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Find the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Boston, MA

Your pet is part of your family, and you’d do anything to ensure their health and comfort — no matter the cost. Unexpected veterinary bills can wreck your budget, but with pet insurance on your side, they can be easier to manage. These policies reimburse you for part of the cost of covered treatments and often come with discounts for those that aren’t. Boston.com has partnered with ConsumerAffairs to create this guide comparing policies and choosing the top seven pet insurance companies in Boston. Details and quotes are based on monthly plans for a medium-sized dog breed in Boston, so understand that your terms may vary.

This content was created by a Boston.com partner. The editorial department of Boston.com had no role in writing, production, or display. Boston.com may be compensated for publishing this content and/or receive a commission on purchases of products or services described within the post.

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Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Boston

Lemonade
Lemonade
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans start at $10 a month
  • Deductible: $100 to $500
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% to 90%
  • Available in Boston and throughout Massachusetts
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Spot
Spot
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans start at $12.35 a month
  • Deductible: $100 to $1,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% to 90%
  • Available in Boston and nationwide
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ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans start at $52.48 a month
  • Deductible: $100 to $500
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% to 90%
  • Available in Boston and nationwide
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Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans start at $49.47 a month
  • Deductible: $250 to $500
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% to 80%
  • Available in Boston and nationwide
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Figo
Figo
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans start at $56.64 a month
  • Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $750
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% to 100%
  • Available in Boston and nationwide
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Fetch by The Dodo
Fetch by The Dodo
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans average $35/month for dogs and $25/month for cats
  • Deductible: $250, $300 or $500
  • Reimbursement rates: Up to 90%
  • Available in Boston and nationwide
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Embrace
Embrace
Overall satisfaction rating
  • Plans start at $26.51 a month
  • Deductible: $200 to $1,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% to 90%
  • Available in Boston and nationwide
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How does pet insurance work in Boston?

boston skyline

If you have a health insurance policy for yourself, you likely already understand the basics of how pet insurance works. The main difference with pet insurance is you typically pay out of pocket when visiting a licensed veterinarian, then file a claim with your pet insurance company. Once approved, the insurance company reimburses you based on the percentage amounts detailed in your plan. Most Boston pet insurance companies pay between 70% and 90% of the cost of covered treatments.

Standard pet insurance policies typically cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary/congenital conditions and behavioral issues. Most do not cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, preventative care or breeding costs. Some companies offer preventative add-on coverage for an additional monthly fee. Typical coverage plans include:

  • Wellness plans: Wellness plans, also called preventative plans, can be added to most pet insurance policies. Wellness plans cover things like vaccines, preventative heartworm medication, dental cleanings and flea and tick treatment. Wellness exams can help catch any concerns or potential problems early and are an important part of routine pet care.
  • Accidents only: Accident-only plans can cover issues like foreign-body ingestion, torn ligaments, poisoning, cuts, bite wounds, broken bones or getting hit by a vehicle. Accident-only plans will not cover illnesses, genetic issues, cancer and dental issues.
  • Accidents and illnesses: Accident-and-illness plans offer combination coverage. It typically includes coverage for accidents, illness, cancer, behavioral issues, dental disease and hereditary conditions. They can also cover preventable conditions like Lyme disease, parasites, parvovirus and other illnesses.

How much does pet insurance cost in Boston?

Boston pet insurance companies have plans that start as low as $10 per month at the time of publishing, with plans averaging $35 per month. Here’s a breakdown of coverage pricing and options:

Company Dog insurance (5-year-old Golden Retriever)* Cat insurance (5-year-old American Shorthair)*
Lemonade
  • $18.17/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
  • $11/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
Spot
  • $18.30/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • $2,500 yearly max
  • $10.41/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • $2,500 yearly max
ASPCA
  • $32.30/mo
  • 80% reimbursement
  • $250 deductible
  • $4,000 yearly max
  • $18/mo
  • 80% reimbursement
  • $250 deductible
  • $4,000 yearly max
Healthy Paws
  • $56.31/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • Unlimited maximum payouts
  • $14.83/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • Unlimited maximum payouts
Figo
  • $31.03/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
  • $12.29/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $500 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
Fetch
  • $49.77/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $700 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
  • $20.16/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $400 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
Embrace
  • $53.09/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $1,000 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max
  • $26.14/mo
  • 70% reimbursement
  • $1,000 deductible
  • $5,000 yearly max

*At the time of publishing

Rates vary based on several factors, including:

