Best Pet Insurance Companies In California 2023

California can be one of the most challenging states to buy a homeowners insurance policy because of high construction costs and frequent wildfires. But does this pertain to all areas of insurance, including pet insurance? We know the cost of living in California is among the highest in the country, so insuring your pet could save you from paying high vet bills when an unexpected medical visit is needed. Without insurance, you’ll be paying all those vet bills on your own.

Pet insurance companies offer different coverage at different price points. Let’s find the best coverage for your pet at an affordable price for your household.

Compare The Best Pet Insurance Plans In California

Our team of experts has been researching the best pet insurance companies for over a decade. We chose the best pet insurers in California by comparing prices, coverage, exclusions, customer service, claim processing, plan customizations, and more to help you find the best policy for your pet.

Best For	Company	Get Quotes	Read In-Depth Reviews
Accident-Only Plan			Read Review
Unlimited Payouts			Read Review
100% Reimbursement			Read Review
Most Extensive Coverage			Read Review
Youngest Enrollment			Read Review
Quickest Claim Processing			Read Review
Vet Bill Assistance			Read Review

Why Trust Us?

Here are some quick stats on why we’re qualified to rate the best pet insurance companies.

Best Accident-Only Plan: Pets Best

Get Pets Best Quote

• Deductible Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Learn More: Pets Best Review

Why We Picked Pets Best

Pets Best is one of the few insurers that offer accident-only policies (does not cover illnesses). The plan is highly affordable, costing only $9 per month for dogs and $6 per month for cats for an annual payout limit of $10,000, 90% reimbursement, and a $250 deductible. You can enroll your pet as young as seven weeks old, it has a three-day waiting period, and it offers coverage for exam fees and curable pre-existing conditions once they’re healed or cured. Pets Best is an excellent option for those who want a true emergency-only plan.

Best For Unlimited Payouts: Healthy Paws

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• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Annual Payout Options: Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%

Learn More: Healthy Paws Review

Why We Picked Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws consistently offers some of the lowest premium prices for plans with unlimited payouts. Every Healthy Paws plan includes unlimited annual payouts, and when compared to other insurers’ plans with unlimited payouts, Healthy Paws is often more affordable. Healthy Paws plans are excellent options if you want to avoid hitting a cap on your coverage payouts. Because of Healthy Paws’ approach to unlimited annual payouts, they’re helping reduce economic euthanasia for pets because parents aren’t worried about the cost of life-saving procedures that would usually be restricted by policies with $5,000 or $10,000 limits.

Best For 100% Reimbursement: Figo

Get Figo Quote

• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%

Learn More: Figo Review

Why We Picked Figo

Figo is one of the only providers to offer a 100% reimbursement option. The reimbursement percentage is the amount the pet insurer covers after your deductible. By selecting a 100% reimbursement plan, you will have no copay beyond your deductible amount. This type of plan can increase the money you get back for your unexpected vet bills. A higher reimbursement percentage can mean you’ll have a higher monthly premium, but Figo also lets you customize your plan’s deductible and annual payout, which can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Most Extensive Coverage: Embrace

Get Embrace Quote

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• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Learn More: Embrace Review

Why We Picked Embrace

Embrace’s policies have some of the fewest exclusions for accidents and illnesses. They even include $1,000 annually for dental illness coverage, something many insurers exclude from their policies. Some providers only provide add-ons (at an additional cost) for coverage relating to exam fees, behavioral therapy, and alternative/holistic therapy, but Embrace includes these coverages in all policies. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to your pet insurance policy through Embrace, making it an excellent one-stop shop for your pet’s health needs.

Best For Young Enrollment: Fetch

Get Fetch Quote

Compare Quotes

• Deductible Options: $300, $500, $700
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Learn More: Fetch Review

Why We Picked Fetch

Fetch offers coverage as young as six weeks old, among the industry’s youngest. Most other insurers require the pet to be eight weeks old. When we compared Fetch pricing for young pets against other companies, we found Fetch to be among the least expensive options. We also like that Fetch has unique coverage for virtual vet visits, reward for lost pets, and more.

