7 Best Montana (MT) Dog Insurance Plans Compared in 2024

Updated on April 11, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent

Dog owners all over Montana know the importance of ensuring their furry friends get the best care possible. Unfortunately, urgent veterinary services can be prohibitively expensive. The good news is that having the best Montana dog insurance plan can help alleviate such financial burdens. As a nationally licensed insurance agent and devoted dog parent, I know that finding such a policy can be quite an undertaking. That is why my team and I have compiled the information you need to find the right plan for your pup. So if you live in Billings, Evergreen, Great Falls or another town in the Treasure State, this article has you covered. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.

Top MT Dog Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost

Use our below table to quickly compare the best dog insurance providers in Montana. The average monthly Montana-specific prices shown are based on a healthy 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount who is located in Montana with a 59101 zip code. Costs may vary based on age, location, coverage amount, and depending on the breed of your puppy. Prices are accurate as of January 2024 and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the provider website.

lemonade
4.9
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$22.00/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$20,000

  • Lemonade has the best all around Montana dog insurance policy at the most affordable rates
  • Their user experience is world class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
  • Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
odie insurance
4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$28.64/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$10,000

  • Odie has several options available to suit any pet parent’s budget including: complete coverage, injury & illness, and accident only plans
  • They also offer a free 24/7 video chat with vets
  • Founded in 2019 and underwritten by Trisura Insurance Company
embrace
4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$30.34/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
  • Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
  • Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance
4.6
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$31.31/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Montana vets via video chat 24/7
  • They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
  • Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
fetch insurance
4.5
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$38.86/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Fetch makes it easy to use any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
  • Once your claim is approved, you’ll be paid back up to 90% of your unexpected vet bill in as little as 2 days via direct deposit
  • Protecting 400K+ dogs and cats (and counting) & rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot
trupanion
4.4
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$48.60/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

Unlimited

  • Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
  • They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
  • Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
4.3
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$58.21/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
BENEFIT

$10,000

  • Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
  • They have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
  • Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company

lemonade
4.9
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Montana pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MONTANA

$22.00/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$20,000

  • Lemonade has the best all around Montana dog insurance policy at the most affordable rates
  • Their user experience is world class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
  • Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders

How much does dog insurance cost in Montana for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Montana dog insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena, or Kalispell, etc. However, the prices will vary based on the age, health and breed of your puppy.

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 January 2024 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of dog insurance in Montana we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

  1. Mixed Breed – $23.00/ mo
  2. Labrador Retriever – $31.31/ mo
  3. Golden Retriever – $31.25/ mo
  4. German Shepherd – $33.78/ mo
  5. Goldendoodle – $27.19/ mo
  6. Chihuahua – $14.30/ mo
  7. Siberian Husky – $31.40/ mo
  8. Yorkshire Terrier – $19.75/ mo
  9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $34.76/ mo
  10. Australian Shepherd – $21.62/ mo
  11. Dachshund – $20.39/ mo
  12. Shih Tzu – $18.17/ mo
  13. French Bulldog – $43.00/ mo
  14. Boxer – $43.18/ mo
  15. Labradoodle – $27.19/ mo

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

Montana Dog Insurance FAQs

What is dog insurance, and why is it important in Montana?

To ensure your dog has all the insurance it needs, you will want to sign up with a pet insurance company and pay a monthly premium to keep the policy active. In case of accident or illness, generally, you pay the vet bill up front and out of pocket. Afterward, you would submit a claim so you can receive reimbursement from your insurer. Keep in mind that when applying for a pet insurance policy, many providers will often exclude certain pre-existing conditions when granting coverage. We recommend getting your dog insured once they reach 8 weeks old, or are still in the puppy phase, to circumvent restrictions like these.

In Montana, having dog insurance is indispensable. Veterinary care can be extremely pricey, especially for treatment for cancer and other similar conditions that can exceed $10,000. Dog owners without insurance often face the heartbreaking decision to put their pet down merely for monetary reasons. Pet insurance can prevent instances like this.

How old does my puppy have to be to get insured?

Most dog insurance providers will require that your puppy has reached at least 8 weeks of age before you can sign them up for an insurance plan. However, many insurance companies do not set age limits for their dog insurance policies. Younger animals are generally less expensive to insure, so we recommend that you sign your dog up for an insurance plan before their first birthday.

Is dog insurance necessary in Montana?

While accidents and illnesses involving your pet are distressing, they happen often. Costs for veterinary treatment add up quickly, and many dog owners can find themselves paying $3,000 or more for an emergency vet visit at some point in their pet’s life. You will have to decide if a monthly payment towards an insurance premium is worth the mitigation of paying for an expensive vet bill entirely out of pocket.

What services are covered by dog insurance and what is excluded?

