Best Pet Insurance in Ohio (November 2024)

Best Pet Insurance in Ohio (November 2024)

Key Takeaways

  • The average cost of pet insurance in Ohio is $45 per month. The average cost per breed is $59 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats.
  • The cheapest pet insurance in Ohio is Figo at $19 per month on average or $23 for dogs and $13 for cats.
  • Investing in pet insurance can offer Ohio pet parents the peace of mind that financial constraints won’t prevent their four-legged friend from getting the care they need.

What’s the Best Pet Insurance in Ohio?

Our team named Lemonade the best pet insurance company for Ohio pet parents because it offers comprehensive, flexible coverage at an affordable price. Policyholders can also customize their plan to find a premium that fits their budget. 

lemonade insurance logo


Reimbursement Rates

70%-90%


Average Monthly Cost

$31-$60

Why Lemonade Is #1 in Ohio


We gave Lemonade 4.8 out of 5 stars based on our review, which makes it our top-rated provider. Lemonade pet insurance offers Ohio pet parents a mix of affordability, customizable coverage, fast claims processing and a user-friendly experience. Its focus on transparency and community-oriented values can align with the needs and preferences of many Ohio pet owners.

  • Lemonade is not available in every state, which may concern Ohio pet parents considering moving elsewhere in the future.
  • Lemonade offers no option for an accident-only insurance plan.
  • Lemonade’s maximum annual payout is only $100,000, while some other providers offer an unlimited option.

Lemonade’s base accident and illness plan covers diagnostics, procedures and medications for conditions such as infections, allergies, wounds, broken bones, cancer, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Pet parents can also add coverage for services such as veterinary visit fees and dental illness.

Lemonade has a two-day waiting period for injuries, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament issues. Like other pet insurance providers, Lemonade does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, if your pet has a curable condition, such as ear mites or giardia, Lemonade may extend coverage if your pet does not show symptoms for at least one year.

Lemonade offers the following two wellness plans:

  • $265 wellness reimbursement: Costs $19 per month and covers wellness services such as vaccines and parasite testing
  • $480 wellness reimbursement: Costs $28 per month and covers services such as routine dental care and heartworm prevention medications

The company also offers several optional coverage add-ons:

  • Veterinary visit fees: Costs $8 per month
  • Physical therapy: Costs $3 per month
  • Behavioral conditions: Costs $4 per month
  • Dental illness: Costs $13 per month
  • End of life and remembrance: Costs $4 per month

The average monthly cost of a Lemonade pet insurance policy in Ohio is $45 per month or $60 for dogs and $31 for cats.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $60
Cat Insurance $31

Our team evaluated average annual pet ownership expenses in Ohio, such as veterinary visits, vaccines, medications and emergency visits, and determined that a policyholder could save $313 a year by investing in Lemonade pet insurance.

Our Rankings of The Best Pet Insurance in Ohio

While we like Lemonade’s offerings, we encourage pet owners to research and compare several providers before purchasing a pet insurance plan. Here’s our complete list of options in Ohio:


How We Ranked Pet Insurance Companies in Ohio


To find the best pet insurance companies in Ohio, our MarketWatch Guides team considered a variety of factors to help pet owners determine which providers offer the best value and services. We considered coverage options and exclusions, premium costs, customization and flexibility, claims processing, customer support and availability. We also looked at information gathered from our nationwide survey, filtered by Ohio residents, to see what pet parents valued most. Providers that offered these services received additional points in our review.

How We Collected Costs

Cost is a significant factor when analyzing a pet insurance provider’s value. Our cost collection process involved collecting quotes from 22 pet insurers in Ohio for 10 sample pet profiles.

