Best Pet Insurance Companies in Colorado in 2023

ManyPets and Pets Best have the best pet insurance in Colorado, according to our analysis of cost and coverage.

The best pet insurance companies in Colorado

ManyPets
Pets Best
Embrace
Figo
Lemonade
Fetch
Healthy Paws

Why trust our insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

30 Colorado pet insurance rates reviewed.
324 coverage details evaluated.
5 levels of fact-checking.

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Top-rated pet insurance companies in Colorado of 2023

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What you should know

ManyPets offers accident and illness policies for dogs and cats. With most insurers, exam fees aren’t coverable expenses. But with ManyPets, exam fees to diagnose or treat your pet for a qualifying condition are reimbursable.

It also covers prescription medications and holistic therapies — including acupuncture and chiropractic therapy — as long as it’s prescribed by a veterinarian.

Pros and cons

Pros

Vet exam fees included. Coverage for exam fees and diagnosis for qualifying conditions.
Quick claims processing. ManyPets offers faster-than-usual reimbursement. According to the company, most claims are processed within 48 hours.
Wellness plan. For an additional fee, you can get a wellness plan through ManyPets to reimburse you for covered routine and preventative care.

Cons

Hip dysplasia not covered in pets enrolled at 6 or older. ManyPets doesn’t cover treatments for hip dysplasia in pets that were enrolled at the age of 6 or older, even if they’ve never shown any signs of the condition before.
Up to 18 months of pet records required to submit your first claim. When you file your first claim, ManyPets requires you to submit your pet’s medical records from the past 18 months. If you don’t have that information handy, it can delay your claim as you work with your previous vets to track down those records.

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Types of coverage

ManyPets sells an accident and illness plan with an optional wellness add-on.

Accident and illness

Deductibles: $500 or $750.
Coverage limits: Unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70% or 80%.

Accident and illness coverage, sometimes referred to as major medical insurance, covers veterinary expenses to diagnose and treat unexpected injuries or illnesses.

Wellness

Wellness plans are add-on benefits. While this type of plan isn’t insurance, it can reimburse you — up to an annual maximum — for routine or preventative veterinary expenses, such as vaccines or wellness exams.

Riders available

ManyPets does not sell any riders beyond its wellness plan.

Rates

In Colorado, ManyPets’ unlimited accident and illness policy for a dog is about $28 per month for dogs.

Discounts

ManyPets doesn’t offer any discount programs.

Customer satisfaction

ManyPets has strong customer reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a score of 4.7 out of five (excellent) based on more than 1,600 reviews.

Customers frequently praised the company for quickly processing claims and responsive customer support.

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What you should know

With certain accident and illness plans with Pets Best, you can take advantage of direct veterinary payments. If you submit a direct payment release form with the company, it will pay your vet for you. Then, you only owe your vet the balance.

Learn more: Pets Best review.

Pros and cons

Pros

Direct vet payments. Most companies work solely by reimbursement, but Pets Best offers direct veterinary payments with its plus and elite plans.
No upper age limit. Pets Best has no upper age limit for enrollment.
Broad range of deductibles. With Pets Best, you can choose a deductible between $50 and $1,000, helping you adjust your premiums based on what you can afford.

Cons

Not all pets eligible for full coverage: Certain health issues, such as Cushing’s Disease, may make your pet ineligible for accident and illness coverage. Instead, your pet will only qualify for accident coverage.
Processing fees: Opting for monthly payments will cause Pets Best to add processing fees to your charges.
Six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions: Instead of the two-week waiting period many other companies require, Pets Best requires a six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions.

More details

Types of coverage

There are three main policy options:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000.
Coverage limits: $5,000 or unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Pets Best has different tiers of coverage within accident and illness policies. Depending on the tier you choose, you could get coverage for additional services, such as veterinary exam fees or acupuncture.

Accident only

Deductible: $250.
Coverage limits: $10,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 90%.

Wellness

Pets Best has two wellness options. Depending on the plan you choose, you could get up to $535 in annual reimbursement.

Rates

In Colorado, the average monthly rate for an unlimited accident and illness plan with Pets Best is about $35 for a dog.

Discounts

Pets Best offers discounts for insuring multiple pets, and for military service members and veterinary staff.

Pets Best customers can also qualify for discounts on training, pet sitting services and supplies.

