Key Takeaways
- According to our analysis of 33 providers, the best pet insurance companies are Lemonade and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Both companies offer great value and pricing, easy-to-understand plan structures and customizable coverage selections.
- The best level of pet insurance for your pet may vary based on your budget and your pet’s unique needs. Our team recommends comparing at least three companies before you choose one.
- Pet insurance can offer peace of mind if your pet suffers from an unexpected illness or accident, potentially saving you thousands in the event of an emergency.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies
Here is how all the top-rated pet insurance companies stack up:
How We Ranked The Best Pet Insurance
To rate and rank the best pet insurance companies in the industry, we developed a rating methodology that considers factors such as monthly pricing, covered treatments, customer care, industry reputation and more. To accurately rate each provider, we gathered sample insurance quotes using various pet profiles, evaluated customer reviews through third-party aggregators, and surveyed 3,000 pet owners nationwide. In addition, our team purchased plans from each top provider to assess the buying process, coverage and customer experience. Finally, we consulted key members of the pet insurance industry, including licensed veterinarians.
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Average Monthly Cost
$41-$52
Lemonade is our top pick due to its affordable accident-and-illness and wellness plans and excellent customer care. Plans start at around $19 per month and are 11% less than the national average, which may appeal to pet parents on a budget. Lemonade also offers a 5% annual discount, a 5% discount for enrolling multiple pets and a 10% discount for bundling your policy with Lemonade property insurance.
Standout feature: Lemonade features a best-in-class mobile app that lets customers enroll pets in seconds and get paid for covered claims in minutes. You can also manage your pet’s health, file claims and track policy coverage and billing. While our research shows that most other providers in this review offer a mobile app, we found that Lemonade had the highest mobile app rating in the Apple app store when compared to Pets Best, Embrace, Fetch and more.
Pros
Offers a $100,000 optional annual coverage limit, which is higher than many competitors
Offers Connect with a Vet service through Chewy
Gives a 10% discount if you bundle pet insurance with Lemonade’s renters or homeowners insurance
Cons
Excludes pets 14 years of age and older from new coverage
Doesn’t cover exam fees in its base plan
Lemonade offers a base pet insurance plan for accidents and illnesses, preventative care packages and a variety of optional add-ons. Its accident and illness plan allows pet owners to choose an annual coverage limit between $5,000 and $100,000, with deductible options ranging from $100 to $500 and reimbursement rates from 70% to 90%.
After gathering quotes from Lemonade and other top providers in the industry, we found that Lemonade was one of the cheapest pet insurance providers overall — notably for dogs. The average Lemonade plan cost for dogs is $52 per month, while the overall average is $60. The average cost of a Lemonade policy for cats is $29 per month, compared to a nationwide average of $32.
What Lemonade Customers Are Saying
To better understand customer experiences, we polled 1,000 pet owners with insurance policies from our top providers in our third annual pet insurance survey in April 2024. Of the 62 respondents who reported having a policy with Lemonade, over half chose the provider for its coverage offerings and low pricing. Most of those pet owners reported reimbursement within one to two weeks.
However, some respondents noted frustration over a long waiting period for reimbursement. Our team reached out to Lemonade for comment on reimbursement times but the company did not offer a response. Still, 27% experienced no issues or frustration, and over 87% of participants felt that, based on their experience with Lemonade, a pet insurance policy is worth the money.
One participant with a Lemonade policy said this about their experience with pet insurance:
“We had an emergency a few years ago that cost almost $10,000. We will never go without pet insurance again.”
Our Experience With Lemonade
Our team purchased a pet insurance policy with Lemonade to further our understanding of the customer experience. Our team member, John Morgan, purchased an accident and illness plan for Teddy, his 3-year-old English cream retriever. The plan has a $250 deductible, an 80% reimbursement rate and a $20,000 annual limit, costing $49 per month.
Morgan took Teddy to the vet in June 2024 for eye and nose irritation and filed the claim two days later. To submit the claim, Morgan provided documentation such as a photo of the vet bill, the date of the vet visit, and a recording explaining what happened to Teddy. The claims process took about five minutes and the claim was submitted via Lemonade’s app.
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Average Monthly Cost
$38-$50
Why We Picked ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
We featured the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for its impressive reputation, long-standing industry experience and comprehensive coverage for pets of all ages, including senior dogs and cats. Born out of a strategic partnership between ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group in 2006, ASPCA’s pet health insurance is one of the oldest in the industry.
Standout feature: In a relatively young industry, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance stands out for partnering with Crum & Foster Pet Insurance Group, which was founded in 1997. If you’re interested in other seasoned providers, Trupanion was founded in 1998, while Nationwide added pet coverage to its insurance lineup in 1999.
Pros
Provides uncommon coverage for things like microchipping and vet exam fees
Offers three coverage types: accident-and-illness, accident-only and preventative care
Has an online comparison tool for looking at competitor plans and pricing side-by-side with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Cons
$10,000 is the max annual coverage limit posted online- other may be available by phone
Has a waiting period of 14 days for accidents, which is longer than some competitors
We named ASPCA Pet Health Insurance our pick for older pets, as the company has no age-related coverage reductions or enrollment restrictions for senior pets. Available in all 50 U.S. states, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers both an accident and illness and accident-only plan, with a preventative care add-on available to cover wellness care services.
According to quotes we’ve gathered, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is affordable compared to average premium costs nationwide. It ranked in our top five cheapest pet insurance companies, with an average cost of $50 per month for dogs and $22 for cats. The national averages calculated by our team include $60 and $32 for dogs and cats, respectively.
