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Best Pet Insurance Colorado

Pet Insurance options vary widely among states. Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance plans in Colorado, so you and your pet can enjoy all the best the Centennial State has to offer!

Written by
Lauren Rey
Last Update on Jan 2, 2024
Key Takeaways
  • Options for pet insurance providers and plans vary from state to state
  • Colorado is a very pet-friendly state which has some great pet insurance options
  • Having your pet insured is one of the best ways to help cover their veterinary care, especially in a high-cost-of-living-state like Colorado
  • Like all states, Colorado has some unique hazards that pet owners should be aware of to keep their pets healthy and safe

The Importance Of Pet Insurance 

Pet insurance is one of the best ways that you can be financially prepared for your pet’s healthcare, especially when it comes to emergencies. Unforeseen accidents and illnesses land around one in three pets in the veterinary emergency room every year, and those bills can quickly add up.

With Colorado already being a high-cost-of-living state and the continuing rise of inflation, many pet owners are finding the costs associated with caring for their pets are also going up. Now more than ever, pet insurance can be an invaluable resource that saves pet owners thousands on their vet bills in some cases. 

The Best Pet Insurance Plans In Colorado 

Pet insurance options vary from state to state. Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance plans available in Colorado.

Pets Best

Waiting Periods
3 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness, Accident-only, and Wellness Plan (add-on)
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000 or unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount
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Pros:

  • Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness
  • 24/7 Pet Telehealth access for policyholders
  • Emergency direct-vet-pay option

Cons:

  • 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injury coverage
  • Bilateral conditions are not covered
Additional Details

Veterinarian-founded, Pets Best offers top-rated, affordable coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.

Claims Process: Online, Pets Best App, or by email or fax

ManyPets

Waiting Periods
15 days but can be waived if switching providers
Available Plans
Accident and Illness Plan and Wellness add-on
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70% or 80%
Deductible Choices
$500
Discounts Available
None
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Pros:

  • Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
  • Unlimited coverage at an affordable price
  • No extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions

Cons:

  • Hip dysplasia is only covered in pets enrolled before 6 years of age
  • No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details

A long-trusted pet insurance provider in the UK, ManyPets recently entered the US market and has quickly become a top contender due to its unlimited coverage and affordable plans. Coverage includes exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.

Claims Process: Online portal

Nationwide

Waiting Periods
14 days for accident and illness coverage, 12 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Major Medical or Whole Pet Plan (Accident and Illness Plans), Modular Plan (à la carte-style plan with several options of coverage), Wellness add-ons, and Avian and Exotic Plan
Pets Covered
Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Exotics (such as reptiles, potbelly pigs, rabbits, and other small mammals)
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
50%, 70%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$250
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount, 5% bundle discount when pairing with other plans (home, auto, renters, or life)
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Pros:

  • Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
  • Prescription drug discount perks with PetRxExpress program
  • 24/7 Pet Telehealth for policyholders

Cons:

  • Only one choice of deductible
  • No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details

An industry leader in the insurance world, Nationwide offers some of the most comprehensive and customizable pet insurance on the market. They have several plans to choose from with coverage options for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.

Claims Process: Online portal or by email or fax

Lemonade

Waiting Periods
2 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness Plan, Preventative Care, Preventative Care Plus, and Puppy/Kitten Plan
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, or $500
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount, 10% bundle discount when pairing with other plans (home, auto, renters, or life)
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Pros:

  • Covers a wide range of conditions
  • Highly customizable coverage
  • Affordable plans for all budgets

Cons:

  • Exam fees are not included in the base plan
  • No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details

Famous for its high-tech, AI-powered approach to pet insurance, Lemonade offers some of the most affordable and comprehensive coverage on the market. Coverage includes diagnostics, lab work, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, and more.

Claims Process: AI-powered claims through the Lemonade App

Figo

Waiting Periods
1 day for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for orthopedic conditions
Available Plans
Only offers a single plan but optional “powerups” are offered to boost coverage which includes exam fee coverage, wellness options, and more
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, or unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, or $750
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount
Show More Details

Pros:

  • Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness and injury
  • Offers a 100% reimbursement option
  • Access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth and other perks with Figo Cloud

Cons:

  • Exam not included in the base plan (must be added as a “power-up”)
  • Orthopedic conditions have a 6-month waiting period
  • No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details

Pet insurance created by pet owners, Figo offers excellent base coverage plus optional “power-ups” for pet owners to customize their plan for their pet’s unique needs. Coverage includes diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.

Claims Process: Digital claims are processed through the Figo Pet Cloud App

Disclaimer: As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and other stipulations may apply. Get a personalized pet insurance quote for more details.

