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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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While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
In This Article
When your furry family member gets hurt or sick in Ohio, vet bills can quickly spiral out of control. But pet insurance can give you peace of mind when your pet needs care.
Pet insurance is especially valuable in Ohio since veterinary costs are rising faster than inflation. Nationally, the cost of veterinary care rose more than 60% in the past decade.[1] Plus, Ohio pets can be exposed to some regional risks, including tick-borne illness and algae poisoning from blue-green algae blooms that frequently occur in the state.
Ohio pet insurance costs an average of $35 per month for dogs and $21 for cats, according to Compare.com data. But your rates may vary based on your pet’s breed, age, coverage level and other factors.
Our top picks for the best pet insurers in Ohio include Lemonade, Pets Best, and Prudent Pet. Each company stands out for its competitive pricing, unique coverage options, and specialized benefits.
Read on to discover which pet insurance company might be the perfect fit for your Ohio pet.
What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance in Ohio
Dog insurance averages $420 per year, and cat insurance costs $252.
The cheapest companies for dogs are Pets Best and Pets Best for cats.
Ohio has comprehensive pet insurance regulations protecting consumers, Its rules include clear disclosure of policy terms, limits on pre-existing condition exclusions, and agent requirements.[2]
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Ohio
The table below compares the five top pet insurance companies available to Ohio residents.
Let’s see how each company stacks up across key metrics like average rates for both dogs and cats, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and other key features to help you choose the best pet coverage.
Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $22/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $17/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $21/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $35/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $27/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 $9/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 $0/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. 60%–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. 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. 70%–90% |
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. 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. $100–$750 | 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–$1,000 | 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–$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 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. |
Our Picks for the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Ohio
Choosing the right pet insurance company isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Every pet has different needs, and what works for your neighbor’s golden retriever might not be the best choice for your tabby cat.
We’ve selected the following companies based on factors that matter most to Ohio pet parents, like comprehensive illness coverage.
Here are our top recommendations for pet insurance in Ohio based on a combination of competitive rates, coverage options, and benefits for different types of pets and situations.
Lemonade: Best overall
Pay-in-full discount available
Curable pre-existing condition coverage after 12 months
Fast claims processing
Some coverages available only with add-on
Long orthopedic waiting period
No 100% reimbursement option
Lemonade consistently offers competitive pricing for most pets in Ohio. The company stands out for its tech-forward approach to pet insurance, with a user-friendly app and quick claims processing that appeals to busy pet parents.
With affordable monthly rates for both dogs and cats, Lemonade makes quality coverage accessible for budget-conscious Ohio families.
Pets Best: Best for senior dogs
No upper age limit for enrollment
Unlimited coverage option available
Low-cost accident-only plan available
Relatively low multi-pet discount
No coverage for food or supplements
Limited exam fee reimbursement
Pets Best offers excellent value for dog owners in Ohio — especially owners with older pups. The company has no upper age enrollment limits, making it ideal for senior dogs that other insurers might reject. Combined with competitive rates for older dogs, Pets Best helps Ohio families keep their aging companions covered affordably.
Prudent Pet: Best for senior cats
Unlimited annual payout option available
10% multi-pet discount
Three levels of wellness coverage available
Limited prescription food coverage
Six-month waiting period for knee disorders
Limited coverage for behavioral disorders
Prudent Pet delivers exceptional value for senior cat owners with competitive rates for older felines. While the company excels at affordable pricing for senior cats, keep in mind the six-month waiting period for knee disorders. If your cat already shows signs of joint issues or you suspect problems might develop, you may want to explore other options.
Spot: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions
No age restrictions
Optional wellness plan available
Unlimited annual payout
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for illness
Doesn’t cover prescription diet food
Spot offers excellent value for pets with pre-existing conditions. The company has competitive rates with unlimited payouts and curable condition coverage.
Spot also offers affordable rates for cats regardless of age, making it an excellent choice for Ohio pet parents dealing with ongoing health issues or looking for comprehensive coverage without caps.
Healthy Paws: Best benefits package
Unlimited annual coverage on all policies
Covers curable pre-existing conditions
No caps on claims or treatments
No wellness coverage options
Higher premiums than budget options
Limited customization options
Regardless of which Healthy Paws policy you choose, you’ll always have unlimited coverage — a rare benefit in the pet insurance world. Healthy Paws also covers curable pre-existing conditions, which can help if your pet develops ongoing health issues.
While it may not have the lowest premiums available, the insurer offers competitive rates for dogs and provides comprehensive protection that justifies the cost.
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 Ohio
Pet insurance rates can vary significantly between companies because insurers assess risk and rates differently.
