

On the other hand, a pet that has been nothing but healthy for its whole life will be much less likely to have a claim filed on its behalf. Since healthy animals are less risky for insurance companies to cover, they are willing to reduce the amount that they charge you each month.

The Pet’s Fitness

While having a fat cat can help relieve some stress when you play with its rolls, it can also increase what you pay to keep it insured. Animals that are unfit are much more likely to suffer from heart disease and other serious complications, increasing the rates that you can expect to pay for coverage.

Another heavy insurance on insurance rates in each state is the fitness of the average pet. Some pet insurance companies will offer incentives for owners to reduce their pet’s weight, potentially reducing their premium if the animal reaches a target weight set by the insurer.

The Pet’s Behavior

How a pet behaves will also impact how much insurance companies will charge you for its coverage. Animals that are more hyper or tend to escape from the house will usually have a higher premium associated with them because their behavior leaves them more vulnerable to accidental injuries.

On the other hand, animals like cats that are mostly sedentary won’t cost much at all to insurance because they rarely expose themselves to situations where they can get injured. Calm animals are usually only a risk for insurance companies if the owner has comprehensive or accident and illness coverage.

Your Deductible

As with any other form of insurance, the deductible will play a significant role in determining how much you’ll have to pay to keep your pet insured. When getting your pet insurance policy, you can typically decide between deductibles as low as $50 and as high as $5000, but most owners opt for something in between.

The higher your deductible, the less you will have to pay for coverage because you will be less likely to file a claim for more affordable procedures. On the other hand, a low deductible will result in fewer out of pocket costs if your pet does get sick, but your rate will be higher.

The Cost of Veterinary Procedures in Your Area

The final factor that influences how much you spend on your pet insurance premiums is the average cost of vet services where you live. The average rates for emergency procedures in each state tend to vary between $900 at the lowest and $1500 at the highest, and these sometimes translate into higher or lower insurance rates.

Keep in mind that this is one of the more minor factors that will influence the cost of your pet insurance, and it’s entirely possible to see a state with low average vet fees but high pet insurance costs. In these cases, pets in the state are usually relatively unhealthy, and that creates a bigger risk for insurers than more expensive vets.

Can I See Any Vet When I Have Pet Insurance?

Many people wonder whether pet insurance is like health insurance, where you have to deal with provider networks, and make sure that you go to the right doctor if you want to be covered. Thankfully, you don’t have to deal with providing networks when working with vets and pet insurance.

Nearly every pet insurance carrier in the US will cover you no matter which vet you choose to bring your pet to, allowing you to keep working with any preferred individuals. This also ensures that you can bring your pet to someone that they’re comfortable with, provided it has some experience with that particular vet.

Pet Insurance Companies

There are two different types of pet insurance companies and the way they operate results in some key differences between them. On one hand, you have local insurance companies who are a little bit smaller but offer some key benefits, and on the other hand, you have national companies who tend to be insurance juggernauts.

Local Pet Insurance Companies

Local pet insurance companies are seen as the more affordable of the two options, but this isn’t always the case just because they operate on a smaller scale than national carriers. In fact, the thinner profit margins of local companies may sometimes make them the most expensive option in their area.

One of the most significant benefits of working with a local insurance company is that they typically offer a superior level of customer support when compared to their national counterparts. Since they have fewer customers, it’s easier for local companies to spend time discussing your policy and issues one-on-one.

National Pet Insurance Companies

While national insurance companies may be unable to provide the kind of personalized support that local insurance companies are known for, they have a few advantages of their own. First of all, national companies are more financially reliable than local insurance companies because they are backed by more wealth, making them less likely to go under.

National insurers also tend to incorporate more technology into how they operate, with many of them offering phone apps so their customers can manage their policies. While the quality of national insurance carrier customer service may be worse, their availability tends to be superior, with 24/7 chat and help lines.

Insurance Company Ratings (AM Best System)

Picking an insurance company can be challenging if you don’t know much about the various options. This is why various insurance company rating systems exist, and the AM Best System is one of the most reliable. AM Best features several different rating metrics for insurance companies, but the most widely-used one is the FSR (Financial Strength Rating).

The FSR is designed to categorize insurance companies based on their ability to meet their outstanding financial obligations. In simpler terms, it expresses how likely an insurance company is to go bankrupt if they have a sudden onset of claims or if we enter a time of economic downturn.

