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The Best Pet Insurance In Ohio (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 03:24 PM

Pet insurance companies in Ohio offer top-rated coverage options for pets that love to explore. It’s a good thing because dogs and cats in the Buckeye State have plenty of reasons to need health coverage, whether their stomping grounds include uncharted territory or just the back patio.

Pet health insurance helps us keep exploring despite some of these pesky setbacks: 

  • Seasonal allergies, ticks, and fleas 
  • Overheating and dehydration, frostbite, and hypothermia
  • Unexpected accidents like poisoning or a torn ligament

The 6 Best Ohio Pet Insurance Companies

Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Ohio

In this article, our Quartz team gives you a quick and easy guide to the best pet insurance providers in Ohio. We’ve compiled reviews of the best pet insurance providers in Ohio, tallied their top pros and cons, and highlighted the most important small print to make the best decision you’ll make for your pet, a simple one.

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. 

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

Top 6 Best Pet Insurance Companies In Ohio

We know insurance language can get confusing. Before we dive in, here are some things you should know:

  • Pre-existing conditions: No pet insurance company covers a pet’s injuries, illnesses, or irregularities that your veterinarian notices before your policy’s waiting period is over. For example, base insurance policies will cover diagnostic tests and vet-recommended treatments and operations for Fido’s hip disorder if he showed signs of illness after getting pet health insurance and he was also diagnosed after enrolling.
  • Annual Maximum: Bigger animals often mean bigger vet bills. We recommend choosing higher maximums for larger pets.
  • Claims Trends: Lately, most pet insurance companies have been moving their claims online, and these top insurance companies have too.

We’ve done the dirty work below, but since pet insurance offerings are modified frequently by their companies, it’s always important that you read the fine print.

Spot

Most Inclusive
4.8

Learn more: Spot Review

Overview

Spot offers the best wellness package out of our reviewed companies. Spot is a good option for pet parents who want help training their pets to eliminate certain vet visits, thanks to famous dog trainer Cesar Millan. Spot provides customizable, straightforward insurance services to give your dog and cat the coverage it needs at a price that fits your budget.

Coverage

Spot’s coverage pays for exam fees related to accidents and hereditary or congenital illnesses and offers a preventative care add-on package that supports routine wellness including, dental cleanings and vaccinations.

Alternative therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitative therapy for covered conditions are also eligible for reimbursement, and pre-existing conditions that have been treated successfully and haven’t been symptomatic for 180 days are covered.

Verdict

We especially like that Spot’s plans, add-ons, coverage, and premium preferences are exceptionally customizable and low-cost. Basic plans start at $10 per month and offer a 10% discount for multiple pets.

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

Lemonade is the best choice for dog and cat parents who want to bundle with other Lemonade products. This New York City-based insurance company is well-liked for its affordable pet insurance (as low as $10 per month), 10% discount if you also have Lemonade home insurance, a 5% discount for enrolling multiple pets, and a handy mobile app that gives you instant control over your policy as well as record top-speed claim turnaround.

Coverage

Lemonade’s basic coverage starts at $10 per month for the vet bills that shock your budget most, like diagnostics, procedures, some medications, and injuries that result from accidents.

Though Lemonade doesn’t cover dental or other care that isn’t related to an accident or illness, these and more preventative care can be added on for an additional cost of as little as $.60.

Verdict

With little out of pocket, Lemonade offers big care returns for your dog and cat, and customizable, low deductibles ($100 to $500 annually), and high limits ($5,000 to $100,000) so you can tailor your insurance to your pet’s needs and your budget.

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 offers the most customizable plans, making it the best option for people who want a low deductible and minimal out-of-pocket cost. As a respected partner of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA is a dog and cat health insurance provider that offers direct connection with clients through its mobile app, welcomes any dog or cat without requiring a pre-enrollment exam, and offers all the important health coverage plus rare support for behavioral issues and alternative therapies.

Coverage

ASPCA offers three plans ranging from accident-only coverage to advanced care, including support for hereditary or congenital conditions, behavioral issues, and dental disease. These basic plans can be expanded with the addition of the wellness coverage plan, which offers preventative care like dental cleaning, wellness examination, deworming, health certification, flea/heartworm prevention, tests, vaccines and titers, and urinalysis.

Verdict

While ASPCA’s average plan prices are higher than other plans we’ve reviewed, and dental disease coverage ranks low, we’ve kept them on our favorites list because it has plans that cover all the necessities, offer notably low annual deductibles, and payment flexibility (monthly or annually) that suits its services to any budget.

