5 Best New York (NY) Pet Insurance Plans Compared in 2024
Updated on , by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent
Pets are more than just animals, they’re members of the family. As a fellow pet parent and licensed New York insurance agent, I understand the desire to keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy. One excellent way to help protect your pet’s well-being is through pet insurance, which is why I have explored the ins and outs of all the best pet insurance plans available in New York. No matter if you’re in Long Island, NYC, Astoria, Brooklyn, Albany, Syracuse, or Buffalo, or anywhere in between this article has you covered. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to New York pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN NEW YORK
$44.75/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best all-around New York 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
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to New York pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN NEW YORK
$69.69/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with New York 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
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to New York pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN NEW YORK
$78.45/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
- 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
$81.29
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans 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
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to
New York pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN NEW YORK
$168.59/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
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to New York pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN NEW YORK
$44.75/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best all-around New York 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 New York for the 15 most popular breeds?
The price for New York pet insurance varies depending on where you live. To give you an idea we’ve collected costs for three cities shown below. The prices will also 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 September 2021 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in New York we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.
Dog Insurance Prices in New York:
- Mixed Breed
- New York City – $51.18/ mo
- Albany – $37.20/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $37.20/ mo
- Labrador Retriever
- New York City – $69.69/ mo
- Albany – $50.67/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $50.67/ mo
- Golden Retriever
- New York City – $69.54/ mo
- Albany – $50.56/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $50.56/ mo
- German Shepherd
- New York City – $75.17/ mo
- Albany – $54.66/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $54.66/ mo
- Goldendoodle
- New York City – $60.50/ mo
- Albany – $43.99/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $43.99/ mo
- Chihuahua
- New York City – $31.83/ mo
- Albany – $23.15/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $23.15/ mo
- Siberian Husky
- New York City – $69.88/ mo
- Albany – $50.81/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $50.81/ mo
- Yorkshire Terrier
- New York City – $43.93/ mo
- Albany – $31.94/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $31.94/ mo
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- New York City – $77.37/ mo
- Albany – $56.26/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $56.26/ mo
- Australian Shepherd
- New York City – $48.12/ mo
- Albany – $34.98/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $34.98/ mo
- Dachshund
- New York City – $45.39/ mo
- Albany – $33.00/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $33.00/ mo
- Shih Tzu
- New York City – $40.43/ mo
- Albany – $29.40/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $29.40/ mo
- French Bulldog
- New York City – $95.67/ mo
- Albany – $69.57/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $69.57/ mo
- Boxer
- New York City – $96.08/ mo
- Albany – $69.85/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $69.85/ mo
- Labradoodle
- New York City – $60.50/ mo
- Albany – $43.99/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $43.99/ mo
Cat Insurance Prices in New York:
- Mixed Breed
- Albany – $21.63/ mo
- New York City – $29.76/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $21.63/ mo
- American Shorthair
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Bengal
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Bombay
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- British Shorthair
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Exotic
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Himalayan
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Maine Coon
- Albany – $26.97/ mo
- New York City – $37.11/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $26.97/ mo
- Persian
- Albany – $26.97/ mo
- New York City – $37.11/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $26.97/ mo
- Ragdoll
- Albany – $26.97/ mo
- New York City – $37.11/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $26.97/ mo
- Russian Blue
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Scottish Fold
- Albany – $26.97/ mo
- New York City – $37.11/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $26.97/ mo
- Siamese
- Albany – $26.97/ mo
- New York City – $37.11/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $26.97/ mo
- Sphynx
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
- Abyssinian
- Albany – $25.57/ mo
- New York City – $35.17/ mo
- Niagra Falls – $25.57/ mo
Not finding your specific pet breed? Lemonade pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for New York and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.
New York Pet Insurance FAQs
1. What is pet insurance? Why is it useful in New York?
Pet insurance is medical coverage for your animal. All you need to do to keep a pet insurance policy active is to make a payment each month. Then, when and if your pet needs medical care, you can be reimbursed for a percentage of the bill by your insurance provider.
As mentioned previously, pet insurance is beneficial to have wherever you live due to the high costs of veterinary care. In New York City, veterinary treatment can cost over 12,000 dollars, depending on the required type of care. Pet insurance decreases stress among pet owners because it is designed to assist with the cost of medical care.
