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The Best Pet Insurance In North Carolina (2024)

Written by
Graci Daby
Written by Graci Daby Author

Graci Daby graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism. She has written for 365 Pet insurance, and edited pet insurance categories across other Insurance focused sites, including MarketWatch. Recently, Graci has been working as an SEO analyst and editor in the pet field for the past 2 years. In her spare time, Graci looks after her fur babies.

04/18/2024 03:09 PM

North Carolina, otherwise known as the Tar Heel State, is known for its fantastic beaches, beautiful weather, and amazing outdoor landscape. There are many wonderful state parks to camp in, and it’s an overall dog-friendly place. While you and your dog are out on an adventure, you may want to consider the potential for accidents, such as your dog being stung by a jellyfish or scraping its paws on rough shells. Even if your pet is young and healthy now, it can develop an illness or have a sudden accident that leads to significant veterinary expenses. 

Pet insurance can provide you with coverage for accidents or illnesses your pet may experience or develop throughout its life. To find out more about pet insurance in North Carolina, keep reading. 

The 6 Best North Carolina Pet Insurance Companies

Compare Pet Insurance Companies in North Carolina

There are many pet insurance companies to choose from in North Carolina, making it overwhelming to know where to begin when it comes to shopping for the best pet insurance plan. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the different pet insurance providers available to North Carolinians. Take time to consider the many different pet insurance plan options available, including features like: multiple rates, coverage, charitable giving, user-friendly mobile apps, discounts, and more. 

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of different North Carolina pet insurance providers.

Best For Star Rating Monthly Cost Link
Spot Spot Most Inclusive
$22-$80 Compare Quotes
Lemonade Lemonade Most Affordable
$16–$30 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
Spot
Logo Spot
Best For Most Inclusive
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $22-$80
Compare Quotes
Lemonade
Logo Lemonade
Best For Most Affordable
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $16–$30
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
Company
Waiting Period
Money-back Guarantee
Maximum Enroll Age
Monthly Cost
14 days
Yes
No age limit
$22-$80
14 days for illnesses, 48 hours for accidents
Yes
14 years old
$18-$60
15 days
Yes
No age limit
$22-$46
14 days for illnesses, 48 hours for accidents
Yes
14 years old
$23-$85
15 days
Yes
14 years old
$14-$45
14 days for illnesses, 5 days for accidents
Yes
No age limit
$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. 

Top 6 Best Pet Insurance Companies In North Carolina

Spot

Most Inclusive
4.8

Learn more: Spot Review

Overview

Spot pet insurance is our best overall pet insurance provider that shines when it comes to its wellness plans. Not only do many pet insurance providers not offer a wellness plan, but Spot offers several options and comprehensive coverage with its wellness plans, giving them a decisive edge over its competition.

Plans & Coverage

Spot’s wellness plans cover everything from routine veterinary appointments to regular teeth cleanings, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, exam fees, and more. Its regular accident and illness plans are also comprehensive and provide coverage for emergency care, poison control consultation fees, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, and more. 

In terms of what it won’t cover, Spot doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, breeding costs, or cosmetic procedures, which are all standard exclusions amongst pet insurance providers. Spot also doesn’t cover exotic animals and will only cover dogs and cats currently. We like Spot’s focus on covering behavioral issues, which makes sense considering Cesar Millan, the famous dog trainer, is a partner of Spot’s. With Spot, he works to educate pet parents on routine pet care and training to minimize long-term, bigger issues. 

Cost

You can expect to pay $10 or more for accident-only plans and $16 or more for accident and illness plans. In most cases, dogs will cost between $30 and $50 per month, while cats will cost around $18 to $25. Spot’s wellness plans are thorough and come in two tiers. The gold tier is $9.95 per month, and the platinum tier is $24.95 per month. 

