Best Pet Insurance in California: Cost, Reviews & Coverage (2023)

Pet insurance can minimize the cost of owning, living with, and caring for your furry friend. The best pet insurers nationwide have plans that pay for quality healthcare for your pet, but each has its special appeal.

After meticulously researching coverage plans, limits, deductibles, customer reviews, and other areas, we’ve created our list of the best pet insurance providers in California. Our research should help you choose the right plan for your pet and budget.

9 Best Pet Insurance Companies in California

Here are the nine best pet insurance providers in the Golden State:

• Lemonade: Best Overall
• Spot: Most Customizable
• Wagmo: Best for Basic Wellness Coverage
• Embrace: Most Affordable
• Healthy Paws: Best for Affordable Unlimited Coverage
• Pawp: Best for Multi-Pet Enrollment
• Figo: Shortest Waiting Period
• Fetch: Best for Vet Therapy Coverage
• Trupanion: Most Flexible Deductibles

Compare Pet Insurance in California

The chart below gives you a quick overview of each pet insurance company’s coverage. The premiums below are estimates determined using a Los Angeles ZIP code and comparing quotes for a medium-sized domestic short-haired cat and a large (70+ pounds) mixed-breed dog. Your final price may vary based on your coverage, plan, add-ons, and pet’s age and breed.

Provider	Premiums	Deductible	Reimbursement Rates	Annual Limits	Coinsurance	BBB rating*
Lemonade	$14–$65 per month	$100, $250, or $500	60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%	$5,000–$100,000	30%, 20%, 10%	Not rated
Spot	$8–$23 per month	$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000	70%, 80%, or 90%	$2,500–unlimited	30%, 20%, 10%	A
Wagmo	$20–$60 per month	$250, $500, or $1,000	90% or 100%	$20,000	10% or 0%	B
Embrace	$17–$58 per month	$200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000	70%, 80%, or 90%	$5,000–$30,000 (accident and illness), $5,000 (accident-only)	30%, 20%, 10%	A+
Healthy Paws	$24–$101 per month	$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000	70%, 80%, can range from 50% to 90% (in some areas)	Unlimited	30%, 20%, can range from 50% to 10% (limited to certain areas)	A
Pawp	$24 per month	None	100% (up to annual limit)	$3,000	0%	Not rated
Figo	$26–$50 per month	Varies based on pet age	70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%	Unlimited	30%, 20%, 10%, 0%	B+
Fetch	$28–$48 per month	$250, $300, or $500	70%, 80%, or 90%	$5,000–unlimited (available via phone)	30%, 20%, 10%	A+
Trupanion	$12–$118 per month	$0 to $1,000	Up to 100%	Unlimited	As low as 0%	Not rated

Lemonade: Best Overall

Why We Chose Lemonade Pet Insurance

Lemonade is excellent if you want the best overall pet insurance coverage. Pet parents can take advantage of the affordable rates and excellent coverage, which relieves potential stress associated with steep monthly premiums. You can also bundle your Lemonade pet insurance with your auto or homeowner’s insurance to save 10% off.

Lemonade has three insurance plans for cats and dogs: base accident-and-illness, extended accident-and-illness, and preventative care. The base package covers health conditions such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, acute injuries (lacerations and broken bones), arthritis, and cancer.

Extended coverage offers policyholders various add-ons to the base package, including vet visit fees, treatments, and end-of-life expenses. The preventative care package has wellness plan coverage on exams, boosters, vaccines, heartworm tests, flea medication, and similar treatments.

The main Lemonade plan covers the following treatments and care:

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Cancer treatments
• GI issues, including poisoning
• Heart disease
• Hereditary conditions
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Orthopedic issues, including broken bones, torn ligaments, and sprains

You can also choose from the below optional add-ons:

• Routine blood work
• Tests for heartworm and other parasites
• Vaccines
• Wellness exams
• Wellness exams specifically for puppies and kittens

Lemonade Pet Insurance Cost

Lemonade pet insurance costs vary based on the plan, coverage, and pre-existing conditions your cat or dog has. Its average monthly cost in California ranges from $14 to $65. For example, a 3-year-old German shepherd in California costs $45.01. For a 3-year-old Persian cat, the cost is $19.98 for cat insurance.