On top of that, ASPCA offers a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets.

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

Overview

Embrace offers the best deductibles and is a great option for people who want nose-to-tail coverage for their dog or cat. This company champions as one of the best workplaces in Ohio, and we found that its quality care doesn’t stop there. 

Plans & Coverage

Embrace’s highly-customizable basic plan covers vet bills related to accidents, injuries, and illnesses. That includes chronic conditions, dental accidents and illnesses, consultations and tests, procedures and treatments, and follow-up care. 

Special conditions are carefully cared for through Embrace’s basic, accident-only plan, which covers pets older than 14 years showing signs of diabetes, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, or FeLV/FIV. Coverage for curable conditions is considered a must-have, offering support for curable conditions like cancer that make a comeback after your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for 12 months.

Routine and preventative care available with Embrace’s Wellness Rewards add-on plan is a good way to prepare your dog or cat for a long and healthy life. It costs $30-$35 in addition to your basic plan and offers support for wellness exams, spaying and neutering, alternative care like acupuncture and toenail trimming, and prescription food and preventative medication costs.

Verdict

Embrace offers benefits and discounts for nearly everyone, including a Healthy Pet Deductible that credits $50 towards your deductible for every year that your pet has no accident or illness claims. In addition, Embrace offers a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets and 5% for Armed Forces, discounts for ACH members, more if you choose to spay or neuter your pet, and a plus for paying annually rather than monthly.

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 best for pets with chronic conditions. We’ve also recognized Healthy Paws as the most charitable pet insurance company due to its generosity in giving dogs and cats the health they deserve. The company sticks to its goal by donating $2 to charities for every processed insurance quote and offering one pet insurance plan that dials in all the necessities and makes pet health insurance simple.

Coverage

The company’s one-plan-fits-all covers accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, and alternative care. Some benefits we miss with Healthy Paws are teeth cleanings, spaying and neutering, and the option of a wellness or preventative package like we’ve seen with other providers we reviewed. 

Verdict

Nevertheless, we appreciate the fast mobile claims processing and customizable coverage that makes Healthy Paws affordable.

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

Prudent Pet is best for dog or cat parents who want a solid plan with all of the basic options. We’ve decided that Prudent Pet has the best comprehensive plans. Its three plans include either accident-only benefits, accident plus treatment benefits that are related to congenital defects and hereditary conditions, and a final, ultimate plan that covers all that plus some outstanding extras like boarding fee and vacation cancellation coverage, and support for loss and mortality. 

Plans & Coverage

Pet insurance plans with Prudent Pet have a $10,000 annual cap, except for the full-coverage, capless ultimate plan. Annual deductibles range from $100 to $1,000 and are always customizable to your needs.

Prudent Pet doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, costs associated with breeding, dental cleanings, or grooming – but many of these are addable with a preventative care package for $11.95 to $29.95 for dogs and $7.95 to $19.95 for cats.

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 Ohio?

In Ohio, they view pet examinations and treatments as preventative medicine because they want to give dogs and cats the best and longest life possible and don’t want to pay higher bills later. We know sick pets can easily rack up vet bills from $1,000 to $10,000 and sometimes more. That’s why many people choose to purchase pet insurance. Depending on the plan and where they live, insurance cuts those surprise bills significantly.

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Ohio for You

We know – making the choice is tough. But when you’re thinking about enrolling your pet in health insurance, here’s where we recommend you start.

First, consider whether you prefer accident-only or accident and illness coverage. Accident-only coverage supports veterinary costs for emergencies and unexpected treatments for things like sprained knees and swallowed toys. Accident and illness coverage adds to that treatment for infections and congenital or hereditary problems like cancer and diabetes. 

Second, consider adding a preventative care plan for an additional charge to fill in the coverage that fits your pet’s health. These add-on plans often provide coverage for wellness checkups, vaccinations, medications, routine blood work, and dental cleaning. Wellness plan add-ons can offer great savings if you take advantage of their benefits often. If you don’t, you may save money by paying out of pocket.

Third, balance the premium you’ll pay by choosing an annual deductible and reimbursement percentage that works best with your budget.

About Reimbursements

The industry standard for pet insurance reimbursement of veterinary costs are 70%, 80%, and 90%. While a higher reimbursement gives you more cash, it also means you must pay a higher premium. Lower reimbursements mean the opposite. Learn more about reimbursements in our How to Make a Pet Insurance Claim article.

What is a Good Deductible for Pet Insurance?