Quickest Claim Processing: Lemonade

Get Lemonade Quote

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• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Learn More: Lemonade Review

Why We Picked Lemonade

Lemonade’s implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) claims processing has pushed the boundaries of the pet insurance marketplace. Lemonade’s claim processing average is two days, which is already among the fastest in the industry. However, one-third of Lemonade’s claims are paid algorithmically within three seconds of submission. This means that if you have a simple claim, your reimbursement money could be in your account within three seconds. Three seconds is by far the fastest claim processing in pet insurance.

Despite the speedy repayment timelines, we want to caution our readers regarding choosing Lemonade as your pet insurer. Lemonade launched in 2015, selling renters and homeowners insurance policies, but did not begin selling pet insurance until 2020. We typically wait until a company has at least five years of national experience in the industry before recommending them to allow them time to find stability. New companies often enter the pet insurance space offering astonishingly low prices, but after some time paying claims, they commonly increase premiums to improve profitability. This can leave pet parents feeling trapped because if their pet was diagnosed with a condition, they now have a pre-existing condition that other insurers may exclude. We have no way of knowing whether this is what you will see from Lemonade, but when their pet insurance policies launched in 2020, prices were among the lowest, and prices now fall more in the middle.

Lemonade Pet Insurance Is Only Available In: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, District of Columbia

Best Vet Bill Assistance: Paw Protect

Get A Free Quote

• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Learn More: Paw Protect Review

Why We Picked Paw Protect

Paw Protect policies are administered by a well-established pet insurance company, Embrace. However, Paw Protect offers policyholders a one-of-a-kind credit product (in the pet insurance industry) called Paytient. Paytient has no fees and is a 0% interest line of credit in the form of a virtual Visa credit card that is used to pay vet bills upfront instead of you spending out of pocket. The Visa card has a $2,000 line of credit exclusive to Paw Protect, and once the company reimburses the covered portion of your vet bill, you use that to pay off your Paytient balance.

We want to caution our readers regarding choosing Paw Protect as your pet insurer because they just launched in 2022. However, unlike other brand-new insurers, Paw Protect policies are administered by Embrace (founded in 2003). As mentioned in our Lemonade write-up, we typically wait until a company has at least five years of national experience in the industry before recommending them. However, Embrace is an experienced insurer providing coverage for your pet and paying out claims. Policies and prices for Paw Protect plans are identical to Embrace’s, so we are less worried that customers will see drastic price and coverage changes because Embrace has been a stable provider in the industry for decades. But one thing has already changed on the line of credit side: when Paw Protect launched in 2022, customers had access to a $5,000 Paytient line of credit, but it was reduced to $2,000 for new customers after less than a year.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost In California?

Pet insurance pricing is based on your pet’s details (e.g., age, breed, location). According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness dog insurance policy in the U.S. is $53.34 ($32.25 for cats).

Below is a pet insurance price comparison to give you an idea of what a policy could cost you in California. Listed are some of California’s best pet insurance companies and their monthly premiums for each sample dog.

Company	Labrador Retriever 6-month-old male	French Bulldog 1-year-old female	German Shepherd 2-year-old male	15lb Mixed Breed 3-year-old female	95lb Mixed Breed 3-year-old male
	$96.37	$160.21	$94.84	$38.96	$90.43
	$68.93	$85.67	$79.43	$41.36	$69.40
	$104.10	$124.52	$104.28	$53.81	$83.77
	$120.22	$171.56	$111.80	$65.64	$132.58
	$54.40	$91.41	$84.05	$39.60	$93.91
	$66.42	$99.83	$67.42	$35.58	$56.84
	$121.22	$172.56	$112.80	$66.64	$90.26

Methodology: Our in-house researchers gathered sample quotes for pets residing in San Diego (zip code 92121) because it is ranked the most pet-friendly city in California. Quote details were based on California’s most popular dog breeds (Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and German Shepherds) and mixed breeds because they are among the most commonly insured pets.

