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Best Pet Insurance in California

We compared 33 companies and chose the top pet insurance providers

  • Best overall
    Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
    4.9(758)
  • Claims process
    Embrace Pet Insurance
    3.8(1,676)
  • Customer service
    Lemonade Pet Insurance
    4.2(465)

Best Pet Insurance in California

Author picture
By: Jon Bortin

Our 3 picks for California pet insurance companies

  1. Best overall: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
  2. Best claims process: Embrace Pet Insurance
  3. Best customer service: Lemonade Pet Insurance

We’ve chosen the best pet insurance in California by comparing ratings and reviews, coverage, add-ons, pricing and other factors. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

Learn more
Best overall
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
4.9
758 reviews
Highlight
No cap on annual reimbursement
Plans
Accident-and-illness
Discounts available
None
Get Pricing Read Reviews

Healthy Paws makes pet insurance simple, with one accident-and-illness plan that has no payout limits — and you still have choices for the deductible and reimbursement percentage. One feature that separates it from most companies is direct payment to veterinarians (requires coordination before visit). Healthy Paws has covered over 560,000 dogs and cats.

  • Annual reimbursement limit: No limit
  • Annual deductible: $250 to $1,000
  • Optional coverages: None
  • Waiting period: 15 days

Pros

  • No maximum annual payout
  • Direct payment to vet possible
  • Coverage for alternative medicine

Cons

  • No optional coverages
  • “Since we got Healthy Paws insurance for our dog at age 3 (she is now 10) she's developed epilepsy and now lymphoma. Healthy Paws has covered everything they said they would with no delay or arguments. I receive payment within a week of submitting claims. Without the cancer treatment she has been receiving, she would no longer be here. We are very grateful to be able to have more time and memories with her.” — Karen in San Francisco
  • “Healthy Paws does what they say they're going to do. They reimburse for everything that's covered amazingly quickly. My dog had a major emergency, he was poisoned and he needed all kinds of procedures a blood transfusion and they paid for everything that was covered within a week. Their customer service is excellent, and they even follow up to see how your pet is doing. Highly recommend!” — Karen in Pleasant Hill
Best claims process
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance
3.8
1,676 reviews
Highlight
24/7 telehealth support
Plans
Accident-only, accident-and-illness
Discounts available
Multipet, active or former military
Read Reviews

Embrace's claims process is designed for all types of pet owners, whether you want to file a claim on the Embrace website or app or by email, fax or regular mail. Embrace keeps you updated on the claim status and reimburses you by check or direct deposit. Claims are processed in 10 to 15 business days.

The company has been in the pet industry for over 18 years and has covered more than half a million pets. It's one of only a few companies that offer a plan with unlimited annual reimbursement, and you can add Wellness Rewards for routine things like exams, vaccines, grooming and training. Every policy comes with free access to a 24/7 health helpline.

  • Annual reimbursement limit: $2,000 to unlimited
  • Annual deductible: $100 to $1,000
  • Optional coverages: Exam fees for accidents and illnesses, prescription drugs, routine care
  • Waiting period: 14 days

Pros

  • Option for unlimited annual reimbursement
  • Fast quotes
  • Discount program for healthy pets

Cons

  • Medications not covered in standard plan
  • “We incurred significant vet bills trying to save our sweet pup. In the end, she was not able to overcome her illness. In the face of overwhelming sadness, Embrace made the claims policy simple and hassle-free. Their communication was prompt and compassionate, and we received our claim money within days of filing our claim. I am very impressed with their service.” — Susan in San Diego
  • “Honestly really good experience. They have decent response time and as long as they have all the info they need it's a quick process. I do really like how they have claim submission set up. It's fast and easy.” — Lillie in Oxnard
Best customer service
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Lemonade Pet Insurance
4.2
465 reviews
Highlight
Many add-on coverages
Plans
Accident-and-illness
Discounts available
Bundling, multipet, annual
Get Pricing Read Reviews

Most of Lemonade's customer service is online — and pet owners who purchase coverage say it works. The app, which you use to buy a policy, make claims and reach out to Lemonade staff with questions, gets overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Lemonade offers a base accident-and-illness policy and lots of ways to personalize coverage, including more than five add-on plans. Users can file claims and get paid before they even leave the vet's office. Lemonade's discount opportunities, including a 10% discount for bundling, are favorable in comparison with competitors.

