Pets bring a lot of joy to our lives but their care can be quite expensive: An emergency visit to the vet can range from between $374 and $965 for cats and a whopping $534 to $1,285 for dogs, according to a 2024 study from CareCredit.
Pet insurance can absorb some of the financial impact: Accident-only insurance covers emergencies like broken bones or swallowed objects, while accident and illness policies can also include chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes and arthritis.
There are also wellness plans for routine care like flea and tick treatments, vaccines and regular dental checkups.
“Wellness coverage tends to cover costs you can plan for,” said Dr. Zay Satchu, co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet. “Insurance plans work well for situations that were unplanned.”
CNBC Select analyzed dozens of pet insurance companies for providers with the best offerings in a variety of categories.
Compare pet insurance and save
Best for preventative care: Spot
Spot Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Spot Pet Insurance offers accident and illness and accident-only coverage for cats and dogs. It has a variety of choices of reimbursement rates, annual limits (including an unlimited policy), and deductibles to cater your coverage to your needs and budget. The option to cover preventative care procedures and exams (including a dental cleaning and wellness exam) for an extra fee is available.
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App available
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Standout features
There are no upper age limits for new enrollments and plans include microchipping. Spot offers a 24/7 veterinary helpline to address wellness and health concerns.
Pros
- no upper age limits for new enrollments
- 24/7 veterinary helpline
- Covers prescription food and behavior therapy
- 10% discounts for additional pets
Cons
- 14-day waiting period for accidents
- Average rates for cats is higher than competition
Who’s this for? Spot’s Gold plan comes with a $250 annual reimbursement for preventive treatment, including vaccinations, teeth cleaning and deworming, testing for heartworm (for dogs) and for feline leukemia (for cats)
Standout benefits: Spot’s telehealth line is available 24/7 and there’s no maximum age limit for enrollment.
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Best for cats: Pets Best
Pets Best Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Available in all 50 states, Pets Best is a standout for its affordable rates. Pet’s Best focuses on accident-only and accident and illness policies, although a wellness plan is available, .
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App available
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Standout features
Pet’s Best offers coverage to cats and dogs as young as 7 weeks with no maximum age limit.
Read our review of Pets Best pet insurance
Pros
- Affordable accident-only and accident and illness coverage
- Deductible options as low as $50
- No maximum age limit
- Offers direct-payment option
Cons
- Only two levels of maximum coverage
- Multi-pet discount is smaller than other providers
- Doesn’t cover alternative or behavioral therapies
Who’s this for? Pets Best has some of the lowest rates we’ve found for felines. You only have two choices for maximum annual coverage — a $5,000 option and an unlimited option — but there are several deductible and reimbursement levels.
Standout benefits: Pets Best is one of a few companies that will pay your vet directly, saving you the trouble of having to file a claim and be reimbursed.
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Best for dogs: Lemonade
Lemonade Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Lemonade offers affordable pet insurance options for base accident and illness coverages, while wellness options are available for an extra cost. There are a variety of additions you can make to a policy, including things like coverage for behavioral conditions, coverage for acupuncture and chiropractic care, and coverage for dental illnesses.
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App available
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Standout features
A special puppy/kitten preventative care package is available for an extra cost, which can help pay for the cost of vaccines, parasite testing, microchipping and spay or neutering procedures. Lemonade also offers injury coverage with a short 2-day waiting period.
Pros
- Available option to bundle with homeowners or renters insurance
- 2-day waiting period for injury coverage
Cons
- Only available in 37 states
Who’s this for? Lemonade had affordable rates for accident and illness coverage. Owners of young dogs, in particular, may be drawn to the puppy package, which includes spaying/neutering, microchipping and vaccines.
Standout benefits: Lemonade offers a range of insurance products, so policyholders can get a 10% discount for bundling pet insurance with other Lemonade policies, including car insurance, homeowners insurance and renters insurance. There’s also a 5% rate reduction if you pay your annual premium in full.
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Best for senior pets: Figo
Figo Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Figo pet insurance offers a number of options to customize your pet insurance policy, including a wellness plan option. Its policies cover dental injuries and illnesses and can pay for holistic treatment. Without an upper age limit, it’s a coverage option for pets older than eight weeks old.