This is the layout of the FSR table:

Every category but the last also features a rating variant that is used to modify the primary symbol, giving you a better idea of where a company stands within its own category. For example, a company with a “++” rating will be at the top of its class while one with a “-” rating will be at the bottom.

Ways to Lower Pet Insurance Rates

While pet insurance doesn’t get as pricey as health insurance, it can still be financially draining. Thankfully, there are a few ways that pet owners can lower the rates that they have to pay for their pet’s insurance policy. While you can opt for a cheaper policy with less coverage, it isn’t ideal, so it hasn’t been included as a method.

Raising Your Deductible

One of the most popular ways to reduce the cost of pet insurance is to increase the size of your deductible. The logic is that you may not need to file a pet insurance claim, but you will certainly be paying your premium each month, so you can easily cut down on your expenditures by raising it.

Of course, opting for a higher deductible is almost like gambling on the fact that your pet won’t get sick, but the way pet insurance works makes a higher deductible a little more palatable. Since vet bills are typically reimbursed by insurers rather than paid outright, you’ll need to have the money up-front regardless.

Bundling Your Pet Insurance Policy

Bundling a pet insurance policy (or one of any kind) is another easy way to reduce the amount that you can expect to pay for coverage. A bundled policy is one that is being paid for at the same time as an insurance policy of a different type, but it is being purchased from the same carrier.

Insurance companies offer the option of bundling insurance policies because it gives customers a reason to stick to the same company, even if they may have slightly higher rates than their competitors. The bundling discount can bring your costs in line with the cheaper alternatives while retaining your carrier a customer.

Exercising Your Pet Regularly

The final method that you can use to reduce your pet insurance premiums is exercising your furry friend more often and getting them in better shape. Since insurance is partially based on the weight of your pet, getting them into healthy shape can result in savings on your monthly or annual bill.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether they have incentives or programs for owners who are looking to get their pets in shape. If not, you can always work on getting your pet in shape and then reapply for pet insurance, but the older age of your companion may offset their healthier condition.

Reasons Why a Pet Insurance Claim May Be Denied

There are also a few reasons why an insurance company may deny a pet insurance claim. Since you have to pay your vet bills first and then get reimbursed, it’s essential to know what is and isn’t covered by your pet insurance policy so you aren’t left having paid for a bill that you can’t afford.

Cosmetic and Elective Procedures

One thing to keep in mind is that cosmetic veterinary procedures are almost never covered by pet insurance unless they are required for the animal to keep living a healthy life. This includes the clipping of ears and the docking of tails. However, cosmetic procedures like these have fallen out of favor in many other countries, and this may soon be the case in the USA.

Elective procedures are also typically excluded from pet insurance policies, and this can include desexing. However, insurance companies will sometimes cover elective procedures like spaying or neutering if they are required by law in the area you live in. Be sure to carefully examine your insurance contract if your pet has yet to be desexed.

Vet Fees Incurred By Breeding

Pet insurance companies will also rarely cover your pet if it needs a procedure as a result of pregnancy. This will typically have to come out of your pocket, as most insurers offer separate insurance policies for animals that are expected to breed.

These fees are typically excluded from regular pet insurance policies because pregnancy can often result in expensive complications, and it is a choice on the owner’s behalf to breed their dog. You can either opt for a breeding animal insurance policy or have the exclusion stricken from the contract, both of which will cost more than a standard policy.

Dental Procedures

Your pet’s dental health will also typically be excluded from pet insurance policies, though this is growing less and less common with newer policies. Many of the more progressive pet insurance providers now also offer policies that cover your pet’s dental care, though they may be a little more expensive.

Historically, dental care for pets has been relatively overlooked, but the field has grown immensely as pet owners have started to understand the importance of keeping their companions’ teeth in good order.

The Treatment is Related to a Pre-Existing Condition

The vast majority of pet insurance policies will exclude treatments related to pre-existing conditions, as this reduces the number of fraudulent pet insurance applicants.

Some pet owners will only apply for pet insurance, so the insurance company will pay for a single treatment before canceling their policy. Ensuring that pre-existing conditions aren’t covered is a way to minimize this occurrence.

Also, many insurance companies won’t cover any illnesses that appear within the first 30 days of the pet being insured as a way to mitigate claims for existing conditions.

FAQs

Why does pet insurance reimburse me instead of paying for the fees when I make a claim?

