The best pet insurance company in New York is Pets Best, based on our in-depth analysis of accident and illness plans. While Pets Best doesn’t have the cheapest pet insurance in New York, it offers unlimited coverage, has a 24/7 pet health line and includes coverage for behavioral therapy and end-of-life expenses. You can also opt to add a wellness plan to your Pets Best policy.
Best pet insurance companies in New York
- Pets Best: Best pet insurance in New York.
- ManyPets: Best cheap pet insurance in New York.
- Embrace: Best pet insurance with diminishing deductible in New York.
- Fetch: Best pet insurance for military in New York.
- MetLife: Best pet insurance for discounts in New York.
Why trust our pet insurance experts
Our team of pet insurance experts evaluates hundreds of pet insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers never influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 10 New York pet insurance companies reviewed.
- 350 coverage details evaluated.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Top-rated pet insurance companies in New York
Best pet insurance in New York
Pets Best
Blueprint Rating
Via Comparecoverage.com
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs
$27
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for cats
$22
Why it’s the best
Pets Best is the best pet insurance in New York in 2024 for the price, based on our in-depth analysis of accident and illness plans. It has affordable pet insurance plans that come with a 24/7 health line and benefits include behavioral therapy and end-of-life expenses. You can pay extra for a wellness plan.
With some Pets Best plans, you can take advantage of direct veterinary payments by adding this feature to your pet insurance plan. If you submit a direct payment release form with the company, it will pay your vet for you. Then, you only owe your vet the balance.
Read our full Pets Best pet insurance review
Pros and cons
Pros
- Direct vet payment option with some plans.
- No upper age limit for enrollment.
- 24/7 pet health line.
- Euthanasia and end-of-life expenses covered.
Cons
- Certain health issues, such as Cushing’s Disease, may make your pet ineligible for accident and illness coverage.
- Processing fees if you want to pay monthly.
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions to be covered.
Types of pet insurance plans
There are three main policy options:
Accident and illness
- Deductible: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000.
- Annual coverage limit: $5,000 or unlimited.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.
Pets Best has different tiers of coverage within accident and illness policies in New York. Depending on the tier you choose, you could get coverage for additional services, such as veterinary exam fees or acupuncture.
Accident-only
- Deductible: $250.
- Annual coverage limit: $10,000.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 90%.
Wellness
Pets Best has two wellness plan options in New York. The EssentialWellness plan offers up to $305 in wellness coverage per year and the BestWellness plan offers up to $535 in coverage per year. Pets Best wellness plans help pay for different vaccinations, deworming and microchipping.
Riders
Pets Best doesn’t offer additional riders in New York, but it does offer Plus and Elite plans that include additional coverages.
New York rates
The average rate for an unlimited accident and illness plan for a dog in New York is about $27 per month.
New York discounts
Pets Best offers the following discounts on pet insurance in New York:
- 5% discount for insuring multiple pets.
- 5% discount on BestBenefit plans for military members and their families.
- Discounts on dog training, pet sitting services and supplies.
Customer reviews
In general, Pets Best has strong reviews. Its score on Trustpilot is 4.0 out of 5 (great) based on more than 4,400 reviews.
Customers praised how easy it was to submit a claim through Pets Best, and the negative complaints tend to be misunderstandings about preventative care coverage.
Best cheap pet insurance in New York
ManyPets
Blueprint Rating
Via Comparecoverage.com
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs
$22
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for cats
$13
Why it’s the best
ManyPets is the best cheap pet insurance company in New York. Not only does it have the cheapest average rate for dog insurance and cat insurance of plans that get at least 4 stars, it also covers vet exam fees. With ManyPets, vet exam fees to diagnose or treat your pet for a qualifying condition are reimbursable.
ManyPets pet insurance offers unlimited reimbursem*nt, low deductible options and quick claims processing. It also says it covers curable, pre-existing conditions once your pet has been free of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for 18 months, unless it’s a cruciate ligament (CL, CCL, ACL) injury or hip dysplasia.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cheap dog insurance and cat insurance in New York.
- Vet exam fees covered.
- Most claims are processed within 24 hours once approved.
- Waivers for waiting periods available if your pet is changing pet insurers.
- Covers some curable, pre-existing conditions.
- Euthanasia and end-of-life expenses covered.
Cons
- Hip dysplasia not covered in pets enrolled at age 6 or older.
- Up to 18 months of pet records required to submit your first claim.
- Limited deductible options.
- No accident only plan.
