How much does dog and cat insurance cost in Alabama for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Alabama dog and cat insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Jackson, Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham, or Brewton etc. However, the prices will vary based on the age, health and breed of your pet.

All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Figo pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of June 2022 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Alabama we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices Alabama:

1. Mixed Breed – $24.10/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever – $32.83/ mo
3. Golden Retriever – $32.77/ mo
4. German Shepherd – $35.41/ mo
5. Goldendoodle – $28.51/ mo
6. Chihuahua – $15.00/ mo
7. Siberian Husky – $32.91/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier – $20.69/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $36.44/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $22.66/ mo
11. Dachshund – $21.38 mo
12. Shih Tzu – $19.04/ mo
13. French Bulldog – $45.08/ mo
14. Boxer – $45.25/ mo
15. Labradoodle – $28.51/ mo

Cat Insurance Prices in Alabama:

1. Mixed Breed – $14.01/ mo
2. American Shorthair – $16.57/ mo
3. Bengal – $16.57/ mo
4. Bombay – $16.57/ mo
5. British Shorthair – $16.57/ mo
6. Exotic – $16.57/ mo
7. Himalayan – $16.57/ mo
8. Maine Coon – $17.48/ mo
9. Persian – $17.48/ mo
10. Ragdoll – $17.48/ mo
11. Russian Blue – $16.57/ mo
12. Scottish Fold – $17.48/ mo
13. Siamese – $17.48/ mo
14. Sphynx – $16.57/ mo
15. Abyssinian – $16.57/ mo

Not finding your specific pet breed? Lemonade pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for Alabama and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.

Alabama Pet Insurance FAQs

This is a comprehensive guide that should answer most of your pet insurance questions. If you have specific questions that are not addressed below, contact your veterinarian or your pet insurance provider for more help.

What is Pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a health care policy for your pet that reimburses you for a myriad of medical expenses. In the unfortunate event of a surprise accident or illness, having a pet insurance plan helps to protect your finances against extremely expensive but necessary vet medical care. Pet owners pay a monthly premium or fee for this service, with costs varying based on age and breed, what medical costs are covered under the policy, what annual or per-procedure deductible the policy includes, and what percentage of treatment the company will reimburse for the customer. There are generally 3 styles of plans—good, better, best. Typically, the more you spend, the more comprehensive the plan.

How much does pet insurance cost?

It depends. Pet insurance costs vary widely and depend on many factors, including:

• Breed
• Age
• Health
• Deductible
• Annual limit
• Reimbursement level
• Coverage level
• Where you live

Can I choose any vet?

Yes. All Alabama veterinary clinics & animal hospitals accept pet insurance. You can keep your vet or, for many policies, visit any licensed vet in the world. But don’t say we and the Alabama Department of Commerce didn’t warn you (see question below about insurance fraud). If you choose to purchase pet health insurance, read your policy’s terms and conditions. No two pet insurance policies are the same. The coverage can vary greatly from one policy to the next. Take the time to examine the co-pays, deductibles, limits, and exclusions, and double-check the amount of coverage shown in your insurance policy.

Is there a waiting period for Pet insurance?

Yes. All Pet insurance companies have waiting periods. Just like with any insurance plan, waiting periods vary by state and insurer.

What can you tell me about pet insurance and its usefulness?

1 in 3 pets will experience an unexpected illness or injury. Every six seconds a pet owner is faced with a veterinary bill over $1,000. And every year 1 in 3 pets will suffer from an unexpected accident or illnesses that will require veterinary care. An unexpected illness or injury that requires diagnostic tests, surgeries, overnight hospitalization, and mediPetion can cost more than many pet owners can afford. If your pet is healthy all its life and has no accidents, then it doesn’t pay to buy it. But are you willing to risk the life and health of your pet on a wager like that? It’s smart to invest in a plan that covers these unintended consequences and costs and prevents a situation in which you are forced to euthanize your pet because you can’t afford treatment. This is the number one reason why pet owners invest in pet insurance.

