Best pet insurance in Florida (FL) in November 2023
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 9:39 a.m. UTC Nov. 27, 2023
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Embrace and Pets Best are the best pet insurance companies in Florida, according to our analysis.
We evaluated a variety of insurers to determine the best pet insurance in Florida based on rates and coverage options. Use this rating as a starting point to compare plans and find the best coverage for your pet.
The best pet insurance companies in Florida
Why you can trust our pet insurance experts
Our team of pet insurance 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.
- 2,295 rates reviewed
- 360 coverage details evaluated
- 5 levels of fact-checking
Top-rated pet insurance companies in Florida of 2023
Embrace
Pets Best
Healthy Paws
Lemonade
Figo
Fetch
Compare the best pet insurance companies in Florida
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 pet insurance companies operating in Florida using data from Petinsurer.com.
For this rating, 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 Florida, 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 5 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.
Why some companies didn’t make the cut
Only top-scoring insurers with a minimum rating of 4 stars out of 5 made the cut in our analysis of the best pet insurance in Florida. Those with lower star ratings, based on the criteria above, were included in our comparison table but not featured as a best pet insurance company.
Paw Protect
How much is pet insurance in Florida?
Pet insurance in Florida costs $42 per month on average for an accident and illness pet insurance plan with unlimited reimbursement (or highest offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
How much you’ll pay for pet insurance in Florida will depend on a few factors:
- Pet breed, size, age and gender.
- Your Florida ZIP code.
- Your pet insurance company.
- The type of plan and amount of coverage you choose.
- The deductible you choose.
- The reimbursement percentage you choose.
Cost of dog insurance in Florida with $5,000 annual maximum coverage
Cost of dog insurance in Florida with unlimited annual maximum coverage
Source: PetInsurer.com. Monthly Florida pet insurance 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.
Cost of cat insurance in Florida with $5,000 annual maximum coverage
Source: PetInsurer.com. The average monthly Florida pet insurance rates based on a variety of cat breeds.
Cost of cat insurance in Florida with unlimited annual maximum coverage
Source: PetInsurer.com. The average monthly Florida pet insurance rates based on a variety of cat breeds.
Types of pet insurance
There are a few types of pet insurance Florida insurers offer. Understanding the different options can help you find the best pet insurance in Florida for your cat or dog.
Accident and illness
The most common type of pet insurance owners buy is an accident and illness plan. This comprehensive plan will provide the broadest coverage for your pet’s health care expenses.
Though plans can vary by insurance company, most accident and illness pet insurance plans cover these veterinary expenses related to your pet’s injuries and illnesses:
- Broken bones or fractures.
- Cancer.
- Cuts and wounds.
- Gastrointestinal issues.
- Hospitalization.
- Infectious disease.
- Ingesting foreign objects.
- Injury.
- Lab testing and diagnostics.
- Poisoning.
- Some allergies.
- Some prescriptions.
- Surgery costs.
Accident-only
An accident-only pet insurance plan is typically a more affordable option. However, you miss the added benefit of illness coverage. If your pet receives veterinary care for an accident, your plan may cover the costs.
Some covered accidents may include:
- Broken bones or fractures.
- Car accident injury.
- Cuts and wounds.
- Ingesting foreign objects.
- Poisoning.
Keep in mind, any time your pet is sick, it won’t be covered by pet insurance if you have accident-only coverage. Illness-related veterinary expenses, like cancer, diabetes and ear and upper respiratory infections, are not covered under this plan.
Wellness plan
A typical pet insurance plan doesn’t provide reimbursement for your pet’s preventive and routine care. But most pet insurance companies in Florida offer optional wellness plans you can add to your policy.
A wellness plan can cover preventive care costs to keep your pet healthy, like:
- Annual checkups.
- Blood and fecal testing.
- Dental cleanings.
- Flea and tick prevention.
- Heartworm tests and prevention medications.
- Microchipping.
- Spay and neuter.
- Vaccines.
Florida pet laws
Florida has a range of pet laws that can differ by county or city. Here are some Florida pet laws you should be aware of.
Leash laws
Florida does not have statewide leash laws. Each city or county can institute leash laws. Check your city or county ordinance to determine what the rules are in your area. Here are a few examples.
- Broward County: All dogs must be under direct physical control, whether by cord, chain, leash or confined by a fence on private property. Leash laws do not apply to cats. Property owners can trap or catch nuisance animals on their private property and turn them in to Broward County Animal Care and Adoption.