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App available
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Standout features
Figo states that it averages under three days to pay a claim. It also offers 24/7 access to a licensed veterinary expert, allowing for pet owners to get answers at any time.
Pros
- Exclusive discounts available for Costco members to save 15% on coverage
- May cover curable conditions that have been healed for 12 months
Cons
- Veterinary exam fee coverage isn’t included in base price
Who’s this for? Figo doesn’t have an upper age limit for enrollment and, if your older dog doesn’t have orthopedic issues, you can get the six-month waiting period for coverage waived.
Standout benefits: If you don’t select unlimited annual coverage, Figo will reimburse you at a rate of 100%. Figo will also pay vets directly.
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Best for multiple pets: Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Pumpkin’s pet insurance plans don’t have an upper age limit and have no breed exclusions. Its coverage includes exam fees for covered accidents and illnesses and also includes coverage for dental illnesses, behavioral conditions, alternative therapies and prescription foods for covered conditions.
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App available
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Standout features
Pumpkin offers 90% reimbursement rates on all of its pet insurance plans, with three options for coverage limits including an unlimited option. It also offers a 10% discount for insuring multiple pets.
Pros
- Coverage includes exam fees and microchip implantation.
- No upper age limits or breed restrictions
Cons
- Only 90% reimbursement rate available
Who’s this for? Have a whole fur family? Pumpkin offers a 10% discount for each additional animal you cover after the first.
Standout benefits: While some insurers have waiting periods of six to twelve months for conditions like hip dysplasia, Pumpkin’s is just 14 days, the same as with any illness. It also offers an uncommonly high 90% reimbursement level for senior pets.
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Best for pre-existing conditions: ASPCA Pet Health
ASPCA Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
ASPCA covers common accidents and injuries, as well as hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. Coverage is available to animals as young as 8 weeks old and there is no maximum age limit.
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App available
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Standout features
A 30-day money-back guarantee is available if no claims are filed. Reimbursement is available by direct deposit. ASPCA pet insurance also offers coverage for horses.
Pros
- 10% discount for additional pets
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Coverage for horses
Cons
- No direct-pay option
- Bilateral conditions not covered
Who’s this for? Unlike other providers, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance may cover pre-existing conditions if they are curable and the animal has been symptom-free and not treated for 180 days.
Standout benefits: ASCPA’s comprehensive accident and illness plan covers uncommon hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. It also reimburses payments for behavioral therapy, alternative treatments and stem cell therapy. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you haven’t filed any claims.
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Best for accident and illness coverage: Healthy Paw
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Healthy Paws offers accident and illness coverage with unlimited maximum payouts. It offers three options for deductibles and reimbursement options.
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App available
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Standout features
While Healthy Paws has one plan, it covers things that would be extras at other insurers, including things like prescription medication, alternative treatments, and hereditary conditions.
Pros
- Unlimited coverage per year and per accident is standard
Cons
- No options for wellness or accident-only coverage
- No options to downgrade from unlimited coverage
Who’s this for? Healthy Paws only offers a single standard accident and illness policy, but there are no per-incident, annual or lifetime caps on payouts.
Standout benefits: Most claims are paid in two days, according to Healthy Pay, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if no claims have been filed.
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Best for low deductible: Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
A variety of maximum annual limits, reimbursement choices and deductibles allow you to tailor coverage to your needs and budget. A two-day waiting period for accident policies can also help get your pet covered sooner, though illnesses have a 14-day waiting period.
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App available
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Standout features
Embrace offers the option of unlimited annual coverage limits. It also offers coverage for non-invasive treatments, like chiropractic care, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.
Pros
- Unlimited annual coverage is available
- Shorter two-day waiting periods for accident coverage
- Available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Cons
- Accident and illness coverage is limited to pets under age 15
- No option for wellness insurance coverage
Who’s this for? Embrace’s healthy pet deductible means for every year you don’t file a claim, your deductible drops by $50 the following year — all the way down to zero. (The counter resets when you submit a claim).
Standout benefits: Embrace’s Wellness Rewards program works as a savings account for routine care like grooming and training. Members can also earn credits for treatments and discounts on popular pet brands.
