Find the Best Pet Insurance in Madison, WI

How does pet insurance work in Madison?

With pet insurance, you pay the upfront costs out of pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement. If your provider approves your claim, it pays you back for the covered costs of your vet visit.

Most pet insurance plans in Madison have annual deductibles between $100 and $1,000, reimbursement rates between 70% and 90%, and annual payout limits that are either between $3,000 and $30,000 or unlimited.

• What pet insurance covers: Pet insurance covers unexpected injuries from accidents and illnesses. Some companies offer add-ons for preventive care services, such as annual exams and vaccinations.
• What pet insurance won't cover: Standard pet insurance does not cover preventive care or preexisting conditions. It also doesn’t cover breeding or pregnancy costs, cosmetic procedures, or any illnesses or injuries resulting from negligence or cruelty.

Nearly all pet insurance plans have some kind of waiting period. For illnesses, it’s usually 14 days. Some companies have shorter waiting periods of one to two days for accidental injury coverage.

Sample pet insurance costs in Madison

We asked Spot Pet Insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance how much it would cost to insure a 1-year-old, male Labrador retriever in Madison at the time of publishing:

• Spot Pet Insurance quote: $48.01 per month for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate

• Embrace Pet Insurance quote: $39.04 per month for a policy with an $8,000 annual limit, a $500 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate

• ASPCA Pet Health Insurance quote: $52.26 per month for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit, a $250 deductible and a 90% reimbursement rate

Madison pet insurance FAQ

How much is a vet visit in Madison?

A standard vet visit in Madison costs about $50, not including testing, medications, procedures or shots.

Do all Madison veterinarians accept pet insurance?

Your veterinarian doesn’t need to accept pet insurance because you pay them upfront. That means you can go to any vet you choose. After your visit, you submit a claim to your pet insurance carrier and it reimburses you.

What can I do if I can't afford a vet in Madison?

Reach out to WisCARES to see if you qualify for subsidized vet services. The Dane County Humane Society also provides discounted vet services. For more information, read about additional pet owner resources in Madison below.

Do any pet insurances cover preexisting conditions?

No, pet insurance providers do not cover preexisting conditions.

What are common preexisting conditions in cats?

Common preexisting conditions in cats are feline lower urinary tract disease, diabetes and polycystic kidney disease. Purebred cats tend to have the highest risk for these conditions.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Yes, pet insurance is worth it. Vet visits can be costly, especially if they are unexpected or your dog or cat breed is prone to certain genetic or hereditary conditions.

Additional Madison pet resources

A variety of resources are available for pet owners in Madison:

• WisCARES is a community veterinary clinic for low-income and homeless families. It provides many services, including pet food and supplies, short-term boarding, long-term fostering, and subsidized vet services. WisCARES is located at 1402 Emil St., Madison, WI 53713.
• Dane County Humane Society is a nonprofit organization that rescues, adopts and provides services for cats, dogs, exotic pets, farm animals and wild animals. It also offers training classes. Dane County Humane Society is located at 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718.
• The Petinary is a veterinary clinic that provides preventive care such as vaccines, dental cleanings and exams, as well as spaying and neutering. The Petinary is located at 1014 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703.
• Shelter From the Storm Animal Rescue is an animal rescue for all dog and cat breeds. It operates the Spay Me Clinic, which offers low-cost spay and neuter services. Shelter From the Storm Animal Rescue is located at 1602 Blossom Lane, Madison, WI 53716.
• Madison Cat Project is an adoption organization that finds homes for cats that might be euthanized at other shelters because of medical, behavioral or other issues. Madison Cat Project offers a monthly spay and neuter clinic. It is located at 627 Post Road, Madison, WI 53713.
• UW Veterinary Care is a full-service veterinary clinic for dogs, cats, exotic pets, horses and livestock in Madison. UV Veterinary Care offers 24-hour emergency services. It’s located at 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706.