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, which in turn is causing some pet insurance providers to scale 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.
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 parents, leading to a tragic rise in cases of “economic euthanasia”—where owners are forced to put down pets because they can’t 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?
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
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 and preventative care become 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
Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:
Illness & Injury Plan
The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:
- Veterinary exams and consultations
- Diagnostics (e.g., X-rays, lab tests)
- Prescribed medications
- Surgeries and hospitalization
- Rehabilitation, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments
- Medically necessary supplies
- Euthanasia and cremation
The Wellness Plan
The Wellness Plan is a monthly membership that focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services.
- Provides reimbursements for routine care items such as wellness visits (exams and vaccines), testing and parasite prevention, dental cleanings and at-home dental care, vitamins, supplements, and more.
- Through Odie’s partnership with Petivity, a leader in smart pet products and proactive care, Wellness Plan members can also receive reimbursements for Petivity devices and health kits, as well as eligible Purina food and supplements.
- Total reimbursement up to $700 per year.
