The Best Pet Insurance in Massachusetts (2024)
Massachusetts is known as The Bay State and the Old Colony State due to its old history, beautiful waters, and incredible fish. As residents of Massachusetts are known, Bay Staters have many unique places that they can take their pets to, including beautiful beaches, forests, trails, and much more.
If you have a pet, it’s crucial that you choose a good pet insurance plan to protect it if it injures itself or develops an illness. So, what is the best pet insurance in Massachusetts?
The 4 Best Massachusetts Pet Insurance Companies
- Spot: Best overall
- ASPCA: Most experienced
- Embrace: Best for deductibles
- Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
Before choosing a pet insurance provider, you must know what each company offers and its strengths and weaknesses. There are many pet insurance companies in Massachusetts, so it can be overwhelming to shop for a pet insurance provider. However, we’ve compiled the following information for you about different pet insurance providers to make an educated decision about them based on various features, such as charitable giving, rates, discounts, coverage, and much more.
| 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 |
| 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 |
*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
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Most Experienced
Embrace
Best for Discounts Offered
Healthy Paws
Best for Chronic Conditions
How Does Pet Insurance Work in Massachusetts?
Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for out-of-pocket veterinary bills. Most pet insurance providers allow you to go to any licensed vet, animal hospital, or veterinary center, so you never have to worry about being “in-network,” like human health insurance. Once you’ve visited the vet, you will submit your claim through your provider’s mobile app or online member center. Once it’s approved, your provider will reimburse you based on the agreed-upon percentage in your policy. Pet insurance covers accidents or accidents and illnesses typically. Some providers also offer wellness add-ons, which provide you with coverage for routine veterinary care costs, such as wellness checkups, routine blood work, and vaccinations.
In short, pet insurance gives you a financial safety net so that you don’t have to worry about the costs of veterinary care if your pet develops an illness or has an accident.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Massachusetts for You
When choosing a Massachusetts pet insurance provider for your pet, there are many factors to consider. To keep it simpler, we recommend beginning by considering what kind of plan you want to enroll your pet in. These are the three primary types of pet insurance plans to consider:
- Accident-only coverage: This type of policy will not cover illnesses but cover costs related to accidents. This plan is for bug bites, animal fights, car accidents, and broken bones. These generally have the lowest monthly premiums.
- Accident and illness coverage: Accident and illness plans are more comprehensive and offer coverage for accidents and illnesses. On top of accidents, this would include coverage for cancer, diabetes, infections, hypothyroidism, and more.
- Wellness plans: Wellness plans are typically an add-on to one of the other pet insurance plan types. These plans will help with the cost of routine veterinary care, such as wellness exams, routine teeth cleanings, vaccinations, and regular blood work.
Once you’ve considered what kind of plan you’d like for your pet, think about other details and options that matter most to you regarding your pet insurance policy:
- Are dental issues covered with the plan?
- Does the pet insurance plan have a lifetime or annual benefits cap?
- Can you talk to your provider through your preferred communication method (live chat, email, phone, etc.)?
- Is your breed of dog or cat more susceptible to certain diseases? Are they covered?
- What are its exclusions?
- How is this company with claims?
- Does the company offer a wellness plan?
- Does this plan cover prescription diets and medications?
- What kinds of reviews does this pet insurance provider have from its customers and consumer report websites, such as the Better Business Bureau?
- Are behavioral treatments or alternative therapies available under this plan?
Consider Massachusetts’ tick prevalence. Ticks can cause diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, so a pet insurance policy with coverage for these diseases may be a good choice.
We recommend choosing a pet insurance provider as quickly as possible because the longer you wait, the more chances your pet will have to develop a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by any pet insurance provider, which is why it’s a good idea to get coverage for everything before anything happens to your pet.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost In Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has many pet insurance providers to choose from. Depending on your pet’s breed, age, and even which part of Massachusetts you live in, the cost of your pet insurance monthly premium will vary significantly. The type of coverage you choose and if you add a wellness plan will impact the cost as well. Typically, you can expect to pay around $30 to $60 per month for dog insurance and between $15 and $30 per month for cat insurance.
| 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) |
Monthly Cost for Pet Insurance by City in Massachusetts
When pet insurance was first introduced to the public, many people scoffed at the idea of paying for insurance for their cat or dog with so many other insurance expenses to pay. It didn’t take paying more than one or two bills from the vet for emergency service for the pets for most of them to change their minds. Pet insurance can take a lot of the stress away from having a sick pet. Here are some examples of what premiums might cost in a few different cities in Massachusetts. This is for a policy that pays 80% with a $250 deductible on a mixed-breed, 55-pound, 5-year old male dog.
| City | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston | $43 |
| Cambridge | $43 |
| Plymouth | $39 |
| Salem | $37 |
| Northampton | $39.43 |
Massachusetts Veterinary Costs
Even if you’re lucky enough to never have to take your dog to the vet for injuries, illnesses, or some other emergency, you’ll still have to pay for routine care to ensure your dog is as healthy as possible and complies with the law regarding required vaccinations. Here are some average annual costs for veterinary costs in Massachusetts:
- Office visit – $50
- Vaccine boosters – $25
- Fecal exam – $25-$45
- Heartworm test – $50
- Heartworm medication – $40
In addition to the routine costs of pet care, pet owners can easily find themselves saddled with hundreds or thousands of dollars in vet bills if the unfortunate happens and the animal becomes seriously ill or injured. Therefore, pet insurance can offer great help paying for many of these extra bills.
