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Your furry friend deserves the very best health care! Compare top insurers now.
Why Choose Best Money?
Spot Pet Insurance
1,720 pet-parentsvisited this site today
Embrace
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Pets Best
Pumpkin
got a quote via this site in the past week
If you’re a pet parent looking for pet insurance, rest assured there’s no shortage of options. To simplify your search, we’ve uncovered the best pet insurance companies, based on coverage terms, availability, costs, claims process, and customer service. Our analysis found:
Pets Best, Figo, and Lemonade offer some of the most affordable rates across pet types, though Lemonade isn’t available in all states.
Embrace and MetLife are top choices if you’re looking for short waiting periods, particularly for accidents.
CarePlus by Chewy is a good fit for frequent Chewy shoppers, while Pumpkin is a top choice if you’re looking for wellness care coverage.
ASPCA Pet Health and Fetch are great options if you’re looking for coverage for commonly excluded care, like breed-specific issues and behavioral conditions.
1. Spot Pet Insurance: Best for policy customizations
2. Embrace: Best for extra ways to save
3. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Best for broad coverage
4. Pets Best: Best for low rates for cats
5. Figo Pet Insurance: Best for low rates for dogs
6. MetLife Pet Insurance: Best for short waiting periods
7. : Best for loyal Chewy shoppers
8. Fetch Pet Insurance: Best for unique coverages
9. Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Best for wellness care
10. Lemonade Pet Insurance: Best for low rates for young pets
To zero in on the best pet insurance companies, the BestMoney team focused on the following categories:
Coverage terms: We considered whether each pet insurance company offers accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness plans. Our team also looked at deductibles, coverage limits, and reimbursement rate options as well as waiting periods. We also reviewed exclusions and coverages for commonly excluded items.
Availability: We researched each pet insurance provider’s geographical availability. Some insurers serve pet parents in every state, while others exclude coverage to those in select states or zip codes.
Costs: We compared sample rates for dogs and cats to national averages and the offerings of other competing pet insurance companies. Our team also focused on discount opportunities and overall plan value.
Claims process: We identified how easy it is to file a claim with each pet insurer. Claim filing options plus reviews from real customers helped us get a good grasp of the insurer’s typical claims process.
Customer service: We looked at how long each pet insurance company has been in business. Plus, we reviewed its scores on reputable, third-party sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The sample rates in the individual insurer sections below are based on an accident-and-illness policy with a $10,000 coverage limit, a $500 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement rate unless otherwise specified.
All dog breeds are female, and all cat breeds are male. All pets live in the following cities: Albany (zip code 12242), Austin (zip code 78746), and Sacramento (zip code 95620). Prices are subject to change, and your quotes may vary.
Learn more about how we rate and review pet insurers in our full methodology.
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for policy customizations |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why we picked Spot as a top pet insurer: Count Spot as one of the most well-rounded pet insurers on the market. It has affordable pricing, an industry-leading choice of seven annual coverage limits, and solid customer service scores.
In fact, Spot’s 4.7 Trustpilot score is matched only by Pumpkin and its BBB customer review score is the highest among the pet insurers we reviewed.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.7
BBB rating: A- (accredited)
Common complaints? Unexpected claim denials, slow reimbursements
Common praise? Easy claim processing, compassionate customer service reps
Contact channels: Phone, email (provided to policyholders), online complaint form
| Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $65.30 | $44.34 | $36.83 | $48.82 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $129.22 | $103.21 | $74.57 | $102.33 |
6-year-old Poodle | $126.76 | $98.93 | $78.82 | $101.50 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $140.56 | $101.55 | $97.65 | $113.25 |
Average | $115.46 | $87.00 | $71.97 | $91.48 |
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $34.32 | $23.06 | $24.10 | $27.16 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $50.78 | $38.51 | $39.59 | $42.96 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $44.76 | $30.78 | $33.76 | $36.43 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $99.60 | $81.80 | $90.92 | $90.77 |
Average | $57.37 | $43.54 | $47.09 | $49.33 |
Expert intel: “Spot offers great flexibility in coverage, especially for accidents and illness. I’ve recommended it to clients with active pets, but it can get a bit pricey. For those willing to invest in peace of mind, it’s a strong option.” — Deepak Shukla, founder of Pets Lets Travel
Read Spot Pet Insurance review
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for extra ways to save |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why we picked Embrace as a top pet insurer: Embrace offers affordable base rates with plenty of extra ways to save on coverage, including a 10% multi-pet discount, a 5% military discount, and $12 off for paying annually. It’ll also lower your annual deductible by $50 each year that you don't receive a claim reimbursement.
