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Best Pet Insurance in SC

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on June 30, 2022

Choosing the right pet insurance company for you and your dog or other pets in SC can be a frustrating and confusing process. How much coverage will my plan provide? How fast will I be reimbursed? Are there any health issues not covered?


Here at iHeartDogs, we created an easy comparison below of all the major pet insurance brands in South Carolina and across the US. You can also use the form below to receive a no obligation quote from all the major pet insurance carriers at once, allowing you to compare pricing and coverage:

Dog & Cat Insurance In South Carolina

Let’s take a deep dive into the features and benefits of each of the major pet insurance brands here in SC and across the USA. Simply scroll to the right to view all the brands:

Pets Best
Lemonade
ManyPets
Trupanion
FIGO
HealthyPaws
Prudent Pet
Embrace
Wagmo
Company
Company
Pets Best
Lemonade
ManyPets
Trupanion
FIGO
HealthyPaws
Prudent Pet
Embrace
Wagmo
Annual Coverage
Annual Coverage
$5,000 or Unlimited
Up To $100,000
Unlimited
Unlimited
$5,000 or Unlimited
Unlimited
$10,000 or Unlimited
$5,000 - $30,000
Unlimited
Multi-pet Discount?
Multi-pet Discount?
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
What They Do Best
What They Do Best
Best for plan customization
Great pricing for puppies & kittens
$0 copay option. No fees for paying monthly.
Best for paying claims to veterinarian direct
Short waiting periods
Best for paying claims fast
Best Trustpilot reviews
Best plan for superior benefits
Fast claims. Wellness plan available.
iHeartDogs Customer Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
iHeartDogs Customer Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.3 / 5
4.6 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.1 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.1 / 5
Wellness Plan Option? (preventative care e.g. exams, dental, vaccines)
Wellness Plan Option? (preventative care e.g. exams, dental, vaccines)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Example Quote for 1 Year Old 30 lb Mixed Breed
Example Quote for 1 Year Old 30 lb Mixed Breed
$35.81 per month
$20.00 per month
$30.00 per month
$68.25 per month
$69.30 per month
$26.25 per month
$73.46 per month
$42.35 per month
$15.00
Reimbursement Amount
Reimbursement Amount
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%
100%, 90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50%
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, or 70%
100% or 90%
Annual Deductible
Annual Deductible
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, or $1,000
$100, $250, or $500
$100, $250, or $500
$0 to $1,000
$100, $250, $500, or $750
$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
$100, $250, $500, or $1,000
$200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000
$250, $500, or $1,000

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Receive a Free No-Obligation Quote from All the Pet Insurance Carriers At Once
Rather than visiting each insurance carrier’s website, you can use the form below to receive a no obligation quote from all the pet insurance carriers at once, allowing you to easily compare:

Which pet insurance company is best?

SC Pet Insurance FAQs

Are Monthly Pet Plans Worth It In SC?

Whether or not pet insurance is cost-effective for your pet requires comparing the overall cost of insurance to the estimated cost of your pet’s medical care. You will also need to determine what the insurance policy will cover. Most importantly, you should understand what the policy can do for you and your pet. 

Keep in mind, insurance policies can be accident only, comprehensive, or wellness. The latter are pet plans and often are not worth the cost, although an accident or comprehensive plan has more benefits than negatives. The average pet does not require more than one or two visits to a veterinarian, which often does not cost enough to add more money to your monthly premium.

Pet insurance can save you a lot of money if your pet develops a serious health condition that necessitates expensive care. However, it is unlikely that your pet will need such extensive care. If your pet’s medical care is normal and uneventful, you probably will not be able to get back any of your money. 

Pet behavioral treatment and dental care may or may not be covered by insurance but are options under wellness. Some dogs may need more dental care than others, which could be a cost-effective option. If you prefer a monthly bill instead of planning for routine care, pet plans may be the right option for you. 

Can You Claim Animal Expenses On South Carolina Taxes?

While your dog is a family member, the government does not agree and, as such, cannot be a dependent on your taxes. However, you can claim expenses if your pet is a business animal, service animal, or foster pet. Also, if you donate to animal welfare organizations. 


Owners of working animals may be entitled to write off costs linked to the animal’s employment, such as food, veterinary care, and training. Business animals typically include dogs that serve as a security measure for an establishment. Pets who perform can also be claimed on taxes. 

Giving mistreated, neglected, and abandoned animals a loving home entails doing more than just providing them with a place to stay. Fostering dogs and other animals can cost families a lot of money each year. Food, medications, supplies, and even travel expenditures are all examples of expenses and can be written off taxes. 

Tax deductions are available for some service dog expenses. For example, deductions are allowed for people who need a guide dog because of vision or hearing problems through IRS Publication 502. These deductions could include the costs related to buying the animal and any costs related to training or veterinary care. In addition, pet owners who have a condition that might benefit from the assistance of a trained therapy animal may also qualify for deductions. 