  • Annual reimbursement limit: $5,000 to $100,000
  • Annual deductible: $100 to $750
  • Optional coverages: Vet visit fee, dental illness, behavioral conditions, physical therapy, end-of-life
  • Waiting period: Two days to six months

Pros

  • Highly customizable coverage
  • Two-day waiting period for accidents
  • Multipet, bundling discounts

Cons

  • No accident-only policy
  • “I couldn't be happier choosing Lemonade for my pet's insurance! Everything has been seamless, from the easy sign-up process to the quick claims approval. … Their customer service is also top-notch — whenever I had a question, they were quick to respond and very helpful. Lemonade has made caring for my pet’s health much easier and more affordable. I highly recommend it to all pet owners!” — Sandeep in Sacramento
  • “I have nothing but positive reviews for Lemonade! The process is straightforward, everyone on the Lemonade Team is very helpful and super nice. I already have enough stress when my dog and cat are not feeling well. I can now focus on their health instead of worrying if I can afford to take them.” — Kassidy in Garden Grove

Pet Insurance in California Buyers guide

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California pet insurance buyers guide

Veterinary care is expensive — especially when your pet has to be seen for an unexpected accident or illness. That’s why many dog and cat owners purchase pet insurance, which reduces out-of-pocket costs.

Key insights

Pet insurance reimburses the pet owner for a percentage of vet costs after a visit for an accident or illness.

Jump to insight

Before purchasing a pet insurance policy, consider what’s covered, plus the reimbursement percentage and limit, and your deductible.

Jump to insight

Monthly costs for pet insurance average $56 for a dog and $34 for a cat but vary based on many factors.

Jump to insight

How pet insurance works in California

Most pet insurance policies work similarly: You take your pet to any licensed vet and pay the provider directly at the time of the visit. Then you submit the invoice to the insurer (usually online through an app or by email), and the insurer reimburses you according to the terms of your plan. There is usually a waiting period of two weeks after sign-up before coverage takes effect.

What pet insurance covers

Pet insurance covers diagnostic and treatment services for accidents, illnesses or both, depending on the plan you select. This usually includes X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, blood work, medication, surgery and hospitalization for events and conditions such as:

  • Bite wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts
  • Foreign body ingestion
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Skin, eye and ear infections
  • Digestive issues
  • Infectious diseases
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Diabetes
  • Dental conditions
  • Behavioral problems

What pet insurance doesn’t cover

Pet insurance doesn’t cover every type of vet visit. Coverage varies by company, but in general, pet insurance doesn’t cover:

  • Preexisting conditions
  • Cosmetic treatments (e.g., tail docking)
  • Breeding or pregnancy
  • Preventive care (e.g., annual checkups, vaccines)
  • Training
  • Illnesses or accidents that result from negligence, intentional mistreatment or malicious activity

What to consider with pet insurance in California

When you’re choosing a pet insurance company in California, here are the main points to consider:

  • What’s covered: Pet insurance plans tend to cover accidents, illnesses or both. Diagnostics (e.g., blood work, X-rays), surgeries, hospitalization and medications are usually covered — but not always. Some treatments, like dental care, for example, are covered only under specific conditions. Care for preexisting conditions is always excluded.
  • Reimbursement limit: Most plans specify a maximum yearly reimbursement amount. When signing up, you may have options for caps that range anywhere from $2,000 to an unlimited amount.
  • Annual deductible: The annual deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. This ranges from as low as $100 up to $1,000.
  • Reimbursement percentage: Once you meet your deductible, the insurance company will reimburse you a percentage of the covered care costs. As with the annual limit and deductible, you can customize the amount; we’ve seen plans that cover from 60% to 90%.
  • Waiting period: As a general rule, you have to wait around two weeks after sign-up before your dog or cat is covered. The waiting period may be shorter or even nonexistent for accidents — or longer for orthopedic events, like torn ligaments.

