Pet Insurance in Florida: Best of 2023

In the event that your pet is hurt or becomes ill, a pet insurance policy can help make sure that costly veterinary care is affordable. Depending on the policy, medical care for a variety of diseases and injuries may be covered. To aid with your pet’s ongoing medical care, several insurance companies also provide wellness coverage as an add-on. Pet owners in Florida can pick from a variety of insurance options to find one that works for them financially and satisfies their pet’s needs. In this article, we will discuss the best pet insurance for cats and dogs in Florida and the cost of this insurance policy.

What is Pet Insurance in Florida?

Pet insurance in Florida, like in other parts of the United States, provides financial coverage for veterinary expenses incurred in the treatment of pets. These policies are designed to help pet owners manage the costs associated with unexpected illnesses, accidents, and injuries that their pets may experience. Pet insurance typically covers a range of services, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, medications, hospital stays, and sometimes preventive care such as vaccinations and regular check-ups.

In Florida, pet insurance operates similarly to other states, offering various plans and coverage options to suit different budgets and pet care needs. Pet owners can choose between different types of policies, including accident-only coverage, illness coverage, and comprehensive plans that include both. Some insurance providers might also offer additional benefits like coverage for alternative therapies, behavioral therapy, and dental care.

It’s essential for pet owners in Florida to carefully review the terms and conditions of pet insurance policies, considering factors such as deductibles, coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions. By having pet insurance, Florida residents can have peace of mind knowing that they can provide necessary medical care for their beloved animals without the burden of hefty veterinary bills.

Types of Pet Insurance Plans

It can be difficult to make sense of pet insurance options at first sight. Luckily, pet insurance policies can be further broken down into three distinct types: accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness and routine care.

#1. Accident and Illness Plans

Accident and illness insurance covers a wide range of medical expenses, including ones incurred when your bulldog overheats while out for a walk or when your kitten plays too rough with a Bufo toad. Injuries like broken bones, common ailments like ear infections, and even chronic conditions like diabetes are all covered by these policies. They can also extend to things like psychiatric care, hospital stays, and diagnostic procedures like X-rays and MRIs.

#2. Accident-Only Plans

This policy covers medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident. If your pet hurts its paw while running on the beach or receives a bite from a poisonous snake in the backyard, accident-only insurance can help cover the costs of treating it. However, remember that these plans do not pay for medical care.

#3. Wellness and Routine Care Add-On

To keep your pet healthy, you must also provide preventive care, such as immunizations, regular checkups, and protection from fleas and ticks. Some pet insurers provide wellness and routine care add-ons to their accident and illness plans to assist in covering these expenditures (for an extra fee).

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Reimbursement is the primary mechanism behind pet insurance. You will need to pay the veterinarian in full before submitting a claim for reimbursement of covered costs. Trupanion is one such company; they have arrangements with several vets where they pay them directly, leaving you accountable only for non-covered expenses.

Additionally, the deductible, reimbursement percentage, and yearly limit that you choose will affect the cost and the maximum sum that you can receive from pet insurance coverage. Before the insurance company will pay anything, you must meet your deductible. The policy’s annual limit also determines the maximum amount you can claim each year, with reimbursement ranging from 70% to 90% of the cost of qualified expenses. There are annual limits that go up to infinity with some insurance providers.

Although procedures for submitting claims and receiving payments can vary, they often go as follows:

Make an appointment with the vet.
Get the pet to the vet ASAP.
All veterinary costs must be paid in full.
Include a copy of the bill with your online or mobile app claim for pet insurance.
The pet insurance company will send a check or direct deposit of the allowed amount after the claim is approved.

In addition, the time it takes to review and approve a claim might vary widely depending on the company, the policy, and the severity of the accident or illness.

How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Florida

Understanding the policy’s fundamentals is only half the battle when it comes to buying pet insurance in Florida. Since each pet insurance policy has its own specifics, it’s important to prioritize the coverage that matters most to you. Here are some details to examine more closely as you weigh your alternatives.

#1. Certification Costs

When you take your pet to the vet, you’ll likely have to pay an exam fee. Unfortunately, not all pet health insurance policies cover exam costs.

