The Best Pet Insurance Companies of April 2024

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The Best Pet Insurance Companies of April 2024

The Best Pet Insurance Companies


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 1,000 pet owners nationwide. We also consulted key members of the pet insurance industry, including licensed veterinarians.

Our expertise is backed by:

  • A thousand pet owners surveyed nationwide
  • Reviewed 39 pet insurance providers nationwide 
  • Over 40 years of combined veterinary experience between our writers and reviewers
  • Over 1,150 quotes gathered using four different pet profiles from 11 providers nationwide

Key Takeaways:

  • Based on our comprehensive review of the pet insurance industry, Lemonade, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Pets Best, Embrace and Figo are among our team’s top picks for the best pet insurance companies.
  • The best pet insurance providers offer below-average costs, a variety of plan choices, a comprehensive list of covered treatments, short waiting periods and more.
  • You may consider pet insurance for peace of mind if your pet suffers from an unexpected illness or accident, as it can reimburse you for potentially costly vet bills.

Our Top Pet Insurance Companies Reviewed

Who 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 we have reviewed and rated other companies like ManyPets, MetLife and Pawp Pet Insurance, we selected our list of the best providers based on the factors most important to you. Learn more about our review criteria and how we choose which companies are among the top insurers nationwide.


How We Ranked and Reviewed Pet Insurance Companies

Our review of the best pet insurance companies is based on in-depth industry research that includes reading hundreds of customer reviews, manually obtaining over 1,150 quotes, speaking to representatives on the phone to assess the customer service experience, and surveying 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. 

We scored each provider on a 100-point scale based on those elements. We then divided this final score by 20 to calculate an overall star rating out of 5 stars. Here are more details about each factor and how it’s weighted by our team:

  • Monthly pricing (25%): Based on our research, the best pet insurance companies combine comprehensive coverage and plan options with affordable rates. To gauge the average cost of each provider, we collected quotes for four different pets in all 50 U.S. states.
  • Plans (15%): The top pet insurance companies offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, and wellness or preventive care add-ons to give customers the option to choose the best coverage for their pets.
  • Covered treatments (15%): We scored each company based on the treatments and procedures it covers. Companies with a breadth of included treatments and unique coverages received more points than providers with more standard or general policies.
  • Customization options (10%): Providers with higher annual limits and more deductible and reimbursement-rate options earned the highest scores in this category.
  • Customer care (10%): We scored companies on website accessibility and overall usability, customer service availability, mobile apps (if any), money-back guarantees and veterinarian telehealth options. We awarded the most points to insurers with various customer experience channels and offerings.
  • Industry reputation (10%): We reviewed up-to-date ratings and accreditation information from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and scored companies on years of industry experience and state availability.
  • Waiting periods (10%): Companies with shorter accident, illness and orthopedic waiting periods between the policy sign-up and coverage start date scored higher than companies with longer delays.
  • Eligible age (5 points): Some companies don’t offer policies for pets over a certain age, which can limit coverage options for certain pet owners. We deducted points from providers that have age limits for covered pets.

We use this rating system to compare and contrast each company and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To rank the providers in this review, we examined our star ratings for 27 providers nationwide using our methodology. The highest-rated providers earned a spot on our list of top picks.

To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers.


How To Compare the Pet Insurance Companies and Plans

Use this table to quickly compare the coverage and options offered by many of our top picks:

Here are some things you may want to look for when comparing pet insurance providers:

  • Pricing and coverage: 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.
  • 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
  • Highly customizable options: 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.
  • Multiple plan types: Some providers offer only one accident and injury plan that is designed to provide basic 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Multi-pet discount: 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.

How Much Does Pet Insurance For Cost?

According to our analysis of over 1,150 quotes across 11 pet insurance providers, the average cost of pet insurance for dogs and cats is $66 and $32 per month, respectively. 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 $30 $16
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance $44 $18
Pets Best $59 $28
Embrace $73 $39
Figo $54 $25
Spot $75 $34
Fetch $90 $45
Trupanion $123 $53
Healthy Paws $54 $24

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Our team conducted an analysis in which we collected quotes for all our top providers for four pet types in all 50 states. According to this analysis, the average cost of pet insurance in the U.S. is $49.16 monthly. However, dog insurance averages $66.40 per month, and cat insurance averages $31.93 per month.

With these costs in mind, pet insurance is worth it for most pet parents. After gathering quotes from 10 top pet insurance providers, we found that pet insurance costs $23 to $48 per month for an adult dog and $15 to $24 for an adult cat. Although pet insurance is an additional monthly expense, it can be worth it in the long run if your pet has an accident or illness that costs thousands in medical bills.

We surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners using Pollfish 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 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. When deciding on a coverage plan, our team recommends considering factors unique to your dog, such as its breed, age, health history and more. We’ve included some examples below for different types of dogs. 

Active, Outdoorsy and Adventurous Pups

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.

Coverage For Older Dogs

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.

Common 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. When choosing a plan for your kitten or cat, consider feline health issues, living outdoors versus indoors, wellness coverage and more.

Outdoor vs. Indoor 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.

Wellness Coverage for Cats

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.

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

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 and alternative therapy treatments, and end-of-life services. Offerings will vary by provider.

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 rates 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.

Claims Process

Most pet insurance companies offer 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. Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant at FiveBarks, said,

“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.”

orange cat and cocker spaniel held by a veterinarianorange cat and cocker spaniel held by a veterinarian

How To Buy a Pet Insurance Plan

Research

While we research and publish pet insurance provider 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 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.


Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance


Pet insurance premiums increase as your pet gets older. This is because the older your cat or dog is, the more likely they are to have health issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Some pet insurance companies, such as Healthy Paws, do not raise premiums as pets get older.


Pet insurance costs are based on many factors, including breed. In general, breeds that are more likely to develop health problems, such as boxers and French bulldogs, may have higher insurance premiums than breeds that are known to be generally healthy.


There are many ways to lower the cost of pet insurance so it fits your budget. Most plans are customizable, allowing you to adjust the deductible, annual coverage limit and reimbursement rate to make your monthly premium more affordable. Additionally, many providers offer discounts if you enroll multiple pets, are an active military member or bundle pet insurance with other insurance products.


Yes. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, anyone interested in pet insurance should do their research before purchasing a policy. It is worth shopping around to ensure you’re getting the best care coverage for your pet and the best price for your budget. This is why we encourage getting quotes from at least three pet insurance companies before purchasing a policy. 


This answer varies depending on a variety of factors that matter most to you. Based on our ranking of pet insurance companies, we recommend Lemonade due to its easy claim process, high coverage options and affordable pricing. If you are looking for a pet insurance policy with unique features, we recommend you compare pet insurance plans that work best for you and your pet’s needs.

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