What ASPCA Pet Insurance Customers Are Saying
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance was the most popular provider in our April 2024 survey — 295 out of 1,000 pet owners have a policy with the company. Over half of those respondents chose ASPCA Pet Health Insurance due to its coverage and positive online reviews.
Sixty-two percent of respondents with an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan have filed a claim, with over half of these policyholders receiving reimbursement within two weeks or less. However, 25% of those pet owners felt frustrated with a long claims review process. Despite this, 88% of respondents with a policy felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experience with the company.
We reached out to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for comment on our survey responses and received the following reply from Riddhi Goradia, the company’s director of brand marketing:
“Our top priority remains providing high-quality customer service and we always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. To achieve this, we have increased our claims processing and customer service capacity, shortening our average claims processing time to 3.2 days. We will continue to evolve our offerings and service to best serve our customers and their pets.”
One respondent with an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan had the following to say about their experience:
“I think [pet insurance] is worth it for peace of mind. I’ve had other animals in the past that I spent up to $10,000 on for surgery. Having pet insurance makes me feel protected and that I am doing the best for my pet.”
Our Experience With ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
We purchased a pet insurance policy with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance to experience its customer service for ourselves. Our writer and researcher, Alex Carver, purchased an accident-only plan for Mittens, her 17-year-old domestic longhair cat. The plan has a $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $5,000 annual limit, costing $25 per month. Carver also decided to purchase wellness coverage, as she plans to take her cat to the vet for an annual exam in the near future.
When asked about the buying experience, Carver noted that the website was very easy to use and navigate.
“I appreciated the little tips throughout that explain common pet insurance terms like annual limit, deductible and reimbursement rate,” she said. “While the quote and customer portals aren’t flashy or fancy, they are well-organized.”
Annual Limits
$5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Average Monthly Cost
$33-$41
Pets Best is our pick for vet direct pay. Once your claim is approved, reimbursement for eligible vet expenses is sent directly to your veterinarian, rather than you having to wait to submit a claim after receiving service. Pets Best has three different levels of coverage to choose from, as well as two levels of wellness add-ons. The Elite plan covers rehabilitation, acupuncture and chiropractic care, which is not covered by some other plans.
Standout feature: Pets Best offers a 24/7 Pet Helpline with access to veterinary experts for support if you have questions about your pet. It also has an easy-to-use app to submit claims, manage your policy, check your benefits and store your pet’s medical records. If you’re looking for other providers with a helpline, Embrace, Pets Best, Figo offer similar services.
Pros
Offers multiple plans to choose from
Extends a 10% multi-pet discount if you enroll more than one pet
No age limit for coverage
Cons
Limited coverage customization options
Some online customer reviews mention slow claims processing
Pets Best offers an accident-only and accident and illness plan, with the latter providing a choice of three coverage tiers. It also offers two wellness add-ons covering preventative care services such as microchipping, vaccinations, heartworm preventatives and more. There are six deductible options and three reimbursement rates to choose from, with your choice of a $5,000 or unlimited annual coverage limit.
According to our research, the average cost of a Pets Best policy is $41 per month for dogs and $23 for cats, which is less than the national averages we calculated of $60 and $32, respectively. Note that this provider’s accident-only plan may suit pet owners looking for cheap coverage, as it costs $6 per month for cats and $9 for dogs.
What Pets Best Customers Are Saying
With 108 out of 1,000 respondents selecting Pets Best, the provider was one of the most popular among pet owners in our April 2024 survey. Many pet owners chose Pets Best because of positive customer reviews, available discounts and their pet’s coverage needs.
Over 60% of pet owners with a Pets Best policy reported having filed at least one claim, with over a quarter of respondents noting issues with the reimbursement waiting period. While over 40% of customers received reimbursement within one to two weeks, over 26% of respondents reported having to wait three weeks or longer. Despite this, 83% of respondents with a Pets Best plan feel that pet insurance is worth it based on their experience.
Our team reached out to Pets Best for comment on its claim process and received the following response from Melissa Gutierrez, the company’s CEO:
“Pets Best strives to offer the best pet insurance plans with coverage options that allow customer control over veterinary expenses. Our well-trained staff is experienced in the veterinary industry, and we’re here to answer any questions about coverage options. We know that pets are part of your family, and we do everything we can to keep every family member’s tail wagging.”
One participant with a Pets Best policy said this about their experience with pet insurance:
“My young dog jumped at the window and went through it. I had great peace of mind knowing whatever she needed would be covered aside from my 20% responsibility after my deductible. I could focus on her getting well instead of wondering if I could afford it.”
Our Experience With Pets Best
Our team member and editor, Tori Addison, purchased an accident and illness policy with Pets Best for her 10-year-old Russian blue cat, Obie. The plan has a $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $5,000 annual limit. Tori also purchased Pets Best’s Essential Wellness coverage, with monthly costs totaling $71.
Obie was taken to the vet for an annual wellness exam with vaccinations and routine bloodwork in June 2024. Addison had the option to use vet direct pay through Pets Best and the company providing her with a form at signup to do so. However, her vet stated they weren’t currently participating in the service at this time and instead provided her with a detailed invoice to file a claim after the appointment.
When asked if pet insurance provided her with peace of mind at the vet, Addison stated: “I typically do not request blood work during my cat’s annual appointments, but since I had pet insurance, I felt peace of mind knowing the service would be partially covered and my insurance may also cover any resulting health issues indicated by the results.”
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Average Monthly Cost
$53-$64
Embrace stands out for the additional savings it offers pet owners, including a 10% discount for each additional pet policy you purchase, which is why we’ve named it the best provider for multiple pets. It also offers a 5% military discount and an employee benefit program that offers 10% off to employees of companies that offer Embrace pet insurance.
