Best Pet Insurance for California

People in the Golden State really care about their pets. In fact, California has more insured pets than any other state.

Take a lesson from your fellow pet parents and sign up with one of California’s best pet insurance companies in 2022. You’ll know your pal is covered for everything from wellness checkups to emergency visits.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Whether your pet is a canine adventurer hiking the mountain trails or a house cat who people-watches the Boulevard from a window perch, pet insurance helps you keep him in tip-top shape, even when you can’t afford the out-of-pocket expenses.

Pet insurance works much the same as human health insurance. You pay a monthly premium, and the insurance company covers the expenses if your pet needs an emergency vet visit. In California, like most states, you will need to pay the clinic at your visit then submit a request for reimbursement.

Some plans will also cover yearly wellness visits, vaccines, and medications. You will have to meet a deductible or pay a certain percentage of the cost. But with many pet insurance companies, you can customize your plan to meet your needs and budget.

Types of Coverage for California Pet Insurance

Now is a great time to get coverage for your furry companion! California’s recent AB-2056 law requires insurance companies to disclose all the information about their policies upfront, so you won’t be shell shocked when you file a claim.

But how do you decide which coverage is best for your pet (and best for your wallet)? Think about these basic types of pet insurance coverage:

• Accident-Only: This is the cheapest type of policy; it only covers vet fees resulting from an accident. It will not cover the treatment of an illness or wellness treatments.

• Accident and Illness: A happy medium between minimal and whole-hog, this policy covers accidental injuries as well as illnesses, both common and severe.

• Comprehensive: This policy is the most expensive, but it covers virtually everything, including accidents and injuries, illnesses (both severe and chronic), regular checkups and vaccinations, diagnostic testing, therapy, and operations.

• Wellness Package: Many companies offer a wellness add-on to the first two policies. This covers routine checkups, vaccinations, and flea prevention.

What Factors Affect Your Premium?

Did you know that it costs more to insure a Great Dane than a Yorkie? Since all dogs and cats are not created equal, their insurance premiums aren’t either.

Here are some factors that will affect the insurance premium for your pet:

• Breed: Some breeds are more prone to breed-related health conditions that could require vet care down the road. While they may be lower in accident-only coverage, lifetime coverage will be higher.

• Species: In general, cats are less expensive to insure than dogs. Some companies offer insurance for exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and small mammals for a lower premium cost.

• Size: Small dogs are generally cheaper to insure than large dogs. This is because large breeds tend to age faster and have shorter lifespans.

• Age: For obvious reasons, older pets will be more expensive to insure than young, healthy ones.

• Location: Unfortunately, monthly premiums can be higher if you live in a locale (like California) where veterinary costs are more expensive.

• Amount of Coverage: The more coverage you desire, the higher your premium. It will also go up if you decrease your deductible or increase your reimbursement level.

Our Top Picks for Pet Insurance in California

We’ve put together a list of the best pet insurance companies for California residents based on expert research and user feedback. All of these have low monthly premiums and stellar customer service reviews, so you can’t go wrong.

Spot

• Build a customizable plan to meet your needs
• 10% multi-pet discount
• No age limit
• VetConnect 24/7 telehealth helpline

Lemonade

• One of the fastest claims-filing processes available
• 10% discount for bundling with a home insurance policy
• Convenient app to file claims or consult with medical experts
• Plans start as low as $10/month

ASPCA

• Three levels of coverage
• Add-on preventative care plans are available
• Up to 90% reimbursement on covered vet bills
• One of the most-trusted pet insurers in the USA

Prudent Pet

• Best comprehensive plan on the market
• 24/7 vet chat with any plan
• 10% multi-pet discount
• 85% of claims reimbursed within five days

Embrace

• Save money with the Wellness Rewards program
• Covers up to 90% of costs
• 10% multi-pet discount and 5% military discount
• Five annual limit options

Tips for Keeping Your Premium Down

Comparison shopping is a great way to find the best pet insurance rate. Here are some other ways you can proactively keep your premium as low as possible:

• Pick a low-risk pet: If you’re taking the plunge with a new pet companion, think about breed and age before you pick The One. Choose a breed that is less expensive to insure. And remember that while old dogs need love too, young ones are cheaper to insure.

• Be on the lookout for discounts: Many pet insurance companies offer discounts on multiple pet policies. Major insurers like Liberty Mutual and Allstate offer bundling discounts when adding a pet policy to your home or auto. You may also get a discount if your pet is spayed or neutered.

• Choose a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate: Your monthly rate will be lower with a higher deductible, but be aware that you will have to pay more upfront if you make a claim.

• Make an annual payment: Insurance companies usually discount if you make your entire premium payment up front.

• Practice prevention: Keeping up with your pet’s medical care is the best way to avoid illness and injuries. Stay up to date on annual wellness visits and vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter to significantly reduce your chances of filing a claim in the future.

Final Thoughts

Yearly veterinary care is the most expensive in - you guessed it - California. But don’t let this deter you from caring for your beloved pet! Depending on the company and type of coverage you choose, up to 100% of your yearly vet expenses could be footed by your pet insurance company for only a low monthly payment.

Crazy about comparison shopping? Check out our entire list of the best pet insurance to get your furry friend the coverage he deserves.