Best Pet Insurance Wisconsin
Pet Insurance options vary greatly among states. Here’s a look at the best pet insurance plans in Wisconsin to keep your pet protected in the Badger State!
Table of Contents
- Pet insurance is one of the best ways you can save on your pet’s veterinary care
- Options for pet insurance vary among states
- Wisconsin is very pet-friendly and has some great insurance options
- Like all states, Wisconsin has some unique hazards that pet owners should be aware of to protect their pets
The Importance Of Pet Insurance
Just as it’s important to have health insurance for ourselves, the same rings true for our pets. Pet insurance is one of the best ways that we can be financially prepared for our pet’s healthcare, especially when it comes to emergency care, which unfortunately, around one in three pets will need each year. Emergency veterinary bills can add up quickly, but pet insurance can help reduce the financial burden.
Now more than ever, with continued rising inflation affecting nearly everything, including the cost of caring for our pets, pet insurance can be a lifesaver. Good coverage can save pet owners thousands on their pet’s veterinary care and prescription medications.
The Best Pet Insurance Plans In Wisconsin
Pet insurance options vary from state to state. Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance plans available in Wisconsin.
Embrace
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Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- 24/7 Pet Telehealth access for policyholders
- 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
One of the top pet insurance providers in the country, Embrace offers expansive coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online, Embrace App, or by email or fax
ManyPets
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Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Unlimited coverage at an affordable price
- No extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions
Cons:
- Hip dysplasia is only covered in pets enrolled prior to age 6
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
One of the leading insurance providers in the UK for quite some time, ManyPets recently entered the US market and has quickly risen in popularity for its unlimited coverage and affordable plans. Coverage includes exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online portal
Pets Best
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Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness
- 24/7 Pet Telehealth access for policyholders
- Emergency direct-vet-pay option
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 quality, affordable coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online, Pets Best App, or by email or fax
Fetch
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Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness and injury
- Highly customizable coverage
- Offers special perks like lost pet help, “healthy pet credit,” and boarding when pet owners are hospitalized
Cons:
- No wellness option
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
The “new kid on the block” that does things a little bit differently, Fetch only offers one plan, but it’s considered one of the most comprehensive on the market. Coverage includes diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Claims Process: Online, through Fetch App, or by email or fax
Figo (Best Pet Insurance Wisconsin)
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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 a well-rounded base plan with optional “power-ups” for pet owners to customize their plans further. Coverage includes diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Claims Process: Digital claims are processed through the Figo Pet Cloud App
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.
Wisconsin Pet Hazards
Like all states, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin:
Extreme Temperatures
Wisconsin can experience some extreme temperatures throughout the year, from very hot and humid summers to freezing cold winters. With temperatures that can drop into single digits in the winter and soar past 80 degrees in the summer, pet owners need to be extra mindful to keep their pets safe.
In high temperatures, even a short walk around the block can turn into a dangerous case of heatstroke, especially for dogs that are older, overweight, or brachycephalic (breeds with shortened, “smushed” noses like Bulldogs or Pugs).
In low temperatures, pets can quickly develop hypothermia or frostbite, especially smaller dogs and those with lower body weights or shorter coats. Many pets will need some form of outerwear during the coldest months to keep warm and walks will need to be as short as possible.
Wisconsin Weather Safety For Pets:
- Never leave your pet outdoors during extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Limit walks during times of extreme hot or cold temperatures
- 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, during hot or cold temperatures
- Keep an eye on where your pet is walking for potential hazards, hot sidewalks in the summer can burn paws while salt and other de-icing agents in the winter can irritate their skin
Antifreeze Poisoning
Because of Wisconsin’s very cold winters, antifreeze poisoning is an unfortunately common occurrence. Both cats and dogs are attracted to this sweet chemical that can be found on sidewalks and driveways during the winter months, often leaking from cars or snowblowers.