Customer satisfaction

In general, Pets Best has strong reviews. Its score on Trustpilot is 4.2 out of five (great) based on over 3,200 reviews.

Customers praised how easy it was to submit a claim through the company, and the negative complaints tended to be misunderstandings about preventative care coverage.

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What you should know

With some pet insurance companies, coverage is fairly limited. More advanced treatments, such as mobility aids or behavioral care, are excluded. But that’s not the case with Embrace. It covers added services like rehabilitative therapy, prosthetic devices and dental illness care.

Pros and cons

Pros

Diminishing deductible. For each year that you go without filing a claim, Embrace will reduce your deductible by $50.
Coverage for vet exams. While many companies exclude veterinary exams, Embrace will reimburse exams related to a covered injury or illness.
Coverage for behavioral treatments. Pet insurance doesn’t always cover behavioral treatments, but Embrace will cover medication and other therapies prescribed by a veterinarian to treat behavioral issues.

Cons

Lengthy waiting periods: Embrace has 14-day waiting periods for illnesses. For orthopedic conditions, its waiting period is six months.
Physical examinations required: A medical exam is required 12 months before the policy’s effective date or within 14 days after the effective date. Otherwise, any claims will not be paid.
Claims can take 10 to 15 days. While other companies may reimburse your claims within a few days, Embrace typically takes 10 to 15. If you have significant veterinary expenses, waiting for the reimbursement could become a financial hardship.

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Types of coverage

Embrace offers three forms of coverage:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000.
Coverage limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Embrace’s policy covers the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses. It also provides up to $1,000 per year in treatments for dental diseases or injuries, and it covers prescription medications and behavioral treatments.

Accident only

Deductible: $100.
Coverage limits: $5,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 90%.

Embrace’s accident-only policy may be a cost-effective choice for senior pets or those with pre-existing conditions.

Wellness

You can choose an allowance of $250 to $650 per year to reimburse you for eligible preventative care expenses, such as vaccinations, bloodwork and dental cleanings.

Rates

In Colorado, the average cost of an Embrace unlimited accident and illness plan for a dog costs about $65 per month. We found Embrace to be slightly more expensive than the average for other companies, particularly for older pets.

Discounts

Embrace offers two discounts:

10% Multi-pet discount.
5% Military discount for active service members and veterans.

Customer satisfaction

Embrace has positive customer reviews and has a score of 4.2 out of five on Trustpilot (great) based on 1,500 reviews.

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What you should know

When you purchase pet insurance, you typically choose a reimbursement percentage. Most companies cap the reimbursement percentage at 90% of the vet bills, but Figo is one of the few that offers up to 100% reimbursement.

Pros and cons

Pros

Up to 100% reimbursement: Figo allows you to choose up to 100% reimbursement.
No upper age limit: Unlike other companies, Figo doesn’t have an upper age limit making it a good choice for older pets.
Multiple deductible options: Figo allows you to pick a deductible between $100 and $750.

Cons

Strict exclusions for hereditary conditions: Figo has strict requirements for hereditary conditions, such as requiring senior wellness plans for dogs over age 8, annual exams, and excluding treatments for some ailments if pets are enrolled past a certain age. The requirements can vary by state, so review your policy carefully.
Veterinary exams not covered: Figo doesn’t cover veterinary exams without an additional rider.
Holistic or alternative therapies not covered: Figo doesn’t cover complementary or rehabilitative therapies unless you add an additional rider to your coverage.

More details

Types of coverage

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $750.
Coverage limit: $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%.

Figo offers multiple tiers of coverage for accident and illness insurance for dogs and cats. The tiers cover the same tests and treatments, but vary by reimbursement limit.

Wellness

Figo offers wellness plans for an additional fee. It reimburses you for routine care.

Riders available

Figo offers several riders in addition to the Wellness plan:

Veterinary exam fees: This rider provides coverage for exam fees related to the diagnosis and treatment of covered conditions.
Extra care: The extra care rider covers other pet-related expenses such as rewards for lost pets and vacation cancellation due to a pet’s illness.

Rates

Figo’s monthly rate for an unlimited accident and illness plan for a dog is around $40 per month in Colorado.

Discounts

Figo offers a 5% multi-pet discount.