We determined our dog cost data by averaging quotes for the following pets:

  • A 3-month-old, mixed-breed puppy
  • A 1-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog
  • A 2-year-old golden retriever
  • A 5-year-old medium, mixed breed dog
  • An 8-year-old small, mixed-breed dog

We determined our cat cost data by averaging quotes for the following pets:

  • A 3-month-old kitten
  • A 1-year-old shorthair cat
  • A 2-year-old Siamese cat
  • A 5-year-old mixed-breed cat
  • An 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat

pets best pet health insurance logopets best pet health insurance logo


Annual Limits

$5k-Unlimited


Reimbursement Rates

70%-90%


Average Monthly Cost

$19-$35

Why Pets Best Is a Good Option


We gave Pets Best 4.8 out of 5 stars and named it our pick for paying your veterinarian directly. Most pet insurance providers require you to pay your veterinarian at the time of service, submit a claim and then wait for reimbursement after the claim is approved. Pets Best can pay your veterinarian directly, allowing you to focus on your pet’s care without worrying about upfront costs.

The company offers an accident-only plan and an accident and illness plan, with the option to extend coverage. Policyholders also have the option to add preventive coverage.

  • The waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions is six months.
  • Pets Best offers only two options for maximum annual coverage for its accident and illness plan — $5,000 and unlimited.
  • The accident-only plan has a $10,000 annual limit and no ability to adjust the deductible or reimbursement rate.

Pets Best policyholders can opt for an accident-only plan or more comprehensive coverage with an accident and illness policy. The accident and illness policy comes in three tiers, including: 

  • Essential: Does not include optional benefits
  • Plus: Includes coverage for exam fees
  • Elite: Includes coverage for exam fees and rehabilitation

Pets Best waiting period is three days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate ligament conditions. Policyholders can also add wellness coverage by choosing from two plans:

  • Essential: Costs $19 per month with $305 in annual wellness benefits
  • Best: Costs $29 per month with $535 in annual wellness benefits

The average cost of a Pets Best insurance plan in Ohio is $27 per month or $35 for dogs and $19 for cats. This rate is about 67% cheaper than the state average.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $35
Cat Insurance $19

When we considered average annual pet owner expenses, such as veterinary visits, vaccines, medications and emergency visits, we found that an Ohio pet parent could save $629 per year by investing in a Pets Best insurance policy.

Spot LogoSpot Logo


Annual Limits

$2.5k-Unlimited


Reimbursement Rates

70%-90%


Average Monthly Cost

$28-$63

Why Spot Pet Insurance Is a Good Option


We gave Spot 4.4 out of 5 stars and made it our pick for the most customizable pet insurance. The company offers an accident-only and an accident-and-illness plan, as well as the option for preventive coverage. Policyholders can choose from seven different annual limit options, including unlimited, and five choices for an annual deductible. Spot covers items that many pet insurance providers don’t, such as prescription food and behavioral modification. The company also covers pre-existing conditions that have been cured and treatment-free for 180 days.

  • Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents, which is longer than many other providers we’ve reviewed.
  • Spot does not provide a 24/7 vet telehealth line or a chat feature on its website.
  • The only savings opportunity Spot offers is a 10% multipet discount.

Spot policyholders can opt for an accident-only plan that covers eligible claims for conditions such as bite wounds, swallowed objects, toxin ingestion, broken bones and other injuries, or more comprehensive care with the accident and illness plan. Spot’s maximum annual limits range from $2,500 to unlimited, and policyholders can set the annual deductible from $100 to $1,000.

Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, and doesn’t require an extended waiting period for orthopedic issues. Spot also provides coverage for curable pre-existing conditions that are symptom- and treatment-free for 180 days or longer.

Wellness plan options include:

  • Gold: Costs $10 per month with $250 in annual benefits
  • Platinum: Costs $25 per month with $450 in annual benefits

The average cost of a Spot insurance policy in Ohio is $47 per month or $63 for dogs and $28 for cats. This rate is slightly more expensive than the state average.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $63
Cat Insurance $28

When we considered the average annual pet owner costs, including veterinary visits, vaccines, medications and emergency fees, we found Ohio pet parents could save $288 per year by signing up for a Spot pet insurance policy.