Standout feature: Embrace offers the Healthy Pet Deductible benefit, which credits pet owners with $50 toward their deductible each consecutive year they don’t file a claim. Based on our research, Embrace, Spot and Fetch are the only providers featured in this review that offer this benefit.
Pros
Reduces your deductible by $50 for each consecutive year you don’t file a claim
Offers more discounts than most providers
Provides customer support with online chat and a free, 24/7 pet helpline
Cons
Excludes pets 14 years of age and older from new coverage
Premiums for wellness plan nearly amount to the plan’s annual benefit
Embrace offers an accident and illness policy covering accidents, injuries, diseases and illnesses. It also provides a wellness rewards program similar to a flexible spending account (FSA) found through many human health insurance plans. You’ll pay a fixed amount monthly and can access a total coverage stipend for your pet, which covers approved preventative care services.
We found the average cost of an Embrace pet insurance plan is $64 per month for dogs and $33 for cats. This is almost 7% more than the national average for dogs and 3% more for cats. While Embrace didn’t make our list of the cheapest pet insurance providers, it does offer stackable discounts that can bring down your overall insurance premium by up to 25%.
What Embrace Customers Are Saying
Of the 29 respondents who selected Embrace as their pet’s insurance provider, most enrolled with the company due to its positive customer reviews and coverage selection. In addition, 62% of respondents have filed a claim with Embrace at least once, with most payouts occurring within one to two weeks.
While half of the respondents with an Embrace policy have yet to experience issues with the claims process, others noted long waiting periods for reimbursement. Our team reached out to Embrace for comment on its reimbursement processing and received the following response from Amber Batteiger, a company spokesperson:
“I’d like to clarify that initial claims may take slightly longer to process, primarily if we haven’t received the necessary veterinary records in advance. On average, wellness claims are reimbursed within 4.4 days, and accident and illness claims within 8.1 days.”
However, almost 83% of participants felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experience, with one respondent noting that “it’s good to have if something serious happens to your pet.”
Another respondent with an Embrace plan had the following to say about pet insurance:
“It protects me from paying completely unnecessary amounts of money toward vet bills, especially as my pups get older. I feel better knowing they are backed by insurance.”
Our Experience With Embrace
Our team member, Annie Villacis, purchased an accident and illness policy through Embrace for Luna, her 4-year-old, large mixed-breed dog. This plan has a $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $5,000 annual limit, totaling $60.
Annual Limits
$5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-100%
Average Monthly Cost
$22-$27
Our experts chose Figo as the most affordable pet insurer on our list, with an average monthly cost of $22 — 52% less than the national average cost of a policy. The provider also offers unlimited annual benefits and a range of useful add-ons to make your plan comprehensive, such as liability coverage for damages or injuries your pet causes.
Standout feature: While most companies limit reimbursements to 90% of covered veterinary bills, Figo has a reimbursement option of 100%. In addition, it has a one-day waiting period for accidents, which is shorter than nearly all providers in our review. Only Embrace offers a comparable accident waiting period, with accidents covered from your policy’s effective start date.
Pros
Is the only company we’ve reviewed that offers a 100% reimbursement rate
Has a one-day waiting period for accidents, shorter than most providers
Includes access to the Pet Cloud app, where users can manage their policy, file claims and connect with local pet parents
Cons
Increases premiums as your pet ages
Limits coverage for behavioral treatments
Figo provides three set accident and illness plans for pet owners to choose from. In addition, it offers a custom plan option that allows you to tailor the reimbursement rate, annual coverage limit and deductible to meet your pet’s needs and your budget. You’ll also find optional add-ons for wellness coverage and vet exam fees. Note that available deductible options depend on your pet’s age.
Figo made our list of the best cheap pet insurance companies, with the average policy costing $27 per month for dogs and $15 for cats. This is less than the national averages we calculated of $60 and $32, respectively. With no upper age limit restrictions, Figo may offer a cost-effective policy for those with senior pets.
What Figo Customers Are Saying
The Pet Cloud app allows for policy and claims management and serves as a hub for your pet parenting needs. You can use it for 24/7 pet telehealth, storing your pet’s medical records, connecting with like-minded pet owners, or setting reminders for vet appointments.
Of our 1,000 survey respondents, 30 pet owners reported having an insurance policy with Figo. Almost 30% of those pet owners chose Figo because of its positive online reviews, whereas others liked the company’s coverage offerings. However, 30% of respondents who have filed a claim noted they experienced a long review process. Our team reached out to Figo for comment on its processing times and did not receive a response. Based on their experience with Figo, 83% of respondents felt that pet insurance was worth it.
One Figo policyholder had the following to say about why pet insurance is worth it:
“I have owned all different types of breeds and sizes of dogs, and all of them have had either chronic or acute medical issues at some point in their life. These medical issues generally cost a lot of money out of pocket.”
Our writer and researcher, Graham Ray, purchased an accident and illness policy with Figo for his dog Mick, a mini Irish doodle, to further our research on pet insurance policies. He chose a plan with a $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $10,000 annual limit, plus the company’s lowest tier of wellness benefits. In total, he pays $37 per month for this policy — one of the cheapest rates for the coverage out of all providers in this review.
Ray noted that it took just under five minutes to sign Mick up for coverage, commenting on how the site was easy-to-navigate with great usability. He also appreciated how he didn’t need to bring Mick to the vet for an exam before enrolling in coverage.