• Average monthly premiums: $14 to $65, depending on pet and policy
• Deductibles: $100, $250, $500
• Annual limits: $5,000 to $100,000
• Reimbursement rates: 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%

Learn more: Lemonade pet insurance review

Get a quote: Go to Lemonade’s website for a free quote and explore its policies further.

Spot: Most Customizable

Why We Chose Spot Pet Insurance

Spot earned a place on our list because of its customizable plans, which make a difference for pet owners who want specific coverage. Spot has seven plans, and coverage caps range from $2,500 to limited coverage. Pet owners can also buy a plan with accident-only coverage, an affordable option for owners who only want coverage for emergency care.

Pet owners with Spot insurance gain access to three types of coverage, which form the foundation of the seven total plans: accident-and-illness (injuries and illnesses), accident-only (unexpected injuries), and preventative care (wellness). Owners can purchase the preventative care package as an add-on to the other two plans.

Spot Pet Insurance Cost

Spot’s pet insurance monthly premiums vary based on the pet’s age, breed, and pre-existing conditions. The cost for a 3-year-old German shepherd with the Spot Accident+Illness coverage costs $22.65 per month, and the Accident Only plan costs $13.09. For a 3-year-old Persian cat, the Accident+Illness coverage and Accident Only plans cost $15.57 and $8.23, respectively.

• Average monthly premiums: $8 to $23
• Annual limits: $2,500 to unlimited
• Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%

Get a quote: Visit Spot’s website to compare its pet insurance coverage with other providers.

Wagmo: Best for Basic Wellness Coverage

Why We Chose Wagmo Pet Insurance

Wellness plans are an essential part of pet care and preventative maintenance. Wagmo’s wellness plans often include reimbursements for various wellness-related costs, including dental cleanings, prescriptions, and vaccinations.

Wagmo has an extensive list of wellness plans, allowing pet owners to pick their price tiers and coverage preferences. Given the importance of personalized wellness plans, Wagmo is a sound choice.

Wagmo offers a handful of coverages, including a standard accident-and-illness plan and three wellness plans (value, classic, and deluxe). The accident-and-illness plan covers typical expenses, such as emergency vet visits, prescription medications, and surgeries.

Wellness plans include coverage of a wellness exam, vaccines, bloodwork, fecal tests, urinalysis, flea/tick/heartworm medication, and more. Exact coverages depend on the plan you choose.

Wagmo Pet Insurance Cost

The pricing for Wagmo’s pet insurance ranges from $20 to $60, depending on the plan level and your pet’s age, type, and condition. Let’s look at two examples. First, a 3-year-old German shepherd dog costs $20/month for the Value plan, $36/month for the Classic plan, and $59/month for the Deluxe plan. Surprisingly, the costs are the same for a 3-year-old Persian cat.

• Average monthly premiums: $20 to $60, depending on policy and pet
• Annual limits: $20,000
• Deductibles: $250, $500, $1,000
• Reimbursement rates: 90% or 100%

Get a quote: Compare Wagmo to other pet insurance companies near you by getting a free quote from Wagmo.

Embrace: Most Affordable

Why We Chose Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace insurance provides a range of savings options via discounts, which cut costs on monthly premiums without sacrificing coverage. Discounts include breaks for multi-pet coverage and military veterans. Some employers also engage Embrace for a discount for their employees.

California pet owners have access to two plans with Embrace: accident-and-illness and wellness. The accident-and-illness plan covers various illnesses and injuries, including cancer, dental trauma, genetic conditions, allergies, and other chronic conditions.

The wellness plan offers 100% reimbursement for routine pet care, including grooming, vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and spay/neuter surgery. The coverage amount you’ll receive depends on your plan, which will determine the cost of the package.

Embrace Pet Insurance Cost

Embrace pet insurance has several options: You can choose the annual reimbursement limit, annual deductible, and reimbursement percentage. As you might suspect, the cheapest monthly premium is when you choose the minimum amount for each option.

As an example, a 3-year-old German shepherd dog’s monthly premiums range from $28.17 (using a $5,000 annual reimbursement limit, $1,000 annual deductible, and 70% reimbursement percentage) to $99.45 (using a $30,000 annual reimbursement limit, $200 annual deductible, and 90% reimbursement percentage)

• Average monthly premiums: $17 to $58
• Annual limits: Between $5,000 and $30,000 for accident-and-illness policies, $5,000 for an accident-only policy
• Deductibles: $200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%

Get a quote: If Embrace is a suitable pet insurer for your pet, visit the company’s website to obtain a free quote.

Healthy Paws: Best for Affordable Unlimited Coverage

Why We Chose Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

While accident-only coverage may be the best option for some pet owners, other owners may feel more comfortable with a plan that provides more coverage. And Healthy Paws offers one of the best pet plans with unlimited coverage. Although other pet insurers offer similar packages, the plans from Healthy Paws come at more affordable prices.

Healthy Paws offers a single plan for accident-and-illness coverage, which pays for emergency treatments, procedures, and associated costs. Although the plan excludes pre-existing conditions, exam fees, preventative care, and behavioral issues, it has lifetime benefits and no limits, either annually or per incident.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cost

Like most pet insurers, Healthy Paws’ costs vary depending on the type of pet and its age. For example, a 3-year-old German shepherd dog has a monthly premium of $63.74. In contrast, the insurance for a 3-year-old Persian cat comes in at $41.98 per month.

• Average monthly premiums: $24 to $101, depending on the pet and plan
• Annual limits: Unlimited
• Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
• Reimbursement rates: 50% to 90%, depending on location, type of pet, and policy choice

Get a quote: Go to the Healthy Paws website for a free quote to see how it compares to the other pet insurance companies in California.

Pawp: Best for Multi-Pet Enrollment

Why We Chose Pawp Pet Insurance

Pawp’s coverage is unlike traditional pet insurance. Instead, you get emergency vet visit coverage for up to six pets for a flat rate of $24 per month. This makes it the best for multi-pet coverage.

Many members use its policy to supplement another pet insurance policy to cover emergency veterinary bills (up to $3,000 per year). However, Pawp has its own network of licensed veterinarians, meaning you likely won’t use your current vet for Pawp coverage.

Pawp only has emergency coverage for your pets and no traditional insurance policies. Pet owners must visit Pawp’s licensed vets through the digital clinic to use this emergency coverage. Once the remote veterinarian determines the emergency is life-threatening and recommends immediate treatment, you must take your pet to your local vet within four hours.

Pawp Pet Insurance Cost

No matter the breed, age, or condition of your cat and dog, the monthly premium for California is always the same at $24 per month.

• Average monthly premiums: $24
• Annual limits: $3,000
• Coinsurance: None
• Deductible: None
• Reimbursement rates: 100% up to annual limit

Get a quote: Pawp’s has a single, flat-rate policy at $24 per month. So, no quotes are required. You can visit Pawp’s website for more details and sign up for coverage.

Figo: Shortest Waiting Period

Why We Chose Figo Pet Insurance

Out-of-pocket vet bills are sometimes steep, and the bite out of the pocketbook is worse if your insurer’s reimbursement period extends too long. This is where Figo pet insurance shines. Unlike other pet insurance providers, Figo prioritizes turnaround times. You won’t wait months for your insurance reimbursement to arrive.

Figo offers its coverage packages in three straightforward options: Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate. The primary difference between each option is the annual coverage cap, as each plan includes accident-and-illness coverage.

