Best Pet Insurance In Virginia
Enrolling in pet insurance can help Virginians pay for veterinary expenses to keep their pet safe and healthy. Of all the options, Pets Best consistently stacks up to be the most valuable for pet owners.
Written by
Adeleine Whitten
Adeleine Whitten is a seasoned writer and lifelong pet owner with extensive experience in crafting content about veterinary topics that resonates with a diverse audience. She currently works as an in-house and freelance copywriter in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, you can often find her with a good book or in the Taco Bell drive-thru.
Last Update on Jan 15, 2024
Table of Contents
Pet owners would do anything for their furry friend, and one of the best ways they can protect them is by enrolling in pet insurance. Pet insurance helps pet lovers everywhere cover the costs of veterinary care, which is becoming more challenging as costs continue to rise.
In Virginia, having pet insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it can still be a valuable tool to help cover the cost associated with taking a trip to the vet. Virginians have several options for insurance providers and plans, including these:
Top Pet Insurance Providers In Virginia
Best for Immediate and Flexible Coverage
Pets Best
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
3 days for accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament injuries
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Show More Details
Pros
- Offers 24/7 telehealth
- Brief waiting period for accidents
- Variety of plan types and deductible options
- No upper age limit
- No reduced coverage for senior pets
- Offers direct-to-vet payment option
Cons
- Long waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries
Additional Details
Pets Best offers pet owners several accident and illness plans, accident only plans, and optional add-ons to choose from. They also give their users quick claim processing, a relatively short waiting period for accidents, and access to a 24/7 telehealth service.
Coverages
- Accident and illness plans
- Accident only plans
- Optional add-on for routine care
Claims process
- Online via the Pets Best website or mobile app or through email, fax, or standard mail
Coverage details
- All accident and illness plans cover accidents, illnesses, cancer treatments, hereditary and congenital conditions, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing and chronic conditions, diagnostics, behavioral conditions, dental, prosthetic devices and wheelchairs, and end of life care
- Most accident and illness plans cover exam fees, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, physical rehabilitation, and prescription medications
- Accident only plans cover accidents such as broken bones, foreign object swallowing, poisoning, car accidents, lacerations, or snake bites.
- Routine care add-on covers expected veterinary visits, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other expected medical care
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
ManyPets
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
15 days for accidents and illnesses, 24 hours for wellness care
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Show More Details
Pros
- Covers vet exam fees
- Doesn’t require extended waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries
- Doesn’t have annual or lifetime maximums
Cons
- Relatively longer waiting period for accidents and illnesses
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 telehealth
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
Additional Details
ManyPets covers various accidents, illnesses, and conditions pets may experience. They also reimburse vet exam fees related to accidents or illnesses. And with no annual or lifetime maximums, pet owners can continue to get their pet the care they need.
Coverages
- Accident and illness plans
- Optional wellness coverage
Claims process
- Online through the ManyPet portal or by phone
Coverage details
- Accident and illness plans cover vet visits, exams, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, and other costs related to conditions such as broken bones, road accidents, poisonings, sickness, disease, hereditary conditions, cancer, dental illnesses, and more
- Wellness add-on covers costs for care such as vaccines, vitamins, supplements, dental cleanings, testing, and parasite prevention
Best for Pets Besides Cats and Dogs
Nationwide
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more
Waiting periods
14 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for cruciate ligament injuries, 90 days for some services on the modular plan
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
50%, 70%, 90%
Deductible choices
$250
Show More Details
Pros
- Plans are modular and can be customized
- Insures birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more
- Covers vet exam fees
- No annual maximum
- Offers 24/7 telehealth
- Offers a 5% multi-pet discount and a 5% bundling discount
Cons
- Limited to just one deductible option
- Relatively longer waiting periods
- No end of life coverage
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
- Some plans won’t allow senior pets to enroll
Additional Details
Nationwide is a common provider of human insurance needs, and they also offer several pet insurance options, even covering pets beyond cats and dogs. Plans can include accident coverage, illness coverage, wellness coverage, or a combination of services.
Coverages
- My Pet Protection plans cover accidents, illness, and wellness
- Modular plans include the option to cover accidents, illness, and wellness as needed
- Major Medical plans cover accidents, illness, and optional wellness
- Whole Pet plans cover accidents and illnesses
- Avian and Exotic plans cover accidents and illnesses
Claims process
- Online through the Nationwide website, through email, mail, or fax
Coverage details
- Accident coverage includes broken bones, poisonings, sprains, lacerations, auto accidents, ingested items, and more
- Illness coverage includes ear infections, vomiting, hip dysplasia, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more
- Wellness coverage includes checkups, vaccinations, flea control, heartworm, bloodwork, urinalysis, and more
Best for Connecting with Local Pet Owners
Figo
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic injuries
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
Show More Details
Pros
- Brief waiting period for accidents
- 24/7 access to telehealth
- Can select a 100% reimbursement option
- Covers vet exam fees as part of an add-on
- Social features and pet-friendly activity locator
- 5% discount for multiple pets
Cons
- Does not cover dental illnesses
- Waiting period for illnesses is 14 days
- Relatively longer waiting period for orthopedic injuries
- Limited coverage options for senior pets
Additional Details
Figo offers pet owners a short waiting period for accidents, only requiring newly enrolled pets to wait 1 day. Additionally, pet owners can take advantage of 24/7 access to telehealth services and can find other pet owners and pet-friendly activities throughout Virginia.
Coverages
- Illness and injury plans
- Optional wellness add-on
- Optional veterinary exam fees add-on
Claims process
- Online through the Figo Pet Cloud or through phone or fax
Coverage details
- Common illnesses such as colds and skin issues
- Accidents and emergencies such as broken bones or vehicular injuries
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes
- Hereditary and congenital disorders such as hip dysplasia and heart problems
- Cancer treatment including radiation, chemo, and surgeries
- Wellness and preventative care including yearly exams, vaccines, and diagnostic tests
Best for Quick Claim Approvals
Lemonade
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Show More Details
Pros
- AI-powered process speeds up claim approval times
- Several coverage options and add-ons
- 2 day waiting period for accidents
- Offers 5% annual discount, 5% multi-pet discount, and 10% bundling discount
Cons
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 telehealth access
- 14 day waiting period for illnesses
- 6 month waiting period for cruciate ligament events
Additional Details
Lemonade uses AI-powered technology to quickly enroll pets and approve claims in their easy-to-use app. Pet owners can customize their plan to fit their specific needs and budget, and then can get approved sometimes instantly and reimbursed quickly after they file a claim.
Coverages
- Base plan covers costs related to accidents and illnesses
- Optional add-ons cover a range of additional costs and preventative care for an added premium
Claims process
- Online through the Lemonade app
Coverage details
- Accidents and illnesses include broken bones, accidental ingestion, ear infections, diabetes, hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer, hospitalization, diagnostics, medications, and more
- Optional add-ons include coverage for vet visit fees, physical therapy, dental, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance
- Optional preventative care packages include coverage for non-emergency and routine medical costs.
Exclusions And Limitations
Although pet insurance covers a wide range of veterinary services, there are a few claims that typically aren’t reimbursed by insurance providers. This includes any costs that are accrued or conditions that begin during the plan’s waiting period, which can vary.
Pre-existing conditions are also typically excluded from coverage. This includes anything that a pet has shown symptoms of or has been treated for prior to enrolling in pet insurance. Some plans may make exceptions if the condition is considered curable, such as a stomach illness.
Other costs that are commonly excluded from pet insurance coverage include:
- Boarding
- Daycare
- Training
- Experimental treatments
- Cosmetic procedures
- Breeding/pregnancy
Cost of Pet Insurance In Virginia
Getting a quote is the best way to determine your monthly premium for pet insurance; however, you can expect a few different factors to come into play. For instance, your pet type, breed, age, location, and medical history will all help the provider estimate the cost of veterinary care.
Additionally, the type and amount of coverage you select will also play a role in determining your payments. If you select additional coverage or add-ons, higher annual maximums, lower deducible, or higher reimbursement percentage, your payment will likely increase.
The average costs to insure a pet in Virginia are as follows:
- Dogs: $18 – $141
- Cats: $14 – $54
- Exotic Pets: $10 – $100
Cost Of Pet Insurance In Virginia Versus Other Regions
Because each region of the US has varying costs of living and availability of veterinarian care, the cost to insure your pet will heavily depend on where you live. Compared to the national average, pet insurance in Virginia is more expensive for dogs and less expensive for cats.
Based on a variety of quotes, data shows pet insurance to be relatively higher in Richmond. Pets living in Virginia Beach and Norfolk also often have slightly higher costs compared to less populated areas of the state.
Pet Laws in Virginia
Owning a pet in Virginia means following all local rules and regulations. A few of the laws pertaining to pet ownership in the state include:
- Individual cities and localities in Virginia can set and enforce their own licensure laws for pets four months and older
- Individual cities and localities in Virginia can set and enforce their own rabies vaccination laws
Additionally, many cities set their own pet ownership laws that must be adhered to:
Virginia Beach
- Dogs may not roam at large or be walked without a leash in public areas
- Pets, even on a leash, are prohibited from boardwalks, grassy areas, or public beaches during tourist season except during the hours of 6 AM to 10 AM
Norfolk
- All dogs and cats four months and older must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the cities
- Pets are prohibited from roaming at large
- All dogs and cats must wear a collar or harness at all times
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance typically works on a reimbursement method. When you visit the vet, you will be responsible for the entire bill. Then, you can file a claim for reimbursement. Once approved, your pet insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of care.
Will Pet Insurance Reimburse My Entire Vet Bill?
The amount your pet insurance provider will reimburse you will depend on your elected plan. If all services, fees, and medications your pet received are covered, they will be reimbursed based on your plan’s reimbursement percentage, which may be 100%.
Do Pet Insurance Plans Have Age Maximums?
Some pet insurance plans do have age maximums. However, many plans will continue to insure a pet that is already enrolled, even if they surpass the age maximum. Please check with your specific insurance provider to see what rules around age your plan has.
What Is A Pet Insurance Waiting Period?
Most plans require a waiting period between when you enroll your pet and when their coverage begins. Any conditions that begin or treatment given to your pet during this period will not be covered. This time period may vary whether it’s an illness, accident, or more serious condition.
Find out more
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Explore coverage options in Virginia for pets with health history.
- Pet Insurance Worth It? – Evaluate the benefits of pet insurance for Virginia pet owners.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Understand the cost of pet insurance in Virginia.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – Compare the best pet insurance providers in Virginia.
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? – Get to know what’s included in Virginia pet insurance plans.
- Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – Find Virginia insurers that offer direct vet payments.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Ensure your Virginia pets are covered for surgical procedures.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Discover insurance options for your older pets in Virginia.
Adeleine Whitten
Author
Adeleine Whitten is a seasoned writer and lifelong pet owner with extensive experience in crafting content about veterinary topics that resonates with a diverse audience. She currently works as an in-house and freelance copywriter in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, you can often find her with a good book or in the Taco Bell drive-thru.
More from Pet Insurance
