Get the Best Pet Insurance in Florida in 2024

Sponsored by Figo Pet Insurance

For pet parents in Florida, choosing the right pet insurance can be tough. With various options, coverage levels, premiums, and deductibles, it's important to know what to look for in a policy.

This guide will help you understand pet insurance and find the best coverage for your pet in Florida. We'll outline the costs, compare plans from top insurers, and highlight key protections and laws specific to The Sunshine State. By the end, you'll be equipped to make an informed decision on the best pet insurance plan for your dog or cat.

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Summary: Best Florida Pet Insurance Ratings

AKC Pet Insurance

Best for pets with pre-existing conditions

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$100-$1,000

ASPCA Pet Insurance

Best for wide-ranging coverage

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$100-$500

Embrace

Best for flexible policy options

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$100-$1,000

Felix

Best for cats

Max Annual Coverage

$15,000

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$100-$500

Figo

Best for reimbursement options

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$100-$750

Pets Best

Best for senior pets

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$50-$1,000

Pumpkin

Best for puppies and kittens

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

90%

Deductible

$100-$1,000

Spot

Best for straightforward waiting periods

Max Annual Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible

$100-$1,000

Comparison information is provided using publicly available information as of 07/22/2024 and is only meant to summarize program features, not a specific plan. Review the provider’s plan terms for more details. The description of the providers’ plans are not provided by that company. If you have questions about other plans, please contact an agent of that company. It is our intention to provide fair and accurate comparison information. We attempt to keep information up to date but it may change from time to time. If you are aware of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided, let us know by emailing info@petplace.com.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Florida?

According to our research, Florida pet insurance costs an average of $39 per month. This gets you a plan with $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement level. For unlimited annual coverage with the same deductible and reimbursement rate, it's $75 a month.

We calculated these figures by averaging the monthly costs from eight major pet insurance providers. To estimate typical expenses, we gathered quotes for a three-year-old, medium-sized, mixed-breed dog in two Florida cities: Jacksonville, a major urban center, and Plantation, an average-sized city for the state.

It's important to note that your own Florida pet insurance cost will depend on factors such as:

In addition, various other factors can affect the cost of pet insurance, such as pre-existing conditions, your pet’s lifestyle, and whether or not you choose to add on any optional coverage. That's why it's vital to compare Florida pet insurance plans carefully and choose a policy that suits your budget and your pet's specific needs.

Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs in Florida

According to our research, the average cost of pet insurance for a three-year-old, medium-sized, mixed-breed dog in Florida is $39 per month*. This is based on a policy with $5,000 of annual pet insurance coverage, a $250 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement level. A policy offering unlimited annual coverage, with an annual deductible of $250 and an 80% reimbursement rate, costs $75 monthly.

Cost of Pet Insurance in Florida by Dog Breed

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the three most popular dog breeds of 2023 in the U.S. were the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Here are the monthly pet insurance rates you can expect to pay for these breeds in Florida:

Breed
Average Monthly Cost With $5,000 Annual Coverage
Average Monthly Cost With Unlimited Annual Coverage
French Bulldog
$85
$153
Labrador Retriever
$54
$100
Golden Retriever
$53
$99

Cost of Pet Insurance for Cats in Florida

Pet insurance for cats is significantly cheaper than it is for dogs in Florida. The average monthly cost for cat insurance in Florida ranges from $20 to $34, depending on factors such as age, annual coverage, breed, deductible, plan type, and reimbursement amount**.

Cost of Pet Insurance in Florida by Cat Breed

In 2023, the three most popular cat breeds in the U.S. were the Ragdoll, Maine Coon Cat, and Persian, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Based on our analysis of Florida pet insurance, here are the average monthly rates for these breeds:

Breed
Average Monthly Cost With $5,000 Annual Coverage
Average Monthly Cost With Unlimited Annual Coverage
Ragdoll
$24
$44
Maine Coon Cat
$31
$59
Persian
$31
$59

Cost Comparison for Pet Insurance Companies in Florida

Company
Average Monthly Cost With $5,000 Annual Coverage
Average Monthly Cost With Unlimited Annual Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance
$39
$56
ASPCA Pet Insurance
$37
$78
Embrace
$36
$52
Felix
$29
$39
Figo
$36
$56
Pets Best
$21
$29
Pumpkin
$61
$99
Spot
$37
$77

Types of Pet Insurance Plans

Pet insurance companies offer policies that cover a wide range of issues, from accidents and illnesses to routine care. Here's an overview of the most common types of pet insurance plans:

Accident and Illness

Typically, this type of policy covers unexpected accidents and illnesses, such as broken bones, cancer, and infections. It generally includes diagnostic tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, exam fees, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications.

Coverage may also extend to treatments like prosthetic devices, mobility aids, and, in some cases, alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. Coverage for behavioral issues and insurance for senior dogs and senior cats can vary between providers and might not always be included in the base plan, requiring add-ons or separate policies.

Accident Only

Accident-only pet insurance policies are typically the most affordable plans available, often covering injuries from accidents like cuts, broken bones, and sprains. This can include vet exams, diagnostic testing (x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds), hospitalization (surgery and treatment), medications, and rehabilitation.

Wellness and Routine Care

Wellness and routine care plans help manage and offset the cost of preventive care to keep your pet healthy. These policies generally cover routine check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, microchipping, deworming, spay/neuter surgeries, and flea and tick prevention. This type of coverage is often available as an optional add-on to an accident and illness policy.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Pet insurance providers traditionally do not cover pre-existing conditions, making this an essential factor for pet owners to consider when choosing a policy. A pre-existing condition is any health issue that your pet was diagnosed with or showed symptoms of before the start date of the insurance policy or during the waiting period.

