What Pet Owners Need to Know About California Pet Insurance Changes
Pet insurance in California is undergoing significant changes as rising veterinary costs make coverage less accessible for pet owners. The most newsworthy development is Nationwide Pet Insurance, the largest provider in the U.S., announcing plans to drop 100,000 policies by next summer. This decision has profound implications for pet owners across the state.
Why Are Pet Insurers Scaling Back?
The rising cost of veterinary care is the primary catalyst behind this change. Vet bills have surged due to inflation, more advanced treatments, and a shortage of veterinary professionals. The growing expense of veterinary care makes it challenging for insurers to make money without raising the price of premiums or reducing the benefits in the policies they offer.
Nationwide, in particular, cited rising costs as a reason for scaling back their coverage. In a recent statement, they explained, “Inflation in the cost of veterinary care and other factors have led to recent underwriting changes and the withdrawal of some products in some states.” This change has left many California pet owners feeling like the rug was pulled out from under them, and now they must scramble to find a new pet insurance provider.
The Rising Cost of Vet Care
Veterinary care has always been a necessary expense for pet owners, but in recent years, the costs have risen dramatically. Advanced diagnostics, specialty surgeries, and even routine treatments have seen significant price hikes. From May 2023 to May 2024, we saw a 7.6% increase in vet bills, with the national average cost of routine vet visits now hovering around $200–$300, while emergency care can exceed $1,000.
These escalating costs are out of reach for some pet owners, leading to a tragic rise in cases of “economic euthanasia”—where owners are forced to put down pets simply because they cannot afford treatment. A recent survey by Canine Journal revealed that 55% of pet owners would choose unnecessary euthanasia if met with vet costs over $2,500.
What Can Pet Owners Do If Their Policy Has Been Canceled?
If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of pet owners in California who will lose your Nationwide policy, you may feel helpless, but there are still affordable pet insurance options available in California. Here are some ideas for moving forward and finding a new insurance plan or safety net that fits your needs.
- Shop Around For New Coverage: Now is the time to explore other pet insurance options to avoid any gaps in your pet’s care. Many pet insurers may still offer competitive rates, or you might find specialized coverage that better fits your needs.
- Explore Preventive Care Plans: Many veterinary clinics offer preventive care plans that cover routine visits, vaccinations, and basic health screenings. While this isn’t full insurance, it can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for regular care.
- Build an Emergency Fund: Even with insurance, some treatments can carry high out-of-pocket expenses. Building an emergency fund for your pet’s medical needs can help soften the blow of unexpected costs.
- Consider Coverage Adjustments: If the cost of comprehensive pet insurance is out of reach, you might consider adjusting your coverage to cover major accidents and illnesses rather than routine care.
The Future of Pet Insurance in California
Pet insurance in California remains a looming question. If Nationwide drops plans due to rising costs, will other large insurance companies follow suit? Finding a reliable pet insurance company can provide the peace of mind you seek moving forward.
With vet care costs on the rise, the need for pet insurance in California (and across the United States) has become more urgent than ever. As routine care becomes increasingly expensive, pet ownership is no longer a minor expense. Pet insurance can help offset these growing costs and ensure you’re prepared to cover your pet’s medical needs as they arise.
Choose Odie Pet Insurance for Long-Lasting and Reliable Plans
Your pet is a valued family member. You want to be able to help when your furry friend has an illness or condition that needs treatment.
As a newer pet insurance carrier in the space, Odie is not currently faced with the same challenge of having to increase rates at the level of other larger companies. The company is focused on prioritizing benefits for its members by streamlining costs and operations. Additionally, Odie’s team includes veterinary & animal health experts who have helped identify the exact needs for the pet insurance product. Savings are passed down to its members, and with rates that are 15-30% less than other pet insurance companies, Odie is committed to offering affordable coverage options for pet owners to provide the care their pets need.
Illness & Injury Plan
This all-inclusive plan provides comprehensive coverage for both illnesses and injuries, including services like emergency vet visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and advanced diagnostics such as MRIs and CAT scans. It also covers rehabilitative care, prescription medications, and gastrointestinal issues. The average costs for Odie’s Illness and Injury plans are $25 per month for cats and $45 per month for dogs.
Accident-Only Plan
Designed for pet owners looking for protection against accidents, this plan offers 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 annually with a $250 deductible and costs $6 per month for cats and $9 per month for dogs in California. The Accident Only Plan covers treatments for injuries such as broken bones, bite wounds, and traumatic dental fractures, as well as diagnostic tests and surgeries related to accidents.
Wellness Add-on Plan
Available as an add-on to either of the above plans, the Wellness Plan covers routine and preventive care. Two options are available in California: the Basic Plan ($14 per month), offering up to $305 in annual reimbursements for services like vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and flea prevention, and the Plus Plan ($23 per month), ideal for puppies and kittens, with up to $535 in reimbursements.
Sign Up with Odie Pet Insurance for Continued Affordable Vet Care
At Odie Pet Insurance, we believe in transparent, affordable coverage that helps keep your pet healthy without breaking the bank. We’re here to support California pet owners with plans that fit various needs and budgets, ensuring that you have peace of mind regarding your pet’s health.
