Best Pet Insurance Companies & Plans in New York City (2023 Review)

We’ve reviewed some of the top insurance companies and found the best options to help keep your dog or cat healthy and in step with the vibrant, fast-paced NYC style. The following insurance companies are our favorites because they offer coverage for special care services like Lyme disease vaccines for the city park-rompers and nail trimmings and therapy for the furry best friends that make regular office appearances.

Continue reading to learn more about the following pet insurance providers so that you can choose the best one for your needs:

• Spot: Best overall 
• Lemonade: Most affordable
• ASPCA: Most experienced
• Embrace: Best for deductibles
• Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
• Prudent Pet: Best for dog and cat parents who want basic options
• Figo: Most flexible reimbursement rates
• Wagmo: Best for immediate reimbursement
• Trupanion: Most flexible deductible

Best Pet Insurance Companies & Plans in New York City

*Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligaments or orthopedic conditions, may have longer waiting period times, usually six months to a year. This is common among many pet insurance providers, but most illnesses will be covered after the waiting period listed above.

Pet Insurance Companies in New York City Reviews

Choosing the best pet insurance company can be a headache. In this article, you’ll find details on six insurance providers to select the perfect one for you. We’ve narrowed down your choices to the best according to the basic New Yorker’s priorities. In fact, you’ll find why we think the company works well with the New York City pet owner’s lifestyle in each review. We’ve also reviewed customer service, how convenient services are, and what alternative care offerings each have available.

Spot Pet Insurance

This Crum & Forster Pet Insurance-supported company, Spot, surpassed our expectations for wellness package benefits. It’s clear this company speaks pet language because it is supported by Cesar Millan, a dog behavior trainer known as the Dog Whisperer.

Spot is also grouped with our other reviews because of its amazing rates, starting at $10 per month for its accident-only plan and as low as $16 for complete coverage. Like many other insurance companies, Spot offers a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets. Preventative package add-on rates are $9.95 to $24.95 per month.

Add-ons include dental cleaning, several tests, vaccines and titers, wellness exams, spaying and neutering, and the ever-important rabies and/or Lyme disease vaccine for NYC resident pets.

Before even considering the stellar benefits available as add-ons, Spot has covered the big things in both of its accident and illness and accident-only plans. Covered costs related to accidents or illnesses include cancer treatments, microchipping, behavioral problem treatment, poison control consultation fees, MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.

Annual deductibles are up to your choosing, between $100 and $1,000, and annual limits range from $2,500 to unlimited.

Alternative therapies are offered by Spot too and include chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitative therapy for covered conditions. Suppose your dog or pet presents the effects of a pre-existing condition and underwent successful treatment without the symptoms returning for 180 days. In that case, Spot will jump in to keep the condition-related prevention rolling. Lastly, you can also grab a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets.

Pros

• Thorough basic plan benefits
• Enrollment isn’t limited by age
• Low prices

Cons

• Prescription food benefits aren’t an option
• Exam fees for accidents and illnesses

Lemonade Pet Insurance

Lemonade is New York City’s own homegrown pet insurance company. The affordability of Lemonade’s plans is made for residents who know just how expensive everything can be in NYC. A high-quality, basic pet plan with Lemonade costs as low as $10 per month for the most important diagnostics, procedures, and medication. Adding your other pet family members comes with a 5% discount, and if you have Lemonade’s homeowners insurance, too, you can cut off another 10%.

A nearly endless list of preventative add-ons is available for as little as $.60. They include acupuncture, chiropractic work, and other physical therapy, as well as the company’s recommended rabies and Lyme disease vaccines.

Lemonade’s deductibles are some of the lowest ($100 to $500 annually), its limits some of the most generous ($5,000 to $100,000), and customization is all yours, allowing you to dial in the necessities and tweak your deductibles and limits just how you like them. 

Lemonade is the best choice for pet families who want to bundle insurance plans and leave behind the communication headache known to those who insure their pets, home, and cars through different companies. 

Lastly, staying in charge is absolutely part of Lemonade’s deal. The company offers a mobile app with the world’s fastest-ever claim processing tool that puts you in direct control over your policy.

