Ashley KilroyInsurance Writer
With 15 years of immersion in the world of personal finance, Ashley Kilroy simplifies financial concepts for individuals striving toward financial security. Her expertise has been showcased in reputable publications including Rolling Stone, SmartAsset and Money Talks News. She's committed to equipping readers with the knowledge needed to achieve their financial goals.
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley KilroyInsurance Writer
With 15 years of immersion in the world of personal finance, Ashley Kilroy simplifies financial concepts for individuals striving toward financial security. Her expertise has been showcased in reputable publications including Rolling Stone, SmartAsset and Money Talks News. She's committed to equipping readers with the knowledge needed to achieve their financial goals.
Insurance Writer
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.
Fact Checked
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.
Deputy Editor, Insurance
Fact Checked
Updated: Jan 3, 2024, 7:35am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
The unexpected can happen at any time, no matter the age or breed of your pet. And in the beautiful state of Washington, injuries or illnesses can come from all sorts of places like severe weather conditions, wild critters or even pesky bugs in your backyard.
Unfortunately, like most things in Washington, vet bills are expensive. But buying the best pet insurance can help take the sting out of vet bills.
Read more
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Healthy Paws
Annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Get A Quote
Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%
$100, $250, $500
Pros & Cons
- No maximum annual or lifetime pay-outs
- Most claims processed within two days
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Direct vet payments may be possible
- No routine wellness option
Best Pet Insurance in Washington
Here are the best pet insurance companies in Washington:
- Pets Best– Great For Choices Of Deductible
- Lemonade– Best Price For Kittens And Puppies
- ManyPets– Best For Lowest Out-Of-Pocket Claims Costs
- Nationwide– Best For Unlimited Wellness Coverage
- TrustedPals– Great For Service Dogs
- Embrace – Best For Superior Benefits
- Prudent Pet – Great For Extras
Pets Best
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Compare Plans
$5,000 or Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Editor's Take
Pets Best combines great coverage with a good price. Its wide range of deductible choices helps you budget for possible claims.
Pros & Cons
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Accident coverage waiting period of only 3 days.
- Ample range of deductible choices.
- Routine wellness plans available.
- Can pay your vet directly if the vet agrees, so you don’t have to pay yourself and wait for reimbursem*nt
- Multi-pet discount of 5% per pet.
- 6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligament issues
Lemonade
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Compare Plans
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$100, $250, $500
Editor's Take
If you want pet insurance at a low monthly cost, Lemonade is worth considering, although you’ll give up some things like a 24/7 vet helpline.
Pros & Cons
- Optional wellness plan available
- Accident coverage waiting period of only 2 days
- Lowest prices for young pets among the plans we analyzed
- No 24/7 pet telehealth line
- 6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments
- No coverage for stem cell treatment, prescription food or microchipping
- No coverage for behavioral or alternative therapy
- Coverage for vet exam fees has to be added for an extra cost, compared to top competitors that include exam fees
ManyPets
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Compare Plans
Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%
$100, $250, $500
Editor's Take
ManyPets is a new entrant in the pet insurance market and offers some unique and valuable coverage features. It also has very competitive pricing that makes it worth a look if it’s available in your state.
Pros & Cons
- Covers vet exam fees for illness and accident visits.
- ManyPets offers an unusual value proposition for new customers: Waiting periods for illness or accidents are 15 days but are reduced to only 24 hours if you’re switching over from another insurer.
- Currently available in only 18 states, but plans to expand
- Does not cover pet behavioral therapy, unlike many other plans
- No 24/7 pet telehealth line
Nationwide
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000
Reimbursem*nt choices
50% or 70%
Deductible choices
$250
Compare Plans
$10,000
50% or 70%
$250
Editor's Take
Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a convenient way to keep your pet healthy by covering vet bills for routine care. For pet owners looking for financial protection for only significant problems, Nationwide also offers a pet major medical plan that caps benefits for each condition.
Pros & Cons
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Wellness plan included.
- Pays for vet exam fees.
- Nationwide’s Pet Rx Express gives policyholders preferred pricing on pet prescriptions at Walmart and Sam’s Club, and the prescription claim can be processed at the pharmacy counter.
- 5% multi-pet discount and an additional 5% discount when current Nationwide customers purchase a plan.
- Only one choice for annual coverage maximum and deductible
- 12-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments or meniscus (knee) injuries
- No coverage for end-of-life expenses, unlike top competitors
TrustedPals
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$4,000, $8,000, Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$0, $100, $250, $500, $750
Compare Plans
$4,000, $8,000, Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
$0, $100, $250, $500, $750
Editor's Take
TrustedPals is a good insurer to consider if you want a wide range of annual coverage, reimbursem*nt and deductible options. It also has very competitive pricing.
