Do you have a pet you care so much about that you won’t want to take the risk of losing it due to some unexpected illness or accident? Pet insurance gives you that advantage because it can help cover your pet’s veterinarian bills, especially if a medical emergency were to arise. More so, there are other benefits with pet insurance such as preventative care, so you can maintain your pet’s health regularly.
Choosing the best pet insurance will require research as you compare several insurance companies to find the most suitable plan for your pet. To help make the process easier, we’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality in Virginia.
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
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.
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
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
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
Living in the state of Virginia, you may want to take your pet on strolls, walks, or visit the mountains. However, there can be a lot of unforeseen accidents during your adventures. For example, when you go out to visit the mountains with your dog, an accident can occur that could result in broken bones. This accident might require immediate medical attention or a quick surgery to save the life of your pet.
With pet insurance, you can feel reassured your pet will receive treatment for its accident or illness without the added stress of medical bills. With a high reimbursement percentage and a low deductible, you will be able to freely pay for your pet’s medical bills. With insurance coverage, you can also utilize preventative measures so you are regularly maintaining your pet’s health and minimizing the risk of illness.
What types of pet insurance plans are in Virginia?
When exploring options for pet insurance, it’s helpful to be aware of which policies are available. The following are some plans you can choose from:
Accident-only plan: This plan covers any unexpected costs associated with an accident such as hospital visits, treatment, and medication. This plan can also be handy when your pet gets hurt or sustains an injury due to an accident especially when the injury is not intentional. For example, your insurer might not cover the cost of treatment if the accident is due to an organized fight.
Accident and illness plan: Typically, this plan is set to cover a portion of your pet’s medical bills for accidents and illnesses. You have the opportunity to benefit from this plan if your pet hasn’t shown the symptoms of some illnesses like cancer, hereditary conditions, etc.
Wellness plan: this plan reimburses you for the expenses you pay for your pet’s routine checks and preventative care. You can add-on this option to any plan to provide full coverage for your pets.
Comprehensive plan: Also known as a full-coverage plan, this covers all of your pet’s health care needs, both routine and emergency. These policies typically include wellness coverage, which protects pets against common illnesses. Also under this plan, most insurance companies cover genetic predisposition and congenital conditions. As a pet owner, note if your pet starts showing symptoms of these conditions because they may not be eligible for this type of plan coverage.
What does pet insurance cover and exclude?
Pet insurance coverage majorly depends on the type of plan you apply for. For example, an accident-only plan will cover the cost of treating your pet’s injuries or any emergency accident your pet suffers from.
Generally, in the state of Virginia, pet insurance companies cover the following:
Vaccinations: Most insurers cover annual vaccines against core diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Some also cover vaccinations for other conditions such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
Treatment for illness or injury: This includes routine care and emergency medical treatment. This type of policy is also expected to cover x-rays, medications, and surgery.
Preventative care: This would include wellness exams, routine lab tests, and nutrition counseling if you are seeking regular maintenance for your pet. Heartworm testing and flea/tick preventatives are also included.
Diagnostic testing: imaging exams such as an ultrasound, CT scan, MRIs, etc.
The following is a list of exclusions you should be aware of when looking at pet insurance policies:
Treatment or diagnosis of pre-existing conditions: Pet insurance will not cover the cost for treatment or the diagnosis of pre-existing conditions.
Specific injuries and illnesses: Pet insurance will not pay for injuries or illnesses caused by abuse, neglect, self-mutilation, or any other intentional act on the pet owner’s part.
Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping: Pet insurance does not cover expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or the whelps (i.e., newborn pups) if the mother dog dies during pregnancy or the whelping process. This would include transportation costs to and from the veterinary clinic, medications, and surgeries related to whelping.
Veterinary facility fees: If your veterinarian charges more than the fee agreed upon in your policy, pet insurance will not cover the difference.
Elective veterinary procedures: Any elective veterinary procedures will not be covered by the insurer in a basic plan. Examples of these procedures include dental care, routine surgeries such as spaying (for females), neutering (for males), and declawing. However, many policies do offer an add-on option if you would like to have coverage for elective care.
How much does pet insurance cost in Virginia?
The cost of pet insurance in Virginia differs between insurance agencies but some factors that could affect the cost include:
Age and breed: Pets that are younger typically cost less to insure in comparison to elderly pets. Breeds with a higher incidence of certain health problems also cost more to insure.
Type of coverage: What type of coverage are you seeking for your pet? Do you want your pet to be covered for accidents-only or for illnesses-only? What about routine care like annual check-ups? Pet insurance policies vary widely in their scope of coverage and this will factor into the cost as well. If you are seeking maximum coverage, you’re more likely going to be paying a higher premium.
Pre-existing conditions: If your pet has pre-existing health conditions when you sign up for an insurance policy, the company may either refuse coverage or charge extra for it.
The cost of insurance also varies depending on the type of animal you have. For instance, the average pet insurance cost for a big dog in Virginia is $400 to $900 per year and $300 to $600 for a small dog. The average pet insurance cost for a cat is $200 to $400 per year.
What are the veterinary costs in Virginia?
When you get a pet, whether newborn or partly grown, you should know the average cost you’re expected to spend on vet bills. If you work with a budget, it gives you the advantage of knowing how much to set aside every month for your furry buddy.
Veterinary costs in Virginia are likely to include vaccines, routine care, and wellness visits. The following are the average costs of pet illnesses and services in Virginia:
Pet illnesses
Cost
Allergies
$3,000-$4,000
Cancer
$6,000-$15,000
Ligament injury
$6,500-$8,000
Eye treatment
$2,000-$6,000
Ear treatment
$800-$1000
Veterinarian services
Cost
Hospitalization
$600-$3,500
Fecal and physical exams
$45-$50
Spay/neuter
$160-$200
Routine check
$50-$250
Vaccines
$15-$30
Emergency surgery
$1500-$5,000
How to choose the best pet insurance in Virginia
When choosing pet insurance, keep a few of these factors in mind so you can make an informative decision for your pet:
Consider the pet’s needs: Take into consideration your pet’s breed and what illnesses it is prone to developing later in life. Also be cognizant of what medical conditions are covered and exempt under your insurance policy so you can ensure your pet will receive the care it needs.
Customer reviews: Check what other customers have to say about an insurance agency you’re considering. Read reviews about the customer’s experience, their service, and how they handle their claims process. This will make it easier for you to come to a decision.
Thoroughly review your costs: this includes the deductible cost and the monthly insurance premium you are expected to pay. Also, look out for a discount an insurance company offers that will add in making your monthly payment lower. Some agencies offer annual, employer, spay/neuter discounts, or even for registering more than one pet.
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