Types of pet insurance plans
ManyPets offers the following coverages in New York:
Accident and illness
- Deductibles: $500 or $750.
- Annual coverage limit: Unlimited.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 70% or 80%.
The accident and illness plan covers veterinary expenses to diagnose and treat unexpected injuries or illnesses.
Wellness
Wellness plans are add-on benefits in New York. ManyPets offers up to $150 in coverage with its wellness plan. While it isn’t insurance, wellness plans reimburse you — up to an annual maximum — for routine or preventative veterinary expenses, such as vaccines or wellness exams.
New York rates
ManyPets’ accident and illness policy starts at just around $22 per month for dogs in New York. On average, we found that ManyPets’ premiums were cheaper than other companies’ premiums for similar coverage amounts.
New York discounts
ManyPets does not list any discounts for New York pet insurance on its website.
Customer reviews
ManyPets has strong customer reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a score of 4.4 out of 5 (excellent) based on about 2,100 reviews. Customers frequently praised the company for quickly processing claims and responsive customer support.
Best pet insurance with diminishing deductible in New York
Embrace
Blueprint Rating
Via Comparecoverage.com
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs
$62
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for cats
$91
Why it’s the best
Embrace is the best pet insurance company for diminishing deductibles in New York state. For each year you go without filing a claim, Embrace will reduce your deductible by $50.
Embrace pet insurance also stands out for covering services such as rehabilitative therapy, prosthetic devices and dental illness care.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Diminishing deductible.
- Coverage for vet exams.
- Coverage for medication and therapy prescribed by a vet to treat behavioral issues.
- Coverage for complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.
Cons
- Expensive rates.
- Recent physical exam required for coverage.
- Slow claims processing.
Types of pet insurance plans
Embrace offers three forms of coverage:
Accident and illness
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000.
- Annual coverage limit: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or unlimited.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.
Embrace’s accident and illness plan in New York covers the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses. It also provides up to $1,000 per year in treatments for dental diseases or injuries and it covers prescription medications and behavioral treatments.
Accident only
- Deductible: $100.
- Annual coverage limit: $5,000.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 90%.
Embrace’s accident only policy in New York may be a cost-effective choice for senior pets or those with pre-existing conditions.
Wellness
You can choose an allowance of $250 to $650 per year to reimburse you for eligible preventative care expenses, such as vaccinations, bloodwork and dental cleanings.
New York rates
The average monthly cost for an unlimited accident and illness plan with Embrace is about $62 per month in New York. This is more expensive than the other insurers we reviewed.
New York discounts
Embrace offers two discounts:
- 10% multi-pet discount.
- 5% military discount for active service members and veterans.
Customer reviews
Embrace has positive customer reviews, with a 4.2 out of 5 score on Trustpilot (great) based on about 3,700 reviews.
Best pet insurance for military in New York
Fetch
Blueprint Rating
Via Comparecoverage.com
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs
$33
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for cats
$41
Why it’s the best
Fetch is the best pet insurance in New York state for military discounts. Active and retired military service members can get a 10% discount on their pet insurance premium.
Although the company doesn’t offer a wellness plan, its comprehensive pet insurance coverage has several extras that can be valuable. Its accident and illness plan covers virtual and in-home visits, exam fees for illnesses, aggression and separation anxiety treatment, as well as boarding and advertising for lost pets with a reward. Fetch has a strict 90-day limit on claim filings.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Savings for military service.
- Coverage includes boarding fees, lost pet rewards and advertising, sick-visit exam fees and supplements.
- Behavioral treatments included.
- Healthy pet credit of up to 30% if you don’t hit your deductible for two years.
Cons
- No wellness plan.
- Long waiting periods.
- No 24/7 pet health line.
- No multi-pet discount.
Types of pet insurance plans
Fetch Pet Insurance offers one form of coverage in New York.
Accident and Illness
- Deductible: $300, $500 or $700.
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000 or 15,000.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.
In New York, pet owners can buy standard accident and illness coverage from Fetch, plus some extra features like virtual and in-home visit coverage, acupuncture and chiropractic care and treatment for aggression and separation anxiety.
New York rates
In New York, an accident and illness plan costs an average of $33 per month for dogs or $41 a month for cats.
New York discounts
Although Fetch doesn’t offer a multi-pet discount in New York, it offers:
- Up to 10% savings for active duty military and veterans.
- Up to 15% Healthy Pet Credit if you don’t reach your deductible in a policy year.
