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8 Best Pet Insurance Companies
By Jamela Adam MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
No co-payment
$100-$1,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$2,500 - $20,000, Unlimited
Multi-pet discount
Donates unused premiums to customer-chosen nonprofits
$100, $250, $500
70%, 80%, 90%
$5k-$100k
Policy bundle discount
Enrolls pets as young as six weeks
$300, $500, $700
70%, 80%, 90%
$5k, $15k, Unlimited
Shelter and rescue adopters, military, Walmart shopper, AARP, Vets and vet employees, Support, comfort and therapy pets
Covers pets 15 years or over
$100-$1k
70%, 80%, 90%
Up to Unlimited
Diminishing deductible, Multi-pet discount, Military discount, Employee benefits discount
Covers stem cell therapy
$100-$500
70%, 80%, 90%
$3k-$7k
Multi-pet discount, Employee benefit discount
As a pet owner, seeing your dog or cat in distress can not only be emotionally distressing but also financially trying. That’s why some people consider pet insurance. By covering much of the cost of treatment for unforeseen pet illnesses and accidents, this protection reduces some of the burdens of making medical decisions for your pet based on your finances.
Choosing pet insurance isn’t a simple process, given the range of premiums and coverage across companies. This article identifies standout providers based on specific pet-owner needs and priorities. We also provide advice on choosing the right insurance for your pet, whether you’re a new pet parent or just looking to get a better policy for your insured pooch or kitty.
Our Top Picks for Best Pet Insurance
- Healthy Paws – Best for Alternative Care Coverage
- Spot – Best for Unlimited Annual Benefits
- Figo – Best for Flexible Reimbursement Options
- Trupanion – Best for Low or No Deductible
- ASPCA – Best for Inherited Conditions
- Embrace – Best for Diminishing Deductible
- Lemonade – Best for Quick Claims Processing
- Pets Best – Best for Affordable Premium Rates
Best Pet Insurance Reviews
Best for Alternative Care Coverage: Healthy Paws
Why we chose it: Healthy Paws is among the relatively few companies that cover alternative-medicine expenses. And the coverage is broad. As long as the treatments — acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy, massage, veterinary herbal therapy, etc. — are performed by a licensed veterinarian, Healthy Paws will help shoulder a portion of the cost.
The company further stands out from most competitors by offering pet owners who can’t pay their vets out-of-pocket at the time of treatment a direct payment option. Under this arrangement, Healthy Paws can pay your vet bills directly — provided that your veterinarian accepts such payments.
Healthy Paws currently only offers one plan for both cats and dogs: accident and illness coverage. You can opt for the 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement rate. In terms of deductibles, you can choose to pay either $100, $200 or $500. Keep in mind that if your pet is older than six years old, you may only qualify for 70% reimbursement or lower. And the lowest deductible amount available to you may exceed $500.
Finally, the company says claims are processed rapidly, especially when using the company’s mobile app — usually within two days, it says. That’s faster than the typical speed claimed by other companies we recommend.
- Covers genetic conditions
- Offers a direct payment option
- No annual or lifetime coverage limits
- Quick claims processing, the company says
- No preventative care coverage
- Pets that are 6 or older aren't covered for hip dysplasia
Best for Unlimited Annual Benefit: Spot
Why we chose it: Spot is an appealing choice for pet owners who don’t want to risk hitting their coverage limits during especially bad years for their animal’s health. (In turn, of course, such owners must be willing to pay for that perk, given that policies without coverage limits tend to be pricier than those that impose caps.)
In addition, Spot is a friendly place for older animals, since (unlike many competitors) it imposes no upper age restrictions on qualifying your pet for a policy. Spot offers accident-only policies as well as accident and illness plans with reimbursement options that range from 70% to 90% and deductible amounts between $100 and $1,000.