Most pet insurance providers will reimburse you for between 70% and 90% of the cost of a procedure, depending on the type of policy you opted for. So why can’t pet insurance companies just pay your vet fees directly, and have you cover the percentage that you’re responsible for?

You may be surprised to hear that some pet insurance companies do provide coverage up-front, and many others will if you get signed approval from your vet. This is typically done when the pet owner doesn’t have enough money to cover an expensive procedure.

How do I know which pet insurance policy is better when making a comparison?

When taking a look at two insurance policies with an identical amount of coverage, you’ll first want to compare their cost. If the cost is identical, take a look at the companies themselves. Doing some research about their quality of customer service can save you a lot of trouble further down the line.

Also, be sure to pay close attention to the exclusions in each policy, as there’s no guarantee that they’ll be the same. Keep in mind that the perfect pet insurance policy depends on your budget and your pet’s needs.

How much coverage do I need?

Since pet insurance policies vary based on the amount of copayment that the owner is responsible for, you’ll have to take a look at how much you’re comfortable spending for your pet’s procedures.

Owners who are comfortable paying a steeper monthly fee but can’t come up with the money on short notice may opt for a policy where 90% of their vet bills are covered.

Are there any states that require pet insurance?

While no states require veterinary insurance for pets, Oklahoma is unique in that it requires at least $50 000 worth of liability coverage for breeds that are deemed “dangerous.” This will help pay for any medical expenses or lawsuits that are incurred by the dog biting another individual or animal.

Pet Insurance Across the 50 States

The next section will focus on each state and the details about them that are relevant to pet insurance. It will cover the most popular pet insurance companies, typical pet laws, and compare the costs of pet insurance in each state’s largest cities and towns.

Alabama

Fun fact: The black bear was designated as Alabama’s state animal in 2006.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Progressive Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. Nationwide Pet Insurance
4. Figo
5. PetPlan

Overview

Unlike in other states, the city doesn’t make a huge difference in pet insurance rates in Alabama. The most expensive place for pet insurance in Alabama is Huntsville, with a monthly rate of about $32.50, while the cheapest city is Birmingham, with average monthly rates of almost $27.

Alaska

Fun fact: Alaska has the second-most pet-related tweets per capita.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. Trupanion
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. PetsBest

Overview

Alaska has several relatively unique pet laws, including the lack of a statewide law about leashing dogs, instead leaving it up to the individual municipality. Alaska also has a specific “clean list” about which exotic animals are allowed to be kept as pets, and dogs must be licensed early, at four months.

Arizona

Fun fact: Arizona’s state animal, the ringtail, can be trained and kept as a pet. They make excellent demousers.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Nationwide Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. Figo
4. Progressive Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

Arizona has slightly higher average costs for both pet insurance and vet visits. The state also boasts many outdoor activities for pet owners and even features pet resorts where you can vacation with your furry friends. The most expensive city for pet insurance is Mesa, while Tucson and Flagstaff are tied for the cheapest.

Arkansas

Fun fact: Since the creation of deer refuges in Arkansas in the 1920s, their numbers have risen considerably.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetFirst Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. PetsBest
4. PetFirst Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

Arkansas’ vet bills tend to be more affordable than the national average, with some estimates putting the average annual rate at around $750. Lewisville offers pet owners the most affordable pet insurance rates, while residents of Rogers can expect to pay the most to keep their companions covered.

California

Fun fact: California is the number-one state for dog services like salons and vets.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Figo
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. PetsBest
4. ASPCA Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

California is a very pet-friendly state, and they prove it through legislation, including laws that ban puppy mills. California has the highest average vet costs in the country, however, making pet insurance equally pricey. San Diego has the highest insurance rates in the state, with Sacramento offering the cheapest.

Colorado

Fun fact: Denver has some of the most dog walkers per capita in the country.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Figo
2. PetFirst Pet Insurance
3. Healthy Paws
4. PetsBest
5. Progressive Pet Insurance

Overview

Colorado has some of the most expensive vet costs in the country, putting them close to California. This also increases the cost of pet insurance in the state. Denver and Aspen are tied for the highest cost of Colorado pet insurance, while Colorado Springs is at the low end of the spectrum.