When asked about Figo’s mobile app, he felt that the interface was good but that he had 20 new policy documents awaiting him in the app once he signed up. He also noted that for any doodle owners looking for pet insurance with Figo, you’ll likely need to select mixed-breed during enrollment as Figo doesn’t list “doodle” as a standalone dog breed.
Annual Limits
$2.5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Average Monthly Cost
$51-$68
Spot offers some of the most customizable pet insurance policies due to its seven annual coverage limit options (ranging from $2,500 to unlimited), five deductible options and three reimbursement rates. This allows pet owners to find the right balance between their plan’s level of coverage and affordability. Spot Pet Insurance is also ideal for pet owners who want a low-cost accident-only plan.
Standout feature: Spot’s policies cover a few items that aren’t offered by many other pet insurance providers, such as exam fees and microchipping. Like Embrace and Fetch, Spot also reduces your deductible each year you go without filing a claim.
Pros
Will reduce your deductible when you go 12 months without filing a claim
Provides online customer support via live chat
Has seven options for coverage limits, which is more than most competitors
Cons
Requires a 14-day waiting period for accident coverage
Spot offers customers a choice of either an accident and illness or an accident-only plan. You can also choose between two wellness plans that provide coverage for vaccines, annual exams and more. Our team named Spot the provider with the most customizable plan options thanks to its five deductible options, three reimbursement rates, and seven annual limits.
While Spot is the most customizable option in our review, it’s not the cheapest, according to our research and quotes gathered. The average Spot plan for dogs costs $68 per month, with the national average in our review being $60. The average plan for cats through Spot costs $30, with the national average sitting at $32.
What Spot Customers Are Saying
Of the 25 out of 1,000 survey respondents who reported having pet insurance with Spot, the majority chose the provider because its coverage fit their pet’s needs. Almost 30% of those respondents have filed one or more claims with Spot without any major issues. On average, pet owners reported claims settlement within three to four weeks.
While 63% of respondents reported that Spot had not denied any of their claims, others noted a pre-existing condition or policy waiting period as reason for rejection. Our team reached out to Spot for comment on these claims but did not receive a response. Based on their experience, 80% of respondents with a policy from Spot said that pet insurance is worth it.
One survey participant with a Spot plan said the following about why they personally feel pet a insurance policy is worth it:
“You never know what emergencies could happen. My fur baby deserves to have the best care available.”
To better understand the customer experience offered by Spot, our team member, Kelley King, purchased an accident and illness plan for her 4-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi, Oliver. She opted for a plan with a $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $5,000 annual limit, amounting to $34 a month.
“The website’s usability was outstanding, making it incredibly easy to sign up for a pet insurance plan in less than five minutes,” King said “The clear instructions and limited options combined with their transparent pricing for both annual and monthly costs ensured a smooth and efficient registration process.”
However, she did note that the explanation of coverage restrictions was slightly confusing. King rated the overall buying experience 3.8 out of 5 stars, noting her satisfaction: “For $34 a month, a four-legged piece of my heart will be fully covered if anything were to happen.”
Annual Limits
$5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Average Monthly Cost
$43-$50
Fetch is our top choice for cat and dog owners interested in therapies and treatments that other pet insurance providers don’t always cover. It offers one comprehensive plan that includes everything from accidents to illnesses to sick exam fees and telehealth vet visits for your pet. Fetch also includes extensive coverage of therapies related to behavioral issues like separation anxiety or aggression.
Standout feature: Fetch also stands out for its coverage of holistic care and alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy and stem-cell therapy. Our research found that when providers offer these treatments, it’s usually considered an add-on and excluded from standard coverage.
Pros
Reduces annual premiums by up to 30% when you don’t file a claim for 12 months
Will not terminate your policy based on your pet’s health or claim history
Provides a generous $1,000 annual reimbursement for behavioral issues
Cons
Doesn’t offer a multi-pet discount like most other providers
Has high plan prices for older animals based on the dozens of quotes we received from top pet insurance companies
While you’ll only find one accident and illness plan with Fetch, it provides three wellness coverage tiers. Some unique coverages Fetch offers include lost pet advertising and reward reimbursement, virtual veterinary visits, and pet loss coverage due to theft or straying.
The average monthly cost of a policy from Fetch is $50 for dogs and $28 for cats, which is less than the national average of $60 and $32, respectively. Fetch may be ideal for pet parents seeking more comprehensive coverage for their dog or cat versus a budget-friendly plan.
What Fetch Customers Are Saying
According to our survey data, 29 of our 1,000 respondents have a pet insurance policy with Fetch. The top reasons for selecting Fetch include its coverage options and positive customer reviews. Of the pet owners with a Fetch policy, 45% have filed a claim between one and two times, with many reporting issues of long waiting periods for claims review and reimbursement. Our team reached out to Fetch for comment on its claims processing but did not receive a response. Despite this, 62% of Fetch customers reported receiving a claims payout within one to two weeks.
Many pet owners stated that their policy’s waiting period was the top reason why Fetch has denied their claims. However, 79% of respondents with Fetch think pet insurance is worth it based on their experience with the company.
One Fetch policyholder had the following to say about their pet’s insurance plan:
“It was worth it because although I had to pay up front for a procedure, knowing I was going to be reimbursed really helped with my stress levels.”
Our Experience With Fetch
To help further our pet insurance research, our team member, Graci George, purchased a Fetch accident and illness plan for Saint, her 2-year-old golden retriever. She chose a plan with a $300 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $5,000 annual limit, for a total of $49 per month.
George says it took her five to 10 minutes to sign up for coverage, noting that the sign up process was very easy and user-friendly.