Embrace New LogoEmbrace New Logo


Reimbursement Rates

70%-90%


Average Monthly Cost

$41-$62

Why Embrace Is a Good Option


Embrace is our top pick for Ohio pet parents who have multiple pets, earning 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review. The provider offers broad coverage and an optional wellness rewards program for routine care. Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian, and can receive a 10% discount for enrolling additional pets. Embrace uses artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate claims processing, which can help policyholders receive reimbursements in a timely manner.

  • Embrace does not cover nutritional supplements or cremation and burial unless you invest in the wellness rewards program.
  • Embrace does not offer the option to pay the vet directly.
  • Owners must buy added insurance for exam fees and prescription drugs coverage.

Embrace offers a base accident and illness plan for pets 14 years and younger. Pets above this age can only enroll in an accident-only plan. Policyholders can choose an annual reimbursement limit from $5,000 to unlimited, and have several options for the annual deductible and reimbursement percentage.

Embrace covers accidents the day after you purchase a plan. It has a longer waiting period of 14 days for illnesses and six months for orthopedic conditions. However, Embrace will reduce the waiting period to 14 days following an orthopedic examination.

Embrace offers three levels of wellness coverage:

  • $250 wellness reimbursement: Costs $19 per month
  • $450 wellness reimbursement: Costs $35 per month
  • $650 wellness reimbursement: Costs $52 per month

The company also has additional coverage options that include:

  • Exam fees: Costs $3 per month and covers exam fees for accidents and illnesses
  • Prescription drugs: Costs $4 per month and covers prescriptions used to treat or manage covered conditions

The average cost of an Embrace pet insurance policy in Ohio is $54 per month or $62 for dogs and $41 for cats. This is about 17% more expensive than the state average.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $62
Cat Insurance $41

When we looked at the average annual pet ownership expenses, such as veterinary visits, medications, vaccines, and emergency care, we determined Ohio pet parents could save $203 per year with an Embrace pet insurance policy.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance LogoASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo


Reimbursement Rates

70%-90%


Average Monthly Cost

$20-$45

Why ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Is a Good Option


ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is our top pick for Ohio pet parents who have senior pets, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The provider has no upward age limit for enrolling pets, and it doesn’t limit coverage as pets age. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance also does not have extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions like most other providers. In addition, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers many coverage options, including preventive care packages.

  • The highest maximum annual limit is $10,000, which is lower than many other providers we’ve reviewed.
  • Reimbursement for eligible claims can take up to 30 days to process.
  • ASPCA Pet Health Insurance does not differentiate between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers an accident-only plan that covers injuries and emergencies related to accidents. It also has a complete coverage plan that provides more extensive coverage for accidents and illnesses. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses and does not require an extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance’s wellness plan options include:

  • Basic: Costs $10 per month with $250 in annual benefits
  • Prime: Costs $25 per month with $450 in annual benefits

The average cost of an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan in Ohio is $34 per month or $45 for dogs and $20 for cats. This rate is about 34% cheaper than the state average.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dog Insurance $45
Cat Insurance $20

When we consider average annual pet owner expenses, such as veterinary visits, vaccines, medications and emergency care, we determined that an Ohio pet parent could save $450 per year by investing in an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan.

prudent pet insurance logoprudent pet insurance logo


Annual Limits

$10k-Unlimited


Reimbursement Rates

70%-90%


Average Monthly Cost

$32-$62

Why Prudent Pet Is a Good Option


Our team gave Prudent Pet a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars and named it our top pick for 24/7 vet chat accessibility. Policyholders can chat with a veterinarian in real time at any time without an appointment. This feature is included with all of Prudent Pet’s insurance plans. The provider also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and says it processes 75% of claims in 24 hours.

  • Prudent Pet has a longer six-month waiting period for knee and ligament issues.
  • Charges expensive premium prices for unlimited coverage, based on quotes we received.
  • Prudent Pet requires an annual wellness check and dental exam to maintain coverage.

