Pet Insurance in New Jersey: Best for 2023

Pet insurance helps pet owners cover the high cost of providing their pets with the best possible veterinarian care. In New Jersey, pet owners can choose from a variety of insurance providers, each of which may have varying premiums, deductibles, and coverage options. Get quotes from these New Jersey pet insurance providers if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the variety of coverage possibilities. In this article, we will discuss the best pet insurance in New Jersey and the cost.

What is Pet Insurance in New Jersey?

Pet owners in New Jersey, like in other states, purchase pet insurance as a way to pay for the frequently high costs of veterinary care. It helps mitigate expenses related to accidents, illnesses, and routine preventive care for pets. In New Jersey, pet insurance policies typically vary in coverage and cost. Pet owners can choose plans based on their pets’ specific needs, such as coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and even preventive measures like vaccinations and dental care.

These policies often require monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, with some covering a percentage of the vet bills while others reimburse a fixed amount. Having pet insurance in New Jersey provides financial security, enabling pet owners to provide the best medical care for their furry companions without worrying about the steep costs associated with veterinary treatments. It ensures that pets receive necessary care promptly, promoting their overall well-being and health.

How Pet Insurance Works

The cost that you pay for your pet insurance in New Jersey depends on a number of factors that insurers consider when you submit your application. The age, sex, breed, and geographic location of your pet are all relevant factors.

Your policy’s terms and reimbursement amount will also play a role in establishing the final price. Fortunately, many providers of pet insurance provide you with the option of choosing the amount you’ll be reimbursed for veterinary care.

To assist you in your search for New Jersey pet insurance, we have provided the following glossary of words:

#1. Deductible

The deductible is the portion of covered expenses you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your pet insurance kicks in. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to choose a deductible anywhere from $50 to $1,000. The monthly premium can be kept low by choosing a higher deductible.

#2. Reimbursement Percentage

Pet insurance policies typically only cover a portion of vet bills, even when the deductible is met. Common reimbursement percentages offered by pet insurance policies are 70%, 80%, and 90%. There are firms that will pay for anything you need.

#3. Premium

The premium is the regular payment required to maintain your policy. Insurance premiums tend to be lower for younger pets, so it’s smart to get coverage as soon as possible. However, you should be aware that the premiums of some insurance companies increase as your pet gets older.

#4. Annual Coverage Cap

There may be an annual maximum on the amount your pet insurance company will pay out. Annual coverage maximums are normally between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the policy. In most cases, you can reduce your plan’s overall cost by selecting a lower coverage cap.

Why Should You Get Pet Insurance?

Many people who have pets would have trouble affording medical treatment if their pet were to suffer an unexpected injury or illness. According to Synchrony’s Lifetime of Care Study, one in four respondents reported that an unexpected financial burden of $100 to $250 would cause them worry. Twenty-one percent said they would have trouble paying a vet cost of up to $500.

Pet insurance is one option for spreading the cost of unexpected medical care for your pet. Similar to health insurance for humans, except no deductibles or co-payments are required.

Your pet can visit any vet in the country that accepts your insurance. Send the receipt to your pet insurance company after paying the bill so you can be compensated in accordance with the policy’s terms and conditions.

Those who don’t protect their pets with insurance may be forced to make the difficult decision of euthanasia due to financial hardship. This is when an owner decides to euthanize their pet rather than pay for pricey treatment for a treatable ailment.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover in New Jersey?

Accidental or chronic medical care for your pet is typically covered by pet insurance in New Jersey. Selecting an accident-only plan, which does not pay for medical care, will save you money. The majority of pet insurance providers also provide optional wellness coverage.

#1. Accident and Illness

Most pet owners choose this all-inclusive pet insurance policy. In the event of an accident or illness, it will pay for veterinary expenses like:

X-rays.
Ultrasounds.
Surgery.
Hospitalization.
Specialist care.
Bloodwork.
Prescription medications.
CT scans.
Emergency care.
MRIs.

Inherited, congenital, and breed-specific diseases will all be covered under this policy. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered.

#2. Accident-Only Pet Insurance

If you’re looking for pet insurance in New Jersey that covers everything but disease, look no further than the accident-only coverage. For example, if your cat gets diabetes, you won’t get reimbursed, but if he breaks his leg trying to jump off a high shelf, you will.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered under accident-only policies in the same way that they are under accident-and-illness policies.

#3. Wellness Plan

The ASPCA estimates that annual costs for basic and preventative care for cats are roughly $300 and for dogs around $410. The standard pet insurance policy does not pay for these costs, but a wellness plan supplement would.