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Best for exotic pets: Nationwide
Nationwide Pet Insurance
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Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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Policy highlights
Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that insures exotic pets. It offers accident-only coverage as well as a comprehensive Whole Pet with Wellness plan. Policies are underwritten by National Casualty Company or Veterinary Pet Insurance Company.
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App available
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Standout features
Nationwide may cover curable conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for six months. Multi-pet and multi-policy discounts are available.
Pros
- One of the only companies to cover exotic pets
- Discount for bundling, enrolling multiple pets
- Vet helpline is available 24/7
- Preferred pricing for prescriptions at Walmart and Sam’s Club
- Available in all 50 states
Cons
- 70% maximum reimbursement rate is low
- One-year waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligament injuries.
- No coverage for end-of-life expenses
- No direct payment option
Who’s this for? Nationwide is one of the only providers that covers animals other than dogs or cats — including birds, reptiles, rabbits, miniature pigs and ferrets.
Standout benefits: You can see the vet of your choosing, even specialists and emergency veterinarians. Customers with Nationwide home, auto, life or other coverage can save 5% on pet insurance.
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Coverage, reimbursement and deductible options
Maximum annual coverage | Reimbursement options | Deductible options | |
Spot | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 or unlimited | 70%, 80% or 90% | $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 |
Pets Best | $5,000 or unlimited | 70%, 80% or 90% | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000 |
Lemonade | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000 | 70%, 80% or 90% | $100, 250 or 500 |
Figo | $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% | $100, $250, $500 or $750 |
Pumpkin | 5,000, $7,000, $15,000 or unlimited | 80% or 90% | $100, $250, $500 or $1000 |
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $2,500, $5,000, $7,000 or $10,000 | 70%, 80% or 90% | $100, $250 or $500 |
Healthy Paws | Unlimited | 70%, 80% or 90% | $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 |
Embrace | $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited | 70%, 80% or 90% | $100, $250 or $500 |
Nationwide | $10,000 | 50%-80% | $250, $500 or $1,000 |
Spot
Founded in 2019, Miami-based Spot Pet Insurance is available in all 50 states, with policies underwritten by the Independence American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. In 2024, Independence Pet Holdings, which also owns Pets Best, acquired a majority interest in Spot Pet Insurance.
Type of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Age limits
The minimum enrollment age is eight weeks, no maximum age limit.
Policies offered
Accident and illness, accident only and preventative care options
Waiting period
14 days for all coverage
Multiple pet discount
10%
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Pets Best
Pets Best Pet Insurance allows owners to choose from an unlimited or $5,000 annual coverage limit. International Pet Holdings, which also owns Spot, acquired Pets Best from Synchrony in 2024.
Type of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is seven weeks, no maximum age limit on accident and illness plans
Policies offered
Accident and illness, accident-only and wellness
Waiting period
Varies based on the type of coverage and state
Multiple pet discount
5%
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Lemonade
In addition to renters, homeowners and other types of insurance, Lemonade underwrites its own pet insurance policies — allowing customers to bundle their policies and save.
Type of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Age limits
The minimum enrollment age is two months and the maximum is typically 14 years old, though some higher-risk breeds have a lower maximum age.
Policies offered
Accident and illness, wellness
Waiting period
Two days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate ligaments.
Multiple pet discount
5%
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Figo
Figo pet insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. Customers who have auto, home or other insurance with Auto-Owners are eligible for a 5% discount with Figo.
Type of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Age limits
Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll but there is no upper age limit.
Policies offered
Accident and illness, wellness
Waiting period
One day for accidents, 14 days for most illnesses.
Multiple pet discount
5%
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Pumpkin
Pumpkin policies provide benefits automatically that other providers charge extra for, including prescription food, alternative therapies, microchip implantation and behavioral issues. However, the Better Business Bureau gave Pumpkin a B-, citing the length of time taken to reply to complaints. In addition, Pumpkin does not have a mobile app, telehealth feature or 24/7 customer service line.
Type of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Age limits
Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll but there is no upper age limit.
Policies offered
accident and illness, wellness
Waiting period
14 days for all covered conditions
Multiple pet discount
10%
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ASPCA Pet Health
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans are offered by PTZ Insurance Agency. In addition to dogs and cats, it provides coverage for horses.
Type of pets covered
Dogs, cats and horses
Age limits
Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll but there is no upper age limit.