However, some insurance companies distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. For curable conditions, if your pet has been symptom-free and has not required treatment for a specific period – typically for 6 to 12 months before the policy start date – these conditions might then be eligible for coverage. In contrast, incurable conditions, such as chronic diseases or ongoing illnesses, are generally not covered at any point.

Review your sample policy from your provider for a full list of condition coverage and exclusions.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement rates determine the percentage of a vet bill that will be paid back to you after you've met your deductible. Reimbursement levels offered by pet insurance companies usually range from 70% to 90%. Keep in mind that higher reimbursement rates typically result in higher premiums, so you'll need to find the right balance that works for your budget and pet’s needs.

Waiting periods are another vital component of pet insurance policies. They refer to the time between the start date of your policy and when coverage begins. Most pet insurance plans have a waiting period for both accidents and illnesses, which can range from days to months.

Accidents usually have a shorter waiting period, often starting within 48 to 72 hours after the policy begins, while waiting periods for illnesses might last anywhere from 14 to 30 days or more. It's vital to note these periods, because no claims can be made for an accident or illness that occurs during a waiting period.

How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Florida

When exploring pet insurance options in Florida, it's important to think about how living in The Sunshine State could affect what you need from your pet insurance policy.

Natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and severe storms, can occur in Florida and may lead to unexpected accidents or injuries for your pet. Additionally, the state's diverse wildlife, including raccoons, rats, snakes, and alligators, can pose various threats to your furry friend.

Given these factors, pet parents should look for insurance policies that provide a broad range of coverage and support. Here are some critical features to consider when choosing the best pet insurance plan in Florida:

Florida Pet Laws

Florida has specific laws in place to protect pets and their owners. Here are key laws and regulations affecting pet owners in the state:

Miami Pet Laws

As one of the largest cities in Florida, Miami also has specific laws and regulations related to pets. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you're a pet owner in The Magic City:

Tampa Pet Laws

Tampa, a vibrant city in Florida, has specific laws and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of pets. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're a pet owner in The Big Guava:

Orlando Pet Laws

Orlando, known as The City Beautiful, has specific regulations to ensure the well-being and safety of pets. Key points include:

Common Pet Risks in Florida

Florida's warm climate and diverse environment pose unique health risks for pets. Here are some specific risks to watch out for:

Veterinary Costs in Florida

According to Banfield Pet Hospital's Price Estimator, the average cost for a vet visit in Florida is $67. However, costs will be higher for emergency care or specialized treatments. Here's an overview of vet visit costs in five cities across the state:

City
Average Veterinary Visit Cost With One Pet
Average Veterinary Visit Cost With One Pet
Jacksonville
$67
$52
Miami
$68
$53
Tampa
$68
$53
Orlando
$72
$56
Plantation
$65
$51

Best Pet Insurance by City in Florida

As mentioned earlier, where you live can affect the cost of pet insurance. Here's an overview of the most affordable pet insurance providers in three major cities in Florida:

City
Cheapest Company/Average Monthly Cost With $5,000 Annual Coverage
Cheapest Company/Average Monthly Cost With Unlimited Annual Coverage
Jacksonville
Pets Best, $19
Pets Best, $26
Miami
Pets Best, $33
Figo, $47
Plantation
Pets Best, $23
Pets Best, $32

Methodology

The PetPlace team compiled this guide through research and analysis of publicly available data. Some of the factors we considered include policy rates, waiting periods, the availability of a 24/7 vet helpline, and wellness routine care coverage. Our goal is to provide helpful information for pet owners in Florida. However, we recommend conducting your own research, speaking to your vet, and considering your budget and your pet's specific needs before deciding on a pet insurance provider.

Best Pet Insurance in Florida FAQs

Is pet insurance worth it for my pets?
For most pet owners, pet insurance is worth considering to help with unexpected and costly veterinary bills. It can provide peace of mind and financial support in case of accidents, illnesses, or other health issues.
How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance operates similarly to human health insurance. After choosing a plan, you pay a monthly premium to keep coverage active. If your pet needs veterinary care, you first pay out of pocket then submit a claim to your insurance provider.

Depending on your policy details, you may be reimbursed for a significant portion of the cost, after meeting any deductible and considering your reimbursement rate and policy limits.

What is the best age to get dog insurance?
The best time to insure your dog is typically as early as possible. Many companies offer lower rates for younger pets, and you can avoid potential pre-existing condition exclusions by getting coverage early on. However, it's never too late to get pet insurance, and older dogs can still benefit from the financial protection it provides.
What does basic cat insurance cover?
Basic cat insurance typically covers a range of medical expenses related to accidents, illnesses, and sometimes even preventive care. This can include emergency surgeries, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, and treatments for diseases and infections.
What pet insurance companies are the best?
Based on our research, some of the best pet insurance companies in Florida are included in this guide. However, the best company for you and your pet may vary based on factors such as cost, coverage options, and customer service. It's important to research and compare different providers to find the right fit for your pet's needs.

* Average prices were calculated using research based on quotes obtained from publicly available quote tools, utilizing Florida zip codes. Specifically, quotes were gathered for Jacksonville (32099) and Plantation (33313). The quotes were generated for a 3-year-old male mixed-breed dog with a $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and a standard Accident and Illness plan. The quotes were obtained during the period of July 17 – July 22, 2024.

** Average prices were calculated using research based on quotes obtained from publicly available quote tools, utilizing Florida zip codes. Specifically, quotes were gathered for Jacksonville (32099) and Plantation (33313). The quotes were generated for a 3-year-old male mixed-breed cat with a $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and a standard Accident and Illness plan. The quotes were obtained during the period of July 17 – July 22, 2024.

The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.