- Up to 30% Healthy Pet Credit if you don’t reach your deductible for two policy years.
Customer reviews
Fetch Pet Insurance reviews earn the carrier an excellent rating on Trustpilot. After more than 2,100 reviews, Fetch has 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Many reviewers remark on positive customer service experiences and an easy claims process. However, some complain about not getting the right reimbursem*nt for claims, long processing times and high premiums for little added benefit.
Best pet insurance for discounts in New York
MetLife
Blueprint Rating
Via Comparecoverage.com
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000
Average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs
$58
Why it’s the best
MetLife is the best pet insurance company in New York for its lengthy list of discount programs. While other companies may offer discounts for insuring multiple pets or for military veterans, MetLife goes above and beyond with additional discounts. MetLife also recently launched the MyPets Reward Program, which offers eligible policyholders discounts on pet care from select businesses.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Multiple discount programs.
- Coverage may be available through your employer at a reduced cost.
- Covers vet exam fees.
Cons
- Low annual coverage limit of $10,000.
- Does not cover parasite treatments unless you purchase additional coverage.
- Reimbursem*nt can take 10 to 15 days.
Types of pet insurance plans
MetLife offers an accident and illness plan with an optional preventative care add-on.
Accident and illness
- Deductible: $50, $100, $200 or $500.
- Annual coverage limit: $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.
MetLife’s accident and illness plans cover diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications and even holistic care in New York.
Preventative Care
Preventative care will reimburse you for a fixed amount of wellness expenses each year.
New York rates
In New York, an accident and illness plan for a dog costs $58 per month on average.
New York discounts
MetLife has a long list of discounts in New York, including:
- Affinity group discounts.
- Animal care discount.
- Employer benefit discounts.
- Healthcare workers discount.
- Internet purchase discounts.
- Military, veteran and first responder discounts.
If you qualify for the MyPets Reward Program, you may get discounts on pet care essentials at select businesses.
Customer reviews
Compared to other companies, MetLife’s pet insurance segment has few reviews. As of March 2024, only about 50 reviews had been submitted to Trustpilot. Its rating was 1.7 out of 5 (poor).
Most of the complaints were about claims being denied because the conditions were diagnosed and treated during the policy waiting period. While that’s frustrating for customers, it’s a common practice in the pet insurance industry, which is why it’s so important to read the fine print and understand what waiting periods apply.
Compare the best pet insurance companies in New York
Here’s how the best pet insurance companies in New York compare.
| Company | New York rating | Average monthly pet insurance cost in New York | Learn More | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $22 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $62 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $33 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $58 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $45 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $20 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $37 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
| ||||||||
| $81 | Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||
|
*Average monthly New York premiums for dog insurance assume unlimited reimbursem*nt (or the highest level offered by that company — $10,000 for MetLife, $30,000 for Embrace and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $500 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and a 90% reimbursem*nt percentage.
How much is pet insurance in New York?
The average cost of pet insurance in New York is $92 a month for an accident and illness plan with unlimited coverage. This is based on more than a thousand pet insurance quotes from different companies for dogs of various ages and breeds living in different New York cities.
Several factors affect how much pet insurance in New York costs, including:
- Annual coverage limit.
- Deductible amount.
- New York ZIP code.
- Pet insurance company.
- Reimbursem*nt percentage.
- Your pet’s species, age, size and gender.
We compare average rates for our top-rated New York pet insurance companies below.
| Top-rated pet insurance company | Monthly cost for pet insurance with $5,000 annual coverage | Monthly cost for pet insurance with unlimited annual coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $20 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $22 | ||||
| ||||||
| $24 | $27 | ||||
| ||||||
| $27 | $33 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $37 | ||||
| ||||||
| $32 | $45 | ||||
| ||||||
| $29 | $58 | ||||
| ||||||
| $44 | $62 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $81 | ||||
|
*Source: PetInsurer.com. Monthly rates are for New York pet insurance plans for dogs with a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursem*nt level. Rates for plans with unlimited coverage use the highest annual coverage amount available ($10,000 for MetLife, $30,000 for Embrace and $100,000 for Lemonade).
New York pet insurance rates by city
Your location plays a big role in how much you pay for pet insurance in New York. This is in part because vet costs vary by city.
