Best Pet Insurance In North Carolina
Pet owners can help pay for veterinary expenses by enrolling in pet insurance. North Carolinians can choose from several insurance providers to protect their pet, including Pets Best, Lemonade, and others.
Written by
Adeleine Whitten
Adeleine Whitten is a seasoned writer and lifelong pet owner with extensive experience in crafting content about veterinary topics that resonates with a diverse audience. She currently works as an in-house and freelance copywriter in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, you can often find her with a good book or in the Taco Bell drive-thru.
Last Update on Jan 15, 2024
Table of Contents
Exploring the beautiful mountains and beaches of North Carolina is better with a pet. But with the cost of veterinary care continuing to climb, having a pet has become even more of a financial responsibility, especially if they were to become ill or injured.
Pet insurance helps pet owners across the country afford this type of care without breaking the bank. If you’re considering enrolling your pet in pet insurance, there are many options available to North Carolinians and their animal companions.
Top Pet Insurance Providers In North Carolina
Best for comprehensive coverage and care
Pets Best
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
3 days for accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
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Pros
- Access to 24/7 telehealth service
- 3-day waiting period for accidents
- Many plan types and deductibles
- No upper age maximum or reduced coverage for senior pets
- Option to pay vet directly
Cons
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament events
Additional Details
Pros
- Several accident and illness plans, accident-only plans, and routine care add-ons
- Fast claim processing
- Short waiting period for accidents
- 24/7 telehealth service
Coverages:
- Accident and illness plans
- Accident-only plans
- Optional add-on for routine care
Claims process: Online via the Pets Best website or mobile app or through email, fax, or standard mail
Coverage details:
- All accident and illness plans cover accidents, illnesses, cancer treatments, hereditary and congenital conditions, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing and chronic conditions, diagnostics, behavioral conditions, dental, prosthetic devices and wheelchairs, and end of life care
- Most accident and illness plans cover exam fees, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, physical rehabilitation, and prescription medications
- Accident-only plans cover accidents such as broken bones, foreign object swallowing, poisoning, car accidents, lacerations, or snake bites
- Routine care add-on covers expected veterinary visits, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other expected medical care
Best for fast approvals
Lemonade
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
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Pros
- AI-powered claim processing and near-instant approvals
- Several coverage options and add-on packages
- 2-day waiting period for accidents
- 5% annual discount, 5% multi-pet discount, and 10% bundling discount
Cons
- Doesn’t pay the vet directly
- No 24/7 telehealth service
- 14-day waiting period for illnesses
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament events
Additional Details
Lemonade uses advanced AI technology to quickly enroll pets and approve claims sometimes instantly. Plans can be customized to fit pet owners’ budgets and desired coverage. Additionally, their easy-to-use app makes filing claims easy, even on the go.
Coverages:
- Base plan covers costs related to accidents and illnesses
- Optional add-ons cover a range of additional costs and preventative care for an added premium
Claims process: Online through the Lemonade app
Coverage details:
- Accidents and illnesses include broken bones, accidental ingestion, ear infections, diabetes, hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer, hospitalization, diagnostics, medications, and more
- Optional add-ons include coverage for vet visit fees, physical therapy, dental, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance
- Optional preventative care packages include coverage for non-emergency and routine medical costs.
Best for higher risk pets
ManyPets
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
15 days for accidents and illnesses, 24 hours for wellness coverage
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
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Pros:
- Coverage for exam fees related to accidents and illnesses
- No extended waiting period for cruciate ligament events
- No annual or lifetime maximums
Cons:
- 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
- No 24/7 telehealth service
- Doesn’t pay the vet directly
Additional Details
ManyPets provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical conditions. Their accident and illness plans have no annual or lifetime maximums, and pet owners have the option to enroll in wellness coverage as well.
Coverages:
- Accident and illness plans
- Optional wellness coverage
Claims Process:
Online through the ManyPet portal or by phone
Coverage Details:
- Accident and illness plans cover vet visits, exams, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, and other costs related to conditions such as broken bones, road accidents, poisonings, sickness, disease, hereditary conditions, cancer, dental illnesses, and more
- Wellness add-on covers costs for care such as vaccines, vitamins, supplements, dental cleanings, testing, and parasite prevention
Best for plan and budget flexibility
Embrace
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic conditions
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
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Pros:
- Customizable coverage, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual maximum
- 24/7 telehealth service
- Covers exam fees
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- Doesn’t pay vet directly
- No wellness insurance plans
Additional Details
Embrace covers just about every accident and illness that isn’t considered a pre-existing conditions. Their plans include many choices to customize coverage, and their wellness rewards program helps you budget for preventative care as well.
Coverages:
- Customizable plans cover nearly all accidents, illnesses, and conditions
- Wellness rewards program to help budget for preventative care
Claims process:
Online through the Embrace website or app
Coverage details:
- Accidents include broken bones, ligament tears, osteosarcoma, and more
- Illnesses include dental illnesses, lyme disease, parasites, parasites, and other preventable illnesses
- Conditions include cancer, arthritis, diabetes, hip dysplasia, allergies, and other breed-specific, congenital, and genetic conditions
- Coverage includes treatments, rehabilitation, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, diagnostic testing, and prescription medications
Best for younger pets
Figo
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic injuries
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
Show More Details
Pros
- 1 day waiting period for accidents
- 24/7 telehealth service
- Option for 100% reimbursement
- Includes social features to connect with local pet owners and find pet-friendly activities
- 5% multi-pet discount
Cons
- Doesn’t cover dental illnesses
- Doesn’t cover exam fees
- 14 day waiting period for illnesses
- 6 month waiting period for orthopedic injuries
- Limited coverage for older pets
Additional Details
Figo offers near immediate coverage for accidents with one of the shortest waiting periods in the market. Additionally, North Carolina pet owners can take advantage of 24/7 telehealth access and social features to connect with other pet owners locally.