Symptoms Of Antifreeze Poisoning In Pets:
- Lethargy
- Stumbling/lack of coordination/confusion
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst/dehydration
- Increased heart rate and respiration/excessive panting
Antifreeze is extremely toxic and can cause kidney failure within just hours. Unfortunately, many pet owners may not even know their pet has come into contact with antifreeze until they begin showing signs of toxicity. Pets often end up ingesting antifreeze by licking it off driveways or sidewalks, or by licking their paws after stepping in it. Even tiny amounts can be fatal. If you suspect your pet has ingested any antifreeze, it’s crucial to get them to the emergency vet immediately.
Preventing Antifreeze Poisoning In Pets:
- Keep dogs on a leash and pay close attention on walks
- Don’t allow cats to wander outside
- Be mindful of suspicious puddles on sidewalks and driveways
- Clean up any antifreeze leaks right away, be careful not to track any into your house
- Keep pets out of the garage or anywhere antifreeze is stored
Dangerous Plants And Animals
If you’re planning to head out into the woods, hiking trails, or campgrounds with your dog in Wisconsin, there are a few animals and plants you should be aware of that can pose a danger. Wisconsin is home to predators like bears, wolves, cougars, and coyotes. Other animals like rattlesnakes, elk, and porcupines can also pose a danger if provoked by your pet.
Unfortunately, Wisconsin has several dangerous plants that you may encounter in the woods. These include hemlock, deadly nightshade, cow parsnip, and jimsonweed, which are all toxic to dogs. Foxtails, which can often be found growing along meadows, can also pose a danger to your dog by becoming embedded in their skin, nose, and can even travel to the lungs.
Keeping Your Pets Safe Outdoors In Wisconsin:
- Stay on marked trails and look out for any warning signs about wildlife or dangerous plants
- Keep your dog leashed so they can’t chase after wildlife or roam into dangerous plants
- Only hike or camp with your dog in designated dog-friendly sites
- Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines and parasite preventatives
- If your dog does have an encounter 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 Wisconsin?
On average, Wisconsin pet owners will pay between $30 and $50 a month to insure a dog, and $20 to $25 a month to insure a cat. However, it’s important to note that pet insurance is highly individualized. Premiums are based on many different factors such as your pet’s breed, age, sex, medical history, and location. Your chosen type of coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rate will also greatly affect your final price.
What Is The Average Cost Of Veterinary Care In Wisconsin?
Overall, the cost of veterinary care in Wisconsin is on par with the national average but individual costs can vary widely by region. Rural areas in Wisconsin tend to have significantly lower costs than those of more populated areas like Milwaukee. For comparison, Wisconsin’s veterinary costs are comparable to average-cost-of-living states like Michigan and Ohio, but lower than high-cost-of-living states like California and New York.
How Does Pet Insurance In Wisconsin Compare To Other States?
Wisconsin’s pet insurance market is fair and consistent with the national average. Most top providers offer coverage in Wisconsin, and there are no outstanding exceptions or exclusions specific to the state. Options for coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates are similar to surrounding states. Overall, pet owners in Wisconsin have plenty of options to choose from and a good chance of finding affordable coverage that fits their pet’s needs.
Are There Any Special Pet Insurance Discounts Available In Wisconsin?
While there are no pet insurance discounts specific to the state of Wisconsin, some providers do offer other ways to save. These can include multi-pet discounts, discounts for bundling with other services like home or auto (only available with certain companies), or discounts for pet owners with military service. Occasionally, pet insurance promotions are offered when adopting a new pet. Check with your provider for more information.
Find out more
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Insights into surgical coverage for pets.
- Life Insurance for Pets – Explore the benefits of life insurance for pets.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Customized insurance solutions for older pets.
- What is Pet Insurance? – A beginner’s guide to pet insurance.
- Pet Dental Insurance – Coverage options for your pet’s dental needs.
- Wellness Plans Worth It? – Evaluate the value of wellness plans.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Breakdown of pet insurance costs.
- Accident-Only Pet Insurance – Coverage for the unexpected accidents.