This year, one in three pets in California and across the country may get sick or injured. In San Diego, San Francisco and throughout the Golden State, pet health care is more expensive than ever.
Pets are as much a part of many households as any other family member, and it’s terrible for everyone when they’re hurt or sick. When there is a health crisis , we all want to provide the best care for our dogs.
Unfortunately, as the cost of veterinary care increases across the country, some people may not be able to afford it.
That’s why so many pet owners turn to pet insurers to ensure their pets receive high-quality, professional medical care.
The following information outlines some of the best pet insurance companies in San Diego.
Table of Contents
What is pet insurance?
According to Investopedia , pet insurance is a type of insurance that a pet owner purchases to help cover the costs of expensive veterinary care.
This coverage is comparable to human health insurance policies. Pet insurance will cover, in whole or in part, often expensive veterinary procedures.
To get the pet insurance plan that’s right for you, you need to evaluate and compare pet insurance options.
There is often a deductible, which is an out-of-pocket expense before coverage begins, just like with human health insurance.
Most insurance companies will calculate the premium based on the average cost of veterinary treatment in the owner’s area. It is also possible that the policy does not cover all veterinary procedures.
What does pet insurance cover in San Diego?
Most pet insurance policies are intended to cover your cat or dog in case of accidents or illness, but not for routine veterinary treatment.
This means that if your pet gets sick or is injured in any way, the policy will pay some of your vet bills.
However, if your pet visits the veterinarian for routine care, such as vaccinations, dental care, or annual checkups, the policy will not cover their costs.
Also, many pet insurance policies cover hereditary diseases. If your pet has already shown symptoms of the ailment, it will be considered a pre-existing condition.
How does pet insurance work in San Diego, CA?
Pet insurance in San Diego, California, like all states, is paid through reimbursement rather than through your veterinarian, as is the case with humane medical care.
You’ll pay the doctor directly when you bring your pet in for treatment, and then submit a bill for reimbursement.
Once your given vet bills have been audited and authorized, unique adjustments to your plan will determine how much you’ll receive. Here’s how each of those customizations affects the total amount of your refund:
- The total compensation paid in a policy year for all claims made is your maximum annual payment.
- A deductible is an amount you must pay before your insurance company begins to reimburse you. Be prepared to pay for this yourself.
- After your claim has been submitted and authorized, your Reimbursement % is the amount you will receive on the reimbursement form. The percentages range from 50 to 90 percent.
How much does pet insurance cost in San Diego CA?
The most expensive veterinary treatment for dogs and cats is found in California, specifically in San Diego. Fortunately, depending on your coverage and plan, pet insurance can cover up to 90 percent of those costs.
The cost of living in California varies by city, and as a result, so do vet fees. The most expensive city is San Diego, followed by San Francisco, Los Angeles, Redding and Sacramento.
Figo Pet Insurance estimates $14,000 annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80 percent reimbursement over three years for a three-year-old mixed-breed dog weighing between 21 and 70 pounds.
If you have a puppy, senior dog, purebred dog, or large dog, your free quote will change.
| Ciudad | Monthly cost |
| The Angels | $46.04 |
| San Diego | $57.50 |
| San Francisco | $47.54 |
| Redding | $39.28 |
| Sacramento | $33.49 |
Types of pet insurance
There is no one size fits all solution as there are several different types of pet insurance available. Here are the top three policies you’ll see:
#1. Accident and illness plans:
Accidents and illnesses are not uncommon. If your pet is injured or sick, pet insurance plans cover the most important treatments and services.
X-rays, medications, hospitalization, and surgery are examples of this. It is beneficial for any pet, but many insurance providers have an age limit for this coverage.
The price of the accident and illness plans depends on the annual coverage limit you select, the deductible, the type of pet you have, the breed and the age of your pet.
#two. Accident-Only Plans:
An accident-only pet insurance plan only covers treatment related to accidents, such as ingested items, burns, and bites.
In most circumstances, accident-only policies don’t have an age limit, making them a viable option for older pets.
This form of insurance is an excellent foreign investment if your pet is in generally good health but you want coverage in the event of an accident.
#3. Wellness plans:
Pet wellness plans are sold as stand-alone policies or as a rider to an accident-and-sickness or accident-only policy.
Coverage of services (preventive and routine care) includes vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and annual veterinary checkups.
