New York residents are pet lovers, and if you’re one of them, you want to keep your pet safe and healthy. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and even if they don’t, other things can go wrong. Pet insurance can help you enjoy the state with your pet, and you’ll know that it will be taken care of if injury or illness strikes, and you won’t have the financial stress weighing heavy on your shoulders.
Finding the right pet insurance can be complicated, so we’re here to help. We reviewed some of New York’s top insurance providers to help you find the best policy to suit you and your pet.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners for 2024
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Best Overall
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ASPCA Pet Insurance |
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Best Value
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Lemonade Pet Insurance |
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Nationwide Pet Insurance |
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Trupanion Pet Insurance |
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Pumpkin Pet Insurance |
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The 10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in New York
1. ASPCA Pet Insurance – Best Overall
The ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans are fully customizable to meet your pet’s health needs and your budget and offer up to 90% cash back on covered medical expenses. The Accident-Only Plan covers treatments and procedures for new injuries and accidents such as cuts, bite wounds, and broken bones. The Complete Coverage Plan covers the same accidents and illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, behavioral issues, dental disease, and hereditary conditions.
If you need additional coverage, you can add their preventative care, which reimburses you for vaccines, dental cleanings, flea and tick medication, and heartworm prevention medicine. ASPCA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 10% discount for insuring multiple pets, online account management, and visitation to any licensed vet in the US or Canada. It does not cover pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, or pregnancy and breeding issues.
2. Lemonade Pet Insurance – Best Value
Lemonade offers an affordable single standard policy that covers accidents and illnesses, as well as add-ons if you require additional coverage for vet visit fees, physical therapy coverage, and preventive care. Its basic plan covers vet bills such as surgery, diagnostic tests, cancer treatments, and emergency care.
Additional preventative and wellness care coverage options include tests, vaccinations, wellness exams, and bloodwork. Pre-Existing conditions, elective procedures, dental care, and behavioral treatments are not covered. Lemonade provides a discount for bundling with a Lemonade homeowners or renters insurance policy and has a mobile app for claims processing.
3. Nationwide Pet Insurance
In addition to dogs and cats, Nationwide is the only provider that covers birds and exotic animals. They provide two distinct plans: Whole Pet and Major Medical. The Whole Pet plan is a more classic pet insurance plan that provides comprehensive accident and illness coverage.
The Major Medical plan is an accident and illness plan that can be purchased separately or in conjunction with an additional wellness benefit which will also cover wellness exams, vaccinations, bloodwork, urinalysis, and flea and heartworm prevention. Nationwide has a 5% multi-pet discount, and if you’re already a Nationwide customer, you can also get a 5% discount. Nationwide does not provide many customization options, and their Whole Pet and Major Medical policies have a 14-day waiting period with or without the optional wellness plan.
4. Trupanion Pet Insurance
Trupanion Pet Insurance offers one simple policy that covers all unexpected injuries and illnesses. Their plan will cover hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, and unidentified issues. Whatever medical procedures your pet requires for unforeseen injuries or illnesses, such as hospital stays, surgery, medications, and diagnostic tests, will be covered.
The reimbursement rate is set at 90%, and there is no annual payout limit. Trupanion also offers additional rider options to complement your policy at an additional cost. The Recovery and Complementary Care Rider and Pet Owner Assistance Package cover lost pet advertising and rewards, hospital boarding fees, cremation or burial for accidental deaths, and holiday vacation cancellation costs.
Trupanion, like other pet insurance companies, does not cover pre-existing conditions, pregnancy problems, elective procedures, or cosmetic treatments. Its monthly fees are typically higher than those of other providers.
5. Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Pumpkin differs from many other insurers in that it provides accident and illness coverage as well as dental coverage. The Preventative Essentials Pack is an optional add-on that provides limited coverage for routine care. They also have a 90% reimbursement rate, a 10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet, and no upper age limits or breed exclusions. There is always a 14-day waiting period, and Pumpkin does not cover pre-existing conditions.
