Holly JohnsonContributor
Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning writer and personal finance expert who covers a variety of insurance topics as well as general personal finance. In addition to her articles in Forbes, her work has also been featured by Business Insider, Bankrate, CNN, and Fox Business.Johnson's areas of expertise are in personal finance to include life insurance, specialty business insurance, debt relief, and credit cards. She is the founder of Club Thrifty and co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."
Holly Johnson
Holly JohnsonContributor
Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning writer and personal finance expert who covers a variety of insurance topics as well as general personal finance. In addition to her articles in Forbes, her work has also been featured by Business Insider, Bankrate, CNN, and Fox Business.Johnson's areas of expertise are in personal finance to include life insurance, specialty business insurance, debt relief, and credit cards. She is the founder of Club Thrifty and co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."
Contributor
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
Fact Checked
Jason Metz
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
Lead Editor, Insurance
Fact Checked
Updated: Jan 3, 2024, 7:30am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
The best pet insurance for you depends partly on the level of protection you want for your pet, and how much you’re willing to pay for it.
To help your search, we compared the best pet insurance companies in Massachusetts and reviewed their plans, cost and coverage levels.
Read more
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Healthy Paws
Annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Get A Quote
Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%
$100, $250, $500
Pros & Cons
- No maximum annual or lifetime pay-outs
- Most claims processed within two days
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Direct vet payments may be possible
- No routine wellness option
Best Pet Insurance in Massachusetts
- Lemonade – Best Price For Kittens And Puppies
- Pets Best – Great For Choices Of Deductible
- Nationwide – Best For Unlimited Wellness Coverage
- Embrace – Best For Superior Benefits
- Figo – Great For Short Waiting Period For Accident Coverage
Lemonade
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Compare Plans
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$100, $250, $500
Editor's Take
If you want pet insurance at a low monthly cost Lemonade is worth considering, although you’ll give up some things like a 24/7 vet helpline.
Pros & Cons
- Lowest prices for young pets among the plans we analyzed
- Accident coverage waiting period of only 2 days
- Optional wellness plan available
- 6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments
- No 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Coverage for vet exam fees has to be added for an extra cost, compared to top competitors that include exam fees
- No coverage for behavioral or alternative therapy
- No coverage for stem cell treatment, prescription food or microchipping
Pets Best
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 or Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Compare Plans
$5,000 or Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Editor's Take
Pets Best combines great coverage with a good price. Its wide range of deductible choices helps you budget for possible claims.
Pros & Cons
- Ample range of deductible choices
- Accident coverage waiting period of only 3 days
- Can pay your vet directly if the vet agrees, so you don’t have to pay yourself and wait for reimbursem*nt
- Multipet discount of 5% per pet
- Routine wellness plans available
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- 6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligament issues
Nationwide
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
50%, 70%, 90%
Deductible choices
$250
Compare Plans
Unlimited
50%, 70%, 90%
$250
Editor's Take
Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a convenient way to keep your pet healthy by covering vet bills for routine care. For pet owners looking for financial protection for only significant problems, Nationwide also offers a pet major medical plan that caps benefits for each condition.
Pros & Cons
- Pays for vet exam fees
- Wellness plan included
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- 5% multi-pet discount, and current Nationwide customers get another 5% discount when buying a pet plan.
- Nationwide’s Pet Rx Express gives policyholders preferred pricing on pet prescriptions at Walmart and Sam’s Club, and the prescription claim can be processed at the pharmacy counter.
- 12-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments or meniscus (knee) injuries
- Only one choice for annual coverage maximum and deductible
- No coverage for end-of-life expenses, unlike top competitors
Embrace
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $30,000
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
Compare Plans
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $30,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
Editor's Take
Embrace’s plan earned the highest score for pet insurance benefits among the plans we evaluated. Its wide variety of options for coverage, reimbursem*nt and deductible can help you work within your budget.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent range of options for annual coverage, reimbursem*nt and deductibles
- Comes with a “diminishing deductible” that reduces the deductible by $50 for every year you don’t have a claim paid
- Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illness and accidents
- Accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your policy
- Optional wellness plan available
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Waiting period of 6 months for coverage of orthopedic conditions
Figo
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
Varies by pet age
Compare Plans
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Varies by pet age
Editor's Take
Figo pet insurance has a competitive price and helps customers form social groups with other doggy-minded individuals.
Pros & Cons
- 24/7 pet telehealth line.
- Short 1-day waiting period for accident coverage.
- Offers a 100% reimbursem*nt option.
- Routine wellness plans available.
- Offers an upgrade that covers special circ*mstances, including advertising and rewards for lost pets, vacation cancellation due to a pet emergency and loss of a pet due to theft or straying.
- The Figo Pet Cloud helps owners find pet-friendly places and connect with other pet owners for activities, such as doggy play dates.
- Coverage for vet exam fees has to be added on for an extra cost
- 6-month waiting period for knee injury coverage
- Does not cover dental illnesses
- Deductible choices vary depending on pet age and lower deductibles are not available at higher ages
- Only covers prescription food if it’s needed to treat bladder stones or crystals
Summary: Massachusetts Pet Insurance Ratings
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Reimbursem*nt choices | Deductible Choices | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | View More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade |  | 5.0 |  | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 | Compare Plans | ||
| Pets Best |  | 5.0 | | 70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | Compare Plans | ||
| Nationwide (Whole Pet with Wellness) |  | 4.5 |  | 50%, 70%, 90% | $250 | Compare Plans | ||
| Embrace |  | 4.0 |  | 70%, 80%, 90% | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | Compare Plans | ||
| Figo |  | 4.0 | | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | Varies by pet age | Compare Plans |
Massachusetts Pet Insurance Cost Comparison
Massachusetts pet insurance costs with $5,000 annual maximum coverage
| Company | Monthly cost in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
Lemonade | $20 |
Pets Best | $37 |
Figo | $42 |
Embrace | $57 |
Costs are for a plan with a $5,000 annual coverage maximum, a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursem*nt level. Source: PetInsurer.com.
