With all the variations in pricing and coverage details, it can be challenging to compare pet insurance plans in an apples-to-apples way. We found the best way to do it is by prioritizing the benefits that are the most important to you and then comparing prices among the policies that match your must-haves. Here’s how we chose the best pet insurance.
Plan Type
The first thing we recommend looking at is the plan type. We recommend a comprehensive pet insurance plan that covers accidents and illnesses. Pet insurance can generally be broken down into these plan types.
- Accident and illness plan. This covers vet bills for accidents (like broken bones) and illnesses (such as cancer, allergies and skin infections).
- Accident-only plan. This covers accident-related vet expenses, such as broken bones, bite wounds and ingested foreign objects. It does not cover illness-related vet expenses.
- Pet wellness plans for routine care. This is typically an add-on policy that covers routine vet expenses like annual wellness exams, flea and heartworm prevention, and vaccinations.
- Comprehensive plan. Sometimes called a “nose-to-tail” policy, this typically refers to an accident and illness plan plus an optional wellness plan.
Related: What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
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We recommend looking at valuable benefits like coverage for vet exam fees. Not all insurers include this with their base policies. If having access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line is important to you, we recommend choosing an insurer that provides this benefit. It’s also a good idea to look at insurers that offer optional pet insurance wellness plans for routine care if you want coverage for expenses like annual wellness exams and vaccinations.
Coverage Levels
Pet insurance policies will typically offer a range of annual maximums, deductibles and reimbursement levels to choose from. We would prioritize choosing coverage levels you’re comfortable with rather than focusing on price alone. In the event of an expensive claim, you’ll be glad you bought sufficient coverage.
- Annual maximum coverage. This is the maximum amount that will be paid out for pet insurance claims during the policy period. Common annual maximum coverage amounts include $5,000, $10,000 and unlimited.
- Deductible. This is the amount you’ll pay toward vet bills before your coverage kicks in. Common deductible choices include $100, $250 and $500.
- Reimbursement percentage. This is the reimbursement you’ll get back if you make a pet insurance claim. Common reimbursement levels include 70%, 80% and 90%.
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We recommend comparing coverage benefits like behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, microchipping and end-of-life expenses among pet insurers. Some insurers include these coverage types in their base policies or have the option to buy extra coverage.
Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the time between the policy purchase date and when the coverage begins. If you have a dog, we recommend taking a hard look at any special waiting periods, such as those for cruciate ligament issues. Many policies have a six-month waiting period for this but some insurers will waive this waiting period if you have an orthopedic exam done.
Special waiting periods for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament issues can range from six to 12 months, but you can find pet insurance with no waiting period for orthopedic conditions. If a long waiting period is a concern, I recommend looking at insurers like ASPCA, ManyPets, Pumpkin, Spot and Trupanion.
– Jason Metz, Lead Editor
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Pet Insurance Discounts
Pet insurance discounts are a good way to save. Here are discounts we found in our analysis, but they will vary by company:
- Multipet discount. Many insurers offer a discount if you insure more than one pet.
- Spay/neuter discount. Some insurers offer discounts to pet owners who have their pet spayed or neutered.
- Annual pay discount. You can often reduce costs if you pay your annual premium in one lump sum.
- Military discount. Some insurers offer discounts for military members and veterans.
- Group discount at work. Some employers offer pet insurance as a voluntary benefit, which could get you a 5% to 10% discount.
- Bundle discount. You can get up to a 10% discount when you bundle Lemonade pet insurance with a Lemonade renters or homeowners insurance policy.
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Other Pet Insurance Comparison Factors
Here are two more factors we would look at when buying a pet insurance plan:
- Exam fees. When you take your pet to the veterinarian for an accident or illness, you pay an exam fee, costing $100 or more depending on your veterinarian and visit type. Make sure the policy covers these exam fees because not all do.
- Benefits. Look for extra benefits like a 24-hour vet helpline in case your pet gets sick at night. As another example, Nationwide pet insurance members have access to preferred pricing on pet prescriptions at any Walmart pharmacy.
Case Study: Finlay’s Cancer Battle
When my 5-year-old dog Finlay was diagnosed with stage four nasal sarcoma, I was devastated. It began with a severe nosebleed, followed by a CT scan and biopsy. In just a week and a half, our lives were turned upside down. The expenses piled up quickly, from imaging procedures to targeted radiation therapy and countless follow-up visits. In total, we racked up over $10,000 in medical costs. Thankfully, our pet insurance has reimbursed us $8,565 so far. Each approved claim brings a wave of relief because we know we can focus on Finlay instead of the financial stress.
– Mitchell G., Michigan
