Pet insurance covers the cost of accident- and illness-related expenses for your pet when you require it most. This is why it is important to get the best pet insurance plan based on your pet’s needs and your budget.
MoneyGeek analyzed the cost of pet insurance in District of Columbia and coverage options to help you find the best pet insurance policy. We obtained quotes from insurers in Washington to assist you in your search for the most affordable pet insurance in District of Columbia. In addition to average affordability, our analysis considers coverage limits and discounts when insuring multiple pets.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in District of Columbia
MoneyGeek selected the best pet insurance companies in District of Columbia based on affordability and product offering options. We gathered thousands of quotes, documented policy and coverage options offered by companies that provide pet insurance in District of Columbia. We used this analysis to rank the best pet insurance companies in District of Columbia for the specific needs of pet owners, including unlimited coverage, affordability and more.
Best Overall Pet Insurance in District of Columbia for Your Pet
pros
Wide range of flexible coverage options
24/7 helpline and convenient digital platforms for filing claims
Direct veterinarian reimbursement so no upfront costs are incurred
cons
Annual limits are either $5,000 or unlimited
Burial and cremation expenses are not covered
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The best pet insurance company in District of Columbia is Pets Best. A policy from Pets Best costs an average of $31.92 per month and offers coverage options to suit different budgets and needs.
Pets Best pet insurance includes coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, dental, diagnostics, prosthetic devices and behavioral therapy, although pre-existing conditions are not covered. A Pets Best policy also covers prescription medications, emergency care, hospitalization and surgery. You can choose from two wellness coverage levels at Pets Best. Wellness benefits cover the cost of preventative care such as vaccinations and routine procedures including spaying or neutering, although coverage is limited.
Pets Best also offers an accident-only plan for pet owners on a budget who want a plan with low monthly premiums to cover emergency treatments. You also have the option to customize your plan in terms of the annual benefit limit, annual deductible, and reimbursement rate.
Best Pet Insurance Company in District of Columbia: Unlimited Coverage
pros
5% discount for insuring multiple pets
Flat rate for accident-only and wellness coverage regardless of the age or breed of your pet
Claims can be filed online and veterinary advice is available 24/7 via the pet hotline
cons
End-of-life expenses not covered
Bilateral conditions are not covered
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
MoneyGeek found that the best pet insurance company in District of Columbia for unlimited coverage is Pets Best. It costs an average of $40.39 monthly for an unlimited coverage policy from Pets Best which offers you maximum protection for your pet.
Pets Best unlimited coverage includes essential coverages such as dental, emergency care, surgery and hospitalizations. Your pet will also be covered for diagnostics, behavioral therapy, prosthetics and hereditary conditions. You can also opt for a plan that includes examination fees, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments as well as prescription medication coverage depending on your budget.
Like most pet insurance plans, Pets Best excludes pre-existing conditions and non veterinary expenses such as supplements. However, you can choose to include a wellness benefit in your policy which provides limited coverage for routine procedures including preventative care such as vaccines.
Best Pet Insurance in District of Columbia: Affordable Coverage
pros
Affordable rates with low $5,000 coverage
Option to set up Direct Pay to reimburse your veterinarian directly for covered services
Flat-rate accident-only and wellness plans
cons
Accident and illness policies only have two annual limit options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you are looking for affordable pet insurance in District of Columbia, Pets Best is the best option at an average monthly cost of $23.45 for low coverage. This policy offers customizable coverage options that you can use to tailor a plan that best suits your budget and pet’s needs.
You can purchase a policy with accident-only coverage, accident and illness coverage or wellness benefits from Pets Best depending on your needs. You can also include optional coverages to your basic plan such as alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic therapy.
Pets Best also allows you to select an annual benefit limit, the deductible on your policy and the reimbursement rate giving you multiple options in terms of the monthly premiums you incur.
One of the main limitations of a Pets Best plan is that accident and illness policies only have two annual limit options where you can choose between unlimited coverage and a $5,000 limit. This means that if you want annual limits that are higher than $5,000 but less than unlimited, this policy may not work for you.