Here are some sample monthly rates for dog insurance in New York:
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Guilderland
- Queens
- Staten Island
Brooklyn pet insurance rates
| Pet insurance company | Pet insurance with $5,000 annual coverage | Pet insurance with unlimited annual coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | $36 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $45 | ||||
| ||||||
| $45 | $52 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52 | $71 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $77 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52 | $81 | ||||
| ||||||
| $77 | $143 | ||||
| ||||||
| $115 | $157 | ||||
| ||||||
| $89 | $158 | ||||
| ||||||
| $90 | $159 | ||||
|
Buffalo pet insurance rates
| Pet insurance company | Pet insurance with $5,000 annual coverage | Pet insurance with unlimited annual coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | $32 | ||||
| ||||||
| $39 | $45 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $46 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $54 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $56 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52` | $81 | ||||
| ||||||
| $64 | $114 | ||||
| ||||||
| $65 | $115 | ||||
| ||||||
| $70 | $133 | ||||
| ||||||
| $109 | $148 | ||||
|
Guilderland pet insurance rates
| Pet insurance company | Pet insurance with $5,000 annual coverage | Pet insurance with unlimited annual coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | $32 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $45 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $46 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $56 | ||||
| ||||||
| $43 | $59 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52 | $81 | ||||
| ||||||
| $97 | $113 | ||||
| ||||||
| $64 | $119 | ||||
| ||||||
| $77 | $136 | ||||
| ||||||
| $78 | $138 | ||||
|
Queens pet insurance rates
| Pet insurance company | Pet insurance with $5,000 annual coverage | Pet insurance with unlimited annual coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | $32 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $44 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $46 | ||||
| ||||||
| $46 | $63 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $77 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52 | $81 | ||||
| ||||||
| $89 | $158 | ||||
| ||||||
| $90 | $159 | ||||
| ||||||
| $83 | $160 | ||||
| ||||||
| $128 | $174 | ||||
|
Staten Island pet insurance rates
| Pet insurance company | Pet insurance with $5,000 annual coverage | Pet insurance with unlimited annual coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | $32 | ||||
| ||||||
| $39 | $44 | ||||
| ||||||
| $40 | $46 | ||||
| ||||||
| – | $66 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52 | $71 | ||||
| ||||||
| $52 | $81 | ||||
| ||||||
| $75 | $145 | ||||
| ||||||
| $114 | $156 | ||||
| ||||||
| $89 | $158 | ||||
| ||||||
| $90 | $159 | ||||
|
*Source: Petinsurer.com. Average monthly rates are based on dog insurance in New York cities; policies included have a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
Cost of dog insurance in New York by breed
Breed is also a factor in pet insurance rates. Pet insurance for a mixed breed dog in New York is generally cheaper than dog insurance for a purebred.
| DOG BREED | DOG INSURANCE WITH $5,000 ANNUAL COVERAGE | DOG INSURANCE WITH UNLIMITED ANNUAL COVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
Beagle | $58 | $81 |
Bulldog | $92 | $131 |
Dachshund | $48 | $65 |
French bulldog | $96 | $132 |
German shepherd | $62 | $87 |
Golden retriever | $65 | $91 |
Labrador retriever | $66 | $92 |
Mixed breed large | $54 | $76 |
Mixed breed medium | $46 | $64 |
Mixed breed small | $38 | $52 |
Poodle | $65 | $90 |
Rottweiler | $103 | $144 |
*Source: Petinsurer.com. Average monthly rates are based on dog insurance in New York; policies included have a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
Cost of cat insurance in New York by breed
Breed is also a cost factor for cat insurance in New York, but the rates vary less than with dogs.
| CAT BREED | CAT INSURANCE WITH $5,000 ANNUAL COVERAGE | CAT INSURANCE WITH UNLIMITED ANNUAL COVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
Abyssinian | $23 | $48 |
Bengal | $33 | $48 |
Bombay | $33 | $47 |
British shorthair | $38 | $53 |
Exotic shorthair | $34 | $48 |
Maine coon | $36 | $52 |
Mixed breed | $27 | $37 |
Persian | $37 | $53 |
Ragdoll | $32 | $46 |
Siamese | $28 | $46 |
*Source: Petinsurer.com. Average monthly rates are based on cat insurance in New York; policies included have a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
Vet costs in New York
When considering what type of pet insurance to buy, vet expenses should be a part of your decision. Here are average veterinary costs in two New York cities, according to Banfield Pet Hospital.
| CITY | VET OFFICE VISIT FOR DOGS | VET OFFICE VISIT FOR CATS | VACCINES* | PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING | SPAY/NEUTER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Buffalo | $67 | $67 | $212 dog $92 cat | $388 dog or cat | $486 dog $288 cat |
New York City | $80 | $85 | $232 dog $104 cat | $445 dog $466 cat | $533 dog $324 cat |
*Dog vaccines include Bordetella, DAPP, bivalent influenza, leptospirosis, Lyme disease and rabies. Cat vaccines include feline distemper FVRCP, feline leukemia virus and rabies.