Because pet owners are paying less out of pocket for their pet’s health care, they’re also more likely to bring their pet to the vet instead of hesitating or attempting to provide homemade pet care. Pets whose care isn’t delayed usually recover more quickly and don’t get as sick as pets who are forced to wait for proper care.

So how does it work when I need to use my pet insurance?

First is the sign-up process where you provide information on the provider’s website about your pet’s breed, age, and basic medical history. You will then get a quote. This quote can change as you readjust your deductible, reimbursement percentage, annual limit, and coverage plan.

Second, call your pet insurance provider and get pre-approval for any medical procedure your Pet is undergoing to make sure the provider covers it under the policy. Some providers will pay the vet directly, while others will reimburse you after paying the vet. The amount of time it will take to get reimbursed varies, however some providers.

Third, in the unfortunate event that your pet has an accident or gets sick, you may pay out-of-pocket at the veterinarian’s office for treatment.

Fourth, you will then claim reimbursement with your pet insurance provider. The amount you are reimbursed depends on your policy; it ranges between 70% and 90% of the costs after you pay your deductible. Most policies have annual payout limits and a waiting period of 14 days.

How much do veterinarians charge?

Veterinary treatment in Alabama can be very expensive. Here is a sampling of common health conditions and the average costs associated with treatment.

According to the 2018 AVMA Report on The Market For Veterinary Services,

Tests, Examinations, and Initial Vet Costs:

• Routine checkups: $50 to $250
• Spay/neuter: $160 to $220
• Vaccines per shot: $15 to $28
• Physical exams: $45 to $55
• Fecal exam: $25 to $45
• Heartworm test: $45 to $50
• Dental cleaning: $70 to $400
• Allergy testing: $195 to $300
• Geriatric screening: $85 to $110

Surgeries and Unexpected Vet Costs*:

• Bloodwork: $80 to $200
• X-rays: $150 to $250
• Ultrasounds: $300 to $600
• Short hospitalizations: $600 to $1,700
• Long hospitalizations: $1,500 to $3,500
• Wound treatment: $800 to $2,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5000
• Oxygen therapy: $500 to $3000

Long term illnesses will really take a toll on your expenses:

• Addison’s Disease – $2,400 per year
• Cancer – $5,000 to $20,000
• Cataracts – $2,000 to $3,000 per eye
• Disc Disease – $3,000 to $9,000
• Heart Disease – $5,000 to $20,000
• Patellar Luxation – $1,500 to $3,000

Investing in pet insurance is more important now than ever. Veterinary fees increased 85% between January 2000 and December 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics. Over the same time, the overall consumer price index (CPI) rose just 31%. At this rate, veterinary fees will double every 13 years. Pet insurance is your backstop against potential financial catastrophe.

How does reimbursement work?

Say your insurance has a 90% reimbursement amount, a $250 deductible, and $20,000 annual max benefit. Then imagine something happens that requires a $10,000 emergency vet surgery. In this scenario, your insurance company would reimburse you $9,000 minus your $250 deductible meaning that you would be out of pocket $1,250 instead of $10,000.

Deductibles: Higher or lower, which is better?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. You can pay lower premiums (monthly bills) upfront, but a higher deductible (the amount you have to pay before the insurance company takes over and pays the rest) in the end, or you can pay a higher premium upfront, but a lower deductible at the end (claim). It’s up to you to just stop to consider your budget and the prices of the premiums and deductibles involved.

What is a Deductible?

A Deductible is an up-front payment that you are required to pay before your insurance provider is obligated to honor a claim or pay their share.

Reimbursement Level

The deductible isn’t the only cost that you will pay out-of-pocket. The insurer does not pay you back 100% of the cost of a covered procedure. It will generally pay you back somewhere between 70%-90% of the cost. If you choose 70%, your monthly premium will be lower, whereas it will be higher if you choose 90%.

