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5 Best California Pet Insurance for Dogs & Cats (2024 Reviews)

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For most pet owners, their beloved dogs and cats are important members of the family, and if you’re here reading about California pet insurance, then you no doubt feel the same.

Pets fill your days with joy, fun and affection. However, there will most likely come a time in your little pal’s life when an emergency strikes, and they will need urgent veterinary care. Such incidents can be costly and stressful, but they don’t have to be. The good news is that we’re here to share the 5 best pet insurance companies for California residents so you can decide the best option for your dog or cat.

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Enjoying an early morning skateboard in Joshua Tree, CA

5 Top Pet Insurance Companies Compared for California

  • 1

    Best overall

    Lemonade

    4.9
    Our score
    Average price for
    DOGS in California
    $41.00/mo
    Average price for
    CATS in California
    $16.83/mo
    Reimbursement amount 90%
    Annual benefit $20,000
    • Lemonade features the overall best California pet insurance plan at the most competitive rates

    • Claims can be paid in under 60 seconds via their world-class app. I was blown away by how quickly they approved my claim and how much they paid

    • Lemonade is a certified B-corp that donates a significant portion of their unclaimed premiums to pet parents’ preferred non-profit organizations

  • 2

    Best for wellness

    Wagmo

    4.7
    Our score
    Average price for
    DOGS in California
    $58.52/mo
    Average price for
    CATS in California
    $34.92/mo
    Reimbursement amount 90%
    Annual benefit $20,000
    • They are one of the few companies that reimburse up to 100% of veterinary costs and provide quick reimbursements

    • Wagmo’s top-notch wellness plans extend coverage to include your pet’s routine and preventative care

    • Wagmo offers instant coverage for cats and dogs in all 50 states, regardless of their age, breed, or any health conditions (with some limitations)

  • 3

    Best live vet support

    Figo

    4.6
    Our score
    Average price for
    DOGS in California
    $59.68/mo
    Average price for
    CATS in California
    $30.12/mo
    Reimbursement amount 90%
    Annual benefit $5,000
    • Figo provides free 24/7 telehealth services to California owners with licensed veterinarians and other essential professionals on call

    • Their pet records app and real-time claims tracker are easy and intuitive to use

    • Figo covers most ‘curable’ pre-existing conditions as long as the pet has been symptom-free for 12 months since their last treatment

  • 4

    Best for pre-existing conditions

    Pawp

    4.5
    Our score
    Average price for
    DOGS in California
    $24/ mo
    Average price for
    CATS in California
    $24/ mo
    Reimbursement amount 100%
    Annual benefit $3,000
    • Pawp allows you to protect up to 6 pets under one membership regardless of age or pre-existing conditions

    • Pawp membership gives California pet parents access to an annual one-time use $3,000 Emergency Fund to cover unexpected accidents or illnesses

    • Pawp does not require copays, credit checks or deductibles

  • 5

    Best established brand

    Embrace

    4.3
    Our score
    Average price for
    DOGS in California
    $44.45/ mo
    Average price for
    CATS in California
    $33.86/mo
    Reimbursement amount 90%
    Annual benefit $5,000
    • With Embrace’s “Healthy Pet Deductible,” your annual deductible drops by $50 every year you do not get reimbursed for a claim

    • Embrace has an easy-to-use claims portal and paid 92% of claims in 2021

    • Their Wellness Rewards is one of the most flexible preventative care plans available, offering a whole host of benefits, including training and grooming

Based on our personal experience and countless hours of research, we’ve found Lemonade Pet Insurance offers the ideal balance between coverage and unbeatable prices.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds ➜

FAQs About Pet Insurance in California

  • 1. What does pet insurance typically cover for dogs and cats?

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    While coverage varies from one company to the next, you can expect coverage to extend to any injuries and illnesses deemed unexpected and sudden. Your policy will offer more specifics, but this typically includes exams, medications, tests, other diagnostic procedures, emergency care and surgery.

  • 2. How much does pet insurance cost in California?