#2. Periods of Waiting

There is often a waiting period of several days to a couple of weeks after purchasing pet insurance coverage in Florida before claims can be submitted for reimbursement. The policies of your insurance provider determine the waiting period. Since you can’t predict when your pet will get sick or hurt, it’s best to choose insurance with as few waiting periods as possible. The accident waiting period for Healthy Paws is 15 days, whereas for Embrace it’s only two.

In addition, certain companies, such as Pets Best, have longer waiting periods than others for ailments including cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia. Look for an insurer that doesn’t make you wait a long time before paying a claim if your pet is at risk for certain diseases.

#3. Assisting Animals Throughout the Clock

Imagine if, on a Sunday afternoon, your brand-new puppy comes into contact with a toxic plant. Your vet may be unavailable at this time to discuss the best course of treatment with you. Veterinary advice hotlines are available around the clock from a variety of pet insurance providers. If you’re looking for peace of mind, choosing a firm with this benefit could help.

#4. Direct Vet Payment Plans

Most people pay the whole cost of a vet visit at the time of service. After a claim is filed, your pet insurance provider will pay any necessary reimbursements. If the veterinarian gives their consent, however, Pets Best and other pet insurance providers will pay the vet directly.

#5. Health Insurance Plans That Provide Preventative Care

You should look for an insurer that also provides a wellness and routine care plan if you want your pet insurance to include preventive care. If you want to keep your pet healthy but can’t afford the several hundred dollars a year that routine maintenance can cost, wellness coverage may be a good addition to your insurance.

#6. Additional Perks

Some insurance providers may provide you with extra benefits. If you refer a friend to Prudent Pet and they purchase insurance, you both receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Another company that offers discounts on prescriptions at Walmart is Nationwide.

What Are the Common Risks to Pets in Florida?

There’s more to life in Florida than just the beach and long afternoons of dozing. It’s important to keep in mind that Florida has its own unique dangers for your pet’s well-being. Some typical threats include:

Heatstroke: You already know how hot and humid Florida can be in the summer. In the same way that you sweat profusely in shorts and a tee, your dog or cat sweats profusely in a fur coat that they can’t shed. There is a serious danger of heatstroke for pets in the Florida summers since they cannot sweat.
Heartworm: Heartworm disease is more common in dogs and cats in Florida due to the state’s high mosquito population. The American Heartworm Society cautions that worms up to a foot long that live in the heart and lungs can cause these potentially fatal infections. Coughing and loss of appetite are just the beginning; more serious symptoms include lung disease and heart failure.
Plants and Animals: Poisonous flora, snakes, spiders, alligators, and marine animals abound in Florida and can be fatal to dogs and cats.
Waterborne Diseases: While it may be tempting to take your dog for a swim while the weather is shining, you should be aware of the dangers they could face. Leptospirosis, pythiosis, giardiasis, and other waterborne diseases can all be found in the waterways of Florida.

Despite our best efforts, we simply cannot guarantee the safety of every pet in Florida from every potential danger. If your pet does become ill or injured in Florida, pet health insurance is another great way to make sure they get the care they need without breaking the bank.

Pet Insurance Costs in Florida

Your pet’s age, where you live, and how much coverage you buy all play a role in establishing the cost you’ll pay for pet insurance in Florida. All of the pricing examples in this article were calculated using data from a sample insurance policy.

In order to determine how much it would cost to insure a small mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair cat in Jacksonville, Florida, we used the sample insurance provided. Using the policy’s parameters (two-year-old and six-year-old pets, $250 deductible, 90% reimbursement rate), we calculated premiums. Insurance for senior pets was more expensive than our sample insurance.

The average monthly premium for insuring a 2-year-old dog is $14.03 with a $5,000 yearly maximum payout and $19.95 with no such cap in place. For a 6-year-old dog, the monthly premiums are $19.66 for $5,000 in coverage and $27.97 for unlimited coverage, respectively.

To insure a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat with a $5,000 annual maximum cost of $11.23 per month. The monthly premium for an unlimited policy would be $15.97. The monthly premiums for a 6-year-old cat under a $5,000 limit plan and a no-limit plan are $15.74 and $22.39, respectively.

Your rates will change depending on a number of variables, including those we’ve already discussed. Keep in mind that comparison shopping is essential to locating the most suitable pet insurance policy for your needs.

