Best Pet Insurance Companies in New York

Pets Best has the best pet insurance in New York, based on our analysis of rates and coverage. In addition to weighing the average cost of pet insurance in the state, we evaluated each insurer’s routine wellness coverage, high annual limits, 24/7 vet line availability and benefits like behavioral therapy and end-of-life expenses.

Top-rated pet insurance companies in New York

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What you should know

With most pet insurance companies, you have to pay for your pet’s veterinary expenses up front, submit a claim and then wait for reimbursement. That can mean wiping out your savings or racking up charges on a credit card to pay for a pet’s emergency care.

With Pets Best, you can take advantage of direct veterinary payments. You can add this feature to your pet insurance plan. 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. This is an optional claims reimbursement feature and may depend on the type of pet insurance plan you have.
No upper age limit. Although some companies will only insure pets under a certain age, Pets Best has no upper age limit for enrollment.
24/7 pet health line. You can reach medical experts at any time for advice if your pet is injured or sick.
Euthanasia and end of life expenses. Pets Best includes these services for your pet.

Cons

Not all pets are 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.

Types of coverage

There are three main policy options:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000.
Annual coverage limit: $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.
Annual coverage limit: $10,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 90%.

Wellness

Pets Best has two wellness options. The EssentialWellness plan offers up to $305 in wellness coverage per year and the BestWellness plan offers up to $535 in coverage per year. Pets Best wellness plans help pay for different vaccinations, deworming and microchipping.

Discounts

Pets Best offers a 5% discount for insuring multiple pets. Military members and their families are eligible for a 5% discount on BestBenefit plans. Pets Best customers can also qualify for separate discounts on dog training, pet sitting services and supplies.

Customer reviews

In general, Pets Best has strong reviews. Its score on Trustpilot is 4.2 out of 5 (great) based on more than 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 you for 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.
Coverage for complementary treatments. If your vet recommends it, your Embrace pet insurance plan can help pay for things like acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy for your pet.

Cons

Expensive rates. Embrace’s monthly rates for an accident and illness plan are higher than some of the other insurance companies according to our analysis
Physical examinations required. A medical exam is required 12 months before an accident and illness 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 to come in could be a financial hardship.

Types of coverage

Embrace offers three forms of coverage:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000.
Annual coverage limit: $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.
Annual coverage limit: $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

The average monthly cost for an unlimited accident and illness plan with Embrace is about $62 per month in New York. This is more expensive than the other insurers we reviewed.

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What you should know

ManyPets offers accident and illness policies for dogs and cats. With ManyPets, exam fees to diagnose or treat your pet for a qualifying condition are reimbursable. ManyPets offers unlimited reimbursement, low deductible options and quick claims processing.

ManyPets covers curable, pre-existing conditions once your pet has been free of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for 18 months — unless it’s a cruciate ligament (CL, CCL, ACL) injury or hip dysplasia.

Pros and cons

Pros

Cheap rates. A ManyPets pet insurance policy in New York costs around $22 per month on average for a dog with a policy with unlimited coverage limits, a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement limit.
Quick claims processing. Like most pet insurance companies, ManyPets pays out claims via reimbursement. According to the company, most claims are processed within 24 hours once approved.
Waivers offered for waiting periods. Pet insurers usually have waiting periods before your coverage goes into effect. ManyPets’ waiting period is 15 days for both accidents and illnesses. However, ManyPets will waive the waiting period if you can prove that your pet was covered by another insurance company before the new policy’s effective date.
Covers curable, pre-existing conditions. ManyPets covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has been without symptoms, diagnosis or treatment for 18 months.
Euthanasia and end of life expenses included. ManyPets includes coverage for euthanasia and end of life expenses.

Cons

Hip dysplasia not covered in pets enrolled at age 6 or older. No coverage 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. There’s no coverage available at any age if there was a prior diagnosis or treatment.
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.
Limited deductible options. In New York, there are less deductible options than other states.
No accident only option. ManyPets sells accident and illness and wellness plans, but not accident only plans.

