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Best Pet Insurance in Washington

We compared 29 companies and chose the top pet insurance providers

  • Best overall
    Embrace Pet Insurance
    3.8(1,673)
  • Claims process
    ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
    4.4(1,145)
  • Customer service
    Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
    4.9(757)

Best Pet Insurance in Washington

Author picture
By: Jon Bortin

Our 3 picks for Washington pet insurance companies

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

We’ve chosen the best pet insurance in Washington 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
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance
3.8
1,673 reviews
Highlight
24/7 telehealth support
Plan types
Accident-only, accident-and-illness
Discounts available
Multipet, active or former military
Read Reviews

Embrace 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. Claims are processed in 10 to 15 business days.

Highlights

  • 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
“This is my first time having pet insurance. My vet suggested it. I picked Embrace because of all the positive comments. Am I ever glad I did. My claim was processed fast. Communication was above average. I’m very please. I will always have pet insurance with them and I will sure be sharing with everyone.”
ConnieTumwater, WA
“The sign-up and policy choices were excellent. I found the customer service outstanding, when I called with a question. After looking at many other companies and policies, I found Embrace to give the most for the price! I look forward to more interactions and using the benefits of this policy for my pet.”
JuanPuyallup, WA
Best claims process
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
4.4
1,145 reviews
Highlight
Exam fees covered
Plans
Accident-only, accident-and-illness
Discounts available
Multipet
Get Pricing Read Reviews

Part of the reason for ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's strong overall rating from customers is its claims process. You can sign up for direct deposit and get email notifications as the claim is processed. ASPCA, one of the oldest pet insurance providers in the U.S., has covered more than 600,000 pets in the past 20 years. It offers two plans — Complete Coverage and accident-only — as well as optional coverage for preventive care. Claims, which you can submit online, by fax or by mail, are completed in 30 days or less.

Highlights

  • Annual reimbursement limit: $2,500 to $10,000
  • Annual deductible: $100 to $500
  • Optional coverages: Preventive care, upgraded preventive care
  • Waiting period: 14 days

Pros

  • Exam fees covered
  • No upper age limit
  • Multiple preventive care add-ons

Cons

  • $10,000 annual reimbursement maximum
“I appreciate the confidence having insurance for my 4 cats gives me. I had 3 pass from various illnesses while on ASPCA insurance, and the confidence of being able to access care for them, knowing that my claims would be dealt with quickly and fairly, took a huge burden off my heavy heart. … The monthly premiums are reasonable and the claims process is very easy and fair. I simply take a photo or get an electronic itemized receipt and fill out a claim online. Reimbursement usually shows up quicker than I expect! The processing team does a great job, and were even kind enough to send condolences when I submitted claims for end of life care. Highly recommend for protecting your fur babies...and your wallet.”
CassandraOlympia, WA
“I have a lot of pets and after one of them had to have an extensive surgery because she ate something she wasn't supposed to, I looked into a pet insurance policy. The enrollment with ASPCA was pretty easy and I like how easy it is to navigate. I have recommended it to quite a few people.”
DebraSpokane, WA
Best customer service
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
4.9
757 reviews
Highlight
No cap on annual reimbursement
Plans
Accident-and-illness
Discounts available
None
Get Pricing Read Reviews

Customer service satisfaction ratings for Healthy Paws are high, according to an analysis of ConsumerAffairs reviews. Pet owners say the plan is easy to understand, and they appreciate the speedy claims processing. 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.

Highlights

  • 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
“We have been very happy with Healthy Paws. Their response time is so very fast and we appreciate the great customer service we've received. We have done our very best to keep Maizy healthy and happy, but are grateful to have pet insurance that helps take care of her needs when things happen. Every chance we get, we recommend Healthy Paws to family & friends.”
MicheleKenmore, WA
“I connected with Healthy Paws and went through a seamless online claim process for my dog's TPLO surgery. The claim was reviewed and accepted within days followed by quick payment. I was amazed with their customer service and how quickly they responded to my claim. The whole process was hassle-free. I highly recommend Healthy Paws.”
EktaBellevue, WA

Pet Insurance in Washington Buyers guide

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In this guide

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Washington 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 Washington

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 Washington

When you’re choosing a pet insurance company in Washington, 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 Washington

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 Washington

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 Seattle. We also got quotes for a 2-year-old male ragdoll. All quotes are for accident-and-illness plans.

FAQ

Do all vets in Washington 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 Washington?

Legislation signed into law in April 2023 that went into effect in 2024 establishes licensing requirements for pet insurance companies, adds protections for pet owners and requires insurers to disclose information about coverage. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner oversees licensing in Washington.

Methodology

To choose the top pet insurance companies in Washington, we started with over 30 popular providers listed in our main buyers guide. First, we narrowed the list down to the ones available in Washington. 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 Washington. 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. Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner, “What Washington’s new pet insurance bill means for you.” Accessed Feb. 25, 2025.

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