Colorado Pet Hazards

Like all states, Colorado has some unique hazards that pet owners should be aware of. Learning how to identify and avoid potential hazards and being prepared with pet insurance in case of emergencies are all key factors in keeping your pet healthy and safe. Here are some of the most common pet health hazards found in Colorado: 

Natural Disasters

Colorado can experience a multitude of natural disasters. Unfortunately, many of them can occur quickly with little to no warning such as flash floods, mudslides, blizzards, avalanches, tornadoes, and wildfires. While it’s not possible to always know when or where danger may strike, it’s important for Colorado pet owners to be prepared.

Colorado Natural Disaster Preparation For Pets:

  • Make sure your pet is included in your natural disaster safety preparations — have a plan in place to transport them and include their food, water, and medicine in your emergency kit 
  • Follow local evacuation orders and never leave your pet behind
  • Create a pet disaster kit including animal first aid items, extra food, water, litter, leashes, carriers, comfort items, etc
  • Keep your pet current on vaccines and parasite preventatives, in the event you need to enter an evacuation shelter, these will be required, it will also help protect your pet from contact with any disease or parasites that may be present in floodwaters
  • Make sure your pet has ID tags and/or is microchipped

Extreme Temperatures

Colorado can experience some extreme temperatures and weather events throughout the year, from scorching heat waves in the desert to freezing cold temperatures and snowstorms in the mountains. Pet owners should take extra precautions to keep their pets safe during extreme weather. 

In hot weather, pets can be at risk of developing heatstroke, even from short walks. Dogs that are older, overweight, or brachycephalic (breeds with shortened, “smushed” noses like Bulldogs or Pugs) are most at risk and should be kept out of the heat. 

In cold weather, pets can be at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite, especially smaller dogs and those with lower body weights or shorter coats. Some pets will need outerwear during the winter and walks will need to be kept short. 

Colorado Weather Safety For Pets:

  • Never leave your pet outdoors during extreme hot or cold temperatures
  • Limit walks during times of extreme heat or cold
  • Don’t jog, run, hike, play fetch, or other forms of exercise with your pet in the heat
  • Never leave a pet in a parked car, during hot or cold temperatures
  • Keep an eye on where your pet is walking for potential hazards, hot sidewalks in the summer can burn paws while salt and other de-icing agents in the winter can irritate their skin

Dangerous Plants And Animals

Colorado is known for its abundance of dog-friendly outdoor spaces, but if you’re planning to hit the trail, lake, or campsite with your four-legged friend, there are some dangers you should be aware of. Colorado is home to predators such as bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Other animals like rattlesnakes, moose, elk, and porcupines can also pose a danger if provoked.

Along trails, pet owners should look out for hemlock, larkspur, and jimsonweed which are all toxic to dogs. Foxtails, which can often be found in mountainside meadows, can also pose a danger to your dog by becoming embedded in their skin, nose, or can even travel to their lungs.

Keeping Your Pets Safe Outdoors In Colorado:

  • Always stay on marked trails and keep your dog leashed to avoid them getting into poisonous plants or chasing after wildlife 
  • Avoid hiking or camping with dogs in the backcountry or in known predator territories
  • Use caution around woodpiles, bushes, and rocks where rattlesnakes may be hiding
  • Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines and parasite preventatives, in some regions, your veterinarian may recommend the rattlesnake vaccine
  • If your dog does have a run-in with wildlife or a dangerous plant, seek veterinary care immediately, especially if they get bit, scratched, quilled, or ingest a toxic plant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Average Cost Of Pet Insurance In Colorado?

On average, Colorado pet owners will spend between $40 and $60 per month to insure a dog, and between $20 and $30 a month to insure a cat. While these are some averages, it’s important to note that pet insurance is highly individualized. Your premiums will be determined by your individual pet’s breed, age, sex, medical history, and location. Your individual level of coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rate will also factor into your monthly premiums.

What Is The Average Cost Of Veterinary Care In Colorado?

The cost of veterinary care in Colorado is higher than the national average due to its higher cost-of-living rate, however, individual costs can vary widely by region. Rural areas tend to have lower prices than big cities like Denver. Overall, Colorado’s veterinary costs are similar to other high-cost-of-living states like Oregon and Washington.

How Does Pet Insurance In Colorado Compare To Other States?

The pet insurance market in Colorado is comparable to the national average. Most top pet insurance providers offer plans in Colorado, and there are no outstanding exceptions or exclusions specific to the state. Options for coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates are also similar to other nearby states. While the prices may be slightly higher due to Colorado’s higher cost of living, most pet owners can find a plan that fits their budget within the state.

Are There Any Special Pet Insurance Discounts Available In Colorado?

While there are no special pet insurance discounts for residents of Colorado, some providers do offer other types of discounts when you enroll multiple pets, bundle with other services like home or auto (only available with certain companies), or have served in the military. Occasionally, promotional offers are extended when adopting a new pet. Be sure to check with your chosen provider to explore all discount options.

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With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.