Figo packages cover surgeries, prescriptions, diagnostic testing, and more. Pet owners can add a Wellness Basic Plan or a Wellness Plus Plan, which covers vaccines, annual exams, teeth cleaning, and spaying or neutering. Adding these packages to your policy will add costs of between $9.50 and $16.50 per month.

Figo Pet Insurance Cost

The monthly premiums for Figo pet insurance vary based on the age and breed of your cat or dog. Additionally, the annual coverage limits, reimbursement percentage, and deductible you choose affect the price.

For example, a policy for a 3-year-old German shepherd dog ranges from $22.79 to $111.36. The monthly premium for a 3-year-old Persian cat ranges from $10.58 to $51.74.

• Average monthly premiums: $26 to $50, may be higher or lower depending on your pet and insurance package
• Annual limits: Unlimited
• Deductibles: Figo deductibles fluctuate depending on the pet’s age, so your exact deductible will likely differ from other pet owners
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%

Get a quote: Go to Figo’s website to obtain a quote to compare with other pet insurance companies.

Fetch: Best for Vet Therapy Coverage

Why We Chose Fetch Pet Insurance

Therapy can be life-changing for some pets, whether it’s behavioral therapy to correct various emotional issues or physical therapy for injury recovery. Fetch by The Dodo pet insurance—Fetch, in short—understands the need for excellent pet therapy coverage. Its plans reimburse owners for these treatments.

Fetch’s standard plan includes costs related to illnesses and injuries, such as alternative treatments, exam fees, and diagnostic testing. Fetch also provides a wellness plan that tacks on coverage for wellness-related services, such as annual checkups, spay and neuter surgeries, and grooming.

Customers can choose from various levels of the standard plan to modify payouts, deductibles, and reimbursements, each affecting the monthly premium.

Fetch Pet Insurance Cost

Fetch’s pet insurance premiums vary based on the age, breed, animal, and your pet’s condition—just like many other providers. For a 3-year-old German shepherd, Fetch’s insurance will cost about $53.10 per month. On the other hand, a 3-year-old Persian cat costs $27.62 per month to insure in California. For both examples, the maximum annual payout is $5,000, the annual deductible is $300, and the reimbursement percentage is 80%.

• Average monthly premiums: $28 to $48 per month (exact costs vary based on pet breed and selected package)
• Annual limits: $5,000 to unlimited
• Deductibles: $250, $300, or $500
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%

Get a quote: Click here to get a quote on Fetch’s website and compare it to other providers.

Trupanion: Most Flexible Deductibles

Why We Chose Trupanion Pet Insurance

Trupanion understands the need for flexible deductibles, as not every budget is the same. Pet owners can choose from deductibles that range from $250 to $1,000 range in $50 increments.

Trupanion has a single comprehensive plan covering accidents and illnesses. With it, pet parents receive up to 100% reimbursement, and there isn’t a cap on coverage.

Although Trupanion doesn’t offer any preventative or wellness care add-ons like many other brands, it has two additional rider packages for consideration:

• Recovery and Complementary Care: Aids with nonclinical treatments, such as behavior modification, chiropractic care, and acupuncture.
• Pet Owner Assistance package: Covers incidents unrelated to sickness or injury (reward for lost pets, boarding fees, cremation, etc.).

Trupanion Pet Insurance Cost

In California, American Pet Insurance Company underwrites Trupanion’s pet insurance. For a 3-year-old Persian cat, the monthly premiums range from $40.83 with a $1,000 deductible to $164.16 with a $0 deductible. On the other hand, a 3-year-old German shepherd dog has a monthly premium cost ranging from $88.39 with a $1,000 deductible to $384.93 with no deductible.

• Average Monthly Premiums: $12 to $118, depending on pet and policy
• Annual limits: Unlimited
• Deductibles: $0 to $1,000
• Reimbursement rates: Up to 100%

Get a quote: To get a quote, visit the Trupanion website and fill out the form.

