Rankings of Top Pet Insurance Providers in Texas
Here is how the top six companies shook out:
- Lemonade: Our Top Pick
- Spot: Most Customizable Coverage
- Embrace: Our Pick for Savings
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Our Pick for Older Pets
- Fetch: Our Pick for Comprehensive Coverage
- Healthy Paws: Most Affordable Unlimited Coverage
What’s the Best Pet Insurance in Texas?
After considering many factors, including available plans, customization options, affordability and customer satisfaction, we selected Lemonade as the best pet insurance for Texas pet owners.
How We Ranked The Best Texas Pet Insurance Companies
Our team ranked pet insurance providers in Texas based on availability and the factors that most affect policyholders in the Lone Star State. Our review included an analysis of the average age of pets in Texas, state veterinary costs, average monthly premium prices for cats and dogs, and the most reported pet accidents in the state. We also considered costs and affordability, coverage options, discounts and benefits, and customer service when rating companies.
Additionally, we weighed responses to our survey of 1,000 pet owners with pet insurance nationwide, with a focus on Texas residents. We determined cost data for dogs by averaging sample quotes we obtained from each provider for a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog and a 2-year-old golden retriever dog in Texas. Cost data for cats was determined by averaging sample quotes for a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat and a 2-year-old Siamese cat.
Our in-depth rating system helps us company and review each of our picks for the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for our process of reviewing and scoring providers.
Compare The Best Pet Insurance Companies in Texas
Pet insurance cost and coverage in Texas vary by plan and provider. We suggest you compare several providers — request quotes, read sample policies and check out policyholder reviews — to make the best choice for your pet and your wallet.
You can use the table below to compare each insurance provider on our list based on important factors.
Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$15-$30 | 2 days | B- | |||
$34-$75 | 14 days | A- | |||
$39-$73 | 48 hours | A+ | |||
$18-$44 | 14 days | N/R | |||
$45-$90 | up to 15 days | A+ | |||
$24-$54 | 15 days | A+ |
Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
B- | $15-$30 | 2 days | |||
A- | $34-$75 | 14 days | |||
A+ | $39-$73 | 48 hours | |||
N/R | $18-$44 | 14 days | |||
A+ | $45-$90 | up to 15 days | |||
A+ | $24-$54 | 15 days |
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Texas
While we have shared our list of the best pet insurers in Texas, every pet is unique. When shopping for a pet insurance policy for a dog or a cat, considering several factors can help you choose the right coverage for your pet’s needs and your budget.
Review Available Plans
Every pet has different coverage needs, and insurance plans are not one-size-fits-all. Typically, you can choose between an accident and illness or an accident-only policy. If you are looking for a plan that includes routine care like vaccines and parasite prevention, most providers also offer a wellness care add-on.
Select Your Desired Customization Options
To reach a monthly premium that fits your budget, you can choose your annual coverage limit, deductible and reimbursement rate. Some providers also offer policy add-ons, such as end-of-life care or physical rehabilitation, that extend your coverage but increase your monthly price.
- The deductible is the portion of a veterinary bill you must pay before your provider takes over and the reimbursement rate applies. Most providers only require you to meet an annual deductible, although some plans include a per-incident deductible.
- The reimbursement rate, typically 70%, 80% or 90%, is the amount your provider will reimburse you for the vet visit.
- The coverage limit is the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay out for claims. Most plans have an annual coverage limit, although a few impose lifetime limits. A few providers offer an unlimited coverage option for a higher monthly premium.
Read The Policy Details
Ensure you completely understand what a policy does and does not cover so you are fully prepared when it comes time to file a claim. Carefully read the policy’s fine print to find out details about pre-existing conditions coverage and your policy’s waiting periods.
- Pre-existing conditions are health issues that are present before your pet’s policy takes effect. This includes conditions that arise during a policy’s waiting period. Pet insurance providers generally exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, but some will cover “curable” conditions according to specific guidelines.
- The waiting period is the length of time you must wait after enrolling your pet before you can file a claim. If your pet develops an issue during the waiting period, the condition will be considered pre-existing and not covered.
Look at Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Customer reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot can help you see what current customers have to say about a company’s claims process, customer service and coverage.
Compare Premiums
After getting a quote from your top 3 providers, compare the monthly premium costs with similar deductibles, reimbursement rates and annual coverage limits selected.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Texas?
After extensive research, we determined that the average monthly cost to insure a pet in Texas is $51 per month. The average cost of dog insurance in Texas is $68 per month and the average cost of cat insurance is $34. We based these averages on quotes we gathered from 11 Texas insurers for four sample pets:
- A 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog
- A 2-year-old golden retriever
- A 5-year-old mixed-breed cat
- A 2-year-old Siamese cat
The price to insure your pet may vary since many factors influence the cost, including its breed, age and location. Compare the cost of dog and cat insurance with top pet insurance companies below:
Provider | Dog Insurance | Cat Insurance |
---|---|---|
Lemonade | $30 | $20 |
Spot | $58 | $27 |
Embrace | $73 | $42 |
Healthy Paws | $56 | $28 |
Fetch | $42 | $37 |
Figo | $44 | $20 |
Pets Best | $71 | $34 |
Paw Protect | $74 | $43 |
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $34 | $14 |
ManyPets | $46 | $21 |
Trupanion | $208 | $87 |
What’s the Most Affordable Texas Pet Insurance Provider?
