Pet Insurance in Washington

Laws covering Pet insurance in Washington

State law places clear limits on policy terms and insurer sales through RCW Chapter 48.205. After you purchase a policy, its waiting period runs before coverage starts. A free look gives you a period after receiving a new policy to cancel it for a refund.

Every insurer must follow these rules under the state pet insurance statute:

• Illness and orthopedic waiting periods may not go beyond 30 days; for accidents, no waiting period is permitted.
• A waiting period can't be added again when you renew your policy.
• After you receive a new policy, you have a 15 day free look period in which to return it for a premium refund.
• Under state law, one definition covers a pre-existing condition when vet advice, treatment, or signs occur before coverage or during a waiting period.
• If an insurer rejects a claim as pre-existing, it must show that the exclusion applies.
• Policy exclusions must be clearly disclosed by insurers, including exclusions for pre-existing, hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions.
• A wellness plan may not be marketed as pet insurance, and buying one may not be required as a condition of purchasing a policy.
• Before selling coverage, agents must have a license and finish specific training.

Another proposal would have prevented insurers from canceling coverage or refusing renewal because of an animal's age. In February 2026, House Bill 1078 passed the House. On November 1, 2026, a substitute bill was pending in House Rules (HRules 3C).

Companies offering Pet insurance in Washington

Coverage in all 50 states is listed by Nationwide, Spot, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Embrace, and Fetch, among others. Trupanion is available throughout every one of the 50 states, as well as DC and Puerto Rico (some people in some states may not have access to products or discounts).

Insurers with state notes include Costco Pet Insurance, which is not offering new policies in Washington. MetLife Pet Insurance, Progressive, Pets Best, Petco, and Chubb each publish availability throughout all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

National cost data from NAPHIA shows an average dog accident and illness premium of $836 a year ($70 a month). Cat coverage averages $435 a year ($36 a month). The figures apply nationally rather than to Washington, while your pet's breed, age, species, and ZIP code help determine your quote.

What is the number of insured pets in Washington?

Based on NAPHIA member data, 3.6% of all US insured pets belong to Pet owners here, who also represent 3.6% of US gross written premium. Its share puts the state in the association's published group of top 10 states.

Across the country, insured pets make up 4.27% of the total, based on NAPHIA industry figures. The rate is 5.99% for dogs and 2.29% for cats. Those policies are part of the 7.6 million insured pets counted across North America.

How can you file a pet insurance complaint in Washington state?

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner accepts complaints about claim or refund disputes. Online, Pet owners can use the state insurance complaint page to submit complaints or check open-case status.

Before sending your complaint, collect your policy papers, vet records, and any denial the insurer provided in writing.