Best pet insurance in New Jersey (NJ) in November 2023
Embrace, ManyPets and Pets Best are the best pet insurance companies in New Jersey.
Our pet insurance insurance experts analyzed nine pet insurance companies to find the best pet insurance in New Jersey.
The best pet insurance companies in New Jersey
Starting with a cost comparison of accident and illness plans, we then evaluated each company’s coverage options and available features like routine wellness, 24/7 vet line, coverage for exam fees, end-of-life expenses and behavioral therapy. These seven companies rose to the top.
Why you can trust our pet insurance experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
30 New Jersey pet insurance rates reviewed. 324 coverage details evaluated. 5 levels of fact-checking. USA TODAY Blueprint may earn a commission from this advertiser. Top-rated pet insurance companies in New Jersey of 2023 Embrace ManyPets Pets Best Fetch Figo Lemonade Healthy Paws Compare the best pet insurance companies in New Jersey
Average monthly pet insurance premiums assume unlimited annual coverage (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
We analyzed pet insurance companies operating in New Jersey using data from Petinsurer.com.
For this analysis, average rates are based on accident and illness plans, which account for 98% of pet insurance policies purchased, according to data from the North American Health Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Rates are also based on insuring dogs, as dogs make up 85% of insured pets, per NAPHIA.
Each pet insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories:
Cost: 50 points. We calculated average rates for accident and illness pet insurance plans for a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog at two different ages in New Jersey, with unlimited annual reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $250 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage. The lower the average rate, the higher the number of points.
Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer annual reimbursement of up to $100,000, or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.
24/7 vet line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer access to a 24/7 vet line earned points. Being able to call for medical advice might save you money on vet visits.
Routine wellness plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an optional wellness plan add-on scored points. Wellness plans can reimburse you for preventative care for your pet.
Pays vet exam fees: 10 points. If a pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer received 10 points. If this is offered as a coverage add-on, the insurer received 5 points.
Behavioral therapy: 5 points. If an insurance company covers behavior therapy in its pet insurance plans, it scored points.
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end-of-life expenses are covered in pet insurance plans, an insurance company scored in this category.
Why some companies didn’t make the cut
Only top-scoring insurers with a minimum rating of 4 stars out of 5 made the cut in our analysis of the best pet insurance in New Jersey. Those with lower star ratings, based on the criteria above, were included in our comparison table but not featured as a best pet insurance company.
How much is pet insurance in New Jersey?
On average, pet insurance in New Jersey costs about $39 per month for a pet insurance plan with unlimited annual coverage (or highest offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
Several factors affect how much pet insurance in New Jersey costs, including:
Annual coverage limit. Deductible amount. New Jersey ZIP code. Pet insurance company. Reimbursement percentage. Your pet’s species, age, size and gender.
We compare average rates for top-rated New Jersey pet insurance companies below.
Cost of pet insurance in New Jersey with $5,000 annual maximum coverage
Average monthly pet insurance rates are for a plan with a $5,000 annual coverage maximum, a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace) and 90% reimbursement level. Rates provided by Petinsurer.com.
Cost of pet insurance in New Jersey with unlimited annual maximum coverage
Average monthly pet insurance rates 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% reimbursement level. Rates provided by Petinsurer.com.
Types of pet insurance
There are several different types of pet insurance plans in New Jersey. Here’s what each covers.
Accident-only plan
Accident-only pet insurance in New Jersey covers veterinary expenses for your pet’s injuries, but not if they get sick. This plan will pay up to your policy limits if your pet breaks a bone, has a dental illness or injury or ingests poison.
An accident-only plan is budget-friendly since it doesn’t provide coverage for illnesses. Accident-only coverage may also be a good fit for pets with pre-existing health conditions or first-time pet parents, according to Zabrina Thorson, co-founder and chief operating officer at Odie Pet Insurance.
Accident and illness plan
This is the most popular form of pet insurance. Accident and illness pet insurance policies include coverage for your pet’s injuries and illnesses. This plan will reimburse for many veterinary expenses, including:
Bloodwork. Congenital, hereditary and chronic health conditions. CT scans. Emergency care. Hospitalization. MRIs. Prescribed medications. Specialized veterinary care. Surgeries. Ultrasounds. X-rays.
Some pet insurance plans in New Jersey will also cover alternative and holistic therapies, like acupuncture, therapeutic laser treatments and chiropractic care if prescribed by your vet. Embrace, Healthy Paws and Figo are just a few New Jersey pet insurance companies that include this coverage in their accident and illness plans.