    Pet insurance in California costs anywhere from $17.20 to $88.23 per month for dogs (based on prices for a healthy 2-year-old located in the 90210 zip code). And anywhere from $16.03 to $34.07 per month for cats (based on prices for a healthy 2-year-old located in the 90210 zip code). Prices can vary greatly depending on your zip code, the breed of your pet, its age, and medical history.

    We recommend getting a quote from Lemonade who we’ve seen consistently offer the lowest prices and best coverage out of any other provider.

  • 3. Can I cancel my dog or cat insurance plan after I make a claim?

    Regardless of the insurance company, you can usually cancel your policy at any time. However, you will need to notify your provider in writing. It’s best to read each company’s policy details to determine their specific cancellation process. Keep in mind that any illnesses diagnosed before canceling may be deemed pre-existing conditions should you ever wish to reinstate your policy at a future date.

  • 4. Do California pet insurance companies cover spaying and neutering?

    In general, pet insurance in California does not cover the costs of getting your dog or cat spayed or neutered. However, some insurance companies offer wellness packages you can add to your policy to cover these procedures such as Embrace.

  • 5. Does the cost of insurance increase as my pet ages?

    Yes, monthly premiums tend to increase as your pets age, particularly once they reach 4 or 5 years old. This is due to the increased likelihood of your pet getting sick as they age and the dog or cat insurance provider has to account for the elevated risk.

  • 6. Which companies cover pre-existing conditions?

    Pawp is best overall when it comes to covering pre-existing conditions especially when it’s an emergency that needs to be covered. Embrace also has policy terms that may grant coverage for curable pre-existing conditions, but it is best to clarify this with them upfront when you apply for insurance. That said, it is essential to note that most pet insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions at all. The upshot is that pre-existing conditions will not prevent you from being able to get a policy for your beloved dog or cat.

  • 7. Is pet insurance worth it in California?

    There comes a time in most pets’ lives when they have an accident or experience the sudden onset of an illness. Pet insurance is a great way to be able to afford such emergencies. Therapies for diseases such as cancer can cost north of $10,000, and hip replacement surgery runs as high as $7,000. Pet insurance is there to alleviate the financial stress, so you can focus your energy on helping your little furry friend get well.

5 Top Dog & Cat Insurance Companies Compared for California (CA)

  • 1. Lemonade

    (Best overall)

    Why it’s great: Lemonade ranks best overall for their affordable rates, preventative care add-ons and comprehensive illness and accident coverage. Another significant benefit is that their waiting period for accidents is only 2 days (whereas other providers typically require 14 days). Lemonade also offers an easy-to-use claims filing system via their world-class mobile app to make the process faster and simpler. Finally, pet parents can bundle their policy with a renter’s or homeowner’s policy for an extra discount.

    Keep in mind: If your pet is older or has pre-existing conditions, you may need to submit veterinary documentation of your little pal’s medical history before you can get an active policy.

    Good for: Almost all dogs and cats, especially those that are young and healthy pets.

    Average price for DOGS in California: $41.00/month

    Average price for CATS in California: $16.83/month

    Lemonade

    Learn more at Lemonade.com ➜

  • 2. Wagmo

    (Best for wellness)

    Why it’s great: California pet parents will love Wagmo because they reimburse up to 100% of vet fees for the rest of the year once you meet your deductible. Also, they have a wide range of wellness plan add-ons, and lightning-fast reimbursement via direct deposit, PayPal or Venmo. Their multiple pet discounts and discounts for renewals without claims in the previous year are a bonus perk. Also, you can take your pet to any licensed vet of your choice, which means you can keep your vet if you already have one you like.

    Keep in mind: Wagmo has a lifetime payout limit of $100,000, which means coverage will end should you reach that amount.

    Good for: Pet parents who want a great combination of wellness and care coverage. 

