Owning one or more pets might have you thinking about whether investing in pet insurance is worth the extra chunk out of your budget. For many pet owners, pet insurance is an absolute necessity because it can help pay for veterinary bills that they might not be able to afford. It’s important to note that in 2021, $34.3 billion was spent on vet care and products alone.
Where you live is essential to choosing the right insurance plan. The insurer must provide coverage for your particular location, and where you live can affect how much your premiums are.
How much you pay into your insurance also depends on your type of pet and their age and breed. So, if you reside in Idaho and want to learn more about your options, here is a list of 10 different insurance companies. This should give you a better idea of which company will suit your and your pet’s needs.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Comparing 10 Pet Insurance Plans for Idaho
- Trupanion — Best Overall
Compare Trupanion PlansTrupanion started in Canada in 2000 and expanded into the U.S. in 2008, so it provides coverage across North America.
One of the things that we like about Trupanion is its Vet Direct Pay, which means it pays your vet bill immediately rather than you having to pay yourself and then wait for your claim reimbursement. This can be helpful for families who won’t have enough money to cover the bill.
Compare Trupanion Plans
Trupanion started in Canada in 2000 and expanded into the U.S. in 2008, so it provides coverage across North America.
Trupanion provides 90% coverage, which is among the highest of most insurance companies. There are no limits, and it covers accidents, illness, dental, and congenital and hereditary conditions. Additionally, Trupanion won’t raise its rates as your pet ages.
However, Trupanion doesn’t provide coverage for wellness exams, and it’s one of the pricier pet insurance companies.
Pros
Pays the vet clinic directly
Offers 90% coverage
Rates won’t go up as your pet ages
No claim limits
Cons
Fees are pricier than some other companies
Doesn’t cover wellness exams
Pros
Pays the vet clinic directly
Offers 90% coverage
Rates won’t go up as your pet ages
No claim limits
Cons
Fees are pricier than some other companies
Doesn’t cover wellness exams
Pays the vet clinic directly
Offers 90% coverage
Rates won’t go up as your pet ages
No claim limits
- Pays the vet clinic directly
- Offers 90% coverage
- Rates won’t go up as your pet ages
- No claim limits
Fees are pricier than some other companies
Doesn’t cover wellness exams
- Fees are pricier than some other companies
- Doesn’t cover wellness exams
- Pets Best Pet Health Insurance — Best Value
Compare Pets Best PlansPets Best was founded in Boise in 2005 after the founder, Dr. Jack Stephens, had to euthanize a dog and wanted to help owners who couldn’t afford veterinary care. It has six different deductible choices, ranging from $50 to unlimited, and between 70% and 90% for reimbursement. It also works well for anyone with multiple pets due to having a 5% discount.
Pets Best pays your vet directly, provided that the claim is accepted. It has one of the best accident waiting periods of 3 days, and there’s a 24/7 pet health helpline.
Compare Pets Best Plans
Pets Best was founded in Boise in 2005 after the founder, Dr. Jack Stephens, had to euthanize a dog and wanted to help owners who couldn’t afford veterinary care. It has six different deductible choices, ranging from $50 to unlimited, and between 70% and 90% for reimbursement. It also works well for anyone with multiple pets due to having a 5% discount.
While the accident waiting period is short, unfortunately, there’s a 6-month waiting period for any cruciate ligament conditions. Additionally, wellness care coverage costs extra.
Pros
Affordable
Direct vet payment
5% multiple pet discount
3-day accident waiting period
Six deductible and three reimbursement choices
Cons
6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions
Wellness care costs extra
Pros
Affordable
Direct vet payment
5% multiple pet discount
3-day accident waiting period
Six deductible and three reimbursement choices
Cons
6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions
Wellness care costs extra
Affordable
Direct vet payment
5% multiple pet discount
3-day accident waiting period
Six deductible and three reimbursement choices
- Affordable
- Direct vet payment
- 5% multiple pet discount
- 3-day accident waiting period
- Six deductible and three reimbursement choices
6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions
Wellness care costs extra
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions
- Wellness care costs extra
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Compare Pumpkin PlansPumpkin gives you coverage for illness and injuries, but you won’t need to pay deductibles for each incident. It covers all cat and dog breeds and all ages, and unlike many other companies, it covers prescription food. Pumpkin offers 90% reimbursement and coverage for pre-existing conditions that have been cured or healed (except for cruciate ligament conditions). The waiting period for everything is 14 days, and it offers a 10% discount for multiple pets. Pumpkin also has a package that you can opt into for vaccines and wellness exams.