Choose a high annual deductible if you don’t expect to rack up many vet expenses, and you want to keep your long-term insurance expenses low. If you suspect you’ll be visiting the vet frequently or otherwise racking up large costs there, and aren’t prepared to pay much out-of-pocket, choose a low deductible to save your emergency wallet.

What Impacts Your Pet Insurance Premiums?

Your premium is the amount you pay every month or year to have insurance. Your pet insurance premium depends on several factors, such as where you live, the breed, age, and health of your pet, and the insurance plan you choose.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost In Ohio?

The monthly rates for pet insurance vary by city. Here are the monthly rates for pet insurance in five large Ohio cities based on a 4-year-old medium-sized mixed breed dog.

CityMonthly Cost
Columbus$47
Cleveland$44
Cincinnati$38
Toledo$48
Dayton$41.05

The above prices are for the pet insurance plan preferred by most pet owners in that city. The plans typically pay 80% of covered costs and require a $250 deductible.

Below, we’ve also broken down our top-rated insurance companies’ monthly average cost of basic pet insurance plans and preventative plans.

ProviderSample Monthly Cost For DogsSample Monthly Cost For CatsSample Monthly Wellness Cost
Spot$40$22$9.95 (gold), $24.95 (platinum)
Lemonade$37$15$10 for cats, $15 for dogs
Embrace$35$18$35
Healthy Paws$39$12Not offered
ASPCA$48.78$29.16$9.95 (basic), $24.95 (prime)
Prudent Pet$39$23$13.95 for cats, $19.95 for dogs

Final Thoughts on Top Pet Health Insurance Providers in Ohio

According to Embrace, allergies are the top diagnosed condition among pets in Ohio. Common problems a pet can encounter in Ohio are often caused by natural events like poor air quality, extreme heat or cold, outdoor pests, and backyard accidents. An illness or infection resulting from such a simple cause can lead to big problems costing thousands of dollars in vet bills. But if your economic situation holds you back from treating a problem when it occurs, it could grow out of hand, and drastic measures such as euthanasia may be your only answer.

Many pet insurance companies offer basic plans and additional wellness packages that take care of special medications, tick and flea preventative treatments, emergency visits, and many other proactive care plans so that you can easily address any problems as they arise and prevent many more.

Information for Pet Owners in Ohio

Ohio Pet Laws

Whether your pet is a native of the Buckeye State or just visiting, it’s up to you to make sure your pet follows the pet laws in Ohio. The following laws may change depending on what county or municipality you are in, but these are the most important, general rules you should know before adopting a pet in Ohio or visiting our beautiful state together.

  • Because they love their dogs and cats dearly in Ohio, they take stray dogs seriously. If your dog is unlicensed and goes missing for more than five days, it will be impounded and/or put to sleep.
  • Please beware that dogs are not allowed to run loose outside of their property. For example, dogs should be on their leash at all times in parks and any other spaces away from their home. Dogs that are found running loose will be impounded.
  • Dogs must be kept up to date on their rabies shots, with proof available upon request.

Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in OH

Ohio is full of amazing hikes, parks, and wild places that residents and many visitors enjoy – especially with their pets. Here are several places you should visit.

  • Beowoof Pet Care – A fun walk-about with your dog while passing time in Stewart.
  • The Canine Club – Treat your dog to social time and grooming in Elyria.
  • Dog Beach at Salt Fork State Park – Give your dog some off-leash time in the water in Lore City, Ohio. Remember to use a leash when out of the water.
  • Momocho – A pet-friendly Cleveland restaurant with ample space for dogs of all sizes.
  • Sonic Drive-In – What more fun than a dinner out with the pup? There’s even seating for Fido.

Ohio Pet Resources

If we haven’t made it clear yet that pets are a well-loved part of Ohio, here are some resources to build your confidence that the Buckeye state has its arms wide open.

  • Paws 4 A Cure – Offers financial support for veterinary services that aren’t typically covered. It welcomes dogs and cats and accepts applications from individuals and families via email or U.S. mail.
  • Humane Society – Offers adoptions and some veterinary service assistance at a low cost. Several are available in Ohio and provide shelter, care services, and adoptions.
  • K9s For Warriors – Provides service canines to wounded soldiers so they can transition smoothly to civilian life.
  • Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance – Superb financial support for eligible emergency cat treatments. 1-on-1 live, instant, 24/7 service is available without sign-up or commitment.
  • Ohio Pet Loss Resources – A safe support group for hurting pet parents.
  • Pets in Need – Veterinary care and financial support at a low cost for non-emergency situations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Ohio

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.

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.

Do all vets take pet insurance?

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.

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.