You take care of your pet and feed it while showering it with love. But what happens when a health problem arises? How will you be able to pay for it?
The purchase of best pet insurance policy is a way to ensure that your beloved pet can receive all the medical care they need without having to worry about the financial burden. Pet insurance generally offers three types of plans:
- Accidental only (foreign body swallowed, broken leg, bite)
- Accident + Illness cover (accident + care against cancer, hereditary diseases, etc.)
- Supplements to wellness plans (for an additional fee: veterinary fees, vaccinations, microchip)
Pet coverage is different in each state and can be difficult to sort through. We’ve researched the top companies that offer pet insurance in Colorado to help you sift through the information and decide which insurance provider is right for you and your pet.
Keep reading to learn more about the following pet insurance providers so you can choose the one that best suits your needs:
Top 6 Best Pet Insurance Companies in Colorado
Colorado is a state that prides itself on offering excellent pet health insurance. Read on to find out what all of these policies cover (and don’t cover), what the average monthly cost is, what add-ons are available, and some pros and cons of each company. We’ll also detail deductible options, available discounts, and annual coverage limits, if applicable.
How does pet insurance work in Colorado?
Pet Insurance Works a little differently than the human version of health insurance. To start, you typically pay the vet bill or treatments out of pocket, then file a claim with your pet insurance along with a reimbursement receipt. Your pet insurance company will approve or deny your claim based on whether your expenses are covered by your plan, then give you the money by check or direct deposit.
Since your insurance reimburses you directly and not the veterinarian, you don’t have to worry if your veterinarian is in network with your insurance company. You have the freedom to choose the licensed veterinarian you prefer. The amount of reimbursement you receive depends on your annual deductible and the amount you are allocated for annual claims. The average reimbursement rate ranges from 60 to 90%.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Colorado for You
Choosing pet insurance can be a tedious prospect. We recommend that you pay particular attention to the following points:
- Ease of submitting claims
- Monthly Fee Amount
- Coverage required
Once you know your monthly budget amount, find a plan that gives you the most bang for your buck. Then review the claims submission process to see how user-friendly it is. The amount of coverage you have won’t matter if the process is so complicated that you never file a claim in the first place.
It’s difficult to predict whether your pet will need accident or illness coverage, but you know that wellness add-ons will most likely be used. Covering these costs can significantly reduce your annual expenses. According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owner Survey, pet owners spend an average of $242 per year on routine care for dogs and $178 for cats.
How much does pet insurance cost in Colorado?
The cost of pet insurance varies greatly from state to state and depends on the type of coverage needed. Some companies will charge you more the older your pet is and may increase the price depending on your pet’s breed.
Another determining factor for your overall cost are the additional fees associated with add-on packages. The good news is that Colorado offers many options to ensure you get the coverage you need. We’ve broken down the average monthly premiums in Colorado from each company to help you see how much you might have to pay.
Where you live in Colorado makes a little difference when we quote pet insurance, and it may depend on the pet insurance provider, but costs are usually decided in part based on of the postal code.
*For our example quote, we used a 3 year old mixed breed dog, weighing between 21 and 70 lbs. If you have a puppy, senior dog or large breed dog your quote will vary. If you’re looking for cat insurance, you’ll find that it’s a bit cheaper than dog insurance, and you can also save money by getting a multiple pet discount.
Final Thoughts
According to CBS News, Colorado pet owners typically spend more than $1,500 a year on veterinary care, making it one of the highest-paying states in the United States. Purchasing pet insurance can not only reduce your expenses, but can also allow you to do more for your pet than you could afford on your own.
As the cost of living continues to rise, these numbers will likely follow suit. The younger you buy insurance for your pet, the better, because you’ll likely never have to deal with the dreaded “pre-existing conditions” that cause the majority of claim denials.
Information for Pet Owners in Colorado
Living in Colorado with pets presents both unique opportunities and challenges. Let’s take a quick look at the current pet laws in Colorado, as well as some fun places to bring your pet in the state.
Read on to discover our favorite excursions for dogs (and cats) as well as some available resources!
Pet Laws in Colorado
Colorado has several laws in place to protect both the animals and the citizens of Colorado. Here are some important laws to keep in mind.
- Pets in the care of licensed animal shelters must be held for at least five days before the animal becomes available for adoption or otherwise disposed of.
- Counties may adopt policies requiring animals to be licensed and under control at any time.
- Dogs and cats adopted from Colorado animal shelters are considered state pets.
- It is illegal for any cat or dog owner to allow the animal to run free if it is not properly vaccinated as deemed necessary by the county board of health.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in Colorado
Colorado has plenty to offer for you and your pet, from hiking the many trails to going whitewater rafting. Several museums now allow dogs entry, and unique activities like jeep tours allow you and your pet to visit the sights. Denver, in particular, is particularly pet-friendly, with many tech companies letting you bring your pet with you to work.
Plus, many restaurants now allow you to dine with your dog. Dog boutiques are a booming new thing popping up all over the city. No matter where you live in Colorado, the sky is the limit when it comes to finding fun activities to do with your pet.
Colorado Pet Resources
If you or someone you know needs help caring for your pet, here are some resources to help:
- Fort Collins Animal Rescue: Local food bank serving animals in need. Call (970) 484-8516.
- Colorado Pet Pantry: Distributes food to 93 monthly pet food banks in 29 Colorado counties. Call 303.818.0618 to find a pet pantry near you.
- The Coccinelle Fund: We have now joined forces with the Street Dog Coalition and are helping provide emergency veterinary care to Colorado pet owners who are going through difficult times. Visit their website for more information.
- The Pet Fund: Founded in 2003, this national nonprofit organization helps provide non-emergency veterinary care to pet owners in need.