Get the Best Pet Insurance in Missouri in 2024

Sponsored by Figo Pet Insurance

Missouri's mix of city life and country spaces makes it a great place for pets, but it also comes with its own set of risks. That's why having a good pet insurance policy is key – it gives you peace of mind and keeps your pet protected, no matter where you are.

In this guide, we'll explore the best pet insurance options in Missouri. We'll cover what types of coverage are available, how much pet insurance policies cost, and what to look out for in a good plan. By the end, you'll know exactly how to choose the right pet health insurance to keep your furry friend safe and sound in the Show Me State.

Summary: Best Missouri 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 10/29/2024 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 Missouri?

According to our research, Missouri pet insurance costs an average of $30 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 $47 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 Missouri cities: Kansas City, a major urban center, and Blue Springs, an average-sized city for the state.

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

• Annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement level. These are the three primary components that determine your monthly premium. The annual limit is the maximum amount the policy will pay out in a year. The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance starts to cover costs. The reimbursement level is the percentage of the covered costs the insurance pays after the deductible. Generally, the higher the annual limit and reimbursement level, the more expensive the policy will be.
• Breed and gender. Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others, which can impact the cost of insurance. Additionally, some insurers may charge different rates based on the gender of your pet.
• Your location. Where you live can affect the cost of pet insurance. Urban areas tend to have higher premiums due to the higher cost of veterinary care in cities.
• Your pet’s age. Just like with human insurance, the younger your pet is when you enroll them in a policy, the lower the premium will be. As they age, premiums may increase.

Additionally, there are other factors that 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 pet insurance plans carefully and choose a policy that suits your budget and your pet's individual needs.

Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs in Missouri

Per our research, the average cost of pet insurance for a medium-sized mixed breed dog in Missouri is $30 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 a deductible of $250 and an 80% reimbursement rate, costs $47 monthly.

Cost of Pet Insurance in Missouri 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 Missouri:

Cost of Pet Insurance for Cats in Missouri

Pet insurance for cats is significantly cheaper than dog insurance in Missouri. The average monthly cost for cat insurance in the state ranges from $11 to $41, depending on factors such as age, annual coverage, breed, deductible, plan type, and reimbursement amount**.

Cost of Pet Insurance in Missouri 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 Missouri pet insurance, here are the average monthly rates for these breeds:

Cost Comparison for Pet Insurance Companies in Missouri

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

This type of policy typically 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, covering injuries from accidents like cuts, broken bones, and sprains. This includes 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 dictate the percentage of the vet bill that will be paid back to you after you've met your deductible. Common reimbursement levels offered by pet insurance companies range from 70% to 90%. Keep in mind that higher reimbursement rates typically result in higher monthly premiums, so you'll need to find the right balance that works for your budget and 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 actually begins. Most pet insurance plans have a waiting period for both accidents and illnesses, which can range from a few days to several 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 accidents or illnesses that occur during the waiting period.

How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Missouri

Choosing the right pet insurance in Missouri means considering the state's varied environmental challenges and the health risks they bring.

Pets in Missouri have to deal with cold winters and hot summers, which can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, or heatstroke. The state's diverse landscapes also mean more encounters with wildlife, which can lead to injuries or diseases like rabies.

Ticks and mosquitoes are common in Missouri too, and they can spread diseases such as Lyme disease and heartworm to pets. Pets can also pass zoonotic diseases to humans, like leptospirosis or giardia, so it's important to keep up with their vaccinations and hygiene.

In addition to these risks, Missouri's susceptibility to natural disasters such as tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding adds another layer of concern for pet owners. These disasters can happen suddenly, affecting both human and animal welfare.

Having a pet insurance plan that covers emergency situations, including natural disasters, ensures that your pet has protection during these unpredictable events. A more comprehensive plan that includes illness, injury, and wellness care is also essential for keeping your pet healthy throughout the year.

Here are some important features to keep in mind when selecting the best pet insurance plan in the Show Me State:

• 24/7 vet helpline. Access to a 24-hour veterinary helpline for immediate advice on emergency care or general health questions can be incredibly valuable. This is especially important in a state like Missouri, which has unique risks and challenges for pets.
• Direct vet payments. Some insurance providers offer the option to pay your vet bills directly, so you don't have to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
• Wellness and routine care coverage. Choosing a policy that offers wellness and routine care coverage can help offset the costs of preventive care.
• Waiting periods. Consider the waiting periods for accidents and illnesses to ensure you understand when coverage will begin.
• Vet exam fees coverage. While veterinary costs in Missouri are generally lower than in many other states, having covered vet expenses such as exam fees can lead to substantial long-term savings.
• Multi-pet discount. If you have multiple pets, look for providers that offer discounts for insuring more than one pet.

Missouri Pet Laws

Understanding Missouri's animal laws is essential for keeping pets, their owners, and everyone else safe and happy. If you're a pet parent in Missouri, knowing these laws can help you avoid trouble and ensure your pet's well-being. Here are a few important laws Missouri pet owners should keep in mind:

• Rabies control. If your pet bites someone or might spread rabies, you must report it to the local health department. You’ll also need to cover the costs for any rabies tests and treatments, and you might be responsible for damages.
• Animal cruelty. Hurting an animal or not giving it the care it needs is against the law. This includes intentionally causing harm or suffering, and not taking proper care of an animal you’re responsible for.
• Lost dogs. Missouri law requires city and town marshals to seize any dogs found running loose without a collar and impound them. These dogs are kept for one week, and if unclaimed, they will be humanely euthanized.
• Pet trusts. Missouri law lets you set up a trust to care for an animal during your lifetime. The trust ends upon the death of the animal. If the trust was created for more than one animal, it ends upon the death of the last surviving animal.
• Animals in domestic violence situations. If you’re getting a protective order because of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, you can ask for your pets to be included. This means the court can place your pet with you temporarily.