Policies offered
Accident-only, accident and illness, preventative care
Waiting period
No waiting period for preventative care and 14 days for accidents and illnesses
Multiple pet discount
10%
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Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws keeps things simple with one standard accident and illness policy, unlimited coverage and no annual or lifetime cap. It earn high marks for its speedy claims processing and regular donations to animal shelters with every quote and referral. There is no multiple pet discount but owners can choose any licensed vet for treatment.
Type of pets covered: Dogs and cats
Age limits: Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll, while the maximum age is 14
Policies offered: Accident and illness
Waiting period
15 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia.
Multiple pet discount
N/A
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Embrace
Embrace’s accident and illness policies have an annual unlimited coverage option, while accident-only coverage has predetermined deductibles, coverage limits and reimbursement rates. In 2019, Embrace was was acquired by JAB Holding Company, parent company of Independence Pet Holdings, which owns Embrace, Pumpkin, Figo, Sot and Pets Best, among others
Type of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Age limits
Dogs and cats under 15 can enroll in accident-only or accident and illness coverage. Pets 15 or older are only eligible for accident-only policies.
Policies offered
Accident and illness, accident-only and wellness plan
Waiting period
48 hours for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage and six months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived)
Multiple pet discount
10%
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Nationwide
Nationwide is still a standout for its customizable plans and coverage for exotic pets, easy-to-use mobile claims process and prescription discounts at Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies. In 2009, Nationwide acquires Veterinary Pet Insurance, which introduced pet insurance to the U.S.in 1982.
In June 2024, Nationwide announced it would not renew approximately 100,000 policies over the following 12 months, citing the rising cost of veterinary care.
Type of pets covered
Dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets
Age limits
New enrollments are accepted for pets between 8 weeks and 10 years old
Policies offered
Accident and illness, wellness plan
Waiting period
14 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament injuries
Multiple pet discount
5% discount for additional animals
[ Return to summary ]
What pet insurance covers
Each policy and provider is different, so read the fine print before buying a policy. Depending on the plan you choose, these are what is covered.
Policy | Covers |
Accident-only | Basic plan covering expenses related to emergencies like broken bones, swallowed objects and traumatic dental fractures. |
Accident and illness | Covers everything in an accident-only policy, as well as illnesses like cancer and diabetes, hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or glaucoma, and prescription medication. |
Wellness plans: | Covers checkups, vaccinations, microchipping, teeth cleaning and spaying/neutering |
What pet insurance doesn’t cover
Exclusions vary by company, but pet insurance companies rarely cover pre-existing conditions your pet had before you enrolled. Some will cover pre-existing conditions that have been cured for a certain amount of time, such as broken bones or respiratory infections.
Elective procedures, grooming and costs relating to breeding, pregnancy or birth are typically excluded. While most plans don’t cover hereditary disorders or euthanasia and funeral expenses, both Pets Best and Embrace include them in certain accident and injury policies.
Many carriers cap the age a pet can be to enroll for a new policy, but some have no age limit.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of pet insurance can vary greatly based on the kind of animal, its breed, size, gender and age — as well as the type of coverage you’re getting and where you live.
In 2023, the monthly average for accident-only pet insurance in the U.S. was $9.68 for cats and $17.01 for dogs, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. For accident and illness insurance, it was $56.30 for dogs and $31.94 for cats.
How to choose pet insurance
First, you’ll need to decide what type of coverage is right for you. There are generally three tiers of coverage:
- Accident-only coverage: Only reimburses for emergencies like broken bones, swallowed objects, bite wounds, poisoning and traumatic dental fractures. Services can include x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, bloodwork, medication and hospitalization.
- Accident and illness coverage: Also covers hospitalization, surgery, exams and prescription to treat chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and arthritis, hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, behavioral conditions and dental issues. May also cover euthanasia and burial.
- Wellness coverage: Generally an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy, a wellness plan often covers microchipping, routine exams and diagnostics, teeth cleaning and preventative medication. Some plans may cover spaying or neutering.
Once you know the type of policy you want, you can start shopping for a provider. Satchu suggests checking any company you’re considering for:
- Deductible: Your deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before the insurer kicks in. A $500 deductible means you’ll have to spend $500 before getting reimbursed for anything .