The scope and depth of coverage can change from one provider to the next. Most policies have yearly dollar limits per covered individual. Insurance for checkups and other normal medical needs may include:

Routine care exam fees
Dental cleanings.
Spay or neuter.
Vaccines.
Flea, tick, and heartworm preventives
Blood tests.
Microchip.

What Age Is Best to Get Pet Insurance in New Jersey?

The ideal age to get pet insurance for your furry friend in New Jersey, like in many other places, is when they are young and healthy. Generally, most pet insurance companies recommend enrolling pets while they are still puppies or kittens, typically around 8 weeks of age. Getting insurance at a young age ensures that your pet is covered for any unexpected illnesses or accidents that might occur throughout their lifetime.

By enrolling your pet early, you can often avoid pre-existing condition exclusions, making the insurance coverage more comprehensive. Pets can develop health issues as they age, so having insurance in place from a young age provides financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. However, it’s essential to carefully research different insurance providers and understand their coverage options, limitations, and costs, as these factors can vary widely.

Additionally, consult with your veterinarian to assess your pet’s specific health needs and choose a policy that suits your budget while providing adequate coverage for potential future medical expenses.

Is There Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing?

Most pet insurance providers do not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any health issue that your pet has before the insurance policy is purchased or during the waiting period before the coverage begins. Since pet insurance is designed to help with unexpected future expenses, it typically does not cover conditions that your pet already has.

When you enroll your pet in insurance, the insurance company will review your pet’s medical history. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, that specific condition will not be covered. However, other illnesses or accidents that are not related to the pre-existing condition may still be covered, depending on the policy terms and conditions.

It’s essential to thoroughly read and understand the terms and limitations of any pet insurance policy you consider purchasing. If your pet has pre-existing conditions, you may still want to consider getting insurance to help with future unforeseen medical expenses, even though those specific pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

Can I Get Pet Insurance if My Dog Is Already Sick?

Most pet insurance providers do not cover pre-existing conditions, which include illnesses that your dog already has at the time of applying for the insurance. If your dog is already sick, that specific condition would be considered pre-existing, and it would not be covered under a new pet insurance policy.

However, it’s important to note that the definition of a pre-existing condition can vary between insurance providers. Some insurers might have different policies or waiting periods before covering certain conditions. It’s crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you are considering, and if you have specific questions about coverage for your dog’s existing health condition, it’s best to directly contact the insurance provider. They can provide you with accurate and detailed information based on their specific policies and guidelines.

Pet Insurance New Jersey (NJ) Cost

The cost of pet insurance in NJ will vary from person to person based on criteria such as location, pet type, breed, and age, as well as the level of coverage chosen. A $5,000 policy for a 2-year-old dog in Newark costs an average of $25.81 per month, while a $41.89 policy for a 6-year-old dog was the average cost.

Insurance for cats is generally more affordable than for canines. Insurance for a 2-year-old cat in Newark with $5,000 in coverage costs $15.28 per month, while coverage for a 6-year-old cat costs $21.42 per month.

Our sample dog insurance plan uses a young dog of an unknown breed. For the feline species, we looked for domestic shorthair cat sample rates. A 90% reimbursement rate and a $250 deductible are included in the sample policy.

Cost Comparison

In most places throughout the world, dog insurance is more expensive than cat insurance. It can cost anywhere from $14.03 per month in Jacksonville, Florida, to $37.85 per month in Seattle, Washington, to insure a tiny, mixed-breed dog that is two years old. That’s for a policy with a $5,000 limit. The average premiums for the same coverage would be significantly less for the owner of a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat. Pet insurance costs for cats range from $12.29 in Detroit to $30.52 in New York City, according to our research.

Similar coverage in Newark costs an average of $25.81 per month for dogs and $15.28 per month for cats.

Newark has much cheaper sample rates than its neighboring city of New York. The monthly cost for a dog is $34.11, and the monthly cost for a cat is $30.52. When comparing similar cat insurance policies in Newark and Philadelphia, $17.19 per month is the difference for Newark residents. However, dog rent will be discounted to $22.49 per month.

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Policy in New Jersey

When looking for the best pet insurance in New Jersey, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

#1. Cost of Treatment

Costs at the vet can differ from one location to the next, even within the same ZIP code. The ideal limitations for your insurance policy can be determined by consulting with your pet’s regular veterinarian about typical treatment costs. Chronic diseases are more costly than emergencies because you’ll have to pay vet bills for the remainder of your pet’s life.

