Erin Garris | Golden Retriever Society

Pet insurance is becoming more popular these days and with good reason: pet care is expensive! But why pay for an insurance policy, what's it good for? Pet insurance companies won't cover preventative care such as yearly check-ups, but they will cover a good percent of emergency care, surgeries, or an unexpected diagnosis. Keep in mind, however, that you must have your pet's insurance in place before any diagnoses, urgent care, or emergency visits because pre-existing conditions likely will not be covered. However, insurance isn't only for emergency visits. Your Golden may have a less urgent need to call on your Vet such as a sprained leg, ringworm, a case of the squirts, or a urinary tract infection (UTI). A pet insurance policy can help cover visits like these as well. You and your pet could save an average of 70-90%* on veterinary bills! Pricing - The cost of insurance depends on a few factors such as breed, weight, age, geographic location, etc. Plans can range from around $10 to $125 per month with an average cost around $50 per month.* Popular Pet Insurance Companies and Companies that Offer Pet Insurance Trupanion - A widely accepted and respected company who also partners with several Mars veterinary hospitals like VCA, Banfield, and BluePearl. Their staff may be able to file pet insurance claims directly from clinic computers. Ask a receptionist (CSR) if that could be an option for you. Costco - Yes, your Costco membership can help you save money on pet insurance offered through Figo Pet. Figo Pet - Even if you don't have a Costco membership, you can still sign up with Figo Pet. Lemonade - This company offers pet insurance as well as auto, homeowners, renters, and life insurance. Companion Protect - These guys work with companies like Liberty, Progressive, USAA, etc. to offer pet insurance. If you're already insured through one of these companies, they offer pet insurance as well. However, claims will go through Companion Protect. Embrace - A national pet insurance company with multiple agents to help answer your questions and file claims. Fetch - They promise "the most comprehensive coverage out there" with coverage to best suit your pet's lifestyle. They say they will even cover wellness visits like annual exams and vaccines! Pumpkin - a pet insurance company out of New Jersey, Pumpkin was designed by animal health experts and offers insurance for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Spot - No vet exam needed for enrollment and no lifetime caps according to Spot's website. They offer wellness as an additional add on! Healthy Paws - They are an affiliate of the Chubb Company which can also provide you with business and personal insurance plans. Their website promises no maximum limit on claim payouts and an easy-to-understand pet insurance policy. *As of March 2025. After deductibles are met.