The Best Pet Insurance in Iowa (2024)
Iowa is a wonderful place for animal lovers. It’s a haven for horseback riders and equestrian fanatics, and it has more pigs than any other place in the U.S. However, farm animals aren’t the only critters roaming the Hawkeye State. According to the AVMA’s 2018 report, Iowa was one of 10 states with higher-than-average cat ownership rates.
Nearly 60% of Iowan households have furry family members, all needing top-notch healthcare. Vet costs are rising nationwide, which means you’ll pay more every time you visit the vet’s office. Pet insurance is the fast-growing tool to help pet owners cover expensive vet care and avoid financial stress in emergency situations.
To give you an idea of what the best pet insurance is in Iowa, we’ve scoured the fine print of top provider policies and provided you with the scoop on the pros and cons of each. In fact, this article will review five of the top pet insurance companies up and running in Iowa.
The 5 Best Iowa Pet Insurance Companies
- Spot: Best overall
- Lemonade: Most affordable
- ASPCA: Most experienced
- Embrace: Best for deductibles
- Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Iowa
| Best For | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot |  | Most Inclusive | $22-$80 | Compare Quotes | |
| Lemonade |  | Most Affordable | $16–$30 | 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 |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Inclusive |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| 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 |
Pet Insurance Companies in Iowa Reviews
We know it’s overwhelming to choose from the wide variety of pet health insurance companies on the market. You’re a busy pet parent and don’t have time to sift through endless pages of policy rules, exclusions, and prices. Therefore, we’ve done the heavy lifting and compiled reviews of Iowa’s best pet insurance companies.
The providers below offer up a wide array of customizable plans and add-on packages, so you’ll get the most bang for your buck. You’ll also find that each allows you to personalize your pet insurance policy and rate to fit your unique budget needs.
Spot
Most Inclusive
Lemonade
Most Affordable
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Most Experienced
Embrace
Best for Discounts Offered
Healthy Paws
Best for Chronic Conditions
How Does Pet Insurance Work in Iowa?
Pet insurance in Iowa operates on a reimbursement system. This means you’ll pay for veterinary services in full, submit a claim to your pet insurance provider, and then receive reimbursement if your claim is covered.
This system is good because you can take your pet to any licensed veterinary clinic you like without having to worry about it denying your specific insurer. You’ll simply log in to your provider’s mobile app or online portal and submit a copy of your pet’s medical records and any itemized receipts from their vet appointments. If you don’t mind waiting a little longer for reimbursement, some providers accept submissions by fax or postal mail.
Once a team member reviews your submission for a covered item, they’ll reimburse you based on your policy’s payout percentage.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Iowa for You
The first step in selecting the best pet insurance is choosing a veterinary provider for your pet. Taking your pet to a trusted and familiar friend will make any unexpected clinic visit less stressful for everyone.
The next step is choosing a pet insurance plan that fits your pet and financial needs. Having trustworthy, solid coverage will allow you to worry about your pet’s health – not your finances – when an emergency strikes.
All the pet insurance providers we’ve discussed operate in Iowa, so you have some great options to choose from. When picking any pet insurance plan, you need to look at the types of coverage offered and any add-ons that could supplement your pet’s care.
Below, we’ll answer some important questions about common plans and add-ons that pet parents have in Iowa.
What does an accident-only plan cover?
An accident-only pet insurance plan provides coverage on your pet’s unexpected injuries. Accident coverage is especially important in rural states like Iowa, where pets are more prone to mishaps like snake bites and broken bones. Accident-only plans can help you cover costs associated with treating these injuries, as well as other accidents like burns, falls, and poison or foreign object ingestion.
Why should I buy a pet wellness plan?
To keep it simple, pet wellness plans help you cover expected annual vet costs. Most wellness plans have per-item preventative care limits, meaning you can only use a certain allotment of your yearly benefit for individual services. Some preventative care plans can save you hundreds of dollars per year, while others merely help you budget.
You should buy a wellness plan if you need help budgeting or have a young pet that’s in and out of the clinic for checkups. Preventative care plans for your pet’s first year of life can help you save money and keep your fur baby’s health up to date.
Do I need exam fee coverage?
Like preventative care services, you can expect to pay for exam fees every year. Exam or office fees are the administrative costs tacked on to each of your veterinary bills. Many vets charge a flat fee for any office visit you complete, even if your pet isn’t diagnosed with or treated for anything.
Providers like Healthy Paws don’t cover office fees because they aren’t unexpected. Other providers will charge a little extra each month for an optional exam fee add-on. Depending on how much your pet visits the vet, office fee coverage might be worthwhile. If your vet visits are few and far between, you might opt to waive add-on coverage and instead budget for expected costs.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost In Iowa?
On average, pet insurance in Iowa costs $30-$50 for dogs and $12-$20 for cats. While researching providers, keep in mind that Iowa’s monthly pet insurance premiums vary by ZIP code.
For example, Embrace’s average price for a 4-year-old mixed-breed dog in Des Moines costs $37 per month. Move over to Davenport, and that same plan costs $45 per month.