Plus, Embrace has an industry-leading zero-day waiting period for accidents and a competitive 14-day waiting period for illnesses, on par with only MetLife, which offers similar short timeframes before coverage starts.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.0
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Premium increases, confusing claim denials
Common praise? Intuitive mobile app, simple claims processing
Contact channels: Phone, AI chat
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
1-year-old mix | $44.91 | $43.56 | $39.51 | $42.66 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $97.44 | $126.22 | $99.74 | $107.80 |
6-year-old Poodle | $88.10 | $133.89 | $89.29 | $103.76 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $56.64 | $85.42 | Not available | $71.03 |
Average | $71.77 | $97.27 | $76.18 | $81.34 |
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $30.69 | $32.87 | $15.09 | $26.22 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $56.92 | $51.08 | $31.42 | $46.47 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $64.88 | $60.90 | Not available | $62.89 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $88.14 | $94.30 | Not available | $91.22 |
Average | $60.16 | $59.79 | $23.255 | $56.70 |
Expert intel: “What stands out about Embrace is [its] thorough accident-and-illness coverage. It includes everything from diagnostic tests and surgeries to chronic conditions and even alternative therapies like acupuncture. I also love Embrace's diminishing deductible, which reduces the annual deductible by $50 for every year a claim isn't filed. Plus, [it offers] a 5% military discount and a multi-pet discount.” — Sean Prichard, president and head canine fitness coach at Pant & Wag
Read our Embrace Pet Insurance review
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for broad coverage |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500
Why we picked ASPCA Pet Health as a top pet insurer: ASPCA is another notably well-rounded pet insurer, offering all major pet plan types with plenty of customization options to help you stay on budget.
Its affordable pricing is particularly noteworthy, given its base accident-and-illness plan covers some commonly excluded care, like behavioral issues, alternative therapies, and congenital conditions. ASPCA Pet Health also covers “curable” pre-existing conditions if your pet goes 180 days without symptoms (one of the shortest windows for this type of coverage on the market, on par with Spot and Pumpkin).
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.0
BBB rating: Not rated
Common complaints? Difficult to cancel coverage, significant premium increases
Common praise? Responsive customer service reps, easy claims processing
Contact channels: Phone, email
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $65.30 | $45.13 | $38.63 | $49.69 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $129.22 | $95.97 | $74.57 | $99.92 |
6-year-old Poodle | $126.76 | $100.70 | $78.82 | $102.09 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $140.56 | $103.36 | $97.65 | $113.86 |
Average | $115.46 | $86.29 | $72.42 | $91.39 |
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $34.32 | $23.73 | $24.10 | $27.38 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $50.78 | $39.63 | $39.59 | $43.33 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $45.76 | $31.67 | $33.76 | $37.06 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $99.60 | $84.18 | $90.92 | $91.57 |
Average | $57.62 | $44.80 | $47.09 | $49.84 |
Expert intel: “I have long recommended ASPCA Pet [Health] Insurance due to its customizable coverage plans that include accident-and-illness policies, accident-only options, and an optional wellness add-on for preventive care. Notably, its policies extend to alternative therapies, behavioral treatments, congenital conditions, microchip implantation, and end-of-life coverage, such as euthanasia and burial/cremation. It's also the only dog and cat insurance company that I know of that also provides coverage for horses.”— Prichard of Pant & Wag
Read our ASPCA Pet Health Insurance review
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for low rates for cats |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Why we picked Pets Best as a top pet insurer: Our pricing analysis found Pets Best offered consistently competitive rates and particularly low rates for felines. Plus, Pets Best is one of the few pet insurers on the market to offer a vet direct pay option. You can skip paying out of pocket and waiting for a claim reimbursement by having your veterinarian fill out and sign a special release form.
The insurer also recently addressed a minor drawback by adding a $10,000 annual coverage limit. Previously, you had to choose between a $5,000 or unlimited option.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 3.9
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Confusing coverage, excessive documentation requests
Common praise? Quick reimbursements, affordable premiums
Contact channels: Phone, email, live chat
| Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $19.00 | $25.29 | $27.09 | $23.79 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $58.57 | $79.34 | $91.88 | $76.60 |
6-year-old Poodle | $44.43 | $60.92 | $69.70 | $58.35 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $49.90 | $64.37 | $71.17 | $61.81 |
Average | $42.98 | $57.48 | $64.96 | $55.14 |
*Rates are associated with the lowest-tier Pets Best Essential Plan.
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $12.37 | $16.36 | $19.41 | $16.05 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $16.58 | $23.87 | $26.42 | $22.29 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $22.80 | $32.85 | $35.20 | $30.28 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $34.94 | $58.77 | $53.95 | $49.22 |
Average | $21.67 | $32.96 | $33.75 | $29.46 |
*Rates are associated with the lowest-tier Pets Best Essential Plan.
Expert intel: “I’ve recommended Pets Best to countless clients who travel with their pets, and it’s been a solid choice for them. The claims process is quick, which is crucial for those who need fast reimbursements while on the go. They offer affordable premiums that fit a range of budgets without sacrificing the essentials. Additionally, their customer service is fantastic. I’ve had several clients reach out with questions, and they’ve always had positive feedback about how easy it is to get help when needed.” — Shukla of Pets Lets Travel
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for their low rates for dogs |
Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500
Why we picked Figo as a top pet insurer: Figo offers competitive rates, particularly for canines, which is especially notable given it’s not fickle about insuring older dogs and risky breeds.
Unlike many other pet insurers, Figo offers an optional 100% reimbursement rate for some pets. Its accident-and-illness plan is robust as it includes holistic and alternative treatments, mobility devices, behavior training, and other reimbursements you may not find elsewhere.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.0
BBB rating: B (accredited)
Common complaints? Long response times, poor communication regarding claims
Common praise? Easy claim process, helpful customer service reps
Contact channels: Phone, text, email, fax
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $32.09 | $29.98 | $32.08 | $31.38 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $71.86 | $71.21 | $71.88 | $71.65 |
6-year-old Poodle | $51.57 | $52.67 | $55.91 | $53.38 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $57.69 | $59.92 | $68.50 | $62.04 |
Average | $53.30 | $53.45 | $57.09 | $54.61 |
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $22.54 | $17.60 | $23.53 | $21.22 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $20.47 | $18.82 | $23.00 | $20.76 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $28.95 | $27.84 | $32.52 | $29.77 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $54.49 | $53.93 | $61.23 | $56.55 |
Average | $31.61 | $29.55 | $35.07 | $32.08 |
Expert intel: “Figo offers a few levels of accident-and-illness coverage, which provides a broad spectrum of coverage. [It’s] also super-inclusive, with no age limit for signing up your pet and a really short wait of just one day for accident coverage to kick in.” — Ashley Reely, professional dog trainer at Meraki Dogs
Read Figo Pet Insurance review
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for their waiting periods |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $500 to $25,000 in $1,000 increments
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $0 to $750 in $50 increments; $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500
Why we picked MetLife as a top pet insurer: MetLife has industry-leading waiting period policies: zero days for accident coverage, 14 days for illnesses, and no special waiting periods for hip dysplasia. Plus, with MetLife, you can enjoy coverage for prescription food with a standard plan and get reimbursed quickly through Zelle or Apple Pay.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 1.5
BBB rating: A- (not accredited)
Common complaints? Unexpected claim denials, poor customer service
Common praise? Quick claim processing, affordable coverage for multiple pets
Contact channels: Phone, email, chat, fax, mail
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
1-year-old mix | $44.29 | $58.83 | $53.78 | $52.30 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $73.25 | $100.02 | $90.38 | $87.88 |
6-year-old Poodle | $56.41 | $78.59 | $71.34 | $68.78 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $86.16 | $132.56 | $119.32 | $112.68 |
Average | $65.03 | $92.50 | $83.71 | $80.41 |
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $27.61 | $28.71 | $26.99 | $27.77 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $43.83 | $45.03 | $41.50 | $43.45 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $47.04 | $56.85 | $52.02 | $51.97 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $67.96 | $83.05 | $75.32 | $75.44 |
Average | $46.61 | $53.41 | $48.96 | $49.66 |
Expert intel: “MetLife is a very reliable choice with straightforward coverage. We recommend it for its simplicity, but it’s not the most customizable plan out there, especially for those with pets who have specific health conditions.” — Shukla of Pets Lets Travel
Read MetLife Pet Insurance review
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for loyal Chewy customers |
Annual coverage limits: Varies, but often $20,000 or unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 50%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $250, $500, $1,000
Why we picked CarePlus as a top pet insurer: CarePlus partners with Lemonade and Trupanion to offer custom plans to loyal Chewy shoppers. While it’s a newer player in the pet insurance space, it’s a solid choice if you’re a Chewy customer based on its competitive premiums and coverage options.
It also offers free video consults and some higher-tier plans cover 100% of select prescriptions, diet food, and supplements purchased from Chewy.com.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: N/A, though Chewy.com scores a 3.5.
BBB rating: N/A, though Chewy.com is rated A+ (accredited).
Common complaints? Buggy website, confusing terms
Common praise? Reliable customer service, wide selection of pet insurance and other products
Contact channels: Phone, email, chat
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $27.18 | $36.63 | $31.58 | $31.80 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $73.38 | $68.37 | $79.27 | $73.67 |
6-year-old Poodle | $52.74 | $49.04 | $56.51 | $52.76 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $68.03 | $59.28 | $74.05 | $67.12 |
Average | $55.33 | $53.33 | $60.35 | $56.34 |
*Prices reflect a $20,000 coverage limit, a $500 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement rate.
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $18.15 | $24.30 | $23.08 | $21.84 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $21.31 | $32.02 | $27.95 | $27.09 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $29.24 | $41.44 | $35.66 | $35.45 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $45.82 | $72.69 | $55.61 | $58.04 |
Average | $28.63 | $42.61 | $35.58 | $35.60 |
*Prices reflect a $20,000 coverage limit, a $400 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement rate.
Expert intel: “CarePlus by Chewy teams up with both Trupanion and Lemonade to offer relatively affordable plans. Plus, they give you 24/7 access to vet services, which can be a real lifesaver in a pinch.” — Reely of Meraki Dogs
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for unique coverages |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: Varies by pet
Why we picked Fetch as a top pet insurer: Fetch’s accident-and-illness plan stands out as it covers a number of items that are usually excluded from or cost extra with pet insurance. These items include behavioral disorders, telehealth appointments with vets, boarding fees (if you, the pet parent, are hospitalized), and advertising and reward costs if your pet is stolen or lost.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.4
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Premium increases, difficult cancellation process
Common praise? Responsive reps, prompt claim processing
Contact channels: Phone, email, live chat, mail
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $37.48 | $47.45 | $49.35 | $44.76 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $123.67 | $149.92 | $153.72 | $142.44 |
6-year-old Poodle | $72.42 | $85.08 | $115.93 | $91.14 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $116.27 | $99.01 | $176.84 | $130.71 |
Average | $87.46 | $95.37 | $123.96 | $102.26 |
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $21.69 | $22.33 | $24.95 | $22.99 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $47.72 | $45.69 | $48.22 | $47.21 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $45.89 | $45.37 | $54.62 | $48.63 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $84.25 | $87.49 | $131.38 | $101.04 |
Average | $48.89 | $50.22 | $64.78 | $54.97 |
Read Fetch Pet Insurance review
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for wellness care |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, unlimited
Reimbursement rates: 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $1,000
Why we picked Pumpkin as a top pet insurer: Pumpkin has long offered special wellness plans for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, and recently launched its Wellness Club, a subscription-based service to reimburse you for certain preventative care expenses, like vaccines and annual exams.
It also recently improved its accident-and-illness offering by introducing an 80% reimbursement rate. (Previously, you were limited to a 90% rate.) Pumpkin also scored 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, tied with Spot for the highest rating on the platform of the pet insurers we reviewed.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.7
BBB rating: B- (not accredited)
Common complaints? Long claim processing times, unexpected claim denials
Common praise? Helpful customer service reps, affordable premiums
Contact channels: Phone, email, live chat
| Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $65.30 | $39.78 | $34.24 | $46.44 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $129.22 | $92.57 | $74.57 | $98.79 |
6-year-old Poodle | $126.76 | $88.74 | $78.82 | $98.11 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $140.56 | $91.08 | $97.65 | $109.76 |
Average | $115.46 | $78.04 | $71.32 | $88.28 |
| Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $38.21 | $24.86 | $25.71 | $29.59 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $56.53 | $41.51 | $42.22 | $46.75 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $50.95 | $33.18 | $36.00 | $40.04 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $110.88 | $88.18 | $96.96 | $98.67 |
Average | $64.14 | $46.93 | $50.22 | $53.76 |
*Prices reflect a $15,000 coverage limit, a $500 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement rate.
Expert intel: “Pumpkin is a great option for new pet parents, especially those looking for preventive care. I’ve recommended it to many clients with puppies or kittens.” — Shukla of Pets Lets Travel
| Insurance Provider | Explore | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our top pick for their low rates for young pets |  Visit Site |
Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750
Why we picked Lemonade as a top pet insurer: Our pricing analysis found Lemonade is one of the most affordable pet insurers on the market. However, older pets are often ineligible for a plan. Plus, coverage for many items (exam fees, physical therapy, dental illness, and end-of-life expenses) are sold as add-ons and cost extra.
On the plus side, Lemonade offers a short, two-day waiting period for accidents. The AI-powered insurance company also has a highly-rated mobile app and donates money to charitable causes you can help choose if you become a policyholder.
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.3
BBB rating: B- (not accredited)
Common complaints? Unclear policy terms, subpar customer service
Common praise? Easy claims filing, useful app
Contact channels: Phone, email
Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old mix | $22.34 | $25.33 | $34.33 | $27.33 |
4-year-old French bulldog | $60.00 | $52.30 | $86.71 | $66.34 |
6-year-old Poodle | $43.18 | $40.22 | $61.76 | $48.39 |
10-year-old Chihuahua | $55.64 | $40.58 | $80.99 | $59.07 |
Average | $45.29 | $39.60 | $65.95 | $50.28 |
| Breed | Albany, New York | Austin, Texas | Sacramento, CA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-year-old Domestic shorthair | $14.75 | $19.68 | $25.11 | $19.65 |
4-year-old Maine coon | $17.55 | $24.86 | $30.45 | $24.29 |
6-year-old Ragdoll | $24.02 | $32.04 | $29.49 | $38.90 |
10-year-old Scottish fold | $37.53 | $55.83 | $60.78 | $51.38 |
Average | $23.46 | $33.10 | $36.46 | $31.79 |
Expert intel: “Lemonade has this cool feature where you can customize your insurance policy to fit just what you need, with broad coverage caps. [It’s] also pretty quick when it comes to claim processing, which is always a big plus.” — Reely of Meraki Dogs
Read Lemonade Pet Insurance review
Provider | Annual coverage limit | Reimbursement rate | Deductibles |
|---|---|---|---|
Spot | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
Embrace | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
ASPCA Pet Health | $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 |
Pets Best | $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 |
Figo | $5,000, $10,000, unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500 |
MetLife | $500 to $25,000 in $1,000 increments | 70%, 80%, 90% | $0 to $750 in $50 increments; $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500 |
CarePlus by Chewy | Varies, but often $20,000 or unlimited | 50%, 70%, 80%, 90% | $250, $500, $1,000 |
Fetch Pet Insurance | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% | Varies by pet |
Pumpkin | $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, unlimited | 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $1,000 |
Lemonade | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
Expert advice: “As you look over these plans, please be sure to focus on coverage limits and exclusions. Also, pay attention to when policies actually begin and will pay out benefits. This can help you avoid unwanted financial surprises and make the most informed decision for your furry friend.” — Bricks Coggin, director of services at ABCs Puppy Zs
Pet insurance is health insurance for pets. It typically covers medical care for accidents, like leg breaks, cuts, and eye pokes, and illnesses, like cancer, kennel cough, and canine influenza.
There are also specialized pet insurance policies or add-ons that cover preventative care, like annual checkups, vaccines, dental cleanings, and spaying or neutering procedures.
Unlike traditional health insurance, pet insurance plans generally require that you pay out-of-pocket for your pet's medical care and file a claim for reimbursement. However, a few insurers, like Pets Best and Trupanion, offer a vet direct pay option.
How much you’ll ultimately get reimbursed depends largely on the following policy terms:
Coverage limits: The maximum amount the insurer covers in a given year; annual coverage limits generally range from $2,500 to unlimited.
Deductible: The amount of money you'll pay before coverage kicks in; pet insurance deductibles generally range from $0 to $2,500.
Reimbursement rate: The percentage an insurer will pay for each covered claim, once your deductible is met; reimbursement rates are generally 70%, 80%, or 90%.
To get coverage, you’ll make a monthly or annual payment, known as the policy’s premium. Higher coverage limits, higher reimbursement rates, and lower deductibles lead to higher premiums than lower coverage limits, lower reimbursement rates, and higher deductibles.
Pet insurance covers some of your pet's medical bills, but the type of health care expenses your policy will pay for depends on your plan type.
These plans cover treatment for injuries incurred as a result of an accident, including, but not limited to:
Broken bones
Lacerations
Poisoning
Swallowed objects
Burns
These plans cover treatments for accidental injuries and medical illnesses, including, but not limited to:
Cancer
Allergies
Diabetes
Arthritis
Parvovirus
Typically sold as an add-on to accident-only or accident-and-illness plans, wellness plans help to pay for routine or preventative pet care. Expenses covered by a wellness plan include:
Annual exams
Vaccinations
Dental cleanings
Spaying/neutering procedures
Medications for flea and tick or heartworm prevention
Almost all pet insurance plans exclude certain types of care. While exclusions vary, they often include:
Pregnancy or breeding-related expenses
Cosmetic procedures
Care related to owner negligence
Genetic testing
Plus, almost all pet insurance plans come with a waiting period, a set period before they'll cover a claim. Accident waiting periods are usually between one to 14 days, while illness waiting periods are generally 14 to 30 days.
Some conditions, like hip dysplasia, might have a special waiting period, usually around six months.
Learn more about what pet insurance does and doesn’t cover.
Our pricing analysis found that, among top pet insurers, the average monthly rate for an accident-and-illness policy is $59.73. We found cat insurance costs, on average, between $29.46 and $56.60 per month, while dog insurance costs between $50.28 and $102.26.
The cost of pet insurance varies by the terms of your policy, but it’s also affected by your pet’s age, type, breed, location, gender, and other personal information.
For instance, young pets are typically cheaper to insure as they're less prone to illness. Conversely, pets in areas with a high living cost are generally more expensive to insure as local vet bills are pricier.
Beyond that, some breeds are more prone to congenital or hereditary diseases than others or are known to engage in riskier behaviors that lead to injuries. These breeds typically cost more to insure.
A study from AdvisorSmith found the following breeds rank among the most costlier to insure:
Rottweilers: $1,489 per year
English bulldogs: $1,395 per year
Doberman pinschers: $1,347 per year
French bulldogs: $1,328 per year
Boxers: $1,238 per year
AdvisorSmith found the following feline breeds are among the most costlier to insure:
Exotic cat: $528 per year
Devon rex: $513 per year
Absynnian: $473 per year
Maine coon: $462 per year
Scottish fold: $538 per year
Consider the following steps to find the coverage you need at an affordable price.
An accident-and-illness plan best serves most pet parents as it provides the most coverage, though senior dogs or cats might be priced out of coverage.
Get a quote from multiple carriers for the same coverage amount and deductible, then compare prices, but don't simply opt for the cheapest offer. Instead …
Explore the terms and conditions to ensure you're comparing apples to apples. Pay close attention to policy exclusions, waiting periods, veterinarian restrictions, and cancellation policies.
Know your options for filing a claim and how long you might expect reimbursement. Also, determine if there is a vet direct pay option — and, if so, how to qualify.
If your monthly rate is out of budget, consider opting for a different deductible, reimbursement rate, or coverage limit.
Check for multi-pet, military, spay/neuter, annual payment, and bundling discounts. (Learn additional ways to reduce your pet insurance costs.)
Expert intel: “I recommend pet owners understand different choices for percentage reimbursement, deductible levels if there are any waiting periods, and if there are any annual or per-incident maximums … Additionally, pet owners should review sample policies on the website to understand what is covered and what is excluded. Comparison tools help to highlight how provider coverage differs.” — Wendy Hauser, DVM and veterinary adviser at ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
The past five years have seen significant changes in the pet health industry. According to a recent study, nearly a quarter of pet owners reported increased pet care costs in the past year, driven by inflation, higher veterinary staff wages, and the high cost of new medications.
Additionally, over a third of pet owners said it would be financially challenging to pay for a minor operation for their pet.
These factors have led to increased demand for pet insurance and higher premiums, up to 20% in the last year. It's crucial for pet owners to research, compare policies, and consider the costs of pet insurance so that they're not taken advantage of.
Pet insurance can provide pet parents with invaluable peace of mind and ensures you can afford top care, particularly in a catastrophe. However, price points differ for every pet and can be exceptionally high for senior dogs or cats with pre-existing conditions.
As a result, you'll want to compare quotes and crunch some numbers to ensure you, your pet, and your pocketbook will benefit from any given plan.
Learn more about how to determine if pet insurance is worth it.
Based on our in-depth analysis, top insurers include Spot, Embrace, ASPCA Pet Health, Pets Best, Figo, MetLife, CarePlus by Chewy, Fetch, Pumpkin, and Lemonade. However, the best pet insurance for you ultimately depends on your pet type and coverage needs. Consider covered procedures, price, and customer reviews to determine where to purchase your policy.
We've found that pet parents pay around $60 per month or $720 a year for a pet insurance policy, but the exact cost varies by pet type, age, location, and more. For instance, cats generally cost less to insure than dogs, and breeds prone to illness, like French bulldogs, are more expensive than less risky breeds, like mixes.
You can often find a policy in your budget by selecting a higher deductible or reimbursement rate, though that requires you to pay for more care out of pocket.
Pet insurers generally ask for at least one year's worth of veterinary records when you apply for a policy or file your first claim. Some insurers require a medical exam within 30 days or so of buying a plan. During this exam or records review, the insurer will identify pre-existing conditions.
Typically, pet insurance is not tax-deductible, though there are exceptions for service animals.
Some carriers also cover amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and horses, though these coverages are less common. ASPCA Pet Health, for instance, offers horse insurance, while Nationwide will insure exotic pets.
We've found that Lemonade, Pets Best, Figo, and CarePlus by Chewy offer particularly competitive rates for dog insurance. However, the best insurance for your dog may vary by pet type, location, and other personal information. It's helpful to compare quotes from multiple top insurers to find the best policy for your canine.
Pets can benefit from insurance at any age. Kittens and puppies may need accident coverage, while older pets may need illness coverage. Wellness care add-ons benefit pets of all ages. Getting pet insurance as soon as possible is often worthwhile as younger cats or dogs are cheaper to insure (given they're less likely to develop an illness), and there's less time for a pre-existing condition to develop.
More pet insurance providers we reviewed: Allstate, Animalia, ASPCA, CarePlus by Chewy, Embrace, Farmers®, Fetch, Figo, Spot, Healthy Paws, Lemonade, ManyPets, MetLife, Nationwide, PetPartners, PetPlacePetInsurance.com, Pets Best , Prudent, Pumpkin, Spot, The Vets, Toto, Trupanion, Wagmo, Comprehensive and Walmart.
Additional writing and reporting by Su Guillory.