Prudent Pet offers an accident-only plan with a maximum annual payout of $10,000. It also has an accident and illness plan with maximum annual payout options of $2,500, $10,000 or unlimited. Prudent Pet has waiting periods of five days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and six months for knee and ligament issues.

The company offers three tiers of wellness coverage:

  • $210 wellness reimbursement: Costs $12 per month
  • $315 wellness reimbursement: Costs $20 per month
  • $460 wellness reimbursement: Costs $30 per month

Policyholders can also select the following add-ons:

  • Exam fees: Costs $14 per month and covers exam or consultation fees for illnesses or accidents

The average cost of a Prudent Pet insurance policy in Ohio is $49 per month or $62 for dogs and $32 for cats. This is slightly higher than the state average.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dog insurance $62
Cat insurance $32

When we looked at the average annual pet ownership costs, including veterinary visits, vaccines, medications and emergency care, we determined a pet parent in the Buckeye State could save $261 per year by investing in a Prudent Pet insurance policy.

Compare the Top Pet Insurance Providers in Ohio

Pet insurance is not one-size-fits-all. A plan that works for one pet may not fit the needs of another. We recommend that Ohio pet parents research and compare pet insurance providers to find a policy that meets their pet’s needs without straining their financial situation. 

If you’re not interested in one of our You can use this table to learn more about pet insurance providers in Ohio.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Ohio?

We calculated the average cost of pet insurance in Ohio by gathering quotes for 10 types of sample pets from 22 insurance providers in the Buckeye State. The average cost of pet insurance in Ohio overall is $45 a month. More specifically, our team found that pet insurance costs $59 a month for dogs and $32 for cats

Pet insurance costs depend on factors such as your pet’s age and breed and where you live. Veterinary expenses generally differ in rural versus urban and suburban areas. The table below details prices for top pet insurance providers in Ohio.

Provider Overall Average Cost
Lemonade $45
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance $34
Spot $47
Embrace $54
Fetch $42
Figo $19
Healthy Paws $32
Nationwide $34
ManyPets $42
Pets Best $27

Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs

Ohio dog owners looking to protect their dog by investing in a pet insurance policy can expect to pay $59 per month on average, but this amount may differ depending on its breed, age and health history.

Provider Average Dog Insurance Cost
Lemonade $50
ASPCA $54
Spot $73
Embrace $52
Fetch $50
Figo $25
Healthy Paws $43
Nationwide $63
ManyPets $21
Pets Best $54

The most popular dog breed is the golden retriever, based on an analysis by our team. See average pet insurance prices by breed in the table below.

Breed Average Cost Cost With Wellness Coverage
Golden retriever $57 $81
German shepherd $53 $78
Goldendoodle $40 $63
French bulldog $85 $113
Labrador retriever $56 $80
Chihuahua $27 $48
Yorkshire terrier $33 $55
American pit bull $57 $81
Shih Tzu $32 $54
Pit bull $56 $81

Dog Insurance Cost in Ohio Cities

Pet insurance costs also vary depending on where you live in Ohio. Factors such as cost of living, veterinary costs, and risks pets can encounter play a role in determining pet insurance costs in a state or city. This table breaks down pet insurance costs for major cities in Ohio.

City Average Insurance Cost Cost With Wellness Coverage
Columbus $37 $57
Cleveland $34 $51
Cincinnati $33 $50
Toledo $31 $51
Akron $34 $51
Dayton $31 $50
Parma $34 $51
Canton $33 $50
Lorain $34 $51
Hamilton $32 $49

Cost of Pet Insurance for Cats

The average monthly rate for cat insurance is $32 per month in Ohio, or $384 per month. However, averages vary based on your cat’s health history, age and breed and your plan customization choices. The average costs in the table below are for a standard accident-and-illness plan with a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate.

Provider Average Cost for Cats
Provider Average Cost for Cats
Lemonade $30
ASPCA $25
Spot $33
Embrace $34
Fetch $26
Figo $15
Healthy Paws $24
Nationwide $25
ManyPets $19

What’s the Cheapest Pet Insurance in Ohio?