If you’re curious about how Iowa’s pet insurance costs vary between providers, take a look at some sample quotes. These prices reflect average monthly costs for a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever and Domestic Mediumhair cat living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
| Provider | Sample Monthly Cost For Dogs | Sample Monthly Cost For Cats | Sample Monthly Wellness Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $41 | $15 | $10-$25 |
| Lemonade | $28 | $12 | $16-$24 for dogs |
| $10-$16 for cats | |||
| Embrace | $40 | $15 | $19-$52 |
| Healthy Paws | $54 | $17 | No wellness option |
| ASPCA | $54 | $20 | $10-$25 |
Final Thoughts
You should never have to choose between your finances and your pet’s health. Luckily, pet insurance can provide you the peace of mind and confidence to handle any unexpected vet visits, no matter the cost. You can choose from customizable monthly prices and coverage levels to achieve a plan that fits your unique needs.
If you’re like us, you agree that making the right choice for your pet’s veterinary care is absolutely crucial. We hope this review of top pet insurance providers makes your decision-making process easier and more informed. With the right plan, your pet is sure to be happy in Davenport, Sioux City, and everywhere in between.
Information for Pet Owners in Iowa
Iowa isn’t just the U.S.A.’s leading ethanol producer and the birthplace of sliced bread; it’s also the home of over 80 state parks and endless outdoor recreation opportunities for you and your pet to enjoy. Whether you and your fur baby need a fun getaway or support during hard times, Iowa’s got you covered.
Here are some animal laws, pet-friendly attractions, and pet owner resources to help you learn your way around the Hawkeye State.
Iowa Pet Laws
Iowa’s pet laws are designed to maintain safe communities and responsible pet ownership.
In Iowa, you must keep your pets leashed at all times unless in a designated off-leash area. If another animal bites you or your pet, you can report the attack to your area’s law enforcement or health department.
Unleashed pets aren’t the only things that bite. Some of Iowa’s wild animals, like skunks and bats, can spread rabies to your pet. State law requires you to vaccinate your pet against rabies to keep your pet and fellow community members safe.
It is illegal to abandon your pet in Iowa. If you’re unable to care for your pet, you must find it a new home or surrender it to an established shelter.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in IA
Iowa boasts a long list of beautiful natural resources for you and your pet to enjoy. Dog and cat owners can bring their pets along on a hiking or camping trip, and horse owners can take a scenic ride through one of Iowa’s many equestrian trails.
The state is bursting at the seams with pet-friendly businesses. You can visit some of your favorite breweries, restaurants, and stores with your furry friend in tow.
One of these fur-friendly locations is Lefty’s Live Music, a concert venue and full-service bar in Des Moines, Iowa. Named after the owner’s dog Lefty, the venue is a great place to enjoy live music, local brews, snacks, and – of course – the company of fellow dog-lovers. Remember to bring along some canine ear protection to keep your dog’s ears safe while it enjoys the show.
Iowa Pet Resources
The Pet Project Midwest (TPPM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving people and pets in the Greater Des Moines Metro area. TPPM operates a Pet Pantry and Meals on Wheels program to remove financial stress from disabled and underserved community members.
TPPM also operates Iowa Pet Alert, which helps people find their lost pets and report found pets. Iowa Pet Alert operates through a state-wide network of animal organizations and volunteers that work together to reunite pet parents with their beloved animals. Since its establishment in 2009, the non-profit has reunited thousands of families and pets.
It’s illegal to abandon your pet in Iowa, even if you are in financial hardship. If surrendering your pet is your best or only option, you can contact the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. The organization partners with Home to Home to keep animals out of shelters and send them directly to new families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Iowa
How do I get reimbursed for a vet bill?
Simply take your cat to any licensed veterinarian and submit your claim. Depending on your provider, you can submit your claim through its mobile app, online member center, or through the mail. Then, you’ll wait for your provider to approve the claim. Once approved, it will reimburse you for the allocated amount in your pet insurance policy through direct deposit or check.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is health insurance for your pet that reimburses you for part of your pet’s vet bills based on your specific plan’s coverage. Unlike human insurance, pet insurance providers do not pay for your pet’s medical bill at the vet clinic or animal hospital. Instead, your pet insurance provider will reimburse you directly after you’ve submitted your claim.
Most pet insurance plans will reimburse you for between 50 to 90% of the total vet bill. This means that you’ll pay out of pocket for your dog or cat’s medical bill at the time of the visit, then submit your claim to your pet insurance provider, which will then reimburse you for the cost up to your plan’s reimbursement rate.
How much does pet insurance cost?
Pet insurance costs will vary based on your pet insurance provider, location, your pet’s breed, your pet’s age, and more. Other factors that will influence the cost of pet insurance include the type of plan you choose, especially if the plan has extensive coverage and if you opt for preventative care add-ons. The more coverage your plan has, the higher the cost is likely to be.
To give you a general idea of pet insurance costs, we’ve researched the following numbers for you. Currently, most dog insurance plans cost $28 per month on average, and cat insurance plans can cost as little as $11 per month. Depending on the plan, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 per month to $90 per month in most cases.
Our Methodology
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