Best pet insurance in California in 2025

The best pet insurance companies in California

The best pet insurance companies in California are those that make provisions in their pet insurance policies for potential dangers unique to the state. Pets in California might be more at risk of dangers such as snake bites, coyote or mountain lion attacks, toxic or dangerous plants (such as foxtails), earthquakes and the elements, which can cause anything from heatstroke to frostbite.

Luckily, each of our top pet insurers in the state considers these and helps offset the high cost of unexpected and routine vet bills in California.

Pet insurance costs in California

As with all types of insurance, cost will vary based on your individual factors and the type of coverage you choose. The cost of insurance can also vary depending on the state you live in since pet insurance is regulated at state level. Vet costs can also vary by state. The LA Times reports that vet costs in California have skyrocketed and pet owners are feeling the sting. When vet costs increase, pet insurance premiums follow.

Factors that will influence your pet insurance costs in California:

• Pet breed: Breeds more prone to health problems, such as brachycephalic breeds, will typically cost more to insure than mixed breeds.
• Pet’s age: As pets age, they are more likely to develop health issues, which can increase the cost of insurance.
• Type of coverage: An accident-only policy will typically be cheaper than a policy that covers accidents, illnesses and wellness visits.
• Deductible: This is the amount you need to pay before your pet insurance kicks in. The lower the deductible, the more expensive the policy.
• Co-insurance: This is the percentage the insurer will cover after you reach your deductible. For example, a policy with a 70/30 co-insurance means they will cover 70% of the eligible costs. The higher the percentage they are responsible for, the more expensive the policy.
• Annual limits: This is the total amount an insurer will pay out in a year. A policy with an annual limit of $2,500 will typically cost less than one with an unlimited limit. 

To get an idea of what someone may pay for pet insurance in California for cats, we asked Natalie Todoroff, a cat owner who lives in San Francisco. She purchased a pet insurance policy that includes accident and illness coverage with a preventative care add-on when her Ragdoll cat was a kitten. Her policy has an annual limit of $20,000, a $250 deductible and an 80/20 co-insurance. The premium is $44 per month.

It’s important to note that your pet insurance policy premiums can increase over the years. Common reasons why include: inflation and increasing vet costs, your pet’s age and claims history.

How to find the best pet insurance in California

To find pet insurance that works for your pet's health needs and your budget, it's best to shop around and make sure the company and policy you choose check the right boxes. Here are a few factors to consider when searching for the best pet insurance in California:

• Coverage options: Look for pet insurance policies that cover a wide range of conditions and incidents. A good insurance plan should cover everything from emergency surgeries and hospitalization to treatments for congenital and hereditary conditions. Some pet owners may also prioritize complementary treatments and prescription coverage.
• Customization: Take control of your premiums. Unless the base insurance plan fits the bill, look for a company that allows you to tailor coverage and adjust deductibles, reimbursement percentages and annual benefit limits to suit your needs and budget.
• Customer reviews: Let the reviews do the talking. Look at customer reviews online, but also speak to your vet or their administrative staff to learn which companies and policies have the best reputation.
• Discounts and incentives: There are many ways to save money on pet insurance, but discounts are one that's often overlooked. Discounts and incentives can vary from one state or one underwriter to the next, so be sure to look at what's available to California residents.
• Reimbursement process: Unless your vet accepts Direct Vet Pay, you'll be out of pocket until the insurance company pays out. Look at claim turnaround times to ensure you get paid out quickly.
• Transparency: California’s disclosure laws mean that reputable companies must clearly outline policy details, waiting periods and exclusions. Make sure to review the fine print before signing up.
• Waiting periods: Look at how long you'll need to wait before coverage for certain conditions such as ligament or orthopedic conditions set in. There should be no waiting period for accident coverage, but you don't want to have to wait long for coverage to kick in for other conditions.
• Wellness programs and add-ons: Look at optional add-ons to help cover routine care like annual exams, vaccinations and dental cleanings if they're not covered by the comprehensive plan. These add-ons or programs can lower out-of-pocket costs, so compare what each provider offers.

Compare quotes, understand policy terms and read customer feedback. It’s important to choose a company you’re satisfied with the first time around. Once your pet is diagnosed with a medical issue, it’s considered a pre-existing condition. If you later switch carriers, it’s likely anything they were treated for before won’t be covered under a new plan.

Frequently asked questions