Pros & Cons

Pros Offers comprehensive wellness plans No upper age limits 30-day money-back guarantee Excellent coverage for both accident and illness-related costs Cons Prescription pet food is not covered Does not cover exotic animals

Lemonade

Most Affordable
4.8

Learn more: Lemonade Review

Overview

Based in New York City, Lemonade pet insurance is a well-rounded company with a wide variety of plans, affordable pricing, and an amazing user-friendly online interface. Lemonade currently offers coverage for cats and dogs but does not offer coverage for exotic animals. If you are looking for an all-in-one package, Lemonade offers homeowners’, renters’, home, car, and life insurance as well, so you can have everything in your life covered with one company, making it easier than insuring with multiple companies. In terms of pros, Lemonade also has a fast claim approval process because you can submit your claim through its exclusive app. Lemonade’s app uses artificial intelligence, which can process your claim in a matter of minutes, compared to some companies that can take weeks to approve your claim.

Plans & Coverage

Pet insurance plans from Lemonade cover many types of treatments, including emergency care, medications, diagnostic testing, and more. Lemonade also offers preventative packages that give you coverage for routine veterinary care, like vaccines, heartworm tests, wellness exams, and more. As is true for most pet insurance providers, Lemonade will not cover pre-existing conditions. It also excludes dental care, elective cosmetic procedures, and behavioral treatments. The average cost of Lemonade pet insurance plans starts at $10 a month, but this cost will vary greatly based on your pet’s location, age, health, and more. 

Pros & Cons

Pros Completely online experience Special preventative care package for kittens and puppies 48-hour wait period for accidents 5% discount for multiple pets insured Cons Only available in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Newer to the market

ASPCA Pet Insurance

Most Experienced
5

Learn more: ASPCA Review

Overview

ASPCA is a partner with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, giving it substantial respect among pet insurance providers. We like that ASPCA offers many personalized deductibles, reimbursement rates, annual limits, and pet insurance plan choices. ASPCA also offers a member center app, which allows you to quickly submit your claims, track your claims, review your benefits, contact ASPCA, and pay your bill. ASPCA’s multi-pet discount and 30-day money-back guarantee are also two considerable pros. 

Plans & Coverage

In terms of coverage, ASPCA covers your pet for many types of accidents and illnesses, including dental diseases, hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, and more. However, we found that its dental coverage was less comprehensive than other pet insurance providers that offered dental coverage. It also provides coverage for alternative therapies, which is a significant plus because many pet insurance providers do not cover these types of treatments. Like most providers, ASPCA won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding costs. However, it offers a similar policy to Embrace regarding pre-existing conditions. If your pet has a curable pre-existing condition and is demonstrated to be symptom-free for 180 days, then the condition will no longer be considered pre-existing. Like most providers, ASPCA only offers coverage for dogs and cats currently. 

A massive plus for ASPCA is that it does not require exams before enrollment, saving pet parents time and hassle. ASPCA’s plans are competitive and average around $49 per month for dogs and $29 per month for cats. Please keep in mind that this cost will vary depending on your pet and location.

Pros & Cons

Pros Coverage for alternative therapies Offers multi-pet discount Partner of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Lower deductibles than most Microchipping coverage Cons Poor customer reviews Low annual coverage limits Coverage waiting period is longer than most

Embrace

Best for Discounts Offered
4.7

Learn more: Embrace Review

Plans & Coverage

Embrace pet insurance offers some of the most comprehensive and extensive coverage available for dogs and cats. Embrace’s plans even include coverage for cancer, hip dysplasia, dental issues, and many other health issues that other pet insurance companies don’t typically cover. It won’t cover pre-existing conditions, but if you can prove that your pet’s pre-existing condition is cured and they remain symptom-free for 12 months, then Embrace will consider the condition no longer pre-existing. This means that you can receive coverage for certain pre-existing conditions, which is extremely rare in the pet insurance industry. On top of this, Embrace has a healthy pet deductible, which lowers your deductible by $50 every year that your pet doesn’t have a claim submitted, effectively saving your money in the long run. 