Customer satisfaction

Figo has a 3.6 out of five (average) score on Trustpilot based on more than 1,100 reviews. While that’s lower than some of the companies on our list, many of the complaints focused on annual premium increases. Unfortunately, it’s normal for pet insurance companies to raise rates as pets age, as older pets are more likely to develop health issues.

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What you should know

Lemonade offers some of the fastest claims response and reimbursement in the industry. Thanks to Lemonade’s artificial intelligence chatbots, most pet owners can submit a claim in a few minutes, get it approved in seconds and be on their way to getting reimbursed for eligible expenses. Some claims can take longer if a human has to manually process it.

Pros and cons

Pros

Fast claims processing and direct deposit. Most claims can be processed in just a few minutes. As part of the claims process, you’ll enter your bank information and Lemonade will issue payment upon approval.
Lowest price for young pets. If you’re insuring a young pet, Lemonade is among the cheapest of pet insurance companies we analyzed.
Short accident waiting period. Lemonade only has a two-day waiting period for accidents.

Cons

Six-month waiting period for cruciate tears. Although Lemonade doesn’t have an orthopedic condition waiting period like other companies, there is a six-month waiting period for any cruciate ligament tears.
No 24/7 telehealth. Unlike some other carriers, Lemonade doesn’t have a 24/7 vet telehealth line, which can help cut down on unnecessary vet visits and expenses.
Lacking popular coverages. Without an add-on, Lemonade doesn’t offer coverage for behavioral therapy, microchipping or prescription food. Vet exam fees can be covered, but only at an additional cost.

More details

Types of coverage

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250 or $500.
Annual coverage limit: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Lemonade accident and illness coverage is standard, providing coverage for diagnostic and blood testing, urinalysis, labwork, procedures and medication.

Wellness

Lemonade offers two tiers of preventive care that will cover vaccines, microchipping, spay or neuter surgery and two wellness visits, plus, flea, tick and heartworm preventives. The more expensive plan also covers routine dental cleaning and flea, tick or heartworm medication.

Additional riders available

There are several add-ons available through Lemonade:

Vet visit fees.
Dental illness.
Physical therapy.
Behavioral conditions.
End-of-life and remembrance.

Rates

In Colorado, the average cost of an unlimited accident and illness plan for a dog with Lemonade is $20.

Discounts

Lemonade offers several discounts. You can save 5% by insuring multiple pets, get a 5% annual discount and save 10% if you bundle pet insurance with home or renters insurance from Lemonade.

Customer reviews

With nearly 1,000 reviews, Lemonade has an excellent score on Trustpilot with 4.4 out of 5 stars, but this is for all insurance products the carrier offers — not just pet insurance.

Although most pet insurance reviews are positive, some customers say they have difficulties with what is considered a pre-existing condition. One example includes diarrhea, which is a common curable pre-existing condition other carriers will cover after a specific period being symptom- and treatment-free.

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What you should know

Although Fetch Pet Insurance doesn’t offer a wellness plan, its comprehensive pet insurance coverage has several extras that can be valuable. Its accident and illness plan covers virtual and in-home visits, exam fees for illnesses, aggression and separation anxiety treatment, as well as boarding and advertising for lost pets with a reward. Fetch has a strict 90-day limit on claim filings.

Pros and cons

Pros

Many coverage features: If you buy pet insurance from Fetch, you’ll get coverage for boarding fees, lost pet rewards and advertising, sick-visit exam fees, supplements and more.
Healthy pet credit: If you go a year without filing a claim or reaching your deductible, Fetch Pet Insurance will credit up to 15% of your premium. The credit goes up to 30% if you go a second year without hitting your deductible.
Military discount: Pet parents who are active military or veterans can save up to 10% on their monthly pet insurance premiums with Fetch Pet Insurance.

Cons

No wellness plan: There is no coverage for routine and preventive care, like dental cleanings, vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm medications.
Lengthy waiting periods: 15-day waiting periods for accidents and illnesses, and six-month waiting periods for hip and knee injuries.
Low annual coverage cap: Unlike some pet insurers who offer an unlimited annual cap on covered expenses, Fetch will only cover up to $15,000 per year.
No multi-pet discount: If you have more than one pet to insure, you won’t get a multipet discount from Fetch.

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Types of Coverage

Fetch Pet Insurance offers one form of coverage:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $300, $500 or $700.
Coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Get standard accident and illness coverage from Fetch Pet Insurance, plus some extra features like virtual and in-home visit coverage, acupuncture and chiropractic care and treatment for aggression and separation anxiety.

