The Best Pet Insurance In Florida (2024)
Florida is a wonderful state for animals. Between the fantastic weather, beaches, dog parks, and many pet-friendly locations, pets and their owners are sure to have a sun-filled time. Another part of being a great pet parent is ensuring that your pet receives quality veterinary care so that it can live its happiest and healthiest life. Unfortunately, stacked vet bills can quickly become expensive, especially for emergency visits or chronic illnesses. It’s even estimated that one in three pets will need emergency care each year. Even if your pet is young or healthy right now, dog or cat insurance can provide you with an important safety net should your pet need sudden care for an accident or illness.
The 5 Best Florida Pet Insurance Companies
Continue reading to learn more about the following pet insurance providers so that you can choose the best one for your needs:
- 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
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Florida
With so many pet insurance options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Every pet insurance agency is different and will have unique pet insurance plan options, reimbursement rates, coverage terms, deductibles, and exclusive features of its own, like built-in charitable initiatives and user-friendly mobile apps.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of the best pet insurance companies in Florida so that you can see what each provider offers and where their strengths and weaknesses lay.
| Best For | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot |  | Most Inclusive | $22-$80 | Compare Quotes | |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance |  | Most Experienced | $18–$44 | Compare Quotes | |
| Embrace |  | Best for Discounts Offered | $23-$85 | Compare Quotes | |
| Healthy Paws |  | Best for Chronic Conditions | $24–$54 | Compare Quotes | |
| Prudent Pet |  | Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options | $18-$29 | Compare Quotes |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Inclusive |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Experienced |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
| Embrace | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Discounts Offered |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $23-$85 |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Chronic Conditions |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| Prudent Pet | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $18-$29 |
*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.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Florida?
Worthwhile pet insurance options are ample in the Sunshine State. Between Florida’s homegrown company Spot and the many other insurance companies that offer plans to Floridians, you are sure to find a plan that suits you and your pet.
The average cost of pet insurance in Florida is around $40 per month for dogs and $21 per month for cats. Please keep in mind that these numbers will vary depending on your pet’s species, breed, age, health, and more. To recap what pet insurance may cost you month-to-month, we’ve summarized the average monthly cost of pet insurance for each company below.
| Provider | Sample Monthly Cost For Dogs | Sample Monthly Cost For Cats | Sample Monthly Wellness Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $40 | $22 | $9.95 (gold), $24.95 (platinum) |
| Embrace | $35 | $18 | $35 |
| Healthy Paws | $39 | $12 | Not offered |
| ASPCA | $49 | $29 | $9.95 (basic), $24.95 (prime) |
| Prudent Pet | $39 | $23 | $13.95 for cats, $19.95 for dogs |
Where you live in Florida also makes a difference in your rate each month. Fort Lauderdale is the most expensive city to insure your pet in, followed by Miami, Sarasota, Orlando, and Tallahassee, according to quote data we got from Figo Pet Insurance.
| City | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|
| Miami | $29.75 |
| Tallahassee | $17.89 |
| Orlando | $19.07 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $44.94 |
| Sarasota | $20.32 |
*Quotes are for $14,000 in annual coverage with a $250 annual deductible as well as 80% reimbursement. We used a sample dog of a 3-year-old mixed breed weighing between 21-70 pounds. Puppies, senior dogs, and various breeds can alter the above rates.
How Does Pet Insurance Work in Florida?
In Florida, pet insurance works by reimbursing you for out-of-pocket veterinary expenses covered under your pet insurance plan. The reimbursement is typically based on a percentage agreed upon in your plan, usually between 50 and 90%. Once your claim is approved, your pet insurance provider will reimburse you for the agreed-upon percentage.
Since your pet insurance provider works with you rather than directly through your vet’s office, you never have to worry about finding an in-network vet clinic. As long as you’re visiting a licensed veterinarian and your claim is covered under your policy, you’ll receive reimbursement for your pet’s treatment. In short, pet insurance works as a protective solution for unexpected accidents or illnesses that your pet might endure throughout its lifetime, providing you with peace of mind that your pet will be able to receive the treatments they need no matter the cost.
Florida Pet Insurance Resources
- Pet Alliance Orlando: Located in both Orlando and Sanford, Florida, this Pet Alliance works diligently to provide supplemental dog and cat food to those in need. Pet food is available by appointment for individuals in need for up to six months.
- Happy Trails Animal Rescue: The Happy Trails Animal Rescue has a pet pantry that offers pet food and other needed supplies to pet owners going through difficult times. It offers dry and wet dog and cat food, toys, treats, cat litter, and flea prevention for Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties in Florida.
