Best Pet Insurance In California
Pet Insurance offerings vary widely from state to state. Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance options available in California, so you can find the best plan for your pet in the Golden State!
Written by
Lauren Rey
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
Last Update on Jan 3, 2024
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Your options for pet insurance providers and plans will vary from state to state
- California is a very pet-friendly state and has some great pet insurance options
- Having your pet insured is one of the best ways to help cover their veterinary care, especially in a high-cost-of-living-state like California
- Like all states, California has some unique hazards that pet owners should be aware of to keep their pets safe and healthy
The Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is one of the best ways to financially prepare for your pet’s healthcare, especially when it comes to emergency expenses. Unforeseen accidents and illnesses land around one in three pets in the veterinary emergency room every year and those expenses can quickly add up.
With California being a high-cost-of-living state and the continued rise of inflation, many pet owners are also seeing increases in the cost of pet food, medicine, and veterinary care. Now more than ever, pet insurance can be an invaluable resource to cover some of these costs. Pet insurance can help pet owners save thousands on veterinary care if their pet becomes ill or injured.
The Best Pet Insurance Plans in California
Pet insurance options vary from state to state. Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance plans available in California.
Best for Comprehensive Coverage and Care
Pets Best
Waiting Periods
3 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness, Accident-only, and Wellness Plan (add-on)
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000 or unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount
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Pros
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness
- 24/7 Pet Telehealth access for policyholders
- Offers a direct-vet-pay option for emergencies
Cons
- Cruciate ligament injury coverage has a 6-month waiting period
- Bilateral conditions are not covered
Additional Details
Founded by a veterinarian, Pets Best offers premium, affordable coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process
- Online, Pets Best App, or by email or fax
Best for Fast Approvals
Lemonade
Waiting Periods
2 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness Plan, Preventative Care, Preventative Care Plus, and Puppy/Kitten Plan
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, or $500
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount, 10% bundle discount when pairing with other plans (home, auto, renters, or life)
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Pros
- Covers a wide range of conditions
- Highly customizable coverage
- Affordableplans for all budgets
Cons
- Exam fees are not covered in the base plan
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Made famous for its high-tech, AI-powered approach paired with some of the most affordable coverage on the market, Lemonade offers coverage for diagnostics, lab work, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, and more.
Claims Process
- AI-powered claims through the Lemonade App
Best for Short Waiting Periods on Accident Coverage
Figo
Waiting Periods
1 day for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for orthopedic conditions
Available Plans
Only offers one plan but optional “powerups” are offered to boost coverage which includes exam fee coverage, wellness options, and more
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, or unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, or $750
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount
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Pros
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness and injury
- Offers a 100% reimbursement option
- Access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth and other perks with Figo Cloud
Cons
- Exam fees are not included in the base plan (must be added as “power-ups”)
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Pet insurance founded by pet owners, Figo offers comprehensive coverage and optional “power-ups” so pet owners can customize their plan to their pet’s unique needs. Coverage includes diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Claims Process
- Digital claims are processed through the Figo Pet Cloud App
Best for Customizable Plans
Embrace
Waiting Periods
2 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for orthopedic coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness, Accident-only, and Wellness Rewards (add-on)
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $30,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
Discounts Available
10% multi-pet discount, 5% military discount
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Pros
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Provides policyholders with access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Diminishing deductible perks for every year a pet goes without a claim
Cons
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (unless waived by exam)
No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
An industry leader in pet insurance, Embrace offers comprehensive customizable coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process
- Online, Embrace App, or by email or fax
Good for No Waiting Periods
ASPCA
Waiting Periods
14 days for all coverage
Available Plans
Complete Coverage (Accident and Illness), Accident-only, and Preventative Care Add-on
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, or $10,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, or $500
Discounts Available
10% multi-pet discount
Show More Details
Pros
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Provides policyholders with access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- No extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions
Cons
- Limited deductible choices
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
One of the oldest and most trusted names in pet insurance, ASPCA offers comprehensive coverage for diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process
- Online, ASPCA Pet Insurance App, or by email or fax
Disclaimer: As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and other stipulations may apply. Get a personalized pet insurance quote for more details.
California Pet Hazards
Like all states, California has some unique hazards that pet owners should be aware of. Learning how to avoid these hazards, knowing what to do if they occur, and having pet insurance to help cover emergencies are all key factors in keeping your pet safe and healthy. Here are some of the most common pet health hazards found in California:
Natural Disasters
Unfortunately, California is a state that experiences quite a few natural disasters. Some of them can happen quickly, with little to no warning such as earthquakes, wildfires, flash floods, and mudslides. While it’s often impossible to know when or where danger may strike, it’s important for California pet owners to be prepared.