Although most wellness plans are affordable, most services have a limit on the number of people who can use them.
As a result, if your vet’s regular treatment fees are reasonable, a wellness plan may not be worth it.
Best Pet Insurance in San Diego
Here are the best companies that offer pet insurance in San Diego:
#1. Encompass
The BBB has given this insurer an A+ rating and there have only been 38 complaints in the last three years.
Due to its affordable rates and extensive list of therapies and medical problems covered by its plans, Embrace is one of the best pet insurance companies in San Diego.
Wellness coverage is also available as a supplement to policyholders. Policies are available for cats and dogs ages eight weeks to fourteen years.
- Monthly costs: From $13.04 for dogs and $8.98 for cats
- Coverage: Varies from 70 to 90 percent after deductible, depending on the plan
- Payment Limits: Coverage limits range from $5,000 to $30,000 online or unlimited by phone enrollment annually
- Deductible: Varies from $200 to $1,000 annually, depending on the plan
Accept the pros and cons
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| 30-DAY RETURN GUARANTEE | Examination required in the last year |
| Average refund response time of five days | Upper age limits in accident-illness |
| decreasing deductibles | Narrower yearly highs compared to others |
| Wellness Rewards Program | $25 registration fee |
#two. pet first
With adjustable benefits that can be matched to your average annual spend, the PetFirst Wellness Rider provides the best value for routine treatment. It also offers coverage for accidents and illnesses, as well as preventive care.
Cats and dogs as young as eight weeks old can join the company’s plans. Unlike most other insurance companies, it also offers plans specifically for older dogs.
In addition, Petfirst’s minimum fees are significantly lower than national averages, and many current and former customers praise the company’s simple claims process and quick turnaround times, which it promises within two weeks of submitting claims. a claim.
- Monthly costs: From $16.95 for dogs and $8.95 for cats
- Coverage: Ranges from 70 to 90 percent, depending on the plan
So, with the information above, you should be able to start your search for the best pet insurance in San Diego and feel confident in finding a policy that fits your pet and your budget.
Petfirst Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Wellness benefits are available from $125 to $575 a year | Each preventive treatment has its own individual limit |
| Only $250 deductible | Accident and injury limits max out at $10,000 per year |
| Accident coverage begins the day after enrollment | Does not offer an accident-only plan |
| online resource center |
#3. ASPCA Pet Insurance
The ASPCA offers coverage for dogs and cats, as well as a 10% discount for multiple pets, making it the best option for families with multiple furry members. It is also one of the best San Diego pet insurance companies.
Accident, Sickness, and Wellness are the ASPCA’s three categories of pet health insurance coverage. Their policies include cats and dogs up to eight weeks of age and have no upper age limit.
Coverage is extensive and claims can be submitted in a variety of ways, including through a mobile app.
Plus, refunds are guaranteed within 30 days; however, customers generally indicate that they are promptly reimbursed.
Compared to the monthly national average of $44.66 for dogs and $27.93 for cats, the fees appear competitive.
Pros and Cons of ASPCA Pet Insurance
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Multiple Pet Discount (10% discount per pet) | Does not offer unlimited benefits |
| covers dogs and cats | Not directly administered by the ASPCA |
| Offers a smartphone app | Wellness benefits subject to pre-treatment limits |
| Visit any licensed veterinarian in the US or Canada |
#4. PetSmart Insurance
While these plans don’t qualify as traditional pet insurance, they do provide many services to pet owners at a low monthly rate.
PetSmart partners with Banfield Pet Hospital to offer preventive care plans, and while these plans don’t qualify as traditional pet insurance, they do provide many services to pet owners at a low monthly rate.
Customers are required to seek treatment at a Banfield Pet Hospital site, however, Banfield has stand-alone locations as well as locations at PetSmart stores across the country.
Also, this pet insurance company ranks first among the best pet insurance providers in San Diego on our list.
#5. lemonade pet insurance
Lemonade Pet Insurance services are based on a single fixed accident-sickness plan, but make up for it with extensive plan customization options and some of the lowest monthly costs available.
Therefore, Lemonade, the first fully online pet insurance alternative, has reduced the enrollment process to 90 seconds, making secure coverage affordable and hassle-free for its consumers.
Although the company advertises plans starting at $10 per month, the most realistic coverage is about $15 per month for cats and $37 per month for dogs.