Annual Limit

This is the maximum amount that the insurer will pay for treatment in a given year.

How old does my pet need to be to get insured?

For most pet policies, your pet has to be a minimum of 8 weeks old before you can apply for pet insurance. Don’t forget there is a small waiting period before the policy kicks in gear. Also, most providers do not have an age limit for when you can get pet insurance.

Is it better to get a pet insurance policy while my pet is young, or should I wait?

Get it after the 8-week minimum while she’s a young healthy pet. Enough said.

What about pre-existing conditions?

If your Pet is already injured or ill when you apply for insurance, then it is a preexisting condition, and you are out of luck. To be clear, the condition first occurred or showed clinical signs or symptoms (there doesn’t need to be a diagnosis) before your pet’s coverage started, including waiting periods. The bottom line, you have to buy your policy while your pet is healthy. Insuring your pet early on means they’re less likely to have pre-existing conditions that are excluded from coverage.

NOTE: If your pet is part of a breed that is at greater risk for a particular medical issue, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a provider, that covers breed-specific and genetic conditions. If you have a purebred pet, research the breed to see if there are any conditions you should know about.

What is covered and what’s excluded with pet insurance?

Coverage varies with each Pet insurance provider but generally, the items below are covered:

• Emergency & Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• Veterinary Specialists
• Hereditary & Congenital Conditions
• Chronic Conditions (allergies, arthritis) and their mediPetions
• Cancer Treatments
• FDA-Approved Prescriptions
• Imaging
• Knee Conditions
• Ear infections
• Diabetes
• Prosthetics & Orthopedics
• Hernias
• Eye disorders
• Dental work needed resulting from an accident
• Any accident or illness (unless specifically excluded)
• Sudden Petastrophic Events (broken bones, eye infection, swallow objects)

What is not covered?

• Pre-existing conditions
• Routine, wellness, or preventative care
• Spaying or neutering
• Experimental procedures
• Breeding, pregnancy or giving birth
• Cloned pets or cloning procedures
• Cosmetic surgery or elective procedures
• Grooming
• Supplements
• Diet food
• Most parasites
• Routine dental care (cleanings, tooth removals)

Does pet health insurance cover lab fees and diagnostics?

Indeed. Tests and procedures like x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, blood tests, urinalysis are covered.

What about Emergency Care & Hospitalization, is that covered?

Yes.

What about chronic reoccurring conditions?

Yes.

What about Nationwide coverage?

No. Some do and most don’t.

Will pet health insurance cover vet bills after an accident?

Yes. There are exceptions for self-inflicted injury, however, in most cases your pet is covered.

Does pet health insurance cover cancer treatments?

Yes. Standard treatments are covered while experimental treatments are not covered.

Am I covered for my pet’s physical therapy?

Uncertain. Check with your policy.

OUR BEST ADVICE

Before you get your pet, check into several pet insurance policies to see if your pet can be covered. More importantly, check with your local town/city/county government to make sure your pet’s breed is not banned. You do not want to go through the heartache of surrendering your pet if you didn’t check in advance.

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe in Alabama

1. Heat and Hydration

Heat is the big enemy of dogs in Alabama. Pet owners need to know the symptoms of overheating. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, apparent weakness, confusion, seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Never leave your dog in a hot car. Limit outdoor activity on hot days. Keep your dog in a cool location.

Pets get dehydrated quickly, giving them plenty of fresh, clean water, especially in the summer. Ensure your dog has a shady place to get out of the sun, don’t over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s scorching. Pro tip: Keep plenty of water and a collapsible water bowl for your dog with you when you go on trips, hiking, or on walks. Then, your pup can have a drink of water no matter where you are.

2. Sever Cold Weather

Just as hot weather is bad for your dog, freezing weather should be addressed with caution as well. Veterinary experts agree that you should bring outdoor pets indoors if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Puppies, kittens, and short-haired pets should come inside anytime the temperature goes below 40 degrees. They should also be protected when they go outdoors. Consider getting your pet a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck. They should be covered from the base of the tail to the belly. If your dog is sensitive due to age, illness, or breed type, take your pet outdoors only to relieve himself.