What To Look For in Pet Health Insurance

Before you select a pet health insurance provider in California, familiarize yourself with the basics of a pet insurance policy and learn about options you can add to basic plans. Each insurance company has unique add-ons to make a policy worth the money.

As you look for a pet insurance provider for your pets, consider the below critical factors that determine the value of your policy and its cost:

• Coverage: Some insurance plans cover more veterinarian bills than others. Look at the levels that are available from low to high. Write down what insurers will pay — and won’t—for treatments, procedures/surgeries, congenital conditions, routine visits to the vet, and other things like routine teeth cleaning and serious dental care. Also, look for exclusions that apply to your pet’s breed, age, and pre-existing conditions. For example, if you want to prioritize preventative care, look for a provider that offers this in its package options (or as an add-on). Finally, ensure that coverage limits are sufficient for your budget.
• Coverage limits: Many pet insurance policies have annual coverage limits. Some have lifetime coverage limits, while others may have a per-condition limit.
• Customer reviews: Simply put, read reviews of these pet insurance companies. Anyone who takes the time to post a review is passionate about the subject. They have the bonus of having an experience with the company you’re considering. Flag any pet insurance company that has scores of negative online customer reviews. But also note how the company handles different scenarios, such as claims processing and client conflicts. We also suggest calling the company and speaking with a representative to gather a more detailed picture of the company.
• Customization: Multiple top-tier pet insurance providers understand that every four-legged family member is different, so cookie-cutter policies and plans can limit the choices. Some providers offer adjustable coverage limits, multi-pet discounts, a variety of deductible levels, reimbursement rates, and add-ons. Options like these let you lower your cost since it doesn’t require you to pay for options you don’t need or want.
• Deductibles: Before your pet insurance company starts covering treatments and care, you must pay a deductible out of pocket. Generally, policies with higher deductibles cost less each month than plans with higher premiums but lower deductibles. When selecting the right plan for your pet’s needs, it is important to consider budget restrictions and potential future healthcare costs.
• Premiums: You’ll pay a certain premium for your pet insurance coverage each month. Generally speaking, the more expensive the plan is, the more it covers and the cheaper your deductible will be. Consider how much the monthly premium costs compared to what’s covered, any exclusions applied, and the deductible itself before deciding which one best suits you and your furry friend.
• Reimbursement and Coinsurance: Pet insurance policies often don’t cover 100% of each veterinarian bill, even if the treatment or procedure is covered in your insurance policy. Instead, you will get a portion of the payment from your provider after you have paid for it (the percentage rate depends on what’s stated within your contract). For example, with 50% coverage from pet insurance and a vet bill amounting to $500, you would only need to pay $250 while your pet insurer pays for the remaining portion ($250, which is 50%).

When evaluating a pet insurance policy, don’t overlook the small print. Carefully review coverage restrictions and limits, age constraints, waiting periods before benefits kick in, annual deductibles owed by you for each claim filed per year, along with multi-pet discounts available. Also, consider pre-existing conditions requirements related to enrollment terms that apply.

California Pet Laws

Here are some pet laws in major California cities to be mindful of. If your city isn’t listed, look online for the ordinances that apply to you.

Fresno Pet Laws

The city of Fresno outlines a few pet laws surrounding household pets, including:

• Dog owners must license and vaccinate all dogs over 4 months.
• Dogs older than 5 months must be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds a breeding license.
• Owners must keep their dogs on a leash and under control when off their property and are responsible for any damage or injury their dog causes.
• Residential properties less than 36,000 square feet may have no more than four animals. Properties larger than 36,000 square feet may have no more than six animals. This includes dogs and cats.

Los Angeles Pet Laws

Pet owners in Los Angeles must follow the city’s pet laws. These laws include:

• Dogs that are at least 4 months old must be licensed.
• Cats don’t require licensing, as it’s optional, although tagging your cat offers some protection (connects to the county’s 24-hour Lost Pet Hotline).
• Owners must keep control of their animals; dogs cannot run at large on public streets, parks, or other public areas.
• Owners can’t transport their dog in the back or bed of open trucks or vehicles while traveling on county roads, streets, highways, lands, or alleys.

