How Much Does Pet Insurance in New York Cost? 2024 Update
Updated on
Pet insurance isn’t very different from other types. The cost varies at a basic level by risk, whether it’s where you live, your age, or your claim history. It’s the same with pets; only factors like breed, geographical location, and life stage are also a part of the mix. Economics plays a role, too, making the cost of living another consideration of the cost.
According to Pawlicy Advisor, the average monthly premium for pet insurance for a dog by state ranges from $33.97 in Wyoming to $61.29 in California. New York has the second-highest at $61.05. Monthly premiums for cats are nearly half that of dogs, going from $19.35 in Wyoming to $31.97 in California. New Yorkers pay $30.30 on average for pet insurance.
The Importance of Pet Insurance
While pet insurance has been around for quite a while, it’s taken a bit for owners to jump on the bandwagon. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), only 3.45 million pets or 3% of the total number of cats and dogs in the 114.3 million pet-owning households are insured.
It’s true that veterinary costs are not a significant expense in most years. The American Pet Products Association estimates that it runs about $700 and $379 annually for dogs and cats, respectively. Compare that with the average insurance premium of $585 and $251 a year. Pet insurance is a necessary expense when you consider the cost of unexpected care.
According to CareCredit, the average cost for surgery to correct an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in a dog or cat can cost between $3,500 to $5,000. If your pet accidentally swallows a foreign object, you can expect to pay between $800 to $7,000 for the procedure. Pet insurance covering these conditions will more than make up for the investment.
How Much Does Pet Insurance in NY Cost?
Pet insurance varies by the age and breed of your pet. The older your dog or cat lives, the more likely it will experience a chronic health condition. Some animals are also more prone to specific inherited disorders, which is also reflected in the price. It’s worth noting that some providers will not cover these situations. Most do not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, either.
Bear in mind that it’s not a matter of an insurer being inhumane. After all, pet insurance is a business, too. The window for collecting premiums is much smaller with animals versus humans, hence, the additional limitations. Insurance will also vary with the pet’s age and where you live as shown here.
| Breed | Age | City-Cost |
| Labrador Retriever | 6 months old | Albany (12209) – $36.96
Buffalo (14201) – $36.96 New York City (10015) – $61.01 |
| Labrador Retriever | 5 years old | Albany (12209) – $49.11
Buffalo (14201) – $49.11 New York City (10015) – $81.55 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 6 months old | Albany (12209) – $22.36
Buffalo (14201) – $22.36 New York City (10015) – $36.39 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 5 years old | Albany (12209) – $27.71
Buffalo (14201) – $27.71 New York City (10015) – $45.41 |
| Domestic Shorthair Cat | 6 months old | Albany (12209) – $15.48
Buffalo (14201) – $15.48 New York City (10015) – $24.75 |
| Domestic Shorthair Cat | 5 years old | Albany (12209) – $17.99
Buffalo (14201) – $17.99 New York City (10015) – $29.01 |
| Persian | 6 months old | Albany (12209) – $18.83
Buffalo (14201) – $18.83 New York City (10015) – $30.42 |
| Persian | 5 years old | Albany (12209) – $18.83
Buffalo (14201) – $18.83 New York City (10015) – $30.42 |
Notice the difference of where you live in New York makes with both cats and dogs. Living in NYC nearly doubles your cost in many cases. Age is also a significant factor, with premiums going up by half. It’s worth noting that this same outcome isn’t evident with cats, although the breed plays a major role. Nevertheless, these things are not unique to New York.
Regardless of where you live, quality veterinary pet care can be pretty costly. A balanced pet insurance plan from a company like Lemonade to help you keep those costs under control.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Insurance typically works like our health plans. The percentage of the reimbursement varies with the provider, often going from 70 to 90%. Some companies may have limits or caps on the amount they cover. Of course, there’s the deductible. That can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the plan. It’s essential to check the fine print when it comes to this cost.
Some providers have an annual deductible, whereas others will have different ones based on the condition. Many insurers offer other perks, such as a diminishing deductible for years with no claims or multi-pet discounts, which can save you some serious cash in the long run. Most companies only insure cats and dogs. However, Nationwide will also accept exotic pets like birds.
How Often Should I Take My Pet to the Vet?
Some insurers require annual examinations for the animals they cover. They will often request proof that you’ve followed through with it. Others waive this condition. Our advice is to understand your obligations when purchasing any pet insurance. Compliance will ensure that you don’t get a claim rejected.
Providers typically offer three kinds of plans: accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness coverages. The first two usually don’t include any preventive care. These expenses fall under the category of the cost of owning a pet. However, it pays to shop around for comprehensive coverage, especially if you live in NYC.
Conclusion
Reviewing the cost of pet insurance in New York reveals several common themes for this coverage. Location is everything. It makes sense, given the higher cost of living. It also reflects the additional risks of having a dog or cat in an urban area with heightened chances of accidents. Our advice is to research before you buy. Consider what expenses you want the insurance to cover.
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