6. Spot Pet Insurance
Spot Pet Insurance offers two plans; the Accident only plan covers injuries, broken limbs, ingested objects, and poisonous ingestions, and the Accident and illness plan covers the same accidents as well as dental disease, hip dysplasia, diabetes, heart disease, behavioral issues, cancer, and other hereditary or congenital conditions.
Spot Pet Insurance also offers two preventative care options with varying coverage limits and pricing. They provide a 10% discount for each additional pet on your policy, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no age restrictions for older animals. Spot covers pre-existing conditions that are cured and free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days, but not ligament or knee conditions.
7. Embrace Pet Insurance
The Embrace Pet Insurance accident and illness policy covers vet bills for treatments, procedures, exam fees, and other costs associated with conditions such as cancer, genetic diseases, chronic conditions, dental trauma, allergies, and broken bones. A Wellness Rewards Plan is available for an additional monthly fee that helps you budget for expected, but sometimes costly, expenses such as annual exams and checkups, vaccinations, heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives, spay or neuter procedures, and training and grooming.
With the MyEmbrace customer portal and mobile app, the claims process is simple, and there is a 10% multi-pet discount. Embrace does not cover pre-existing conditions, organ transplants, cosmetic procedures, or breeding issues, and its options for wellness coverage are more expensive than those of competitors.
8. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance provides a single low-cost pet insurance policy that covers accidents, illnesses, emergency care, cancer, genetic and hereditary conditions, breed-specific conditions, and alternative care. Their coverage plan includes no incident, annual, or lifetime caps, and no maximum claim payout limits.
If your pet requires treatment for a new accident or illness that is not a pre-existing condition or otherwise excluded from coverage, your pet’s veterinary bills will be covered. There is, however, a 60% coverage cap for dogs and cats 8 years and older. Pre-Existing conditions, spay or neuter surgeries, preventive care, office visit fees, and additional exam fees are not covered by Healthy Paws. You also cannot enroll pets over 4 years old in the state of New York.
9. Figo Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance provides three plans that cover the costs of diagnosing and treating accidents and illnesses, with caps of $5,000 to $10,000, while the Ultimate Plan has no annual cap. The Wellness Basic Plan and Wellness Plus Plan are available add-ons that provide routine and preventive care.
Most claims are resolved in less than 3 business days, and remote access to licensed veterinary professionals is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Like most pet insurance companies, Figo does not cover preexisting conditions or pregnancy and birth but may cover curable preexisting conditions if no signs or symptoms appear within 12 months of the last treatment.
10. Progressive Pet Insurance
Progressive Pet Insurance provides three types of pet health plans: accidents only, accidents and illnesses, and routine care. Their BestBenefit Plan, which covers illnesses and injuries, is their most popular policy, allowing you to set your own deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit.
They offer two add-ons that will assist you in paying for routine care. The Progressive Pet Insurance plan includes access to Pets Best’s 24/7 pet helpline, a 5% discount on additional pets, and the ability to enroll your pet in an accident or illness plan at any age and maintain the same level of coverage as they age.
Progressive pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, dietary expenses, and non-veterinary costs such as grooming and boarding.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Provider in New York
What to Look for in Pet Insurance
Choosing the right pet insurance will be determined by your budget and your pet’s health requirements. Compare each companies’ key elements to determine which pet insurance provider will be most suitable. These are the most important factors to consider when looking for pet insurance.
Policy Coverage
Pet insurance policies come with varying coverage options. The higher the premium, the broader the coverage. The three main types of coverage are wellness, accident-only, and comprehensive policies. Wellness coverage is preventative or routine care and is usually available as a rider to a comprehensive policy.
Accident-only policies will only cover physical injuries from accidents, and comprehensive coverage covers accidents and illnesses. Treatments and procedures that are covered will vary depending on the type of policy and how much the policy costs. Some companies will offer additional add-ons for extra coverage, which comes at an additional cost.
When researching different plan options, keep in mind the potential health issues your pet may face. For example, if your pet breed is prone to hereditary conditions, you need an insurer that does not exclude your pet from coverage.