Massachusetts pet insurance costs with unlimited annual maximum coverage
| Company | Monthly cost in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
Lemonade | $23 |
Nationwide | $32 |
Pets Best | $43 |
Figo | $59 |
Embrace | $81 |
Costs are for a plan with unlimited annual coverage ($30,000 for Embrace and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursem*nt level. Source: PetInsurer.com.
Types of Pet Insurance Plans
Here’s an overview of the types of pet insurance plans available in Massachusetts.
Accident and illness plans
Accident and illness plans are the most common type of pet insurance. These plans cover injuries from accidents, such as broken bones and vet expenses related to illness. Examples of illnesses that may be covered include arthritis, cancer and digestive problems. Care and treatment for illnesses is also covered, such as X-rays and physical therapy.
Accident-only plans
Accident-only pet insurance plans pay for veterinarian care for accidental injuries. For example, an accident-only pet insurance plan can help pay for care of a broken limb after a car accident, bite wounds from another animal or recovery from accidental poisoning. An accident-only pet insurance policy will not provide coverage for illnesses like cancer.
Wellness and routine care add-on
Wellness plans are sometimes available as an optional add-on to accident and illness plans. These pay for routine veterinary visits and preventative care, such as heartworm, tick and flea preventatives.
Related: What does pet insurance cover?
How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance plans vary depending on the provider you choose and the level of coverage. But the basic components of a plan will include a premium, deductible, reimbursem*nt level and annual coverage limits.
Premium
A pet insurance premium is the amount of money you pay for your plan. Your premium will be based on several factors, including:
- Pet’s breed and gender
- Age of your pet
- Where you live
- Level of coverage you want to buy
Deductible
Just like with health insurance for humans, pet insurance plans have an annual deductible. This amount—typically between $100 and $1,000—needs to be paid before the pet insurance company begins reimbursing you for veterinarian bills. Selecting a larger deductible typically lowers your pet insurance cost.
Reimbursem*nt level
Pet insurance plans in Massachusetts come with a reimbursem*nt level that dictates how much coverage you will get after your deductible is met. Reimbursem*nt percentages typically range from 50% to 100%. Choosing a lower reimbursem*nt percentage will lower the amount you pay for pet insurance.
Annual coverage limit
Pet insurance policies often have annual coverage caps, which is the total amount a pet insurance company will pay toward claims during your policy year. These limits can be $2,000 or higher, with some (more expensive) plans offering unlimited payouts.
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Massachusetts
Shopping around is the best way to find the best and most affordable pet insurance plan for your needs.
- Check for discounts. See if you can get a discount for insuring multiple pets at once, or for a membership you already have, such as a military discount or employee benefit discount.
- Decide if you want wellness care. Some Massachusetts pet insurance companies offer comprehensive pet insurance plans that include coverage for routine and preventative care. If this is something that interests you, make sure to check which providers offer this add-on coverage.
- Get acquainted with waiting periods. Most pet insurance plans have a waiting period that applies before coverage begins.
- Look for a 24/7 vet line. In many cases, 24/7 vet lines can save you time and help you avoid vet visits.
- Understand how payments are made. You’ll want to know whether your pet insurance plan makes payments directly to the vet, or whether you get reimbursed for veterinarian bills after you’ve paid out of pocket.
Pet Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts state law requires that all dog owners get a license for their pet and renew it every year. Licensing requires proof of rabies vaccination for dogs older than 6 months.
Cities in Massachusetts also have their own pet laws.
Boston pet laws
Regulations for pet owners in Boston include the following.
- Dogs must be leashed when not on the owner’s property.
- Dogs are not allowed to roam at large.
- Pet owners are legally required to dispose of their pet’s waste when deposited on public or private property that is not their own.
Springfield pet laws
Springfield has the following pet laws.
- Pet owners are required to keep their pets (other than sterilized cats) properly restrained and on a leash in public.
- Animals that create a public nuisance are prohibited.
- Pet owners who allow their pets that are able to reproduce to remain at large for six months or longer can be fined $100 per violation.
- Pet owners are required to provide wholesome nutrition and water, proper shelter with protection from the weather, humane treatment and veterinary care when needed.
- Animals can be legally confined outdoors, but only if certain conditions are met in terms of shelter and tethering.
- Pet owners are legally required to dispose of animal waste deposited on public or private property that is not their own.
Worcester
Worcester pet laws include:
- Dog licenses are $30 unless the dog is spayed or neutered and then it’s $25. There is no fee for dog owners 70 years old or older.
- Dogs deemed a nuisance or dangerous may be impounded by the city.
- Pet owners should not allow their dogs to roam free.
- Pet owners are also legally required to dispose of animal waste deposited on public or private property. Even their own private property cannot accumulate pet excrement.
- Chaining or tethering a dog to a stationary object for longer than 24 consecutive hours is also prohibited.
Methodology
We used data provided by PetInsurer.com to find the best pet insurance companies based on the following.
Average plan prices: Up to 40 points. We averaged pet insurance quotes for each insurer for a mixed-breed dog at two ages in Massachusetts.
Plan benefits: Up to 60 points. We scored plans based on the following important features: Annual coverage choices, whether the plan can pay a veterinarian directly, access to a 24/7 vet line, availability of routine wellness coverage, whether the plan pays the vet exam fee, pet dental illness coverage, end of life coverage, and multipet discount.