Pros

• Insurance bundling available
• Fastest artificial intelligence claim processing in the world
• Add-on packages available that include wellness exams

Cons

• No money-back guarantee
• New enrollment pets must be younger than 14 years old

ASPCA Pet Insurance

Another high-ranking insurance company provided by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group, ASPCA, offers the most straightforward plans for New York City residents. ASPCA is our recommendation if you’re in the mood for low deductibles and a stripped-down insurance style.

ASPCA’s dog and cat coverage compared to our other reviews, but it balances out. The amount you will likely pay out of your pocket works out to much lower than you would pay for other plans. How? ASPCA offers low deductible options of $100 to $500 along with typical reimbursements of 70%, 80%, or 90%, and annual limits up to $10,000. By choosing a combination that works for your budget, you could save money through this company. 

Lower cost doesn’t mean low service with ASPCA. Its one plan offers well-rounded coverage that includes accidents, illnesses, dental disease, hereditary or congenital conditions, and behavioral issues.

Preventative care options are available for cats and dogs from $9.95 per month for a basic plan to $24.95 per month for ASPCA’s most advanced add-on plan, prime. These add-ons include dental cleanings, several types of tests and vaccines, a health certificate, flea and heartworm prevention, and deworming.

ASPCA’s simplistic take on pet care doesn’t stop short. While putting its utmost into pet care even without limiting pets based on enrollment exams, the company also seeks the closest possible connection with clients. ASPCA connects with clients through its mobile app for convenient claim submission and account management.

Payment flexibility is one of ASPCA’s biggest wins, allowing clients to pay monthly or annually to fit their budget. Ten percent discounts are also offered for enrolling multiple pets.

Pros

• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Low out-of-pocket cost
• Lots of customizability

Cons

• High average coverage prices
• Only offers accident coverage

Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace is our favorite company in New York City for its generosity in keeping dogs and cats in good hands and off the streets. For every policy it sells, Embrace even donates $2 to charity.

Dog and cat insurance with Embrace range from $30 to $40 and $15 to $20 per month, respectively, and higher than other companies we reviewed in NYC. But Embrace’s inclusion of older pets (over 14 years old) and outstanding plan customizability kept us hooked. We found Embrace a great match for residents of the Big Apple who are looking to give their dogs or cats a little extra care. 

Embrace’s highly-customizable basic plan covers all the concerning things related to accidents, injuries, and illnesses. It even includes chronic conditions, accidents causing dental problems, and the consultations, procedures, tests, and follow-up care after an accident.

The long list of add-on benefits for an extra $30 to $35 per month includes coverage for problems NYC’s aging pets have a rough time with, like hip dysplasia, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and FeLV/FIV. 

Embrace keeps pets healthy for as long as possible by helping with the details from training, grooming, and preventative teeth cleaning to therapies, special dieting, and cremation or burial when the time comes.

Embrace offers benefits and discounts for nearly every dog- or cat-friendly family. Many discounts are available, including 10% for enrolling multiple pets, 5% for military personnel, discount options for ACH members, and for paying annually. There’s even a discount for spaying or neutering your pet. But our favorite discount is called Embrace’s Healthy Pet Deductible, which rewards $50 towards your deductible for every year that you don’t have to make an insurance claim for your pet.

Pros

• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Military and many other discounts are available
• Offers a Healthy Pet Deductible

Cons

• High add-on prices
• High plan price averages

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

New York City’s silver-haired residents are well-loved, and so are their silver-furred friends. Healthy Paws is our top choice in NYC for older pets with chronic conditions because its single illness and accidents plan supports problems related to hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions for dogs and cats up to 14 years old.

One of our favorite benefits is cancer support, which includes necessary alternative treatments, specialty care, prescription medications, several tests, and surgery. 

On top of its advanced condition care, Healthy Paws has donated millions to shelters and rescues to help keep sad pets out of the streets.

Dog and puppy insurance costs little more than $20 per month, and cat and kitten insurance costs no more than $9 per month. 

The downsides are that Healthy Paws has a longer than usual waiting period (12 months) for hip dysplasia-related illnesses, and some benefits we like aren’t available. We miss services like dental cleaning, spay and neuter services, and a wellness package. However, we’re still in love because the company’s stripped-down basic package offers the necessities and its affordability makes it available to nearly everyone.