Pros & Cons
- Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illness and accidents
- Hard-to-find $0 deductible or 100% reimbursem*nt options available
- Optional wellness plan available
- 5% discount for service dogs
- No 24/7 pet telehealth line
- 12-month waiting period for coverage for cruciate ligament or hip dysplasia
Embrace
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $30,000
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
Compare Plans
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $30,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
Editor's Take
Embrace’s plan earned the highest score for pet insurance benefits among the plans we evaluated. Its wide variety of options for coverage, reimbursem*nt levels and deductibles can help you work within your budget.
Pros & Cons
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your policy
- Excellent range of options for annual coverage, reimbursem*nt levels and deductibles
- Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illness and accidents
- Optional wellness plan available
- Comes with a “diminishing deductible” that reduces the deductible by $50 for every year you don’t have a paid claim
- Waiting period of 6 months for coverage of orthopedic conditions
Prudent Pet
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000 or Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Compare Plans
$10,000 or Unlimited
70%, 80%, 90%
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Editor's Take
Along with good fundamental coverage, Prudent Pet’s Ultimate plan can cover a range of extras.
Pros & Cons
- Accident coverage waiting period is only 5 days
- Extra perks such as coverage for boarding fees if you become hospitalized and reimbursem*nt for advertising and rewards if your pet gets lost or is stolen
- Multipet discount of 10%
- Optional wellness plan available
- Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
- No option to pay the vet directly
Summary: Washington Pet Insurance Ratings
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Reimbursem*nt Choices | Deductible Choices | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | View More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pets Best |  | 5.0 |  | 70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | Compare Plans | ||
| Lemonade |  | 4.5 |  | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 | Compare Plans | ||
| ManyPets |  | 4.5 | | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 | Compare Plans | ||
| Nationwide(Whole Pet with Wellness) |  | 4.5 |  | 50% or 70% | $250 | Compare Plans | ||
| TrustedPals |  | 4.5 | | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | $0, $100, $250, $500, $750 | Compare Plans | ||
| Embrace |  | 4.0 |  | 70%, 80%, 90% | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | Compare Plans | ||
| Prudent Pet |  | 4.0 | | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $1,000 | Compare Plans | ||
| Figo |  | 3.5 |  | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | Varies by pet age | Compare Plans | ||
| ASPCA |  | 3.0 |  | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 | Compare Plans | ||
| Spot |  | 3.0 | | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | Compare Plans | ||
| Healthy Paws |  | 2.0 | | Varies by pet’s age and type | Varies by pet’s age and type | Compare Plans | ||
| Trupanion |  | 2.0 |  | 90% | $0 to $1,000 | Compare Plans |
Washington Pet Insurance Cost Comparison
Costs for Washington pet insurance with $5,000 annual maximum coverage
| Company | Monthly cost in Washington |
|---|---|
Lemonade | $27 |
TrustedPals | $29 |
Pets Best | $32 |
Figo | $38 |
Embrace | $43 |
ASPCA | $53 |
Spot | $53 |
Costs are for a plan with a $5,000 annual coverage maximum ($4,000 for TrustedPals), a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursem*nt level. Source: PetInsurer.com.
Costs for Washington pet insurance with unlimited annual maximum coverage
| Company | Monthly cost in Washington |
|---|---|
Nationwide | $30 |
Lemonade | $31 |
ManyPets | $33 |
TrustedPals | $34 |
Pets Best | $37 |
Prudent Pet | $45 |
Embrace | $61 |
Figo | $70 |
Trupanion | $96 |
Spot | $107 |
Costs are for a plan with unlimited annual coverage ($30,000 for Embrace and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursem*nt level. Source: PetInsurer.com.
Types of Pet Insurance Plans
Many pet insurance companies give pet owners several policy options to choose from, including:
Accident and illness plan
Suppose your pet fractures its fibula while on a hike, or your pet is diagnosed with diabetes. Accident and illness plans will cover both health-related issues. Other health-related expenses covered under this plan usually include:
- Swallowed objects
- Digestive problems
- Urinary tract infections
- Major or minor diseases such as arthritis or cancer
- Hereditary or chronic conditions
- Alternative therapies, such as chiropractic care
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries
- Hospitalizations
- Diagnostics, such as blood work or MRIs
Accident-only plans
This type of plan only covers accident-related vet expenses. Whether your pet fights with a dog in the neighborhood and suffers a few skin lacerations or your cat jumps from the railing and sprains its leg, accident-only plans will cover the cost of nursing them back to health. Other accident-related vet expenses covered in this plan include:
- Toxic ingestion
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Emergency care
- X-Rays
- Lab tests
Wellness and routine care plans
In addition to visiting the vet when the unforeseen occurs, you usually make a trip to ensure your pet stays as healthy as possible. Many pet insurance companies offer wellness and routine care coverage as an add-on to your accident and illness plan to assist with preventive care costs. Some costs covered include:
- Vaccinations
- Routine check-ups
- Flea/tick prevention
- Heartworm prevention
- Microchipping
How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance companies use two factors to price policies: pet-based and policy-based factors. Pet-based cost factors usually include your pet’s age, gender, breed and location. Older animals typically cost more to cover since the chance of injury and illness increases as pets age.