While your rate will vary based on your pet’s age, species, breed, and gender, as well as your zip code, Lemonade’s premiums are on the cheaper end of the spectrum compared to other major providers.
In addition, any money left over from unused coverage maximums at the end of the year is donated to a non-profit effort chosen by each customer.
Lemonade policyholders can customize their plans by choosing from a variety of coverage options, including annual maximums ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per policy period, deductibles ranging from $100 to $500, and reimbursement rates of 70, 80 and 90%.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lemonade Pet Insurance
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Versatile customization options | Still new to the pet insurance market No money back guarantee posted |
| 10 percent discount for multiple pets | No money back guarantee posted |
| Up to $100,000 in annual coverage limits | Limits enrollment eligibility to dogs over 14 years of age |
| Fully digital interface and mobile app features with fast claims processing |
#6. Cash pet insurance
Spot’s pet insurance offers cost-effective and customizable alternatives to ensure your pet gets the veterinary care they need when they need it most, at an affordable monthly cost. Also, Spot is not difficult to use.
To get reimbursed for a visit to your vet, simply submit a claim through Spot’s login portal after the visit, along with copies of your pet’s medical record and vet bill.
Please note that while Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accident and sickness coverage, policyholders have up to 270 days from the date of treatment to file a claim after that time has passed.
Potential Spot policyholders should expect to spend $30 to $50 per month for dogs and $18 to $25 per month for cats on a monthly basis.
If you have more than one pet that needs insurance, Spot will give you a 10% discount if you enroll more than one pet on any one policy.
Spot pet insurance covers a wide range of expenses associated with qualifying incidents, including
- Vet Office Visit Fees
- Medical prescription
- End of life expenses
- X-rays
- tooth extractions
- stem cell therapy
- poison control
- intravenous fluids
- cancer treatment
- Blood tests.
- Accidents, Emergencies and Surgery
Spot the pros and cons of pet insurance
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| No upper age limit | No preventative care unless purchased separately |
| multipet discount | 14-day waiting period for accident coverage |
| Includes coverage for microchip implantation | |
| 30-DAY RETURN GUARANTEE |
#7. Healthy Paws Insurance
This is one of the best San Diego pet insurance companies. Accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, congenital problems, dental treatment and alternative care, such as acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments, are covered under the Healthy Paws basic insurance.
A 30-day money-back guarantee, automatic unlimited annual maximums for all policy levels, amazingly customizable coverage, and the inclusion of breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia are just a few of the standout features.
Policyholders pay an average of $39 per month for dogs and $12 per month for cats with this insurance company. Here’s a quick rundown of what Healthy Paws plans include:
- Medical prescription
- End of life expenses
- X-rays
- tooth extractions
- stem cell therapy
- poison control
- intravenous fluids
- cancer treatment
- Blood tests.
- accidents
- emergency care
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
Pros and Cons of Healthy Paws
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Cover breed-specific conditions | The new $25 member fee |
| No coverage limits for any policy | No preventive care options |
| Good BBB rating | No discounts for multiple pets |
| Fast claim reimbursement |
#8. prudent pet insurance
Prudent Pet, like Lemonade, was founded in 2018, making it one of the few newer pet insurers on the market. Pet owners can choose from a variety of basic plan options, including accident-only and more comprehensive.
In addition, Markel Insurance Company, which has an “A” financial stability rating from AM Best, underwrites Prudent Pet.
Prudent Pet prides itself on making policies transparent and easy to understand, offering reimbursement rates of 70, 80, or 90 percent with a $100-$1,000 annual deductible.
Coverage limits start at $10,000 and go up to an unlimited amount if you purchase the highest level policy.
Additionally, Prudent Pet premiums start at $10 per month for dogs and $23 for cats, averaging $39 per month for dogs and $23 for cats.
Optional wellness add-on plans for cats and dogs start at $7.95 per month for cats and $11.95 per month for dogs. This is also one of the best San Diego pet insurance companies.
If you choose to sign up with Prudent Pet, here are some of the things you can expect to be covered:
- cancer and treatments
- bite wounds
- Broken bones
- emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- birth defects
- Eye, ear and skin conditions
- Urinary tract infections, Hereditary conditions, Hip dysplasia, etc.
