5,534 pet owners requested and received a free no-obligation quote from one of the above companies in the last 30 days.
The 6 Best Pet Insurance Companies in North Carolina
Based on our extensive research, these are the top pet insurance providers in North Carolina:
- 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
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in North Carolina
After comparing factors such as customer care, customization options and covered treatment, we selected Lemonade as the best pet insurance in North Carolina.
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
Fetch Pet Insurance
Our Pick for Comprehensive Coverage
Healthy Paws
Most Affordable Unlimited Coverage
Compare the Top Pet Insurance Providers in North Carolina
Whether you’re welcoming a new animal into your home or looking to protect your older companion, consider a policy from one of these top pet insurance companies in North Carolina.
| Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Much Does Pet Insurance in North Carolina Cost?
According to our research, the average cost of dog insurance in North Carolina is $74 per month, while the average cost of cat insurance is about $34 per month.
The table below reflects the average monthly premium for cats and dogs in North Carolina for our top providers.
| Provider | Average Dog Insurance Cost | Average Cat Insurance Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $40 | $16 |
| Spot | $84 | $38 |
| Embrace | $105 | $54 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $49 | $20 |
| Fetch | $109 | $53 |
| Healthy Paws | $55 | $22 |
What’s the Cheapest Pet Insurance in North Carolina?
Based on our quotes, Lemonade is the cheapest pet insurance in North Carolina. Lemonade’s affordable coverage makes it a good option for North Carolina pet owners who are seeking accident and illness insurance on a budget. We received the following quotes for pets in North Carolina:
- 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog: $32
- 2-year-old golden retriever: $38
- 5-year-old mixed-breed cat: $15
- 2-year-old Siamese cat: $13
Lemonade also offers two preventative care add-on packages for an additional monthly cost. The exact cost of your Lemonade pet insurance plan will depend on your pet’s age, breed and location.
Cheapest N.C. Pet Insurance Companies
Here are the top five most affordable pet insurance providers in North Carolina:
| Rank | Company | Average Monthly Cost in North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lemonade | $28 |
| 2 | ASPCA | $34 |
| 3 | Figo | $38 |
| 4 | Healthy Paws | $38 |
| 5 | Pets Best | $54 |
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in North Carolina
When you shop for pet insurance in North Carolina, weigh these four factors to help you choose the right policy for your pet.
Consider High Annual Limits For Ocean or Mountain Dogs
Pet owners who live in coastal or mountainous regions of North Carolina should strongly consider pet insurance plans that offer higher annual coverage limits due to the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities and risks posed by weather events. Pets in these areas are more prone to injuries that require expensive diagnostics and treatments.
Higher plan limits of $10,000 or more per year help buffer the high costs that may rapidly accumulate from incidents like snake bites, injuries from hiking on rough terrain, ingestion of harmful plants or marine life, etc.
Opting for low caps on annual payouts could leave owners with steep vet bills they must pay out-of-pocket after quickly exceeding maximums, making higher limits a wise investment for these pet owners.
Customizing Your Coverage To Fit Your Budget
Most insurance providers allow you to adjust your coverage limit, deductible and reimbursement rate, which will impact the cost of your policy.
Let’s say you’re quoted $55 per month for a standard policy that has an 80% reimbursement rate, a $250 deductible and a $10,000 annual limit. If you lower your reimbursement rate by 70% and increase your deductible to $500, your policy would cost less, say $40 per month. Customizing these options can get you to a coverage level with a monthly premium within your budget.
Depending on the provider, you can also select from different add-ons, such as exam fees, wellness care, or behavioral treatment coverage, to further customize your coverage.
Watch For Policy Exclusions
Pet health insurance policies are complex. Before enrolling, read a policy’s fine print for significant treatment and pharmacy exclusions.
For example, most providers will not cover pre-existing conditions but may offer coverage if your pet remains symptom-free for a certain time.
Consider The Effects of High Heat and Humidity
With some areas of North Carolina reaching temperatures of 98º in the summer, pet owners should consider pet insurance plans with higher annual coverage, as heat-related illnesses can require extensive veterinary care.
Pets face increased risks of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-induced conditions that may require emergency services or hospitalization. Higher annual limits of $8,000 or more can prevent owners from facing high out-of-pocket costs in the event their pet experiences a heat injury requiring expensive, lifesaving veterinary care.
Read Up On Customer Satisfaction
Reading customer reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot can help you learn about customer experiences with each pet insurance company.
Although review sites offer some insight into the customer experience, take each review with a grain of salt, as your experience could be very different.
Remember that where you live impacts the availability and cost of pet insurance, as the laws and regulations governing pet insurance vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Before choosing a pet insurance company, ensure it provides coverage in your state and compare monthly premium costs.
Pet Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina law prohibits dogs from running at large at night and mandates rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats four months of age and older. Local jurisdictions have additional regulations that require owners to leash dogs when not on the owner’s property.
