Choosing the right pet insurance company for you and your dog or other pets in PA can be a frustrating and confusing process. How much coverage will my plan provide? How fast will I be reimbursed? Are there any health issues not covered?
Here at iHeartDogs, we created an easy comparison below of all the major pet insurance brands in PA and across the US. You can also use the form below to receive a no obligation quote from all the major pet insurance carriers at once, allowing you to compare pricing and coverage:
Best Pet & Dog Insurance in PA
Let’s take a deep dive into the features and benefits of each of the major pet insurance brands here in PA and across the USA. Simply scroll to the right to view all the brands:
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Receive a Free No-Obligation Quote from All the Pet Insurance Carriers At Once
Rather than visiting each insurance carrier’s website, you can use the form below to receive a no obligation quote from all the pet insurance carriers at once, allowing you to easily compare:
Pennsylvania Pet Insurance FAQs
Can I cancel my pet insurance at any time in Pennsylvania?
Canceling your pet insurance policy is possible at any point in time. Although you cannot stop paying the monthly fees, you will need to contact your pet insurance provider first, which will take time and effort. It should be noted that if you do not submit a cancellation request through the chosen contact channel of your insurance carrier, you may still be billed for premiums. In addition, expect the insurance provider will charge you a nominal administration fee to cover the costs of the paperwork associated with your cancellation.
Some insurers, such as Trupanion and Figo, require you to cancel with a written notice, while others, such as MetLife Pet Insurance, require cancellations to be made by phone. Others, like Figo, provide you with a variety of cancellation choices. For example, customers of Embrace Pet Insurance can cancel their policies by phone or email. In contrast, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance cancellation requests can be made via fax, email, conventional mail, or verbal communication with a representative.
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, “If your pet insurance policy has been cancelled or non-renewed, you have the right to appeal the termination to the Insurance Department for review.” The best method to cancel your pet insurance is to call the company and discuss options and how to follow their cancellation policies.
Can you get pet insurance if your dog is already sick?
Pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance. Nor art there subscription-based community solutions that will cover them. However, even if your pet has a pre-existing condition, they may still be eligible for coverage for injuries or illnesses unrelated to the pre-existing condition. Aside from that, some providers will cover diseases that are treatable.
Do dogs really need insurance in PA?
A pre-existing condition is one that existed before the pet’s insurance coverage began. Therefore, covering a pet with a pre-existing condition is a high risk for the pet insurer. Medical coverage for that pet’s family will likely be far higher than other policyholders.
In truth, no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions, including congenital conditions, if they are already diagnosed. However, you may still insure your pet and save money on pre-existing condition treatments. First, some pet insurance companies cover “curable” pre-existing diseases after a waiting period. Pre-existing conditions are curable if present before the insurance coverage starts, but they can be cured.
Second, chronic conditions do not have a cure but affect pets for their entire life. Pet insurance companies will not cover these conditions as it’s not cost-effective. The best bet is to get insurance before your pet needs a veterinarian, so anything diagnosed will gain coverage. If your pet is older and not covered when they are diagnosed, you will not be covered.
Does lifetime pet insurance go up every year?
When your pets are young, the monthly rates are the most affordable, which encourages the majority of consumers to enroll in pet insurance. As a result of the dog’s increasing age, most firms’ charges begin to rise four or five years after being first established. It is possible that the price will increase in the future.
You should expect the cost of pet insurance to rise in tandem with your pet’s age, just as it does with people. However, prices may not necessarily rise every year, but they can depend on each pet’s health issues. Check with your pet insurance company to find out their individual policies for rate increases.
How much should I pay a month for pet insurance in PA?
Dog insurance prices, on average, cost the same in most states, including Pennsylvania. Without knowing the specific breed, age, health, and environment, we have no way to calculate the exact rates. You will have to check with multiple insurance companies to find the right one for you and your pet. Rates in Pennsylvania do tend to be cost-effective compared to the national average.
Premiums range from $21 a month for small breeds to $110 a month for large breeds, depending on the type of coverage. The fees vary depending on the breed and size of the dog and the age of the animal. Puppies cost $34, and dogs cost $35 according to the national average, which does not include deductibles for annual and for coverage limits of $5,000. Puppies pay an average of $51 per month for unlimited coverage, while dogs pay an average of $56 per month.
Is it okay not to have pet insurance?
Looking at the average costs of care, it is easy to conclude that paying less than $200 per year for accident-only coverage or around $600 per year for accident and illness coverage would be a reasonable investment to protect against a multi-thousand dollar vet bill—especially if that bill could result in something as terrible as economic euthanasia for your pet.
The return on investment for wellness coverage is less certain. However, if you have wellness coverage, the chances are that the amount you pay will be approximately equal to the amount you would have spent otherwise. Check out the options on each company, as they can vary greatly.
Owning a pet costs a lot of money, and most families cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on a veterinarian bill from an illness or accident. Insurance makes it possible for only a little a month and ensures your pet has access to the medications they need. If you decide to purchase pet insurance, make sure to do your research and shop around for the greatest coverage at the lowest possible price.
Is pet insurance regulated in PA?
All pet insurance rates, rules, and policy forms must be reviewed and approved by Pennsylvania’s Insurance Department. Pennsylvania is beginning to regulate pet insurance, but the process is in its infancy but with an established system. However, nationally, NAIC is working to improve health insurance for pets and regulate the system to prevent a myriad of issues that can arise over time along with inconsistencies.
Is pet insurance required by law in PA?
While Pennsylvania requires liability insurance for dangerous dogs, health insurance is not required. However, maintaining a policy will help you to afford any health issues your pet runs into over their lifespan.
Is pet insurance the same as health insurance?
Pet insurance is like human health insurance. It has exclusions, deductibles, and payment limits. Some carriers offer a range of coverage options, while others offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Pre-existing illnesses and genetic or congenital conditions are usually excluded. Some insurance companies do not accept pets above a particular age, and many have waiting periods. Accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness coverages are the three basic types of pet insurance. Each level has specific services covered and omitted, and prices vary.
Is spaying covered by pet insurance in Pennsylvania?
Even though it is uncommon, there are pet insurance programs that will assist you in covering the costs of neutering and spaying your pet. Providers that provide coverage typically include this service as an add-on option as part of their package.
What are the disadvantages of pet insurance?
Some of the disadvantages include an annual cap of covered costs. Regardless of plan or provider, there is an annual benefit cap for covered costs. In addition, owners may still be responsible for some of the costs of accidents and illness.
Even with insurance, you may need the cash upfront to pay the bill and then wait for reimbursement from the insurance company.
Unsurprisingly, if your dog is already sick, you are probably out of luck. Always opt to get insurance sooner rather than later. Lastly, few insurance companies cover routine care. Insurance will not cover all health concerns or routine appointments for health maintenance.
What pet insurance does not raise rates?
A source of pet insurance that will cover pre-existing conditions is extremely difficult to come by. However, there are a handful who will, if the circumstances are right. For example, Pawp will cover pre-existing conditions regardless of the nature of the condition. Embrace will also give coverage with proper veterinarian documentation first.
Which insurance is best for my dog?
Each company’s advantages and pricing vary, so choosing the appropriate one for your family and pets is critical. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and other top Pennsylvania pet insurance businesses like Lemonade and Embrace. Others with lesser-known names may benefit other pets.
The best thing you can do for your pet’s health and your wallet is to shop around for insurance. Some canines have pre-existing problems, limiting alternatives. Consider discounts for many dogs, accidents, illnesses, wellness care, and preventative care. Other insurances will not cover pets past a particular age, further limiting options.
You will also want to know about waiting periods, exclusions, prescription coverage, deductibles, and the company’s reputation. Others provide less care for emergencies or chronic conditions. Your budget will influence your choice of pet insurance firms.
Which Pennsylvania pet insurance is the most reliable?
As all insurance companies are regulated in Pennsylvania, you can be sure of reliability. However, Lemonade ranks the best overall, while Spot offers the most customizations. Embrace has the best deductible costs, and Fetch has the best holistic coverage. Finally, Prudent Pet offers the most comprehensive plan, and Figo has the best add-on coverage.
Why is pet insurance so expensive in PA?
In Pennsylvania, winter weather can impact the health of dogs, as can Lyme disease, which can alter the costs. Pet Insurance has become quite successful, leading to problems such as veterinarian costs increases. However, an insured pet’s treatment costs are immaterial. With insurance, dog owners may afford better care for their pets.
The veterinary industry has responded with advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI and CAT scans) and surgical treatments (heart pacemakers, joint replacement surgery, and even artificial limbs). Sadly, these great discoveries raise vet costs, which must be reflected in insurance premiums. However, it also raises pet owners’ expectations of care.
While this is fantastic for animals, it’s costly. Because insurance companies are paying, pet insurance premiums have climbed for an insurance company to cover its costs and generate a profit. Pet insurance is still reasonable, but many owners cannot pay the monthly fees.
For non-critically ill pets, veterinarians could save money by deferring extensive investigations, as many non-insured pets already do. Regular testing for minor ailments helps detect a few major disorders that would otherwise go unnoticed. Also, some dogs are kept alive for the owners’ benefit despite unsurmountable health issues; keeping the dog in constant pain when euthanizing should be an option.
Which Pet Insurance Company Does iHeartDogs.com Recommend?
Our recommendation depends very much on your individual situation. You can compare quotes for your dog’s age and your location here. We can report that Trupanion, HealthyPaws, and Pets Best are very popular with iHeartDogs supporters.
What do iHeartDogs Readers Think About Pet Insurance?
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - We asked [33] Dog Owners and Here's What They Said
Pet insurance is "worth it" if you can afford the cost of the insurance, but could not afford an emergency vet bill. However, the best plan is to only get a pet if you can afford vet care, & to have a special savings account set aside for pet emergency care. - Louise
Very much worth it. I have Nationwide. It used to be VPI. It doesn’t cover things in full, but it very much helps. More then paid for itself with my first two dogs. Haven’t needed it much with the two I have now but if something happens, I won’t hesitate to get the best treatment I can. It really helps. - Beth
Yes it is worth it. But you need to shop wisely for it. I have care credit that is used when needed. With no excluded treatments because it's up to me! Great rates and options to pay back. Saved my bank account a number of times. - Jennifer
Always worth it with my previous pet dog, Louie (French bulldog) and current pet dog, Lucy (dachshund).