Natural Disaster Preparation for Pets:
- Include your pet in your family’s natural disaster safety plans — have a plan in place to transport them and include their food, water, and medicine in your emergency kit
- Follow any local evacuation orders and never leave your pet behind
- Create a pet disaster kit including animal first aid items, extra food, water, litter, leashes, carriers, comfort items, etc
- Keep your pet up-to-date on their vaccines and parasite preventatives, in the event you need to enter an evacuation shelter these will be required, it will also help protect your pet from contact with any disease or parasites that may be present in floodwaters
- Make sure your pet has ID tags and/or is microchipped
Heat
California is a vast state that can experience some extreme temperatures during the spring and summer months, especially in the coastal and desert regions. With heat waves that can top well over 100 degrees, pet owners need to be extra mindful to keep their pets safe. Even a quick walk around the block can turn into a dangerous case of heatstroke, especially for dogs that are older, overweight, or brachycephalic (dogs with shortened, “smushed” noses like Pugs and Bulldog breeds).
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:
- Heavy panting/difficulty breathing
- Bright red gums
- Drooling
- Excessive thirst/dehydration
- Weakness/lethargy/collapse
- Disorientation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased heart rate and body temperature
- Seizures
Heatstroke in dogs can occur rapidly and be fatal. If you suspect your dog is developing heatstroke it’s crucial to bring them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately! While heatstroke is less common in cats, it can still occur. If you have a cat with outdoor access, be mindful of the temperatures and keep them inside during the hotter parts of the day.
Practicing Heat Safety for Pets:
- Always make sure your pet has access to shade and water when outdoors
- Keep pets indoors during high temperatures and limit walks
- Don’t jog, run, hike, play fetch, or other forms of exercise with your pet in the heat
- Never leave a pet in a parked car
- Be mindful of hot sidewalks as these can burn your pet’s paws
Dangerous Plants and Animals
California is known for its abundance of outdoor recreation, but if you’re planning to hike or camp with your dog, there are some dangers you should be aware of. California is home to predators such as bears, cougars, coyotes, and wolves.
Rattlesnakes and porcupines can also be found across the state, which can cause injury if provoked. Along trails, pet owners should look out for hemlock, which is highly toxic if ingested, and foxtails, which can become embedded in your dog’s skin, nose, and even lungs.
Keeping Your Pets Safe Outdoors in California:
- Always stay on marked trails and keep your dog leashed, avoid hiking with dogs in the backcountry or in known predator territories, and heed any posted warning signs
- Don’t leave pets unattended in yards in coyote territory, especially cats and smaller dogs
- Use caution around woodpiles, bushes, and rocks where rattlesnakes may be hiding
- Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines and parasite preventatives, in some regions, your veterinarian may recommend the rattlesnake vaccine
- If your dog does have a run-in with wildlife or a dangerous plant, seek veterinary care right away, especially if they get bit, scratched, quilled, or ingest a toxic plant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Average Cost Of Pet Insurance In California?
On average, California pet owners will spend between $40 and $70 per month to insure a dog, and between $25 and $30 a month to insure a cat. While these are some average ranges, it’s important to note that pet insurance is highly individualized. Your premiums will be determined by your individual pet’s breed, age, sex, medical history, and location. Your chosen level of coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rate will also factor into your monthly cost.
What Is The Average Cost Of Veterinary Care In California?
California is known for its high prices, and veterinary care is no exception. The cost of veterinary care in California is significantly higher than the national average, but being such a large state, individual costs can vary widely by region. Rural areas of California are known to have much lower costs than big cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Overall, California’s veterinary costs are similar to other high-cost-of-living states like New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.
How Does Pet Insurance In California Compare To Other States?
Unlike most states, the pet insurance market in California is strictly regulated. Providers must disclose all exclusions upfront and be transparent about their basis for denying claims. This hasn’t changed the market much, most top providers offer coverage in the state, but you may see more exclusions listed. Overall, California pet owners have nearly the same options for coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates as other states, but premiums tend to be higher due to the state’s higher-than-average living costs.
Are There Any Special Pet Insurance Discounts Available In California?
There are no statewide pet insurance discounts in California, but some providers do offer other forms of discounts. Discounts for insuring multiple pets or bundling with other services like home or auto (only available with certain companies) are available with some plans. Pet owners who have served in the military may also be eligible for further discounts with certain providers. Occasionally, promotional offers are also extended for newly adopted pets. Be sure to check with your chosen provider to explore all discount options.
Find out more
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Find out about coverage options for surgeries.
- Accident-Only Pet Insurance – Deciding if accident-only insurance is enough.
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Seeking coverage for existing health conditions.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Selecting the right plan for your senior pet.
- What is Pet Insurance? – Everything you need to know about pet insurance.
- Pet Dental Insurance – Considering dental insurance for comprehensive care.
- Life Insurance for Pets – The benefits and considerations of pet life insurance.
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Analyzing the cost and benefits of pet insurance.
Lauren Rey
Author
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
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