Click to Skip Ahead
The expense of veterinary costs puts a burden on pet parents everywhere. Not only will routine care and preventative medicine put an impact on the wallet, but if your pet ends up with an unexpected illness or injury, the costs can be outlandish.
It’s normal for costs to vary depending on a wide range of factors. One of the primary factors being geographical location. We are going to have a look at the cost of pet insurance in the beautiful state of North Carolina to help you decide whether this is something worth investing in for you and your pet.
The Importance of Pet Insurance
All pet owners understand that bringing home a new family pet will impact the budget, but it’s sometimes easy to overlook just how expensive it can be when medical bills come into play. Pet insurance has been growing increasingly popular because it provides owners with a financial safety net around the costs of veterinary care.
Pet insurance works similarly to other insurance policies and there are many different companies and plans to choose from. Having a policy in place can protect both you and your pet from the unexpected and possibly even relieve typical wellness costs, depending on the type of coverage you choose.
Having pet insurance also encourages owners to visit the veterinarian promptly if they notice any unusual symptoms rather than taking the time to wait and see if the issues resolve themselves.
Top Rated Pet Insurance Companies
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in North Carolina?
The exact cost of pet insurance in North Carolina is going to vary for several different reasons. We will discuss all the different factors that play a role in the overall cost and give a brief breakdown of the monthly prices for a few of the most popular pet insurance companies in the state.
Insurance Company
Many different companies offer pet insurance, and each will have its distinct plans, policies, and pricing. When you are shopping for pet insurance, it’s important to research each company thoroughly and obtain personalized quotes to get more precise information.
Policy/Coverage
The different pet insurance companies will offer specific plan types and coverage options. This includes varying premiums, deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits. Some also offer additional coverage like wellness options, dental care, and more.
Species
Pricing will be dependent on species, with coverage for cats typically being less expensive than for dogs. Most pet insurance only covers dogs and cats, but Nationwide is currently the only provider that offers a plan that covers birds and other exotic animals.
Breed or Size
In addition to species, companies will also take into consideration your pet’s breed and size. Breeds that are predisposed to more health conditions, like those that are brachycephalic will typically cost more to cover. Large breed dogs are also more likely to have a predisposition to certain conditions, which can affect the cost.
Age
Your pet’s age can also be a price-determining factor. Not only are there age limits for coverage but older animals naturally suffer more health problems related to age which can make coverage more expensive.
Discounts
There may be certain discounts available from your pet insurance company. This will help determine the overall monthly or annual premium cost. North Carolina is home to large military bases and many companies offer military discounts. You can also look into other discounts related to bundling, multiple pet policies, and more.
Cost Comparison for Pet Insurance in North Carolina
In the table below, we’ve broken down the average monthly cost of pet insurance by company and the annual maximum coverage limit. Keep in mind that these prices will vary depending on your specific circumstances and coverage needs.
| Insurance Provider | $5,000 Annual Maximum Coverage | Unlimited Annual Maximum Coverage |
| Lemonade | $17 | $20 |
| Pets Best | $22 | $25 |
| Figo | $28 | $37 |
| Embrace | $50 | $70 |
| Nationwide | $44 | $49 |
| ASPCA | $41 | N/A |
| Spot | $40 | $80 |
| Trusted Pals | $33 | $47 |
| Healthy Paws | N/A | $45 |
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Deductible
Like with any insurance policy, you will be required to pay the agreed-upon deductible before coverage kicks in. Deductibles typically range anywhere from $100 to $500, and most companies give you the choice of the amount you wish to pay for your policy, while some will have set deductibles for certain plans.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You need to factor in any out-of-pocket expenses that will be associated with the care your pet received. This will be dependent on what kind of coverage you have and the limits within that coverage. It is very important to understand your policy before you purchase because you don’t want to end up shocked at the out-of-pocket expenses you end up having to pay that are not eligible for reimbursement.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
As we’ve mentioned, pet insurance costs and coverage are variable. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of coverage you can find in the market but be sure to check with each specific company for more accurate information on what they offer.
Accident and Illness Coverage
Accident and illness coverage is the most common coverage option in the pet insurance market. It offers coverage for accidents, injuries, and unexpected illnesses. The most common procedure covered under this type of care includes:
Accident-Only Coverage
Accident-only coverage is the most limited coverage type, but also the least expensive. It will cover the costs of medical care resulting from unexpected accidents and any sustained injuries. This can include broken bones, torn ligaments, bite wounds, lacerations, and even poisoning. Accident-only coverage generally includes coverage for the following:
Wellness Coverage (Add-On)
Wellness plans are generally offered as an add-on to other policies from certain companies at an additional cost. This is in place to help with expenses associated with routine exams, yearly vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Make sure to check with each company to see what the wellness coverage entails because it will certainly vary. Wellness packages may cover things like:
Tips for Shopping for Pet Insurance in North Carolina
Figure Out Your Needs
First and foremost, you should have an idea about your specific pet insurance needs so you can make shopping easier and more seamless. Whether you are looking for a more low-cost plan to be in place just in case of emergencies or are wanting a more comprehensive coverage that will take care of most veterinary needs, having a good idea of what you want will get you started on the right foot and help you narrow down your options.
Research the Companies
Not only do you need to find out what each different company offers, but you also want the reassurance that you are working with a highly reputable company. Take down a list of the different companies that offer pet insurance in your area, check into the specific plans they offer, and check into their customer reviews and overall reputation to help you determine which one works for you.
Get Personalized Quotes
Once you’ve had a look at different companies, what they offer, and their reputation with other customers, you will want to get some quotes. It’s as simple as filling out your pet’s information either online or providing it over the phone to the company. We recommend getting several quotes from different companies and policies that suit your needs so that you can compare coverage versus cost.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about pet insurance before you take the plunge. Your veterinarian has more than likely worked with or had clients use pet insurance for their veterinary care. Chances are, the staff will be able to give you some solid advice on companies, coverage, and what may work best for your pet.
Ask About Discounts
Some pet insurance companies may offer certain discounts including paid-in-full discounts, multiple pet discounts, bundling discounts, military discounts, and more. Make sure to research this and ask your provider about what they offer before settling on a price.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Whether pet insurance is worth the cost is something that depends on individual circumstances and is something you will ultimately decide. Accidents and illnesses can happen at any time to any pet, but some pets are at higher risk of these things, too.
It’s important to note that pre-existing conditions are not part of the coverage, so if you are certain pet insurance is what you want, it’s best to get started on a plan before anything unexpected pops up that could put a burden on you financially.
Find The Best Pet Insurance Companies in 2024
Conclusion
The cost of pet insurance in North Carolina will vary by individual need. Pet parents have the choice of paying an annual or monthly premium for the coverage of their choice. Anyone interested in pet insurance is encouraged to research the different companies and policies available to find one that suits their needs. This can be a great way to offset costly veterinary bills that are bound to pop up.
Featured Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock
