The Best Pet Insurance in Maine (2024)
Situated at the tip-top of the U.S., Maine is a stunning location filled with lobsters, lighthouses, and rocky coastlines. If you live in Maine, you already know that the cost of living is high – the 15th highest in the U.S.
Maine is also no exception when it comes to the nation’s rising vet costs. Simple visits like routine checkups are pricey, and emergency vet care can easily cost four figures.
A pet insurance plan can help you curb hefty emergency vet expenses and avoid financial pressure in an already stressful situation. Spending monthly for a pet insurance plan is worthwhile, even if you never have to use it.
The 2 Best Maine Pet Insurance Companies
Continue reading to learn more about the following pet insurance providers so that you can choose the best one for your needs:
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Maine
| Best For | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot |  | Most Inclusive | $22-$80 | Compare Quotes | |
| Healthy Paws |  | Best for Chronic Conditions | $24–$54 | Compare Quotes |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Inclusive |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Chronic Conditions |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
*Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligaments or orthopedic conditions, may have longer waiting period times, usually six months to a year. This is common among many pet insurance providers, but most illnesses will be covered after the waiting period listed above.
Pet Insurance Companies in Maine Reviews
Even if your pet is happy and healthy, emergencies happen. You’ll want a financial cushion for those unexpected veterinary visits, and your pet will be glad to receive top-notch, timely care. Luckily, the pet insurance market is full of trustworthy providers offering a variety of price points and plan options.
Below, we’ll review some of Maine’s best pet insurance companies. As you read, consider how each provider’s coverage and cost options can benefit your pet’s healthcare and your budget.
Note: These providers only cover dogs and cats, so you’ll need to check elsewhere for bird and exotic animal coverage.
Spot
Most Inclusive
Healthy Paws
Best for Chronic Conditions
How Does Pet Insurance Work in Maine?
Pet insurance in Maine works on a reimbursement system. This means you’ll pay for veterinary services, and your pet insurance agency will reimburse you for covered items after the fact.
Unlike human health insurance, pet health insurance doesn’t operate through networks, so you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian you like. Without networks, you don’t run the risk of your particular vet denying insurance based on your plan or provider.
This system also helps you focus on your pet during stressful emergencies instead of trying to decipher the ins and outs of your pet insurance plan. At the vet, you’ll have to cover the entire bill upfront, so make sure you have emergency vet savings on hand just in case. Otherwise, you can rest assured knowing your pet insurance provider will pay you back for covered services.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Maine for You
It’s no secret that vet care is expensive. Among the long list of other monthly expenses you have, the last thing you need is an astronomical vet bill to blow your budget. Luckily, the pet insurance providers we’ve discussed offer plans that can help you curb high and unexpected veterinary costs.
You have to pay a monthly premium to earn coverage, and you want that payment to be worth it. But, how do you know which plan will get you the best coverage for the best price? Luckily, most provider websites generate free pet insurance quotes for your pet’s characteristics, location, and a variety of rate options.
Using Embrace’s quote calculator, we’ve generated some sample prices for a dog in Maine. Take a look at how different plan customizations change coverage levels and monthly rates.
| Policy Options | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement percentage – 70% Annual reimbursement limit – $5,000 Annual deductible – $1,000 | $23 |
| Reimbursement percentage – 80% Annual reimbursement limit – $8,000 Annual deductible – $750 | $35 |
| Reimbursement percentage – 80% Annual reimbursement limit – $10,000 Annual deductible – $500 | $48 |
| Reimbursement percentage – 90% Annual reimbursement limit – $30,000 Annual deductible – $200 | $88 |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Maine?
On average, pet insurance in Maine costs $30-$50 per month for dogs and $20-$25 per month for cats. Your monthly premium will vary depending on the rates you choose, as well as your pet’s species, age, breed, and location. Before buying any pet insurance plan, compare the different costs for your specific pet and location.
Using Spot’s online quote calculator, we found that an accident/illness plan for a 4-year-old mixed-breed dog costs $26 per month in Freeport and $31 per month in Bangor. This isn’t a huge price jump, but it shows how prices vary depending on where you live.
Most pet insurance companies charge extra for wellness plans and exam fee coverage, so be sure to factor those costs into your monthly budget.