Because prices vary based on where you live, and your pet’s characteristics, the best way to determine how much it would cost you is to complete our quick pet insurance quote form and get estimates from top pet insurance providers. This allows you to see how companies compare price-wise.

Is Pet Insurance In California Different From Other States?

You could argue that pet insurance in California is better than in other states. This is because state laws protect California buyers. In 2015, California law began requiring pet insurers to disclose the following:

• Clear definitions for
  • Chronic conditions
  • Congenital anomaly or disorder
  • Hereditary disorder
  • Pet insurance
  • Pre-existing condition
  • Veterinarian
  • Veterinary expenses
  • Waiting or affiliation period
• Exclusions due to, but not limited to
  • Preexisting conditions
  • Hereditary disorders
  • Congenital anomalies or disorders
  • Chronic conditions
  • Other
• Policy provisions that limit coverage through
  • Waiting or affiliation periods
  • Deductibles
  • Coinsurance
  • Annual or lifetime policy limits
• If the insurer reduces coverage or increases premiums based on your pet’s claim history
• The formula for how the insurer determines claim payments under a pet insurance policy
• Pet insurers that utilize benefit schedules must clearly disclose the benefit schedule in the policy
• Pet insurers that determine claim payments based on fees or other reimbursement limitations must disclose how the basis is applied in claim payment calculations
• The policy return period, which shall be no less than 30 days

California was the first state to require this from pet insurers, but in 2023, other states began adopting similar model laws to better protect pet parents.

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance For You

If price is your main concern, consider Pet’s Best’s accident-only policy, but note that it does not cover illnesses. If unlimited coverage is more important, check out Healthy Paws. On the other hand, you might lean towards Embrace because it has the fewest exclusions.

Each company has an area where it shines, and what’s most important to you may differ from other customers. We know sifting through all the companies and choosing a pet insurance plan can be overwhelming, but we can help you narrow down your pick.

Choose The Type Of Pet Insurance Policy

There are two types of pet insurance plans: accident-only and accident and illness. Some companies also offer an optional wellness plan, but it isn’t an insurance product. Depending on your preference, you may opt for one or two of these plans.

Accident-Only Insurance

Some pet insurance companies offer accident-only coverage, including torn ligaments, broken bones, bite wounds, and other pressing health needs. So basically, anything associated with a sudden physical injury is covered by an accident-only plan. These plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness plans.

Accident And Illness Insurance

Accident and illness policies are the most comprehensive pet insurance plans. They cover items listed in the accident-only plan and illnesses like cancer, arthritis, urinary tract infections, allergies, etc.

Wellness Coverage Add-On

Wellness coverage is sometimes offered by pet insurance companies as an optional add-on. A pet wellness plan may cover fees associated with annual exams, spay/neuter procedures, heartworm testing/treatment, fecal testing, urinalysis, routine vaccines, flea and tick treatments, and more.

Decide Your Coverage Level

Most pet insurance companies allow you to customize your policy in some way, whether offering several options for your annual payout, deductible, reimbursement percentage, or all three.

• Annual Payout (the highest amount a company will reimburse during the policy period or over the pet’s insured lifetime): The lower the payout, the lower your monthly premium will be, and vice versa. However, a lower payout also means you may be liable for more costs if your pet encounters expensive vet treatment.
• Deductible (the portion of the vet bill you’re responsible for paying before reimbursement): The lower the deductible, the higher your monthly premium will be, and vice versa. Most pet insurance companies have annual deductibles, which means you must meet your deductible once per policy term. However, Trupanion and Nationwide have per-incident lifetime deductibles, which means you only have to pay the deductible once per condition during your pet’s life. Still, you may have to pay the deductible multiple times in one year if your pet experiences several health conditions.
• Reimbursement Percentage (the amount covered by the company after your deductible is met): The lower the reimbursement percentage, the less your monthly premium will be, and vice versa.