Based on our research, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers the cheapest pet insurance in Texas. The table below orders the top five cheapest companies from least to most expensive:
Company | Average Pet Insurance Cost |
---|---|
ASPCA | $24 |
Lemonade | $25 |
Figo | $32 |
Fetch | $39 |
Healthy Paws | $42 |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Save Texas Pet Owners?
Dog and cat owners in Texas can offset out-of-pocket costs for high veterinary bills or routine care services by opting for a pet insurance policy. After gathering data on the average annual cost of pet ownership versus the cost of insurance, we found that policyholders in the Lone Star State could potentially save $243 to $538 on veterinary expenses.
Our research team found that some of the most popular dog breeds in Texas include the French bulldog, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. To show you how much you could save by purchasing pet insurance, we’ve included examples of common treatments, associated costs and potential savings with pet insurance for these three breeds. Note that your savings may vary depending on your own pet’s breed, age, health history and more.
Charlie was just diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer and needs treatment. The tables below show the treatment cost breakdown with and without pet insurance for one year of coverage.
Treatment | Cost |
---|---|
ER exam | $150 |
Diagnostic testing | $100 |
Cancer treatment | $4,000 |
Hospitalization | $2,050 |
IV fluids | $78 |
Pain medication | $60 |
Total | $6,438 |
Pet Insurance | Cost |
---|---|
Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $612 |
$250 deductible | $250 |
20% of $6,438 (co-insurance) | $1,288 |
Total | $2,150 |
Teddy broke his foot while playing with his owners. The tables below show the treatment cost breakdown with and without pet insurance.
Treatment | Cost |
---|---|
ER Exam | $150 |
Pain medication x6 | $360 |
X-Ray | $200 |
Surgery | $3,250 |
Splint | $50 |
total | $4,010 |
Pet Insurance | Cost |
---|---|
Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $612 |
$250 deductible | $250 |
20% of $4,010 (co-insurance) | $802 |
Total | $1,664 |
Flynn had an ear infection and needs preventative puppy care. The tables below show the treatment cost breakdown with and without pet insurance.
Treatment | Cost |
---|---|
Office Visit x3 | $204 |
Vaccines/Shots | $215 |
Neuter package (under 6 months) | $419 |
Ear infection treatment | $149 |
Total | $987 |
Source: Banfield Pet Hospital
Pet Insurance | Cost |
---|---|
Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $612 |
$250 deductible | $250 |
20% of $987 (co-insurance) | $197 |
Total | $1,059 |
Texas Pet Laws: How to Be A Responsible Pet Owner
Texas enacted three new pet laws in 2023. As of Sept. 1, it is a criminal offense for someone in Texas to have a pet if they have been convicted of animal cruelty within the past five years. Additionally, dog breeders with five or more breeding females require a license (reduced from 11 breeding females). Finally, trap neuter return (TNR) efforts to keep the feral cat population stable cannot be prosecuted as abandonment. Additional laws by location include:
Austin Pet Laws
- Dogs must be on a leash and under control in all areas that are not designated as off-leash.
- It is illegal to sell a puppy or kitten that is not spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
- A fence must confine all off-leash dogs.
Houston Pet Laws
- A pet running at large within city limits is considered to be a nuisance.
- All dogs and cats older than three months must be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination.
- Pets must be kept under restraint while in public spaces.
Dallas Pet Laws
- Failing to vaccinate and microchip a pet can result in a civil citation and fine.
- Pets older than six months must be spayed or neutered.
- It is a criminal offense to allow an unsecured dog to make an unprovoked bite.
San Antonio Pet Laws
- All dogs, cats and ferrets older than 16 weeks must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.
- A city residence is allowed to have a maximum of eight cats or five dogs, or a total number of eight pets.
- All outdoor cats must be spayed or neutered.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in Texas?
While Texas pet owners can take preventative measures to protect their furry friends, the Lone Star State poses some hazards that may not be avoidable. Venomous snakes, disease-carrying ticks, poisonous plants and scorching temperatures can cause health problems for Texas pets.
According to Synchrony’s lifetime of care study, average annual pet health care costs, including expected wellness expenses and sick pet and emergency care, range from $374 to $965 for cats and $534 to $1,285 for dogs. With veterinary costs continuing to rise, pet insurance is a worthwhile investment. Most insurance premiums cost a few hundred dollars per year, offering significant potential savings if you have to pay for a pet emergency.
Based on our research, Lemonade’s fast service, competitive rates and comprehensive coverage make it the best pet insurance option in Texas. However, we recommend comparing quotes from multiple companies to ensure you find the best fit for your pet’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Pet Insurance
Many pet insurance companies only cover dogs and cats, not exotic animals like small mammals, birds and reptiles. If you have an exotic pet, ensure it is covered when researching pet insurance providers.
Generally, you can use pet insurance plans at any veterinary clinic in Texas. However, where you live impacts policy availability, so ensure a pet insurance company provides coverage in your area before purchasing coverage.
Most pet insurance companies cover surgery, but some offer more extensive coverage than others. Accident-only pet insurance policies cover accidental injuries that require surgery. Accident and illness policies offer more comprehensive coverage, including surgery for conditions that are not pre-existing.
Our Methodology: How We Rated Pet Insurance Providers
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Use the resources below to learn more about pet insurance and pet care in Texas.
- Average pet insurance cost by breed, age and state
- Veterinary service price estimator
- Texas pet laws
- Texas homeless pet resources
- Resources for Texas pet owners
- Texas Department of Insurance
If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at editors@marketwatchguides.com.