Types of coverage

ManyPets offers the following coverages:

Accident and illness

Deductibles: $500 or $750.
Annual coverage limit: Unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70% or 80%.

Accident and illness coverage covers veterinary expenses to diagnose and treat unexpected injuries or illnesses.

Wellness

Wellness plans are add-on benefits. ManyPets offers up to $150 in coverage with its wellness plan. While it isn’t insurance, wellness plans reimburse you — up to an annual maximum — for routine or preventative veterinary expenses, such as vaccines or wellness exams.

Rates

ManyPets’ accident and illness policy starts at just around $22 per month for dogs in New York. On average, we found that ManyPets’ premiums were cheaper than other companies’ premiums for similar coverage amounts.

Customer reviews

ManyPets has strong customer reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a score of 4.7 out of 5 (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

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.
Behavioral treatments included: Fetch covers medication and other therapies prescribed by a veterinarian to treat behavioral issues.
Healthy pet credit: If you go a year without filing a claim or reaching your deductible, Fetch will credit up to 15% of your premium. The credit goes up to 30% if you go a second year without hitting your deductible.

Cons

No wellness plan: There is no coverage for routine and preventive care, like dental cleanings, vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm medications.
Long waiting periods. There’s a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses with Fetch Pet Insurance.
No 24/7 pet health line. Unless you purchase it separately, you won’t have access to a 24/7 pet health line with Fetch Pet Insurance.
No multi-pet discount: If you have more than one pet to insure, you won’t get a multipet discount from Fetch.

Types of coverage

Fetch Pet Insurance offers one form of coverage.

Accident and Illness

Deductible: $300, $500 or $700.
Annual 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.

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 you don’t reach your deductible in a policy year, you can save up to 15% on premiums, and if you go two years you can save up to 30% with the Healthy Pet Credit.

Customer reviews

When shopping for a pet insurance company, reading reviews from current and past customers shows how the insurer operates and what the claims process is like. Fetch Pet Insurance reviews has earned the carrier an excellent rating on Trustpilot. After 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

MetLife stands out because of its lengthy list of discount programs. While other companies may offer discounts for insuring multiple pets or for military veterans, MetLife goes above and beyond with additional discounts. MetLife also recently launched the MyPets Reward Program, which offers eligible policyholders discounts on pet care from select businesses.

Pros and cons

Pros

Multiple discount programs. MetLife operates more discount programs than other companies, allowing you to save money on your pet insurance costs.
Coverage may be available through your employer. MetLife works with many companies to offer pet insurance as a benefit. If your employer partners with MetLife, you may be able to get pet insurance at a reduced cost or through payroll deductions.
Pays vet exam fees. MetLife will reimburse you for eligible exam fees that your pet may need.

Cons

Limited annual coverage limits. The maximum amount of annual coverage you can purchase with MetLife is $10,000.
Does not cover parasite treatments. Unless you purchase additional coverage, MetLife doesn’t cover treatments for parasitic diseases, even if the pet was on preventative medications.
Reimbursement can take 10 to 15 days. Some companies offer reimbursement within days or even hours, but MetLife can take 10 to 15 days to reimburse claims.

Types of coverage

MetLife offers an accident and illness plan with an optional preventative care add-on.

Accident and illness

Deductible: $50, $100, $200 or $500.
Annual coverage limit: $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Its accident and illness policies cover diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications and even holistic care.

Preventative Care

Preventative care will reimburse you for a fixed amount of wellness expenses each year.

Discounts

MetLife has a long list of discounts, including:

Affinity group discounts.
Animal care discount.
Employer benefit discounts.
Healthcare workers discount.
Internet purchase discounts.
Military, veteran and first responder discounts.

If you qualify for the MyPets Reward Program, you may get discounts on pet care essentials at select businesses.