Do Pet Insurance Premiums Go Up With Age In SC?

Almost every pet insurance provider will raise your payments yearly and more so as your pet ages. Unfortunately, many pets are more likely to get sick or have accidents as they age. Additionally, dental disease develops, as does arthritis and a variety of other physical challenges. 

As sickness worsens, we can give your pet more medication. Insurance companies will raise premiums as a result. In addition, older pets are more likely to have diseases that stay dormant and only manifest when the immune system is impaired, possibly by another illness. As a result, your insurance may rise even if your pet is healthy and you have never claimed. 


Your insurance provider anticipates huge claims based on medical research and the history of similar breed and age pets. Overall, as pets (and people!) age, they are more likely to get sick, need medication for longer, and have various illnesses. Insurance prices will grow to meet these gradual, ongoing adjustments. Things go awry as we mature. Insurance helps keep our golden oldies healthy into old life.

Does Pet Insurance Cost More For Certain Breeds In South Carolina?

It is the responsibility of an insurance provider to provide dependable coverage when you need it most while minimizing the company’s losses. As a result, premiums are determined by the level of risk associated with each policy. The breed of your pet may affect the price of your premium for a few different reasons. 

Larger dogs are more likely to have issues with their hips and their heart. For this reason, a Labrador will cost more to insure than a Yorkshire Terrier. Mind you, the monthly price is a few dollars, not major differences, just enough to help offset the cost for the insurance company. However, their premiums go up a little more yearly for at-risk breeds. 

Expect to spend extra for coverage if your dog’s breed is more likely to have an urgent or emergency condition. Also, expect to pay more for purebred as they often come from the same bloodline, leading to an increased chance of hereditary diseases or congenital abnormalities. You will frequently pay variable pet insurance prices depending on the breed because some dogs are simply riskier from the insurance provider’s perspective.

Does Zip Code Affect Pet Insurance Prices In SC?

Your location, state, and postal code are significant because pet insurance prices are partly based on local veterinary charges. In major cities like Charleston or Columbia, veterinary care is likely to be more expensive than in smaller towns. Getting a price quote from various service providers to get the most affordable choice.


Is Spaying Covered By Pet Insurance In SC?

Accidental injury and illness policies for pets typically do not include coverage for spaying and neutering, also known as desexing. On the other hand, if you decide to purchase a wellness plan for your pet, a predetermined sum may be applied toward the cost of sterilizing your pet.

What Are The Advantages Of Pet Insurance In South Carolina?

Although you may sign up your pet for health insurance at any age, it is best to do so as soon as possible. They will be covered if you get insurance before your pet has any health issues. However, pets with pre-existing illnesses cannot get coverage for the illness. 

Some pet insurance providers have age restrictions (for newborns or seniors). Accordingly, depending on the age of the pet, coverage may be restricted or unavailable, giving you fewer options to take into account when making your purchase. Always check the age requirements for a pet with each company as they can differ.

What Is Annual Deductible For Pet Insurance In SC?

Understanding how deductibles work before choosing one will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Before insurance pays, you must pay the deductible. With a $250 deductible and a $1,000 vet bill for covered services, you will pay $250, and the insurance company will pay $750. Most insurance companies offer options of $100, $250, $500, $750, and $1,000 as the options for deductibles. 

What Is Not Covered By Pet Insurance In SC?

There is not a single insurance provider for pets that will pay for pre-existing conditions or any illness or health problem that your pet has before enrolling in coverage. Most insurance companies do not cover wellness unless you purchase the add-on. Furthermore, insurance does not normally cover cosmetic procedures, pregnancy, breeding, grooming, and spaying or neutering. 


Who Has The Cheapest Pet Insurance In SC?

Across the board, Lemonade tends to offer the lowest monthly costs, with Spot offering extremely reasonable options too. ASPCA provides affordable options, too, just a little more than the other two options. 

How Much Is Pet Insurance A Year In South Carolina?

The average cost of pet insurance in South Carolina for $10,000 coverage is $47.08 per month for dogs. Annually the price would cost about $565 a year before you add in the deductible. Prices will vary greatly depending on your location and pet’s specific details.

Which Pet Insurance Company Does iHeartDogs.com Recommend?

Our recommendation depends very much on your individual situation. You can compare quotes for your dog’s age and your location here. We can report that Trupanion, HealthyPaws, and Pets Best are very popular with iHeartDogs supporters.

Compare Pet Insurance Companies. Which is best?

What do iHeartDogs Readers Think About Pet Insurance?