Coverages:
- Illness and injury plans
- Optional wellness add-on
- Optional veterinary exam fees add-on
Claims process: Online through the Figo Pet Cloud or through phone or fax
Coverage details:
- Common illnesses such as colds and skin issues
- Accidents and emergencies such as broken bones or vehicular injuries
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes
- Hereditary and congenital disorders such as hip dysplasia and heart problems
- Cancer treatment including radiation, chemo, and surgeries
- Wellness and preventative care including yearly exams, vaccines, and diagnostic tests
Exclusions And Limitations
Although pet insurance can cover the costs of many expenses related to pet ownership, there are a few exclusions to be aware of before enrolling your furry friend. For example, any care your pet needs during the applicable waiting periods will not be covered.
In addition to waiting period considerations, pet owners should also be aware of any pre-existing conditions their pet may have. If your pet has shown symptoms of or has been treated for a condition prior to coverage kicking in, most pet insurance plans will not cover it in the future.
Other costs that are commonly excluded or limited include:
- Training
- Grooming
- Daycare/boarding
- Experimental treatment
- Pregnancy/breeding
- Cosmetic procedures (such as ear cropping, tail docking, or declawing)
Cost Of Pet Insurance In North Carolina
The cost of your pet insurance plan can depend on a number of factors, so consider getting quotes and shopping around.
In North Carolina, the cost of your pet insurance could be affected by:
- Pet type
- Pet breed
- Pet age
- Location
- How many pets will be insured
- Medical history
- Plan type or add-ons
- Deductible
- Reimbursement amount
- Annual maximum
You could also receive discounts for loyalty, multiple pets, or by bundling with other insurance offerings.
In North Carolina, the average cost of pet insurance is as follows:
- Dogs: $15 – $116
- Cats: $12 – $45
- Exoic Pets: $13 – $50
Cost Of Pet Insurance In North Carolina Versus Other Regions
Location can affect the cost of pet insurance because the cost of veterinary care varies. If veterinary care is more expensive where your pet resides, then it will typically cost more to insure them and vice versa.
In North Carolina, the average cost to insure a dog is slightly lower than the national average, while the average cost to insure a cat is slightly higher. This could be due to cost of living or availability of veterinary care.
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is typically more expensive than other parts of the state. Charlotte may also be more expensive due to the higher cost of living. Pet insurance in North Carolina is also typically more expensive than South Carolina or Tennessee.
Pet Laws in North Carolina
As with any other state, pet owners in North Carolina should be aware of the pet ownership laws set by local officials. Although there is no statewide licensing requirement for pets, the following laws should be obeyed:
- Dogs over six months are not permitted to run at night unless accompanied by their owner
- Cities can establish their own pet licensure laws, which must be followed by residents
Additionally, pet owners should be aware of additional laws set by North Carolina cities if they reside in or are visiting those areas:
Charlotte
- All cats, dogs, and ferrets four months and older must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination
- The licensing fee for neutered/spayed pets is less than the fee for unneutered/unspayed pets
- Dogs must be on a leash or contained within a fence at all times
Raleigh
- Dogs and cats four months and older must be vaccinated against rabies
- Dogs cannot be tethered outside for more than 3 hours in any 24 hour period
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Pet Insurance Reimbursement Percentage?
Pet insurance typically works on a reimbursement model, so the reimbursement percentage determines how much of covered costs will be reimbursed to the pet owner. As a standard, plans with higher reimbursement percentages have higher monthly premiums.
Can I Stay With My Current Vet After Enrolling In Pet Insurance?
Because pet insurance providers reimburse the pet owner directly, it usually doesn’t matter what vet you see after enrolling in pet insurance, as long as they are properly licensed.
How Will I Know Which Costs Are Covered By My Pet Insurance Plan?
Every pet insurance plan is different, so it’s always best to check directly with your insurance provider to understand what’s covered. You may be able to find this on their website/app or by calling them directly.
At What Age Should I Enroll My Pet In Pet Insurance?
Most pet insurance providers will allow you to enroll your pet as early as eight weeks old, but you can enroll them later in life as well. It’s important to know, however, that some insurance plans may have maximum age limits for newly enrolling pets.
Find out more
- Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – Discover the convenience of direct payments.
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Solutions for pets with health histories.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Coverage tailored for older pets.
- Life Insurance for Pets – Understand the benefits for your pet’s future.
- What is Pet Insurance? – An overview for new pet owners.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Budgeting for your pet’s health care.
- Pet Dental Insurance – Coverage for dental health needs.
- Accident-Only Pet Insurance – Focusing on accident-related coverage.
Adeleine Whitten
Author
Adeleine Whitten is a seasoned writer and lifelong pet owner with extensive experience in crafting content about veterinary topics that resonates with a diverse audience. She currently works as an in-house and freelance copywriter in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, you can often find her with a good book or in the Taco Bell drive-thru.
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