What are the Florida Pet Laws?

Florida’s law allowing for certain limitations on dog ownership went into effect on October 1, 2023. Specifically, it nullifies a 1989 regulation in Miami-Dade County that allowed the county to euthanize pit bulls solely on the basis of their breed. Local ordinances prohibiting certain dog breeds are legal even though state law nullifies a countywide ban.

The rules and restrictions that apply to pets vary from one municipality to the next. Local pet laws in Florida are discussed below.

#1. Miami Pet Laws

In Miami-Dade County, canine companions older than four months must be registered with the county. Pets should never be without their ID tags. Cats can also get tags from the county if they choose, but it’s not needed.

Dogs who bark excessively or birds that make a lot of noise could get you a $100 fine. Landlords may be held liable for their tenants’ nuisance animals and subject to fines if they fail to take appropriate action.

Outside, a dog shouldn’t be tethered unless they are within “visual range.” Leaving your dog outside in bad weather or if the tether could choke or entangle it is likewise a bad idea. The dog also has to be in a dry area with access to water and shelter. A pulley, running line, or trolley system used to transport your pet should be no more than 15 feet in length and no more than seven feet from the ground.

#2. Tampa Pet Laws

Dogs, cats, and ferrets aged four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies. Depending on the vaccine, pet vaccinations in homes might be done as infrequently as once every three years. Non-compliant pet owners must pay a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum of $500.

When outside of their own land, Hillsborough County residents shouldn’t let their pets run wild. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and under the owner’s control. Animals running at large can result in a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum fine of $500.

Pet owners should never leave their dogs outside on a leash unattended. Any dog that must be tethered must have a buckle-type nylon or leather collar or body harness attached to the tether, and its owner must be outside with the dog at all times to ensure the dog’s safety. Violators of this ordinance incur a minimum fine of $370 and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Also, dog owners in Hillsborough should take measures to ensure their pets never bite or attack an unprovoked victim. Owners of nasty or aggressive dogs might be fined $450 or more if they are caught.

#3. Jacksonville Pet Laws

Dogs, cats, and ferrets in Jacksonville must be vaccinated against rabies every year. All cats and dogs older than four months need to be registered annually.

There should be no more than four cats and/or dogs in a household after they reach the age of four months. When in public, dog owners must restrain their canine companions with a leash. The maximum length of the leash shouldn’t be more than eight feet.

During severe weather events, Duval County’s pet-friendly shelters only accept legally registered, up-to-date vaccinated pets.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance typically covers a range of veterinary expenses related to your pet’s health. This can include:

Illnesses: Costs associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various illnesses.
Accidents: Expenses from accidents, such as fractures, cuts, or swallowed objects.
Surgeries: Surgical procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care.
prescription drugs: Drugs that a veterinarian prescribes to treat particular conditions
Diagnostic Tests: Tests like X-rays, blood work, and ultrasound scans are necessary for diagnosing health issues.
Chronic Conditions: Ongoing treatments and management for chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Some policies cover genetic conditions that your pet might be predisposed to.

However, the coverage can vary significantly between different insurance providers and policies. It’s essential to carefully review the terms, conditions, and limitations of a policy before purchasing to ensure it meets your pet’s needs.

Overview of the Best Pet Insurance Florida

Here are the best pet insurance companies in Florida:

#1. Figo

Figo Pet Insurance is worth looking into if you want to give your pet the best possible care in Florida. The cost of the insurance plan does not cover outpatient care. In contrast, some pet insurance policies include annual maximums. The cheapest annual maximum payout from Figo Pet Insurance is $5,000. When compared to other low-cost plans, that is quite high.

However, Figo Pet Insurance does not have a bilateral clause; therefore, after a waiting period, it will cover some conditions even if they have already been covered on the opposite side. For the first six months after enrollment, Figo Pet Insurance will cover any additional medical expenses for the left hip of your dog, even if it already has difficulties with the right hip. Bilateral conditions are typically not covered by other insurance.

There are a few small issues with Figo. You may be able to get more affordable pet insurance elsewhere, but it does not cover birds or exotic animals. However, Figo is the best pet insurance in Florida since the firm provides comprehensive coverage and a positive customer experience at a reasonable price.