And if paying a premium for unlimited coverage isn’t for you, Spot does offer less-expensive policies that have a low $3,500 cap and charge correspondingly lower monthly tabs. There are also two preventative care options — Gold or Platinum — that can be added to existing insurance policies. With these add-ons, you can receive reimbursement for preventative procedures such as dental care, heartworm tests, vaccinations, microchipping, etc.
- Offers unlimited annual coverage
- Low deductibles available — $100 and up
- Offers 10% discount for multi-pet enrollment
- No age restrictions
- Limited knee and ligament coverage compared with some other companies
- Premiums for younger animals more expensive than many competitors
- No weekend customer service
Best for Flexible Reimbursement Options: Figo
Why we chose it: When it comes to pet insurance, most insurers offer reimbursement levels of between 70% and 90% of your veterinary bills. But Figo is different — they generously provide a 100% payment option, which means you don’t have to pay a copay at all. This is a great choice for pet owners who want the peace of mind of knowing that their bills will be fully covered, without having to worry about any out-of-pocket expenses.
With Figo, you can choose among three insurance plans that cover accidents and illnesses — Essential, Preferred and Lifetime — with reimbursements of up to $5,000, $10,000 and an unlimited amount respectively. This flexible approach allows you to customize your coverage to best fit your pet’s medical needs and your budget.
Apart from the most basic coverage, you can also enhance your plans with add-ons such as the wellness plan that covers vaccines and routine care. For even more comprehensive coverage, pet parents can opt for the Extra Care Pack which covers a portion of burial costs, lost pet rewards and third-party property damage liability, among other expenses.
- Offers 100% reimbursement
- Short waiting periods for accident policies
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No age restrictions
- Long waiting period for illness and orthopedic coverage
- Charges one-time administration fees in certain states
Best for Low- or No Deductible: Trupanion
Why we chose it: Trupanion is among the very few pet insurance companies to offer a $0 deductible option. If you choose this and your pet needs emergency care, you won’t have to satisfy any deductibles before you can start getting reimbursed.
The company also offers direct payment options that eliminate the need to pay for treatment upfront and await reimbursement. This is a great option for pet owners who may not have the cash on hand to pay a high deductible in the event of an emergency.
Another way Trupanion makes veterinary care potentially more affordable is by using lifetime per-condition deductibles. Instead of asking pet owners to meet deductibles every year, Trupanion tracks lifetime spending by condition and begins to reimburse bills once the pet owner meets the per-condition deductible.
That can be a cost-saver if your pet were to endure ongoing conditions over several years. Conversely, however, it can be a more expensive arrangement if your pet suffers a wide range of conditions over the years, none of them seriously. In that scenario, you might never meet the per-condition deductibles for all (or even any) of those maladies.
Trupanion also has no limit on lifetime benefits, as some insurers impose. In addition, there’s a 90% coverage option as well as unlimited payouts for breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and thyroid disease — features that not all providers include.
- Offers a $0 deductible option
- No limit on lifetime benefits
- Options for the company to pay the vet directly
- Charges a one-time administrative fee
- No wellness-care coverage
- Doesn't cover vet exam fees
Best for Inherited Conditions: ASPCA
Why we chose it: ASPCA Pet Insurance stands out for its comprehensive coverage of hereditary and congenital conditions. Unlike other providers that put an age cap on treating these conditions, ASPCA provides coverage regardless of your pet’s age and enrollment time.
That can make ASPCA plans a fine choice if your pet is at particular risk — perhaps due to its breed — of health problems such as hip dysplasia, skeletal muscle defects and cleft palates.
ASPCA currently offers accident-only plans as well as complete coverage plans that cover hereditary conditions and treatments for behavioral issues. Customers can choose policies with a $100, $250 or $500 deductible. And the options for annual payout benefits range from $3,000 to unlimited. If you need extra coverage for treatments like spaying and neutering, you can also add a preventative care rider to your policy.