    Average price for DOGS in California: $58.52/month

    Average price for CATS in California: $34.92/month

    Wagmo

    Learn more at Wagmo.io ➜

  • 3. Figo

    (Best live vet support)

    Why it’s great: If you’re a cat parent, it is worth noting that Figo’s premiums for cats are some of the lowest out there. Figo understands that health emergencies don’t wait for conventional business hours, which is why they offer live, 24/7 veterinary support through their mobile app. Moreover, they feature several wellness packages that you can tack on to your basic policy, including an option that pays for up to $250 of prescription food if prescribed by your veterinarian. Figo also has unlimited lifetime benefits for all of their plans, meaning maximum lifetime payouts are now a thing of the past.

    Keep in mind: Like most other pet insurance companies, Figo does not extend coverage to pre-existing conditions.

    Good for: Pet owners who crave the peace-of-mind of being able to contact a vet 24/7 and have it covered by insurance.  

    Average price for DOGS in California: $59.68/month

    Average price for CATS in California: $30.12/month

    Figo

    Learn more at FigoPetInsurance.com ➜

  • 4. Pawp

    (Best for pre-existing conditions)

    Why it’s great: Regardless of age, breed or pre-existing conditions, Pawp protects up to 6 of your pets under an emergency fund for $24/month. This package also includes unlimited 24/7 access to telehealth services with licensed veterinarians and consultations with pet experts. Pet owners can also visit any licensed vet of their choice, and there are no copays, deductibles, or credit checks. The even better news is that you leave the veterinary clinic with your bill fully paid, saving you the hassle of having to submit a claim and wait for reimbursement.

    Keep in mind: Pawp only covers claims which their virtual vets deem to be emergencies. Moreover, their “Emergency Fund” plan only covers one of your pets for a single vet bill up to $3,000 per year.

    Good for: Older pets or those with pre-existing conditions. Also, a good supplement for a typical pet insurance policy.

    Price: $24/month

    Pawp

    Learn more at Pawp.com ➜

  • 5. Embrace

    (Best established brand)

    Why it’s great: Embrace has no maximum lifetime payout limits, which means your dog or cat will be eligible for coverage well into their lives. Along with multiple pet discounts, they also pride themselves in having “diminishing deductibles.” Therefore, your annual deductible automatically drops by $50 every year you do not have an insurance claim reimbursement. Their optional routine care plan covers spaying or neutering if your pet needs it. A unique aspect of Embrace’s coverage is their wellness plan, which includes alternative veterinary treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, and reiki.

    Keep in mind: Pets only up to age 14 are eligible. Furthermore, the maximum combined claims for the wellness add-on is $650/year, which equates to approximately $25 in annual savings. Also, there are no refunds on wellness plans if all funds are not used within the space of a year.

    Good for: Pet parents interested in new age, alternative veterinary care.

    Average price for DOGS in California: $44.45/month

    Average price for CATS in California: $33.86/month

    Embrace

    Learn more at EmbracePetInsurance.com ➜

Best Overall

Lemonade

Lemonade is our overall top recommendation. It’s the most comprehensive pet insurance provider in California and they also offer the best value.

Average price for DOGS in California: $41.00/month

Average price for CATS in California: $16.83/month

Lemonade

Learn more at Lemonade.com ➜

Conclusion

We hope this article has made the process of selecting the right pet insurance company a bit less of a headache. We suggest you take the necessary time to review the companies you’re interested in, along with their specific offerings, before applying for a policy for your dog or cat. Buying the right California pet insurance policy will give your lil’ buddy the coverage they need for emergencies and preventative care, keeping them healthy for many years to come.

In our experience, after careful review, we’ve consistently seen Lemonade Pet Insurance has the best combination of coverage and price.

Note: Our prices listed above are accurate in January 2022 and may change at any time. Please get a quote for your pet on one of the recommended websites for the most accurate monthly costs. These prices are based on a Golden Retriever dog and American Shorthair cat located in the 90210 zipcode. We chose a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount for each policy we reviewed (except for Pawp). The annual benefit amount we selected for each provider is as follows:

  • Lemonade = $20,000
  • Wagmo = $20,000
  • Figo = $5,000
  • Pawp = $3,000
  • Embrace = $5,000