The Best Pet Insurance in New York State in August 2024

While every insurance company is different, in most cases pet insurers allow you to choose any veterinarian in New York State or beyond, pay their bill directly, and then file for a reimbursement for your expenses. Pared-down plans that cover only emergency expenses are available, as are more-comprehensive plans that pay pet owners back for everyday preventive care costs.

There are plenty of coverage options out there, and plenty of insurers offering them. We selected four top picks for pets and their owners living in New York State.

Top pet insurance providers in New York State

MetLife Pet Insurance

When you’re buying pet insurance, you want to pay for a policy that has only the coverage you need. With its greater-than-average number of deductibles—anywhere from $0 to $2,500—MetLife Pet Insurance makes it easy to mix and match your coverage and find something that suits both your needs and budget. Additionally, MetLife carries no age or breed restrictions, so every dog and cat owner can benefit from its services. (MetLife does not cover exotic pets at this time.)

The company provides a standard plan that can be enhanced with an optional add-on for preventative care and states reimbursement rates and available deductible amounts.

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Figo Pet Insurance

Many common pet insurance policies offer reimbursement rates of up to 90%, which is pretty good. Figo Pet Insurance, however, offers reimbursement rates of up to 100%, which is even better. The company only covers dogs and cats, but it gives you the option to customize your coverage (and cost) by choosing specific deductibles and reimbursement rates. It also offers pre-made configurations when you get your quote—a process that only takes about a minute. All the figures here were arrived at by getting quotes on the company’s website.

Features

• The basic plan covers common illnesses, accidents and emergencies, wellness and preventative care, chronic conditions, hereditary and congenital disorders, cancer, surgeries, specialist treatments, dental illness and injury, and holistic/alternative treatments. It also provides a free “Pet Cloud” app.
• Additional coverages, known as “Powerups,” are available for exams, vaccines, and other routine care, as well as veterinary exam or consultation fees “associated with the diagnosis and treatment of your pet beyond preventative care.”
• A free 24/7 live veterinary hotline connects you to help in the midst of an emergency.
• Annual coverage caps of $5,000 or $10,000 are available, as is unlimited coverage; reimbursement rates are 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% (may not be available for all pets), with deductibles as low as $100.

Pros

• Unlimited early coverage is available.
• There are lower-cost accident and illness options as well, as add-ons to cover routine care costs.
• A 24/7 live vet hotline helps owners avoid unnecessary visits.
• A 5% multi-pet discount is available.

Cons

• Only insures dogs and cats.
• The 100% reimbursement rate is not available for all pets.
• Pre-existing conditions, experimental procedures, cloning, cosmetic surgery, and anything regarding breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth (which would include neutering and spaying) are not covered.
• Waiting periods apply per the customer experience support center: one day for accidents, 14 days for illness, and six months for orthopedic conditions in dogs.

Nationwide Pet Insurance

Unlike MetLife and Figo, which restrict themselves to insuring cats and dogs, Nationwide also insures exotic pets, including birds, rabbits, lizards and other reptiles, frogs, guinea pigs, mini pigs and goats, and ferrets and other small mammals. A notable perk is Nationwide PetRXExpress, which offers discounts on prescription pet medications filled at Walmart or Sam’s Club as well as automatic claims for these products, skipping you a step.

Nationwide has six different plans, four for dogs and cats and two for exotic pets, with variations available on all of them.

Features

• Modular Pet Insurance essentially lets you build your own plan by deciding which individual coverages you want at a price you can afford. It starts at $16 per month for accident and illness coverage, has a $250 annual deductible, a $5,000 or an unlimited maximum annual benefit, and reimbursement rates from 50% to 90%. You can add wellness coverage to it that has either a $450 or $800 maximum annual benefit.
• Major Medical starts at $25 per month for accident and illness coverage, with a $250 annual deductible and a “set benefit amount for each covered condition, with an unlimited annual maximum.” Add Wellness coverage to it—which has no deductible and an unlimited annual benefit—and the cost rises to $43 per month. Reimbursement rates are “according to benefit schedule,” but can be as high as 100%.
• Whole Pet starts at $34 per month for accident and illness and $46 per month if you add wellness. Reimbursement rates are either 50% or 70%, with a $250 annual deductible and a $10,000 maximum annual benefit.
• My Pet Protection is a plan that is only available through your employer. It covers accident, illness, and wellness, and comes with either a 50% or 70% reimbursement rate, starting at either $7 or $10 per paycheck. The annual deductible is $250, and the maximum annual benefit is $7,500.
• Exotic pet coverage is either under My Pet Protection or Whole Pet. The former costs $5 or $6 per paycheck, while the latter is $16 or $21 per month, depending on whether you choose a reimbursement rate of 50% or 70%. Annual deductibles are $250 and the maximum annual benefit is $7,500 for the former and $10,000 for the latter. Only accident and illness coverages are available; wellness is not.

