As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
Jason Metz
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.
Fact Checked
Michelle Megna
Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Many pet owners go without pet insurance and may not realize how expensive veterinary care can be for problems like a broken bone, cancer or an ingested object. Pet insurance can be a good way to help offset major vet bills. We analyzed options to help find the best pet insurance in Indiana.
Read more
Best Pet Insurance in Indiana 2024
Summary: Indiana Pet Insurance Ratings
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Reimbursement choices | Deductible choices | LEARN MORE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embrace |  |
5.0 |  |
70%, 80%, 90% | $100 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| ManyPets |  |
5.0 |  |
70% or 80% | $500 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| Pets Best |  |
4.5 |  |
70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| Fetch |  |
4.0 |  |
70%, 80%, 90% | $300, $500, $700 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| Figo |  |
3.5 |  |
70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | $100, $250, $500, $750 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| Healthy Paws |  |
3.0 |  |
50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| Trupanion |  |
2.0 |  |
50% to 100% | No deductible | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website | |
| MetLife |  |
1.0 |  |
70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $250, $500 | Compare Plans | Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website |
Reimbursement and deductible choices may vary by state.
Indiana Pet Insurance Cost Comparison
The average cost for pet insurance in Indiana is $33 per month, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis. That’s for a plan with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement level.
| Company | Monthly cost in Indiana for unlimited annual coverage |
|---|---|
|
ManyPets
|
$19
|
|
Fetch
|
$22
|
|
Pets Best
|
$23
|
|
Healthy Paws
|
$28
|
|
Figo
|
$33
|
|
Embrace
|
$34
|
|
Trupanion
|
$46
|
|
MetLife
|
$58
|
Costs are for a plan with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement level, or the closest match available.
Source: Petinsurer.com.
Types of Pet Insurance Plans
The types of plans offered by pet insurance companies are: accident and illness, accident-only and wellness plans.
The exact problems covered by pet insurance will depend on the type of plan you buy. A comprehensive plan is an accident and illness plan with an optional wellness plan. It covers the most types of problems, but it’s the most expensive option.
Accident and Illness Plans
The most common type of pet insurance policy is an accident and illness plan. It covers the widest range of problems, such as:
- Accidents, like broken bones and torn ligaments.
- Congenital conditions, like heart disease.
- Hereditary conditions, like eye disorders and hip dysplasia.
- Holistic and alternative procedures, like acupuncture and chiropractic.
- Illnesses, like cancer and diabetes.
- Prescription medications.
- Surgeries and hospitalizations.
- Testing and diagnostics, like X-rays and blood tests.
Accident and illness plans typically don’t cover problems such as:
- Breeding, pregnancy or whelping.
- Cosmetic procedures, like ear cropping and tail docking.
- Grooming.
- Experimental treatment, such as investigational or treatment not within the standard care accepted by Indiana’s veterinary medical board.
- Non-veterinary expenses, such as waste disposal services or a dog license.
- Pre-existing conditions, but some plans cover pre-existing conditions that are considered curable if your pet remains free of symptoms for a period of time.
- Regular food, dietary and nutritional supplements.
- Routine wellness care, such as wellness exams and vaccinations.
Accident-Only Plans
This type of plan only covers accident-related veterinary expenses, such as lacerations from dog bites or broken bones. It does not cover illness-related veterinary expenses like diabetes or an ear infection.
Accident-only plans are less expensive than accident and illness plans and can be a good choice for pet owners who only want coverage for accident-related emergencies.
Wellness and Routine Care Plans
Some pet insurance companies offer optional wellness plans for routine pet care that cover expenses such as:
- Blood and fecal parasite exams
- Dental cleanings
- Deworming
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention
- Grooming costs, including nail trimming
- Microchip implantation
- Spaying and neutering
- Wellness exams
- Vaccinations
Wellness plans are generally not sold as stand-alone plans and can only be added to accident and illness plans.