Your coverage choices also affect your rates. Some insurers focus on basic coverage, while others offer more comprehensive coverage.
The companies in the table below offer the most affordable average rates for Ohio dog and cat owners, according to our data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
---|---|---|
Pets Best | $17 | $9 |
Spot | $21 | $11 |
Lemonade | $22 | $13 |
ASPCA | $27 | $12 |
Figo | $42 | $16 |
Prudent Pet | $46 | $27 |
Pumpkin | $57 | $25 |
Ohio Pet Insurance Laws and Requirements
Ohio adopted comprehensive pet insurance regulations based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Pet Insurance Model Act. Its rules include the following protections and requirements:[2]
Clear disclosure requirements: Pet insurers must clearly disclose claim payment formulas and policy terms.
Wellness program separation: Insurers can’t make pet insurance eligibility dependent on your participation in a separate wellness program.
Pre-existing condition protections: The regulations limit how insurers can deny claims related to pre-existing conditions.
Agent training requirements: Insurance agents must complete specialized pet insurance training.
Consumer protections: The act establishes standards for policy renewals, required disclosures of waiting periods, policy limits, exclusions, and benefit schedules.
Pet owners in Ohio also have responsibilities:
Rabies vaccination: Ohio doesn’t have a statewide rabies vaccine requirement for pets, but local governments can set their own rules. For example, out-of-state dogs and cats must be current on rabies shots and have a certificate of veterinary inspection.[3]
Leashing requirements: Dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet in state parks and division-managed areas. Ohio law also requires dogs to either be confined to the owner’s property or under reasonable control at all times.[4]
Licensing requirements: Each county has its own licensing rules. For example, Franklin County requires owners to license dogs 3 months and older annually and vaccinate them against rabies before getting the license.[5]
How to Pick the Right Ohio Pet Insurance Company for You
Finding the perfect pet insurance company for your Ohio pet requires careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. Follow these steps to make the best choice:
Assess your pet’s health needs. Consider your pet’s age, breed, and any existing health conditions that might influence coverage options.
Determine your budget. Decide how much you can comfortably spend monthly on premiums while considering potential out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and copays.
Compare multiple quotes. Get quotes from at least three different companies to see how rates vary for your specific pet and coverage preferences.
Review waiting periods and exclusions. Pay close attention to how long you’ll wait for coverage to begin and what conditions might be excluded.
Check customer reviews and financial ratings. Look for companies with strong financial stability and positive customer service experiences from other Ohio pet owners.
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Pet Insurance Terms: A Full Glossary of Everything You Should Know
Ohio Pet Insurance FAQs
Here are answers to common questions Ohio pet owners have about pet insurance coverage.
What’s the best pet insurance in Ohio?
You won’t find one single best pet insurer for every pet. That said, Lemonade tops our list as the best overall pet insurance in Ohio due to its consistently competitive prices across most pet categories and fast claims processing. For specific needs, Pets Best excels for senior dogs, while Prudent Pet offers great rates for senior cats.
What is the average cost of pet insurance in Ohio?
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Ohio is $35 per month, while cat coverage averages $21 per month, according to our research. That said, rates can vary by your pet’s breed, age, and more.
For context, if you have a senior dog, policies typically cost about $95 per month, and senior cat coverage runs about $54.
Is pet insurance expensive in Ohio?
No. Ohio is among the least expensive states for pet insurance, with rates falling below the national average for both dogs and cats. Ohio offers more affordable coverage than many neighboring states.
Is pet insurance worth it in Ohio?
Yes. Pet insurance can be especially worthwhile in Ohio since the state’s consumer protection laws ensure you’ll receive clear policy disclosures and fair treatment. With veterinary costs continuing to rise, coverage helps you budget for unexpected medical expenses while ensuring your pet receives necessary care.
What does pet insurance cover in Ohio?
Ohio pet insurance typically covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and emergency care. Many policies also offer optional wellness coverage for routine care like vaccinations and checkups.
Under Ohio’s regulations, insurers must clearly explain what your policy covers and excludes, with specific protections regarding pre-existing conditions.
Our editorial team created this article with the help of highly trained generative AI tools. That said, multiple insurance experts — including at least one licensed agent — have rigorously reviewed, fact-checked, and edited every word and data point you see here.
We write, edit, and review all of the content on Compare.com according to our strict editorial standards, regardless of how we created it. Learn more about our editorial process.
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
- The New York Times. "The Costs of Caring for Pets."
- Ohio.gov. "Chapter 3970 - Ohio Revised Code."
- Rabies Aware. "Ohio."
- Ohio.gov. "Rule 1501:46-3-06 - Ohio Administrative Code."
- Franklin County Government. "Ohio Dog Laws."