Depending on the pet insurance plan you choose, vet exam fee coverage may be included or available at an additional cost. Routine care such as vaccinations, pet dental and spaying/neutering may also be covered if you add a wellness plan to your accident and illness policy.
It’s important to determine which benefits are important to you and make sure they’re included in the pet insurance plan you buy.
Ready see coverage options side by side? How to compare pet insurance quotes
Average pet insurance claim amount in New York
In March 2024, the average New York pet insurance claim was $474, according to data from Embrace pet insurance. New York had the tenth-highest pet insurance claim average in the nation that month:
- Washington, D.C. – $623
- Massachusetts – $527
- California – $525
- Nevada – $515
- Washington – $503
- Oregon – $491
- Arizona – $483
- New Jersey – $482
- Virginia – $482
- New York – $474
How to find the best pet insurance in New York
Although every pet owner has different needs, there are a few things to look for to help you find the best pet insurance policy in New York:
- 24/7 vet lines. Having an expert veterinary professional available at all times can help you decide whether your pet needs a vet visit or if you can take care of it at home.
- Vet direct pay. If you’d rather not have to file a claim and wait for reimbursem*nt, choosing a pet insurance company that offers direct pay can help you avoid the process. Just make sure you understand the process before committing to a plan.
- Multi-pet discount. If you own two or more pets, consider getting quotes from pet insurers that offer a multi-pet discount for insuring more than one pet, which may save you up to 10% on your pet insurance premiums.
- Routine wellness plans. Companies that offer a routine wellness plan are the best option if you want preventative expenses covered. Wellness plans provide coverage for annual exam fees, microchipping and other routine care.
Types of pet insurance plans in New York
When deciding which pet insurance company in New York offers the best coverage for your pet, you have a few plan types to choose from:
- Accident and illness. The most common pet insurance policy, accident and illness plans cover diagnostic testing, bloodwork, surgery, emergency care and hospitalization for both accidents and illnesses. So if your dog breaks a leg playing at the dog park or your cat ingests a poisonous plant leaf, you’ll be able to get reimbursem*nt for a portion of its vet care.
- Accident only. This plan is cheaper because it doesn’t cover illness. It pays for prescriptions, surgery and other treatment measures related to your pet’s accidental injury. While your dog’s broken dew claw or tooth will be covered, your cat’s diabetes won’t be.
- Wellness. This optional add-on to some pet insurance plans covers veterinary expenses for your pet’s routine health care. Standard pet insurance doesn’t cover these expenses, like vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm preventives, spay or neuter surgery — that’s where a wellness plan comes in.
How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for a portion of your pet’s covered medical expenses. How much you’ll be reimbursed depends on your plan choices. Keep in mind, the more the pet insurance policy covers, the higher your premium will be.
Annual coverage limit
The annual coverage limit is the most the pet insurance company will pay per year toward your pet’s claims. Most pet insurers offer a range of annual coverage caps, from $2,000 to $20,000 or more.
Every pet insurance company that receives 4.5 or 5 stars in our rating of the best pet insurance in New York offers unlimited annual coverage as an option.
Deductible
Just like with human health insurance, a pet insurance deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the pet insurance company starts reimbursing you for covered expenses. Most deductible options are between $50 and $500, but Pets Best allows up to a $1,000 deductible.
Although most pet insurance companies have an annual deductible, some have a per-condition deductible, like Trupanion. This deductible option means you have to meet a deductible for each new condition your pet is seen for, rather than pay one single deductible per plan year.
Consider if a lifetime per condition deductible or annual deductible better fits your pet’s needs when choosing a pet insurance provider in New York.
Reimbursem*nt percentage
After you meet the policy deductible, your pet insurance plan reimburses a certain percentage for covered expenses. Reimbursem*nt percentages are usually 70%, 80% or 90%, though some pet insurance companies offer a 100% option.
Let’s say you have a $50 deductible with an 80% reimbursem*nt level. After the vet sees your pet for the first time, you pay your bill of $500 and file a claim with your pet insurance company. After subtracting your deductible of $50 from the total bill, you’ll receive a reimbursem*nt of $360, which is 80% of the remaining $450.