It’s more than paid for itself each time. Unless you can cough up $10,000 for an emergency surgery I suggest you get pet insurance. Healthy Paws I highly recommend!!! - Leo
My vet one time said...my a "Dogs are Expensive" account. Whatever the going rate for pet insurance is...say $100...put that monthly in the "D A E" account. If you are ahead at the end of the year roll that money over....then, if you do need a big sum you have it, and if you don't the $ is in your pocket and not the insurance company's... whatever you decide..good luck! - Peggy
With my last dog no. I paid 17 years and never made a claim. With the two I have now definitely. My JR managed to get a dog toy piece stuck in her intestine - hugh, expensive op so worth it. I don't like the fact that even though my dogs are both young, the premium has gone way up however. 3&2 are not senior dogs. - Kit
Before just checking quotes check with your vet or ones in your area. The one problem with many pet insurances it actually may affect the cost a vet or clinic may charge for a service based on what they may have to pay or what they need to do get paid. For example a base xray charge may be $100 if you pay yourself but say you use insurance A that may cost the clinic so much a year to be a member or requires so much documentation or takes so long for payment may increase the charge to $130-150 .Then if you have a deductible you will be paying more. Your vet will also know which ones are more reliable for your area and for the needs for your breed. - Candi
I would never have a pet without insurance. Way too risky for those sudden and age related injuries/health issues . Everyday check- ups and vaccines are incidental costs compared to many things that can go wrong w ur furry family member
- Holly
I'm furious that insurance companies have now made owning pets incredibly expensive. Once insurance companies enter into the equation, the price for everything goes "through the roof." I wish these monsters would be regulated and insurance, health care was NON PROFIT!!!!!! - Rhonda
Yes Healthy Paws has been great. My Boston is on constant eye meds for about 6 years and 2 surgeries. I have 80 percent and they pay right away. - Lynda
Worth it if you plan ahead. One of my dogs I adopted and got insurance a year or so later and insurance has denied EVERYTHING…even an ear infection at 10 years old, as a preexisting condition because she had one when she was 3years old. My other dog I got insurance right away (lesson learned!) and it has been a huge benefit because ten years later he had significant medical expenses that were covered at 90% I could not be more thankful to have the insurance - Shannon
Definitely worth every penny! Our Shitz tore her ACL, swallowed my husband’s hearing aid, puts everything in her mouth!!! We have Healthy Paws. Very pleased. Just wish we went with 90% coverage instead of 80%. Get it BEFORE they have an issue!! - Jan
Nope not worth it. I love my babies but, it's like human insurance, Hardly worth getting. More n likely whatever your pet has insurance won't cover it so your still gonna pay out the ying yang. So here we are paying out the ying yang for insurance and still paying high dollar to a vet. - Nancy
Yes. My sweet hound developed allergies. The insurance covers are $73. Apoquel prescription plus everything else that goes wrong. She had a cough with meds the bill was over $400. Very happy we have insurance. - Pamela
Yes! For 10 years I never had to use it. Then my dog got very sick and needed to go to the animal hospital. She was diagnosed with diabetes and cushings disease and the costs for all the medications and testing she undergoes until we get her regulated is exorbitant. With the insurance I’ve been getting most of it back. - Erica
Worth it! Preventative/wellness services usually aren't included with accident/injury plans, but most insurances offer that separately (for more money). Get coverage asap when you get a pet... preexisting conditions are almost never covered and the older a dog gets, the higher the cost gets. I had Nationwide through my previous employer. The plans were supposed to follow my pets for life, after I left the job, but (long story short) the plans were cancelled. So now I'm getting new insurance through ManyPets for a dog who was 9 when I got the Nationwide plan, but is now 13 - with preexisting conditions. For all three of my dogs, it's about $235/month (that's with the optional wellness plans added for each). But if anything happens to any of my "kids", I pay a $250 annual deductible, then ManyPets covers 80% - with no lifetime limit. - Andrea
Yes. It's worth it. You never know what might happen. I see so many go fund me's to help animals when insurance would have covered it. Fyi, Trupanion is slightly more expensive but can pay the Vet directly if the Vet is signed up on their system. I have my 2 dogs and 2 cats covered. - Blythe
More Popular Pet Insurance Resources
Thanks for reviewing our guide to comparing pet insurance brands. Below you find some additional pet insurance resources from iHeartDogs.com
- Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
- A Vet Explains What You Need To Know About Pet Insurance For Your Dog
- If You Don’t Have This Much Money Set Aside In An Emergency Fund, You Probably Need Pet Insurance
- Pet Insurance: Rip-Off Or Life-Saver?
- With Pet Insurance, Your Dog Is 4x More Likely To Survive A Medical Emergency
- Trupanion vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance: In-Depth Comparison
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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