Pros

• Exotic pet coverage.
• Around-the-clock pet helpline available.
• Prescription medication discounts.
• A multi-pet discount starting at 5%.

Cons

• Fewer customization options available for reimbursement rates and deductibles in some cases.
• No deductible below $250.
• No wellness coverage for exotic pets.

Lemonade Pet Insurance

Lemonade is a newer name on the insurance scene, but it’s been taking off quickly. The company offers term life, homeowners, renter’s, and auto insurance policies along with pet insurance, which means you have a chance to score extra discounts by bundling. In addition, Lemonade’s à la carte approach to pet insurance lets you customize your coverage, so you’ll avoid overpaying for things you won’t use. Let’s break it all down.

Features

• The basic accident and illness coverage includes diagnostics, procedures, and medications related to unexpected injuries and diseases.
• Two preventative packages are available, with or without dental cleaning and parasite medication coverage.
• Vet visit fees, dental illness, behavioral conditions, physical therapy, and end-of-life remembrance coverage are all available as à la carte options.
• Financial restrictions and rates vary. Coverage caps range from $5,000 to $100,000. Reimbursement rates are 70%, 80%, or 90%. Annual deductibles start as low as $100. Monthly premiums begin at $10.

Pros

• There is a 5% multi-pet discount and the opportunity for bundling non-pet policies.
• The coverage cap of up to $100,000 supersedes many competitors, though no unlimited coverage option is available.
• Customizable preventative packages can offset day-to-day wellness costs.
• Mix and match coverages help you customize the price of your policy even more.

Cons

• Only dog and cat insurance are available.
• Coverage for spaying and neutering is only for pets under 2 years old.
• Waiting periods apply: two days for injuries, 14 days for illnesses, 30 days for orthopedic conditions, and six months for cruciate ligament events.

Methodology

We looked at 10 of the most popular pet insurance companies that service New York State, considering factors such as comprehensiveness of coverage levels, age limitations, reimbursement amounts, customization options, and overall price cost. Out of those 10, we chose four standouts.

How to select the best pet insurance for your pet in New York

Choosing pet insurance anywhere is a highly personalized decision process. The best coverage depends on your lifestyle, your pet’s predispositions, and more. For example, if you own a retired racing greyhound—a breed more prone to dental disease—chances are you may want to shop for a pet insurance plan that covers dental illness and potentially even routine dental cleaning (coverage that is usually only available at the highest tiers of preventative-care coverage). Although these coverages will drive up your monthly premiums, over the course of your pet’s lifetime they may well pay for themselves.

On the other hand, pet owners with young, healthy animals who rarely see the vet might benefit from accident-only or accident-and-illness coverage, which keeps the insurance cost low while also providing some peace of mind in the event of an expensive emergency. As is always the case with insurance, choosing a plan is about weighing risk and cost. Your needs will likely evolve over time.

How to get pet insurance in New York

Fortunately, getting pet insurance these days—in New York or anywhere else—is about as easy as possible. Start by shopping around, as quotes are usually free. Once you choose an insurer, just enter your pet’s information on its website. There’s usually no need for a veterinary exam or any other steps. Coverage is that simple. If you’re uncomfortable requesting a quote online, you may also be able to call the insurance company directly to purchase coverage through a live representative.

How much does pet insurance cost in New York?

The cost of pet insurance can vary widely based on a range of features, such as the type of pet and breed you’re insuring, your zip code, and the level of coverage you want. According to research conducted by MarketWatch, the average cost of pet insurance in New York State is $59 per month, but prices could be substantially higher or lower depending on the above factors.

Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats; the same MarketWatch study found an average cost of dog insurance to be $77 per month, whereas cats could be covered at the same level for $41.

The importance of pet insurance in New York City

Pet insurance is helpful for pet owners anywhere, but in a pet-unfriendly urban environment such as New York City, it may be even more important. Residents of the Big Apple know their hometown is full of potential obstacles and health risks for pets, from traffic-clogged streets to rat poison in Central Park.

According to figures compiled by the American Veteran Medical Association, 49.7% of households in New York State own a pet in 2024. This indicates a broad need for pet insurance, which allows pet owners to lower their overall costs while ensuring the best care for their charges. According to 2024 research by Forbes, 14% of pet owners in the U.S. would have to go into debt to pay a veterinarian bill starting at $500, another 24% would hit the crunch at $1,000, and another 18% would be discomfited by $5,000 or more. That’s a majority stake of 56% who might have trouble paying their bill.

“Many pet owners are caught off guard by unexpected accidents and illnesses,” says Ricky Walther, doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) and chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor, “and many are faced with choosing between steep treatment costs and their pet's health.” Pet insurance can help owners avoid that impossible calculus, and there are many insurers from which to choose.

Then there is the high cost of living (Numbeo estimates the monthly expenses for a family of four at $6,091.30 before rent), which can drive up healthcare costs. “In cities like New York, where veterinary costs are far higher than the national average, pet insurance can literally be a lifesaver for many who love their pets like family,” says Walther.

Types of pet insurance plans available in New York

As we’ve seen in the list above, pet insurance is available at multiple coverage levels. Generally speaking, most insurers offer three main types of coverage, with other optional add-ons (such as exam fees or dental illness) sometimes offered à la carte on top of them. Let’s take a closer look.

Accident-only plans

The sparest of pet insurance policies are accident-only plans. These usually cover broken limbs, accidental ingestion of foreign objects, and other mishaps.Even pet insurers who institute an age limit on illness coverage may still cover senior pets for accident-related expenses.

Accident-and-illness plans

Accident-and-illness pet insurance plans often constitute the base coverage type for most insurers. These plans may cover diagnostics, procedures, and treatment costs related to unexpected illnesses such as cancer or heart disease) in addition to accidents. Always be sure to read the fine print to understand exactly what coverages are offered. For example, some insurers don’t include expenses such as exam fees or prescription medications without the enrollee purchasing an optional add-on.

Comprehensive and preventative plans

The broadest types of coverage are reserved for comprehensive and preventative wellness plans, which cover routine and preventative veterinary and associated expenses. While every plan is different, these plans may include wellness exam fees, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, grooming, training, and even alternative services such as reiki and massage. Unsurprisingly, the premiums for these plans are substantially higher than lower tier levels, but for pet owners who often find themselves at the vet’s office, they may be worthwhile.

TIME Stamp: New Yorkers have plenty of pet insurance options to help keep costs low

Pet insurance is increasingly seen as a smart way to both lower the costs of owning a pet and keep them healthy and happy. The New York companies we profiled have a multiplicity of coverage options at a wide variety of prices.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What does pet insurance cover in New York?

Your specific plan’s coverage will vary depending on the insurer and coverage type you choose, as well as other factors, including any upper age limit the insurance company imposes on pets. However, in general, base-level coverage for accidents and/or illness helps pet owners pay for emergency vet expenses related to unforeseen events, while preventative care coverage offers more holistic help on routine costs, such as wellness exams and vaccines.

Is pet insurance required in New York?

Pet insurance is not legally required in New York State or New York City, though “all insurance companies selling policies in New York State must be licensed by the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) and authorized to do business in New York,” according to the New York State Bar Association. There is currently a bill in committee in the state senate to regulate the pet insurance industry and increase policy transparency.

Can I use any veterinarian with pet insurance in New York?

It’s always worth checking with your individual plan, but, yes, most pet insurance companies allow you to choose any veterinarian in your state and then file for reimbursement of your expenses afterward. You may also be able to choose veterinarians in other states and even Canada, depending on your plan.

How do I file a claim with pet insurance in New York?

Your pet insurance company will offer in-depth instructions on how to file a claim. However, these days many insurers make it easier than ever to file claims through a mobile app, with which you can easily upload documentation, such as veterinary receipts, to begin the claims process.