Wellness plans
Most pet insurance companies offer optional wellness coverage you can add to your pet insurance policy. A wellness plan covers preventive and routine care to keep your pet healthy. These expenses are usually not automatically covered by a standard pet insurance policy.
A wellness plan can cover veterinary costs for:
Annual wellness exams. Deworming. Flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Grooming. Microchipping. Spaying and neutering. Vaccinations. How to get pet insurance in New Jersey
You can follow these steps to get pet insurance in New Jersey:
Compare pet insurance quotes from different companies. You can get free pet insurance quotes from the pet insurance company website, a comparison website or by contacting an independent insurance agent in person, by email or by phone. Provide information about your pet. You may have to answer a few questions about your pet’s age, breed, species and overall health. Provide information about yourself. This can include your name, email address, phone number and ZIP code. Build a custom pet insurance plan. You can do this by choosing your deductible, annual limit and reimbursement level. Consider adding optional coverage for wellness visits, veterinary exam fees and other riders that may be available. Check for any discounts. Insurers may offer discounts for insuring multiple pets with the company. Head to the checkout page. Make sure to confirm all the information and purchase your pet insurance policy.
There are a few other factors to consider when purchasing pet insurance in New Jersey.
Exam fees
When the vet sees your pet, there is usually an exam fee included in your bill. Only some pet insurance companies cover veterinary exam fees in the policy, and others may only offer it as an add-on. Consider if this coverage is important to you and check to see which companies offer it.
Multi-pet discounts
Some pet insurance companies offer a discount if you insure more than one pet. If you own multiple pets, consider insuring them with a company offering this discount to maximize your savings.
Waiting periods
A waiting period is the gap between when your policy starts and your coverage begins. The waiting period for accidents and illnesses will vary by pet insurance company. Many pet insurers have longer waiting periods for specific health conditions, like hip dysplasia or cruciate ligaments.
Extra benefits
Don’t forget to look for extra perks when comparing New Jersey pet insurance companies. These benefits can vary by company but might include:
24/7 vet healthline. Boarding assistance if you’re hospitalized. Lost and found advertising. Pet cloud app. Rewards for lost or stolen pets. Special prescription pricing through select pharmacies. Vacation cancellation. New Jersey pet laws
You should be aware of New Jersey pet laws to ensure you can keep your pets happy, healthy and safe. Here are some New Jersey pet laws to be mindful of.
Rabies and licensing
New Jersey requires cats and dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, even if they are indoor-only pets. There is also a licensing requirement in the Garden State, and you must show proof of a rabies vaccine to get it. You must renew the license annually and display it on the pet’s collar.
Tethering laws
New Jersey criminalizes cruelly restraining a dog. A dog cannot be tethered if:
It is exposed to adverse weather conditions for over 30 minutes. It is nursing puppies or is younger than four months old. It is placed in a vacant or unoccupied building. It is wearing a head harness, choke or prong collar. The tether is not at least 15 feet long. The tether restrains more than one dog. Dog bite laws
Pet owners are liable if their dog bites someone, whether in public or a private residence, including your own. Defenses like shared blame, where someone teases or taunts your dog, can help limit your liability. You are also responsible if your dog causes property damage to others.
Home insurance can help if your dog bites someone: What home insurance covers.
Unrestrained pets
New Jersey is a strict state regarding having an unrestrained pet in your car. You can receive a fine of up to $1,000 per pet if it is completely loose while riding in your vehicle. If you live in New Jersey and want to avoid the fine, ensure your pet is in a crate or attached to a pet seat belt by a harness.
Best pet insurance in New Jersey FAQs
What is the cheapest pet insurance in New Jersey?
The cheapest pet insurance company in New Jersey is Lemonade, costing an average of $20 per month for a plan with $100,000 in annual coverage, a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
The cost of pet insurance in New Jersey will depend on your pet’s age, health and breed. Also, remember that the more the pet insurance company reimburses, the higher your premium will be.
Is pet insurance required in New Jersey?
No, pet insurance is not required by law in New Jersey. “While pet insurance is not required in New Jersey, vet costs have continued to rise, leading to high out-of-pocket costs and vet bills for pet parents,” said Wendy Wen, founder and CEO of Antelope, an omnichannel pet consumer platform.
If your pet needs chemotherapy, it can cost up to $600 per dose, for instance. Pet insurance can help offset the cost of your pet’s injuries and illnesses, whether mild or severe.
Does pet insurance only cover cats and dogs?
Most standard pet insurance companies “only cover cats and dogs, but several pet insurance providers also cover domestic animals,” said Wen. ASPCA pet insurance will cover horses as well as dogs and cats. Nationwide pet insurance offers plans for exotic pets and other uncommon companions like rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, birds and potbellied pigs.