Kansas City Pet Laws

Kansas City is a pet-friendly city, but it has specific animal regulations to keep both pets and people safe. If you're a pet owner here, here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law:

• Rabies vaccination and licensing. Every dog, cat, or ferret older than 120 days must be licensed. To get a license, you need to show a vet’s certificate proving your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.
• Leash laws. Dogs and Vietnamese potbellied pigs can’t roam free in Kansas City. They need to be on a leash, in a fenced area, or otherwise restrained when outside your home. However, there are specific parks where dogs can run free under certain conditions.
• Limitations on number of animals. You can have up to four dogs, four cats, or four Vietnamese potbellied pigs at your home, and any combination of these is allowed. If you have more than four pets, you'll need to check if you fall under any exceptions like being a licensed breeder or living on agricultural property.
• Nuisance animals. Pets shouldn’t create excessive noise or disturb the neighborhood. It’s also your responsibility to make sure your pets don’t bother utility workers or mail carriers who need to access your property.

St. Louis Pet Laws

St. Louis is a bustling city alongside the Mississippi River, where a large community of pet owners thrives. To maintain the safety and harmony of both pets and people, the city has implemented several key animal care and control laws. Here’s what every pet owner in St. Louis needs to know:

• Rabies vaccination and registration. Dogs and cats over four months old must be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city. They must wear their registration tag at all times. Puppies and kittens should get their shots by four months but not before they are three months old.
• Leash laws. When in public places like streets or parks, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet, handled by someone who can control them. This rule doesn’t apply in designated fenced dog parks.
• Stray Animals. Owners must not allow their cats to roam freely in public areas or on other people’s property. For dogs, the city will impound any found running at large. Owners of licensed animals can reclaim them by providing proof of licensing and paying a service fee. Unlicensed animals can be reclaimed by getting them licensed and paying a service fee.
• Dangerous dogs. If a dog has a history of aggression or biting, it can be declared dangerous. Owners of these dogs need to meet several requirements: register the dog, provide proof of a secure living enclosure, carry liability insurance, and display warning signs. Additionally, dangerous dogs must be muzzled and leashed in public.

Springfield Pet Laws

Nestled on the banks of the scenic James River and home to historical landmarks like the Pythian Castle, Springfield is a city that values the safety and well-being of its residents and their pets. To keep the community peaceful and thriving, the city has set up animal control laws that every pet owner should be aware of. Here are a few of the most important:

• Rabies vaccination and registration. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city. Dogs must wear their registration tag, while cat and ferret owners need to keep the vaccination certificate or tag readily available.
• Limitations on number of pets. Households may have up to four cats or dogs older than six months. More than this requires a kennel license.
• Leash laws and confinement. Dogs must be kept on a leash of no more than six feet in public. On private property, they must be leashed or securely confined. Dogs found roaming without permission will be impounded and their owners cited.
• Prohibition of pit bulls. Ownership of pit bulls is banned within city limits. This includes breeds like American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Only existing registrations as of January 1, 2018, are renewable. Fines for violations start at $500 for a first offense and increase to $1,000 for further offenses.

Common Pet Risks in Missouri

Missouri's changing weather patterns and diverse habitats present a variety of risks to pets that every pet parent should be prepared for. Whether it's the scorching heat of the summers, the freezing cold of the winters, or the state's wildlife, each poses its own set of challenges. Ensuring your pet has the right insurance and preventive care is key to keeping them safe all year round. Here are some common risks your furry family members might face in Missouri:

• Extreme weather conditions. Missouri experiences harsh winters and hot summers that can expose pets to frostbite, hypothermia, and heatstroke. Protecting your pets from extreme temperatures by providing proper shelter and monitoring their outdoor time is essential for their safety.
• Wildlife encounters and rabies. Missouri's varied landscapes make encounters with wildlife like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes more common, which can increase the risk of rabies and other injuries. Keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations and supervising their outdoor activities can help minimize these risks.
• Tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases. Ticks and mosquitoes in Missouri can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm. Regular use of tick and mosquito preventatives, along with routine check-ups, can help keep these pests at bay and your pets healthy.
• Zoonotic diseases. Diseases such as leptospirosis and giardia can be transmitted from pets to humans, highlighting the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and keeping up with your pets' vaccinations.
• National disasters. Missouri's susceptibility to tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding requires a proactive approach to pet safety. Having a pet insurance plan that covers emergency situations, including natural disasters, ensures that your pet has protection during these unpredictable events.

Veterinary Costs in Missouri

According to Banfield Pet Hospital's Price Estimator, the average cost for a vet visit in Missouri is $65. 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:

Best Pet Insurance by City in Missouri

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 Missouri:

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 Missouri. 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 Missouri FAQs

Recommended Resources

• 7 Essential Tips for Choosing a Pet Insurance Policy That’s Right for You
• Compare and Contrast Pet Insurance Providers
• How Are Pet Wellness Plans Different from Pet Insurance?
• Is Pet Insurance Worth It for an Indoor Cat?
• Pet Insurance: What It Covers
• Pet Insurance for Kittens