#2. ASPCA

There is a chance that ASPCA will cover your pet even if he or she has a preexisting disease that has been deemed curable. Coverage for preexisting diseases that have been “cured” begins after six months have passed with no symptoms under its policy. There is a yearlong lag with other insurance.

Exams, medications, behavioral issues, and rehabilitation are all standard features of ASPCA pet insurance policies; there’s no need to purchase separate policies for these services. There is just a fair 14-day waiting time before coverage kicks in for sickness. Past problems with ligaments and knees are not covered, though.

#3. Embrace

The majority of Florida pet insurance companies stipulate that dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old in order to qualify for coverage. Animals as young as six weeks old are eligible for coverage under Embrace. The rates and deductibles that come with Embrace’s pet insurance policies are fair for the level of protection they provide.

Exam, dental, and prescription coverage are all part of Embrace’s plans, and there’s a dedicated vet care line available around the clock. However, pets older than 14 years old are not eligible for disease coverage through Embrace (only accident coverage is provided). There is a six-month waiting period before the company will cover orthopedic care unless your dog has passed an orthopedic exam at the time you purchase the policy.

#4. Pets Best

Most pet insurance policies require you to pay your veterinarian out of pocket before they cover any costs. This necessitates either spending all of your cash on hand or running up a credit card bill. The Pets Best insurance policies will make direct payments to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will fill out paperwork in order to receive payment from your insurance company. The only time you’ll have to pay anything out of pocket is if your bill is more than what your insurance company covers.

The plans offered by Pets Best are rather comprehensive, and some of them even have no yearly caps. However, there are limitations to each plan. Pets Best will not pay for treatment of a preexisting problem until your pet has been symptom-free for 18 months. Similarly, bilateral disorders are not typically covered by Pets Best. Last but not least, there aren’t many special offers available. If you have numerous pets, you can only get one.

#5. Nationwide

When looking for bird pet insurance or exotic pet insurance in Florida, Nationwide may be your best bet. It’s one of the few companies in the state that offers insurance for pets other than canines and felines. Preventative services, including exams and immunizations, are part of the plans. Coverage for “cured” pre-existing conditions is another area in which Nationwide excels. Most illnesses are still covered for up to six months after an animal stops showing symptoms.

Nationwide offers a five percent discount on pet insurance premiums to customers who already have auto, house, or another type of insurance with the company. However, pets older than 10 years old are not eligible for coverage through Nationwide. When compared to other leading pet insurance providers, Nationwide’s 14-day injury waiting period is quite lengthy.

Pet Insurance Florida for Dogs

In Florida, pet owners can find various insurance options tailored to their dogs’ needs. Pet insurance policies in the state typically cover veterinary costs arising from accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and sometimes preventive care. Florida’s warm climate makes pets susceptible to certain health issues like heat-related problems and parasites, making insurance coverage particularly important.

When choosing pet insurance for dogs in Florida, it’s crucial to consider coverage for these specific concerns. Some policies may also include coverage for alternative therapies, prescription medications, and hereditary conditions, but it’s essential to carefully review policy details. Additionally, factors such as the dog’s age, breed, and overall health can influence insurance premiums. Researching different insurance providers, comparing coverage options, and reading customer reviews can help Florida pet owners make informed decisions to safeguard their canine companions’ health and well-being.

The Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs in Florida

In Jacksonville, Florida, a small, two-year-old mixed-breed dog’s insurance was found to cost a sample of $14.03 per month for $5,000 in coverage. The monthly premium of $19.95 is charged for the same pet to have limitless coverage.

Also, older canines have higher premiums because of increased risk. The monthly premium for a 6-year-old dog in Jacksonville with a $5,000 maximum benefit is $19.66. Average annual premiums for the same pet’s plan come to $27.97.

Pet Insurance Florida for Cats

In Florida, pet owners seeking insurance coverage for their cats have a range of options tailored to feline health needs. Cat insurance policies in the state often cover veterinary expenses related to accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and sometimes routine check-ups and vaccinations. Given Florida’s warm climate, cats are susceptible to various health issues such as heat-related problems, parasites, and certain tropical diseases, making insurance coverage particularly valuable.