Know The Pet Insurance Waiting Periods

Waiting periods are the time after your policy’s effective date until your pet insurance coverage will take effect and you can make a claim. Insurers have two primary waiting periods, one for illness and one for accidents. Companies generally have about a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 3-day waiting period for accidents.

Some companies require additional waiting periods for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic conditions. These waiting periods can be as high as six or twelve months.

Take Advantage Of Pet Insurance Discounts

Some pet insurers offer the following discounts:

• Multiple pets
• Paying premiums annually instead of monthly to avoid monthly transaction fees
• Military
• Bundle with other insurance policies (homeowners, renters, auto, etc.), if applicable

How Pet Insurance Works

1. Your pet visits the vet and receives services, treatment, and medication.
2. You pay the vet bill directly to the vet’s office and request an itemized receipt.
3. You upload the itemized receipt and submit a claim to the pet insurance company.
4. You receive reimbursement (via check or direct deposit) from the insurance company for eligible coverage.

Pet Insurance Claim Example In California

Below is a real-life pet insurance claim from a Healthy Paws customer in California.

• Location: Excondido, CA
• Condition: Shoulder surgery
• Total Vet Cost: $2,151
• Reimbursement: $1,936
• Amount Customer Paid: $215

What Are The Most Common Pet Insurance Claims?

According to US Insurance Agents, the most common dog insurance claims are:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: Blockages are the most common reason for GI issues. If your dog is notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, there is a significant chance you’ll visit the vet for this reason during your dog’s life.
• Skin Issues: Allergies are one of the most commonly diagnosed canine skin issues. Dogs commonly have protein-related allergies and environmental allergies (e.g., trees, grass, mold, dust, etc.). Allergy symptoms can include itching, hair loss, and foul odor.
• Ear Infections: Dogs with big, floppy ears (e.g., Bassett Hounds, Bloodhounds, etc.) are more prone to ear infections because there is less air circulation. Symptoms of ear infections can include head shaking, pawing at the ear, dark discharge, foul odor, redness and/or swelling of the ear canal, and more.
• Eye Conditions: Many breeds are predisposed to eye conditions, including eye infections, cataracts, corneal ulcers, and conjunctivitis. Some eye conditions can be treated with medicated eye drops, but others may require more invasive treatment, like surgery.
• Cancer: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost 50% of dogs over ten will develop cancer. The average treatment plan for cancer (surgery, chemo, and radiation) ranges between $6,000 and $10,000. But also, 50% of canine cancers are curable with early detection, surgery, and other treatments, proving that cancer treatment in dogs can be effective, and pet insurance can help make it more affordable.

What’s The Average Cost Of A Vet Visit In California?

Vet visit costs vary based on location. On average, you can expect the following costs depending on the type of vet visit:

• Wellness exam: $20-$85
• Dental exam: $55
• Accident/illness exam: $45-$65
• Emergency visit: $180-$800

The table below shows prices for vet visits in various California locations. Any additional diagnostics, testing, medications, etc., are an additional cost.

What’s The Best Pet Insurance?

The best pet insurance companies are Pets Best, Fetch, Figo, Healthy Paws, Embrace, and Lemonade, according to Canine Journal's evaluation and inspection of price, coverage, customer service and reputation, claim processing, plan customizations, and more. Extensive plans are also available from Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Spot Pet Insurance, and Paw Protect.

Frequently Asked Questions For California Pet Insurance

Is pet insurance more expensive in California?

According to NAPHIA, in 2022, the total number of insured pets in the U.S. was 4,849,540. California made up 18.6% of insured pets in the U.S., which is about 902,014.

The U.S. reached $3.2 billion gross written premiums (GWP) in 2022. California was responsible for 21% GWP, which is about $672 million GWP.

That means California pets averaged about $745 per year for pet insurance premiums, or $62 per month. This was above the national average of $53.34 per month.

How do pet insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?

