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The 8 Best Pet Insurance Companies in California (June 2024)

04/18/2024 09:51 AM

After extensive research, the Quartz Advisor reviews team crowned Spot and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance as the top two pet insurance providers in California. We combed through customer reviews and rated popular providers based on pricing, coverage, reputation, and more to help Golden State pet owners choose a plan.

Why Trust Quartz Advisor

Our editorial team follows a strict and comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing pet insurance providers. Our scores are not impacted by advertisers.

27

Companies rated

105

Hours researching

2,700

Quotes collected

What are the Best Pet Insurance Companies in California?

Here are our rankings for the best pet insurance companies in California:

  • Spot: Best overall 
  • ASPCA: Most experienced
  • Embrace: Best for deductibles
  • Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
  • Prudent Pet: Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
  • Figo: Most flexible reimbursement rates
  • Wagmo: Best for immediate reimbursement
  • Trupanion: Most flexible deductible

Compare California’s Best Pet Insurance Providers

Pet insurance plans have variable features, each of which appeals to different pet owners. Use our chart below to see how each of the top plans in California compares to the others.

Best For Star Rating Monthly Cost Link
Spot Spot Most Inclusive
$22-$80 Compare Quotes
ASPCA Pet Insurance ASPCA Pet Insurance Most Experienced
$18–$44 Compare Quotes
Embrace Embrace Best for Discounts Offered
$23-$85 Compare Quotes
Healthy Paws Healthy Paws Best for Chronic Conditions
$24–$54 Compare Quotes
Prudent Pet Prudent Pet Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
$18-$29 Compare Quotes
Figo Figo Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates
$25-$54 Compare Quotes
Wagmo Wagmo Best for Immediate Reimbursement
$18–$28 Compare Quotes
Trupanion Trupanion Most Flexible Deductible
$26-$208 Compare Quotes
Spot
Logo Spot
Best For Most Inclusive
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $22-$80
Compare Quotes
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Logo ASPCA Pet Insurance
Best For Most Experienced
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $18–$44
Compare Quotes
Embrace
Logo Embrace
Best For Best for Discounts Offered
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $23-$85
Compare Quotes
Healthy Paws
Logo Healthy Paws
Best For Best for Chronic Conditions
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $24–$54
Compare Quotes
Prudent Pet
Logo Prudent Pet
Best For Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $18-$29
Compare Quotes
Figo
Logo Figo
Best For Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $25-$54
Compare Quotes
Wagmo
Logo Wagmo
Best For Best for Immediate Reimbursement
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $18–$28
Compare Quotes
Trupanion
Logo Trupanion
Best For Most Flexible Deductible
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $26-$208
Compare Quotes

*Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligaments or orthopedic conditions, may have longer waiting period times, usually six months to a year. This is common among many pet insurance providers, but most illnesses will be covered after the waiting period listed above.

Spot

Most Inclusive
4.8
  • Annual Limits: $2,500–unlimited
  • Reimbursement Rates: 70%–90%
  • Deductible Options: $100–$1,000

Learn more: Spot Reviews

Why We Chose Spot for California Pet Owners

Spot earned 4.8 out of 5 stars in our rating methodology as the most inclusive provider in California. The company’s high marks stem from broad coverage, which includes exam fees and microchipping, and extensive customizations that allow all pet owners to find a plan that fits their needs and budget. For additional affordability, Spot offers a 10% multi-pet discount.

Spot offers straightforward policies with easy-to-understand language and reasonable exclusions. Customer reviews indicate good overall service, although the company does not offer extended customer care hours or a website chat feature.

Pros and Cons

Pros Below-average pricing compared to other California providers we reviewed Five deductible and seven annual limit choices, which is the most of California providers we reviewed Exam fees included in base coverage Cons Wellness plans offer only limited reimbursements according to a fee schedule 14-day waiting period is good for illnesses but longer than other California providers for accidents

Plan Coverage and Cost

Spot plans offer inclusive coverage. Accident and illness plans cover diagnostic and treatment costs related to accidents and illnesses, including dental injuries, behavior disorders, exam fees, and microchipping. Spot doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or supplements used for prevention or maintenance. See the Spot sample plan for details. 

The average cost for a Spot accident and illness plan in California is $53 per month, which is less than the state average of $63 per month and close to the national average of $49 per month. Accident-only plans from Spot typically cost $20 to $30 per month, and wellness add-ons cost $10 or $25 per month.

The table below shows the average monthly costs for Golden State dogs and cats with a Spot accident and illness plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $71
Cat Insurance $35

ASPCA Pet Insurance

Most Experienced
5
  • Annual Limits: $2,500–$10,000
  • Reimbursement Rates: 70%–90%
  • Deductible Options: $100–$500

Learn more: ASPCA Reviews

Why We Chose ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for California Pet Owners

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance scored 5 out of 5 stars using our standard methodology, earning it the title of most experienced pet insurance provider in California. The company is underwritten by PTZ Insurance Agency, which has been providing pet insurance services for several decades. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance shares this underwriter with Spot, making the scope of coverage for each provider similar.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers low pricing despite California’s high cost of living and offers enough customization options to allow policyholders to adjust their premiums up or down. Deductibles start at a low $100, helping to minimize out-of-pocket veterinary care costs for policyholders.

Pros & Cons

Pros Third-cheapest plan of California providers we reviewed Most experienced California provider we reviewed No age limits or restrictions for senior California pets Cons Maximum annual limit of $10,000 is lower than other California providers Can take up to 30 days to process claims

Plan Coverage and Cost

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans offer coverage similar to Spot, including exam fees, microchipping, and diagnostic and treatment costs related to accidents, illnesses, behavior disorders, dental injuries, and more. See the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance sample plan for an exclusion list.

According to our sample quotes, the average cost for an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan in California is $33 per month. This is well below the California average of $63 per month and the national average of $49 per month. Accident-only coverage typically costs less than $20 per month and wellness add-ons are $10 or $25 per month.

The table below shows the average monthly costs for California dogs and cats with an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance accident and illness plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $45
Cat Insurance $21

Embrace

Best for Discounts Offered
4.7
  • Annual Limits: $5,000–unlimited
  • Reimbursement Rates: 70%–90%
  • Deductible Options: $100–$1,000

Learn more: Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews

Why We Chose Embrace for California Pet Owners

Embrace earned 4.7 out of 5 stars from our review team. The provider stands out from the crowd by offering a multitude of stackable discounts, helping to keep Embrace plans affordable. However, Golden State pet owners with furry pals older than age five cannot enroll their pets in an Embrace plan.

For those pets who do qualify for coverage, Embrace provides optional wellness plans. These are different from others on the market, which provide reimbursements according to a set fee schedule. Instead, Embrace Wellness Rewards policyholders can spend their entire benefit amount on any eligible service, similar to a human flexible spending account (FSA).

Pros & Cons

Pros Most flexible wellness benefits of the California providers we reviewed Stackable discounts can offset premium and vet care costs for California pets One of the lowest cost options for California pets who qualify for coverage Cons Does not insure California pets older than five years Six-month orthopedic waiting period is longer than other top California providers we reviewed

Plan Coverage and Cost

Embrace plans cover diagnostic and treatment costs for accidents and illnesses, including hereditary disorders, veterinary exam fees, and behavioral conditions. Some complementary therapies, pregnancy complications, and elective procedures are excluded from coverage. See a sample policy for full details.

According to our sample quotes, the average cost for an Embrace plan in the Golden State is $35 per month. This cost is considerably lower than state and national averages. Embrace wellness rewards programs cost an additional $19 to $52 per month for up to $650 in benefits.

Our table shows the average costs for California dogs and cats with an Embrace accident and illness plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost*
Dog Insurance $46
Cat Insurance $23

*Embrace quotes were adjusted to account for enrollment age limitations. While other providers used 2- and 5-year-old sample pets, we used 2- and 4-year-old sample pets for Embrace.

Healthy Paws

Best for Chronic Conditions
4.3
  • Annual Limits: Unlimited
  • Reimbursement Rates: 50%–90%
  • Deductible Options: $50–$1,000

Learn more: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Reviews

Why We Chose Healthy Paws for California Pet Owners

Healthy Paws earned 4.3 out of 5 stars in our methodology and was named the best California plan for pets with chronic conditions. The company stands out for its experience, highly-rated underwriting, fast claims processing, and unlimited annual coverage.

Healthy Paws plans limit coverage for senior pets by decreasing reimbursement rates and increasing deductibles, but this helps to keep costs low overall. Hip dysplasia is subject to a longer waiting period than other conditions, but the provider’s single accident and illness plan is otherwise well-rounded. Healthy Paws doesn’t offer wellness coverage or other add-ons.

Pros & Cons

Pros Fifth-cheapest plan of the California providers we reviewed Healthy Paws contributes charitable donations to pet organizations No annual, per-incident, or lifetime limits for California pet owners to worry about Cons Reimbursement rates as low as 50% for senior California pets One of few California providers we reviewed with no option for wellness coverage

Plan Coverage and Cost

Healthy Paws offers a single accident and illness plan that excludes coverage for exam fees, behavior disorders, routine care, pre-existing conditions, and hip dysplasia in the first year or for pets enrolling after age six. The plan covers costs for the diagnosis and treatment of accidents and illnesses, including hereditary disorders, chronic diseases, and cancer.

According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Healthy Paws plan in the Golden State is $47 per month. This is close to the national average of $49 per month and well below the California average of $63 per month.

The table below shows the average monthly costs for California dogs and cats with a Healthy Paws plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $67
Cat Insurance $27

Prudent Pet

Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
4
  • Annual Limits: $2,500–unlimited
  • Reimbursement Rates: 70%–90%
  • Deductible Options: $100–$1,000

Learn more: Prudent Pet Insurance Reviews

Why We Chose Prudent Pet for California Pet Owners

Prudent Pet earned 4.6 out of 5 stars from the review team and is our pick for California pet owners looking for basic options. Prudent Pet provides a variety of plan levels to match any budget and offers optional wellness in three tiers. With no age limits and an unlimited option, pets belonging to Prudent Pet policyholders are covered at any age.

Pricing for Prudent Pet policies is in line with national averages and we noted that pricing didn’t differ much between pets of different ages or breeds. This means you may find lower-cost coverage with Prudent Pet than some other providers if you have a notoriously unhealthy breed.

Pros & Cons

Pros One of the top five cheapest plans of California providers we reviewed Five-day accident waiting period is better than several other popular providers Includes poison control consultation fees for mischievous California pets Cons Prescription food for most conditions is excluded from coverage Six-month waiting period for ligament condition coverage in California

Plan Coverage and Cost

Prudent Pet plans cover diagnostics and treatments related to accidents and illnesses, including hereditary conditions, behavioral conditions, cancer care, stem cell therapy, and alternative therapies. Prudent Pet does not cover pre-existing conditions, experimental treatments, most prescription foods, and treatments not administered by a vet. You can check out Prudent Pet’s full coverage and exclusion list here.

The average cost for a Prudent Pet plan in California is $51 per month, according to our sample quotes. This is around the national average of $49 per month and well under California’s average of $63 per month. Pet owners looking for accident-only coverage will pay around $20 per month, exam fees cost an additional $8 to $13 per month, and wellness plans range in cost from $8 to $30 additional per month. 

The table below shows the average monthly costs for Golden State dogs and cats with a Prudent pet accident and illness plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $65
Cat Insurance $37

Figo

Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates
5
  • Annual Limits: $5,000 to unlimited
  • Reimbursement Rates: 70%–100%
  • Deductible Options: $100–$1,500

Learn more: Figo Pet Insurance Reviews

Why We Chose Figo for California Pet Owners

Figo earned 5 out of 5 stars and our title of California provider with the most flexible reimbursement rates. The provider is one of few that offers a 100% reimbursement, although it can be combined only with higher deductible offerings to balance overall costs. 

Figo policyholders have access to its comprehensive pet care app to store medical records and file and track claims, which are typically processed in less than three days. Pricing is higher than average among California providers and does not include exam fees in the standard coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros Offers a 100% reimbursement rate for California pet owners looking to maximize reimbursements Partners with Costco to offer significant discounts to California policyholders Features fast claims processing via the user-friendly app Cons Fourth-most expensive plan of the California providers we reviewed Minimal wellness plan reimbursements compared to some competitors and only one wellness option in California

Plan Coverage and Cost

Figo covers diagnostics and treatments for accidents and illnesses, and aside from exam fees and prescription foods, the base plan is comprehensive. Coverage for hereditary disorders, chronic diseases, cancer, behavior disorders, dental accidents, and alternative care are included. Excluded from coverage are cosmetic procedures, breeding, parasites, and spaying or neutering. See Figo’s sample policy for coverage and exclusion details.

According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Figo plan in California is $64 per month. This is on par with the average for California but is one of the higher-priced plans we reviewed. Exam fee add-on coverage costs anywhere from $7 to $17 or more per month and a single wellness plan is offered in the state for $9.50 per month.

The table below shows the average monthly costs for Golden State dogs and cats with a Figo accident and illness plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $82
Cat Insurance $46

Wagmo

Best for Immediate Reimbursement
4
  • Policy Limits: $10,000 per incident, $20,000 annual, $100,000 lifetime
  • Reimbursement Rates: 80%
  • Deductible Options: $250–$1,000

Learn more: Wagmo Pet Insurance Reviews

Why We Chose Wagmo for California Pet Owners

Wagmo earned 4 out of 5 stars as our pick for the best California plan offering immediate reimbursement. Wagmo is a wellness-focused insurance company, offering standalone preventive care plans that aren’t subject to deductibles or reimbursement rates and reimburse up to $1,100 annually. Wellness funds are grouped by category, so you don’t have to worry about a specified fee schedule.

Wagmo also offers accident and illness insurance, which operates like any other standard reimbursement-based plan. Plans have no upper age limit for enrollment and comprehensive coverage but lack customization options and have a long accident waiting period. Policyholders should also keep in mind that instead of annual limits, Wagmo imposes annual, per-incident, and lifetime maximums.

Pros & Cons

Pros Wellness-forward company offers standalone plans for California pets Wellness reimbursements can be approved instantly in the app Low-cost accident and illness coverage with 80% reimbursement can be added to wellness plans for California pets Cons Policies are minimally customizable and subject to fixed limits California pets must wait 15 days for accident coverage

Plan Coverage and Cost

Wagmo plans cover costs related to accidents and illnesses up to the allowed maximums, including hereditary disorders, pet ambulance transportation, cancer, and virtual vet visits. Excluded from coverage are hydrotherapy, prescription food, dental procedures, and wellness care—unless you purchase one of Wagmo’s star wellness plans. See the Wagmo plan for a full exclusion list.

According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Wagmo pet insurance plan is $38 per month, which is below the national and state averages. However, when combined with a wellness plan that ranges in cost from $25 to $65 per month, Wagmo plans are more in line with other providers.

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $47
Cat Insurance $28

Trupanion

Most Flexible Deductible
4
  • Annual Limits: Unlimited
  • Reimbursement Rates: 90%
  • Deductible Options: $0–$1,000 per condition

Learn more: Trupanion Pet Insurance Reviews

Why We Chose Trupanion for California Pet Owners

Trupanion earned 4 out of 5 stars as our pick for the California plan with the most flexible deductibles. The company operates on a unique vet-direct pay business model, allowing policyholders who use contracting veterinarians to to only pay their portion of the bill and rely on the company to pay the remainder for them at checkout.

Trupanion plans are high-coverage and convenient, but they lose points for minimal customizations, often unaffordable pricing, and a per-incident deductible structure that may confuse some pet owners. Deductibles are offered on a unique sliding scale from $0 to $1,000 in $5 increments.

Pros & Cons

Pros Per-condition deductible can be advantageous for California pets with chronic health conditions that carry over from year to year Optional breeding rider is a rare find for California providers The only California provider we reviewed that relies on the convenient vet-direct pay model Cons Most expensive California pet insurance provider we reviewed Exam fees and wellness care are not covered and not available as an add-on option for California policyholders

Plan Coverage and Cost

Trupanion plans offer unlimited coverage at 90% reimbursement for diagnostics and treatments related to accidents and illnesses, including chronic diseases, hereditary disorders, and problems with breeding or whelping. Rehabilitation and alternative care are available for an additional monthly fee. Exam fees, pre-existing conditions, and wellness care are excluded from coverage. See the Trupanion plan for coverage and exclusion details.

According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Trupanion plan in California is $140 per month, which is more than double the state average. Pricing often increases as pets age, which can make plans unaffordable for seniors and leave pet owners with minimal options for continuing coverage. 

Our table shows the average monthly costs for Golden State dogs and cats with a Trupanion accident and illness plan:

Pet Type Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $189
Cat Insurance $91

How We Ranked the Best Pet Insurance Companies in California

The Quartz research team evaluates pet insurance providers based on a standard scoring system and then determines which providers offer the most relevant features and value for individual states. We heavily weighted cost in our Golden State rankings to account for the state’s high cost of living and variable pet owner incomes. We also prioritized companies that value transparency and have the pet owner’s best interests in mind to comply with California state insurance laws.

Our 5-star rating system is based on a 100-point scale that factors in plans, coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations.  Each factor is weighted differently as follows:

  • Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process for the customer. Affordable rates combined with comprehensive coverage scored top companies the most points.
  • Coverage (20 points): We scored companies based on the treatments and procedures they cover. Providers offering broader coverage and more unique treatments received more points. Companies that impose age limits on new pet enrollment lost points.
  • Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, and preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. Providers offering more plans earned more points.
  • Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet gets only what they need by customizing your policy. Providers who offered a broader range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates scored higher.
  • Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website and mobile app accessibility and usability, and awarded points to companies with the most customer experience options.
  • Industry Reputation (10 points): We assessed each company’s industry reputation by reviewing up-to-date BBB ratings and accreditation information, as well as their years of experience in the industry.
  • Waiting Periods (10 points): Companies with shorter accident and illness waiting periods scored higher than companies with longer waiting periods.

Our team revisits each company monthly to make updates and ensure the information remains accurate.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?

Pet insurance costs depend on where you live, as they’re based on veterinary care costs in your area. Your pet’s species, age, and breed also impact pricing. We obtained sample quotes from 11 providers for four pets, including a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog, a 2-year-old female golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed male cat, and a 2-year-old female Siamese cat, to determine average monthly pricing for California plans.

The average cost of a pet insurance plan in the Golden State is $83 per month for dogs and $43 per month for cats, according to our sample quotes.

Our table shows the wide range of quotes we obtained for hypothetical California pets:


Pet Insurance for Dogs

Pet Insurance for Cats
Low-End$30$20
Average$83$43
High-End$189$91

California Pet Insurance Cost Comparison

California is a notoriously pricey place to live, with a higher-than-average cost of living that varies widely across the state’s metro areas. Pet insurance pricing for California is higher than other states to account for higher veterinary care costs.

Overall, California’s average plan cost of $63 per month is higher than the national average of $49. The state ranks as the third-most expensive for pet insurance plan costs, coming in below Massachusetts’ average plan cost of $75 and Connecticut’s $70.

Compared to other states with large cities, the same plan that costs $63 in California costs $54 in Illinois and $58 in New York. The cheapest state for pet insurance is Arkansas, at $38 per month.

California Dog Insurance Cost

Dog insurance in California costs an average of $83 per month but can range from $30 up to nearly $200 per month depending on the carrier and the individual pet. California’s dog insurance costs rank as the third-most expensive in the nation, similar to the overall average discussed previously. 

How To Save on Pet Insurance in California

Golden State pet owners can employ several strategies to help save on pet insurance costs and make their plans a worthwhile investment. Some pet owners choose to adjust plan choices to lower costs, while others reach out to local organizations to help with overall pet care costs. Possible options include:

  • Choosing a lower annual limit: Reducing the annual coverage limit lowers premiums but increases the chances you’ll go over your limit in a given year.
  • Choosing a higher deductible: Higher deductibles increase the amount you pay for care, which reduces overall reimbursements and lowers your premiums.
  • Switching to accident-only insurance: Accident-only plans provide low-cost coverage for emergencies, but exclude coverage for illness and other non-emergency care.