Sacramento Pet Laws

In the city of Sacramento, pet owners must abide by several rules and regulations, including:

• Owners must purchase a pet license for pets older than 4 months.
• Owners must have a veterinarian vaccinate the pet before receiving a license.
• Each household may have no more than three dogs (at least 4 months old) and seven cats (at least 2 months old).

San Diego Pet Laws

The city of San Diego outlines several laws regarding pet ownership, including:

• Dogs over 3 months must have the rabies vaccine (must be vaccinated before five months of age).
• Owners must keep dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet in public areas.
• Owners must keep dogs contained via an electronic containment system, restrained on a leash, or contained by a fence or other enclosure.

Final Thoughts: Best Pet Insurance in California

If you’re looking for the most affordable option, Lemonade (pair it with homeowner’s insurance for an added discount) and Embrace (with its savings opportunities) are excellent options.

When it comes to pet insurance, what matters most differs for each person. Financial budgets, special pet healthcare needs, deductibles, coverage expectations, specialty needs—no two owners, or pet situations, are alike. We recommend getting quotes from several of our top providers to find the best one for your peace of mind.

Our Pet Insurance Ranking and Review Methodology

House Method’s editorial team behind our pet insurance content is committed to providing research-backed, unbiased, and actionable advice for anyone considering a pet healthcare plan. To do so, we rely on our proprietary composite rating system, which appraises each featured insurer based on its independent performance in eight overarching categories.

Supporting evidence behind each score assigned is solely leveraged from verified data sources, including but not limited to insurers’ public-facing websites, state and national regulator indexes, credit rating agencies, verified consumer review platforms, and more.

Each pet insurance provider has the potential to achieve an aggregated maximum value of 10 points across the eight main scoring categories and its 34 more granular subcategories. After passing through the full rating system, a provider’s total score is translated into a star rating, including full and half-star increments between 1 and 5.

All reviews of pet insurance providers and related products published on House Method consider the following eight primary data points, accompanied by the maximum points possible for each:

• Coverage (2.0): This category evaluates the breadth and customizability of policy options offered to pet owners. We focused on available base plan variations—specifically the inclusion of accident-only, accident-and-illness, or both—as well as preventative care coverage and elective wellness add-ons.
• Standout Inclusions (1.0): We awarded more points to providers who considered certain veterinary services, such as behavioral therapy and holistic treatment options, as standard inclusions rather than listing them as an add-on. Points were withheld from providers that charged extra for similar services.
• Monthly Premiums (2.0): Ratings in this category are defined by where a pet insurance provider’s monthly rates fall relative to the industry average premium of $49 per month for dogs and $29 for cats. Companies that kept lower-than-average pricing scored higher than those that exceeded it.
• Annual Coverage Limits (1.0): Coverage limits, also sometimes called payout maximums, define the total maximum claim amount a policyholder can file per year. Some companies also enforce lifetime limits. Providers who offered an unlimited annual coverage option scored highest in this category. From there, the narrower the maximum limit offered, the lower each carrier scored.
• Deductibles (0.5): This category considers the range of deductible amounts offered by providers. Companies with four or more deductible options received more points than those with three or fewer. We also made a note of whether deductible options were annual or per-incident.
• Discounts (1.0): Companies with ample savings opportunities for new joiners and renewing members received favorable ratings in this scoring category.
• Waiting Periods (0.5): While all pet insurance providers have waiting periods, some are more stringent than others. Those with shorter waiting periods for accidents and/or illness naturally scored higher. Points were deducted from providers with lengthy wait times for chronic or orthopedic conditions.
• Customer Service (2.0): This section considers overall consumer experience, ease of communication with company representatives, and general accessibility. Our highest ratings were given to providers with 24/7 customer care, mobile app availability, an instant online quote feature, and a hassle-free claims submission process.

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