Upon enrollment, insurers may require a vet exam or your pet’s medical records. If a vet exam is required for enrollment, the insurer typically requests it be within 30 days of the policy’s effective date. During this appointment, your vet will assess your dog’s overall health and note any abnormalities. Some providers require a detailed exam of your dog’s legs and hips for orthopedic issues.

Providers may also collect this information by analyzing your dog’s vet records. If your dog hasn’t had a recent vet exam, the insurer may ask you to have your dog assessed.

Generally speaking, pre-existing conditions are determined as accidents and illnesses that have manifested before the policy’s effective date or during the waiting period. For example, if your dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in June and you bought pet insurance in July, the condition won’t be covered.

However, some insurers offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions if they are free from treatment and symptoms for a set period. Conditions that may be covered include ear infections, urinary tract infections, kennel cough, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Furthermore, AKC Pet Insurance is entering new territory for the industry and offering coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous pet insurance coverage.

Is pet insurance tax deductible?

No, pet insurance is not tax deductible.

According to IRS publication 502, if you have a guide dog or service animal, you may be able to deduct expenses related to the cost of buying, training, and maintaining the animal. This can include any costs, including food, grooming, and veterinary care.

Does pet insurance cover only dogs and cats?

Most insurers limit pet insurance policies to dogs and cats. However, Nationwide also offers pet insurance for exotic pets, including reptiles, birds, rabbits, ferrets, miniature pigs, guinea pigs, goats, sugar gliders, chinchillas, and other small mammals. Nationwide’s exotic pet insurance policy has 90% reimbursement, and plans average $11 per month for reptiles, $13 per month for birds, and $19 per month for rabbits.

You can also purchase horse insurance if you have a passion for horses but it is a different type of policy so be sure to do your homework before registering.

At what age should I get pet insurance for my dog or cat?

Signing your pet up for pet insurance as soon as possible is more beneficial. This is because pre-existing conditions can negate related coverage, and the younger your pet, the less likely they will have many health concerns at enrollment.

Your monthly premium is likely lower if you enroll a younger pet. Premiums increase as pets age because older pets are more likely to experience health issues.

Some companies have older age restrictions for when you can enroll your pet. For example, Healthy Paws and Trupanion don’t enroll pets after their 14th birthday. However, you can enroll your pet before they turn 14, and the company will cover them for life as long as you maintain coverage.

California Dog Laws

• Cal. Food & Agr. Code § 30505. Public animal shelters cannot charge an adoption fee for a dog if the person adopting the dog presents a valid driver’s license or identification card with the word “veteran” printed on its face.
• Cal. Food & Agr. Code § 30505. Public animal shelters may limit the number of dogs adopted from that shelter to one dog every six-month period.
• Cal. Food & Agr. Code § 30505. It is unlawful to own, harbor, or keep any dog over four months old unless the dog has a collar with a metallic tag or metal license tag attached to its neck.

Methodology

We analyzed more than 40 pet insurance companies to provide an unbiased breakdown of how providers compare against one another. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best pet insurance company. Our in-depth research includes:

• running thousands of quotes
• reading hundreds of customer reviews
• scrutinizing every policy from top to bottom and reading all the fine print
• scoping out the purchase process
• speaking with customer service representatives
• having firsthand experience submitting claims with companies
• comparing plan customization details
• examining how long it takes to receive reimbursement
• factoring in company history and years in the pet insurance marketplace
• meeting with company representatives to discuss changes related to the industry and their company
• requiring national experience for companies

Unlike many other review sites, we refuse to let pet insurance companies pay for the top spot in our rankings. We make companies earn their position in our comparisons by pointing out their pros and cons in light of their competitor’s strengths. In doing so, we’ve helped pet parents make more educated decisions among the top pet insurance options. Pet insurance providers read our reviews, regularly check for accuracy, and value our input to help create positive change in the industry and better protect your pets. We only recommend the best of the best because it’s what our readers deserve.

Additional Pet Insurance Resources

• Best Pet Insurance
• Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
• What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
• How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
• Best Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions