Veterinarian costs are rising, and people are more invested in their pets than ever. Few people ever want to have to make a choice between a steep bill and their beloved pet. One of the ways to help bridge that gap is by using pet insurance. But is pet insurance any good? What does pet insurance cover? What companies can you trust?
This comprehensive guide lists, ranks, and reviews ten pet insurance companies in the state of Florida and includes an in-depth buyer’s guide to help educate you on what to look for when buying pet insurance. Looking for pet insurance can be daunting, and you want a product that is going to work when you need it most. This list is the best place to start looking for pet insurance in Florida.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners for 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Spot |
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Click to Get Quote |
Best Comprehensive Plans
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Prudent Pet |
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Click to Get Quote |
Best for Holistic and Natural Treatments
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Fetch |
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Click to Get Quote |
| Most Customizable |
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Embrace |
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Click to Get Quote |
| Best on a Budget |
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Pets Best |
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Click to Get Quote |
The 10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in Florida
1. Spot – Best Overall
Spot is the perfect pet insurance for people looking for particular insurance plans. Some people have unique lifestyles that provide unique challenges for their pets. Spot had the widest range of options and plans available for prospective buyers. That gives you the ability to tailor your plan to exactly what you need for your pet. They offer low coverage plans that cap out at just $2,500 in coverage which is a great value for people looking for a little extra help. They also have pricier comprehensive plans and simple injury coverage. They also have options for how much they reimburse, coverage limits, and different deductibles to help fit your budget. Spot gives you the ability to choose from a suite of options that gives you precise control over your pet insurance coverage. Every pet and household is different, and Spot offers the largest number of combinations for coverage.
The biggest and quite miniscule downside to using Spot is the fact that they do not staff a weekend support team. That means you will have to submit and check on your claims Monday through Friday.
2. Prudent Pet – Best Comprehensive Plans
Prudent Pet is a great option for anyone who is worried about catastrophic issues with their pet. Prudent Pet offers an unlimited annual benefit plan meaning you don’t have any limits for your coverage once your annual deductible is met. They also offer a simple injury plan that will protect your pet against injuries suffered at the dog park or on the road. The injury plan is very affordable and offers a lot of peace of mind. They will even cover the cost of trying to locate a lost or stolen dog if you need to advertise or offer a reward for the return of your pet which is a nice touch.
Normally, Prudent Pet also offers a wellness plan add-on that would cover preventive care, but that option is not available in Florida. That reduces the overall comprehensive coverage available for Floridians. Even without the wellness plan, this is a great pet insurance option for people looking for an unlimited annual benefit or simple injury coverage. Prudent Pet also will not pay vets directly. They will only pay the insured party.
3. Fetch – Best for Holistic and Natural Treatments
Fetch Pet Insurance by The Dodo is another good option for pet owners. They cover a list of holistic treatments not usually covered by other insurance companies. Fetch will cover things like diagnostic imaging, behavioral therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. These types of treatments are not always covered, which can be a big letdown for many pet owners looking for a holistic medicine approach. As long as the treatments are recommended by your veterinarian, they will do their best to cover them. This also benefits people with a good relationship with their vet. They also cover veterinary exam fees, which most other insurers do not. That adds up to a great option for someone who has a holistic vet that prescribes treatments other vets might not.
The catch is you have to get a medical exam each year before you renew your coverage. Fetch reserves the right to change your coverages or costs based on the medical exam, which might not gel with everyone. They also do not offer preventive care coverage, which means all of the treatments covered have to be in response to an accident or illness.
4. Embrace – Most Customizable
Embrace Pet Insurance has a plethora of amazing policy options that cover everything from hospitalization to drug coverage and injury. They have two amazing options. The first is the Accident and Injury plan which helps when things go wrong. The other plan is a preventive care plan that covers routine medical care and things like flea and tick medicine and even dog food. The number of options makes this a great comprehensive insurance option.
Embrace has excellent customer service and their high customer ratings. All of this together means that no matter what kind of coverage or plan you are looking at for your cat or dog, Embrace has you covered. They even offer a 24/7 telehealth line to ensure that your questions are always answered and to help you keep ahead of your preventive care. They even reward you for staying on top of preventive care by offering to lower your yearly premiums after each year you go without filing a claim.
5. Pets Best – Best on a Budget
Pets Best has some great options for pet owners who are trying to stick to a budget. Comprehensive plans are great, but they can get very expensive depending on the health of your pet. Pets Best pet insurance has tons of options to help people looking to stay on budget, including high deductible plans, preventive care plans, discounts for multiple pets, and low monthly premiums.
Pets Best also has options to allow them to pay your veterinarian directly. Your vet has to agree to the terms and sign up with Pets Best, but if they agree, then you don’t have to worry about dealing with claims or long reimbursement periods. You simply go into your vet, get the care you need and walk out without having to worry about anything else, which is a huge benefit in a stressful situation.
The only downside is that they have some long waiting periods for certain types of intensive treatments. Some surgeries or potential issues will require you to wait before filing a claim or getting coverage.
6. Figo – Best for Older Pets
Many pet insurance companies have reduced coverage options and plans for older pets. Some insurers won’t even cover pets over a certain age. If you have an aging pet, you should consider getting Figo. Figo has some unique benefits for pet owners whose animals are getting long in the tooth. They will cover any pet, no matter their age. That means you can get pet insurance for your dog even if they are super old. The costs associated with elderly pets will be much higher than young pets, but the options are available.
They even offer options to help cover pet cremation or burial costs in case your pet dies while they are insured, which is a touching option that shows Figo’s dedication to caring for elderly pets. Even if the costs are high, they do have benefits that will help lower costs each year you do not file a claim. They also offer third-party liability insurance in case your dog damages someone else’s property or gets into an incident off your property (which is often covered by homeowners’ insurance.)
One interesting thing to note is that Figo punishes people for paying their premiums monthly rather than annually. They raise the costs slightly for monthly payers, which can be annoying for people trying to cover aging pets. You don’t want to pay for a full year only to have your pet die just a couple of months into your coverage period. Otherwise, there is no better option for older pets when it comes to pet insurance.
7. Healthy Paws – Best Unlimited Coverage
Many pet insurance plans have upper limits. Limits can range from $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. That means that once you reach those limits, you do not get any more coverage for the year. If you hit your limit in February, then you are out of luck for the rest of the year. If that sounds stressful, you should look into Healthy Paws. Healthy Paws pet insurance offers unlimited coverage limits per year and for the life of your pet. They also have unlimited plans that allow for complete coverage of single incidents, no matter what the cost. Coverage like that can offer a lot of peace of mind. Be sure to check the fine print and the exact coverage options before making a decision.
The biggest con associated with Healthy Paws pet insurance is the cost. Comprehensive coverage with no limits is not cheap. This will not work for people who are on a budget, but it works great for people who want to invest a lot in their pet’s health. The cost for Healthy Paws is higher in Florida than the national average, which is a bummer for Floridians. But the coverages and unlimited limits are still top-notch.
8. Trusted Pals – Best for Frequent Vet Visits
Some people go to the vet multiple times per year. Whether you have an accident-prone puppy or are simply invested in detailed preventive care, there are plenty of reasons to visit the vet more often than most. Trusted Pals is a great insurance option for people who frequent the vet. Their plans cover office visit fees and exam fees for various types of treatment. That can add up quickly over the life of your pet. They also offer plans with $0 deductibles for people who want instant care without having to pay anything upfront (other than the premiums.) They also have high coverage options with 100% reimbursement options that ensure that nearly all vet bills are covered by your plan.
The two downsides to using Trusted Pals for pet insurance are that they charge extra fees for preventive care. That means that office visits for regular preventive care are not covered without the additional fees. The other downside is their coverage gets extremely expensive for older dogs. Trusted Pals work best if you buy in early when your pet is young and healthy. If you have an older dog, it might not work well for you.
9. PAWP – Best Catastrophic Coverage
Pawp pet insurance works a little differently than other providers. They do not offer coverage for scheduled treatments for minor issues or breeding care. Pawp also does not cover preventive care. They bill themselves as a membership that covers the emergency costs. They only charge $24 per month, and that fee can cover up to six different pets. How it works is you pay your monthly fee, and when your pet has an emergency, you log in with a veterinarian right from your phone. They confirm the emergency and send you to your local vet. After your pet receives the treatment, they immediately release the funds to pay for it directly to the veterinarian. The fee covers one emergency charge of up to $3000 per year. Pawp also offers 24/7 Televet coverage and will help you get medications or refills for medications.
Pawp is unique and innovative, but it does have its drawbacks. Pawp’s limited coverage options won’t appeal to everyone. The fact that you need to log in and get a digital veterinarian on the phone before you can take your pet to a vet clinic during an emergency can also be stressful and frustrating, depending on a person’s disposition. Pawp is a simple and effective emergency coverage option that is not confusing or expensive.
10. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance – Best Basic Insurance
Not everyone is looking for a complicated pet insurance plan with a ton of options and rules. Some people are just looking for basic insurance from a company they know they can trust. That is what ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is for. They offer three basic plans. They have an Accident-Only plan that covers bite wounds, cuts, bad ingestions, and broken bones. They offer a Comprehensive Coverage plan that covers everything from dental disease to behavioral issues. Lastly, they offer a wellness add-on for just $10 a month that helps cover routine vet visits and offers cash back on basic services. The plans are simple, and the coverages are easy to understand.
ASPCA caps out at a $10,000 maximum per year for all plans meaning there are no options for high-limit plans. They also don’t offer ways to tailor your plan for particular coverage options. For example, if you don’t think you need behavioral or hereditary, there is no way to cut those coverages out and lower your monthly bill.
ASPCA was one of the first brands to start offering pet insurance and has been in the business for over 25 years, which is longer than most pet insurance companies.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Provider in Florida
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Provider in FloridaWith all of the terminology involved in the insurance business, the world of pet insurance can be a confusing one. Here are some things you will need to know that can help you understand the process of shopping for pet insurance and comparing plans and companies. That way, you can get the best plan that suits your budget and needs.
Policy Coverage
Coverage is what an insurance policy will cover. Read the coverage section of any insurance policy extremely carefully before making a final purchase. Coverages can vary wildly, and some coverages come with high deductibles or premiums. For example, some policies cover preventive vet visits while others absolutely do not. Some policies primarily cover injuries, while other policies cover injuries and illness.
If a certain type of treatment or visit is not covered your insurance policy will not pay out a claim for those excluded things.
Policy Flexibility or Customization
Some policies are more flexible than others. Some policies offer you specific coverages that are tailored to meet your needs. Have a dog that rarely goes outside? Drop injury protection. Do you go to the vet often? Find a policy that covers preventative care visits. Some companies have extensive flexibility and customization options, while others simply offer a one-size-fits-all policy for everyone.
Costs (Premium, Deductible, Pay Out Time)
Premiums are fees you pay each month. It is your monthly bill for your insurance policy. Deductibles are numbers you must reach before a policy kicks in. Generally, a policy with a low deductible will have a high premium, and vice versa. If you have a $30 premium and a $400 deductible, you will pay $30 each month, and you will not be able to file a claim until you have paid at least $400 toward whatever you are trying to get covered.
Another thing to consider is payout time. Some companies pay insurance claims very quickly, while others take longer to pay out. Companies that are slow to pay out could leave you footing a large bill up front and waiting for reimbursement down the line. That can be stressful for some people. Other companies will pay vet offices directly if both sides agree. That means you don’t have to foot any bills, and the two companies will deal with one another, saving you a lot of time and hassle.
Customer Service & Reputation
The last thing you want to consider is customer service record and reputation. Some companies have great track records when it comes to dealing with their clients. Companies that pick up the phone when you call and are timely about filing and filling claims are preferable to companies that drag their feet when it comes time to collect. This list only contains reputable companies with good track records, and some big named insurance companies did not make this list because of their customer service record and reputation when it comes to dealing with individual pet owners.
Tips for Buying Pet Insurance
Don’t Wait Until Your Pet Is Sick or Injured to Get Insurance
The worst thing you can do when considering obtaining pet insurance is to wait until your pet is sick or injured to get coverage. A sick pet is prohibitively more expensive than a healthy pet. In many cases, sick pets will have a hard time finding any coverage at all. Many insurance companies have waiting periods that you must wait after an illness or procedure before you can apply or reapply for coverage. It is always best to obtain pet insurance when your pet is completely healthy before waiting until something goes wrong or is about to go wrong.
Shop Around
One of the best ways to ensure you are getting a good deal is to shop around. Putting in numerous insurance quotes can be a hassle, but the time you spend on the front end can potentially save you hundreds of dollars on the back end. Each insurance company has its own portfolio of insured pets, risk factors, cost considerations, and benefits that play into how they judge your individual pet and come up with a unique price. You could find the exact same coverage between two insurance companies, with one being dozens cheaper. It is easy to shop around and compare rates and coverages, and it is worth the time to do so.
Preexisting Conditions Can Be Expensive
Just like in human healthcare, preexisting conditions in pets can be expensive. If your pet has a preexisting condition, it will alter the cost and the coverage available to you. Some insurers will refuse to cover certain procedures linked to preexisting conditions in your pet. That might not be allowed in human medicine anymore, but it is still allowed with pet insurance.
There is a difference between so-called curable and incurable preexisting conditions, and each type will be weighted and judged differently by an insurance company.
Pet Insurance Can Pull Your Dog’s Vet Records
Some people think that they can fudge their pet’s health history and questionnaire when applying for pet insurance. Do so at your own risk. Pet insurance companies have the power and the right to inquest after your pet’s medical records. In many cases, vet clinics will turn over the records if you are a client of both the clinic and the insurance company. That means if you lie about your pet’s health history, you could be dropped from coverage or even face fraud charges. If you collect insurance money under false pretenses, it could be considered insurance fraud, which is a crime.
Be honest about your pet’s history and know that pet insurance companies can, and likely will, periodically pull your pet’s vet records.
Always Read the Fine Print
More than one person has been burned by the fine print of a pet insurance policy. Some policies purposefully exclude certain types of treatments that you won’t know about until you go and file a claim. Always, always, always read the fine print and look for exemptions and exclusions.
You don’t want to run into a situation where something you thought was covered ends up being completely out of pocket. To protect yourself, ask questions, read the fine print, and always check for clarity.
FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Buy Pet Insurance?
If you are planning on buying pet insurance at any point, the earlier you buy it, the better. The most affordable time to buy pet insurance is when the animal is young. Healthy puppies and kittens will get the best rates because of their youth. Rates will generally stay low throughout the first half of a pet’s life and will protect them against unforeseen illness and accidents. Some plans will lock the rate in for the life of your pet.
The more medical history, injuries, conditions, and potential risks a pet has, the higher the rates will be. Young pets have the fewest number of factors that cause insurance rates to go up. For the best deal over the life of your pet, try and buy insurance when your pet is as young as possible.
What Is the Average Cost of Pet Insurance In Florida?
The average cost of pet insurance in Florida depends on the type and breed of your pet. Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs.
The average cost to insure a dog in Florida runs between $40 and $80 per month, depending on individual factors. The cost to insure a cat in Florida runs between $20 and $40 per month, depending on individual factors.
Costs can be higher or lower than these numbers depending on the age of the animal, preexisting conditions, current health, and injury history.
What Is the Difference Between a Preventive Care Plan and Pet Insurance?
Many people get confused by a preventive care plan for your pet and pet insurance. Preventive care plans are often offered by veterinarian offices. They charge a monthly fee in exchange for a menu of services available throughout the year. Preventive care plans are designed to ensure that you keep up with your pet’s preventive visits. The thinking is if your pet gets regular checkups, they will be healthier in the long run than if they do not. Healthy pets live longer and have less need for pet insurance. Preventive pet care plans are not insurance.
Pet insurance is different. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of medical bills that arise after your pet gets sick or injured. Some pet insurance plans help cover the cost of preventive care visits, but not all of them do.
Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
The pet insurance provider that is right for you will depend on a number of individual factors. It also depends on what you value in an insurance policy and what your budget is. Some people are only looking for simple catastrophic insurance like the type that the ASPCA provides. Others are looking for a policy that can cover multiple pets without the hassle of juggling multiple policies like PAWP. Other pet owners might value holistic medicine like acupuncture, water therapy, or stem cell treatments. Those types of treatments are covered by Fetch.
If there was one answer for which provider is best for you, this list would have only one entry. Instead, there are ten distinct companies featured, and each has its own options, benefits, costs, pros, and cons. Choosing a provider that is perfect for you will depend on your budget, pet, history, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Pet insurance is becoming more popular than ever before. With the rise in demand for pet insurance has come a groundswell of new coverages, policies, and companies rising to meet it. Finding a perfect pet insurance plan can feel daunting or overwhelming, but the information is all there. You just have to parse through it and find the company that best fits your individual needs. There is likely a company on our extensive list that will meet your budget and your needs. You just need to pick one and get a quote.
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Featured Image Credit: thodonal88, Shutterstock