#2. Waiting Period

The waiting period is the time between when a policy is purchased and when coverage really kicks in. In most cases, the recovery time for accidents is far faster than for illnesses. Periods of waiting might range from one day to thirty days. The recovery time for hip dysplasia and cruciate issues may be as long as six months. Waiting periods for wellness plans are short and typically only apply to the first day or two after purchasing the policy.

#3. Your Pet’s Age

The cost of pet insurance in NJ decreases in direct proportion to the age and health status of the insured animal. Insurance costs and deductibles go up for pets that are getting up their age.

#4. Coverages and Exclusions

What is and is not covered by pet insurance policies varies by provider. Some businesses, for instance, cover holistic and alternative medicine as standard, while others either don’t or provide it as an extra. Read the fine print and a sample policy, if available, while comparing pet insurance rates to locate the business that best matches your needs.

#5. Species of Your Pet

Because they are less likely to have genetic health problems, mixed-breed pets typically cost less to insure than their purebred counterparts do. Some dog breeds are more expensive to insure than others because they have a tendency to have health problems.

Best Pet Insurance New Jersey

As a pet owner, you may want to consider investing in pet insurance. Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage, but some pay for preventative treatment while others pay for emergencies. But if you’ve shopped around previously, you know that New Jersey is home to a plethora of insurance firms offering coverage for your pet.

Here are some of the top and best pest insurance in New Jersey you might want to consider:

#1. MetLife

When it comes to the health and safety of their pets, many people turn to MetLife’s pet insurance products for assistance. They provide two different sorts of plans: one that covers simply accidents, and another that covers both accidents and diseases.

Coverage for genetic and congenital disorders, prescription drugs, and complementary and alternative medicine are all part of the package with MetLife’s pet insurance policies. There is no minimum age requirement for coverage, and clients can see any certified vet they choose.

#2. Figo

Among the firms we looked into, Figo had the best pet insurance coverage in New Jersey. Medications, behavioral issues, chronic diseases, genetic disorders, rehabilitation, dental care, and bilateral conditions are all covered by Figo’s pet health plans.

Figo offers health insurance policies that cover injuries and illnesses after a one-day and 14-day waiting period, respectively. Wellness checkups and medical expense reimbursement are available as an add-on. The yearly limitations of the plans are either $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited, and the deductibles range from $100 to $1,500.

#3. Embrace

Embrace provides protection for pets as young as six weeks old, and most plans include protection against the costs associated with having a young pet, like as veterinary bills and the cost of treating behavioral issues.

There is a two-day waiting time for injuries and a 14-day waiting period for sickness with the plans that Embrace sells. However, there are circumstances where a longer waiting period is necessary. There is typically a six-month waiting period for orthopedic disorders if you have a puppy.

The annual maximums and deductibles for Embrace’s pet health policies are $5,000 and $30,000. There is an enrollment fee and a monthly service cost of $1 for all plans.

#4. ASPCA

Preventative care services are immediately covered by ASPCA policies. As soon as your coverage is in effect, you can take your pet to the vet and be compensated for services like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and some diagnostic testing.

The preventive care package, however, is extra and not necessary. The ASPCA’s accident-only and accident and sickness policies don’t pay for preventative care, and there’s a 14-day waiting period after an injury or illness occurs before benefits kick in.

The ASPCA’s policies offer a comprehensive suite of protections. Most policies include preventative care, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, therapy, and even certain dental work. However, crowns and root canals are not included.

Deductibles range from $100 to $500, and coverage amounts can be anywhere from $3,000 to infinite. There is no initial premium payment necessary for ASPCA pet insurance plans, but there is a $2 service fee every month.

#5. Nationwide

Nationwide may be an excellent option if you’re looking for a New Jersey pet insurance company that covers exotic pets and birds. It’s the only provider we looked at that offered insurance for birds and other exotic pets. Call Nationwide to check out which exotic pets are protected, though.

In general, Nationwide provides a wide range of options for health, accident, and disease coverage. The standard waiting period for injuries and illnesses is 14 days, with some situations requiring a longer wait.

Exam fees, drugs, supplements, prescription diets, alternative therapies, and rehabilitation are all covered by the plans. It also includes coverage for dental care and bilateral diseases.

The deductible on a Nationwide pet health plan can be anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the maximum annual benefit might be either $10,000 or infinite. However, the highest reimbursement for covered veterinary services is only 70%, the lowest of the 18 businesses we looked at.

What Are the Disadvantages of Pet Insurance?

