The Best Pet Insurance in Michigan (2024)
Your pets are part of the family but seeking medical treatment for them can get pricey. Pet insurance – similar to the human version of health insurance – is the answer for many pet owners for these main reasons:
- The majority of medical veterinary services are covered, meaning you no longer have to stress about how, or if, to pay for medical care for your pet
- Flexible options on how to pay: monthly vs. quarterly premiums
- Enable you to promptly treat your pet since there is no need to look at finances
The 6 Best Michigan Pet Insurance Companies
Purchasing pet insurance can be an overwhelming experience, especially the first time around. Prices and coverage can vary greatly from one area to another. So, this is why we’ve researched the best pet insurance companies in Michigan. First, here’s how they stacked up against each other, as well as who we picked as a front runner.
- Spot: Best overall
- Lemonade: Most affordable
- 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 Michigan
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about pet insurance in Michigan to help you pick the best coverage for your furry friend. In this article, you’ll read about how some of the top companies stacked up against one another in terms of:
- Cost
- What’s covered under their policies (and what’s not)
- What add-ons are available
- How much the deductible is
- Annual caps on cost
- Waiting periods
- Discounted rates
Read on to see a few pros and cons of each company, as well as any plan highlights that stood out to us.
*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 Does Pet Insurance Work in Michigan?
In Michigan, pet insurance provides coverage for your pet as agreed upon in the terms and conditions of your contract. In other words, your pet is sick and/or hurt, and you take it to the vet. You then submit your receipt and claim, and your pet insurance company will reimburse you for the cost (which is where easily accessible mobile claim apps come in handy). The amount of reimbursement you will receive varies from company to company and what coverage plan you’ve selected but is usually somewhere in the ballpark range of 60-90%.
Pet insurance differs from human health insurance because your insurance company pays you directly for reimbursement, not the vet’s office. So what does this mean for you? You have free rein to choose whatever licensed veterinarian you please without having to worry about the vet being out of network.
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Michigan for You
There’s a lot to consider when choosing coverage for your pet, from the type of coverage to price of the premium to ease of submitting a claim. You want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck while making sure your pet has access to the care they need.
Accident Only plans:
- Typically only reimburses for accident-related costs of treatment
- Think emergency surgeries, X-rays of a broken leg, wound care from animal bites, etc.
Accident + Illness plans:
- Will provide any accident coverage plus reimbursements for costs associated with illnesses
- Think cancer care and treatments, hereditary conditions like heart and kidney disease, and sometimes behavioral issues
Preventative Plans
- Usually an add-on option around $10-$40 extra
- These plans usually cover vaccination costs and well checkups
Other factors to consider:
- Age and breed of pet
- What the annual limit is for coverage
- Percent of reimbursement each plan provides
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Michigan?
Pet insurance costs can vary from state to state and from company to company. Michigan offers several great options for pet insurance coverage and should have something to fit the bill. Several factors determine how much you will end up paying, such as the type of coverage you have selected, whether you’ve purchased any add-on wellness coverage, your pet’s age, and gender and breed.
If money is tight, your best bet may be a customizable plan that allows you to only select the coverage you need and helps save you money on the things you don’t need. We’ve rounded up the average prices of the top-performing companies in Michigan to help you narrow down your choices and hopefully make your decision a little easier.
Provider | Sample Monthly Cost For Dogs | Sample Monthly Cost For Cats | Sample 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 | $12 | Not offered |
ASPCA | $49 | $29 | $9.95 (basic), $24.95 (prime) |
Prudent Pet | $39 | $23 | $7.95-19.95 for cats |
$11.95-29.95 for dogs |
According to FIGO Pet Insurance, the amount you pay each month for coverage can also vary significantly based on the city. We received pet insurance quotes for certain cities to help you estimate how much coverage will cost.
City | Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Detroit | $27.53 |
Lansing | $28.43 |
Grand Rapids | $29 |
Flint | $43.37 |
Kalamazoo | $40.61 |
*All quotes include $10,000 in annual coverage and a deductible of $250. We received quotes for mixed breed dogs weighing 21 to 70 pounds. Larger and smaller dogs, as well as senior dogs and puppies, may receive different quotes.
Final Thoughts
Now that pet insurance has been around for a few years, more people are investing in it than ever before. It seems there is a policy for every need and budget to ensure your pet will always be covered, and you will never have to deny your pet a much-needed treatment due to financial strains.
Consider the type of coverage you need, then find a plan that fits in your budget. Several deciding factors that will likely play a part in your decision are your pet’s age and the breed. For instance, an older pet will likely face more health issues than a younger one. And certain breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia than others. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet has access to the healthcare services they need, when they need it, is a huge weight lifted off your shoulders.
Information for Pet Owners in Michigan
Michigan’s miles of coastal shorelines, pristine forests, and scenic waterfalls provide ample opportunities for fun in the great outdoors. It’s no wonder that more than half of Michigan residents own one or more pets. Included below are some of the current pet laws that exist in the state, as well as some fun things your pet is allowed to do with you. Read on to find more info on what you need to do when your pet is six months old, as well as some dog-friendly restaurants where the whole family can go out to eat.
Michigan Pet Laws
The state of Michigan has several laws in place to help protect not only pets but the residents of Michigan as well. Under the dog law, it is illegal to own a dog over six months old unless it is licensed. Under this same law, all dogs six months and older must wear a collar and tag at all times. Additionally, female dogs in heat cannot leave the owner’s premises unless on a leash.
Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor have laws in place limiting the number of dogs you may own within city limits, usually two to three. However, this law is not applicable to puppies and gives owners the chance to find good homes for them.
Fun Things To Do With Your Pet in MI
Michigan offers unique outdoor activities for the whole family, and your pet can tag along for many of them. Stroll along one of its pet-friendly beaches, visit a microbrewery or winery, or hike along a winding trail to glimpse a view of a mesmerizing waterfall. Go grab a bite to eat at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor or Crane’s in the City in Holland. Another restaurant option is Julienne Tomatoes in Petoskey.
After you’ve filled your bellies, walk it off at a trail at one of the many state parks that are pet friendly – just make sure to keep your furry friend on a leash less than six feet long to comply with local state park regulations.
Michigan Pet Resources
If you need help providing for your pet, visit one of these resources available in the Wolverine State.
- All About Animals: Offers low rates for getting your pet spayed or neutered. To make an appointment, call 586-879-1745. You can also adopt a pet, donate money, or volunteer your time.
- Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center: Purchase a dog license, drop off a stray dog or cat, or find a new furry friend to love.
- Michigan Humane Society Food Bank: Dog or cat food may be available free of charge for low-income Detroit residents.
- Feeding Pets of the Homeless: Visit this site and click on the “get help” section to find local pet food banks in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Michigan
Does pet insurance cover all veterinary expenses?
No, pet insurance won’t cover all expenses you build up at the vet’s office. However, insurance will typically cover accidents and illnesses that aren’t pre-existing. Some policies will even offer wellness and preventative care add-ons that add additional benefits to your policy, like wellness exams and vaccines.
Do pet insurance policies have waiting periods in Michigan?
Yes, pet insurance policies more than always have waiting periods. between your initial enrollment period and when coverage officially begins for the plan. Across most providers, the standard is around 14 days for accidents and illnesses, but some others, including Lemonade and Embrace, can shorten your waiting period to as low as two days for accidents.
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.
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