Our Rankings of Pet Insurance Providers in Washington, D.C.
Here’s how the top pet insurance providers in the nation’s capital stack up:
- Lemonade: Our top pick
- Spot: Most customizable coverage
- Embrace: Our pick for savings
- Healthy Paws: Most affordable unlimited coverage
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Our pick for older pets
The Best Pet Insurance in Washington, D.C., Reviewed
After evaluating popular pet insurance plans, we crowned Lemonade as our top pick for pets in the District of Columbia.
Lemonade
Cheapest plans for dogs
Spot Pet Insurance
Most Customizable Coverage
Embrace
Our Pick for Savings
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Our Pick for Older pets
Compare the Top Pet Insurance Providers in Washington, D.C.
Choosing a pet insurance provider is about what matters most to you. Some features may be a deal-breaker for one pet owner but a necessity for another. Use our table to compare top providers and narrow down your choices.
| Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15-$30 | 2 days | B- | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| $34-$75 | 14 days | A- | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| $39-$73 | 48 hours | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| $24-$54 | 15 days | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| $18-$44 | 14 days | N/R | EXPLORE PLANS |
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B- | $15-$30 | 2 days | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| A- | $34-$75 | 14 days | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| A+ | $39-$73 | 48 hours | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| A+ | $24-$54 | 15 days | EXPLORE PLANS | ||
| N/R | $18-$44 | 14 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Washington, D.C.?
We determined average pet insurance costs in Washington, D.C. by collecting quotes from top providers for four sample pets—a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog, a 2-year-old female golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed male cat and a 2-year-old female Siamese cat. However, costs vary depending on zip code as well as your pet’s age, species and breed.
| Provider | Dog Insurance | Cat Insurance |
| Lemonade | $29 | $15 |
| Spot | $71 | $31 |
| Embrace | $89 | $46 |
| Healthy Paws | $72 | $27 |
| Fetch | $74 | $31 |
| Figo | $46 | $18 |
| Pest Best | $52 | $25 |
| Paw Protect | $90 | $47 |
| ASPCA | $60 | $28 |
| ManyPets | $38 | $20 |
| Trupanion | $92 | $47 |
What’s the Cheapest Pet Insurance in Washington, D.C.?
Based on the sample quotes we received, the cheapest pet insurance provider in Washington, D.C. is Lemonade. Budget-friendly rates are one of many reasons we chose Lemonade as our top pick for the best provider in the capital. However, Lemonade’s base plan is limited, and achieving comprehensive coverage with Lemonade requires several add-ons, which can increase your monthly costs.
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Washington, D.C.
Choosing pet insurance requires careful consideration of plan features, pros and cons. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Assess coverage needs
Plan type is the biggest determinant of coverage breadth. Choose accident-only for coverage for sudden events, or select accident and illness for coverage for both accidents and conditions that develop over time.
You can also enroll your pet in a wellness plan, which will help cover the costs of preventive care, including dental cleanings, spay and neuter surgeries and vaccines.
The more customizations offered, the better
It’s best to look for plans with customizable deductibles, annual limits and reimbursement rates. Customizable plans let pet owners adjust premium pricing to fit their budget and decrease coverage to save money as pets age.
Consider the impact of choosing a low annual coverage limit
Selecting a sufficient coverage limit from the beginning prevents a situation where you’re unable to secure adequate coverage later.
Plans generally allow you to decrease your coverage at any time, but most plans only let you increase coverage during your annual renewal. In some cases, increasing coverage requires an underwriting review, which means your policy starts over, and current health conditions that are covered will be considered pre-existing and therefore excluded moving forward.
Beware of lengthy waiting periods
A waiting period is a delay in the beginning of coverage for either all or specific conditions. In general, be wary of waiting periods longer than a few weeks for conditions to which your pet may be susceptible. If you’re otherwise interested in a plan that has a long waiting period — say, six months for orthopedic conditions — see if the provider will waive it with proof of a veterinary exam that says your pet doesn’t have the condition.
Consider Washington, D.C. environmental health risks
D.C. pets are subject to health hazards from living in an urban environment that is frequently subject to flooding, high heat and high humidity. These conditions can increase the spread of infectious diseases and parasites. Look for plans that cover these preventable illnesses without additional stipulations.
What Are the Pet Laws in Washington, D.C.?
The pet laws in Washington, D.C. help keep both animals and people safe. A few highlights of the city animal code include:
- All dogs and cats older than four months must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Puppies and kittens must be at least six weeks old before separation from their mother.
- Owners cannot let their pets go at large.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in Washington, D.C.?
Many pet owners lack the financial cushion that can cover unexpected veterinary bills, which can sometimes reach several thousand dollars for a serious incident or ongoing, chronic illness. When your pet gets sick or needs emergency care, you may be forced into treatment decisions based on available funds rather than what your pet truly needs. Pet insurance can help you avoid this heartbreaking scenario.
Purchasing pet insurance means you’ll pay a monthly premium regardless of whether you file claims in a particular year. Although you’re likely to have some years where you do not receive reimbursements, most pet owners find a good return on their investment as their pets reach their senior years and develop more health problems. For many D.C. pet owners, it takes only one major illness for pet insurance to pay for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Washington, D.C.
All Washington, D.C., pet insurance plans cover injuries in dogs, provided they aren’t related to a pre-existing condition and don’t occur during the waiting period. However, orthopedic injuries — most commonly cruciate ligament tears — may be subject to waiting periods of six months or more.
Most pet insurance plans don’t require specific vaccinations. However, your plan’s fine print may stipulate that vaccine-preventable illnesses for which you declined a recommended vaccination aren’t covered. The District also requires that all pets over four months be vaccinated against rabies.
A few D.C. pet insurance providers offer liability for property damage as part of their plans, but most do not cover liability if your pet bites someone. Liability coverage is generally included in a renters or homeowners insurance policy.
D.C. is not one of the several states that have strict pet insurance laws in place, which means waiting periods aren’t regulated. Accident waiting periods range from one day to two weeks, and illness waiting periods range from two weeks to six months.
How We Ranked the Best Pet Insurance Providers in Washington, D.C.
We ranked the top pet insurance providers in Washington, D.C. by evaluating each according to our objective pet insurance methodology. Companies were then ranked by availability in the District, ability to meet pet owner needs according to D.C. pet owner surveys and ability to cover the most common accidents and illnesses in the local region.
To analyze and compare pet insurance costs, we obtained sample quotes from the top 11 providers for four pet types living in the nation’s capital, including a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog, a 2-year-old female golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed male cat and a 2-year-old female Siamese cat. Learn more about our review process in our full pet insurance methodology and editorial guidelines.
How We Rated Pet Insurance Companies
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
D.C. Pet Emergency Preparedness
DC Veterinary Medical Association Pet Owner Resources