Connecticut

Fun fact: Connecticut’s state animal, the sperm whale, is the species that inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetFirst Pet Insurance
2. PetsBest
3. Nationwide Pet Insurance
4. PetPlan
5. Figo

Overview

Connecticut is the third state in a row with some of the highest vet costs in the country, once again featuring equivalent costs for pet insurance. The state also has some specific laws that deal with pets, including giving vets the right to hold animals if the owners can’t pay the bill.

Delaware

Fun fact: The state pet of Delaware is the golden retriever.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Trupanion
3. Nationwide Pet Insurance
4. Healthy Paws
5. PetPlan

Overview

Delaware has many laws that protect animals, including a law that prevents discrimination based on the look or species of a dog. The state’s pet insurance rates are relatively average, and the cost of insurance only varies by about a dollar per month based on where you live.

Florida

Fun fact: The Florida panther was estimated to have only 20 individuals left during the 1970s, but their numbers are estimated to have reached at least 150 in recent years.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Progressive Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. Figo
4. Trupanion
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Florida is known for its many attractions for dog owners, including some of the highest numbers of dog beaches in the country. Vet care in the state is in the upper half of states when it comes to expense, and insurance rates can vary dramatically based on where you live. Fort Lauderdale has some of the most expensive pet insurance rates, while Tallahassee is far below the national average.

Georgia

Fun fact: The defunct Atlanta Thrashers hockey team was named after Georgia’s state bird, the brown thrasher.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetsBest
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. Healthy Paws
4. PetPlan
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

One of the most notable pet laws in Georgia is the Responsible Dog Ownership Law, which states that owners are held responsible for their dogs attacking other people or animals. Vet costs are similar to Florida’s, being slightly higher than average, but insurance costs in the Peach State are higher than for their southern neighbors.

Hawaii

Fun fact: Hawaiians tweet the most about their pets per capita in the USA.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetsBest
2. Progressive Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

Hawaii’s unique pet laws include mandatory compliance with state immunizations for the pets of visitors and residents alike. This is due to the large number of non-residents who visit the Aloha State. Due to the small size of the state and the relatively small number of pet insurance providers, rates don’t vary at all based on the city or town you live in.

Idaho

Fun fact: Idaho loves its state animal, the Appaloosa horse, honoring it with a horse club, a youth association, and even a museum.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetsBest
2. Figo
3. ASPCA Pet Insurance
4. PetFirst Pet Insurance
5. Healthy Paws

Overview

Idaho has some rather unfriendly laws toward pets, including one which states that unlicensed dogs will be euthanized after five days if their owners can’t be found. Vet costs are relatively affordable in Idaho, but pet insurance costs are still pretty high, with Blackfoot and Twin Falls tied for the most expensive in the state.

Illinois

Fun fact: Illinois’ state fish, the bluegill, can be kept as a pet, though its potential size will require a large tank.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Nationwide Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. ASPCA Pet Insurance
4. Trupanion
5. PetsBest

Overview

Illinois pet laws state that the owner must keep medical records for their pets that extend at least five years back. Dogs must also be quarantined for ten days after biting another individual. The state features expensive average vet costs and higher-than-average insurance rates, with Chicago leading the way as the most expensive city for pet insurance.

Indiana

Fun fact: Indiana is one of the few states with a state insect: Say’s firefly.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. PetPlan
3. PetsBest
4. Trupanion
5. ASPCA Pet Insurance

Overview

Indiana is one of the few states that doesn’t have a mandatory leash law, but most larger cities have a municipal ordinance that states otherwise. Despite the large number of pet owners in Indiana, vet bills aren’t much higher than the national average, but pet insurance rates are higher than in many other states.

Iowa

Fun fact: Iowa’s state animal is the American goldfinch, a bird whose call sounds like it’s saying “potato chip.”

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetPlan
2. Healthy Paws
3. Figo
4. PetsBest
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Despite no state laws limiting the number of pets that owners can have in Iowa, they can be prosecuted for animal cruelty if they are found to be hoarding pets that they cannot care for. Iowa’s pet insurance rates are quite affordable, and they don’t vary too much from city to city.

Kansas

Fun fact: Pet owners in Wichita are limited to only two dogs without a special permit.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. PetsBest
3. Healthy Paws
4. Progressive Pet Insurance
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Kansas has a few laws to help curb pet abandonment, not allowing owners to leave their pets uncollected at a vet or other professional for more than ten days. The cost of pet insurance varies based on where you live in Kansas, and Topeka has the cheapest rates, while Wichita and Bonner Springs are tied for the most expensive.