Customer satisfaction

Compared to other companies, MetLife’s pet insurance segment has few reviews. As of March 2023, only 12 reviews had been submitted to Trustpilot. Its rating was 2.4 out of 5 (poor).

However, most of the complaints were about claims being denied because the conditions were diagnosed and treated during the policy waiting period. While that’s frustrating for customers, it’s a common practice in the pet insurance industry, which is why it’s so important to read the fine print and understand what waiting periods apply.

Compare the best pet insurance companies in New York

Here’s how the best pet insurance companies in New York compare.

Company	New York rating	Annual coverage limit	Reimbursement percentage	Deductible options	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Pets Best	5 stars	$5,000 or unlimited	70%, 80% or 90%	$50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
ManyPets	4.5 stars	Unlimited	70% or 80%	$500 or $750	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Embrace	4.5 stars	$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or unlimited	70%, 80% or 90%	$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Fetch	4 stars	$5,000, $10,000 or 15,000	70%, 80% or 90%	$300, $500 or $700	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
MetLife	4 stars	$2,000, $5,000 or $10,000	70%, 80%, 90%	$50, $100, $250 or $500	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Figo	3.5 stars	$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%, 100%	$100, $250, $500 or $750	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Lemonade	3.5 stars	$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000	70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250 or $500	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Healthy Paws	3.5 stars	Unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250 or $500	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Trupanion	3 stars	Unlimited	N/A	$50 to $100	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website

Methodology

We analyzed nine pet insurance companies operating in New York 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 New York, 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 New York pet insurance costs

How much you pay for pet insurance in New York will depend, in part, on the coverages you choose. Your premiums will be lower if you choose $5,000 in annual coverage versus unlimited annual coverage.

New York pet insurance cost with $5,000 annual maximum coverage

If you decide on an accident and illness pet insurance plan with $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement level these are the average monthly costs by company.

Company	Monthly cost	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Lemonade	$10	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Pets Best	$25	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Fetch	$29	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
MetLife	$29	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Figo	$31	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Embrace	$46	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
ManyPets	-	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Healthy Paws	-	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Trupanion	-	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website

New York pet insurance cost with unlimited annual maximum coverage

If you decide on an unlimited accident and illness plan with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement level your monthly cost will be higher.

Company	Monthly cost	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Lemonade	$20	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
ManyPets	$22	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Pets Best	$27	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Fetch	$33	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Healthy Paws	$37	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Figo	$45	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
MetLife	$58	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Embrace	$62	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Trupanion	$81	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website

Different types of pet insurance plans

When deciding which pet insurance company in New York offers the best coverage for your pet, you have a few plan types to choose from.

Accident and illness

This comprehensive pet insurance plan offers the most coverage, as it covers both accidents and illnesses. So if your dog breaks a leg playing at the dog park or your cat ingests a poisonous plant leaf, you’ll be able to get reimbursement for a portion of its vet care.

The most common pet insurance policy, accident and illness coverage pays for diagnostic testing, bloodwork, surgery, emergency care and hospitalization.

Accident only

The accident only plan is a cheaper option because it only covers your pet’s accidents. While your dog’s broken dew claw or tooth will be covered, your cat’s diabetes won’t be. It will also pay for prescriptions, surgery and other treatment measures related to your pet’s accidental injury.

Wellness

A wellness plan covers veterinary expenses for your pet’s routine health care. Standard pet insurance doesn’t cover these expenses, like vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm preventives, spay or neuter surgery — that’s where a wellness plan comes in.

This add-on coverage is optional and has an extra cost, but may be worth it if you want coverage for routine and preventative care.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for your pet’s covered medical expenses. How much you’ll be reimbursed depends on your plan choices. Keep in mind, the more the pet insurance policy covers, the higher your premium will be.

Annual coverage limit

The annual coverage limit is the most the pet insurance company will pay per year toward your pet’s claims. Most pet insurers offer a range of annual coverage caps, from $2,000 to $20,000 or more.