Methodology
We analyzed top-rated pet insurance companies operating in New York using data from Petinsurer.com.
For this analysis, average New York pet insurance rates are based on accident and illness plans, which account for 98% of pet insurance policies purchased, according to data from the North American Health Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Rates are also based on dog pet insurance, as dogs make up 85% of insured pets, per NAPHIA.
Each pet insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories:
- Cost: 50 points. We calculated average rates for accident and illness pet insurance plans for a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog at two different ages in Colorado, with unlimited annual reimbursem*nt (or the highest level offered by that company), a $250 deductible and a 90% reimbursem*nt percentage. The lower the average rate, the higher the number of points.
- Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer annual reimbursem*nt of up to $100,000, or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.
- 24/7 vet line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer access to a 24/7 vet line earned points. Being able to call for medical advice might save you money on vet visits.
- Routine wellness plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an optional wellness plan add-on scored points. Wellness plans can reimburse you for preventative care for your pet.
- Pays vet exam fees: 10 points. If a pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer received 10 points. If this is offered as a coverage add on, the insurer received 5 points.
- Behavioral therapy: 5 points. If an insurance company covers behavior therapy in its pet insurance plans, it scored points.
- Euthanasia or end of life expenses included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end of life expenses are covered in pet insurance plans, an insurance company scored in this category.
Best pet insurance in New York FAQs
No, pet insurance is not required in New York. If you choose to buy pet insurance, it can cover some costs of your pet’s accidents or illnesses. Without pet insurance, you’ll be responsible for all your pet’s veterinary care.
See if it’s right for you: What does pet insurance cover?
Vets don’t need to accept pet insurance, since pet insurance typically works by reimbursem*nt. You’ll go to any licensed New York veterinarian, receive care for your pet and pay the bill in full. Then you can submit the bill for reimbursem*nt and the pet insurance company will reimburse you based on your policy coverage and plan details.
Some companies, like Pets Best, offer a direct pay option with some plans. When you file your claim, you submit a signed vet direct pay release form along with it. Pets Best will process the claim and send payment for allowable expenses directly to the vet’s office. You’ll only be responsible for the remaining balance.
The average cost of pet insurance in New York is $92 a month for an accident and illness plan with unlimited coverage for a dog. But the amount you pay may be very different.
The cost of pet insurance depends on several factors, including but not necessarily limited to:
- Whether your pet is a dog or a cat.
- Your pet’s breed, and whether it’s a purebred.
- Its age.
- Your pet’s sex and whether or not you plan to breed it.
- Where you live.
- Policy coverage and deductible amounts.
- Any available discounts, such as policy bundling.
Generally speaking, pet insurance is not deductible on your income taxes for the family pet. However, if you or a family member relies on a working service dog for daily assistance because you have a diagnosed disability, you may be able to deduct certain expenses related to caring for that animal. These may include veterinary care and related expenses for your service animal. Talk to a tax professional for advice.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, these are the most common pet insurance claims for dogs and cats.
| Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions (Infections, Allergies, Mass) | Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) |
| Gastroenteritis | Gastrointestinal |
| Otitis / Ear Infection | Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) |
| Urinary Tract Infection | Diarrhea |
| Allergies | Diabetes |
| Diarrhea | Kidney Disease / Renal Failure |
| Anxiety / Behavioral condition / Neuro Issues | Skin Conditions (Infections, Allergies, Mass) |
| Vomiting / Emesis | Dental |
| Lameness / Limping | Vomiting / Emesis |
| Growth | Hyperthyroidism |
| Dermatitis | Conjunctivitis / Eye Condition |
Find the right plan for you: Best pet insurance of 2024
The cheapest pet insurance in our rating of the best pet insurance in New York is Lemonade with an average rate for dog insurance of $20 per month.
The cost of pet insurance in New York City depends on a number of factors, including where you live, down to the ZIP code. According to our analysis, sample rates for pets in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island can vary when comparing similar policies from the same insurer.
Pet insurance may be worth it to you if you consider how much you’d have to pay out of pocket if your pet has an emergency accident or illness.
The cost of veterinary care varies widely across the U.S. But no matter where you live, the cost of dog ownership or cat ownership isn’t cheap. A routine checkup may cost $100 or $200, while emergency treatment could cost thousands. Buying a pet insurance policy can provide a financial cushion should your pet require treatment after an accident or illness, while a wellness plan can help offset the cost of routine care and vaccinations.
Dig into the details: Is pet insurance worth it?