- No age restrictions on treatment, including for congenital issues
- Pet microchipping covered
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days of remission
- Transaction fees on monthly payments, vs. paying annually
- Claims can take up to 30 days — longer than for some other picks
Best for Diminishing Deductible: Embrace
Why we chose it: Meeting the annual deductible means you’ll likely wind up in the red in many (or most) years in which your pet is insured. With Embrace, if you don’t collect, the company reduces that deductible — and so increases the chance that you’ll make a claim that saves you money.
With Embrace’s diminishing deductible feature, your annual deductible will decrease by $50 for each year in which you don’t receive a claim reimbursement. In addition, the company also boasts lower-than-average premium prices, making it a great option for budget-conscious pet owners.
Embrace not only provides accident-only coverage for pets over the age of 14 but also coverage for curable pre-existing conditions that have been in remission for more than 12 months — both of which are relatively rare.
- Annual deductible diminishes for each year in which you don't collect on a claim
- 48-hour waiting period for accident policies
- No unlimited annual limit
- Limited options for wellness coverage
- Provides coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
Best for Quick Claims Processing: Lemonade
Why we chose it: Where many pet insurance providers take weeks (and even up to a month) to pay a claim, Lemonade promises a fast and hassle-free process. You tap the ‘file a claim’ button in the Lemonade app and provide a short description of your claim — which is then approved and paid, often within minutes, the company says.
Apart from its straightforward claims process, Lemonade also offers multiple other insurance types, and you can earn discounts by bundling them, including getting a 10% discount if you also have homeowners or car insurance. Also, Lemonade donates part of its profits to charities that its policyholders choose.
- A straightforward claims process
- Multiple discount options, including those for bundling with other Lemonade insurance
- A portion of profits donated to charities that policyholders select
- Not available in Kansas, although available in Missouri
- Doesn't provide coverage for pets older than 14 years old
Best for Mobility Issues: Pets Best
Why we chose it: Pets Best is among the few insurers that provide coverage for wheelchairs and prosthetics for pets with mobility issues. It can be a good option if you own a pet breed that’s more prone than most to limb or ligament issues, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disorders.
The company’s policies are also relatively easy to customize. There’s an unusually wide range of deductibles, along with the option for unlimited annual coverage. Those choices provide a lot of flexibility, especially to those who want extensive coverage — and are willing to pay for it.
- Covers prosthetic devices and mobility aids
- Fine range of options for deductibles and other provisions
- Coverage of pets as young as 7 weeks
- Policies cannot be adjusted until renewal date, unlike most insurers
- Relatively slow claims processing
Pet Insurance FAQ
What is pet insurance?
As a pet owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend healthy. But even the best preventive care sometimes can't prevent an unexpected illness or accident. That's where pet insurance might help.
Pet insurance is a policy that helps to cover the cost of veterinary care for your pet. It typically covers the costs of medical expenses, either entirely or partly, depending on the policy you choose. Pet insurance plans range from the most basic coverage, covering only accidents, to those that offer comprehensive coverage that reimburses for not only illness and accident expenses but for the cost of preventative treatments like spaying, neutering, and routine checks.
How much is pet insurance?
According to the data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, annual premiums for accident and illness policies can range anywhere from $300 to $600 a year, whereas accident-only policies can cost as little as $100 to slightly over $200 a year. Several factors can influence the average cost of pet insurance:
- • Where you live: The more expensive it is to receive treatment in your location, the higher your premium will be.
- • Your pet's species: Generally speaking, veterinary care for dogs tend to be costlier than care for cats. For this reason, pet insurance for dogs is often more expensive.
- • Your pet's breed: Certain breeds are naturally more susceptible to hereditary conditions and other medical concerns.
- • Your pet's age: Similar to health insurance for humans, pet insurance premiums are priced according to the pet's age. This means insurers charge higher premiums for older pets, and many impose upper age limits on coverage.
- • The co-pay you choose: Your copayment is the percentage you pay out of pocket for veterinary costs once you've met the deductible amount. For example, if your plan reimburses 80% of the cost, you're responsible for paying the remaining 20% of bills. If you have a higher co-pay, you are essentially shouldering more of the risk yourself. This means that the insurance company has less risk and can offer lower premiums.
