Best Pet Insurance In Washington
Washington pet owners can choose from several insurance plans to keep their furry, scaley, and feathery friends healthy. Pets Best offers the highest value coverage and care in most cases.
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
Having a pet by your side to explore the beautiful views in Washington state is a joyous feeling. But keeping your pet safe and healthy is a big responsibility that could also become a big financial strain, especially as vet costs continue to rise.
Illness, injury, and other conditions can happen no matter your pet’s breed or age, but solutions such as pet insurance can help cover the cost of your pet’s care whenever they need it. There are many providers that can insure your pet in Washington – here’s the breakdown of each.
Top Pet Insurance Providers In Washington
Best for Comprehensive Coverage and Care
Pets Best
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
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
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Pros
- 24/7 telehealth line
- Short 3 day waiting period for accidents
- Variety of plans, deductibles, and reimbursement percentages
- No upper age limit or reduced coverage for older pets
- Direct-to-vet payment option
Cons
- 6 month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries
Additional Details
Pets Best offers several different accident and illness plans, accident only plans, and routine care add-ons, so pet owners can get the coverage they need and can afford. Additionally, they have quick claim processing and a 24/7 telehealth line.
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 Fast Approvals
Lemonade
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
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
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Pros
- AI-powered platform approves claims quickly or instantly
- Various coverage options and add-ons
- 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 line
- Waiting period for illnesses is 14 days
- 6 month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries
Additional Details
Lemonade uses AI technology to quickly enroll pets and approve claims – sometimes instantly. Plans can be customized to fit your needs and budget, and pet owners can get approved immediately and paid quickly after an event with their sleek, modern app.
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.
Best for Conditions Covered
ManyPets
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
15 days for illnesses, 24 hours for wellness coverage
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
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Pros
- Reimburses exam fees related to covered vet visits
- No extended waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries
- No annual or lifetime maximums
Cons
- 15 day waiting period for illnesses
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 telehealth line
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
Additional Details
ManyPets provides comprehensive coverage for various conditions. Their plans have no annual or lifetime maximums, so you can always get your pet the care they need. They also cover exam fees, which is fairly unique in the pet insurance industry.
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 Avian and Exotic Pets
Nationwide
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more
Waiting periods
14 days for illnesses, 12 months for cruciate ligament injuries, 90 days for certain wellness care on the modular plan
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
50%, 70%, 90%
Deductible choices
$250
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Pros
- Customizable and modular plans
- Coverage for birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more
- Reimburses exam fees related to covered vet visits
- No annual maximum
- 24/7 telehealth line
- 5% multi-pet discount, 5% bundling discount
Cons
- Only one deductible option
- Longer waiting periods
- Doesn’t cover end of life services
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
- Some plans have pet age maximums
Additional Details
Nationwide is a trusted leader in the insurance industry. With their pet insurance plans, owners can select accident coverage, illness coverage, or wellness coverage – together or individually. Additionally, their insurance offers a 24/7 telehealth line and covers pets beyond cats and dogs.
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 Charitable Causes
TrustedPals
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
14 days for illness, 12 months for cruciate ligament injuries or hip dysplasia
Maximum annual coverage
$4,000, $8,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$0, $100, $250, $500, $750
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Pros
- 0% deductible and 100% reimbursement options
- 1% of all profits benefit homeless pets affected by natural disasters
- 5% discount for service dogs
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 telehealth line
- Doesn’t offer accident-only plan
- 12 month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia
Additional Details
TrustedPals covers a wide range of accidents and illnesses for your pet. They also offer additional coverage for behavioral services, training, and routine care. Additionally, 1% of their profits are donated to help pets affected by natural disasters.
Coverages
- Accident and illness plan
- Optional wellness add-on
Claims process
- Online through TrustedPals online “Pawtal” (portal)
Coverage details
- Accident and illness plans cover situations such as toxic ingestion, broken bones, diagnostic and testing, ear infections, cancer, prescription food, prescription medications, surgery, and more
- Optional wellness plan offers $750 per year to cover annual exams, dental cleanings, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, prescription pet food, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations
Best for Customizable Plans
Embrace
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic conditions
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
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Pros
- Customizable plans including deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual maximum
- 24/7 telehealth line
- Reimburses exam fee related to covered services
Cons
- 6 month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
- Doesn’t offer wellness insurance coverage
Additional Details
Embrace covers just about every accident and illness outside pre-existing conditions. Their plans include a variety of choices, so you can find the coverage that’s best for you. Additionally, their wellness rewards program helps you budget for preventative care and can be added onto any insurance plan.
Coverages
- Customizable plans cover nearly all accidents, illnesses, and conditions
- Wellness rewards program to help budget for preventative care
Claims process
- Online through the Embrace website or app
Coverage details
- Accidents include broken bones, ligament tears, osteosarcoma, and more
- Illnesses include dental illnesses, lyme disease, parasites, parasites, and other preventable illnesses
- Conditions include cancer, arthritis, diabetes, hip dysplasia, allergies, and other breed-specific, congenital, and genetic conditions
- Coverage includes treatments, rehabilitation, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, diagnostic testing, and prescription medications
Best for Unique Coverage Situations
Prudent Pet
App availability
No
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
14 days for illnesses
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000 or Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
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Pros
- Ultimate plan covers reimbursement for unique situations
- 10% multi-pet discount
- 24/7 telehealth line
Cons
- No mobile app
- Exam fee coverage is extra
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
Additional Details
In addition to standard pet insurance offerings, Prudent Pet sets themselves apart by covering unique situations such as boarding if you were to be hospitalized for an extended period or reimbursement for advertising and reward money for lost pets.
Coverages
- Accident only plan
- Essential plan covers accidents and illnesses
- Ultimate plan covers accidents, illnesses, behavioral issues, and additional unique coverage features
- Optional add-on to cover exam fees
- Optional add-ons to cover wellness
Claims process
- Online through the Prudent Pet website
Coverage details
- Accidents covered can include broken bones, auto accidents, sprains, wounds, burns, toxicity, foreign body ingestion, and any diagnostic exams and procedures related to the incident
- Illnesses covered can include allergies, behavioral problems, dental issues, growths or tumors, cancer, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, and any diagnostic exams and procedures related to the illness
- The Ultimate plan includes additional situations such as boarding due to your hospitalization, reimbursement for advertising and rewards for a lost pet, and loss due to theft or stray
- Veterinary exam fee add-on covers fees related to vet visits for an additional monthly cost
- Wellness add-ons cover varying levels of preventative care and wellness exams
Exclusions And Limitations
As you’re comparing different pet insurance options, be sure to pay attention to exclusions and limitations set by each policy. It’s common practice for pet insurance to not cover any costs that take place during your plan’s waiting period, which will differ by company and service.
Additionally, most pet insurance plans will not cover pre-existing conditions. A condition is considered pre-existing if your pet has shown symptoms or needed care for it before they were enrolled. Some plans may make exceptions for curable pre-existing conditions.
Other exclusions and limitations you can likely expect from your pet insurance plan are costs related to training, boarding, daycare, cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, and pregnancy/breeding.
Cost Of Pet Insurance In Washington
The cost of your pet insurance policy will depend on many factors including pet type, breed, age, location, number of pets, coverage amount, deductible, and reimbursement percentage. You may also receive discounts based on loyalty or bundles.
In Washington, the average cost of pet insurance is as follows:
- Dogs: $17 – $126
- Cats: $16 – $40
- Exotic Pets: $10 – $100
Cost Of Pet Insurance In Washington Versus Other Regions
Location can have a major impact on the cost of your pet insurance policy. In areas with higher costs of living, vet costs may also be higher. In more remote areas, it may be harder to find care, making the costs of veterinary care more expensive as well.
Compared to the national average, pet insurance in Washington is moderately higher for dogs and moderately lower for cats. This may also vary depending on which part of Washington you reside in.
For example, if you compare the average cost of pet insurance in three major cities in Washington, Seattle will be the most expensive, followed by Spokane, then Olympia.
Pet Laws In Washington
Being a responsible pet owner means following all applicable laws regarding your pet. If you reside in Washington, you should be aware of the following regulations:
- Although there are no statewide licensing or leash laws, each locality may have its own laws that must be followed
- In Washington, pet insurance companies are not allowed to require waiting periods for accidents
Additionally, many cities have established their own pet laws that must be followed when living in or visiting the area:
Tacoma
- All pets must be licensed with the city
- All dogs must be on at least no longer than 8 feet and under the control of their owner at all times
Seattle
- All animals, except cats and pigeons, are required to be on a leash at all times
- No more than 3 small animals, such as dogs and cats, may live on your property, unless your property is over 20,000 square feet
Spokane
- Pet licensing, including for dogs and cats, is mandatory within 30 days of acquisition
- Pet license must be attached to and worn on a collar by the pet at all times
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Does Pet Insurance Reimbursement Work?
Unlike human medical insurance, pet insurance directly reimburses pet owners. That being said, the pet owner is responsible for paying the bill directly to the vet, and the pet insurance company will reimburse it fully or partially once a claim is submitted and approved.
Will I Have To Switch Vets To Enroll In Pet Insurance?
Because pet insurance works on a reimbursement model, most insurance companies do not dictate which veterinarians a pet owner can visit. As long as they are licensed in the state of Washington, the pet insurance company will consider their bills eligible for reimbursement.
How Can I Enroll My Pet In Pet Insurance?
Enrolling your pet can be fairly simple, but may require some documentation. You can often enroll your pet online or over the phone, and they’ll ask for some basic information about your pet. They may also require medical documentation, such as a recent physical exam. Once your pet has been enrolled, they can be subject to any waiting periods legal in the state of Washington, unless waived with a physical exam.
What Is A Waiting Period For Pet Insurance?
Waiting periods are the time between enrollment and the beginning of coverage when certain ailments will not be covered by insurance. This will vary by plan type, but there are specific laws regarding waiting periods in Washington and regulations around getting them waived.
Find out more
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Explore coverage options in Washington for pets with health history.
- Pet Insurance Worth It? – Evaluate the benefits of pet insurance for Washington pet owners.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Understand the cost of pet insurance in Washington.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – Compare the best pet insurance providers in Washington.
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? – Get to know what’s included in Washington pet insurance plans.
- Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – Find Washington insurers that offer direct vet payments.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Ensure your Washington pets are covered for surgical procedures.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Discover insurance options for your older pets in Washington.
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.
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