Policy-based factors include:
Deductible
Once you receive a vet bill, you must pay your deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount, before your insurer starts covering the costs. Deductible options can range between $50 and $1,000. When you select a more considerable deductible amount, you can usually lower your monthly payment. However, you will have to pay a more significant amount upfront.
Reimbursem*nt level
After your deductible is met, insurance companies reimburse you for a certain percentage of your vet bills, which is your reimbursem*nt level. Standard reimbursem*nt levels range from 50% to 90%. But some pet insurance companies like Figo offer 100% reimbursem*nt. Selecting a lower reimbursem*nt percentage will usually reduce your monthly premium payment.
Coverage limit
Many insurance companies apply a coverage limit to the vet expenses they will pay annually. For example, TrustedPals has three coverage limit options; $4,000, $8,000 and unlimited. Choosing a lower coverage limit will usually reduce your monthly payment.
Related: What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Washington
Gathering and comparing pet insurance quotes is the best way to find suitable coverage for you and your pet. You can usually collect free quotes from insurer’s websites, comparison sites or directly from your current insurance provider. While it’s easy to focus on the cost and coverage type, exploring the additional benefits that come with each plan is helpful.
Here are some benefits worth checking out.
Waiting periods
When you buy a pet plan, you may assume your coverage begins right away. That’s not the case. All pet insurance companies make you wait a certain amount of time before your benefits begin. Waiting periods vary by insurance company. For example, some companies apply a 2-day waiting period for accidents, while others apply a 14-day waiting period for accidents.
Also, look for extended waiting periods for cruciate ligament conditions or hip dysplasia.
Exam fees
Veterinarians usually charge a fee when they see your pet to determine what’s wrong with them. This fee may cost upward of $100 or more, and some pet insurance companies won’t cover it. Look for pet policies that include this fee as part of the coverage.
Benefits
You may want to search for companies that offer extra bells and whistles, such as 24/7 vet helplines to answer all your questions about your pet’s health. As another example, Figo offers the pet cloud app that helps pet owners keep track of their pet’s medical records and appointment schedules.
Pet insurance discounts
To help pet owners cut costs, insurers often offer pet insurance discounts, such as military discounts, annual payment discounts and multi-pet discounts for insuring more than one pet.
Wellness coverage
Not every pet insurance company offers wellness care coverage. If preventive care is an essential factor when buying a pet plan, look for insurers that offer this type of coverage.
Vet direct pay
Before submitting a pet insurance claim, you must pay the entire bill upfront. However, some pet insurance companies like Trupanion will pay the vet directly if the vet has Trupanion’s unique processing software. If you’re concerned about the financial burden of paying vet bills first, you should look for companies that offer vet direct pay.
Pet Laws in Washington
Washington has state-level statutes in place that govern pet ownership. For example, all dogs, cats and ferrets must have the USDA-licensed rabies vaccine and continue revaccination.
In addition to state-level regulations, local municipalities also set forth pet laws. Here are some examples of local ordinances regarding pets in Washington.
Seattle pet laws
Property owners are prohibited from owning more than three small animals (dogs or cats) unless the property exceeds 20,000 square feet. In addition, pet owners must restrain their dog with a leash that’s eight feet or less while inside the Seattle city limits or off the premises of the owner.
All dogs and cats age four months or older must get vaccinated against rabies. Dogs and cats are licensed for 12 months and may include a 12-month renewal period. Seattle also offers a six-month provisional cat or dog license.
Spokane pet laws
Pet owners must license dogs and cats within 30 days of ownership or when the pet reaches six months old. In addition, cats are prohibited from running at large if they are not spayed or neutered.
Dogs must be under control and cats that aren’t spayed or neutered aren’t allowed to go at large. Dog owners also shouldn’t allow their pets to disturb others, including snarling, barking or growling at people.
Vancouver pet laws
City residents may not keep more than three dogs (age five months or older) on their property at once. In addition, all dogs must be on a leash if they are on public property. The only exception is when they are in a designated dog park.
All dogs and cats that live within the city limits must have a license once they reach the age of six months old.
Methodology
We used data provided by PetInsurer.com to score each pet insurance company based on the following.
Average plan prices: Up to 40 points. We averaged pet insurance quotes for each insurer for a mixed-breed dog at two ages in Washington.
Plan benefits: Up to 60 points. We scored plans based on the following important features: Annual coverage choices, whether the plan can pay a veterinarian directly, access to a 24/7 vet line, availability of routine wellness coverage, whether the plan pays the vet exam fee, pet dental illness coverage, end of life coverage and multipet discount.