Rates

In Colorado, the average cost of a Fetch Pet Insurance accident and illness plan is $39 per month for a dog. Pet insurance from Fetch is $24 a month for a cat, according to the company’s website. However, costs vary by location and your pet’s age and breed.

Discounts

Although Fetch Pet Insurance doesn’t have a multi-pet discount, it offers up to 10% savings for active duty military and veterans.

If your pet doesn’t get sick or hurt or if you don’t reach your deductible in a policy year you can save up to 15% on premiums, while going two years can save you up to 30% with the Healthy Pet Credit.

Customer satisfaction

Fetch Pet Insurance reviews earn the carrier an excellent rating on Trustpilot. Based on more than 700 reviews, Fetch has 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Many reviewers remark on positive customer service experiences and an easy claims process. However, some complain about not getting the right reimbursement for claims, long processing times and high premiums for little added benefit.

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What you should know

Healthy Paws has no annual or lifetime limits on pet insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses. You’re not locked into the same deductible and reimbursement percentage choices you made at enrollment because Healthy Paws allows you to make adjustments at any time.

Pros and cons

Pros

Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts: There is no limit to the amount Healthy Paws will reimburse you for your pet’s eligible vet expenses.
Customizable coverage: If your budget changes before you file your first claim, you can increase your reimbursement percentage or decrease the deductible to save on premium. After submitting a claim, you still have the option to increase the deductible or decrease the reimbursement level.
24/7 pet health line: Access and answers to your questions from licensed veterinary professionals, including whether you should get medical attention for your pet.

Cons

No accident-only plan: Healthy Paws only offers accident and illness coverage, so if you want an accident-only plan, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
No wellness plan: Healthy Paws also doesn’t have a wellness plan option to cover preventive and routine care like other pet insurance companies do.
Exams fees aren’t covered: There is no coverage for office visit exam fees, rechecks, consultations, office calls or emergency exam fees.

More details

Types of coverage

Healthy Paws offers one form of pet insurance coverage:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250 or $500.
Coverage limit: Unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Besides the normal accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats, Healthy Paws also covers alternative care treatments. These treatments include acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, homeopathy and veterinary herbal therapy.

Riders available

Healthy Paws does not offer any riders on their pet insurance plan.

Rates

In Colorado, it costs about $34 per month for an unlimited accident and illness plan for a dog.

Discounts

Healthy Paws does not offer any discounts. It will donate $25 to homeless pets in your name through its refer-a-friend program for every completed referral you receive.

Customer reviews

Healthy Paws pet insurance reviews on Trustpilot have earned the provider an excellent rating with 4.4 out of 5 stars after more than 1,800 reviews.

Happy customers remark about their fast and easy claims process and coverage for their pet’s conditions, from laryngeal paralysis in someone’s cat to lymphoma cancer in another’s dog.

However, there are negative comments about having a hard time canceling the policy after a pet’s death or surrender and frustrations with claims denials, even after submitting the requested paperwork.

Compare the best pet insurance companies in Colorado

Here’s how Colorado pet insurance companies compare.

Company	Colorado rating	Average monthly cost	Deductible	Coverage limit	Reimbursement level	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
ManyPets	5 stars	$28	$500	Unlimited	80%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Pets Best	5 stars	$35	$50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000	$5,000 or unlimited	70%, 80% or 90%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Embrace	4.5 stars	$65	$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000	$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Figo	4.5 stars	$40	$100, $250, $500 or $750	$5,000, $10,000 or Unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%, 100%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Lemonade	4.5 stars	$20	$100, $250 or $500	$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000	70%, 80%, 90%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Fetch	4 stars	$39	$300, $500 or $700	$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000	70%, 80%, 90%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Healthy Paws	4 stars	$34	$100, $250 or $500	Unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
MetLife	3.5 stars	$58	$50, $100, $250 or $500	$2,000, $5,000 or $10,000	70%, 80%, 90%	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Trupanion	3.5 stars	$67	–	Unlimited	–	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website

_{Average monthly premiums assume unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.}

Methodology

We analyzed nine pet insurance companies operating in Colorado using data from Petinsurer.com.