Pros

• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Thorough basic plan
• Gives back to shelters and rescues

Cons

• New customer fee of $25
• No add-ons available
• 12-month waiting period

Prudent Pet Insurance

We’ve tagged Prudent Pet as a good option for dog and cat parents in New York City who are interested in partnering with a proven insurance agency. Prudent Pet is underwritten by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group, which has a long history of good financial work to prove that Prudent Pet and you are in safe hands.

Prudent Pet sticks with our reviewed winners by offering a notably low price of $10 for basic coverage for cats and dogs. This accident-only plan supports the vet bills due to surprise injuries.

Two other plans are also offered. The next option adds to accident benefits support of treatments for congenital defects and hereditary conditions that become problematic after enrollment. Prudent Pet’s ultimate plan adds to those posh extras like boarding fees when you decide the long trip isn’t fit for the furry one and vacation cancellation benefits when the home front calls.

Prudent Pet’s annual caps are $10,000, which are low compared to our other companies. If Prudent’s full coverage plan wins you over, benefit limits run from $500 to $1,000 per benefit.

Annual deductibles offer you a preference between $100 to $1,000, so you can pick what fits your budget. 

Prudent Pet’s add-on packages offer coverage on pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, costs associated with breeding, dental cleanings, or grooming. These add-ons price in the mid-range compared to our other favorite companies.

If you have questions at any time, be assured that Prudent Pet is certainly caught up with the times with its unlimited 24/7 vet chat availability.

Pros

• Trustworthy underwriter 
• 10% multi-pet discount
• Vet exam fee coverage as an optional add-on

Cons

• Low annual limits
• Microchipping is at an additional cost

Figo Pet Insurance

Chicago-based Figo is a flexible, reliable pet insurance option for pet parents looking for affordable and customizable pet insurance in New York. Offering both cat and dog insurance, Figo has paid out nearly $80 million in pet health insurance claims since its establishment in 2012.

How Much Does Figo Pet Insurance Cost in New York?

Figo’s monthly pet insurance premiums for dogs average about $32, with policies for cats running about $18 per month. Figo’s website allows you to get a free quote personalized for your pet, making it easier to see the plan’s pricing before committing to coverage.

Figo’s website also makes it relatively easy to see how changes in your plan features affect the price you’ll pay. Your deductibles can be adjusted within a range of $100 to $750. The higher your deductible, the less you’ll pay in your monthly premium – but the more you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in to help cover your vet bills.

Figo also offers optional features – which the company calls “power-ups” – to add coverage for things like routine care, vaccinations and checkups. There’s also an “extra care pack” with more non-health benefits, like coverage for boarding fees and property damage.

What is Covered?

• All treatments needed for new injuries and illnesses that develop over time
• Diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications 
• Orthopedic devices and therapy 
• Surgeries and hospitalization
• Ambulatory care
• Behavioral training up to $500 annually
• Chronic and hereditary conditions
• Non-routine dental care needs 
• Euthenasia 
• Third-party property damage coverage

What is NOT Covered?

As with any insurance policy, some items are not covered even with the possible add-ons. Figo does not cover any pre-existing conditions for pets, with the exception of possibly covering select curable conditions on a case-by-case basis. In addition, any experimental procedures, breeding, pregnancy or giving birth, cloned pets or cloning procedures and/or cosmetic surgery are not included.

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage included with all plans
• Fast claims process, with payments in about 3 business days
• Live 24/7 access to licensed a licensed veterinarian

Cons

• Plans are not the most affordable on the market 
• Cannot pay your veterinarian directly

How Does Pet Insurance Work in New York City?

In New York City, pets are valued as illustrious companions. Many residents navigate the bustling city streets with their dogs and cats, include them on park jogs, commute with them on the subway, and use acupuncture and spas as important components of their health plans.

Pets enjoy the high life in New York City, and it’s possible because there are many health insurance plans available to support the fun and cover the risk involved in their furry, illustrious lives.

Residents take advantage of NYC pet insurance policy customizations because they give dogs and cats the next level of health and wellness. Just a few of the care services that are the norm in NYC pet culture include physical therapy, massage therapy, reiki, routine chiropractic care, prescription diet food, microchipping, as well as all the necessary vaccines against local diseases, and covered vet fees, so nothing is blocking the way to quality care.