- St. Johns County: Cat and dog owners in St. Johns County must abide by the Leash and Dangerous Law Ordinance. All animals must be on a lease or otherwise restrained to be under the direct control of the person possessing it, except for dogs in a dog park. All cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies if they are four months or older unless a veterinarian can provide written proof it would negatively affect the animal’s health.
- Hillsborough County: Pets are not allowed to run at large and must be restrained on a leash no more than six feet long. Dogs cannot be tethered and left unattended and must be tethered by a body harness or collar with a buckle. Pets four months or older also must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the county.
Civil liability protection for domestic animals in locked vehicles
Florida is hot year-round but can be especially hot during the summer months. If you happen upon a domestic animal in a locked motor vehicle and damage the car to get them out, you are immune from civil liability.
The law requires you to stay with the animal in a safe location near the vehicle until a first responder or law enforcement arrives. And you must call 911 before accessing the car or immediately after.
Dog owners are liable for their dog’s bite
If you own a dog in Florida, you can be held liable for your dog biting a person, regardless if the person is on your private property or in public. You can reduce your liability if you prove the person’s negligence in the incident. The law also holds owners liable if their dog harasses, wounds or kills dairy cattle.
Home insurance can help if your dog bites someone: What home insurance covers
Breed-specific legislation is banned
A new law in 2023 bans public housing authorities and local governments from restricting dogs based on their breed, size or weight. This amendment keeps these agencies’ authority in limiting dangerous dogs as long as it is not breed-specific.
Protections for service dogs and emotional support animals
Florida law and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into public places, including hotels, stores, restaurants and museums.
Florida housing laws prevent landlords from charging extra or refusing to rent to owners of service animals. They must also make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals unless they pose a direct health or safety threat to others. Landlords can only charge extra for damage your ESA causes and may not charge pet rent.
How to get pet insurance in Florida
Florida is home to many dangers that could injure your pet or get them sick. From poisonous plants to toxic toads, alligators, crocodiles and panthers, your pet could need costly veterinary care. Buying pet insurance in Florida is one of the best ways to offset your pet’s veterinary costs — especially if they need emergency care.
Compare the same coverages
If you’re looking for cheap pet insurance in Florida but still want the best coverage, compare plans “apples to apples.” That means comparing pet insurance quotes with similar reimbursement levels, deductibles and annual payout limits, said Dr. Douglas Mader, MS, DVM and author of The Vet at Noah’s Ark.
You can also see which company offers the cheapest pet insurance by comparing the same coverage options. You should also be aware of what each insurance company plan covers and what’s excluded, like pre-existing conditions.
Read the fine print
While many pet insurance policies in Florida are similar, some key differences could make one pet insurance company a better fit than others. Check for things like whether exam fees are included, if a wellness plan is available and if there are extra perks, like a referral program or special pharmacy pricing.
Many pet insurers offer 24/7 vet healthlines, where you can call or chat with a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s health. And if you have more than one pet, consider an insurance company with a multi-pet discount for added savings.
Ask your vet
Dr. Mader recommends speaking with your veterinarian to see what coverage your pet needs to help you choose the right policy and insurance company. Certain breeds are more susceptible to specific illnesses.
For example, Labrador retrievers commonly get ear infections. They are also more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) and hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer.
Knowing your pet’s susceptibilities can help you narrow down a pet insurance policy that will provide the most benefits if it gets sick and need specialized care, like chemotherapy.
Typically, pet insurance rates increase with age. “Just like humans, as pets get older, they may become more prone to certain health conditions and require more frequent veterinary care,” said Zabrina Thorson, co-founder and chief operating officer at Odie Pet Insurance. “Insurance providers factor in these increased risks and costs associated with age, leading to higher premiums for older pets.”
The average cost of pet insurance in Florida is $42 per month on average for an accident and illness pet insurance plan with unlimited reimbursement (or highest offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
Your pet insurance rates will depend on the reimbursement level, annual limit and deductible amount you choose. Your pet’s age, breed, gender and size can also factor into pet insurance costs. We found the average cost of pet insurance in Florida is between $20 and $72 per month.
The lower your deductible is, the higher your premiums typically are, and vice versa. You should consider whether you’d prefer to pay higher premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs for veterinary care or have lower premiums but higher costs if your pet requires care for covered expenses. Most pet insurance companies offer a range of deductibles to choose from, so you can find one that best fits your budget.
A wellness pet insurance plan may be worth it, as it can help you pay for the routine care your pet needs for their long-term health. Pet insurance companies typically offer a dollar amount maximum per policy year for covered preventive care. Insurers may limit the amount per expense category. Comparing your annual routine care costs, the cost of a wellness plan and its coverage can help you determine if a pet wellness plan is worth it for your situation.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