- • The deductible you choose: Most pet insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in. It usually ranges from $100 to $1,000. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
What does pet insurance cover?
What your pet insurance covers will vary quite a bit depending on the policy type and insurer you choose.
- • Accident-only policies: As the name implies, this type of policy only covers accidents, such as broken bones, cuts, lacerations, ingestion of foreign objects, poisoning, etc. But since it offers the most basic coverage, it tends to be much less expensive than comprehensive plans, making it a great option for budget-conscious pet owners.
- • Accident and Illness policies: These plans cover a variety of illnesses as well as injuries. For example, you're covered not only for surgery for accidents but treatment for a range of ailments, including allergies, digestive issues, and even cancer. You can also be reimbursed for diagnostic procedures such as laboratory tests, CT scans, ultrasounds, surgery, hospitalization, etc.
- • Wellness coverage: Often referred to as "preventive care" coverage, wellness coverage can be offered as a stand-alone policy or as an add-on. Generally, wellness policies cover services related to routine care such as vaccinations, routine blood work, and spaying and neutering. Some even cover annual dental cleaning and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and homeopathy.
Before signing up for pet insurance, it's also important to watch out for common exclusions so you won't run the risk of your claim being rejected. These include:
- • Pre-existing conditions
- • Elective procedures such as ear cropping or nail trimming
- • Behavioral training
- • Experimental therapy
- • Pregnancy or birth
- • Injuries caused by intentional harm
- • End-of-life expenses
- • Pet theft or loss
- • Conditions caused by activities that took place before coverage began
How to get pet insurance
Having pet insurance is crucial for ensuring that your pets receive the quality care and treatment they need. However, with so many different policies and providers on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few tips on how to buy pet insurance that suits your pet's medical needs and overall lifestyle.
The first step is to consider what type of coverage is appropriate for your situation. Does your pet need a comprehensive policy that covers not only accidents and injuries but also hereditary conditions and behavioral therapy? A routine wellness plan that offers high-quality preventative pet care? Or the most basic plan that only covers accidents? Once you have a good idea of what policy makes the most sense for you, your pet and your wallet, you can start narrowing down your options.
Next, get quotes from multiple providers. Most pet insurers allow you to request a free quote online by simply answering a few questions about your fur baby. This will give you a good idea of the range of prices on the market. Remember to compare not only the premiums but also the coverage levels, deductibles, reimbursement percentages and the discounts offered.
Finally, make sure you read the fine print carefully before signing up for any policy. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. By spending a few hours doing some research, you should be able to find an affordable pet insurance policy that meets your pet's needs — and your budget.
How We Found the Best Pet Insurance Companies
Here are the main factors our team took into consideration when choosing the best pet insurance policies on our list:
- Coverage options: As with all types of insurance policies, the more comprehensive the coverage, the better. With that said, we leaned toward companies that offer a wide range of coverage options so that you can tailor the policy to your pet’s needs and your budget.
- Claims process: When your pet is sick or hurt, the last thing you want is to be stuck dealing with a drawn-out claims process. That’s why we took an in-depth look at how easy it is to file a claim and how quickly the company processes reimbursements.
- Affordability: Affordability is a major factor that influences the decision of pet owners when it comes to choosing pet insurance. We made sure the overall value and benefits our top picks provide justify the premiums charged.
Summary of the Best Pet Insurance Companies
- Healthy Paws – Best for Alternative Care Coverage
- Spot – Best for Unlimited Annual Benefits
- Figo – Best for Flexible Reimbursement Options
- Trupanion – Best for Low or No Deductible
- ASPCA – Best for Inherited Conditions
- Embrace – Best for Diminishing Deductible
- Lemonade – Best for Quick Claims Processing
- Pets Best – Best for Affordable Premium Rates