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - We asked [33] Dog Owners and Here's What They Said

Pet insurance is "worth it" if you can afford the cost of the insurance, but could not afford an emergency vet bill. However, the best plan is to only get a pet if you can afford vet care, & to have a special savings account set aside for pet emergency care. - Louise 

Very much worth it. I have Nationwide. It used to be VPI. It doesn’t cover things in full, but it very much helps. More then paid for itself with my first two dogs. Haven’t needed it much with the two I have now but if something happens, I won’t hesitate to get the best treatment I can. It really helps. - Beth

Yes it is worth it. But you need to shop wisely for it. I have care credit that is used when needed. With no excluded treatments because it's up to me! Great rates and options to pay back. Saved my bank account a number of times. - Jennifer

Always worth it with my previous pet dog, Louie (French bulldog) and current pet dog, Lucy (dachshund).
It’s more than paid for itself each time. Unless you can cough up $10,000 for an emergency surgery I suggest you get pet insurance. Healthy Paws I highly recommend!!! - Leo

My vet one time said...my a "Dogs are Expensive" account. Whatever the going rate for pet insurance is...say $100...put that monthly in the "D A E" account. If you are ahead at the end of the year roll that money over....then, if you do need a big sum you have it, and if you don't the $ is in your pocket and not the insurance company's... whatever you decide..good luck! - Peggy

With my last dog no. I paid 17 years and never made a claim. With the two I have now definitely. My JR managed to get a dog toy piece stuck in her intestine - hugh, expensive op so worth it. I don't like the fact that even though my dogs are both young, the premium has gone way up however. 3&2 are not senior dogs. - Kit

Before just checking quotes check with your vet or ones in your area. The one problem with many pet insurances it actually may affect the cost a vet or clinic may charge for a service based on what they may have to pay or what they need to do get paid. For example a base xray charge may be $100 if you pay yourself but say you use insurance A that may cost the clinic so much a year to be a member or requires so much documentation or takes so long for payment may increase the charge to $130-150 .Then if you have a deductible you will be paying more. Your vet will also know which ones are more reliable for your area and for the needs for your breed. - Candi

I would never have a pet without insurance. Way too risky for those sudden and age related injuries/health issues . Everyday check- ups and vaccines are incidental costs compared to many things that can go wrong w ur furry family member ❤️ - Holly

I'm furious that insurance companies have now made owning pets incredibly expensive. Once insurance companies enter into the equation, the price for everything goes "through the roof." I wish these monsters would be regulated and insurance, health care was NON PROFIT!!!!!! - Rhonda

Yes Healthy Paws has been great. My Boston is on constant eye meds for about 6 years and 2 surgeries. I have 80 percent and they pay right away. - Lynda

Worth it if you plan ahead. One of my dogs I adopted and got insurance a year or so later and insurance has denied EVERYTHING…even an ear infection at 10 years old, as a preexisting condition because she had one when she was 3years old. My other dog I got insurance right away (lesson learned!) and it has been a huge benefit because ten years later he had significant medical expenses that were covered at 90% I could not be more thankful to have the insurance - Shannon

Definitely worth every penny! Our Shitz tore her ACL, swallowed my husband’s hearing aid, puts everything in her mouth!!! We have Healthy Paws. Very pleased. Just wish we went with 90% coverage instead of 80%. Get it BEFORE they have an issue!! - Jan

Nope not worth it. I love my babies but, it's like human insurance, Hardly worth getting. More n likely whatever your pet has insurance won't cover it so your still gonna pay out the ying yang. So here we are paying out the ying yang for insurance and still paying high dollar to a vet. - Nancy

Yes. My sweet hound developed allergies. The insurance covers are $73. Apoquel prescription plus everything else that goes wrong. She had a cough with meds the bill was over $400. Very happy we have insurance. - Pamela

Yes! For 10 years I never had to use it. Then my dog got very sick and needed to go to the animal hospital. She was diagnosed with diabetes and cushings disease and the costs for all the medications and testing she undergoes until we get her regulated is exorbitant. With the insurance I’ve been getting most of it back. - Erica

Worth it! Preventative/wellness services usually aren't included with accident/injury plans, but most insurances offer that separately (for more money). Get coverage asap when you get a pet... preexisting conditions are almost never covered and the older a dog gets, the higher the cost gets. I had Nationwide through my previous employer. The plans were supposed to follow my pets for life, after I left the job, but (long story short) the plans were cancelled. So now I'm getting new insurance through ManyPets for a dog who was 9 when I got the Nationwide plan, but is now 13 - with preexisting conditions. For all three of my dogs, it's about $235/month (that's with the optional wellness plans added for each). But if anything happens to any of my "kids", I pay a $250 annual deductible, then ManyPets covers 80% - with no lifetime limit. - Andrea

Yes. It's worth it. You never know what might happen. I see so many go fund me's to help animals when insurance would have covered it. Fyi, Trupanion is slightly more expensive but can pay the Vet directly if the Vet is signed up on their system. I have my 2 dogs and 2 cats covered. - Blythe

More Popular Pet Insurance Resources
Thanks for reviewing our guide to comparing pet insurance brands. Below you find some additional pet insurance resources from iHeartDogs.com


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