As with any insurance policy, it’s essential to dig through the fine print so you aren’t surprised once it’s time to use it. Pay particularly close attention to exclusions (what’s not covered), limitations and definitions. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask a company representative for clarification.

Cost of pet insurance in California

The average monthly cost of an accident-and-illness pet insurance plan is about $56 for a dog and $34 for a cat, according to data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Some insurers offer accident-only plans, which typically cost about 70% less. The cost of pet insurance depends on a host of factors, including:

  • Species (i.e., dog or cat)
  • Breed
  • Age
  • Where you live
  • Plan type
  • Annual reimbursement limit
  • Reimbursement percentage
  • Deductible
  • Any add-on coverages you select (e.g., preventive care)

Sample quotes for pet insurance in California

We collected quotes from the companies on our list for a 2-year-old male Labrador retriever, one of the most popular breeds in the U.S., living in Los Angeles. We also got quotes for a 2-year-old male ragdoll. All quotes are monthly costs for accident-and-illness plans.

FAQ

Do all vets in California accept pet insurance?

Vets don’t accept pet insurance directly; pet insurance is a reimbursement policy, so you pay the vet directly and then submit a claim to the insurer for reimbursement. You can visit any licensed veterinarian for pet care.

Does pet insurance cover preexisting conditions?

No, pet insurance doesn’t cover preexisting conditions. These are usually defined as any conditions that existed before the policy’s start date. For instance, if your dog had arthritis before you signed him up for insurance, you won’t be covered for any arthritis-related treatment under a plan.

Pet insurance companies will ask for copies of medical records when you sign up or make a claim to check for any preexisting conditions. Keep in mind that some companies cover conditions that can be cured and that haven’t recurred within a certain time frame (e.g., 12 months).

» MORE: What does pet insurance cover?

Is pet insurance worth it?

Whether pet insurance is worth it depends on your pet’s age, breed and health history, plus your financial situation.

There are pros and cons to pet insurance. It gives you a financial safety net in case your dog or cat gets sick or gets in an accident. You also can customize coverage to fit your needs. However, there are exclusions and limitations, and the costs add up over time. There’s also a chance you pay for coverage and never use it.

Overall, pet insurance is more likely to be worth it if you have a younger pet that’s at higher risk for health conditions or if a big vet bill is likely to cause you financial hardship.

How is pet insurance regulated in California?

Pet insurance in California is regulated by the California Department of Insurance and governed by California law. In September 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that requires pet insurers to disclose more information to consumers, including whether coverage is decreased or premiums are increased based on the age of a covered pet.

Methodology

To choose the top pet insurance companies in California, we started with over 30 popular providers listed in our main buyers guide. First, we narrowed the list down to the ones available in California. We then weighed reviewer satisfaction ratings for pet insurance companies on our website, focusing on these aspects:

  • Coverage
  • Customer service
  • Claims handling
  • Price

The companies with the highest satisfaction ratings were selected as the top pet insurance companies in California. In circumstances where tiebreakers were necessary, we made decisions based on our research of various features at each company, including reimbursement and deductible options and the availability of discounts.

Guide sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

  1. North American Pet Health Insurance Association, “Industry Data.” Accessed Jan. 21, 2025.
  2. California Legislative Information, “Part 9. Pet Insurance [12880 - 12880.8].” Accessed Feb. 4, 2025.
  3. Governor of California, “Governor Newsom signs pet insurance reform bill, takes action to support animals and pets.” Accessed Feb. 4, 2025.

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