In terms of cons, Embrace is pricier than some pet insurance. Still, its thorough coverage for accidents and illnesses can save you a lot in the long run if your pet develops a chronic condition or has a serious accident or illness. We also like that Embrace covers medications, grooming, preventatives, and prescription pet foods, which many providers don’t cover. Embrace won’t cover breeding, DNA testing, cloning, or cosmetic procedure costs. Most Embrace plans fall between $20 and $100 per month, depending on your pet’s breed, age, location, and more. If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, Embrace is an excellent choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros “Healthy Pet Deductible” reduces your deductible by $50 each year with no claims Donates $2 to charity for every policy sold Comprehensive coverage for breed-specific and congenital conditions Microchipping and spay/neuter coverage 10% multi-pet discount, 5% military discount Cons Pricier wellness plan option Strict pre-existing condition policy

Healthy Paws

Best for Chronic Conditions
4.3

Learn more: Healthy Paws Review

Overview

Healthy Paws is a more affordable pet insurance option with many benefits for pet parents with chronic conditions, including no lifetime limits and fast claims processing. Unfortunately, Healthy Paws does not offer wellness plans, so if you’re looking for coverage for regular veterinary care, you’re out of luck. It also doesn’t offer a multiple pet discount. However, Healthy Paws has a fantastic price point and a great emphasis on charitable giving. To date, it has donated to over 300 nonprofit pet organizations, and it continues donating with each pet insurance quote generated. Its fast claim processing is another bonus. Healthy Paws can reimburse you within 24 hours of claim processing through its mobile app, so you won’t be left waiting around to be refunded. 

Plans & Coverage

In terms of coverage, Healthy Paws offers comprehensive plans that cover a variety of accidents and illnesses, including emergency care, hereditary conditions, treatment for chronic diseases, surgery, cancer, and more. None of its plans will cover pre-existing conditions, but this is standard amongst pet insurance providers. To date, Healthy Paws does not offer coverage for exotic animals, only dogs and cats. Its pet insurance plans average $39 per month for dogs and $12 per month for cats, which is less expensive than many other pet insurance plans available.

Pros & Cons

Pros Underwritten by the Chubb Group, an A+ rated insurer Has an easy to use mobile app for easy claim submission Unlimited lifetime benefits Donates to over 300 nonprofit pet organizations More affordable than many other options Cons One time customer fee of $25 No wellness plan options

Prudent Pet

Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
4

Overview

If you’re looking for unlimited annual coverage, Prudent Pet is a great choice because it has multiple plan options. One of its plans, the ultimate plan, offers unlimited annual coverage, so you don’t need to worry about hitting a cap if your pet requires extensive treatments. Prudent Pet only currently offers coverage for dogs and cats and does not cover pre-existing conditions. On top of this, it won’t cover alternative therapies, prescription food and diets, and travel expenses. 

Plans & Coverage

Prudent Pet does offer comprehensive accident and illness coverage for pets and has a wellness plan option. Its wellness plan option will help cover the costs of routine veterinary care costs, such as vaccinations, regular blood work, and vet exam fees. In terms of price, Prudent Pet is quite reasonable, and you can expect to pay about $39 for your dog and $23 for your cat. Wellness plans will cost $19.95 per month for your dog and $13.95 for your cat. We like that Prudent Pet offers low-cost accident-only plans and a 10% discount for multiple pets insured through them. Prudent Pet also has an excellent customer satisfaction rating and an A+ score from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to this, Prudent Pet uses artificial intelligence to process its claims and says it has a faster response time and claims processing due to this. 

Pros & Cons

Pros No maximum age cap All online agents and customer service representatives are licensed former vet techs Reimbursement for posted rewards and advertising efforts for stolen or lost pets Unlimited annual payout option available Policyholders are entitled to a 30-day money-back guarantee Cons Pricier monthly premiums No available mobile app

How Does Pet Insurance Work in North Carolina?