Additionally, pet owners can find national or local organizations to help them pay for veterinary care that insurance doesn’t cover. Possibilities include:

  • BowWow Buddies Foundation: This national foundation uses donations to fund grants of up to $2,500 for pets facing serious medical issues.
  • Best Friends Animal Society: Best Friends operates pet sanctuaries and maintains a list of foundations providing financial assistance to LA-based pet owners.
  • Assistance Dog Partners: This organization provides financial assistance for owners of service dogs with medical needs.

Cheapest Pet Insurance Company in California

The cheapest pet insurance plan in California is Lemonade, according to our sample quotes and research. Lemonade’s policies offer basic coverage that’s customizable with several add-ons and riders, each costing an additional monthly fee. We recommend Lemonade to pet owners looking for budget-friendly policies and the option to bundle with other insurance products for discounts.

How To Pick Pet Insurance in California

Picking a pet insurance plan can feel like an overwhelming task because of the multitude of available options. We recommend thoroughly researching plan choices to get a feel for what matters to you most, then narrowing down your choices to a short list. Consider the following in your search.

Learn About Plan Types and Structures

Most plans are structured to cover either accidents only or accidents and illnesses–but not all of them are created equal. Some plans are designed to cover emergencies, while others are geared toward long-term care and health. Wellness plans are also available as add-ons to cover routine costs such as spaying or neutering, annual exams, dental cleanings, and vaccines.

Consider Financial Limitations

If you have little savings, purchasing a high-coverage plan may cost more than lower-coverage options each month, but you won’t get hit with surprises when your pet needs care. Alternatively, those with more savings can likely afford to carry a policy with a higher deductible.

Read the Fine Print

The fine print in a sample policy or your actual policy documents may contain confusing or vague clauses that allow for multiple interpretations. Look for clearly worded policy terms that are easy to understand.

Consider Illness Coverage

California pets may live in densely populated urban areas, exposing them to various infectious diseases. Although accident-only plans have tempting premiums, they won’t cover your pet if they get sick with influenza, parvo, or Lyme disease.

Research Plans

Read reviews from customers and organizations to learn the ins and outs of each provider before obtaining quotes for comparison. Choosing a pet insurance plan is a lot like choosing a car–you must do your research beforehand, but at a certain point, you’ll know which is the right one for you.

Pet insurance provider availability varies by state because of differences in insurance laws. We recommend obtaining quotes from your top choices to ensure they operate in your area.

How Does Pet Insurance Work in California?

California pet owners can purchase a pet insurance plan directly through the provider by calling or signing up online. After choosing a policy type and paying at least the first month’s premium, the policy goes into effect. But you can’t file any claims until after a set waiting period has passed, typically between one day and two weeks for accidents, two weeks and 30 days for illnesses, and two weeks up to a year or more for orthopedic injuries. Claims filed during the waiting period are considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage in most cases.

When you file a claim after the waiting period, your policy will first determine the amount eligible for coverage, less any excluded services. Then they will subtract your deductible amount and apply your reimbursement rate to determine how much you’ll get back on the claim. 

For example, if you file a $1,000 claim, assuming all expenses are eligible for coverage, with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement rate:

  • $1,000 – $250 = $750
  • $750 x 90% = $675

You’ll typically pay your provider directly and get reimbursed later after you file a claim, usually through an app or website portal. Some providers, mainly Trupanion, can pay your veterinarian directly in select cases.

California was one of the first states to enact pet insurance consumer protection laws. The main purpose of the Golden State’s laws is to ensure companies are required to provide clear and complete disclosures regarding plan terms and conditions.

Types of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is available in several popular plan types, including:

  • Accident and illness plans: These plans cover diagnostics and treatments for a broad range of conditions, including accidents, emergencies, injuries, acute illnesses, and chronic illnesses.
  • Accident-only plans: Accident-only plans offer limited coverage for accidental injuries and follow-up care, excluding all illness coverage.
  • Pet wellness plans: Wellness plans are not technically insurance. Rather, they’re reimbursement plans. These plans pay you a predetermined, partial amount for each wellness service listed in the plan documents.