Kentucky

Fun fact: It comes as no surprise that the thoroughbred horse is the state mammal of the home of the Kentucky Derby.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Trupanion
3. Figo
4. Progressive Pet Insurance
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

Kentucky pet laws give vets the right to hold animals for unpaid bills and sell them if the bill has been outstanding for ten days. State law also states that female dogs in heat must be kept confined. Kentucky has some of the cheapest vet rates in the country, but you wouldn’t think so by looking at the expensive rates for pet insurance.

Louisiana

Fun fact: The Catahoula leopard dog is the state pet of Louisiana.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Nationwide Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. Figo
4. Healthy Paws
5. ASPCA Pet Insurance

Overview

Louisiana has relatively standard pet laws, mandating that all dogs be leashed outside and that all cats and dogs get a rabies shot by the age of three months. Louisiana has extremely high average vet bills, and the insurance rates in the state follow that trend. Surprisingly, New Orleans is one of the cheapest cities for pet insurance, while Lafayette is one of the priciest.

Maine

Fun fact: Maine’s state pet is the Maine coon cat.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. Healthy Paws
4. Progressive Pet Insurance
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Maine’s unique laws are more focused on cats than dogs, with a law stating that cats aren’t allowed to roam free if they are not on their owner’s property. Maine has some of the most expensive vet bills in the country, though its pet insurance rates are a little more affordable than in states with similar average vet costs.

Maryland

Fun fact: Maryland has two state pets: the calico cat and the Chesapeake Bay retriever.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetPlan
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. Figo
4. Healthy Paws
5. Trupanion

Overview

Maryland has several pet laws, including the aptly-named Pooper Scooper law, which states that you must pick up after your dog or face a fine of up to $100. Maryland has relatively average vet costs, but its pet insurance rates rival Maine’s. The cheapest place for pet insurance is Rockville, and the most expensive is Annapolis.

Massachusetts

Fun fact: Massachusetts also has two state pets: the Boston terrier and the tabby cat.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. Figo
3. Progressive Pet Insurance
4. Trupanion
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Massachusetts is a pet-friendly state, with laws that ban chaining an animal up for more than five hours per day or during the night. Even though Massachusetts’ average vet expenses are relatively high, insurance rates are low, making pet insurance here more common than in other states.

Michigan

Fun fact: 3% more households in Michigan have a dog than a cat.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Figo
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. PetsBest
4. Progressive Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

Michigan has no unique laws about owning pets, though dog-wolf hybrids are banned, and dogs must always remain on their leashes while in public. While most of Michigan has reasonable pet insurance rates, Flint and Kalamazoo are outliers, with much higher average premiums than the rest of the state.

Minnesota

Fun fact: Minnesota’s state bird is the loon, and it’s more common there than in any state except for Alaska.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. Progressive Pet Insurance
4. PetsBest
5. PetPlan

Overview

While Minnesota may not have a leash law, they will still impound pets that are found running around without their owner in sight. Vet costs are a little higher than average in Minnesota, and pet insurance is much more expensive than in most other states, regardless of which city you live in.

Mississippi

Fun fact: Mississippi’s state mammal, the bottlenose dolphin, is one of the most intelligent animals on earth.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Figo
3. Progressive Pet Insurance
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

Dog laws in Mississippi require owners to have them licenses by three months, which is far earlier than in some other states. Mississippi’s average vet rates are not as expensive as in other states, though the insurance costs hover around the national average, with Southaven featuring the steepest costs and Biloxi being the cheapest.

Missouri

Fun fact: The state mammal of Missouri is the Missouri mule, and the state has long been known for the quality of the mules that it breeds.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. PetFirst Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. PetPlan
5. Figo

Overview

Missouri has what is essentially a leash law, but instead of specifying a leash, it states that dogs should be “restrained and under control” when not on your property. Missouri has some of the lowest veterinary costs in the nation, and the average cost of pet insurance is also relatively affordable.

Montana

Fun fact: Schoolchildren voted to pick the grizzly bear as the state mammal of Montana in 1983.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetsBest
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. PetPlan
4. ASPCA Pet Insurance
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

City-dwellers in Montana are limited to three pets unless they have a kennel license, and dogs must always be on leashes when off your property or not in designated areas. Montana is similar to Missouri in that it has low average vet costs as well as relatively cheap pet insurance.