The coverage options differ between each dog insurance provider, but any accident or illness with your pet will typically be covered unless specifically excluded. Anything that would define as “sudden and catastrophic” is protected by dog insurance. Broken bones, eye infections, swallowing a tennis ball, or allergies are incidents that would be included. Cancer is classified as a pre-existing condition if it occurred prior to the purchase of insurance. Pet insurance providers recently began to offer wellness packages, a particular coverage add-on that shares the cost for routine pet visits like check-ups, heartworm prevention, and vaccinations.

How does reimbursement work?

Let’s say you’ve signed up for a dog insurance policy with a 90% reimbursement amount with a $250 deductible plus a $20,000 annual max benefit, and your dog suffers an unexpected accident or illness that needs a $10,000 emergency vet surgery. In this situation, your insurance company would reimburse you $9,000 minus your $250 deductible, so you would only need to pay $1,250 out of pocket instead of the full $10,000. Trupanion is an exception to this type of scenario. They are a pet insurance provider that will make payments directly to vets in their network, so you don’t have to pay the entire cost of a vet visit out of pocket.

Is it smarter to have a low deductible and is there a sweet spot?

Lower insurance deductibles often involve a higher monthly premium, but in making these larger monthly payments, you avoid paying more out of pocket when you visit the vet. You will have to crunch some numbers to figure out which deductible makes the most sense for you and your budget, but plenty of insurance providers offer an easy-to-use calculator when receiving a quote. We have noticed that most people choose a $250 or $500 deductible.

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Safe & Healthy in Montana

1. Spaying and neutering

Animal shelters in Montana are full of homeless pets due to overpopulation. It is crucial to neuter or spays your dog so they are unable to contribute to this problem. Spaying and neutering also protect them from developing any conditions involving their reproductive organs like uterine or prostate cancers.

2. Socialize your puppy

Allowing your pet to meet other dogs and people while they are still young can decrease the development of any fearfully aggressive or antisocial behaviors as they grow up. Their most formative periods in life range from a few weeks old to around 16-18 weeks, so this is the ideal time to begin socializing with your dog.

3. Protect them from the cold

Montana winters can be exceptionally harsh for humans and pets alike. During the colder months, you should avoid leaving your dog outdoors for longer than needed to handle their business. Getting your dog some protective boots can also be beneficial during short walks through the snow as it has the potential to become compacted between their paws and cause discomfort.

4. Weight management

Dogs can be affected by improper weight gain due to excessive food consumption and lack of exercise. An unregulated diet can result in an overweight dog, making them susceptible to obesity-related conditions. Make sure you are feeding your dog the correct amount of food combined with daily physical activity so they can maintain a healthy weight.

5. Dangerous wildlife

Montana is often referred to as a bear country. These wild animals have the potential to be dangerous not only to people but also to pets. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash when recreating in any of Montana’s outdoor spaces and never leave their food outside as this can attract bears to your home.

5 Unique Dog Rescue Shelters in Montana

Few things are as rewarding as rescuing a dog. Have a look at these five exciting and unique animal shelters in Montana and find your new companion.

1. Humane Society of Western Montana in Missoula, MT

This shelter is dedicated to improving every animal’s chance to find a lifelong home with physical and emotional support. They have had a 98% adoption rate since 2010, and their spaying and neutering practices have reduced the influx of homeless pets to their shelter from 8,000 a year to less than 2,000.


2. Rimrock Humane Society in Roundup, MT

Rimrock Humane Society is a “virtual shelter”, meaning the animals they rescue live solely in foster homes while awaiting adoption versus residing in a traditional shelter. This allows potential pet parents to visit any animals they are looking to adopt in a relaxed environment. They also offer a Pet Food Pantry for owners needing assistance feeding their pets.


3. Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings, MT

Established in 2009, this animal shelter is the largest in Montana. They are dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners, facilitating adoptions and fostering, as well as providing low-cost spaying and neutering.


4. Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter in Bozeman, MT

This non-profit shelter accepts any dog into their facility, regardless of circumstance or condition. They care for nearly 4,000 pets annually, serving as a community resource to bond people and pets. They even offer training classes and education focusing on responsibility and compassion for animals.


5. Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, MT

A no-kill, open-door shelter that welcomes dogs of any breed or condition for any length of time. They have a 97% lifesaving rate and aim to minimize overpopulation with spaying and neutering. They also prioritize microchipping animals before adoption to reduce the number of strays.


Conclusion

Purchasing an insurance plan for your dog or puppy doesn’t have to be a challenge. Signing up for pet insurance as soon as your puppy reaches 8 weeks of age locks in low prices on policies, and you can avoid certain restrictions on coverage like a pre-existing condition. Regardless of your dog’s age, insurance protects your pet and your wallet from expenses related to treatment for an illness or accident. It can even help cover the cost of routine vet visits that keep your dog healthy. Our research has found that Lemonade pet insurance has been rated best in performance and provides the lowest monthly premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Montana

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Montana 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 Montana with a 59101 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

Other state dog insurance resources

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