“There wasn’t an extensive amount of questions about myself, Saint or his vet.” she added. “However, if someone were to pick this provider, they need to make sure they have their pet’s medical records on hand or easily accessible. Without medical records, you can’t file a claim in the future.”
The Companies We Didn’t Pick
When shopping for pet insurance, you may come across several companies that did not make our list of top providers. While companies like ManyPets, MetLife, Nationwide, Trupanion and Healthy Paws were runners-up, we selected our list of the best seven providers based on 36 rating factors. Learn more about our review criteria and how we choose which companies are among the top insurers nationwide.
Pet Insurance Alternatives
If you feel that pet insurance isn’t the right fit for your pet’s needs, there are alternative products and steps you can take to help offset costs if your pet experiences an unexpected illness or accident. For one, you could put what you’d spend on a monthly premium into a dedicated savings account, starting an emergency fund for your pet. Or, you could take your pet to a veterinary college for care. Many colleges offer discounts on treatment and care that would cost more elsewhere.
Another alternative is Care Credit, which can allow you to defer the upfront out-of-pocket costs associated with your pet’s medical bills through financing. Most veterinary specialists and animal hospitals offer this, and there is no interest associated with payments if you make your monthly payments in full over the course of your loan. No matter what you decide, there are alternatives to pet insurance that can help you cover the costs of your dog or cat’s vet care.
Compare Top-Rated Pet Insurance Companies and Plans
Use this table to quickly compare the coverage and options offered by many of our top picks:
*The BBB scores for the pet insurance companies listed above are accurate as of August 2024.
How To Find the Best Pet Insurance Company
Here are some things you may want to look for when comparing pet insurance providers:
Compare Similar Coverage Plans
Some providers offer only one accident and injury plan that is designed to provide basic pet coverage in case of an emergency. However, if you want more comprehensive coverage, look for a company that offers accident and injury plans and wellness add-ons. This allows you to choose a plan that will cover a wide range of veterinary expenses.
The cost of coverage can vary between pet insurance companies. For example, you may find that the same coverage costs significantly more with one provider compared to another. When shopping for pet insurance, select the same deductible, annual coverage limit and reimbursement rate, and ensure the plans cover the same types of conditions to ensure an equal comparison.
Customize Coverage
Being able to customize the deductible, annual coverage limit and reimbursement rate allows you to customize your plan and reach a monthly premium that fits your budget. Some plans offer limited options, whereas others, such as Spot, offer multiple deductibles, annual coverage limits and reimbursement rate options.
Diminishing Deductibles
Some companies offer a diminishing deductible if you do not file a claim. For example, Embrace pet insurance offers the Healthy Pet Deductible benefit, which credits pet owners $50 toward their deductible each consecutive year they do not file a claim
Considering Unlimited Coverage
If your pet develops a complex medical condition or suffers a serious injury, vet bills could reach tens of thousands of dollars. Having unlimited coverage can help ensure you will not have to pay for 100% of your pet’s care after hitting a certain limit.
Easy Claims Process
Most pet owners do not want to mail in claims forms or wait weeks or months for their reimbursement. Look for a company that offers digital claims submission, either through its website or an app. Additionally, you can read online reviews to see what customers have to say about the claims process and reimbursement waiting times.
“As a veterinarian, I am sometimes asked to review claims for my patients that were denied, so from my perspective I prefer when the insurance company makes the claims review or appeal process easy and straightforward for the veterinarian, so that is something the pet owner should look for as well.”
24/7 Veterinary Support
Some companies, such as Pets Best, offer a 24/7 helpline staffed by veterinary professionals who can answer questions about your pet’s health care. They can help you decide whether your pet needs to see a veterinarian and whether the issue requires immediate attention.
Pet Insurance Discounts
Many companies offer a discount if you enroll more than one pet. Although the monthly premium may be similar between providers, choosing a company that offers a 10% multi-pet discount can lower your cost. Use the table below to compare discounts offered by pet insurance providers.
| Company | Multi-Pet | Military | Service Animals | Veterinary Professionals | AARP | Shelter/Rescue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | ✓ | |||||
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | ✓ | |||||
| Pets Best | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Embrace | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Figo | ✓ | |||||
| Spot | ✓ | |||||
| Fetch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Trupanion | ||||||
| Nationwide | ✓ | |||||
| Healthy Paws |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
According to our analysis of over 17,330 quotes across 21 pet insurance providers, the national average cost of pet insurance is $60 per month for dogs and $32 for cats. However, while we can estimate the average cost of pet insurance, the actual price you’ll pay depends on several factors, including your pet’s species, breed, age and location. The cost will also depend on the provider and plan you choose.
When choosing coverage for your pet, we recommend comparing plans from at least three providers before purchasing. Pet insurance is not one-size-fits-all, and many options exist so pet owners can tailor plans to their dog or cat’s medical needs.
The table below compares the average policy costs for dogs and cats from the providers featured in this review.
| Company | Average Cost for Dogs | Average Cost for Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $52 | $29 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $50 | $22 |
| Pets Best | $41 | $23 |
| Embrace | $64 | $33 |
| Figo | $27 | $15 |
| Spot | $68 | $30 |
| Fetch | $50 | $28 |
| Trupanion | $131 | $51 |
| Healthy Paws | $49 | $19 |
Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?
Pet insurance is worth it for most pet parents because the monthly cost of coverage is affordable relative to the high cost of treating a significant injury or illness, based on our survey results. Although pet insurance is an additional monthly expense, it can help in the long run if your pet has an accident or illness that costs thousands in medical bills.