Nebraska

Fun fact: With a special permit, pet owners in Omaha can own up to 5 dogs, 6 cats, and 8 total.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. PetsBest
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

Nebraska’s laws are extremely unfriendly to pets, and they state that “biting” breeds must always be leashed and muzzled when outside of a fenced part of your property. These breeds include the pit bull, American bulldog, Dogo Argentino, and more. Costs for pet insurance and vet visits hover around the national average.

Nevada

Fun fact: The horns of the desert bighorn sheep, Nevada’s state animal, never stop growing throughout its life.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetsBest
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. PetPlan
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

Nevada largely leaves its pet laws up to municipalities, like in Las Vegas, where all pets over the age of four months old must be spayed or neutered. Nevada has moderate pet insurance rates, and the cost of insuring a dog only varies by about $3 per month between the larger cities and towns in the state.

New Hampshire

Fun fact: The chinook dog is the state pet of New Hampshire, as that’s where it was originally bred.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Progressive Pet Insurance
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. PetsBest
4. PetFirst Pet Insurance
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

New Hampshire pet owners have plenty of pet-friendly attractions that they can enjoy with their furry or feathered friends. These attractions include Jenness Beach and White Mountain National Forest. Pet Insurance is slightly more expensive than average in New Hampshire, and it’s significantly pricier in Nashua than in Derry.

New Jersey

Fun fact: New Jersey has been associated with its state animal, the horse, since 1777, when one was featured on its seal.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetFirst Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. PetPlan
4. ASPCA Pet Insurance
5. Figo

Overview

New Jersey has fairly average pet laws, including a leash law and a mandate that all cats and dogs must be kept up to date on their immunizations. New Jersey has some of the highest average vet costs in the country, and this also boosts its pet insurance rates to above the national average.

New Mexico

Fun fact: The aptly-named roadrunner is New Mexico’s state bird, and it can reach speeds of up to 15 mph.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. PetPlan
5. Progressive Pet Insurance

Overview

New Mexico has no statewide leash laws, leaving it up to individual municipalities instead. The state’s laws are also designed to harshly punish animal cruelty, making it a fourth-degree felony. New Mexico is similar to New Jersey in that their vet and pet insurance rates are above the national average.

New York

Fun fact: Working dogs are the state pets of New York.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Progressive Pet Insurance
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. PetsBest
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

New York is considered one of the least pet-friendly states in the nation because of the abundance of rules and laws that restrict what you can do with your pet, especially in New York City. Like with everything else in New York, pet insurance is also expensive, with Manhattan topping out the list as one of the priciest places for pet insurance in the country.

North Carolina

Fun fact: North Carolina’s state pet, the Plott hound, is the only one of six coonhound breeds recognized by the AKC as having descended from a British dog breed.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetFirst Pet Insurance
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. Healthy Paws
5. PetPlan

Overview

North Carolina has some progressive pet laws, including making it illegal to leave animals in the car in extreme heat or cold, and police officers even have the right to break the window to rescue them. Pet insurance rates in North Carolina are slightly below average, and they don’t vary too much from place to place.

North Dakota

Fun fact: Bismarck residents are allowed to have up to 3 dogs or cats total.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. PetsBest
3. Nationwide Pet Insurance
4. Figo
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

While North Dakota doesn’t have a leash law enforced statewide, owners must be in control of their dogs whenever they leave the house. Anyone who visits North Dakota with their pet for more than 30 days must also have them inspected by a vet. Also, the Peace Garden State has some of the cheapest pet insurance rates in the country.

Ohio

Fun fact: Both of Ohio’s state animals (the white-tailed deer and the cardinal) are shared with other states.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetFirst Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. Trupanion
4. Healthy Paws
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Ohio has some interesting laws related to felons and pet ownership, including barring them from owning certain breeds if they aren’t desexed, and their dogs must always be microchipped. Ohio has some of the highest pet insurance costs in the Midwest, with average rates that are higher than their neighbors.

Oklahoma

Fun fact: Oklahoma has a total of four state mammals: the raccoon, buffalo, white-tailed deer, and the Mexican free-tailed bat.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetPlan
2. Figo
3. Healthy Paws
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. PetFirst Pet Insurance

Overview

Oklahoma’s laws are relatively unfriendly to pets, with a Dangerous Dog Law that states that owners of so-called “dangerous breeds” must always keep their dog enclosed unless it’s on a leash. Owners of these breeds must also take out a $50 000 liability policy on the animal.

