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In This Article
If you’re a Missouri pet owner, you understand the health risks your pet faces, like tick-borne illnesses and winter weather injuries. Veterinary bills can add up quickly, especially when unexpected illnesses or injuries occur. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial support to help keep your pet healthy.
That’s where our top picks for Missouri’s best pet insurers come in. Companies like Pets Best, Lemonade, and Figo lead our rankings for their competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage.
In Missouri, pet insurance averages $36 per month for dogs and $17 for cats, according to our data. That said, your actual premium will depend on factors like your pet’s breed, age, and the coverage level you choose.
In the article below, we’ll dive deeper into the best companies, compare costs across different insurers, and help you navigate Missouri’s specific pet laws and regulations.
What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance in Missouri
Missouri pet insurance averages $432 per year for dogs and $204 for cats.
The cheapest companies for dogs include Pets Best and Spot.
Cat owners save most with Spot and ASPCA.
Unlike some states, Missouri doesn’t have specific pet insurance regulations. These policies fall under standard property insurance rules.
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Missouri
Shopping for pet insurance means comparing more than just monthly premiums. Our table below compares five leading Missouri insurers side by side across key factors, including average rates for dogs and cats, coverage for pre-existing conditions, deductible options, and reimbursement levels.
Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $18/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $23/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $43/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $20/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $24/mo* |
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $21/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $14/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 $8/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $12/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. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–100% | 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% |
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–$100,000 | 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. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | 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 |
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 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 Missouri
Plenty of excellent insurance companies offer pet insurance in Missouri. The five we’ve selected stand out for their competitive pricing, coverage options, and overall value for Missouri pet owners.
Pets Best: Best for dogs
Acupuncture care coverage
Unlimited coverage option
Low-cost accident-only plan available
No 100% reimbursement option
Doesn’t cover behavioral conditions
Relatively low multi-pet discount
Pets Best is our top choice for dog owners in Missouri, thanks to its competitive pricing structure and flexible coverage options.
The company offers both traditional accident-illness plans and budget-friendly accident-only coverage for cost-conscious pet parents. What sets Pets Best apart is its inclusion of alternative therapies like acupuncture, which can be valuable for aging dogs or those with chronic conditions.
Lemonade: Best for cats
Bundling discount of up to 15%
Can file claims through app
Consistently low premiums
Behavioral coverage only available as add-on
Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Not available in every state
Lemonade earns our top spot for cat coverage by combining affordability with user-friendly technology.
Missouri cat owners appreciate the company’s streamlined mobile app for filing claims. And you can bundle pet insurance with other Lemonade products for additional savings. The insurer’s consistently low premiums make it an attractive option for budget-minded pet parents.
Figo: Best for young pets
Multiple reimbursement and deductible options
24/7 virtual vet visits
Wellness add-on available
Mixed customer reviews about claims
No coverage for prescription food
Relatively low multi-pet discount
Figo takes the lead for young pets by offering some of the most affordable premiums for puppies and kittens, combined with modern perks like 24/7 virtual veterinary consultations. The company’s flexible plan options let you customize coverage to fit your budget while still providing comprehensive protection during your pet’s most vulnerable early years.
Spot: Best for senior pets
No age restrictions
Optional wellness plans available
Multiple reimbursement and deductible options
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for accidents
No optional to pay vet directly
Spot distinguishes itself in the senior pet category by accepting pets of any age for enrollment — a crucial advantage, since many insurers impose age limits. The company’s commitment to covering older pets comes with competitive rates and comprehensive plan flexibility. It also offers wellness coverage options that can help manage routine care costs as your pet ages.
ASPCA: Best for unlimited annual payouts
Multi-pet discount for of 10% for each additional pet
Covers alternative therapies
Covers hereditary and congenital issues
No coverage for prescription food
Must call for unlimited coverage quote
Limited deductible options
For pet owners seeking unlimited annual coverage, ASPCA delivers strong value for both dogs and cats. Its comprehensive policies include coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions that many insurers exclude. The company’s multi-pet discounts make it particularly attractive for households with multiple furry family members.
Our editorial team selected the companies you see here 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 Missouri
Pet insurance rates vary significantly between companies based on their underwriting practices, coverage formulas, and business models. While one insurer might offer rock-bottom rates for young, healthy pets, another could provide better value for older animals or those with chronic conditions.
Here are average monthly premiums from Missouri’s cheapest pet insurance companies.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
---|---|---|
Pets Best | $18 | $21 |
Spot | $20 | $8 |
Lemonade | $23 | $14 |
ASPCA | $24 | $12 |
Figo | $43 | $13 |
Prudent Pet | $49 | $27 |
Pumpkin | $52 | $21 |
Missouri Pet Insurance Laws and Requirements
Missouri treats pet insurance like standard property insurance rather than health coverage. This means fewer consumer protections for pet parents. A total of 14 other states have adopted specific pet insurance regulations[1] following the NAIC’s Pet Insurance Model Act.[2]
But Missouri maintains specific requirements for animal care and pet ownership:
Rabies vaccination requirements: Missouri requires rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats 4 months and older.[3]
Animal care facility licensing: Commercial breeders, kennels, pet shops, and other animal care facilities must obtain licenses and meet detailed standards under Missouri’s Animal Care Facilities Act. Licensed facilities must provide veterinary care programs, maintain health records, and ensure proper housing conditions.[4]
Leash and control laws: Missouri follows an adequate control law[5] rather than a specific leash requirement. This law requires owners to restrain and supervise dogs in public spaces to prevent injury to people and other animals. Cities and counties may impose more specific leash requirements. For example, Missouri state parks require leashes no longer than 10 feet.
Pet registration: Many Missouri municipalities require pet licensing, typically contingent on proof of rabies vaccination.[6]
How to Pick the Right Missouri Pet Insurance Company for You
Finding the perfect pet insurance policy requires balancing coverage needs with budget constraints while considering your pet’s specific health risks.
Consider your pet’s breed-specific needs. Certain breeds face higher risks for specific conditions. Research your pet’s breed tendencies, and ensure your chosen insurer covers common issues.
Compare actual quotes, not advertised rates. Request personalized quotes from multiple insurers using your pet’s exact age, breed, and location in Missouri for accurate pricing.
Evaluate coverage exclusions carefully. Pay close attention to what each policy doesn’t cover — especially pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, and breed-specific exclusions.
Consider your local veterinary costs. Missouri’s veterinary costs vary by region, so factor in your area’s typical prices when choosing coverage limits and reimbursement levels.
Review the claims process thoroughly. Understand whether your chosen insurer offers direct payment to vets or requires you to pay up front and seek reimbursement.
Missouri Pet Insurance FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions Missouri pet owners ask about pet insurance coverage.
What’s the best pet insurance in Missouri?
The best pet insurance depends on your specific needs, but our research shows Pets Best leads for dogs, Lemonade tops cat coverage, and Figo offers the best value for young pets. Consider factors like your pet’s age, breed, and your budget when making your decision.
What’s the average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Missouri?
Pet insurance for dogs in Missouri averages $36 per month. Senior dogs typically cost $87 per month. Rates for purebred dogs average $52, and mixed breeds cost about $40 per month to insure.
What’s the average cost of pet insurance for cats in Missouri?
Cat insurance in Missouri costs an average of $17 per month. Senior cats typically run $45 per month. Premiums for purebred cats average $20 per month, and mixed breeds cost approximately $23 per month to insure.
Is pet insurance expensive in Missouri?
Pet insurance in Missouri costs $432 annually for dogs and $204 annually for cats. It’s less expensive than the national annual averages of $504 for dogs and $276 for cats.
Is pet insurance worth it in Missouri?
Pet insurance provides valuable financial protection in Missouri, especially given the state’s outdoor lifestyle and seasonal weather changes that can lead to unexpected veterinary bills.[7] Research shows that insured pet owners typically get their pets more veterinary care than uninsured owners, leading to better health outcomes.[8]
What does pet insurance cover in Missouri?
Most Missouri pet insurance policies cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications. Many insurers also offer optional wellness coverage for routine care like vaccinations and dental cleanings. Coverage varies by company, so review policy details carefully before purchasing.
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
- Federation of Regulatory Council. "NAIC PASSES PET INSURANCE MODEL ACT."
- AVMA. "Association of insurance commissioners passes Pet Insurance Model Act."
- Missouri Department of Agriculture. "MissouriExhibition Requirements for Dogs and Cats."
- Missouri Secretary of State: Code of State Regulations. "Department of Agriculture Division 30—Animal Health Chapter 9—Animal Care Facilities."
- Revisor of Missouri. "578.005. Definitions.."
- St. Louis MO Gov. "Pet Registration and Licensing."
- AVMA. "Do you need pet insurance?."
- AVMA. "Does pet health insurance make sense for clients?."