- Spay Florida: Spay Florida is an organization that connects you to low-cost spay and neuter clinics in your community. All of these clinics offer high-quality spaying and neutering at a small cost. Visit its website for options near you.
- Humane Society: The Humane Society offers free vaccinations and dog and cat food at their shelter.
Spot
Most Inclusive
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Most Experienced
Embrace
Best for Discounts Offered
Healthy Paws
Best for Chronic Conditions
Prudent Pet
Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Florida for You
To start, pet parents should figure out whether an accident-only or accident and illness plan would best suit their pet’s coverage needs. Accident-only coverage will only reimburse you for accident-related treatments, such as emergency surgery for a swallowed object or treatment for a broken bone. Accident and illness coverage will provide a financial hedge for all of that and treatments for any unexpected illnesses, such as infections, cancer, diabetes, etc. Wellness plans are another option that you can tack onto your policy for foolproof protection. These elective riders offer coverage for routine and preventative care, such as wellness checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, blood and lab work, etc.
Other things to consider before securing a policy include:
- Does this plan offer dental coverage?
- Are alternative therapies covered?
- Does this plan have an annual or lifetime benefit cap?
- Does this plan cover prescription medications and food?
Final Thoughts
The average annual cost of veterinary care for dogs and cats in Florida is $1,300, underscoring the value of pet insurance for Floridians since most plans will cover 50 to 90%of these costs. This coverage allows you to choose your pet’s treatments based on what will be most beneficial to them, rather than worrying about the costs you’ll face.
Veterinary care continues to advance, and your dog or cat can now be treated for almost everything, especially in large cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando. When choosing a pet healthcare plan for your pet, keep in mind your budget, your pet’s needs, and what you want coverage for the most. Are you looking for routine care coverage or a plan that only covers accidents to help you in the worst-case scenario? Consider your options and gather several free quotes from multiple pet insurance companies before deciding.
Information for Pet Owners in Florida
Florida offers a lot of options for fun in the sun, but what pet laws should you be aware of before taking your pet out for the day? Let’s go over some daytime activities you can do with your pet in Florida and some important laws that you should obey while you’re out to keep your experiences safe for you and your pet.
Florida Pet Laws
Most areas in Florida have strict leash laws that require you to keep your dog on a leash at all times while you’re out. If a dog does bite someone, the owner is held to strict liability even if the owner had no warning that their dog was about to bite someone. No matter how sweet your pup is, dogs can suddenly bite out of fear or anxiety. Leashes are the best way to keep control over your dog, as not all public places are safe for an unrestrained pet anyway.
Another rule: never leave your dog in the car! This one should go without saying. Leaving your dog unattended in a vehicle falls under Florida’s animal cruelty laws and can be an ugly misdemeanor on your record. Hundreds of dogs die each year from heat exhaustion and strokes when left alone in vehicles by their owners. Citizens who spot a dog left in a hot car are protected under civil liability laws and may call 911. Florida is one of eight states — including California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Tennessee — that uphold a “Good Samaritan” law where any person can legally break into a car window to save a pet.
Fun Things To Do With Your Pet in FL
Florida is home to an abundance of pristine beaches where you can take your dog for a run or a dip in the ocean. Plenty of restaurants, such as The Bearded Pig and Harps American Pubs & Grill, are also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your furry pal at home when going out to eat.
Another Florida must-see is the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in St. Augustine — a pet-friendly space featuring planetarium tools used by early Spanish explorers. If that’s not your thing, try Dinosaur World in Plant City, a dog-inclusive theme pack with over 100 dinosaurs spread throughout a jungle setting. Others may enjoy a hike at the Alderman’s Ford Preserve, which features both easy and challenging treks and over 1,000 acres of natural space. Lastly, Lazy Dog Adventures in Key West is worth visiting for those who want to paddleboard with their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Florida
What is the average cost of pet insurance in Florida?
We discovered that Florida pet insurance costs generally range from $35–$85 for dogs and $20–60 for cats, based on quotes we received from popular providers. You will receive different numbers depending on the age, plan type, and coverage limitations of your pet.
What does Pet Insurance Typically Cover?
Depending on what type of plan you choose, your pet insurance plan will cover different things. Accident-only plans provide medical coverage for accidental injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, and prescription medications. Accident-and-illness plans try to extend that coverage to include cancer treatments, digestive illness, hip dysplasia, and similar issues.
Our Methodology
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