Charlotte Pet Laws
- Dogs must be on a leash in city parks except for designated off-leash areas.
- Driving with a pet on your lap is prohibited, and violators are subject to a $100 fine.
Raleigh Pet Laws
- Dog owners may not tether a dog outside for more than three hours in a 24-hour period.
- Pet owners must pick up after their pet on someone else’s property.
Greensboro Pet Laws
- An animal deemed a nuisance may result in a citation of $100 to $500 for the owner.
- Owners of exotic animals must obtain a permit.
Durham Pet Laws
- Dogs must be restrained when off their owner’s property, except for off-leash dog parks.
- Dog park fees for city residents cost $17 for the first dog and $15 for each additional dog. Non-residents pay $22 for the first dog and $20 for additional dogs.
- Dog owners must pick up after their pets on public and private property without the permission of the property owner. Violators are subject to fines between $50 and $150.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in North Carolina?
Emergency veterinary care can be costly, and financial assistance can offer relief if you are facing expensive pet treatment costs. Pet insurance can help North Carolina pet owners cover unexpected veterinary expenses to ensure their pet receives high-quality care when needed. Based on our 2023 survey of 1,000 pet owners with pet insurance, 81% consider the investment worthwhile.
North Carolina pet owners may appreciate Lemonade’s competitive rates, customizable options and fast service. However, we recommend comparing quotes from multiple pet insurance companies before deciding on coverage to ensure you benefit from your plan.
Why Get Pet Insurance in NC?
As a pet owner in North Carolina, you want to provide the best care for your pet. Whether your dog loves exploring the mountains or your cat prefers lounging at home, unexpected health issues can arise anytime. That’s why it’s important to consider purchasing pet insurance, which can provide financial security and access to immediate veterinary care during an emergency.
Types of Pet Insurance Plans
There are two types of pet insurance plans offered by providers in addition to optional preventive care coverage. Here are more details about each plan:
Accident-Only
This plan covers just your pet’s accidents and injuries, which can include broken bones, sprains, foreign body obstructions, toxin ingestion and more. It’s an ideal option for those who need only minimal coverage and are on a budget shopping for their pet insurance plan.
Accident and Illness
This type of plan is more expensive than an accident-only plan, but it includes coverage for most conditions and emergency incidents that could happen to your pet, including hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions as well as accidents and injuries.
Preventative Care
These optional coverage items can be added to your policy to help pay for your pet’s wellness and typically include vaccinations and annual checkups. They can be especially valuable for pet parents with young animals. When we surveyed 1,000 pet owners in the U.S., we found that 42% of respondents who got their pet before it turned 1 paid between $200 and $500 for initial wellness costs and 27% paid over $500.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in North Carolina
In general, most medications your pet needs to treat covered accidents, illnesses or other conditions are covered by your pet insurance policy, as long as your licensed veterinarian officially prescribes them, and they have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance companies do not have specified vet networks. This means you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian in North Carolina and receive reimbursement from your insurance provider for covered services.
In general, pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. A preexisting condition is any illness or injury your pet had before the start of the policy or acquired during the waiting period
If you fail to disclose a preexisting condition, your policy may be voided, or your claims may be denied. Some pet insurance companies may offer coverage for preexisting conditions if the condition is considered curable or if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period of time. However, this kind of coverage is not standard.
While the cost of your monthly premium can vary, the average cost of pet insurance for a dog in North Carolina is around $77 and the average cost for a cat is $36. Keep in mind that your cost will vary depending on your exact location in North Carolina, type of pet and chosen provider.
If you have pet insurance in North Carolina and your pet is treated for a covered condition, you would pay your veterinarian for treatment upfront and then submit a reimbursement claim to your insurance company. The insurer processes the claim and transfers the reimbursement via direct deposit or a paper check. Some pet insurance companies like Trupanion may pay veterinarians directly, so you would not have to pay out of pocket or file for reimbursement.
How We Ranked Pet Insurance Providers to North Carolina
We ranked pet insurance providers in North Carolina based on the key factors that affect policyholders in the state. To inform our review, we analyzed the average age of pets in North Carolina, state veterinary costs, average monthly premium prices for cats and dogs, and the most reported accidents for pets in the state. Company rankings reflect affordability, coverage options, available discounts and benefits, and more. We also weighed responses to our survey of 1,000 pet owners with pet insurance nationwide, filtered by North Carolina residents.
How We Rated the Pet Insurance Providers
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Use the resources below to learn more about pets and pet insurance in North Carolina:
- North Carolina Animal Welfare Act
- North Carolina Vaccination Requirements and Guidelines
- Average Pet Insurance Cost by Breed, Age and State
- Veterinary Service Price Estimator
- Pet Insurance Quotes Finder