Customer Service & Reputation
When looking for a Pet Insurance provider, make sure they are a reputable company. Read reviews from policyholders to help you get an idea of an insurer’s practices. When you call in for a quote, you can tell a lot about their customer service and what you will be dealing with in the future. Consider the company’s accessibility and the design of its website.
Is it user-friendly and helpful? Do they have a 24/7 helpline service, and how soon do they respond to queries? Is there a number you can call in emergencies? The answers to these questions will help you determine if a company’s claims process is well-designed or lacking.
Claim Repayment
The reimbursement rate is the amount that a pet insurance company pays you for the cost of care. After your deductible is met, the most comprehensive pet health insurance policies will reimburse you for 80% to 100% of your total vet bill. Most companies allow you to use any licensed vet in the country. Typically, you pay your veterinarian for services as usual and then submit a claim to the pet insurance provider along with your invoice or receipts. Some providers let you submit claims online or via an app.
Price Of Policy
The cost of each company’s pet insurance plans is an important consideration in your decision. The right pet insurance providers will offer comprehensive coverage and plan options at reasonable prices. Enrolling your pets when they are young allows you to save money on pet insurance because your monthly premiums are guaranteed to be lower. Some providers will offer discounts on multiple pets or if you pay annually instead of monthly.
With most insurers, you can personalize your coverage by selecting your annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage. The best way to keep your premiums low is to choose a higher deductible. However, consider that you’ll have to pay that deductible before your insurance plan begins to reimburse your veterinary costs. You can also save money by choosing a lower reimbursement rate or coverage limit, but this will limit the amount you receive from your insurance provider if your pet becomes seriously ill or injured.
Plan Customization
Most pet insurance companies allow you to customize your policy by selecting from several annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement percentages. Some companies let you customize only one of these variables, while others allow you to customize all three. So, that is something to compare when choosing your insurance provider.
Although some companies do not offer wellness packages, others provide additional add-ons to help extend your coverage and build the perfect policy.
FAQ
Why Doesn’t Pet Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
If pet insurers covered pre-existing conditions, that would allow customers to take advantage by waiting for their pet to get sick before getting insurance and then canceling it after they recover. This would make it very difficult for insurance companies to stay profitable.
Can I See Any Veterinarian?
Pet insurance companies let you select any licensed veterinarian and any emergency clinic in the United States to treat your pet, and you can stay with your trusted veterinarian. Some plans also allow you to take your pet to specialists without referrals or extra fees.
Is Pet Insurance Worth it?
Pet insurance is definitely worth it. Being prepared for unforeseen issues will give you peace of mind, knowing that your pet will be taken care of. If something happens to your beloved pet, you can give them the care they need without worrying about your finances.
How Much Will It Cost?
Each provider will have a different premium, but their price is based on similar factors, such as the animal’s age, breed, location, and health status.
What the Users Say
Pet Insurance users generally say that having pet insurance makes them feel at ease that they won’t need to make difficult decisions due to finances if their pet becomes ill. Most policyholders seem pleased with their pet insurance, but some have issues with their insurer’s claims process and customer service.
Some users disliked paying their vet bills upfront while waiting for reimbursements. However, the most common complaint was that providers raised their rates without informing their customers.
Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
There are numerous pet insurance companies to choose from, and some pet owners may choose the most popular or cheapest company without doing enough research to find a provider who is a better fit for their specific breed and health concerns. Determine the type of coverage you want for your pet and which extra benefits may be negotiable to reduce your costs. Search for quotes to determine which company offers the best policy.
Conclusion
A New York pet insurance policy can protect your pet from unexpected illnesses or injuries. Every pet and every situation is unique, but if you do enough research, you will find an insurance provider that will suit your specific needs and budget.
While comparing Pet Insurance providers in New York, we were most impressed with ASPCA Pet Insurance’s overall coverage, customization options, and affordability. We also liked Lemonade’s affordable policies and consider it one of the best insurers for the money. We recommend that you take the time to research and compare quotes to help you decide on the best policy for your pet’s needs.
Featured Image Credit: Robert Kneschke, Shutterstock