How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance is like a health insurance policy for your pet that covers veterinary expenses. But unlike health insurance for people, pet insurance is usually reimbursement-based, which means you’ll pay upfront for your pet’s vet bills and submit a claim. If the problem is covered by your policy, your insurer will send you reimbursement.
Your reimbursement amount will depend on your annual limit, deductible and reimbursement percentage. But there’s also a “waiting period” after you buy a policy before coverage kicks in. To understand how pet insurance works, here’s a closer look at what these terms mean.
Waiting Period
Pet insurance companies have what’s known as a waiting period—the specific amount of time from when you purchase the policy until the coverage kicks in. There are generally three types of waiting periods:
- Accident waiting period (typically one to 14 days).
- Illness waiting period (typically 14 days).
- Extended waiting period (typically six to 12 months, but not all insurers have this waiting period).
The length of the waiting period depends on the pet insurance company. For example, Embrace pet insurance has a two-day waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a six-month extended waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions.
Not all insurers have an extended waiting period for orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament issues. You may be able to find pet insurance with no waiting period. For example, ManyPets does not have an extended waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions.
Maximum Annual Limit
The cap on the amount your pet insurer will reimburse you in a policy year is known as the annual coverage limit. Common annual limits are $5,000 or $10,000, but many pet insurance plans offer unlimited coverage.
By choosing a lower annual limit, you’ll be able to lower your pet insurance costs. But you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any vet expenses that exceed your annual limit.
Deductible
The amount you have to pay toward vet bills before your pet insurance kicks in is the deductible. Common deductible amounts are $100, $250, $500 and $1,000.
If you choose a higher deductible, you’ll pay less in pet insurance premiums because your insurer will pay out less if you file a pet insurance claim.
Reimbursement Percentage
After you pay upfront for your pet’s vet bills, the reimbursement percentage is the amount of money you’ll get back for problems covered by your policy. Common reimbursement percentages are 70%, 80% and 90%.
A lower reimbursement level will cost less in pet insurance premiums because your insurer will pay less if you file a pet insurance claim.
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance in Indiana
Not all pet insurers offer the same annual limits, deductible options, reimbursement options and coverage benefits. For example, there’s no optional wellness plan from Trupanion, but there’s no extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions. You’ll want to weigh the plan’s benefits to find the best pet insurance in Indiana at a reasonable cost. Here are some things to take a closer look at:
- 24/7 vet healthline: Some pet owners may want access to a 24/7 vet healthline, but not all insurers offer it. For example, you’ll find this coverage benefit at companies like Embrace and Pets Best, but not at ManyPets and Fetch.
- Plans that will pay your vet directly: Pet insurance is reimbursement-based, meaning you’ll have to pay up front for your vet’s bills and submit a claim for reimbursement. But Trupanion will pay your vet directly, if your vet has their software.
- Plans with a multi-pet discount: Some insurers offer a multi-pet insurance discount of 5% or 10% if you insure more than one cat or dog.
- Plans that offer a wellness plan: Many insurers offer an optional wellness plan that helps cover expenses like wellness exams, vaccinations, and flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers: Once you have narrowed down your coverage selections and benefits, you’ll want to compare pet insurance quotes from several different companies to find the best rate.
Pet Laws In Indiana
Indiana has a statewide law that prohibits dog owners from harboring a dog age 6 months or older that has not been immunized against rabies. If the dog bites someone and causes an injury, it’s considered a Class B misdemeanor.
In addition to statewide Indiana pet-related laws, some municipalities have their own regulations. Here’s a sampling of pet laws in Indiana cities.
Indianapolis Pet Laws
- Dogs and cats must be microchipped or wear a collar with identification tags.
- It is illegal to incite or train your animal to fight.
- It is illegal to feed, tease, tantalize, molest or provoke any pet without the owner’s permission. Violation of this law could result in a fine of at least $50.