Pros and cons of prudent pet insurance
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Five days waiting for the accident coverage period | Fixed annual coverage limits per policy level |
| 10 percent discount for multiple pets | A lot of exclusions. |
| No upper age limits | Mobile app is not available |
| No in-network requirements |
#9. FIGO pet insurance
Figo is one of the best pet insurance companies in San Diego as it is the best insurer for pet owners who like to look for alternative treatments for their pets.
This pet insurance policy includes coverage for the following treatments and services:
- emergency services
- Hospitalization
- diagnostic tests
- hereditary conditions
- congenital conditions
- chronic conditions
- surgeries
- cancer treatment
- Holistic and alternative treatments
- behavioral health
Figo has recently added a wellness package to its repertoire. A Wellness Rider can get this for preventative care, and it can be upgraded with the Extra Care Pack and Exam Fee boosters.
You will have to wait one day for an accident visit and 14 days for a sick visit before you can use your coverage. Additionally, there may be a six-month waiting period for specific orthopedic disorders.
Advantages and disadvantages of FIGO pet insurance
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Base plan includes holistic care | Exam fees not covered in the base plan |
| Virtual veterinary visits available 24/7 | recommends a registration exam |
| 30-DAY RETURN GUARANTEE | |
| flexible customer service | |
| Visit any licensed veterinarian |
#10. Pet Insurance in Hartville
Hartville will allow your pet to sign up for a policy no matter how old they are. Senior dogs are not only eligible for accident coverage, but also for illness and accident coverage.
The Comprehensive Coverage policy includes coverage for accidents and illnesses, including conditions such as
- hereditary conditions
- dental diseases
- behavioral health
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Diabetes
- eye disorders
In addition, Hartville offers a Preventive Care Coverage rider that covers the cost of routine wellness checkups, immunizations and dental cleanings . You must wait 14 days before using your accident and sickness coverage.
This is also one of the best San Diego pet insurance companies.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pet Insurance in Hartville
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| No maximum age limit | high premiums |
| Sickness, accident and wellness coverage for all ages | Scheduled preventive care benefits |
| One month trial period | Long waiting period for injuries |
| Helpful online resources | |
| Multiple Pet Discount (10% discount per pet) |
Step-by-step guide to choosing the best pet insurance in San Diego
Different pet insurance policies are not comparable in terms of coverage. Due to differences in coverage, exclusions and cost, it is difficult to determine the potential value of any plan. Comparison is still possible; it just takes a long time.
Here’s how to choose a pet insurance company that fits your budget while giving you peace of mind that your pet will be protected in the event of an unexpected health issue:
Plan Type
Do you want coverage that’s always on top of everything, or do you want to save money by buying an accident-only policy that doesn’t cover pet illnesses? Or maybe something in between?
Comprehensive pet insurance policies, which cover a wide range of health and wellness issues, are often the most expensive.
Still, if you want full coverage, it may be worth it. You have a variety of options.
- Comprehensive Protection: Accidents and injuries, as well as serious or chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hereditary problems, diagnostic tests, procedures, and alternative therapies, are covered under this umbrella. Routine veterinary care, like checkups and vaccinations, is sometimes included, but not usually.
- Accident and Sickness Coverage: This coverage generally covers veterinary expenses for common ailments, genetic disorders, and serious illnesses, as well as common ailments, genetic disorders, and serious illnesses. Routine vet checks, flea prevention and vaccinations will not be reimbursed, but you can purchase a wellness package for full protection.
- Accident-only coverage pays vet bills only if your pet is injured in an accident. You will be responsible for any medical bills you incur as a result of your illness.
Watch for discounts
Many companies offer discounts to multi-pet households that enroll more than one furry family member at the same time.
Typically, this is a 10% discount each annual coverage period, while other providers will only offer a 5% discount.
Some insurance companies offer a pet spay/neuter discount to encourage pet owners to get their pets repaired to avoid unplanned pregnancies and malignancies of the reproductive system.
When you pay for your annual subscription in full, you can usually save money. Finally, many carriers offer 10% savings to active duty military personnel and veterans.
conclusion
When it comes to shopping for a pet insurance policy, price comparison is key.
Companies provide various levels of coverage at different rates, and your goal is to select an insurance company that provides adequate coverage at a price that is within your budget.
When shopping, keep in mind that prices are based on a variety of criteria in addition to your pet’s age and breeds, such as the cost of veterinary care in your city and state.