Final Thoughts on Top Pet Health Insurance Providers in Massachusetts
Pet insurance is an excellent investment for pet parents looking to protect their pets and finances in the case of an accident or illness. Depending on the type of pet insurance plan, you can even receive coverage for your pet’s routine veterinary care. No matter what kind of plan you choose, you’re making an important investment in your pet’s future healthcare. We at Quartz hope that this piece on the best pet insurance in Massachusetts helps you narrow down your options. Regardless of which pet insurance provider you choose, we recommend that you gather multiple free quotes from several pet insurance providers so that you can weigh your options thoroughly.
Information for Pet Owners in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is an exciting state to visit and a great place to live. With more and more people taking their pets on vacation with them, it’s important to know about all the best dog-friendly places in Massachusetts. Fortunately, this state has a great number of pet-friendly establishments for sleeping, eating, boarding, and playing.
Massachusetts Pet Laws
Massachusetts has a handful of notable pet laws that you should know about, whether you live in Massachusetts or are visiting:
- Massachusetts state law requires that pet owners get licenses for their dogs every year. If your dog is 6 months or older, you need a rabies vaccine and license. Without a license, you could be fined.
- Your dog must be on a leash when you’re off your property. You can’t let your dog roam your neighborhood or bother the public.
- Laws require you to remove and dispose of your pet’s waste. This includes being prepared to clean up after your dog when you are out and about.
- Massachusetts state law prohibits you from leaving an animal in a cold or hot vehicle. Doing so is considered animal cruelty and will result in legal ramifications.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in MA
- Nahant Doggie Beach: This beach is known for being super clean and a great place for pet parents and their dogs. At this beach, dogs are allowed to run and swim as long as they’re on a leash.
- Danehy Dog Park in Cambridge: Danehy Dog Park is a fenced-in dog park with separate areas for small and big dogs. It has a graveled area, grassy area, water, and benches. A perfect outdoor paradise!
- Jenna’s in Weymouth: This popular restaurant is dog-friendly and specializes in delicious tacos and burgers. It offers outdoor seating for you and your dog.
- Peter’s Park in Boston: This huge fenced-in park allows dogs to run around off-leash. This park features benches, graveled areas, and a smaller fenced area for small dogs.
- Marshfield Beaches in Marshfield: Another beautiful Massachusetts beach that allows leashed dogs to swim and run around. It also has a nice walking area.
Massachusetts Pet Resources
If you or someone in your life is in need, there are a variety of great resources to help pet parents take better care of their pets. These services are either free or provided at a discounted rate.
- Alliance for Animals in Boston: The Alliance provides veterinary medical care and spay/neuter assistance to pet parents in need.
- The Animal Rescue League of Boston: The Animal Rescue League helps pet parents keep their pets safe and healthy in their homes. They provide veterinary care, adoption, and field services. They also support special police investigations and advocacy for animal cruelty and neglect.
- Kane’s Krusade: This charity provides pet family support, including housing support, vet care options, spay/neuter services, advocacy, and training.
- Southborough Pet Food Pantry: If you need assistance for cat food, this animal food bank is an excellent option for getting additional pet food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Massachusetts
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.
Do all vets take pet insurance in Massachusetts?
In short, yes. Your pet insurance provider doesn’t work with your vet, so you don’t have to worry about your vet being in-network like a human health insurance plan. Instead, you submit your claim directly to your pet insurance provider, which will reimburse you based on your coverage. This allows you to go to any licensed veterinarian, whether they are at a clinic or animal hospital, to get your pet the care they need. As long as the treatment is covered under your plan, you’ll be covered.
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.
Our Methodology: How We Rated and Ranked Pet Insurance Companies
Other Pet Insurance Resources
-
Does Pet Insurance Cover Flea Treatment?
-
Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescriptions?
-
Emergency Pet Insurance: What’s Covered? (2024 Review)
-
How Much Does Dog Pancreatitis Treatment Cost?
-
Best Pet Insurance Plans for Older Dogs (2024 Review)
-
Best Pet Insurance Plans for Multiple Pets (2024 Review)
-
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Plans of April 2024
-
Does Pet Insurance Cover Parvovirus?
-
Pet Insurance Cost: The Definitive 2024 Guide