Pet insurance isn’t right for everyone. Some alternative options for California pet owners include:

  • Pet savings accounts: Setting aside money for your pet’s care each month can add up to a substantial amount over time. However, when you use this money it’s gone–it doesn’t reset like a pet insurance plan.
  • Hospital wellness plans: Some veterinary hospitals offer in-house wellness plans that allow you to pay in installments for a discounted service bundle, spreading annual costs out over 12 months.
  • Third-party payments: An interest-deferred credit card designed for pet care needs, like CareCredit, offers a way to finance your pet’s care without penalties. Although CareCredit is the most widely accepted option, some hospitals use similar alternatives.

California Pet Owner Resources

California pet owners have financial assistance, education, and other resources available to them to help with their pet’s care. Check out the following helpful links:

California Pet Laws

Pet laws in California regulate statewide pet ownership, ensuring all pets are vaccinated for rabies, licensed with the county, kept in acceptable conditions, and treated with respect, and aren’t a nuisance or danger to others. Each city in the Golden State can enact additional local laws, including:

  • Los Angeles: Dogs over four months must be licensed with the city, but licensing for cats is voluntary and designed to help identify cats who get lost. Dogs must remain on a leash when off the owner’s property and cannot cause a nuisance by being noisy. 
  • San Francisco: Dog breeders aren’t allowed to operate within city limits, but citizens can purchase pets from breeders in surrounding areas. Pets should not be transported in an open pick-up truck or tethered outdoors without meeting specific requirements.
  • San Diego: Pets over three months must be vaccinated against rabies. Pets transported in a vehicle must be restrained to prevent falling or ejection in an accident. When pets are left in hot cars, it is legal to break a window and rescue the animal when law enforcement is called and you have reasonable concern about the animal’s life.

Things To Do With Your Pet in California

California is a vast state where a plethora of pet-friendly activities and adventures await. One favorite for pet owners is a trip to the local dog beach to let their dogs run and play in the sand and water. Popular beaches include Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach or Coronado Dog Beach. 

A trip on the Skunk Train in Fort Bragg might be your pup’s thing if the beach isn’t their style. This dog-friendly train ride appeals to pet owners who enjoy being immersed in history and nature and dogs looking for an unconventional yet relaxing adventure.

Try the Skytrail in Klamath if you and your pet are the forest-dwelling types. This redwood park allows dogs in almost all areas, including the gift shop. Visit with the giant Paul Bunyan or get on the sky tram for once-in-a-lifetime views and experiences for the whole family.

Is California Pet Insurance Worth It?

Veterinary care is costly across the country, but especially so in California where living costs are high overall. Unexpected veterinary costs from illness or accidents can be financially devastating, but a pet insurance policy can prevent losses and give you peace of mind. With pet insurance in place, you pay a predictable monthly premium and get reimbursed for veterinary bills so you can make decisions based on your vet’s recommendations instead of how much is currently in the bank.

We recommend researching pet insurance providers and how pet insurance works to learn more about each plan type and what features are important to you. Narrow down your choices to three or four providers, then obtain quotes to see which offers the best overall value for your specific pet. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California’s climate affect pet health and insurance coverage?

California’s generally warm climate can expose pets to summer hazards, such as heat stroke or paw pad burns from hot pavement. Additionally, sun exposure can worsen some eye conditions and parasites and infections are common year-round. A pet insurance policy with accident and illness coverage reimburses costs for weather-related health issues provided they are not pre-existing.

Is pet insurance in California expensive? 

Pet insurance costs in California are above average because the cost of living in the state is high. The average pet insurance plan costs $63 and will increase in price as pets get older. However, the plan can pay for itself after a single emergency visit or chronic disease diagnosis, which can cost several thousand dollars.

Are California pet insurance providers subject to special laws?

California was one of the first states to enact pet insurance laws, but they aren’t as strict as some other states. California requires pet insurance providers to disclose the fine print details about each plan, such as exclusions, waiting periods, and premium calculations, in clear language.