For pets with long hair, proper grooming is essential to help them maintain a layer of warming air within their coat. Pets who are heavily matted cannot keep themselves as warm.

If your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide adequate shelter for your pet. A good “house” will have three enclosed sides, be elevated off the ground, and contain generous amounts of bedding such as straw or hay.

our pet will need access to fresh water. Use heated water bowls so that their water does not freeze and replenish them frequently. Lack of enough water can cause dehydration which can lead to kidney failure.

3. Hurricanes

It is important to take added precautions to keep pets safe in a hurricane. Put together a pet emergency kit along with your family’s other hurricane supplies, including identification paperwork, essential medication, and extra pet food and treats. The more preparation you do for your pet’s well-being before hurricane season, the better equipped you will be to keep the animal safe during any emergency, including a severe storm.

4. Stay Current on Medical Care, Vaccinations and Pet ID

Keeping a pet’s vaccinations and medical care updated. Keeping your pet’s identification tags, microchip, or registration paperwork updated at all times, so you can be easily reunited if separated during a hurricane or other emergency.

5. Spay or Neuter

Pets who aren’t fixed are more likely to roam away from home. That raises the chances they’ll get hit by a car or get into a pet fight. So early on, make sure your kitty is spayed or neutered.

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Alabama

An animal shelter is a place where stray, lost, abandoned, or surrendered animals are kept. They are an important facet of our society and provide compassionate services for Pet owners in helping to keep Pets healthy, happy, and in safe homes. Here are 5 Alabama shelters you can count on.

1. The Ark (Huntsville)

The Ark was incorporated as a non-profit, no kill animal shelter on March 6, 1990 in Huntsville Alabama by Nina Beal as a way to respond to animals with need of assistance in our community. The Ark Memorial-Honorarium wall is in loving memory of, and to honor those that will be remembered for their kindness and generous contributions to the Ark. Check out our upcoming events and swing by to learn more.

2. Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center (Gadsden)

The Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center was formed, to relieve suffering and to enhance the lives of animals through humane and educational services to the residents of our community. The HSPRAC serves as a center for animal adoptions and provides animal control sheltering services for Gadsden and Attalla. The shelter houses animals brought in by the public, strays, and all animals brought in by animal control officers in the contracted municipalities, including animals involved in cruelty cases.

3. Greater Birmingham Humane Society (Birmingham)

The GBHS mission is, always has been, and will be to “promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services”

4. Shelby Humane (Columbiana)

The mission of Shelby Humane is to care for homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals and educate the community to instill an increased awareness and commitment to the responsibility of animal ownership and protection. Their vision is to establish a strong collaboration with the community. It fosters the successful adoption for all shelter animals, reduces the number of unwanted animals in our community, and promoting proper pet identification.

5. Montgomery Humane Society (Montgomery)

The Montgomery Humane Society prevents cruelty to animals by operating an animal shelter for homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals; by operating an adoption center for healthy animals; by investigating cruelty and abuse cases; and by educating the public in animal owner responsibility.

Conclusion

Providing pet insurance for your pet is a smart move that can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars and save your pet’s life! While we urge you to insure your pet when they are young, it’s still prudent to sign them up even as an adult pet. Your pet deserves pet insurance that will cover all their medical needs as they age, and you deserve the peace of mind of knowing you can afford any procedure they may require. And now, drum roll, please….

I’ve spent a lot of time and effort evaluating Pet insurance policies and have concluded that the best Pet policy for Alabama is Lemonade. Lemonade consistently outperformed the others thanks to its extensive coverage and low monthly premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Alabama

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Alabama based on a variety of important factors including the following:

• Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in Alabama with a 35206 zip code
• Coverage and benefits
• Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual benefit amount
• Technology and user experience
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews