With emergency pet insurance, you can mitigate the stress they bring and keep your finances in check. As long as you have the right coverage for your unique budget and pet, you’ll be able to reduce hefty out-of-pocket vet bills and ensure your pet receives the care they need to get back to their normal self.
Since there is no shortage of emergency pet insurance options out there, the BestMoney team did some research and uncovered this list of the best pet insurance companies that offer emergency coverage based on factors like coverage terms, costs, availability, claims process, and customer service.
Emergency Pet Insurers at a Glance
With Embrace, you’ll receive coverage for accidents and emergencies as soon as your policy takes effect.
Pets Best can pay your vet for emergency vet bills directly while Healthy Paws doesn’t impose an annual or lifetime cap, meaning you can get reimbursed for emergencies as much as you need to.
Figo is one of the only pet insurers that offers a 100% reimbursement rate for emergencies and Spot provides customizable accident-only plans.
ASPCA Pet Health covers emergency vet care for senior pets, whereas Lemonade prides itself on lightning-fast claims processing, which is particularly important when a pet emergency strikes.
Comparing the best emergency pet insurance companies
Accident Waiting Period | Illness Waiting Period | Claims Reimbursement | Exam Fee Coverage? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Receive coverage on your policy’s effective date | 14 days | Up to 30 days | Yes, available as an add-on | |
3 days | 14 days | 5 days or less | Yes, available as an add-on | |
15 days | 15 days | Within 2 days | No | |
1 day | 14 days | 7 to 10 business day for first-time claims; within 72 hours for repeat claims | Yes, available as an add-on | |
14 days | 14 days | 5 to 7 days | Yes, comes with the accident and illness policy | |
14 days | 14 days | 30 days or less | Yes, comes with the accident and illness policy | |
2 days | 14 days | 2 to 4 days | Yes, available as an add-on |
A Closer Look at the Best Emergency Pet Insurance
1. Embrace – Best for short waiting periods
Why Embrace is good for pet emergencies:
While other pet insurance companies have a 14-day waiting period for accident-only plans, Embrace's accident coverage kicks in on the day your policy becomes active. This means you don’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for a covered emergency situation, such as a fracture or laceration after you finalize your plan.
In addition to its short waiting period, Embrace lets you add on consultation and exam fee coverage to make emergency vet bills even more affordable. Plus, your pet won’t need a referral if their emergency requires care from a specialist.
Pros
Access to PawSupport, a 24/7 pet advice line, which can come in handy in an emergency pet situation
Healthy Pet Discount that rewards you for not filing claims during the first few years your policy is active
Intuitive app for easy claims filing during emergencies
Cons
Only covers pets up to age 14
Accident-only plan comes with a set $100 deductible, annual maximum limits of $5,000, and a 90% reimbursement rate
Not available in Maine
Sample pricing for Embrace
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $138.98 | $81.55 | $48.91 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $131.00 | $89.44 | $56.25 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $36.74 | $20.66 | $16.23 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $42.18 | $26.64 | $20.29 |
Average | $87.23 | $54.57 | $35.42 |
Read our full Embrace review.
2. Pets Best – Best for direct vet pay
Why Pets Best is good for pet emergencies:
Most pet insurers require you to pay for a covered service upfront and submit a claim form for reimbursement. Pets Best, however, can pay your vet directly so you don’t have to scramble to come up with the money during a pet emergency.
You may opt for accident-only coverage for as little as $9 per month for dogs and $6 per month for cats. With the affordable accident policy, your pet can receive the medical care they need for swallowed objects, broken bones, dental fractures, snakebites, and other emergencies.
BestBenefit accident and illness plans are always an option if you find that you need more comprehensive coverage.
Pros
Very affordable rates for emergency vet care
No maximum age limits so emergency coverage for senior pets is available
Low $50 deductible option to lower premiums for emergency pet insurance
Cons
Must upgrade to a higher-tier plan for exam fee coverage
Limited annual limit options: $5,000 or unlimited
No coverage for alternative therapies, which may be helpful during some emergencies
Sample pricing with Pets Best
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $62.21 | $75.67 | $32.33 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $69.39 | $84.41 | $36.07 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $24.37 | $30.12 | $13.59 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $24.37 | $30.12 | $13.59 |
Average | $45.09 | $55.08 | $23.89 |
Read our full Pets Best review.
3. Healthy Paws – Best for no annual or lifetime coverage limits
Why Healthy Paws is good for pet emergencies:
If your pet is prone to emergencies or you’d like additional peace of mind, you’ll appreciate Healthy Paws as it has one accident and illness policy with no annual or lifetime limits.
The pet insurance company can reimburse up to 90% of your emergency vet care, providing access to all the services your pet needs, when they need them.
You can expect coverage for diagnostic tests, prescription medications, specialty care, alternative treatments, surgery, and hospitalization, all of which are often important during pet health emergencies. As an added bonus, a portion of your premiums will go to the Healthy Paws Foundation so you’ll support pet welfare while insuring your pet.
Pros
Flexible deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000
Healthy Paws mobile app for simple claim submission
Two-day processing for all claims, including those related to emergencies
Cons
No accident-only coverage
Doesn’t pay for exam fees
Longer 15-day waiting period for accidents
Sample pricing with Healthy Paws
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $74.81 | $91.79 | $47.28 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $90.12 | $114.43 | $60.22 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $19.79 | $23.89 | $13.44 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $23.84 | $29.79 | $17.13 |
Average | $52.14 | $65.98 | $34.52 |
Read our full Healthy Paws review.
4. Figo – Best for the100% reimbursement rate
Why Figo is good for pet emergencies:
Figo offers an optional 100% reimbursement rate, which may make sense if you want to save as much as possible on out-of-pocket expenses when your pet needs emergency vet care. If you opt for a 100% reimbursement, Figo will cover the full cost of your vet bills after you meet your deductible.
The pet insurer allows you to choose from three tiers of accident and illness coverage, all of which cover a variety of emergencies, such as allergic reactions, bloating, burns, dental injuries, electrical shocks, poisoning, and ingestion of harmful substances.
You can also enjoy the Pet Cloud app where you can keep your pet’s medical records and access a 24/7 live vet chat, which can be a real lifesaver when your pet swallows an object or ingests poison, for example.
Pros
Short, one-day waiting period for accidents
Three-day claims processing
Provides a personalized pet tag, which can help you find your pet if they go missing
Cons
Unlimited annual limits are not an option with the 100% reimbursement rate
Vet exam fee coverage requires an add-on
Many claims about claim denials, which can be problematic if you hope to save money during pet emergencies
Sample pricing with Figo
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $64.22 | $58.25 | $27.35 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $70.68 | $64.09 | $33.58 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $24.02 | $23.47 | $8.99 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $10.13 | $22.42 | $10.13 |
Average | $42.26 | $42.06 | $20.01 |
Read our full Figo review.
5. Spot – Best for flexible accident-only coverage
Why Spot is good for pet emergencies:
If your primary goal is to offset the high costs of emergency vet care, an accident-only plan from Spot is worth exploring.
Unlike other providers who have set limits, reimbursement rates, and deductibles on their accident policies, Spot gives you options. Even with more affordable accident-only coverage, you can choose an annual limit ranging from $2,500 to unlimited, a deductible between $100 and $1,000, and a reimbursement rate of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Spot’s accident and illness plan is fairly robust and covers vet exam fees, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalizations, IV fluids and medications, poison control consultation fees, tooth extractions, and more.
Pros
Mobile app available for quick claim filing
10% multi-pet discount to make emergency pet care more affordable for multiple pets
24/7 pet telehealth line for help during pet emergencies
Cons
May find lower premiums elsewhere
No option for vet direct pay
14-day waiting period for accidents
Sample pricing with Spot
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $83.37 | $48.67 | $35.31 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $95.28 | $50.81 | $39.12 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $38.26 | $26.03 | $14.86 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $44.64 | $29.25 | $15.70 |
Average | $65.39 | $38.69 | $26.25 |
Read our full Spot review.
6. ASPCA Pet Health – Best for senior pets
Why ASPCA Pet Health is good for pet emergencies:
All pets are susceptible to health emergencies and senior pets are no exception. While many pet insurers don't insure pets who are older than 14 or 15, ASPCA Pet Health welcomes dogs and cats of all ages. You can choose the accident-only plan to save money and still lock in coverage for pet emergencies.
Accident-only coverage includes diagnostic exams like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds as well as blood work, medications, surgery, and hospitalization.
The Complete Coverage policy is also an option if you prefer more comprehensive coverage that goes beyond unexpected injuries and emergencies. Regardless of which plan you choose, you’ll have access to a 24/7 vet helpline and receive professional advice during pet emergencies.
Pros
Offers emergency pet insurance for horses in addition to dogs and cats
Discounts are available for insuring multiple pets and veterinary employees
User-friendly app you can use to quickly submit claims for emergency situations
Cons
Slower, 30-day claims processing time than other pet insurers
14-day waiting period for accidents can be an issue
Limited annual deductible options of $100, $250, and $500
Sample pricing with ASPCA Pet Health
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $83.37 | $48.67 | $35.95 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $95.28 | $50.81 | $39.82 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $38.26 | $26.03 | $15.29 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $44.64 | $29.25 | $16.16 |
Average | $65.39 | $38.69 | $26.81 |
Read our full ASPCA Health review.
7. Lemonade – Best for fast claims processing
Why Lemonade is good for pet emergencies:
It can be frustrating to file a claim for a pet emergency and wait days or weeks for your pet insurer to review it and send you the reimbursement you’re entitled to. With Lemonade, you don't have to worry about that. Thanks to its AI-powered claims processing, you can file a claim for an emergency vet service in minutes and get repaid in as little as 48 hours.
You can further your savings on emergency pet care with a Lemonade discount. The pet insurance company offers discounts for bundling insurance policies, making annual premium payments, and insuring multiple pets. Note that Lemonade only offers an accident and illness plan but it’s comprehensive and covers a long list of emergency-related items, such as diagnostic tests, injections, prescription medications, hospitalization, and surgery.
Pros
Can modify your coverage in the middle of your term
Flexible annual coverage limits ranging ($5,000 to $100,000)
No waiting period or two-day waiting period for accidents, depending on the state
Cons
Only offered in 38 states
Must choose between two high annual coverage limits: $50,000 or $100,000
May not be an option for older pets as age limits are between 10 and 14, depending on the breed
Sample pricing with Lemonade
| Pets | New York | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
German Shepherd, 1-year-old | $55.99 | $82.05 | $22.38 |
German Shepherd, 4-year old | $62.59 | $90 | $26.89 |
Domestic Shorthair, 1-year-old | $31.20 | $35.06 | $12.04 |
Domestic Shorthair, 4-year-old | $31.20 | $33.06 | $12.00 |
Average | $59.24 | $60.04 | $18.33 |
Read our full Lemonade review.
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Emergency Pet Insurance
To find the best emergency pet insurance providers, the BestMoney team focused on these categories:
Coverage terms: We explored coverage options, including accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness plans. For this list, we focused on accident-only coverage as it’s often the best option for pet owners who want specific insurance for emergencies.
Availability: Our team looked at each pet insurer's geographical availability. Some insurers cover pet owners in all 50 states, while others only insure those in select states.
Costs: We compared sample rates for dogs and cats to national averages and policies offered by competing pet insurance companies. We also considered value and discount opportunities.
Claims process: Since an easy claims process is particularly important during pet emergencies, our team evaluated the claims process. We looked at claims reimbursement times as well.
Customer service: We investigated each pet insurer’s reputation and customer service. We also considered scores on third-party review sites, such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
To read our extended methodology for researching pet insurance companies, click here.
What Is Emergency Pet Insurance?
What Is Usually Covered by Emergency Pet Insurance?
While the definition of pet emergencies varies by pet insurance company, most insurers include the following in their emergency pet insurance plans:
Cuts and wounds
Broken bones or fractures
Diagnostic tests like X-rays and CT scans
Ingesting foreign objects
Infectious diseases
Gastrointestinal issues
Poisoning
Surgery and hospitalization
Medical treatments and rehabilitation
Specialty and follow-up vet visits
Prescription medications
What are some common exclusions of emergency pet insurance?
It’s important to note that while emergency pet insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen health issues, it usually contains exclusions. Some of the most common exclusions you can expect to find in an emergency pet insurance policy include:
Pre-existing conditions: These refer to health issues your pet developed before you bought your policy. Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are a few examples of pre-existing conditions that are widely seen among pets.
Routine care: Since emergency pet insurance is intended to cover the costs associated with unexpected health problems, it won’t help pay for routine care services to keep your pet healthy. These may include wellness exams, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries. Fortunately, most pet insurers offer wellness plans you can add-on to your emergency coverage.
Elective procedures: Cosmetic procedures are completely optional and not considered emergencies. Therefore, an emergency pet insurance plan won’t cover declawing, ear cropping, or similar services.
Behavioral issues: In most cases, treatments for pet-related behavioral problems are not included in emergency pet coverage. You’ll likely need a comprehensive accident and illness policy to pay for them.
Breeding expenses: Pregnancy, breeding, and birthing aren’t emergencies. As a result, emergency pet insurance plans won’t reimburse you for these types of costs.
Key Features of Good Emergency Pet Insurance
As you look for emergency pet insurance for your pet, it’s a good idea to prioritize these features:
Accident-only coverage
While accident plans are specifically designed for accidents and emergencies, not all pet insurance companies offer them. If you’re in search of a budget-friendly policy that will cover most pet emergencies, look for an accident-only plan, ideally one that gives you the flexibility to choose your annual limits, deductible, and reimbursement rate.
24/7 vet hotline
When a pet emergency comes your way, it’s all too easy to panic. If your emergency pet insurance includes access to a 24/7 vet hotline, you’ll receive answers to your questions and be able to care for your pet with confidence, even if the emergency occurs during inconvenient evening or weekend hours.
Shorter waiting periods
It can be frustrating to invest in emergency pet insurance and find that your coverage has not kicked in yet. That’s why it’s wise to choose a plan with a shorter waiting period. While 14-days seems to be the industry norm, a waiting period of a few days or even a policy that provides coverage the day of your contract’s effective date is preferred.
Vet direct pay
Even if you have an emergency pet policy, you’ll likely need to cover the cost of your pet’s services upfront. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t wait to get reimbursed by your insurer, this can add more stress to the situation. The good news is you may be able to find a pet insurance company that will pay your vet for covered emergency services directly so you don’t have to go through the reimbursement process.
Exam fee coverage
Vet exam fees do not come cheap, especially if they’re related to an emergency. In fact, CareCredit estimates they can run you anywhere from $96 to $236 for dogs and $94 to $228 for cats.
Discounts
The goal of emergency pet insurance is to save money on emergency vet bills. However, if your premiums are too high, you may overspend on them instead.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to look for pet insurance that comes with discount opportunities you qualify for. For example, some pet insurers will give you 5% to 10% off if you insure multiple pets. Other common discounts include veterinary employee discounts, military discounts, annual payment discounts, and bundling discounts.
How Much Does Emergency Pet Care Cost?
The cost of emergency pet care depends on the specific situation. Here’s a brief look at the average costs of various services that are frequently recommended to help pets overcome emergency health issues:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
Wound treatment | $800-$2,500 |
Emergency surgery | $1,500-$5,000 |
Oxygen therapy | $500-$3,000 |
ER exam | $100-$200 |
Blood test | $80-$200 |
IV catheter | $60-$75 |
IV fluids | $60-$95 |
Pain medication | $40-$80 |
Blood pressure test | $150-$250 |
Source: CareCredit
How to Afford Emergency Pet Care
1. Find the right pet insurance policy
Enroll in a pet insurance plan early to reduce the financial burden of unexpected veterinary expenses. Insurance can cover a significant portion of emergency care costs.
As you shop around, you’ll find that most emergency pet insurance plans are similar but there are often subtle differences among them. “I always encourage people to focus on the subtle differences when deciding between their top couple of plans and companies,” explains Adams. For example, one insurer may require you to fill out a claims form and wait for reimbursement while another offers direct pay to vets.
2. Build an emergency fund
Set up a dedicated savings account for pet emergencies.
“Regular contributions, even small ones, can add up over time,” explains Dr. Cahn. If possible, park your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account so you can earn interest without much effort. With an emergency fund in place, you won’t have to go into debt or derail other financial goals when a pet emergency comes up
3. Explore payment plans and credit options
Some veterinary clinics offer in-house payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of an emergency vet over time. “Many vets also accept medical credit cards, allowing you to pay off costs over time,” notes Dr. Cahn. Reach out to your vet to explore all of their available payment solutions.
4. Look for charitable organizations
There are charitable organizations that offer grants or other types of funding to pet owners that meet certain criteria. “Research organizations that provide financial assistance for emergency pet care, such as The Pet Fund or RedRover,” says Dr. Cahn. You’ll likely need to fill out an application or share your pet’s story to apply.
5. Invest in preventive care
Regular check-ups and vaccinations can help detect potential health issues early, preventing costly emergencies. “Many pet insurers have wellness plans that can help you save on preventive care and reduce the likelihood of costly emergencies by catching issues early,” explains Dr. Cahn. While wellness coverage will increase your monthly premiums, it can save you money on expensive and complex emergency treatments down the road.
6. Develop a good relationship with your vet
A relationship with your regular veterinarian is important and helpful because they can help guide you through an emergency situation. “They will be able to help in most situations to hopefully avoid a trip to the emergency room (ER). But, they will also know when it’s best to send your pet to the ER for the specialized care that can only be provided there,” says Adams.
7. Try crowdfunding
Platforms like GoFundMe can help raise money for emergency pet care by sharing your pet’s story with friends, family, and your community. Crowdfunding may be a good option if your pet emergency is particularly traumatic and negatively impacts many parts of your life.
You may owe a percentage of your earnings to the crowdfunding platform and might need additional funds to fully cover your pet’s emergency vet bills.
8. Search for low-cost clinics
“Look into low-cost or nonprofit veterinary clinics in your area that may provide emergency services at reduced rates,” explains Adams. Depending on the pet emergency, these clinics may have the personnel and resources your pet needs to overcome their issue and get back to their old self.
Before you use a low-cost or nonprofit vet, research their reputation and read reviews from other pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pet Insurance Cover Emergency Visits?
Yes, pet insurance provides coverage for emergency visits. This is true whether you opt for a bare-bones accident-only plan or a more robust accident and illness plan.
Is There Emergency Pet Insurance With No Waiting Period?
Most emergency pet insurance plans have a waiting period. However, some providers, such as Embrace, allow coverage to kick in immediately on the policy’s effective date.
How Soon After Getting Pet Insurance Can You Use It?
The waiting period will depend on how soon you can use your pet insurance coverage. If your plan has a 14-day waiting period, for example, you’ll have to wait 14 days from the day your policy becomes active.