Based on our average sample quotes, which we obtained by requesting quotes from 22 pet insurance companies for 10 different sample pets, Figo is the cheapest pet insurance in Ohio. The table below shows the top five cheapest pet insurance providers in Ohio.

Company Average Cost
Figo $19
Pets Best $27
Healthy Paws $32
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance $34
Fetch $42

Figo offers an accident and illness plan as well as the option for add-on wellness coverage, and policyholders can opt for an unlimited annual payout. However, we do not recommend that Ohio pet parents base their decision about pet insurance solely on price. Purchasing a cheaper policy may limit your pet’s coverage. 

How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Ohio

We recommend that Ohio pet parents consider several factors when shopping for pet insurance.

Consider Your Pet’s Health Care Needs

If your pet is young and healthy, you may think about getting an accident-only pet insurance plan. However, these policies don’t cover conditions such as ear infections and parasite infections, which can be common in young pets. If your pet is especially prone to accidents or gets sick frequently, you may prefer investing in more coverage. In addition, if you want help budgeting for your pet’s wellness care, you may consider purchasing a policy with preventive coverage. Remember, it’s better to insure pets when they are young to maintain coverage over time and get a better premium price.

Think About the Risks of Traffic-Related Accidents in Ohio

Traffic poses a significant risk in larger cities such as Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. If your pet escapes from your yard or bolts into traffic while playing, it may get hit by a vehicle. These accidents can cause significant injuries to pets, leading to high veterinary bills. Injured pets may need advanced imaging, life-saving treatments or even surgery. By having pet insurance, you can better ensure your pet receives the care it needs without straining your budget. 

Ensure the Pet Insurance Policy Is Customizable

Most pet insurance providers allow you to customize your coverage by adjusting the reimbursement rate, annual deductible and maximum annual limit. This flexibility allows you to find coverage that fits your pet’s health needs at a price that works for your financial situation. If possible, find coverage that allows for an unlimited annual limit so you don’t have to worry about exceeding the limit if your pet has multiple health issues. 

Consider Your Pet’s Potential Exposure to Lepto 

Leptospirosis (lepto) is a risk in Ohio’s urban and rural areas. The bacteria thrive in wet environments, and wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, deer and rodents are common carriers. Pets with leptospirosis can get quite sick, and treatment can become extremely expensive. Pet insurance can help cover a large portion of the veterinary bill, leaving you to concentrate on your pet’s care as opposed to worrying about your pocketbook.

Read the Policy Details Carefully

Before signing up for a pet insurance policy, ensure you understand the coverage details. What are the waiting periods? Does the provider distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions? Is there an upper age limit for enrolling pets? Is coverage limited for older pets? How are claims processed and how long will you have to wait for reimbursement? Knowing these details will help you determine if the policy is right for you and your pet.

Pet Care in Ohio

Ohio pet owners face unique circumstances with their pets, such as rising veterinary care costs, harsh winters and strict pet care laws.

Cost of Owning a Pet in Ohio

Ohio pet owners have many expenses, including pet food, toys, treats, veterinary care, boarding and grooming. These costs can add up quickly. A report by the MarketWatch Guides team found that Ohio pet parents typically spend about $27,226 during a dog’s lifetime. Another study found that cat owners in Ohio spend about $1,883 a year.

Common Pet Issues Ohio Pet Owners Face

Pets in Ohio can encounter several dangers that owners should be aware of to keep their four-legged friends safe and healthy. Some of the most common threats include:

  • Traffic: Traffic poses a significant risk, especially if your pet escapes your yard or is off-leash near a busy road.
  • Wildlife encounters: Ohio has a significant coyote population, and these animals can pose a threat to smaller dogs, particularly in rural and suburban areas. In addition, raccoons and skunks can carry diseases, such as rabies or leptospirosis, which can get transmitted to pets through bites or contact with the infected animal’s urine.
  • Seasonal hazards: The climate in Ohio can impact pets. Ohio winters can impact pets that frequently go outside, with cold temperatures, snow and ice. Heat and humidity in the summer can lead to heatstroke, especially if a pet is left in a hot car or exercises excessively during peak heat hours.
  • Parasitic threats: Ohio is home to various tick species, which can transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease. In addition, mosquitoes can transmit heartworms, a serious and potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
  • Toxic plants: Plants, such as lilies, azaleas and daffodils, are common in Ohio gardens and toxic to pets if ingested.