  • Pet age: If your pet is older, there’s a higher risk of health issues or concerns. Typically, the older your pet, the higher your premium will be.
  • Pet breed: Some pet breeds are more susceptible to hereditary conditions that can cause medical issues. Pet insurance companies may take breed into consideration when offering insurance coverage.
  • Pet type: If you’re looking for coverage for an exotic pet, you may have to pay more for veterinary or specialty care. Thus, your pet insurance premium may be higher.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Some pet insurance companies don’t offer pre-existing conditions coverage. Others will if your pet has been without an incident from the condition for an extended period. You may still have a higher pet insurance premium for pre-existing coverage.
  • Plan type: Pet insurance companies typically offer multiple plan coverage types. Basic coverage will have a lower premium, while comprehensive coverage will cost more.
  • Deductible amount: Typically a higher deductible will mean a lower monthly premium. A lower deductible will have a higher monthly premium.
  • Annual limit: If you hit your pet insurance company’s annual maximum limit, you’ll have to pay the remaining expenses out of pocket.
  • Add-ons: Some pet insurance companies offer add-on coverage at an additional cost.

Most pet insurance companies offer coverage for accident only or accident and illness. Some offer add-on coverage for preventative care and a multi-pet discount.

Boston pet insurance FAQ

How much is pet insurance in Massachusetts? Plans can start at $10 per month. Plan pricing varies, based on your specific pet and coverage needs.

Is a monthly pet plan worth it? With any insurance, there is a chance you’ll have it and not use it. But pet insurance can offer peace of mind that you’re covered in the event of a major illness or accident. Additionally, some plans offer reimbursement for routine wellness, which can give you money back for normal vet visits.

Does pet insurance kick in immediately? Most pet insurance companies will have a waiting period. This is a short time when policy coverage is restricted. Waiting periods can range from 14 days to 6 months, depending on the pet’s condition.

What factors affect pet insurance costs? The three main factors affecting pet insurance costs are the pet’s age, breed and your chosen deductible. Lower deductibles have a higher monthly premium and higher deductibles have lower monthly premiums.

Boston pet insurance company information

Lemonade

Lemonade offers cat and dog pet insurance. Coverage is available for preventative care, accidents and illness. Vet visit fees, physical therapy, dental treatment and behavioral conditions can be added for additional fees. Plans start at $10 per month with deductibles ranging from $100 to $500. Reimbursement is 70% to 90%. Discounts are offered at 10% for bundling and 5% for multi-pet and annual payment. The coverage waiting period ranges from two days to six months, depending on the issue. You can make changes to your policy within the first 14 days or at the annual renewal time.

 Lemonade Learn More

Spot

Spot pet insurance plans cover accidents only or accidents and illness. Preventative coverage can be added. Plans start at $12.25 per month for standard coverage with deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000. Online quotes are given in minutes, with coverage offering 70% to 90% reimbursement. Spot plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, conditions occurring during the waiting period (14 days), breeding costs, cosmetic procedures, preventative care or daycare/boarding costs. Multi-pet discounts are offered.

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ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

ASPCA offers pet insurance with up to 90% reimbursement. Plans start at $52.48 per month, with deductibles ranging from $100 to $500. ASPCA has an accident-only plan or Complete Coverage, which includes accidents, illness, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions and dental disease. Preventive coverage can be added on for $9.95 per month. There is a 30-day, money-back guarantee and a 10% discount for multiple pets covered.

 ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Learn More

Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws has one pet insurance plan, for accidents and illness. It covers cats or dogs, starting at $49.47 per month, with deductibles from $250 to $500. Reimbursement is offered up to 80%. There are no maximum limits on claims payouts, and no per-incident, annual or lifetime caps. Healthy Paws allows you to take your pet to any licensed vet for care.

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Figo

Figo pet insurance covers common illness, accidents, emergencies, cancer, hereditary and congenital disorders and chronic conditions. Coverage includes curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has had no signs or symptoms within 12 months of the last treatment. Wellness and preventative care is an optional add-on. Other optional coverage is available for cremation/ burial, lost-pet advertising and vacation cancellation due to a pet emergency. It also offers 24/7 live access to licensed veterinary professionals.

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Fetch by The Dodo

Fetch pet insurance plans average $35 per month for dogs and $25 per month for cats. It offers reimbursement for up to 90 percent. Coverage includes emergency visits, injuries and illness, diagnostic tests, behavioral therapy, cancer treatment and more. Deductibles are $250, $300 or $500. There is no enrollment fee, and you can cancel your coverage at any time.

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Embrace

Embrace offers a comprehensive pet insurance plan with coverage for illness, accidents and injuries, dental accidents and illness, vet visit fees, tests, procedures, treatments and follow-up care. Pricing starts around $26.51 per month, with deductibles ranging from $200 to $1,000. Under an Embrace insurance policy, you can visit any licensed vet, with reimbursement up to 90%. A preventative plan can be added.

 Embrace