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in New York City for You

It’s impossible to say which pet insurance company or plan is the best for your budget and pet. Still, our research results serve as a solid guide because they compile the top-rated companies in New York City based on their high variety of plan options, availability of wellness coverage options, and the great affordability of monthly rates. 

So how do you choose from here?

First, make a list of your priorities based on your budget and what you know about your pet’s medical history. What illnesses and accidents do you want covered, and what percentage can you pay?

Second, get quotes from at least three reputable providers (this article serves as a great place to start). Weigh the coverage quotes against one another and against your list of priorities.

While it is nearly impossible to compare plans based on their many variables, the determining factor in choosing an insurance plan is how the coverage you need will be reimbursed. 

How well a policy repays you for the coverage you need is defined by the three main aspects of every policy that you should consider: reimbursement dollars, deductible, and annual limits. Together, these define how the policy will repay you for the type of coverage you need, like accidents, exam fees, medication, and illnesses.

Our article, How Does Pet Insurance Work?, explains the world of reimbursement since that’s the determining factor in choosing an insurance plan.

Lastly, and as a perk, after you’ve broken down the best plan for your budget and pet’s health needs, narrow down the options you have left by looking into the details like the level of service provided. Level of service means, for example, are you looking to enroll multiple pets, and are there discounts offered for that? What add-on packages suit you? Are examination fees covered? Is preventative care covered? Which has longer waiting periods? 

Call insurance companies if you have any other questions, and at the same time evaluate how you like their customer service.

How Much is Pet Insurance in New York City?

We ran several sample middle-of-the-road policy quotes with some top pet insurance providers. We found the average monthly premium in New York City, including the most populous borough, Brooklyn, and home of one of NYC’s best dog hang-outs, Manhattan.

Quotes in New York City boroughs from Pets Best Pet Insurance and Figo:

• French Bulldog – $87.67 per month
• Labrador Retriever – $58.01
• Cat – $21.04
• French Bulldog – $90.15 per month
• Labrador Retriever – $64.22
• Cat – $26.07

Pet insurance policy cost is based on your pet’s breed and health condition, where you live (NYC is one of the most expensive), and the type of policy you choose. You can personalize any plan to your pet’s needs and your budget by choosing the deductible amount, annual maximum limit, and reimbursement percentage. 

Purebred dogs like German shepherds and Saint Bernards are more prone to illnesses due to genetic problems, so they are often more expensive to insure. 

The following sample monthly cost for dogs averages $39.80 and $19.69 for cats.

Final Thoughts

Our top New York City pet insurance companies blew us away with their affordable prices, reliable customer service, high coverage, and convenient services.

The price of owning a pet in NYC is high, but these insurance companies offer excellent care that makes the expenses worth it. With any of the above options, your dog or cat can expect to have all the emergency care it needs plus a whole lot.

As many insurance companies continue to provide services that match the ever-changing NYC bustle, finding a company and plan that fits your unique needs and your one-of-a-kind pet is easy.

Frequently Asked Questions About pet Insurance in New York City

Is Pet insurance in New York City worth the money?

Yes, pet insurance in NYC is worth the cost. Average monthly premiums of $39.80 for dogs and $19.69 for cats are worth it for residents who want the peace of mind that they can pay for their pet’s necessary emergency care without affecting their savings account – especially when insurance saves a pet from economic euthanasia.

Wellness coverage is worth the cost depending on the variables you choose for your plan, as some situations may cost you the same as you would pay without the support of insurance.

Pet health insurance in New York City is one of the most expensive in the world, and vet bills are also high, averaging $543.40 for the first vet visit following the adoption of your pet. The expense of insurance might well be worth the price.

What exotic pets are allowed in NYC?

Many exotic animals can be kept as pets in New York City. They include small birds, non-snapping turtles, and honeybees. Some exotic pets allowed in other New York cities though, are prohibited in NYC. They include lizards, snakes, some turtles, and most farm animals. Illegal animals in New York City should be reported to one of several Animal Care Centers located in the city. Illegal pets may be dropped off at any of the Animal Care Center shelters without worrying about a violation upon drop-off. The shelters are located in several New York City boroughs, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

How common is rabies in New York City?