But while the 14-day waiting period can work for some things, it also includes accidents, which might be too long for some people. Also, there isn’t a 24/7 pet helpline.
Compare Pumpkin Plans
Pumpkin gives you coverage for illness and injuries, but you won’t need to pay deductibles for each incident. It covers all cat and dog breeds and all ages, and unlike many other companies, it covers prescription food. Pumpkin offers 90% reimbursement and coverage for pre-existing conditions that have been cured or healed (except for cruciate ligament conditions). The waiting period for everything is 14 days, and it offers a 10% discount for multiple pets. Pumpkin also has a package that you can opt into for vaccines and wellness exams.
Pros
Offers optional wellness plan
Open to all ages and breeds
10% multiple pet discount
90% reimbursement
Covers certain healed pre-existing conditions
Cons
Accidents have a 14-day waiting period
No 24/7 pet helpline
Pros
Offers optional wellness plan
Open to all ages and breeds
10% multiple pet discount
90% reimbursement
Covers certain healed pre-existing conditions
Cons
Accidents have a 14-day waiting period
No 24/7 pet helpline
Offers optional wellness plan
Open to all ages and breeds
10% multiple pet discount
90% reimbursement
Covers certain healed pre-existing conditions
- Offers optional wellness plan
- Open to all ages and breeds
- 10% multiple pet discount
- 90% reimbursement
- Covers certain healed pre-existing conditions
Accidents have a 14-day waiting period
No 24/7 pet helpline
- Accidents have a 14-day waiting period
- No 24/7 pet helpline
However, this company makes you wait 14 days for accident coverage, and the wellness care option costs extra.
Compare Spot Plans
14-day waiting period for accidents
Wellness care is an extra cost
- 14-day waiting period for accidents
- Wellness care is an extra cost
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Compare ASPCA PlansIt should come as no surprise that the ASPCA has taken its care for animals and crossed over into the insurance field. For this reason, its plans are affordable and provide you with options, such as accident and illness and accident only. There is also a wellness plan as an optional add-on.
Other coverage includes chronic and inherited conditions, exam fees, diagnostics, and dental and behavioral issues. There are also options such as annual limits and reimbursements to choose from, and you can be reimbursed through direct deposit, which can make for a speedier process.
Compare ASPCA Plans
It should come as no surprise that the ASPCA has taken its care for animals and crossed over into the insurance field. For this reason, its plans are affordable and provide you with options, such as accident and illness and accident only. There is also a wellness plan as an optional add-on.
But the maximum annual limit is just $10,000, which might be a problem if your pet runs into a serious injury or health problem. There’s also a bilateral exclusion for knee injuries (which means if your pet has a knee injury during the waiting period, ASPCA won’t cover any injury to a second leg).
Pros
Wellness plans can be added
Affordable plans
Behavioral and alternative care coverage
Direct deposit reimbursement
Cons
Maximum annual limit is $10,000
Bilateral exclusion for knee problems
Pros
Wellness plans can be added
Affordable plans
Behavioral and alternative care coverage
Direct deposit reimbursement
Cons
Maximum annual limit is $10,000
Bilateral exclusion for knee problems
Wellness plans can be added
Affordable plans
Behavioral and alternative care coverage
Direct deposit reimbursement
- Wellness plans can be added
- Affordable plans
- Behavioral and alternative care coverage
- Direct deposit reimbursement
Maximum annual limit is $10,000
Bilateral exclusion for knee problems
- Maximum annual limit is $10,000
- Bilateral exclusion for knee problems
- Embrace Pet Insurance
Compare Embrace PlansMost insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, but Embrace only reviews the previous 12 months of your pet’s medical records. There’s also an excellent incentive in which you’ll get $50 off your annual deductible every year that you don’t file a claim.
Embrace offers customizations, including a wellness add-on and several plans to choose from, and it covers breed-specific genetic conditions.
Compare Embrace Plans
Most insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, but Embrace only reviews the previous 12 months of your pet’s medical records. There’s also an excellent incentive in which you’ll get $50 off your annual deductible every year that you don’t file a claim.
Unfortunately, there’s a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions, such as the hips and knees, and prescription food is not covered.
Pros
Plans are customizable
Choice of add-ons, including wellness care
$50 off each year if you don’t file a claim
Only looks at the last year of your pet’s medical history for pre-existing conditions
Coverage for breed-specific genetic conditions
Cons
6-month wait for orthopedic issues
Prescription food not covered
Pros
Plans are customizable
Choice of add-ons, including wellness care
$50 off each year if you don’t file a claim
Only looks at the last year of your pet’s medical history for pre-existing conditions
Coverage for breed-specific genetic conditions
Cons
6-month wait for orthopedic issues
Prescription food not covered
Plans are customizable
Choice of add-ons, including wellness care
$50 off each year if you don’t file a claim
Only looks at the last year of your pet’s medical history for pre-existing conditions
Coverage for breed-specific genetic conditions
- Plans are customizable
- Choice of add-ons, including wellness care
- $50 off each year if you don’t file a claim
- Only looks at the last year of your pet’s medical history for pre-existing conditions
- Coverage for breed-specific genetic conditions
6-month wait for orthopedic issues
Prescription food not covered
- 6-month wait for orthopedic issues
- Prescription food not covered
- Fetch by The Dodo
Compare Fetch PlansIf you’re a pet owner, chances are that you’ve heard of the website The Dodo. It’s all about animals, and it jumped into the insurance game in 2022. Fetch provides affordable coverage, including exam fees for illness, dental, surgeries, breed-specific conditions, and alternative and holistic care.
Additionally, boarding fees are covered if you’re in the hospital for more than 4 days, and it provides reimbursement for a canceled vacation if your pet has an illness or an accident. Even advertising for a lost pet is covered. Deductibles, coverage limits, and reimbursement rates can be customized to fit your budget.
Compare Fetch Plans
If you’re a pet owner, chances are that you’ve heard of the website The Dodo. It’s all about animals, and it jumped into the insurance game in 2022. Fetch provides affordable coverage, including exam fees for illness, dental, surgeries, breed-specific conditions, and alternative and holistic care.
But there’s a 6-month waiting period for any knee or hip issues, and the coverage for older pets is more limited than many other companies. Additionally, there is no option for wellness care coverage.
Pros
Affordable
Claims are easy to submit
Coverage for holistic treatments
Can be used with Canadian and U.S. vets
Cons
6-month waiting period for joint issues
No wellness care coverage
Older pets have limited coverage
Pros
Affordable
Claims are easy to submit
Coverage for holistic treatments
Can be used with Canadian and U.S. vets
Cons
6-month waiting period for joint issues
No wellness care coverage
Older pets have limited coverage
Affordable
Claims are easy to submit
Coverage for holistic treatments
Can be used with Canadian and U.S. vets
- Affordable
- Claims are easy to submit
- Coverage for holistic treatments
- Can be used with Canadian and U.S. vets
6-month waiting period for joint issues
No wellness care coverage
Older pets have limited coverage
- 6-month waiting period for joint issues
- No wellness care coverage
- Older pets have limited coverage
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Compare Healthy Paws PlansHealthy Paws provides insurance and supports homeless pets through donations with every insurance quote. Reimbursement rates are up to 90%, and it has a quick turnaround of processing your claim and sending your reimbursement in 2 days.
Inherited and breed-specific conditions and any other lifelong health issues that require medication are covered. It also offers unlimited lifetime payouts and no annual limits.
Compare Healthy Paws Plans
Healthy Paws provides insurance and supports homeless pets through donations with every insurance quote. Reimbursement rates are up to 90%, and it has a quick turnaround of processing your claim and sending your reimbursement in 2 days.
But there’s a lengthy 12-month waiting period for joint conditions, and there are a few restrictions based on your pet’s age. There is also no wellness care coverage.
Pros
Affordable
Breed-specific and inherited conditions covered
App makes claim processing easy
Unlimited annual coverage
Cons
Some restrictions based on the pet’s age
12-month waiting period for joint issues
No wellness care coverage
Pros
Affordable
Breed-specific and inherited conditions covered
App makes claim processing easy
Unlimited annual coverage
Cons
Some restrictions based on the pet’s age
12-month waiting period for joint issues
No wellness care coverage
Affordable
Breed-specific and inherited conditions covered
App makes claim processing easy
Unlimited annual coverage
- Affordable
- Breed-specific and inherited conditions covered
- App makes claim processing easy
- Unlimited annual coverage
Some restrictions based on the pet’s age
12-month waiting period for joint issues
No wellness care coverage
- Some restrictions based on the pet’s age
- 12-month waiting period for joint issues
- No wellness care coverage
- Figo Pet Insurance
Compare Figo PlansFigo is one of the only pet insurance companies that offers you up to 100% reimbursement. It also covers pre-existing conditions as long as the condition is curable, and your pet hasn’t had symptoms within the past year.
You have multiple plan options and several add-ons, including exam fees, wellness care, and things like lost or stolen pets and property damage. The average wait for claim processing is 3 business days, and there’s a 24/7 helpline with licensed veterinary professionals.
Compare Figo Plans
Figo is one of the only pet insurance companies that offers you up to 100% reimbursement. It also covers pre-existing conditions as long as the condition is curable, and your pet hasn’t had symptoms within the past year.
However, Figo doesn’t offer an accident-only plan, and the premiums increase as your pet ages. There’s also a 6-month waiting period for hip and knee conditions.
Pros
Potential to cover curable pre-existing conditions
Up to 100% reimbursement
Claims processed in an average of 3 business days
24/7 access to a pet helpline
Add-ons include exam fees, wellness, property damage, etc.
Cons
No accident-only plan
Premiums are raised as your pet ages
6-month waiting period for joint conditions
Pros
Potential to cover curable pre-existing conditions
Up to 100% reimbursement
Claims processed in an average of 3 business days
24/7 access to a pet helpline
Add-ons include exam fees, wellness, property damage, etc.
Cons
No accident-only plan
Premiums are raised as your pet ages
6-month waiting period for joint conditions
Potential to cover curable pre-existing conditions
Up to 100% reimbursement
Claims processed in an average of 3 business days
24/7 access to a pet helpline
Add-ons include exam fees, wellness, property damage, etc.
- Potential to cover curable pre-existing conditions
- Up to 100% reimbursement
- Claims processed in an average of 3 business days
- 24/7 access to a pet helpline
- Add-ons include exam fees, wellness, property damage, etc.
No accident-only plan
Premiums are raised as your pet ages
6-month waiting period for joint conditions
- No accident-only plan
- Premiums are raised as your pet ages
- 6-month waiting period for joint conditions
- Prudent Pet — Pet Insurance
Compare Prudent Pet PlansPrudent Pet offers three plans to choose from: Accident Only, Essential, and Ultimate. The Essential plan offers $10,000 of coverage for injuries and accidents, and the Ultimate plan gives you accident-and-illness coverage, but it’s unlimited.
The Ultimate plan covers other expenses, such as boarding fees if you’re in the hospital and fees for lost pet advertising and reward money. Prudent Pet also provides add-ons like exam fees and a wellness plan.
Compare Prudent Pet Plans
Prudent Pet offers three plans to choose from: Accident Only, Essential, and Ultimate. The Essential plan offers $10,000 of coverage for injuries and accidents, and the Ultimate plan gives you accident-and-illness coverage, but it’s unlimited.
Unfortunately, there is a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 6-month waiting period for joint issues. The premiums are also higher than most other pet insurance companies.
Pros
Optional wellness plan
24/7 pet helpline
Three plans to choose from
Claims processed in an average of 1 day
Cons
14-day waiting period for illnesses
6-month waiting period for joint problems
High premiums
Pros
Optional wellness plan
24/7 pet helpline
Three plans to choose from
Claims processed in an average of 1 day
Cons
14-day waiting period for illnesses
6-month waiting period for joint problems
High premiums
Optional wellness plan
24/7 pet helpline
Three plans to choose from
Claims processed in an average of 1 day
- Optional wellness plan
- 24/7 pet helpline
- Three plans to choose from
- Claims processed in an average of 1 day
14-day waiting period for illnesses
6-month waiting period for joint problems
High premiums
- 14-day waiting period for illnesses
- 6-month waiting period for joint problems
- High premiums
Buyer’s Guide: Comparing Pet Insurance Plans in Idaho
What to Look For in Pet Insurance in Idaho
Choosing between insurance providers can be confusing and a bit overwhelming, particularly since most companies seem to have so many similarities.
What you need in a pet insurance company isn’t what other pet owners will necessarily need, so the decision-making process is subjective. The decision that you make also depends on your pet’s age, species, breed, and health.
Policy Coverage
This is an essential part of choosing an insurance provider. Some plans are accident only, while others might not cover breed-specific medical conditions. If you own a breed prone to certain medical problems (for example, Pugs and Persians are likely to experience breathing issues), you’ll want to have these conditions covered.
Additionally, remember that almost no company will offer coverage for a pre-existing condition, which makes it even more important to sign up while your pet is still healthy. A few providers will only look at the previous year rather than your pet’s entire medical history, so look for these if this relates to your current situation.
If your pet tends to get into trouble often or is accident prone, you’ll probably want a plan that covers accidents and illnesses. When you start looking seriously at insurance companies, make sure you have a list of everything that you need handy. Also, it’s free to get a quote, so get as many as possible.
