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Best Pet insurance in Columbia, SC of 2025

Lisa Scott

Pets are considered an important part of the family, and as such, it is only natural to want to ensure their well-being and protection. One way to do that is by getting pet insurance. Columbia, South Carolina is home to many pet owners, and the demand for pet insurance in the area is high. In this article, we will be discussing the best pet insurance options available in Columbia, South Carolina, and what factors to consider when choosing the right one for you and your furry companion.

Super-extensive accident & illness coverage

$20,000

Coverage Up To

90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pumpkin offers high-quality pet insurance plans for cats and dogs as well as an optional non-insurance preventive care plan for vaccinations, key tests and wellness exams, which will help to keep your pet happy and healthy through their life. You can travel with your pet in Canada or the US and can get access from any licensed vet in these countries. The platform is entirely digitized and serves as a one-stop-shop for all your pet's healthcare needs.

Pumpkin will cover up to $20,000 for dogs and $15,000 for cats annually.

What we like

  • Extensive coverage on multiple health issues
  • Optional preventive care plan that reimburses in full for annual wellness exams and vaccines
  • No exclusion on breeds or older pets
  • Offers a Fur Family Discount on multiple pets
  • Healthcare coverage in Canada and the US

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Pumpkin only covers dogs and cats

Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ) and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Paid Endorsement.

Multiple options for wellness plans

$100,000

Coverage Up To

90% - 100%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Wagmo began by providing stand-alone pet wellness coverages. Today, it has expanded its portfolio to include customizable pet insurance coverage.

What we like

  • Customizable policies
  • Variety of wellness plans
  • Fast reimbursements
  • High incident limits
  • Visit a vet of your choice

What we don't

  • 15 day waiting period on accident policy

Affordable prices with a fast reimbursement process

$100,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Lemonade has earned a stellar reputation in the pet insurance industry with its affordable monthly premiums and fast reimbursement of claims with its AI technology. This technology has attracted thousands with its customizable policies and provides comprehensive coverage on illness and accidents to dogs and cats.

What we like

  • Customizable plans so you only pay for coverage that your pet needs
  • Claims are reimbursed in minutes
  • Affordable monthly premiums starting at $10/month
  • Comprehensive wellness plans to keep your pet in good health
  • Pay deductible once per year and not per incident

What we don't

  • Lemonade is only available in 33 states
  • Certain hybrid breeds may be denied

Short waiting periods on accidental coverage

$25,000

Coverage Up To

50% - 100%

Reimbursement

Overview

MetLife Insurance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs and is known for the shortest waiting periods in the industry.

What we like

  • No restriction on breeds and pet age
  • Customizable annual benefit limits
  • Short waiting periods accidental coverage
  • Flexible deductibles from $50 to $2,000
  • No incident limits

What we don't

  • Wellness treatment not included (optional add-on)
  • Pay first out of pocket and reimbursed later

Quick claims process

$10,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Spot will insure older animals and provides a multi-pet discount when you insure two or more pets

What we like

  • Multi-pet discount
  • No upper age limit
  • Quick claims process
  • Fast and simple filing of claims
  • Optional no lifetime limits or caps on payouts

What we don't

  • Customer service limited to weekdays
  • 14 day waiting period

Pre-existing conditions and 6 pets covered for $24/m

$3,000

Coverage Up To

100%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pawp offers pet owners an emergency fund up to but not exceeding $3,000 annually. The platform is different from other traditional pet insurance agencies as it does not require you to provide a medical examination report before enrolling your pet. Whether your pet is healthy or has been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you can still enroll it and access the emergency fund when the need arises.

With no deductibles and low monthly premiums as low as $24, the digital platform will protect your furry friend during an incident and save money from large vet expenses. Although the agency does not provide any limitations on age, it is best to insure your pet while still young and be prepared in advance when an emergency occurs.

What we like

  • Monthly premiums as low as $24
  • Allows coverage on 6 pets for $24 a month
  • Allows enrollment of pets with pre-existing conditions
  • 24/7 unlimited access to Pawp’s virtual vet doctors

What we don't

  • Coverage is restricted to healthcare emergencies only
  • Does not offer wellness coverage
  • Emergency funds can be accessed only once per year

Provides holistic therapy coverage

$15,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Fetch covers various conditions and offers holistic therapy coverage.