Pet insurance works through you and not your vet’s office. Unlike human medical insurance, pet insurance will reimburse you directly for out-of-pocket veterinary expenses that are covered under your pet insurance plan. Your reimbursement will usually be based on a percentage agreed upon in your plan, which typically falls between 50 and 90%. After submitting your claim to your provider, it will process the claim, and once approved, you’ll be reimbursed for that agreed-upon percentage. 

The benefit of working directly with your pet insurance provider, rather than it working with your vet, is that you can choose any vet practice you want. You never have to worry about seeing a veterinarian who is “in network.” As long as they are a licensed veterinarian and the medical care your pet receives is covered by your plan, you’ll be reimbursed. Overall, we recommend treating pet insurance as a safety net for unexpected illnesses or accidents. 

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in North Carolina for You

When choosing a pet insurance provider for your beloved pet, there are many things to consider. We recommend starting with the type of plan you want for your pet. Most pet insurance providers offer three main types of plans:  

  • Accident-only coverage: As the name implies, this plan only offers coverage for accident-related health problems, such as treatment for a broken bone or emergency surgery if your pet swallows something. 
  • Accident and illness coverage: Accident and illness coverage includes everything listed above and coverage for developed illnesses. Pre-existing illnesses are not covered, but any illnesses your pet develops while on your pet insurance plan can be covered. This could include conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, cancer, infections, and more. 
  • Wellness plan: This is usually an add-on to one of the above plans and helps with the cost of routine veterinary care, such as vaccinations, regular vet checkups, and teeth cleanings.

After considering the different plan types, think about other details and options within those plans that matter most to you.

  • Are alternative therapies or behavioral treatments available under this plan?
  • Does the plan have a lifetime or annual benefit cap?
  • Can you communicate with your provider via your preferred communication method (email, live chat, phone, etc.)?
  • Are dental problems covered under this plan?
  • Does this plan cover prescription diets and medications?
  • What kind of reviews does the pet insurance provider have from customers and consumer report websites, like the Better Business Bureau?

How Much is Pet Insurance in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a multitude of pet insurance providers that you can choose from. Depending on your pet’s age, breed, and even the city you live in, the cost of pet insurance can vary greatly. The type of plan you pick will also significantly impact your monthly cost, especially if you choose more comprehensive plans or add a wellness plan on top of your pet insurance plan. Generally, you can expect to pay around $45 per month for dogs and $25 per month for cats in North Carolina. 

ProviderSample Monthly Cost For DogsSample Monthly Cost For CatsSample Monthly Wellness Cost
Spot$40.00$22.00$9.95 (gold), $24.95 (platinum)
Lemonade$37.00$15.00$10 to $34/month for cats, $15 to $40/month for dogs
Embrace$35.00$18.00$35
Healthy Paws$39.00$12.00Not offered
ASPCA$49.00$29.00$9.95 (basic), $24.95 (prime)
Prudent Pet$39$23$13.95 for cats, $19.95 for dogs

When we requested estimates from Figo Pet Insurance, we entered information about an average dog that weighs at least 21 pounds and is 3 years old. The rates below include 80% reimbursement and a $250 deductible with $14,000 in annual benefits. Figo offers exam fees for just a few dollars more. The quote you get may depend on factors such as what you want in a plan and the age of your dog, as well as its size and where you live.

CityMonthly Cost
Wilmington$32.40
Raleigh$32.95
Winston-Salem$32.95
Charlotte$34.01
Greensboro$34.01

Final Thoughts on Top Pet Health Insurance Providers in North Carolina

Pet insurance is a valuable resource for pet parents and can give us peace of mind knowing that our pets will be covered if they get in an accident or develop an illness. As veterinary care continues to advance, the cost of medical care for our pets will also continue to increase. While this can be stressful to think about, our pets will continue to receive better care as time goes on, and pet insurance can help offset these costs significantly. Wellness plans can be an especially great option for pet parents looking to save on routine veterinary costs. 