Best Pet Insurance Company in District of Columbia: Multiple Pets
pros
Flat rate for accident only for and wellness coverage
5% discount for insuring more than one pet
24/7 pet helpline for consultation and advice
cons
None of Pets Best’s policies cover end-of-life expenses like cremation or burial
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Pets Best ranks first again for pet owners in District of Columbia who want to insure more than one pet with the company. It costs an average of $28.73 per month for each pet when you insure more than one with Pets Best.
Pets Best gives you 5% off when you add another pet to your policy. This makes the premiums even more affordable and your pets get access to the comprehensive coverage benefits offered. Dental care, prosthetic devices, hereditary and congenital conditions are some of the coverages you get with Pets Best pet insurance.
Pets Best also allows you to plan for your pets’ routine care with an optional wellness coverage that has no deductible to meet. You can also opt to have an accident-only policy if you feel that your pet does not need as much coverage or if you are on a tight budget.
Best Pet Insurance Company in District of Columbia: Cats
pros
Different coverage options to suit different budgets and needs
Works with all licensed veterinarians
Customizable annual benefit, deductible, and reimbursement rate
Covers hip dysplasia
cons
Dental cleaning, vaccines, behavioral issues and chronic conditions are not covered without the complete coverage plan and/or add-ons
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you are a cat owner in District of Columbia looking for the best pet insurance, ASPCA offers the best option. You can insure your cat with ASPCA for $20.57 per month and access quality comprehensive coverage for your cat.
ASPCA cat insurance covers accidents. Illnesses, dental, behavioral therapy, and hereditary conditions. This policy also allows you to customize your plan by choosing from different annual limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited coverage. You can also choose your deductible, of $100, $250 or $500, and the reimbursement rate of 70%, 80% or 90%, for your policy.
For those who want more comprehensive coverage, ASPCA has an optional add-on for preventative care that will cover the costs of annual exams and getting your cat vaccinated.
Best Pets Insurance in District of Columbia Ranking Summary
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- RankingWinnerAvg. Monthly Cost
- OverallPets Best$32
- Unlimited CoveragePets Best$40
- Affordable CoveragePets Best$23
- Multiple PetsPets Best$29
- CatsASPCA$21
What Is the Average Cost of Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs and Cats in District of Columbia?
Pet insurance in District of Columbia varies based on policy coverage details, the age and breed of your pet, where you live and the company you buy from. If you want to insure your dog, the cost of pet insurance in District of Columbia ranges from an average of $33.05 per month for a $5,000 limit to $58.25 monthly for a $10,000 limit to $61.68 per month for unlimited coverage.
If you have a cat, you’ll pay an average of $17.92 monthly for a $5,000 limit, $28.41 monthly for a $10,000 limit and $38.09 per month for unlimited coverage.
These rates can vary quite a bit depending on the insurer as well as the coverage level that you want, so it’s a good idea to compare quotes and coverage benefits to find the best policy for your needs.
Average Monthly Cost of Pet Insurance in District of Columbia
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- Pet Insurance Policy$5k Coverage$10k CoverageUnlimited
- Average Cost for a Dog$33$58$62
- Average Cost for a Cat$18$28$38
Compare the Cheapest Pet Insurance Quotes in District of Columbia
Many pet insurance companies in District of Columbia will offer the following options in their pet insurance policies.
- Annual reimbursement limits ranging from $3,000 on average to unlimited coverage
- $250 to $500 deductible but some insurers may have higher or lower options
- 70% to 90% bill reimbursement
Depending on your budget and the needs of your pet, you can choose less expensive policies with lower coverage amounts. Low coverage policies cost less than policies with high coverage limits. If you prefer comprehensive coverage for your pet, high limits offer better protection since they offer more coverage.
The average pet owner in District of Columbia may not require unlimited coverage. Generally, MoneyGeek recommends the average coverage amounts indicated below for pet owners in District of Columbia.
Cheapest Pet Insurance in District of Columbia by Coverage Level
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- Maximum Policy CoverageWinner: Cheapest PolicyAvg Cost
- $5,000Pets Best$23
- $10,000ASPCA$49
- UnlimitedPets Best$40
MoneyGeek ranked pet insurance companies in District of Columbia with the cheapest rates for policies with a $5,000 coverage limit, $500 deductible, and 80% reimbursement percentage.
