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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
Pet insurance in Idaho gives you peace of mind when your furry friend needs medical care. Our top picks for the best insurance in the state include Spot for dogs, ASPCA for cats, and Healthy Paws for young pets.
Idaho pet parents face unique challenges, from outdoor adventures to wildlife encounters that can lead to unexpected vet bills. The state’s diverse wilderness — including coyotes, bears, cougars, and venomous snakes — poses real risks to pets. Pet insurance coverage helps you focus on your pet’s recovery instead of worrying about costs.[1]
These types of policies average $49 per month for dogs and $27 for cats in Idaho. But rates vary (sometimes widely) based on your pet’s breed, its age, and the coverage level you choose.
Let’s explore your options and find the right policy for your pet’s needs.
What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance in Idaho
Pet insurance in Idaho costs an average of $588 annually for dogs and $324 for cats.
Pets Best typically offers the lowest rates for dogs. For cats, the cheapest company is typically Spot.
Idaho doesn’t have specific state laws regulating pet insurance beyond general insurance requirements.[2]
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Idaho
The table below showcases five leading pet insurance companies available to Idaho residents. Compare average monthly premiums for dogs and cats, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and key policy features to help narrow your choices before requesting personalized quotes.
Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $26/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $27/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $53/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $73/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $66/mo* |
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $11/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $13/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $0/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $35/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $0/mo* |
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 50%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 80%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–100% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$500 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $250–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Our Picks for the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Idaho
You won’t find one best company for every pet, but some companies stand out more than the rest. After analyzing rates and coverage options available to Idaho pet parents, we chose the following companies based on competitive rates, comprehensive coverage options, and unique benefits.
Spot: Best for dogs
No age restrictions
Optional wellness plans
Multiple deductible and reimbursement options
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for accidents
No option to pay vet directly
Spot earns our top recommendation for dogs in Idaho because it offers the most competitive average rates for canines, according to our data. The company also stands out with valuable features like optional wellness plans, multi-pet discounts, and coverage for behavioral issues and alternative therapies that many other insurers exclude.
ASPCA: Best for cats
Alternative therapies available
Covers hereditary and congenital issues
Behavioral issue coverage available
Low annual reimbursement limits
Relatively long claims processing
14-day waiting period for accidents
ASPCA takes our top spot for cats in Idaho, thanks to offering the best average rates for felines in the state, according to our data. You can add preventive for comprehensive coverage or choose a lower-cost accident-only plan for emergencies.
This flexibility makes it easy to match coverage to your budget and your cat’s needs.
Healthy Paws: Best for young pets
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts
Quick claims processing
Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
No accident-only plan available
15-day waiting period for accidents
No 100% reimbursement option
Healthy Paws offers the best value for young pets in Idaho with competitive rates for puppies and kittens, according to our data. But its key feature is unlimited annual and lifetime payouts.
For any covered condition, Healthy Paws reimburses you up to your selected tier with no benefit caps. Early enrollment means future conditions are covered without limits.
Pumpkin: Best for senior pets
No upper age limit
10% discount for each additional pet
Unlimited annual reimbursement available
No accident-only coverage
Doesn’t cover bilateral conditions
No coverage for special-diet pet foods
Pumpkin excels for Idaho residents with older pets. Unlike many insurers that set age limits, Pumpkin welcomes senior pets, regardless of age and breed.
The company also covers curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days — much shorter than the industry standard of 12 months. But the coverage doesn’t apply to hereditary and congenital conditions.
Figo: Best for comprehensive coverage
No upper age limit for new policies
Multiple reimbursement and deductible options
24/7 virtual vet visits
No lower-cost accident-only plan
Six-month orthopedic waiting period
No option to pay vet directly
Figo doesn’t necessarily have the cheapest rates in Idaho, but it offers the most comprehensive coverage options.
It offers unlimited annual payouts and a 100% reimbursement rate option, potentially eliminating out-of-pocket costs for covered claims. While this premium tier costs more than other options with less coverage, it provides maximum financial protection.
Our editorial team selected these companies based on a combination of average premiums, available coverages, policy features, and more. These factors include:
State-level average premiums by species, age, and breed
Available reimbursement rates, payout levels, and deductibles
Waiting periods for common conditions
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
Plan flexibility and policy management features
We prioritized each factor differently depending on the category to provide the best possible recommendations to pet owners throughout the state.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies in Idaho
Pet insurance rates vary because companies calculate premiums differently, and every pet’s situation is unique. Some insurers focus on basic accident coverage, while others include comprehensive illness protection, which affects pricing.
The table below shows companies with the lowest average monthly premiums for dogs and cats in Idaho, according to our data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
---|---|---|
Pets Best | $16 | $12 |
Spot | $26 | $11 |
ASPCA | $27 | $13 |
Prudent Pet | $55 | $30 |
Pumpkin | $73 | $35 |
Idaho Pet Insurance Laws and Requirements
The Idaho Department of Insurance oversees pet insurance regulations under general insurance laws. But local governments handle animal control.
While the state doesn’t have pet-specific consumer protection laws, insurance companies and their agents must meet certain licensing requirements.
Pet insurance regulation: Idaho classifies pet insurance as a “limited line of insurance” and requires a license through the Idaho Department of Insurance. Pet insurance agents must complete pre-licensing education, but the state doesn’t require an exam.
Vaccination requirements: Idaho has no statewide rabies vaccination mandate for resident pets. The state requires rabies vaccinations only for visiting dogs and cats 12 weeks and older before entering the state. Local municipalities may set their own vaccination requirements.[3]
Dog licensing: County commissioners may establish dog-licensing requirements and fees for areas outside municipalities that have dog-license laws. Requirements vary by county and municipality.[4]
Liability laws: Idaho follows a “one-bite” rule under the Idaho Dangerous and At-Risk Dogs Act. Dog owners become liable for injuries their pet causes after it shows dangerous behavior or injures someone without justification. The state defines specific criteria for “dangerous dogs” and “at-risk dogs” and related penalties and restrictions.
Animal control authority: Local law enforcement and animal control agencies handle pet-related violations, while the Idaho State Department of Agriculture oversees livestock and production animals. Counties and municipalities can adopt more restrictive ordinances than state minimums.
How to Pick the Right Idaho Pet Insurance Company for You
Finding the best pet insurance requires understanding your specific situation and comparing your options.[5]
Here are some practical steps you can take to lock in the best coverage:
Assess your budget. Determine how much you can afford monthly and annually for premiums, factoring in deductibles and copays.
Evaluate your pet’s risk factors. Consider your pet’s breed, age, and any existing health concerns that might require coverage.
Compare multiple quotes. Request personalized quotes from at least three companies to see how rates vary for your specific pet and location in Idaho.
Review coverage details. Look beyond price to compare waiting periods, annual limits, and exclusions that could affect your claims.
Check customer reviews. Research each company’s reputation for claims processing, customer service, and overall satisfaction from existing customers.
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Pet Insurance Terms: A Full Glossary of Everything You Should Know
Idaho Pet Insurance FAQs
With veterinary shortages in rural Idaho and rising costs statewide[6], pet insurance is more important than ever. If you still have questions, here are answers to Idaho pet owners’ most common concerns.
What’s the best pet insurance in Idaho?
The best pet insurance depends on your needs, but our top picks include Spot for dogs, ASPCA for cats, Healthy Paws for young pets, and Pumpkin for senior pets.
Our research found that these companies offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options for Idaho residents, but you should still shop around and compare rates
What is the average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Idaho?
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Idaho is $49 per month, according to our data.
Senior dogs typically cost more to insure due to increased health risks, at an average of $109 per month.
Purebred dogs often have higher premiums ($70 per month) than mixed breeds ($56 per month).
What is the average cost of pet insurance for cats in Idaho?
Cat insurance in Idaho averages $27 per month, according to our research. Like dogs, senior cats face higher premiums due to age-related health risks, costing an average of $66 per month.
Purebred cats typically cost more to insure ($40 per month) than mixed breeds ($31 per month).
Is pet insurance expensive in Idaho?
Not really. Idaho sits in the middle range for pet insurance costs compared to neighboring states, according to our data. Pet insurance in Idaho averages $49 per month for dogs and $27 per month for cats.
Idaho’s rates are reasonable compared to higher-cost states. For example, Montana averages $43 per month for dogs and $20 per month for cats. Utah averages $41 and $22 per month for dogs and cats, respectively.
Is pet insurance worth it in Idaho?
Yes. Pet insurance is worth it in Idaho, especially given the state’s wildlife risks.
Emergency vet visits can cost thousands of dollars, and insurance helps ensure you can afford necessary treatment.[7] With average annual vet costs rising nationwide[8], insurance helps ease financial stress and provides peace of mind for unexpected medical expenses.
What does pet insurance cover in Idaho?
Pet insurance in Idaho typically covers accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and hospitalization. Most plans include coverage for hereditary conditions, cancer treatment, and emergency care.
Optional wellness coverage can include routine care like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual exams. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, making early enrollment important for maximum protection.
Methodology
Compare.com data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Compare.com’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of 8 quotes is required for dogs and 4 quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Sources
- Visit Idaho. "Respecting Wildlife."
- Idaho Department of Insurance. "LIMITED LINES PRODUCER PRE-LICENSING MANUAL."
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture. "Rabies."
- legislature.idaho.gov. "TITLE 25 ANIMALS."
- AAHA. "How Do I Choose the Right Pet Insurance?."
- Idaho.gov. "SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.111."
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs."
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "We love our pets, and our spending proves it."