- You must provide your dog with access to shade when it’s higher than 80 degrees. You must bring your dog into a temperature controlled facility on days where the temperature is above 90 degrees fahrenheit, or when there is a heat advisory, tornado warning or wind chill warning issued by a local, state or national authority unless the dog is in visual range of a competent adult who is also outside.
- It is illegal to leave your pet unattended in a vehicle when it could endanger their health.
- You cannot let your dog ride unrestrained in the bed of your pickup truck unless the bed of the pickup truck is enclosed with a camper shell or other device, provided there is sufficient ventilation.
- If your dog or cat defecates on public property, you are required to remove and dispose of the feces.
- Your dog, cat or ferret over the age of 3 months must be immunized against rabies and the rabies vaccination tag must be affixed to your pet’s collar.
- It is illegal to tether your dog between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the dog is in visual range of a competent adult who is also outside.
- You are required to provide your pet with clean water, appropriate food, veterinary care, enough space to move about and exercise, and clean and sanitary shelter.
Fort Wayne Pet Laws
- You must bring your pet into a temperature controlled structure if the temperature is below 10 degrees or higher than 85 degrees fahrenheit.
- It is illegal to leave your pet outside continuously for more than 15 minutes without access to adequate shelter and potable water. Exceptions may be made if an adult is present on the property.
- You are required to feed your pet adequate amounts of food that is nutritional for its species.
- If the Department of Animal Care and Control requires your pet to have an evaluation by a state licensed veterinarian, you must have your pet evaluated and follow the veterinarian’s recommended treatment plan. You must provide proof of treatment.
- You are required to remove your pet’s excrement from public property or someone else’s private property.
- It is illegal to tether your pet by a chain, cord, rope or other tying device directly attached to your pet’s neck. The tether must be at least 6 feet in length without being tangled.
- You may not leave your pet unattended in any vehicle under dangerous conditions, such as extreme temperatures and presence of dangerous materials or objects.
- If your pet bites another person or animal, you are required to report it to the Department of Animal Care and Control and make your pet immediately available for quarantine.
- You are required to get a current pet registration for any dog or cat age 5 months and older. If your dog or cat is spayed or neutered, you can get a lifetime pet registration with a microchip implant.
Evansville Pet Laws
- You are required to have a license or permit for any dog or cat age 6 months and older.
- You must apply for a license for your dog or cat within 30 days of becoming an Evansville resident or if you live in Evansville for any period of more than 30 days.
- If your dog or cat is spayed or neutered, the cost of a license is $10 annually. If your dog or cat is spayed or neutered and microchipped, the cost of a lifetime license is a one-time $10 fee or $3 annually.
- You are required to provide shelter for your pet from sunlight, rain and snow. If your pet is kept outdoors in temperatures below 40 degrees, you must provide adequate shelter that includes insulation and bedding, and the shelter must keep your pet dry.
- You cannot tether your pet by any chain, cord, rope or tying device that attaches directly to your pet’s neck. The tether must be at least 10 feet long and have swivels on both ends. You cannot tether your pet for more than one hour at a time.
- You cannot leave your pet unattended in a vehicle in a way that would endanger its health or safety.
- It is illegal to participate in animal fighting, including attending a dogfight, providing a location for a dogfight and owning any animal fighting paraphernalia.
- You cannot allow your pet to have access to a roof or overhang of a porch.
- If you hit a pet while driving, you must notify the owner, and the local authorities or Department of Animal Care and Control at the location of the pet.
Methodology
We used data provided by PetInsurer.com to score pet insurance companies in Indiana based on the following.
Average plan prices: Up to 40%. We averaged pet insurance quotes for each insurer for a mixed-breed dog at two ages in Indiana.
Plan benefits: Up to 60%. We scored plans based on the following important features: Annual coverage choices, whether the plan can pay a veterinarian directly, access to a 24/7 vet line, availability of routine wellness coverage, whether the plan pays the vet exam fee, pet dental illness coverage, end of life coverage and multi-pet discount.