There are several disadvantages associated with pet insurance that potential pet owners should consider:

Cost: Pet insurance can be expensive, and the monthly premiums can add up over time. Some policies may have high deductibles or limits on coverage, requiring you to pay out-of-pocket for certain expenses.
Pre-existing Conditions: Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, which means any health issue your pet has before the policy is enacted won’t be covered. This limitation can be a significant drawback if your pet has chronic health problems.
Exclusions and Limits: Pet insurance policies often have various exclusions and limitations. Certain procedures, treatments, or breeds might not be covered. There could also be limits on specific services or a maximum payout amount per year, leaving you responsible for costs beyond the coverage limit.
Claim Rejections: Insurance companies can deny claims for various reasons, which might lead to disputes and frustrations, especially if you expect certain expenses to be covered.
Premium Increases: Pet insurance premiums can increase over time, especially if you make multiple claims. This can make it challenging to budget for the cost of insurance in the long term.
Complexity of Policies: Understanding the terms, conditions, and coverage limits of pet insurance policies can be complex. Policies can vary widely between providers, making it challenging to compare options and choose the most suitable coverage.
Waiting Periods: Many insurance policies have waiting periods before certain coverage becomes active. During this time, specific conditions or treatments might not be covered, leaving you to bear the full cost.

It is crucial to study the policy documents, comprehend the coverage, and think about your pet’s unique healthcare requirements before getting pet insurance. Consider the pros and cons of insurance in light of your financial situation and your expectations.

Is Pet Insurance More Expensive for Certain Breeds?

Yes, pet insurance premiums can vary based on the breed of your pet. Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, which can influence the cost of insurance. Breeds with known hereditary or congenital conditions, such as certain types of cancer, hip dysplasia, or heart disease, might have higher insurance premiums.

Additionally, some breeds are more susceptible to accidents due to their size, energy levels, or physical characteristics. For example, larger dog breeds are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, while smaller breeds might have dental problems.

Insurance companies assess these risks when determining premiums. Breeds that are statistically more likely to require veterinary care tend to have higher insurance costs.

It’s important to note that coverage options, policy terms, and premiums can vary between insurance providers. When shopping for pet insurance, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple companies and carefully compare the coverage, including any breed-specific limitations or exclusions mentioned in the policy documents. This helps you make an informed decision based on your pet’s breed and your budget.

What Is the Most Expensive Pet to Insure?

Several variables affect how much you’ll pay for pet insurance, including your pet’s species, breed, age, location, and the coverage options you select. Insurance costs for birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals, like those kept as pets, are typically more than for dogs and cats.

Insurance premiums tend to be higher for exotic dogs because they need more expensive, special treatment, and there may be fewer veterinarians who can offer such care. Some exotic species are quite rare, and there aren’t many insurance companies that cover unusual pets, so that might drive up the cost of coverage.

Insurance costs tend to be higher for certain dog and cat breeds because of their predisposition to developing serious diseases. Insurance premiums for dogs of certain breeds may be more expensive because these animals are more likely to develop serious health issues and need substantial medical treatment in the future.

Is It Really Worth It to Get Pet Insurance in New Jersey?: Bottom Line

Whether pet insurance is worth it in New Jersey or anywhere else depends on your individual circumstances and your pet’s health needs. Pet insurance can provide financial assistance in covering unexpected veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind to pet owners. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the following factors before making a decision:

Pet’s Health: If your pet has pre-existing conditions, pet insurance might not cover those specific illnesses. Evaluate your pet’s current health and potential future needs.
Budget: Consider your budget and whether you can afford unexpectedly large veterinary bills. Pet insurance can help spread out the cost of medical care over time, making it more manageable.
Type of Pet: Exotic pets or breeds prone to specific health issues might benefit more from insurance due to higher potential veterinary costs.
Coverage Options: Research different insurance providers, their coverage options, deductibles, and limits. Find a policy that suits your pet’s needs and your budget.
Peace of Mind: Pet insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you can provide the best medical care for your pet without worrying too much about the financial aspect.

Ultimately, the decision to get pet insurance depends on your willingness to invest in your pet’s health and your ability to manage unexpected expenses. Evaluate your pet’s health, research insurance options thoroughly, and assess your financial situation to determine if pet insurance is worth it for you in New Jersey or any other location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an annual limit for pet insurance?

An annual limit is the maximum amount of money your pet insurance provider will pay per year once you’ve met your annual deductible.

Does pet insurance cover medication?

Fortunately, most pet insurance providers cover medication as long as a licensed veterinarian prescribes it for a covered condition. Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to prescription food and supplements.