When selecting cat insurance in Florida, it’s essential to consider coverage for these specific concerns. Some policies may also include provisions for prescription medications, dental care, and hereditary conditions. Factors like the cat’s age, breed, and overall health can impact insurance premiums. Thoroughly researching different insurance providers, comparing coverage options, and reading customer reviews can assist Florida cat owners in making well-informed decisions, ensuring their feline companions receive the best possible care while managing healthcare costs effectively.

The Cost of Pet Insurance for Cats in Florida

Our sample policy revealed a monthly premium of $11.23 for $5,000 in coverage, appropriate for insuring a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat in Jacksonville, Florida. A no-limit policy to insure the same cat would set you back about $15.97 monthly.

Insurance costs increase with age. In Jacksonville, Florida, the average monthly premium for a plan covering a 6-year-old cat with a $5,000 annual limit was $15.74, while the average monthly premium for a plan covering the same pet with no annual limit was $22.39.

Does Pet Insurance Increase With Age?

Yes, pet insurance premiums often increase with age. As pets get older, they are more likely to develop health issues and require medical care, which increases the insurance company’s risk. Due to this higher risk, insurance providers typically charge higher premiums for older pets. Additionally, older pets may also have pre-existing conditions that might not be covered under a new policy, and coverage for these conditions might come with higher costs.

It’s essential for pet owners to consider these factors and plan for potential premium increases as their pets age. Some insurance policies may offer fixed-rate plans that do not increase with age, but they might have higher initial premiums. It’s advisable to research different insurance options, considering both the current and potential future needs of your pet, to choose a policy that offers comprehensive coverage while being affordable in the long run.

What Age Is Best to Get Pet Insurance?

The best age to get pet insurance is when your pet is young and healthy, typically as a puppy or kitten. Getting insurance early ensures that your pet is covered for any unexpected accidents or illnesses that might occur throughout their life.

When you enroll your pet in insurance at a young age, you are more likely to get lower premiums, as younger animals generally have fewer pre-existing conditions. Insuring your pet before health issues occur assures comprehensive coverage for future medical requirements. Insurance providers rarely cover pre-existing diseases.

In addition, buying insurance early eliminates the need for waiting periods when your pet requires emergency care. By enrolling your pet in insurance while they are young, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are financially prepared to provide the best healthcare for your furry companion throughout their lifetime.

What Is the Disadvantage of Pet Insurance?

The expense of pet insurance is a major drawback, especially if you have numerous pets or want to cover things like routine wellness checks and emergency care. Even if your pet remains in good health, the sum of your monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays may eventually exceed the total cost of veterinarian care.

Limitations, exclusions, and waiting periods are commonplace in pet insurance coverage, which is another negative. Insurance companies may refuse to pay for surgery, a preexisting ailment, or a certain breed of dog. To understand what your insurance does and does not cover, you should carefully read your policy.

Furthermore, some pet insurance policies necessitate that owners pay for veterinary care out of pocket before filing a claim. This necessitates up-front funding, which may prove difficult for some people to get.

Finally, it is vital to plan for any future increases in the cost of coverage with pet insurance premiums, especially as your pet ages, just as you would with other types of insurance.

While pet insurance can be a financial lifesaver in the event of an emergency, it’s important to weigh the policy’s pricing, coverage limits, and your pet’s individual needs before committing to a plan.

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

In conclusion, your personal situation, financial means, and willingness to spend on your pet’s healthcare are all factors to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase pet insurance in Florida or elsewhere. In a state like Florida, where natural disasters like hurricanes and disease outbreaks are more likely to occur, pet insurance can be a wise investment. Before settling on a plan, it’s important to weigh your needs against the plan’s price and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a deductible for pet insurance?

A pet insurance deductible is the amount you must pay for veterinarian bills before your insurer pays. The deductible you select will have an effect on your monthly premium. Insurance premiums are reduced when deductibles are higher and increased when they are lower.

What is the most expensive pet to insure?

Pet insurance premiums are highest for American mastiffs, bull mastiffs, mastiffs, Neapolitan mastiffs, and Saint Bernards. Other canine breeds with a high average insurance premium include the English bulldog, French bulldog, Great Dane, and Rottweiler.