Customer Service & Reputation
Excellent customer service is a crucial aspect when shopping for insurance providers. Read online reviews, albeit with a critical eye. Companies will sometimes receive a negative review just because the pet owner didn’t understand their policy. Still, too many negative reviews could indicate that you should avoid that particular company.
Also, try calling the insurance providers that you’re most interested in. Speaking directly to an agent will give you a better idea of how they handle their customers.
Claim Repayment
This might not be a big deal for some pet owners, but those on a tight budget will need to be on the lookout for providers that handle repayment well. Most pet insurance companies expect you to pay the vet fees yourself. This is when you’ll need to fill out forms, take photos of the bill, do whatever else the provider needs, and submit it.
Some providers have a fast turnaround for processing your claim. Once accepted, you might get reimbursed anywhere from 1 day to almost 2 weeks later, depending on the company. This is all relevant for anyone struggling to pay a huge vet bill and having to potentially wait a week or more to replenish their bank account.
There are a few insurance companies that pay your vet directly, so this might be the better option for some pet owners. But these providers might have higher deductibles.
Price of Policy
Like almost everything, the less that you pay toward your policy, the less coverage that you’ll receive. If you’re lucky, your pet might need just the basics over the course of their lifetime, and you won’t need to worry about injuries or serious illnesses. But some pets might have medical conditions that require intensive treatment, so top-tier plans are best for some pets. Additionally, you should consider if the add-ons are worth it, including things like wellness care or behavioral therapy.
If you already have insurance on your house and car and your current company also offers pet insurance, you can likely save money by bundling.
Plan Customization
Some companies don’t have many options for customizing a plan, but others have a fair amount of wiggle room. Customizations can be the plan that you choose and any add-ons that you prefer, but they can also come in the form of an annual limit and a percentage of reimbursement.
Be sure to get free quotes from any providers that have what you’re looking for. You can judge the customer services and compare them all together. While it’s tempting to sign up with the least expensive insurance company, you’ll be wasting your money if it doesn’t have what you need.
Can I Sign Up for Pet Insurance If My Pet Has a Medical Condition?
No, almost no pet insurance provider will cover pre-existing medical conditions. This can include things like your dog being treated for an ear infection during the waiting period. If your pet has another ear infection after your policy is in effect, the provider might consider it a chronic condition, and it won’t be covered.
If My Pet Needs Veterinary Care After I’ve Applied for Insurance, Will It Be Covered?
Unfortunately, any illness or accident that occurs during the waiting period will not be covered. But once the policy is active, most accidents or illnesses will be covered from that point on.
Can I Switch Pet Insurance Companies?
If your pet was diagnosed with a medical condition with your original provider, the new insurance company will consider that diagnosis as pre-existing, and it won’t be covered.
Some companies will ding you the same way if you switch plans within the same insurance company. Switching from one plan to another might change those medical conditions to pre-existing ones. Always read the fine print before you sign up with any pet insurance provider.
Can I Get Coverage for My Rabbit?
Any pet that is not a dog or a cat is typically called an exotic animal. At this point in time, Nationwide is the only pet insurance company that covers exotic animals and birds in addition to cats and dogs.
What the Users Say
Most clients tend to have positive things to say about their pet insurance providers. But there will always be negative reviews. Remember that at least some of these negative reviews come from people that might not have read their policy carefully enough.
If the company that you’re most interested in has mostly positive reviews, investigate this option more thoroughly. While you should always read the fine print, it can be confusing. Read through everything with someone you trust. Sometimes four pairs of eyes are better than two!
Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
This is a tricky question because everyone will need insurance for different reasons and for different pets. You might be looking for coverage for multiple pets, so you should look at providers that offer a multi-pet discount. Also, if your pet is prone to specific medical problems, your insurance plan needs to cover them.
While it’s likely that one of the insurance providers discussed here might be perfect for you, you should still do your own research. We might not have discussed the specific company that will work best for your needs.
Conclusion
The pet insurance company that you choose entirely depends on your pet, your budget, and your needs. We chose Trupanion as our favorite primarily because it’s one of a few that offers direct payment to the veterinarian. Pets Best is an affordable insurance provider and offers direct payment to the clinic. Pumpkin is a rare company that might consider covering a healed pre-existing condition.
While pet insurance isn’t technically a necessity, some pet owners feel that it is. It can certainly give you peace of mind if anything unexpected happens, and we all know that living with pets is full of unexpected moments!
Featured Image Credit: thodonal88, Shutterstock