Cheapest Low Coverage: $5k Annual Maximum / 80% / $500 Deductible
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- Pet Insurance CompanyLow Coverage Monthly Cost
- Pets Best$23
- Pet Plan$24
- Hartville$29
Cheapest Average Coverage: $10k Annual Maximum / 80% / $250 Deductible
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- Pet Insurance CompanyAverage Coverage Monthly Cost
- ASPCA$49
- Hartville$49
- Spot$49
Cheapest Unlimited Coverage: Unlimited Maximum / 90% / $250 Deductible
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- Pet Insurance CompanyUnlimited Coverage Monthly Cost
- Pets Best$40
- Trupanion$52
- Healthy Paws$56
The Best Cheap Pet Insurance by City in District of Columbia
Pet insurance rates can vary depending on your location since risk factors and cost of living can vary from city to city. While there is only one city in District of Columbia, the cost of living can be different between neighborhoods, which may impact both the cost of veterinary care and the cost of pet insurance in District of Columbia.
Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies by City
- CityCoverage Level and Average Monthly Rate
- Washington$5k: Pets Best, $23
Unlimited: Pets Best, $40
$10k: ASPCA, $49
$10k: Hartville, $49
$10k: Spot, $49
MoneyGeek used city-based data in District of Columbia by gathering quotes for $10k coverage, 80% reimbursement, and $250 deductible for a 1-year-old Goldendoodle.
What Factors Impact Pet Insurance Cost in District of Columbia?
Pet insurance costs in District of Columbia tend to vary based on factors such as the coverage level, age and breed of your pet among others.
Annual limits
Pet insurance policies with high or unlimited annual limits will typically cost more than those with lower coverage limits. This means that you can save on premiums by choosing a lower annual limit although you risk not being fully protected.
Pet breed
Different dog breeds will have different veterinary care needs due to genetic and hereditary conditions. This is why some breeds cost more to insure than others. On average, dogs cost more to insure compared to cats since they typically incur higher vet bills.
Age
Older pets cost more to insure because they are at a higher risk for illnesses. This means that the older your pet is, the higher your pet insurance premiums are likely to be.
Deductible
On average pet insurance policies have varying deductibles that can range from $250 to $500. A low deductible will increase your monthly premiums compared to a high deductible.
Bill reimbursement percentage
This refers to the amount the insurer reimburses you after you’ve paid the vet. A policy with a high bill reimbursement percentage of 90% will typically cost more since the insurer reimburses a higher percentage of the costs incurred.
Multi-pet discounts
If you have more than one pet you may qualify for a multiple pet discount, usually between 5% and 10%, which means you will pay less in premiums.
FAQ’s About Pet Insurance in District of Columbia
MoneyGeek's Rating Methodology for Pet Insurance
MoneyGeek firmly believes that data lets us make better financial decisions. That’s why our data team spent countless hours gathering thousands of pet insurance quotes across the 13 largest providers. That kind of data will help you find the most affordable policy to meet your pet’s needs.
To determine the best pet insurance companies in District of Columbia, MoneyGeek used a detailed rating system to analyze each company’s product offerings and costs. For the MoneyGeek rating score, we weighted affordability by coverage at 50% and weighted our 24 qualitative research policy option data points at 50%.
We determined the cheapest pet insurance companies in District of Columbia and our affordability scores for our best rankings by gathering quotes by company across zip codes in District of Columbia for four pet types with the following coverage levels:
- Low Coverage: $5,000 Coverage, $500 Deductible, 80% reimbursement
- Average Coverage: $10,000 Coverage, $250 Deductible, 80% reimbursement
- High Coverage: Unlimited Coverage, $250 Deductible, 90% reimbursement
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- Care Credit. "Average Costs: Veterinary Care." Accessed December 2, 2021.
- AVMA. "AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook." Accessed December 2, 2021.
- Pets Best. "Pet Health Insurance Coverage for Dogs and Cats." Accessed December 1, 2021.
- ASPCA. "Cat Insurance Plans." Accessed December 2, 2021.