7 Best Rhode Island (RI) Pet Insurance Plans Compared in 2024

Updated on April 27, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent

Buying pet insurance in Rhode Island can feel daunting between deciphering confusing policy jargon and determining the best insurance company. As a Iicensed insurance agent and pet owner, I understand these complexities. That is why I have compiled all the necessary information for Rhode Island pets. This article has everything you need to know, whether you live in Providence, Green Hill, West Greenwich, Woonsocket, Tiverton, or somewhere in between. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.

Top RI Pet Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost

Use our below table to quickly compare the best pet insurance providers in Rhode Island. The average monthly Rhode Island-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 Rhode Island with a 02909 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 Rhode Island pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN RHODE ISLAND

$22.33/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$20,000

  • Lemonade has the best all around Rhode Island pet 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
embrace
4.8
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Rhode Island pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN RHODE ISLAND

$26.30/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
4.8
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Rhode Island pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN RHODE ISLAND

$26.75/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$5,000

  • Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Rhode Island 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
odie insurance
4.7
  • SwiftScore
      Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Rhode Island pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN RHODE ISLAND

$28.11/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
fetch insurance
4.5
  • 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 RHODE ISLAND

$37.40/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 Rhode Island pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN RHODE ISLAND

$46.03/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 RHODE ISLAND

$63.56/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 Rhode Island pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.

STANDARD PLAN
COST IN RHODE ISLAND

$22.33/mo

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT

90%

ANNUAL
 BENEFIT

$20,000

  • Lemonade has the best all around Rhode Island pet 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 & cat insurance cost in Rhode Island for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Rhode Island pet insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, or Cumberland, etc. However, the prices will vary based on your puppy’s age, health and breed.

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 pet insurance in Rhode Island we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices in Rhode Island:

  1. Mixed Breed – $19.64/ mo
  2. Labrador Retriever – $26.75/ mo
  3. Golden Retriever – $26.70/ mo
  4. German Shepherd – $28.86/ mo
  5. Goldendoodle – $23.22/ mo
  6. Chihuahua – $12.22/ mo
  7. Siberian Husky – $26.82/ mo
  8. Yorkshire Terrier – $16.87/ mo
  9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $29.69/ mo
  10. Australian Shepherd – $18.46/ mo
  11. Dachshund – $17.42/ mo
  12. Shih Tzu – $15.51/ mo
  13. French Bulldog – $36.72/ mo
  14. Boxer – $36.87/ mo
  15. Labradoodle – $23.22/ mo

Cat Insurance Prices in Rhode Island:

  1. Mixed Breed – $11.43/ mo
  2. American Shorthair – $13.50/ mo
  3. Bengal – $13.50/ mo
  4. Bombay – $13.50/ mo
  5. British Shorthair – $13.50/ mo
  6. Exotic – $13.50/ mo
  7. Himalayan – $13.50/ mo
  8. Maine Coon – $14.23/ mo
  9. Persian – $14.23/ mo
  10. Ragdoll – $14.23/ mo
  11. Russian Blue – $13.50/ mo
  12. Scottish Fold – $14.23/ mo
  13. Siamese – $14.23/ mo
  14. Sphynx – $13.50/ mo
  15. Abyssinian – $13.50/ mo

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

Rhode Island Pet Insurance FAQs

What is pet insurance? How is it useful in Rhode Island?

To protect your pet with insurance, apply with a company and pay the monthly premiums to keep your policy active. You must pay the vet bills in advance if your pet becomes ill or is involved in an accident. After which, you can submit a claim for reimbursement. Be aware that insurance companies tend to exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, which is why we suggest getting your pet insured while it is still young (after 8 weeks old).

In Rhode Island, pet insurance can be helpful in emergencies when vet bills tend to be the most expensive, particularly for afflictions like cancer in which treatments can exceed $7,000. Uninsured owners often have to euthanize their pets because they cannot pay for the necessary treatments. Pet insurance makes certain you don’t end up in that position.

At which age can I get my pet insured?

Pet insurance companies require your pet to be at least 8 weeks of age to get them insured. That said, they usually do not have age limits. Keep in mind: the younger the animals, the cheaper they are to insure. For this reason, we suggest getting your pet insured before its first birthday.

Is it worth getting pet insurance in RI?

As noted earlier, illnesses and accidents are an inevitable part of a pet’s life. Vet bills tend to pile up in such situations, making pet insurance very useful in Rhode Island. Pet owners often spend upwards of $3,000 for an emergency trip to the vet. This is why you need to decide if paying monthly premiums offsets any high out-of-pocket expenses in the future.

What does pet insurance include and exclude?

What your pet insurance policy covers will differ from provider to provider. A good rule of thumb is that anything deemed “sudden and catastrophic” will be included. Some examples are broken bones, allergies, urinary blockages, or eye infections. However, if your pet has (or has had) a particular ailment when you apply for pet insurance, it will be noted as a pre-existing condition. These such conditions are usually not covered by your policy. The good news is that many pet insurance companies offer “wellness” packages, which can be added to your basic policy. They cover routine care such as physical exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and more.