See the table below for the average national cost of pet insurance for 10 unique pet profiles our team used to gather quotes.
| Pet Profile | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| 3-month-old kitten | $22 |
| 3-month-old puppy | $38 |
| 1-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog | $39 |
| 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat | $22 |
| 2-year-old Siamese cat | $25 |
| 2-year-old golden retriever | $53 |
| 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog | $51 |
| 5-year-old mixed-breed cat | $27 |
| 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat | $39 |
| 8-year-old small, mixed-breed dog | $62 |
*Costs reflect plans with a $5,000 annual limit, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement rate.
Did You Know?
We surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners to understand their motivations for purchasing a pet insurance policy. While 36% of pet owners who’ve never purchased a policy reported feeling unsure about investing in coverage, 99.5% of owners with pet insurance don’t regret buying coverage.
Veterinary bills for unexpected illnesses and injuries can quickly add up to thousands of dollars, and pet insurance can prevent you from making difficult decisions about your pet’s care based on finances. Although a pet savings account is an alternative to pet insurance, you may not be able to save a substantial amount of money to cover the care your pet needs in an emergency.
How To Find the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs
Pet insurance for dogs isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. However, according to our analysis and review, Lemonade is the best dog insurance company and offers the cheapest plans for dogs.
When deciding on a coverage plan, our team recommends considering factors unique to your dog, such as its breed, age, health history and more. Learn more from the examples we’ve featured in the sections below.
Think About Your Dog’s Lifestyle
If you live an active lifestyle and spend time outdoors with your dog, your pet will likely have a higher risk of getting fleas and ticks versus an indoor pet. It may also have a higher risk of cuts or accidents if you’re adventuring on rough terrain. In this case, consider a pet insurance policy with coverage for accidents and illnesses associated with outdoor and adventure activities. Some wellness plans may also include preventative treatment for parasites.
Consider Your Dog’s Health History
Pet insurance companies generally don’t cover pre-existing conditions, typically defined as an illness or injury existing before your pet’s coverage takes effect or during the waiting period. However, some pet insurance companies categorize pre-existing conditions as curable and incurable. If your pet has a curable condition and goes symptom-free for a set time period, some providers will treat recurrences as a new problem.
Examples of curable conditions include bladder infections, ear infections and more. If your pet has recently suffered from such a condition, consider a provider that deems pre-existing issues as curable and may cover recurrences after time passes.
Check Company Age Restrictions
Some companies set age limits for coverage, which means if you have an older or senior dog, your pet may only qualify for restricted coverage — or no coverage at all. However, some providers, such as Lemonade, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Figo, set no limits on the eligible age for coverage. When shopping for a policy, we encourage you to gather quotes from providers that will not deny or restrict coverage for your senior pup.
Research Breed-Specific Conditions
Some breeds are predisposed to certain conditions and illnesses, such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, glaucoma and more. All pet insurance providers have waiting periods for coverage that vary for accident, illness and orthopedic conditions. While accident and illness waiting periods generally last less than a month, waiting periods for orthopedic conditions can last up to a year, according to our research. If you own a breed predisposed to these types of issues, such as French bulldogs, it is important to understand the waiting periods associated with a policy.
How To Find the Best Pet Insurance for Cats
Cats also have unique needs to consider when deciding on a pet insurance policy. According to our research, Lemonade offers the best pet insurance for cats, but ManyPets is the cheapest cat insurer.
When choosing a plan for your kitten or cat, consider feline health issues, living outdoors versus indoors, wellness coverage and more. Learn more on what you should consider down below.
Consider Added Risks for Outdoor Cats
Outdoor cats are more susceptible to fleas, ticks, run-ins with other animals and more, which increases the chance of needing treatment for an accident or illness. If your cat spends most of its time outside, you may consider a pet insurance plan with coverage for both accidents and illnesses. A wellness plan with microchip coverage may also be something to think about, especially if your cat likes to roam far when outside.
Explore Cat Wellness Coverage
Wellness coverage provides a set reimbursement rate for routine and preventative care services, such as dental cleaning, vaccinations, heartworm medication and more. Opting for wellness coverage could pay off in the long run — just as regular maintenance is required to keep your car in top shape, preventative care for your cat could keep it from developing health issues as it ages.
Find Plans Covering Common Feline Health Problems
According to the ASPCA, common feline health problems include heartworm, ringworm, upper respiratory infections and more. A pet insurance plan that covers these types of common issues could save you from paying high vet bills for any necessary treatments.
Pet Insurance: What To Know
Before selecting a pet insurance provider, we recommend learning more about what a pet insurance plan looks like and how it works. Here are some helpful pieces of information to prepare you to sign up for a policy.
Plan Options
You can find a standard set of plan options across most pet insurance providers, which include accident-only plans, accident and illness policies, and wellness coverage.
- Accident-only plans: Typically more affordable than accident and illness coverage, this plan covers costs associated with accident-related injuries such as broken bones.
- Accident and illness plans: This comprehensive plan covers expenses related to diagnostics and treatment for both accidents and illnesses, including diseases, allergies, infections, broken bones and more.
- Wellness coverage: Often sold as an add-on, wellness coverage reimburses routine care services such as dental cleaning, vaccines and more.
- Other add-ons: In addition to these standard plan options, some providers offer add-ons that cover vet exam fees, behavioral conditions, physical therapy and alternative therapy treatments, and end-of-life services. Offerings will vary by provider.
MarketWatch Guides Tip
Based on our research, we recommend accident and illness plans to pet owners looking for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. If you’re looking for coverage on a budget, an accident-only plan offers baseline coverage for less money per month in the event of an accident.
Customizability
When researching pet insurance plans, several considerations impact the coverage you will receive. Many of these options are customizable and will impact your monthly premium.
Deductibles
The deductible is the amount you have to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Deductibles typically range from $100 to $1,000 and the larger the deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Choosing a higher deductible can help keep monthly premiums affordable, but you will have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Annual Coverage Limits
The coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance provider will pay out over the course of your policy. Coverage limits are customizable and range from about $3,000 to $10,000, although some providers offer unlimited coverage. We recommend selecting the highest coverage limit you can afford to provide adequate coverage if you file a claim.
Reimbursement Rates
This is the percentage of the bill your provider will pay after you cover the deductible. Typical reimbursement percentages are 70%, 80% and 90%, although a few providers offer plans with 100% reimbursement. Higher reimbursement rates come with higher monthly premiums, so we suggest choosing the highest rate that fits your budget.
Waiting Periods
The waiting period is the time period after purchasing a policy before your pet’s coverage begins. A typical waiting period is about 14 days, although some providers offer a shorter waiting period for accidents. For example, Lemonade and Embrace offer a two-day accident waiting period.
Waiting periods exist to prevent pet owners from purchasing pet insurance to cover an existing condition. Pet insurance is meant to cover future problems, so coverage does not begin immediately after enrollment to prevent insurance fraud.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions are health conditions that arise before your coverage begins, either prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. No pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions, although some conditions may no longer be considered pre-existing if your pet goes a certain period of time without recurring symptoms. Having a pre-existing condition does not mean that your pet is ineligible for pet insurance entirely, but that your plan will not cover treatments related to that condition.
MarketWatch Guides Tip
As a general rule of thumb, a condition that is chronic, incurable, and likely to return will not be covered by pet insurance. If an illness or injury is treatable and is cured more than one year prior to enrolling, you will be eligible for coverage with some providers, including Lemonade and Spot.
Claims Process
Most pet insurance companies offer a reimbursement after you pay your pet’s veterinary bill. In other words, you will have to pay for veterinary care upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. If the incident is covered, your provider will reimburse you the percentage dictated by the terms of your plan, minus your deductible. Many providers offer claim submission through their website or an app, which makes the process quick and easy.
There are a few providers that pay your vet directly, such as Trupanion. However, this option is available only at participating veterinary practices.
Insurance Availability
Most providers offer pet insurance throughout the U.S., although there are some exceptions. Research different providers to determine which offer pet insurance in your state.
Canceling Pet Insurance
If you decide you no longer want pet insurance or want to switch to another provider, most pet insurance plans allow you to cancel your policy at any time. Several providers, including Spot and Embrace, have a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can cancel the policy within the first 30 days and receive a full refund.
We recommend you review the specific cancellation policy for the providers you are considering so you are fully aware of the conditions.
What Veterinarians Think About Pet Insurance
In general, veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it offers financial coverage to ensure pets receive life-saving health care. In many situations, it also allows pet owners to provide a better level of care, because they do not have to make decisions based on finances.
Veterinarians typically recommend that pet owners purchase an insurance plan when their pet is young and healthy. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your pet will develop a pre-existing condition that will not be covered when you do purchase a plan.
“Pet insurance is an excellent way to make sure you are prepared to address any illnesses or injuries that may arise in your pet’s lifetime. Most of the significant issues we treat can result in a complete recovery, but can incur a high cost due to complexity or duration of treatment. Pet insurance can help protect you from these costs and enable you to provide excellent care for your pet.”
“I recommend pet insurance for almost all pets, but especially young animals that are otherwise healthy and without pre-existing conditions,” Dr. Rabwin said. “This will allow for the least expensive and most comprehensive insurance.”
“Taking insurance out before the first vet check, when congenital diseases like heart murmurs and limb deformities can be picked up, is a real no-brainer.”
“Pet insurance allows you to budget for your pet’s healthcare expenses as you can opt for a monthly premium payment instead of paying large veterinary bills simultaneously. With pet insurance, you can provide your pet with the best possible care without worrying about the financial burden. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and the health of your beloved pet.”
Breed Advisor
“Just like humans, pets can experience accidents, injuries and illnesses that require veterinary care. Having insurance ensures you can provide the necessary treatment without worrying about the cost. But while pet insurance can be beneficial in most cases, there may be circumstances where it may not be worth it. If you have the financial means to comfortably cover unexpected veterinary expenses out-of-pocket, you may decide insurance is unnecessary. However, it’s important to consider that even routine treatments can quickly add up.”
“Pet insurance is an excellent way to make sure you are prepared to address any illnesses or injuries that may arise in your pet’s lifetime. Most of the significant issues we treat can result in a complete recovery, but can incur a high cost due to complexity or duration of treatment. Pet insurance can help protect you from these costs and enable you to provide excellent care for your pet.”
“I recommend pet insurance for almost all pets, but especially young animals that are otherwise healthy and without pre-existing conditions,” Dr. Rabwin said. “This will allow for the least expensive and most comprehensive insurance.”
“Taking insurance out before the first vet check, when congenital diseases like heart murmurs and limb deformities can be picked up, is a real no-brainer.”
“Pet insurance allows you to budget for your pet’s healthcare expenses as you can opt for a monthly premium payment instead of paying large veterinary bills simultaneously. With pet insurance, you can provide your pet with the best possible care without worrying about the financial burden. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and the health of your beloved pet.”
Breed Advisor
“Just like humans, pets can experience accidents, injuries and illnesses that require veterinary care. Having insurance ensures you can provide the necessary treatment without worrying about the cost. But while pet insurance can be beneficial in most cases, there may be circumstances where it may not be worth it. If you have the financial means to comfortably cover unexpected veterinary expenses out-of-pocket, you may decide insurance is unnecessary. However, it’s important to consider that even routine treatments can quickly add up.”
What Pet Owners Think About Pet Insurance
In April 2024, we conducted our third annual pet insurance survey, which included 1,000 participants, to better understand how pet owners feel about their decision to purchase an insurance policy. We then compared our findings to our 2023 survey to gain insight into relevant trends around satisfaction with a policy.
Based on this survey, we found that 31% of participants named veterinary care as the most significant expense for their pet. This expense was the largest for 27% of participants in our 2023 survey, which shows a year-over-year increase of 4%. In addition, coverage was the most important factor in choosing a plan for both 2023 and 2024 participants, with positive customer reviews following closely behind.
When asked whether pet insurance was worth it, 81% of respondents in our 2023 survey answered yes. This amount increased by 4% in 2024, with 85% of participants pleased with their decision to purchase a pet insurance policy.
In 2024, we gave participants who felt pet insurance was worth it the opportunity to express why. Many policyholders felt their pets were a part of their family, noting the peace of mind they receive knowing insurance can help cover vet expenses in an emergency. One participant summed up the thoughts of many pet owners in our survey, stating:
“In my opinion, pet insurance is worth every penny. If you love your pet like I do, you will do everything that’s best for them.”
How To Buy a Pet Insurance Plan
We’ve broken down how to purchase a pet insurance plan into 3 easy steps:
- Research: While we research and publish pet insurance reviews to help consumers find the right pet insurance plan, we encourage you to research companies independently. You can read reviews from third-party aggregators such as the BBB and Trustpilot, browse forums, including Reddit, for additional first-hand experiences, and note each provider’s industry reputation and offered plans.
- Compare: Gathering quotes from multiple pet insurance companies can help you better compare both cost and coverage for your pet. As pet insurance quotes are free, we recommend getting at least three from any of the providers listed in this review.
- Buy: Once you’ve decided on a policy, it is best practice to read the fine print in your contract before finalizing your purchase. If you have any questions, reach out to a customer service representative for clarification on contract terms.
Pet Ownership Trends for 2024
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey of 2023 and 2024, 66% of U.S. residents own a pet, which equates to 86.9 million households. Common pet breeds seen by vets the most include bulldogs, retrievers, shepherds and domestic shorthair cats, says Dr. Sarah Proctor, a veterinarian and clinical associate professor at the University of New Hampshire.
“Bulldogs are prone to skin disease, eye problems, arthritis and respiratory diseases — just to name a few. Retrievers, both labs and goldens, are prone to skin allergies, ear infections, joint problems and arthritis. German shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint conditions, degenerative nerve disease and bloat.”
The cost of pet care for such conditions can become a barrier that prevents pets from receiving necessary healthcare. In our most recent survey, conducted in April 2024, almost 27% of the 1,000 respondents said that vet care is the most significant expense they have for their pet, with over half of the respondents spending $300 to $999 in the past year on routine vet care. In comparison, our 2023 survey found that almost half of the respondents spent $200 to $499 on vet care, suggesting rising care costs over a year’s time.
In another one of our recent studies of 1,000 dog and cat owners, more than 30% of respondents said they avoided taking their pet to the vet to prevent an expensive bill, and 16% said they’d lost a pet because they could not afford veterinary care.
With the lifetime cost of owning a dog near $30,000, it makes sense for pet owners to consider ways to reduce care costs while still providing for their pet’s needs. More pet owners are realizing the value of pet insurance — data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association shows a near 125% increase in the number of pets insured between 2018 and 2022.
Our System for Rating the Best Pet Insurance Companies
We review each pet insurance company based on factors most important to pet parents like you. Our process includes in-depth industry research into each provider, such as comparing coverage options, gathering quotes online to determine pricing and reading reviews to assess customer service. To better inform our reviews, we’ve surveyed 3,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. We’ve also bought pet insurance plans for 10 of our team’s pets to test the customer experience of various providers for ourselves.
We then score each provider on a 100-point scale and calculate an overall rating out of five stars. Here are more details about the factors we consider when reviewing pet insurance providers:
- Costs and Discounts (22.5%): To assess pricing, we collected sample quotes for 10 mixed-breed and purebred dogs and cats ranging from 3 months to 8 years old. Our team collected a total of 17,330 quotes directly from 22 provider’s websites, requesting at least two quotes for all 50 U.S. states from every insurer and pet profile. Providers earn the most points in this category for offering affordable coverage and more than four discount options to customers.
- Coverage (22.5%): The best pet insurance companies offer a range of plans, customization options and more so pet owners can choose the right coverage. Companies offering a wide variety of coverage options earn full points in this category. We also look at waiting periods and award the most points if companies offer policies with shorter waiting periods than their competitors.
- Covered Treatments (17.5%): According to our survey of pet owners, coverage is one of the most important factors when shopping for pet insurance. Companies with a breadth of included treatments and unique coverages as standard within their policies receive more points in this category than those with fewer options.
- Customer Experience (17.5%): Respondents to our survey also valued customer service when comparing pet insurance providers. We score each company based on its website accessibility and overall usability, customer service, mobile apps, money-back guarantees and veterinarian telehealth options. The insurers with the most customer experience offerings receive the most points.
- Industry Standing (10%): We review up-to-date ratings and accreditation information from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot and score companies based on customer reviews and years of industry experience.
- Availability (10%): Some companies do not offer policies for pets over a certain age. For this category, we deduct points from providers that have age limits for older pets. We also consider state availability, international coverage and if a company extends coverage options to breeds considered dangerous.
We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology to see how we review and score providers.