What we like

  • Covers examination fee during vet visits
  • Holistic therapy coverage
  • Comprehensive dental coverage
  • No penalty for multiple claims
  • No upper age limit for the pets

What we don't

  • Offers a single plan
  • No preventive care plans
  • No multi-pet discount

No age limit on pets - older dogs and cats are covered

Unlimited

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Prudent pet has excellent coverage for your pet regardless of their age. The insurer can customize your plan from illnesses, medications, accidents to preventive care that will fit your pet's needs and financial situation. This plan will give you peace of mind that you won't break the bank with unlimited coverage if an emergency occurs since treatments tend to be more expensive for older pets.

What we like

  • Older cats and dogs are covered
  • Customize your plan to fit your pet's needs and financial situation
  • Customers from US can get covered in Canada as well
  • Unlimited live vet chat if an issue occurs with your pet
  • 10% multiple pets discount

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Wellness add-ons can get expensive

Why pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a contract between the pet owner and an insurance company, where the insurance company agrees to pay a certain amount of money in case the pet gets injured or falls ill. Pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular as it can help pet owners save a lot of money in case of unexpected veterinary expenses.

Unexpected veterinary expenses can be quite high, especially in the case of serious injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance can help pet owners financially when they need it the most. It can also give pet owners peace of mind, knowing that they will not have to make a difficult decision about their pet’s health due to financial constraints.

Factors that affect pet insurance costs

The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on several factors. These include:

  1. Type of coverage: Comprehensive coverage is generally more expensive than accident-only or wellness coverage.
  2. Age and breed of pet: Some breeds and older pets are considered higher risk and may have higher insurance premiums.
  3. Location: Pet insurance costs can vary by location. In Columbia, South Carolina, insurance costs may be different than in other parts of the state.
  4. Deductible: The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium.
  5. Reimbursement: The higher the reimbursement rate, the higher the monthly premium.

It is important to keep these factors in mind when comparing pet insurance costs and choosing a policy. Make sure to get quotes from different companies and compare coverage and costs before making a decision.

Types of pet insurance

When it comes to pet insurance, there are several types to choose from. The most common types are accident-only coverage, wellness coverage, and comprehensive coverage.

  • Accident-only coverage is the most basic type of pet insurance. It covers only accidents, such as broken bones or car accidents. This type of coverage is the least expensive, but it also provides the least protection.
  • Wellness coverage is a step up from accident-only coverage. It covers routine care, such as vaccinations and dental cleanings. This type of coverage is more expensive than accident-only coverage, but it also provides more protection.
  • Comprehensive coverage is the most extensive type of pet insurance. It covers accidents and illnesses, as well as routine care. This type of coverage is the most expensive, but it also provides the most protection.

Exclusions in pet insurance policies

When choosing a pet insurance policy in Columbia, South Carolina, it is important to be aware of any exclusions that may be present in the policy. These are events or conditions that the insurance company will not cover. Common exclusions include:

  1. Pre-existing conditions: Many insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that any illness or injury that your pet had before the policy went into effect will not be covered.
  2. Congenital or hereditary conditions: Some insurance companies will not cover conditions that are congenital or hereditary. This means that conditions that your pet was born with or that are inherited will not be covered.
  3. Routine care: Many insurance companies do not cover routine care, such as vaccinations or teeth cleaning.
  4. Elective procedures: Some insurance companies do not cover elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgery.
  5. Alternative therapies: Some insurance companies do not cover alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.

It is important to read the policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered before purchasing a policy. Consult with your veterinarian and ask them about any potential exclusions that may apply to your pet.

How to choose the best pet insurance in Columbia, South Carolina

When it comes to choosing the best pet insurance in Columbia, South Carolina, there are several factors to consider. The most important thing is to choose a reputable insurance company that offers the type of coverage you need at a price you can afford.

Here are some tips on how to choose the best pet insurance in Columbia, South Carolina:

  • Research different insurance companies: Compare prices and coverage from different insurance companies.
  • Check the insurance company’s reputation: Look for customer reviews and ratings. Also, make sure the insurance company is licensed and regulated by the state.
  • Consider the type of coverage: Consider what type of coverage you want and what you can afford.
  • Check for exclusions: Make sure to read the fine print and check for exclusions.
  • Talk to your veterinarian: Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on which insurance companies they have had positive experiences with. They may also have additional insight on what coverage is best for your specific pet’s needs.

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