How does reimbursement work?

For our purposes, let say your pet needs an urgent $10,000 surgery. If your insurance policy has a $250 deductible, a 90% reimbursement amount, and a $20,000 annual maximum benefit, you can expect your insurance company to pay $8,750 ($10,000 minus $250 deductible) of the total cost. This means you pay only $1,250 instead of the full $10,000. Should you prefer to avoid the claims process altogether, you might consider getting your policy through Trupanion, which directly pays the vets in its network.

Which is better: a lower or a higher deductible?

Neither is better, nor worse than the other. Choosing a deductible is really a matter of preference. For example, a lower deductible results in higher monthly premiums but less out-of-pocket costs in the case of an emergency. The opposite is true for high deductibles: you’ll pay a lower monthly premium but will have to pay more out-of-pocket for emergency vet care.

Does Rhode Island have breed restrictions for homeowners insurance?

Rhode Island, like most states, has dog breed restrictions for homeowners insurance. While the restrictions may vary from one insurance provider to another, here are some breeds that may be restricted:

  • Akitas
  • Chow Chows
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • German Shepherds
  • Bull Mastiffs
  • Pit Bull Terriers
  • Rottweilers
  • Wolfhounds

Be sure to contact your home insurance provider to determine what your policy includes and excludes and whether you will need a specific liability rider. Should you own a different animal, it is still a good idea to reach out to your provider for clarification.

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Pet Safe & Healthy in Rhode Island

With four distinct seasons and its susceptibility to hurricanes and flooding, Rhode Island poses some challenges when it comes to keeping pets safe and healthy.

1. Treat your pet for fleas and ticks

Rhode Island has a high rate of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme. To ward off ticks you can buy either a natural or a conventional treatment for your pets. The most common forms tend to be collars and spot-ons.

2. Watch out for predators

Some animals in Rhode Island that may prey on or cause your pet problems include bobcats, coyotes, skunks, and foxes. To avoid any issues, avoid giving your pets unsupervised time outside between dusk and dawn, which is when the animals noted above tend to come out.

3. Get your pet vaccinated for rabies

Just because rabies cases are not common among people in Rhode Island, they are common in raccoons and the animal population in general. If you have a pet that loves to wander freely outdoors, it’s worth noting that the vaccine takes a month before it is fully effective.

4. Be careful of salted roads and sidewalks

Just like any place with cold winters, Rhode Island salts its streets and sidewalks. The salt irritates, and can even burn, your pet’s feet. For those of you with dogs, consider buying them a set of boots so they can remain safe and active together throughout the icy winter months.

5. Prepare an emergency bag

While Rhode Island may not be the most disaster-ridden state in the country, it still gets its fair share of hurricanes and flooding–especially during spring and summer. Your pet’s emergency bag should include food, water, bowls, and medicine. If you have a dog, it may be smart to keep an extra leash in your “go” bag, and if you have a cat, you’ll need extra litter and small litter box. You also need to keep your pet’s carrier or kennel lined with a thick cushion or blanket. You may even want to put a pee-pad on top. Keep both the carrier and your pet’s “go” bag easily accessible.

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Rhode Island

1. Animal Rescue Rhode Island in Peacedale, RI

ARRI is a safe haven for companion animals. They rescue abandoned, surrendered, and abused animals regardless of location within the state. They provide a safe, compassionate, healthy home for animals until they are adopted. ARRI never euthanizes unless an animal has a condition that is not humanely treatable.


2. Providence Animal Rescue League in Providence, RI

PARL is a no-kill shelter that supports animals through the rehabilitation and adoption process. They pride themselves in successfully matching the dispositions of the animals with those of their new human companions. Aside from basic care, all animals receive one-to-one human interaction in the form of grooming, training, and affection.


3. Westerly Animal Shelter in Westerly, RI

The Westerly Animal Shelter gives animals a safe, healthy, and loving place to live until they find their forever homes. They are particularly involved in community outreach via obedience training, rabies clinics, wellness clinics, and microchipping.


4. North Kingstown Animal Shelter in North Kingstown, RI

NKAS has a strong presence in the community, especially when it comes to reuniting lost pets with their owners. They have a number of animals available for adoption who have received plenty of one-to-one attention and care.


5. PAAWS RI in Warwick, RI

This marvelous organization has two outreach programs to support vulnerable animals throughout the state. The first is to rescue and shelter abandoned, neglected, and stray animals. All animals receive the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation. Once they have recovered and are healthy, they become available for adoption. The second program provides low-income pet owners with subsidized veterinary care to promote health and well-being amongst all animals.


Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the right pet insurance in Rhode Island is much easier than it may seem. We encourage you to get your pet insured once it is over 8-weeks-old. The earlier you get a policy in place, the better the prices and the fewer the restrictions. That said, you can get insurance for your pet at any age. Our comprehensive research shows that Lemonade consistently performs the best and offers the lowest premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Rhode Island

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island with a 02909 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