Pet Laws in Ohio

Pet laws help keep people and pets safe in Ohio. Our team researched regulations in major cities in the state and compiled a list of common examples. 

Columbus

Dogs must be on a leash when off the owner’s property and under control at all times when in public areas to prevent them from running at large.

The Franklin County Auditor’s office must license all dogs aged 3 months and older in Columbus.

Columbus has noise ordinances that prohibit excessive barking or howling that disturbs the peace. The city can fine pet owners if their dog’s barking is deemed a public nuisance.

Cleveland

Cleveland can classify a dog as vicious if the pet has caused serious injury or death to a person or another animal. Vicious dogs must be confined securely and additional restrictions, such as mandatory spaying and neutering and liability insurance, may apply.

Pet owners in Cleveland are required to provide their animals with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Failing to do so can result in fines and criminal prosecution.

Cleveland residents are allowed to keep no more than three dogs or three cats over 3 months old. Exceptions may apply for licensed breeders or under specific circumstances.

Cincinnati

Pet owners must clean up after their pets in public areas. Failure to do so can result in fines under the city’s “pooper scooper” law.

Cincinnati has specific regulations regarding tethering dogs. Owners should not tether any dog for extended periods without access to adequate shelter, food and water. The type of tethering equipment must be humane and should not harm the animal.

Cincinnati’s zoning laws may limit where certain types of animals can be kept, particularly in residential areas. For example, the city may prohibit livestock and certain exotic animals in residential zones.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It in Ohio?

Pet insurance is worth it for Ohio pet parents. Having insurance can provide financial peace of mind if your pet gets sick or injured. Knowing that an insurer will cover a portion of your veterinary bills can allow you to seek appropriate care based on the recommended advice on treatment plan. If your pet is not currently insured, our top picks for Ohio include Lemonade, Pets Best and Spot. Compare several providers before deciding on a policy to find the best rate.

How Much Pet Insurance Saves Pet Owners

According to data we collected, investing in a pet insurance policy can save Ohio pet parents as much as $629 per year. For example, consider if your dog contracts Lyme disease. The veterinary exam is about $60, Lyme disease diagnostic testing can range from $50 to $120, and prescribed medications can cost $100 to $200, depending on your pet’s weight. And, if complications, such as cardiac conditions, kidney disease or chronic joint pain, arise, the cost of treatment can rise into the thousands.

If you have pet insurance, the policy can cover a significant portion of these costs, and you won’t have to worry about your finances when seeking treatment for your four-legged friend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Ohio

Why do pet insurance providers have waiting periods?


Pet insurance providers have waiting periods primarily to manage risk and prevent fraudulent claims. Waiting periods help deter people from buying insurance immediately after their pet gets sick or injured to cover the cost of a specific treatment.

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before a pet insurance policy begins to reimburse you. Higher deductibles generally lower your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket before coverage kicks in.

How long does it take to get reimbursed for a claim?


The reimbursement timeline varies by insurer, but most pet insurance providers process claims within a few days to a few weeks. Some companies offer direct deposit options for faster reimbursement.

Can I cancel my pet insurance policy at any time?


Yes, most pet insurance policies allow you to cancel at any time. However, you may not receive a refund for any premiums already paid, and coverage will end immediately. Some companies may also charge cancellation fees. Review your policy’s cancellation terms and consider whether you might face penalties or fees.

Our System for Rating the Pet Insurance Companies

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