2. Are there any age requirements for pet insurance?
Age requirements for pet insurance vary by insurance provider and by animal. For example, most pet insurance providers require that puppies and kittens be at least 8 weeks old to enroll in pet insurance. We recommend getting a quote directly with the pet insurance carriers to see if your pet is eligible.
One exception to the rule is Pawp who protects up to 6 pets on one “Emergency Fund” regardless of their age for a flat fee of $19/ month. However, keep in mind, Pawp only covers true vet emergencies which have to be qualified first by their virtual vet team. Also note, their plan only covers one of your pets for one vet bill up to $3,000 once per year.
3. What services are covered by pet insurance?
Coverage varies by provider, animal, and your pet’s age. However, most pet insurance companies offer a basic plan, including coverage for sudden illness (including cancer) and accidents. Other providers offer more comprehensive plans that cover additional care costs, such as medical imaging, blood draws, and prescriptions. Finally, some insurance companies also offer preventative care, which would include coverage for routine medical exams. Therefore, the services covered by your insurance would depend on which type of plan you choose.
It is important to note that it is uncommon for pet insurance companies to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions (diagnoses that existed prior to the beginning of coverage.) While it may not be feasible to ensure that your pet is enrolled in a plan prior to receiving diagnoses (such as for animals adopted from a shelter), we advise that you consider enrolling in a plan as soon as you can.
4. How will I be reimbursed?
Pet insurance uses a reimbursement model, which means that you would be responsible for paying any vet bills up front, and then you can submit a reimbursement request to your insurance provider. Next, your insurance will reimburse you for a certain percentage of the bill, which is referred to as the reimbursement rate. The insurance company then subtracts your deductible from the percentage, which determines how much you are reimbursed.
One company that is an outlier is Trupanion who offers payment directly to vets who are in their network. This way, you won’t have to rely on reimbursements, but will instead receive a bill for the remaining balance owed.
5. How do deductibles work?
Similar to human health insurance plans, those with pet insurance also have a deductible. For some pet insurance plans, your deductible is determined by which type of coverage plan you choose.
In general, deductibles range from $250 to $500. If you have a lower deductible, you will usually have a lower monthly payment.
5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Pet Safe & Healthy in New York
In addition to enrolling your pet in an insurance plan, other daily practices can help keep your pet healthy. While many strategies apply to all animals, such as maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough exercise, below are some animal-specific tricks to keep your pet healthy, safe, and happy.
1. For Dogs: keep your dog on a leash, especially in New York City.
While some dogs are able to walk without a leash, it’s a good idea always to keep your pup on a leash in busy areas, especially if you live in New York City.
2. For Cats: ensure that your kitty is properly hydrated
Proper hydration is important for all animals, but cats are prone to getting urinary tract infections when dehydrated, which is why it is a good idea to ensure that your kitty is consistently drinking enough water.
3. For Birds: give your bird an enriching cage
Even birds need to be entertained! In addition to giving your bird some love and attention, it is also a good idea to fill the cage with toys and perches to enhance stimulation and prevent boredom, which could lead to undesired behaviors.
4. For Hamsters: clean the cage regularly
Cleaning a hamster’s cage on a regular basis is important for their health. This includes providing a fresh bed, picking up droppings, and providing fresh water.
5. For Rabbits: make sure they avoid eating grass cuttings
Rabbits can (and should!) eat lots of veggies to stay healthy. However, if the rabbit hutch is outside, make sure that your rabbit does not consume grass cuttings. Eating grass can upset the digestive system.
Conclusion
Pet insurance is a simple way to ensure that your pet always has access to the best veterinary care. Whether you have a dog, cat, snake, bird, or hamster, pet insurance helps to ease the stress associated with the cost of veterinary services. The best part is that pets across the state of New York are eligible to receive coverage, whether you live in Upstate New York, in New York City, or on Long Island. Through our extensive research, we have found Lemonade pet insurance to have the best combination of price and coverage for pets in The Empire State.
SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for New York
We ranked the best pet insurance policies in New York 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 New York with a 10022 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