Take a look at some sample quotes for a 2-year-old Standard Poodle and British Shorthair cat living in Portland, Maine.
| Provider | Sample Monthly Cost For Dogs | Sample Monthly Cost For Cats | Sample Monthly Wellness Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $31 | $19 | $10-$25 |
| Embrace | $50 | $25 | $19-$52 |
| Healthy Paws | $36 | $21 | No wellness option |
| ASPCA | $42 | $25 | $10-$25 |
Final Thoughts
We don’t think you should ever have to choose between your finances and your pet’s health. With pet insurance, you’ll pay a predictable monthly fee for coverage of your pet’s unpredictable mishaps. It doesn’t matter if you’re up in Madawaska or down in Kittery; you deserve the peace of mind knowing your pet can get the care it needs.
If you’re still unsure about which plan to choose, look at our comprehensive pet insurance reviews. You’ll get a deeper look into each provider’s average monthly costs, plan customization options, add-on packages, discounts, state availability, and more.
Information for Pet Owners in Maine
Between all the lighthouses and lobster rolls, you can find plenty of pet-friendly activities in Maine. The Pine Tree State is full of wag-worthy destinations and scenic towns that will have you feeling right at home.
If you’re enjoying Maine’s great outdoors with your pet, be sure to follow local and state regulations. We’ve noted a couple of Maine pet laws below to keep you and your buddy out of trouble. We’ve also dropped some helpful resources that make pet ownership in Maine a little easier.
Maine Pet Laws
In Maine, you must register your dog with your municipal clerk’s office each year. You’ll receive a pet license certifying that your dog is vaccinated against rabies and stating whether your pet is spayed or neutered. The fee you pay for dog licensing supports the state’s animal control officers, animal cruelty investigation, animal welfare law enforcement, and efforts to return lost dogs to their owners.
You must keep your dog on your property or a leash at all times in Maine unless you’re using the dog to hunt. If your dog bites or injures another person or their pet, you’re required to secure medical assistance for that person and provide them with your contact information.
Cat owners must also vaccinate their cats against rabies. Law enforcement personnel can request proof of vaccination at any time.
Visit Maine’s exotic animal laws website for more information.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in ME
Maine is a fantastic destination for nature lovers. You and your dog can hike up to stunning waterfalls or hunt in Maine’s vast wilderness. Before you strike out on any adventures, be sure to review Maine’s hunting laws and rules.
L.L. Bean, a popular outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, was founded in Freeport, Maine, in 1912. Its headquarters welcomes all leashed and well-mannered dogs. Your pup can tag along as you grab a drink from the in-store cafe, shop for some new gear, and snap a picture in front of the famous Bean Boot. While you’re there, you can grab your furry friend a treat from L.L. Bean’s wide selection of pet products.
To show some love to your feline friend, you can visit the Pussums Cat Company in Turner, Maine. This family business provides Maine kitties with premium catnip toys, treats, and accessories. It also sells adorable merchandise for you and the cat lovers in your life.
Maine Pet Resources
No matter where you live in Maine, you need access to a reliable 24/7 vet clinic for your pet’s emergency needs. The Maine Veterinary Medical Association has compiled a list of after-hours clinics throughout the state, complete with website links, phone numbers, and addresses. You can keep this list on hand as you travel throughout Maine or use it to find a trustworthy emergency clinic near you.
Action for Animals Maine is a pet owner assistance foundation in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The foundation provides pet owners with financial assistance for emergency veterinary care. With the help of donations, Action for Animals Maine also provides resources for pet food, emergency boarding, pet cancer support, and more.
Frequently Asked About Pet Insurance in Maine
Do all vets in Maine take pet insurance?
In short, yes. Your pet insurance provider doesn’t work with your vet, so you don’t have to worry about your vet being in-network like a human health insurance plan. Instead, you submit your claim directly to your pet insurance provider, which will reimburse you based on your coverage. This allows you to go to any licensed veterinarian, whether they are at a clinic or animal hospital, to get your pet the care they need. As long as the treatment is covered under your plan, you’ll be covered.
Does pet insurance cover all veterinary expenses?
No, pet insurance won’t cover all expenses you build up at the vet’s office. However, insurance will typically cover accidents and illnesses that aren’t pre-existing. Some policies will even offer wellness and preventative care add-ons that add additional benefits to your policy, like wellness exams and vaccines.
Do pet insurance policies have waiting periods?
Yes, pet insurance policies more than always have waiting periods. between your initial enrollment period and when coverage officially begins for the plan. Across most providers, the standard is around 14 days for accidents and illnesses, but some others, including Lemonade and Embrace, can shorten your waiting period to as low as two days for accidents.
Our Methodology
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