Oregon

Fun fact: Oregon ranks third in the most pet-related tweets per 1000 inhabitants.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Progressive Pet Insurance
2. PetFirst Pet Insurance
3. PetPlan
4. ASPCA Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

Oregon is a relatively pet-friendly state, with many employers even allowing workers to bring their dogs into work with them. Vet rates across the state are on the lower end of the spectrum, and pet insurance is affordable everywhere except for Portland, where it’s almost twice the price as in the rest of the state.

Pennsylvania

Fun fact: The state pet of Pennsylvania is the Great Dane.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. Figo
4. Trupanion
5. PetsBest

Overview

Many Pennsylvania laws support pets, including a ban on chaining or tethering a dog for more than nine hours per day. Lemon laws also protect puppy buyers, as the breeder may be responsible for the dog if it gets sick shortly after purchase. Keep in mind that Pennsylvania’s average pet insurance rates are relatively high.

Rhode Island

Fun fact: It’s only fitting that the Ocean State is represented by an ocean-going mammal. Rhode Island’s state mammal is the harbor seal.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Nationwide Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. Progressive Pet Insurance
4. PetFirst Pet Insurance
5. ASPCA Pet Insurance

Overview

Rhode Island doesn’t mandate any leash policies statewide, leaving the responsibility up to individual cities and towns. Rhode Island also has some of the most expensive average vet costs in the nation, nearly rivaling California, though its insurance rates are a little more reasonable.

South Carolina

Fun fact: South Carolina’s state pet is the Boykin spaniel.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Healthy Paws
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
3. PetsBest
4. Figo
5. PetPlan

Overview

South Carolina has a statewide leash law as well as mandatory vaccinations for all dogs and cats. One of the more unusual laws is that pit bull owners have to get their dogs desexed and microchipped.

Pet insurance rates in South Carolina are reasonably priced, though the price will vary based on where you live. Greenville, Columbia, and Rock Hill all have more affordable rates than Charleston and Myrtle Beach, which are both tied for first.

South Dakota

Fun fact: South Dakota selected the coyote as its state mammal all the way back in 1949.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Trupanion
3. PetsBest
4. Healthy Paws
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Overview

Dogs in South Dakota don’t have to be leashed by their owner, but they must be under control at all times, as required by law. In the state’s cities, dogs are not allowed to run free without their owner nearby, and they may be taken in by animal control if they are found alone.

Vet costs in South Dakota are among the most affordable in the nation, and their pet insurance rates are equally low, making the Mount Rushmore State one of the best places for affordable pet ownership.

Tennessee

Fun fact: Tennessee chose shelter pets of all species as their state pet.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Figo
2. Progressive Pet Insurance
3. PetPlan
4. Trupanion
5. ASPCA Pet Insurance

Overview

Tennessee has relatively unsurprising pet laws, including mandates that all animals must be kept up to date with their vaccinations, and that dogs may not be at large without a human companion. There is no statewide limit to the number of pets that someone can have, but most cities impose their own limit.

Vet costs in Tennessee tend to be a little bit above average, and this also translates over to their pet insurance rates. The most affordable places in the state for pet insurance are Jonesborough and Chattanooga, while Bartlett is the most expensive.

Texas

Fun fact: Texas’ state pet is the indigenous blue Lacy dog breed.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Trupanion
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. Figo
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. PetsBest

Overview

Pets in Texas tend to be a little healthier than the national average because of their higher degree of average fitness. While people in Texas are allowed to own exotic animals, they must be for educational or rehabilitation reasons instead of just keeping them as pets.

Texas also has surprisingly affordable average pet insurance rates, and they don’t vary as much as you’d expect from town to town for such a big state. Austin and Houston have the most expensive pet insurance in the Lone Star State, and San Antonio is the most affordable.

Utah

Fun fact: There is no limit to the number of pets you are allowed to own in Salt Lake City.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Progressive Pet Insurance
2. PetPlan
3. Figo
4. Healthy Paws
5. ASPCA Pet Insurance

Overview

While Utah may be the healthiest state in the nation for people, that’s sadly not true for pets, with relatively high pet obesity rates contributing to pet health that’s below the national average.

Average vet costs in Utah are relatively affordable, but pet insurance rates are among the highest in the country, likely due to the poor average pet health in the state.

The most expensive place in Utah for pet insurance is Park City, and Ogden, Provo, and Logan are all tied for the cheapest, at about half the average monthly rate of Park City.

Vermont

Fun fact: Vermont has the most pet owners out of any state, percentage-wise.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Nationwide Pet Insurance
2. PetFirst Pet Insurance
3. PetPlan
4. Healthy Paws
5. Trupanion

Overview

Vermont doesn’t impose a leash law statewide, leaving it up to individual towns and cities. In fact, many pet laws are left up to municipalities, and this is evidenced by some towns in Vermont banning breeds like pit bulls outright.

Vet costs in Vermont are below the national average, resulting in relatively affordable pet care across the state. Despite the cheap rates that pet owners pay during vet visits, Vermont’s pet insurance rates hover around the national average.

Virginia

Fun fact: Virginia’s state pet is the American foxhound.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Trupanion
3. PetsBest
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. Healthy Paws

Overview

Like Vermont, Virginia doesn’t have any far-reaching leash laws, leaving it up to individual communities to determine whether or not animals must be leashed while they’re out on a walk. Virginia also has a Dangerous Dog Law, which states that biters must be put on a registry and may be put down if they bite again.

Pet insurance rates in Virginia can vary immensely depending on where you live, with Norfolk offering the most affordable rates and Portsmouth and Richmond tying for the most expensive in the state.

Washington

Fun fact: In 2005, schoolchildren voted the Orca in as Washington’s state mammal to help raise awareness about its endangered condition.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. PetFirst Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. ASPCA Pet Insurance
4. Trupanion
5. PetPlan

Overview

Washington is one of the most pet-friendly states in the country, with countless services devoted to furry companions. You can find gourmet pet treat stores, dog-friendly work environments, and even pet bowls outside of many restaurants in Seattle.

With average vet costs that are slightly above the national average, pet insurance is also relatively pricey in Washington state. The cheapest place to have your pet insured is Ellensburg, contrasting with Seattle as the most expensive.

West Virginia

Fun fact: West Virginia has three state animals, and they’re all shared with other states: the black bear, the cardinal, and the brook trout.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Figo
2. Healthy Paws
3. ASPCA Pet Insurance
4. PetFirst Pet Insurance
5. Trupanion

Overview

West Virginia has a few unique laws related to pets, including a lack of a statewide leash law, though municipalities can still enforce their own. Somewhat confusingly, people can own wild animals as pets with a specific permit in West Virginia, but some cities in the state ban pit bulls.

West Virginia has some of the most affordable vet costs in the nation, yet the pet insurance rates across the state are relatively average. The cost of pet insurance doesn’t vary considerably between various cities in West Virginia.

Wisconsin

Fun fact: Wisconsin’s state pet is the American water spaniel.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. ASPCA Pet Insurance
2. Healthy Paws
3. PetPlan
4. Nationwide Pet Insurance
5. Figo

Overview

Wisconsin has relatively standard pet laws, including a stipulation that all dogs must be leashed while off their owner’s property. All pets must also be licensed and have their immunizations by the age of five months old.

Wisconsin’s average costs of vet services are higher than average, and so are their pet insurance rates. The most expensive place in the state for pet insurance is Madison, and Phillips lies on the other side of the stats as the cheapest place to get pet insurance.

Wyoming

Fun fact: Wyoming’s state mammal is the bison, and they can be found in Grand Teton National Park as well as near Jackson Hole.

5 Most Popular Companies:

1. Nationwide Pet Insurance
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance
3. Trupanion
4. PetFirst Pet Insurance
5. PetPlan

Overview

For a state with so many wide-open spaces, it comes as something of a surprise that Wyoming has mandatory statewide leash laws. Dog owners are also responsible for euthanizing animals that have killed any livestock, and the state limits households to a maximum of four pets.

Wyoming has surprisingly high vet costs, with rates that are above the national average. Their pet insurance rates are a little bit more reasonable, though they’re still a touch higher than in other rural states.

Conclusion

Many forms of insurance are designed to take care of your loved ones, and pet insurance is no different except that it applies to your furry friends. While pet insurance combines aspects of both health and property insurance, it only takes a bit of research to learn about how the claims process functions.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with all of the necessary info so you can comfortably shop for your pet’s insurance policy. Remember that everyone has different needs, and there is no such thing as the perfect pet insurance policy for everyone, just the perfect pet insurance policy for you.