For this analysis, average rates are based on accident and illness plans, which account for 98% of pet insurance policies purchased, according to data from the North American Health Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Rates are also based on insuring dogs, as dogs make up 85% of insured pets, per NAPHIA.

Each pet insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories:

Cost: 50 points. We calculated average rates for accident and illness pet insurance plans for a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog at two different ages in Colorado, with unlimited annual reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $250 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage. The lower the average rate, the higher the number of points.

Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer annual reimbursement of up to $100,000, or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.

24/7 vet line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer access to a 24/7 vet line earned points. Being able to call for medical advice might save you money on vet visits.

Routine wellness plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an optional wellness plan add-on scored points. Wellness plans can reimburse you for preventative care for your pet.

Pays vet exam fees: 10 points. If a pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer received 10 points. If this is offered as a coverage add on, the insurer received 5 points.

Behavioral therapy: 5 points. If an insurance company covers behavior therapy in its pet insurance plans, it scored points.

Euthanasia or end of life expenses included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end of life expenses are covered in pet insurance plans, an insurance company scored in this category.

Compare the best pet insurance rates in Colorado

Here’s how much the best pet insurance companies in Colorado cost on average.

Colorado pet insurance cost with $5,000 annual maximum coverage

Company	Monthly cost	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Lemonade	$10	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Figo	$28	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Fetch	$32	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Embrace	$46	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Healthy Paws	–	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
ManyPets	–	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website

Source: PetInsurer.com. Monthly rates are for a plan with a $5,000 annual coverage maximum), a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursement level.

Colorado pet insurance cost with unlimited annual maximum coverage

Company	Monthly cost	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Lemonade	$20	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
ManyPets	$28	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Healthy Paws	$34	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Fetch	$39	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Figo	$40	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website
Embrace	$65	Compare Rates	Via Petted’s Website

Source: PetInsurer.com. Monthly rates are for a plan with unlimited annual coverage ($30,000 for Embrace and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursement level.

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a plan that pays a portion of eligible veterinary costs in exchange for a monthly or annual premium.

How much you pay for pet insurance will depend on a number of factors, including:

Your pet’s age, breed and species.
Your pet’s size and gender.
Your Colorado ZIP code. Living in a more rural area like Leadville, Rifle or Pagosa Springs might mean you pay less for pet insurance than Coloradans in Aurora, Denver and Colorado Springs.
The pet insurance company, plan and coverage options you choose.

Types of pet insurance plans

When comparing pet insurance options, you can choose from an accident and illness plan or an accident-only plan. Depending on the pet insurance company, you may also have the option to add a wellness plan.

Accident and illness. Offering the broadest range of coverage, this comprehensive pet insurance covers both accidents and illnesses. It will cover everything an accident-only plan will, plus breed-specific, chronic and hereditary conditions, heart disease and other illnesses.

Accident-only. This plan is usually cheaper than a comprehensive plan because it excludes treatment for sickness. Accidents include broken bones and teeth, insect or animal bites, ingested poisons, bloat and lacerations. Accident-only coverage may pay for associated costs of hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic testing and prescription medications.

Routine wellness plan. A wellness plan will cover routine and preventative care and is usually available as an add-on to an accident and illness insurance policy. Veterinary expenses to maintain your pet’s health aren’t covered under pet insurance without a wellness plan. This typically includes annual visit fees, microchipping, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery and dental cleanings.

Learn more: Pet dental insurance explained

How does pet insurance work?

When you buy pet insurance, you can choose from different levels of coverage, deductible and reimbursement level. The more the insurer reimburses, the higher your premiums will be. Consider these options when comparing pet insurance policies.

Annual maximum limit

The annual maximum coverage limit is the most the insurer will pay per plan year. Most carriers offer an annual cap between $5,000 to unlimited.

Deductible

Before the insurer will reimburse for covered vet expenses, you have to meet a deductible. Pet insurance companies offer deductibles typically from $50 to $1,000. You can save on your premium by having a higher deductible, but you’ll also have to foot more costs on your own.

Reimbursement percentage

Once you’ve met your deductible, the insurance company begins reimbursing for eligible expenses. The reimbursement percentage is the portion of each bill your insurer will pay. Most insurance companies offer 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement. Figo is the only carrier in our lineup offering 100% reimbursement.

How to find the best pet insurance in Colorado

When searching for the best pet insurance in Colorado, consider these features to help you choose a carrier and plan.

24/7 vet lines

A 24/7 vet line is available through many pet insurance companies and is staffed by experienced veterinary experts. Most vet lines are available through chat or over the phone, answering general questions about your pet’s health to provide guidance for the best healthcare solutions. If your pet has a medical issue in the middle of the night and your vet’s office is closed, the 24/7 vet line may help you avoid an unnecessary and costly emergency vet visit.

Direct pay option

Some vet offices are directly linked to pet insurance companies. This software connection allows the veterinarian to submit your pet’s invoice electronically so you only pay your portion at checkout, instead of paying in full, then filing a claim and waiting for reimbursement.

Check for discounts

If you own more than one pet, most pet insurers will offer a multi-pet discount ranging from 5% to 10% on each additional policy. There may also be discounts for military members and workers in certain organizations or membership affiliations. Some pet insurance companies, like Embrace, offer a diminishing deductible feature, which lowers your deductible for each policy year you don’t file a claim.

Wellness plan rider option

Pet insurance only covers certain vet expenses for accidents and illnesses. Routine and preventative care, like vaccinations and flea and tick preventatives, will help keep your pet healthy and can extend its life expectancy. Consider pet insurance companies offering preventive care coverage.

Pet health considerations in Colorado

Colorado is one of the most pet-friendly states in the country, according to a study by Safewise. It’s also one of the best states to live in for your pet’s health. However, pets are still at risk for injuries and illnesses in Colorado.

Sun and elevation

With an abundance of sunshine and high elevation, your pet is more susceptible to sunburn, especially if your pet is a light color or a hairless breed. Pets are also at risk for skin cancer on their noses and tips of their ears, even if you’re diligent about covering them in sunscreen.

The sun can also cause an eye disorder called Pannus, which mainly affects German Shepherds, but can also affect other dog breeds. Corticosteroid shots and eye drops can control Pannus, but not cure this cornea disease. Pannus is most common in Colorado, as is the autoimmune disorder Lupus. Colorado pets are especially susceptible to discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), which attacks the skin.

Mountain adventures

One benefit of living in Colorado is all the outdoor activities you can enjoy in the mountains, such as hiking, camping, skiing and snowshoeing. If you take your dog along for the adventure, it could end up with paw injuries from the rocky terrain or giardia from drinking tainted water from lakes, rivers or streams. Although most injuries can heal after proper veterinary care, giardia intestine infections can be treated, but not cured.

You also have to consider the abundance of wildlife your pet could face in Colorado. Coyotes, bears, porcupines and mountain lions are just a few of the animals that could cause devastating injuries to your furry companion.

There are also tiny predators waiting to infect your pet with diseases. Colorado is home to several tick species, including Rocky Mountain wood ticks and the American dog tick. Ticks can transmit Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and Tularemia to your pet.

With pet insurance in place, before you take your companion into the Colorado sun and wilderness, these injuries and illnesses won’t be considered pre-existing conditions. It’s always a good idea to get pet insurance when your pet is at its healthiest, so you get the most use out of your plan coverage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Yes, it’s worth shopping around for pet insurance. Just like auto, home and life insurance for humans, pet insurance costs can vary by company. Getting pet insurance quotes is quick and easy online, so it won’t take long to gather them for comparison to find the best price for your pet’s insurance needs.

Learn more: How to compare pet insurance quotes

Only you can decide if a monthly pet plan is worth it. As your pet ages, it’s more likely to need veterinary care, which can be costly. Comparing the price of pet insurance and how much you could spend on vet expenses can help you decide if pet insurance is worth it. For example, if your pet develops cancer, it costs around $4,000 to treat. A broken bone can cost around $2,500, while a bladder infection or UTI could cost anywhere from $400 to $1,100.

Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it?

Even if you get pet insurance, it’s a good idea to put money aside for your pet’s veterinary expenses. Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything, and you’ll still have a deductible and reimbursement percentage to pay. Having money set aside can help you pay for an unexpected accident or illness without it affecting your family’s budget.

Learn more: How much does a dog cost per year?

Yes, pet insurance does get more expensive with age. The older your pet gets, the more health problems it could face, which can drive up the cost of pet insurance. Getting pet insurance before your pet develops age-related conditions can ensure it won’t be considered a pre-existing condition, which wouldn’t be covered.

Learn more: Best cheap pet insurance