Information for Pet Owners in North Carolina

Between its beautiful beaches, gorgeous hiking trails, and dog-friendly environment, North Carolina offers plenty of options for outdoor fun. If you’re new to the area or simply want to explore new parts of North Carolina, here are some fantastic options for fun things to do with your pet in North Carolina, along with laws and pet resources you should know about. 

North Carolina Pet Laws

North Carolina has strict laws about keeping your pet in the car in hot and cold weather. Not only is this unfair to your pet, but many pets die this way every year. If you leave your pet in the car, know that North Carolina law enforcement does have the right to break windows to save your pet. 

Another important North Carolina pet law is its requirement to register your pet with a license and tag. Many people living in this area do not have their dogs registered, which is illegal, so don’t let this be you. First, make sure that your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination, then make sure you have a license and tag. Lastly, ensure that you always keep your dog leashed for both its safety and the safety of those around it when you’re outside. 

Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in NC

North Carolina is home to many beautiful beaches and dog-friendly areas. First, we recommend stopping at some of the best beaches around North Carolina. Duck Beach is a popular place where dogs can frolic and play without leashes, which many dog owners enjoy. Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers first took flight, is another excellent location for dogs where they can be unleashed and play. We also recommend bringing your pup to Nags Head Beach and Atlantic Beach. 

Lastly, you’ll want to grab a bite to eat at a dog-friendly restaurant. The Dog Bar in Charlotte, Angry Ale’s, Sunny Point Cafe, and Posana in Asheville are other great locations that allow dogs to eat with their owners. 

North Carolina Pet Resources

  • Fuzzy Friends Pet Food Pantry: If you’re struggling with affording dog or cat food, Fuzzy Friends Pet Food Pantry offers free pet food to those in need. 
  • Spay Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina: This mobile service offers low-cost spaying and neutering to those in need. Its service helps to prevent overwhelmed shelters and abandoned dogs and cats. 
  • Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic: This clinic offers anyone high-quality, low-cost spaying and neutering. There is no income requirement or residency requirement needed. All procedures are performed by licensed veterinarians. 
  • Pet Food Pantry: Pet Food Pantry offers qualified monthly pet food distributions to Eastern North Carolina, especially those struggling with job loss, chronic illness, disability, homelessness, and more. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in North Carolina

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.

Do all vets take pet insurance in North Carolina?

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.

Does pet insurance only cover dogs and cats?

Most pet insurance providers only cover dogs and cats. To date, the only pet insurance provider that covers birds and exotic pets in the United States is Nationwide Insurance. Nationwide can cover your pet pig, lizard, parrot, chinchilla, and other exotic animals. Exotic pets need excellent veterinary care just as much as dogs and cats, so consider looking into a pet insurance plan for them today if you have an exotic pet.

Our Methodology: How We Rated and Ranked Pet Insurance Companies

​​Here at Quartz, our research team looks to examine all pet insurance policies and comes up with reviews based on:
  • Coverage
  • Plan options
  • Cost 
  • Reputation
  • Customer service 
  • Species available
  • Wellness benefits 
We’ve created a 5-star rating system to score pet insurance brands based on a 100-point scale. To develop a list of the best pet insurance plans, we looked into plans, rating coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations.  Each factor is weighted differently based on the following factors:
  • Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process of the customer. Affordable rates and comprehensive coverage are the defining characteristics of providing the best pet insurance.
  • 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.  Pet insurance policies are not offered by all companies for older pets. Providers who have an age limit on the pets they cover were deducted points.
  • Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, wellness add-ons, and pet preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. We also factored in costs to achieve the most comprehensible review for your pet’s needs.
  • Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet only gets what they need by customizing your policy. A higher score was earned by providers who offered a greater range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
  • Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website accessibility and usability, mobile apps, and grating 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’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.