In 2021 there were three reports of animal rabies in cats and none in dogs. What’s more, there haven’t been any reported cases in dogs in the last 60 years. Most rabies cases are found in wild animals, primarily in raccoons, and can be transmitted to pets if an infected raccoon bites them. All New York City dogs and cats must have up-to-date rabies vaccines.

The best way to help protect your pets against rabies is to vaccinate them when they are four months old and within one year following the first vaccination, then at intervals according to your vet’s recommendation. 

What are the requirements for moving to NYC with my pet from out of state?

If you move to New York City from out of state, your pet dog or cat must pass the following New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets requirements for the city: 

• 30 days before moving, obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or a Health Certificate (unless your pet is already a New York City resident dog with a current license and rabies vaccination)
• Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccination is current if your pet is three months of age or older (1-year and 3-year vaccines are accepted)
• Follow the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Regulations

The same requirements apply if you move to New York City with your dog or cat from outside the United States. In addition, pets entering New York City from out of the country must appear healthy according to CDC pet health requirements. 

The CDC doesn’t require that pets entering NYC from out of the country have general health certificates, but a health certificate may be required by your airline depending on how you choose to travel from out of the country to NYC with your pet.

Where can I spay/neuter my pet in NYC?

Several pet insurance companies in New York City that we reviewed provide spay and neuter benefits.

• Embrace includes spay and neuter surgery with its Wellness Reward for Routine care add-on.
• Spot offers spay and neuter services through its Platinum Preventative Coverage add-on.
• Lemonade includes spay and neuter services with its Kitten Preventative and Puppy Preventative add-on packages.
• Prudent Pet offers spay and neuter services through its Wellness Package add-on.

Many low-cost and even free spay/neuter services are offered all over New York City for dogs and cats, including mobile clinics. 

• ASPCA offers low-cost and free services in all five boroughs. 
• The Toby Project aims to give New York City’s dogs and cats wellness of life by spaying and neutering at a low cost and often for free.
• Humane Society of New York Animal Clinic in Manhattan offers low-cost spay and neuter services.
• Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals provides a longer list of information for programs and clinics available in many boroughs in New York City.

What isn’t covered by pet insurance in NYC?

Pet insurance in New York City does not cover pre-existing problems like injuries, illnesses, or irregularities that your veterinarian notices before your policy’s waiting period is over. This is a common limitation among many pet insurance companies across the country. 

A good example is your dog’s hip disorder. If your dog shows signs of a hip problem for the first time after getting insurance, it will likely be covered by the policy. But if signs of the problem are presented before enrolling, the policy will not cover treatments and operations for the disorder.

Some insurance companies, like Embrace, will consider supporting some vet bills related to pre-existing conditions that are curable, such as respiratory infections, urinary tract and bladder infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. 

Our Methodology

​​Here at 365 Pet Insurance, our research team looks to examine all pet insurance policies and comes up with reviews based on:

• Coverage
• Plan options
• Cost 
• Reputation
• Customer service 
• Species available
• Wellness benefits 

We’ve created a 5-star rating system to score pet insurance brands based on a 100-point scale. To develop a list of the best pet insurance plans, we looked into plans, rating coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations. 

Each factor is weighted differently based on the following factors:

• Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process of the customer. Affordable rates and comprehensive coverage are the defining characteristics of providing the best pet insurance.
• Coverage (20 points): We scored companies based on the treatments and procedures they cover. Providers offering broader coverage and more unique treatments received more points.  Pet insurance policies are not offered by all companies for older pets. Providers who have an age limit on the pets they cover were deducted points.
• Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, wellness add-ons, and pet preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. We also factored in costs to achieve the most comprehensible review for your pet’s needs.
• Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet only gets what they need by customizing your policy. A higher score was earned by providers who offered a greater range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
• Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website accessibility and usability, mobile apps, and grating points to companies with the most customer experience options.
• Industry Reputation (10 points): We assessed each company’s industry reputation by reviewing up-to-date BBB ratings and accreditation information, as well as their years of experience in the industry.
• Waiting Periods (10 points): Companies with shorter accident and illness waiting periods scored higher than companies with longer waiting periods.

Our team revisits each company’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.