- Exclusions and limitations: “Coverage of pre-existing conditions is limited in pet insurance, so ask very specific questions if your pet has a documented health challenge in their medical history,” Satchu said “You might want to ask your vet for your pet’s medical records to see what has been noted in the past.”
- Coverage gaps: Make sure you understand what procedures or treatments your policy will and won’t cover. “As with any contract, it’s important to thoroughly read the policy terms and conditions and ask questions to fully understand what is covered and what is not,” Satch said.
- Waiting period: Coverage for your pet begins after a predetermined waiting period. It’s normally two weeks but varies depending on the carrier and the condition. Some providers have a yearlong qualifying period
Company | Accident | Illness | Cruciate ligament | Hip dysplasia |
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Spot | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
Pets Best | 3 days | 14 days | 6 months | 14 days |
Lemonade | Up to 2 days | 14 days | 6 months | 6 months |
Figo | 1 day | 14 days | 6 months (may be waived) | 6 months (may be waived) |
Pumpkin | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
ASPCA | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
Healthy Paws | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days | 12 months (only covered for dogs under 6) |
Embrace | 2 days | 14 days | 6 months (can be reduced to 14 days) | 6 months (can be reduced to 14 days) |
Nationwide | 14 days | 14 days | 12 months | 12 months |
- Claims process: In most cases, policyholders pay for treatment out of pocket and submit for reimbursement, minus the deductible. Some plans allow providers to directly pay vets, but arrangements must be made in advance.
FAQs
Does pet insurance cover surgery?
Whether pet insurance will cover a surgery depends on the reason for the surgery, and what the policy you’re considering covers. For example, an accident-only insurance policy might cover surgery after an accident, but may not cover surgery if it’s needed due to a chronic illness. Surgeries could also be excluded if they’re related to a condition your pet already had before signing up for pet insurance, called a pre-existing condition. Pet insurance generally won’t cover elective procedures, or things like spaying and neutering, unless specifically covered.
What is a deductible in pet insurance?
Like with any other type of insurance, a deductible in pet insurance is the amount you’re responsible for covering out of pocket. With pet insurance, you’ll generally be reimbursed for your costs less your deductible. When you pick your policy, you’ll choose your deductible amount, generally between $100 and $1,000. After that deductible, you’ll be reimbursed up to the coinsurance level (generally 70% to 90% and chosen when you pick your policy).
Can I get pet insurance after a diagnosis?
You can still get coverage after your pet has been diagnosed with a condition. However, it will be considered a pre-existing condition, and it may not be covered. There’s also generally a waiting period before coverage kicks in, so you will likely be unable to get illnesses and diagnoses immediately covered by a new pet insurance plan.
When is the best time to get pet insurance?
It’s best to get pet insurance as early in your pet’s life as possible. “It is important to remember that no provider covers pre-existing conditions, but if you enroll a healthy puppy or kitten, you drastically reduce the likelihood of pre-existing conditions,” Satchu says. Several of our top picks offer coverage to puppies and kittens as young as seven or eight weeks old.
Meet our experts
At CNBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. For this story, we interviewed Dr. Zay Satchu, co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every pet insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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Our methodology
To determine the best pets insurance, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of providers based on the types of coverage offered, the maximum annual coverage limits, reimbursement and deductible choices, waiting periods, nationwide availability, the availability of discounts and Better Business Bureau scores and reviews
Sample premium data was based on two different example pets, a dog and a cat. The sample dog we gathered data for was:
- Mixed breed
- 55 pounds
- Male
- One year old
- Lives in the 80123 zip code
The sample cat was:
- Domestic shorthair
- 8 pounds
- Male
- One year old
- Lives in the 80123 zip code
We collected data for these sample policies with the following qualities (or as close to them as possible):
- $500 deductible
- 90% reimbursement rate
- $15,000 annual limit
From there, we sorted our recommendations by the best for preventative care, for cars, for dogs, for senior pets, for multiple pets, for accident-only coverage, for accident and illness coverage, for low deductibles and for coverage of exotic pets.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Premiums and policy structures listed for pet insurance companies are subject to change in accordance with company policies.
Have a new pet? Check out NBC Select’s Best for Your Pet Awards.
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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.