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5+ years in auto insurance and personal finance writing
Featured in top personal finance publications
Lindsay is a widely published creator of auto insurance content. She also specializes in real estate, banking, credit cards, and other personal finance topics.
Featured in
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Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
Updated
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Table of contents
Pet insurance can help you pay for veterinary treatment for infections, injuries, or chronic conditions you might not otherwise be able to afford — especially unexpected emergency vet bills.
Pet owners in Tennessee pay an average of $20 per month for cat insurance and $41 for dog insurance, according to Insurify data. This is lower than the national average of $23 per month to insure a cat and $43 to insure a dog. You can typically find cheaper pet insurance rates if you buy a policy while your pet is still young.
Here’s what you need to know about finding pet insurance in Tennessee.
Monthly premiums will vary depending on your ZIP code and your pet’s species, age, and breed.
Lemonade offers the cheapest pet insurance rates of the Tennessee companies Insurify evaluated.
Pet insurance companies typically sell three types of coverage: accident and illness, accident only, and wellness coverage.
Compare the best pet insurance companies in Tennessee
The best pet insurance company for you will depend on your pet’s needs and your budget. We’ve identified three of the top pet insurance companies in Tennessee. You can take a closer look at costs and coverage offerings from Lemonade, ManyPets, and Pumpkin below.
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. N/A Insurify does not have data available at this time | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 80%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. N/A Insurify does not have data available at this time | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. N/A Insurify does not have data available at this time | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Lemonade: Best for a cheap pet insurance policy
cheap pet insurance policy
Lemonade
Lemonade offers the cheapest pet insurance rates of the insurance companies Insurify reviewed. Lemonade plans are highly customizable for your pet’s needs, with many options for your deductible and annual limit. You can also earn discounts for paying annually, insuring multiple pets, or buying another Lemonade policy.
Cheapest pet insurance premiums in Tennessee
Multiple discount opportunities
Mobile app for fast claims filing with instant payment in some cases
Dental illness coverage limited to $1,000 per year
No option to pay vet directly
Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries
ManyPets: Best value with no annual caps
value with no annual caps
ManyPets
ManyPets covers most accidents and illnesses, including congenital and hereditary conditions and dental diseases. All plans cover exam fees and almost any necessary treatment, including chiropractic and acupuncture, with no annual coverage limits.
The insurer has an excellent Trustpilot rating and offers affordable pricing relative to other comprehensive pet insurance plans. But ManyPets offers fewer customization options than other insurers and doesn’t offer any discounts.
Covers a wide variety of conditions and treatments
No annual caps on reimbursement
Offers easy online claims and live chat service
18-month waiting period for cured pre-existing condition coverage
No option to pay vet directly
Relatively few customization options
Pumpkin: Best for comprehensive coverage
comprehensive coverage
Pumpkin
Pumpkin offers some of the broadest coverage for furry friends in Tennessee, with a comprehensive preventive care package for puppies and kittens and custom routine pet care packages for pet patients at select veterinarians. The insurer reimburses up to 90% of your veterinary costs and covers a wide range of conditions and treatments that other companies don’t typically cover, including behavioral conditions and alternative therapies.
Pumpkin also offers a 10% discount for pet parents who enroll more than one pet. The insurer has an excellent Trustpilot rating and offers easy online claims.
Offers up to 90% reimbursement with no annual limits
No breed restrictions or upper age limits
Covers most curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days
No accident-only coverage option
No option to pay vet directly
No mobile app
We chose the best pet insurance companies in Tennessee by researching top pet insurers and comparing their coverage options, deductible options, types of pets covered, waiting periods, and customer reviews.
For each quote, we used a Tennessee address. For the sample quotes for dogs, we used a profile of a 2-year-old mixed-breed, medium-sized male dog. For cats, we used a profile of a 2-year-old American shorthair female cat. Quotes for both species were for accident and illness coverage with 80% reimbursement, a $500 deductible, and $5,000 or more in annual coverage.
Cheapest pet insurance companies in Tennessee
Pet insurance premiums depend on a number of factors, including your ZIP code and your pet’s breed, species, and age.[1] Tennessee pet parents pay an average monthly cost of $20 to insure a cat and $41 to insure a dog, according to data from Fetch, an Insurify partner.
While Tennessee’s pet insurance rates are lower than the national average of $43 per month for dogs and $23 for cats, premiums are even cheaper in nearby Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky.
Insurance Company | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Spot | $23 |
| ASPCA | $24 |
| Lemonade | $25 |
| Pets Best | $37 |
| Healthy Paws | $54 |
| Prudent Pet | $57 |
| Figo | $61 |
| Pumpkin | $65 |
Find Cheap Pet Insurance in Tennessee
Comparing rates could save you up to 57%
Why pet insurance is important if you live in Tennessee
Regular veterinary exams and preventive vaccines are essential to keeping your furry friend healthy. It’s also important to be aware of the risks your pet may face in Tennessee, including the following:
Accidents: All pets face the risk of accidents, such as poisoning, trauma from a car accident, or broken bones. An accident-only or an accident and illness policy can help you cover the costly expenses of emergency surgery following unexpected accidents.
Illness: Dogs and cats can also contract a variety of infections and chronic conditions, like kidney disease. A comprehensive accident and illness policy can help cover the costs of illnesses. For example, cancer treatment and diabetes care can cost thousands of dollars without pet coverage.
Canine distemper: Wild and domestic animals in Tennessee have a risk of catching this highly contagious disease year-round, but most cases occur in the spring and summer. Infection can occur after direct contact with an infected animal or its bodily waste and secretions, so keep a close eye on your pets when outdoors.
Rabies: Tennessee pets’ exposure to rabies isn’t common, but it can happen. To avoid your pet catching rabies and other diseases, it’s always a good idea to keep your pet away from wild animals.[2]
Tennessee pet regulations and laws
Pet parents should be aware of the following Tennessee statutes regarding animals:
Animal cruelty: It’s illegal to abuse, neglect, or fight animals in Tennessee.
Vicious dogs: Circuit courts in Tennessee may order the euthanization of a dog that attacks a human and causes serious injury or death.
Rabies: Tennessee law requires all dogs and cats 6 months or older to receive a rabies vaccination.[3]
Leash law and liability: Tennessee law requires dog owners to keep control of their dogs and may hold dog owners liable for damages if their dog injures someone while at large in a public space or on another person’s private property.
Spay/neuter requirement: Pet parents who adopt a dog or cat from a government agency, such as an animal shelter, must agree to spay or neuter their pet if it hasn’t already had the procedure.
Cost of pet insurance for top breeds in Tennessee
Many factors affect the cost of pet insurance in Tennessee, including your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are prone to hereditary health issues that can increase the cost of your pet insurance.
For instance, flat-faced cats, such as Persians and Himalayans, may experience breathing issues and eye issues.[4] Larger dog breeds, such as Rottweilers and German shepherds, are often susceptible to hip dysplasia.
The following table shows the top cat and dog breeds and their average pet insurance rates in Tennessee.
Dog Breed | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Chihuahua | $34 |
| German shepherd | $45 |
| Labrador retriever | $58 |
| Shih Tzu | $35 |
| Yorkshire terrier | $37 |
Cat Breed | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Maine coon | $34 |
| Russian blue | $14 |
| Siamese | $22 |
Types of pet insurance coverage
Pet insurance companies may offer three different pet insurance products. Accident and illness policies are the most comprehensive, covering unexpected diseases and injuries, while accident-only policies are more affordable and only cover veterinary care related to accidents. Some insurers also offer wellness plans, which help pet owners save on routine care.[5]
Learn more about how pet insurance works and each coverage type to determine which plan is best for you and your pet.
Accident and illness plan
The most comprehensive type of pet health insurance, accident and illness policies typically cover veterinary care for a wide range of medical conditions. Coverage details vary, but the best pet insurance companies may include coverage for the following:
Behavioral problems
Cancer treatments
Dental illnesses
Digestive issues
Emergency vet visits
Parasites and infections
Physical therapy for injuries or hip dysplasia
Prescription medication
Surgery and hospitalization
Swallowed objects and poisoning
Check your policy for a complete list of exclusions. Most pet insurance companies don’t include coverage for the following:
Elective procedures, like tail docking or claw removal
Pre-existing conditions, unless your pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for a period of time
Preventative healthcare, unless you purchase a wellness plan as an add-on
Accident-only plan
Accident-only pet insurance covers a wide range of diagnostic tests and treatments for accidents, such as bite wounds, fractures, poisoning, and foreign body ingestion. It’s more affordable than an accident and illness plan, but it doesn’t cover acute or chronic diseases or pre-existing injuries.
Wellness plan
Most pet insurance companies offer wellness plans as an add-on to an accident and illness or an accident-only plan. Wellness plans don’t typically have waiting periods or annual deductibles. Companies usually put annual caps on reimbursement for routine care services, and these plans only provide limited savings.
Some insurers offer extensive coverage, including:
Dental cleaning
Heartworm and flea/tick prevention
Microchipping
Routine health tests
Spay/neuter procedures
Vaccinations
Wellness exams
Preventative care packages won’t help with pet health emergencies, accidents, or unexpected illnesses.
Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
Compare top pet health insurance plans in less than 2 minutes
How to find the best pet insurance in Tennessee
Here’s how to find the best pet insurance in Tennessee:
1. Decide what coverage you need
Consider your pet’s age and health when choosing the right coverage. For example, an accident-only policy is an affordable option for older pets or pets that already have chronic conditions. Wellness plans are helpful for puppies and kittens, when routine care costs are most expensive.
2. Evaluate your budget
Consider your monthly income and determine how much you can afford to spend on pet insurance coverage. If you have a well-stocked emergency care fund, choosing a higher annual deductible and a lower reimbursement rate will reduce your premiums.
3. Compare quotes
The best way to get a good deal on pet insurance is to compare quotes. Select a handful of pet insurance companies that offer the coverage you need and collect quotes directly or through an insurance-comparison site. Compare coverage and pricing apples to apples if possible.
4. Check the insurer’s reputation
Look up each pet insurance company on third-party sites like Trustpilot to gauge customer satisfaction. Evaluate the claims process, customer support options, and digital tools each insurer provides.
5. Buy a policy
You can buy most pet insurance policies online. Companies typically have a waiting period between your first payment and when you’ll be eligible for compensation. Even if your insurer didn’t require your pet’s medical records to write your policy, you’ll want to upload the documents as soon as you can since most companies require your pet’s records prior to paying a claim.
Tennessee pet insurance FAQs
You have many important factors to consider when buying a pet insurance policy. Read on for more information about buying pet insurance in Tennessee.
Is pet insurance more expensive in Tennessee?
No. Pet insurance is less expensive in Tennessee compared to the national average, according to data from Fletch, an Insurify partner.
What is the average cost of pet insurance in Tennessee?
The average cost of dog insurance in Tennessee is about $41 per month, while the average monthly cat insurance premium is $20. But if you buy pet insurance while your pet is young, you may pay less.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions in Tennessee?
Most pet insurance companies don’t cover chronic pre-existing conditions. But some companies will cover curable conditions, like an ear infection or injury, after your pet has been symptom-free for a period of time.
Is pet insurance worth it in Tennessee?
Yes. Pet insurance is a worthwhile investment. It’s an affordable way to ensure peace of mind, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses and helping with expensive vet bills and emergency vet appointments. Consider your pet’s health and lifestyle, as well as your budget and the type of coverage you want, to decide whether pet insurance is worth it to you.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Insurify’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of eight quotes is required for dogs and four quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
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Sources
- AKC Pet Insurance. "Why Does My Location Affect Pet Insurance Costs?."
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "Wildlife Disease."
- Legal and Historical Animal Center. "Tennessee Statues."
- PetMD. "7 Flat-Faced Cats With Smushed Faces."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
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Lindsay Frankel is a content writer specializing in personal finance and auto insurance topics. Her work has been featured in publications such as LendingTree, The Balance, Coverage.com, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and FinanceBuzz.
Lindsay has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
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Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
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