For instance, every pet insurance company in New York that received a 4.5 or 5 star rating from us offers unlimited annual coverage.

Deductible

Just like with human health insurance, a pet insurance deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the pet insurance company starts reimbursing you for covered expenses. Most deductible options are between $50 and $500, but Pets Best allows up to a $1,000 deductible.

Although most pet insurance companies have an annual deductible, some have a per-condition deductible, like Trupanion. This deductible option means you have to meet a deductible for each new condition your pet is seen for, rather than pay one single deductible per plan year.

Consider if a lifetime per condition deductible or annual deductible better fits your pet’s needs when choosing a pet insurance provider in New York.

Reimbursement percentage

After you meet the policy deductible, your pet insurance plan reimburses a certain percentage for covered expenses. Reimbursement percentages are usually 70%, 80% or 90%, though some pet insurance companies offer a 100% option.

For example, let’s say you have a $50 deductible with an 80% reimbursement level. After the vet sees your pet for the first time, you pay your bill of $500 and file a claim with your pet insurance company. After subtracting your deductible of $50 from the total bill, you’ll receive a reimbursement of $360, which is 80% of the remaining $450.

Finding the best pet insurance in New York

Although every pet owner has different needs, there a few things to look for to help you find the best pet insurance policy in New York:

24/7 vet lines. Having an expert veterinary professional available at all times can help you decide whether your pet needs a vet visit or if you can take care of it at home.

Vet direct pay. If you’d rather not have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement, choosing a pet insurance company that offers direct pay can help you avoid the process. However, your vet’s office has to participate and download software for this to be an option, which can limit your choice of veterinarians.

Multi-pet discount. If you own two or more pets, buying pet insurance can be expensive. Consider getting quotes from pet insurers that offer a multi-pet discount for insuring more than one pet, which may save you up to 10% on your premiums.

Routine wellness plans. Companies that offer a routine wellness plan are the best option if you want preventative expenses covered. Wellness plans provide coverage for annual exam fees, microchipping and other routine care.

Pet laws in New York

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and so is knowing the pet laws in your state. Here are some notable pet laws in place in New York:

Grooming facilities are banned from using cage and box dryers.
Dogs left outside must have appropriate shelter, which includes a waterproof roof, insulation and adequate space for them to lie down, turn around and stand up.
Companion animals must not be left confined in a vehicle in extreme temperatures.
The state prohibits piercing and tattooing a companion animal, except for tattooing after a medical procedure for identification by a licensed veterinarian or under their supervision.
Abandoning an animal under your charge or custody is a misdemeanor offense.
Animal fighting, except for rodeos, is a felony in New York.
If you have a medical condition that makes life difficult, such as PTSD, intense phobias or depression, your pet may be eligible as an emotional support animal. This designation can allow your pet to live with you in a rental, co-op or college campus, even if there are pet policies prohibiting them.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

No, pet insurance is not required in New York. If you choose to buy pet insurance, it can cover some costs of your pet’s accidents or illnesses. Without pet insurance, you’ll be responsible for all your pet’s veterinary care.

Learn more: What does pet insurance cover?

No, pet insurance does not cover incurable pre-existing conditions. Any condition your pet has, is seen, treated or diagnosed for is a pre-existing condition. Some curable conditions, like diarrhea, vomiting, ear and respiratory infections, may be eligible for coverage after a period of your pet not having any symptoms. The time period can vary from a few months up to a year, depending on the pet insurance company.

Most veterinarians in New York do not accept pet insurance because it’s a reimbursement. You’ll go to any licensed New York veterinarian, receive care for your pet and pay the bill in full. Then you can submit the bill for reimbursement and the pet insurance company will reimburse you based on your policy coverage and plan details.

Some companies, like Pets Best, offer a direct pay option. When you file your claim, you submit a signed vet direct pay release form along with it. Pets Best will process the claim and send payment for allowable expenses directly to the vet’s office. You’ll only be responsible for the remaining balance.