Best cheap pet insurance

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is a top choice for its straightforward, comprehensive coverage. It’s known for quick claims payouts, often processing claims within two days. The positive experiences with claims and supportive staff make Healthy Paws — one of the largest pet insurance providers — a favorite among pet owners.

All plans come with unlimited annual and lifetime benefits without payout caps, which makes them one of our pricier “cheap” picks. The good news is that premiums also cover prescription medications, hospitalization, emergency and specialty care and surgeries.

Reviewers are pleased with Healthy Paws’ quick and easy claims handling. Customers appreciate the swift turnaround for reimbursements and the convenience of submitting claims through the user-friendly mobile app.

• “I've had several claims for veterinary procedures and surgery for my older labrador. Healthy Paws has provided great service. They've clearly explained what would be covered and what documentation is necessary for a claim. The claims process is easy and fast. Healthy Paws has been fair and transparent. I wholeheartedly recommend them.” — JGB in Washington
• “We recently had a claim with Healthy Paws. Filing it was incredibly easy, it was processed within 24 hours, and paid within a week. And then they inquired later to see how our pet was doing. I wish my personal health insurance was as user friendly. Great organization. And when you call, a person answers the telephone!!” — Ken in Oregon
• “Healthy Paws enabled me to afford the life-saving emergency surgery my Poodle needed. They responded quickly and were very helpful in letting me know exactly what information was needed to complete my claim. A $250 deductible and then 80% of the bill is covered! I am so grateful for Healthy Paws!” — Susan in Ohio

Plans cover a wide range of conditions, including accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions and chronic issues. The average monthly premium is around $61 for dogs and $23 for cats. For pets aged six to eight, coverage options are limited to a $500 annual deductible with 70% reimbursement and unlimited payout. For senior pets aged eight and older, the deductible is set at $750 with a reimbursement rate of 60%.

• Yearly deductibles: $100, $250 or $500; for pets eight and older, the deductible is set at $750
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% and 90%; for pets eight and older, the reimbursement rate is 60%
• Annual limits: No annual or lifetime limits on policies; no caps on payouts for covered veterinary expenses

The majority of customers appreciate the quick and efficient reimbursement process, as well as the responsive and friendly customer service. However, there have been a few negative reviews regarding delays in claim processing and difficulties contacting the claims department. You should also be aware that there is a one-year waiting period for hip dysplasia.

Embrace Pet Insurance is a reliable choice for pet owners who want a flexible plan to suit their budget. Verified customers tell us it has better coverage and lower premiums than other pet insurance companies. It also offers discounts, like a 10% multi-pet discount and a 5% military discount.

The company has more than 17 years of experience and a user-friendly claims process. We particularly like the prescription drug coverage add-on. The Wellness Rewards program has an option for preventive and routine care that adds value for pet owners. It reimburses routine veterinary, training and grooming costs with multiple coverage options.

Embrace premiums cover a wide range of treatments and conditions, including cancer treatment, genetic, congenital and chronic conditions as well as dental trauma. Procedures covered by Embrace include alternative therapies, physical therapy, specialist and ER care, hospitalization and surgery, lab tests and biopsies.

Reviewers are impressed with Embrace’s quick claims handling, friendly staff and excellent customer service. The vast majority of reviewers expressed satisfaction with the responsiveness and support provided, making Embrace one of the highest-rated pet insurance companies with our reviewers. Many appreciate the flexibility to visit any vet without network restrictions and a fast turnaround process for claims.

• “... Great service and affordable pricing. Was with Trupanion insurance but they raised my prices over $300 in one month. I highly recommend Embrace insurance for anyone that wants to have peace of mind for their pets in their family. Give them a call today or check them out on their web.” — Jay in Florida
• “I recently submitted a claim for one of my cats. The communication during the review process was excellent, and I promptly received a partial reimbursement of my expenses. The ease and speed with which my claim was processed was surprising and very much appreciated. With so many choices available for pet insurance, I'm so glad I went with Embrace.” — Stacey in Pennsylvania
• “Embrace has made sending claims and pet care very easy! The response time if help is needed is quick and efficient. It is affordable and the direct deposit makes everything easy and seamless when waiting for a refund. I love that they offer extra care for vaccines! As soon as I need something I call and things get solved within a few minutes tops. I appreciate that they take your time into consideration and are all very sweet when answering your calls.” — Cornelia in New York

In May 2024, we found a range of monthly premiums for varying dog breeds and ages — $37 to $171. For cats, the range averaged from $9 to $57.

Prescription drug coverage for medications to help manage covered conditions, like chemotherapy and insulin, is available as an add-on. Based on recent quotes, the prescription drug add-on is an extra $5 to $22 per month for dogs ($2 to $10 per month for cats).

• Yearly deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1000
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
• Annual limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or unlimited

We’ve heard a few complaints about Embrace raising premiums significantly. For instance, Joe in Washington said his premium doubled after the first year. He suspects it has something to do with a pre-existing condition.

Another customer, Andrea in Washington, said her plan went from around $30 per month in the first year to $120 per month three years later. She also mentioned it’s “quite difficult” to get a representative on the phone. Luckily, the app streamlines the claims process.

ASPCA Pet Insurance offers two customizable plans to suit a wide variety of budgets and pet needs. We appreciate the flexibility to use any vet without network restrictions, which is especially convenient for those who travel or relocate. Plus, the My Pet Insurance app simplifies claims submission for ASPCA plan holders.

Dental coverage is another standout feature, encompassing treatments for dental diseases, extractions and gum disease. Behavior challenges, like anxiety and compulsive behaviors such as excessive licking and fur-pulling, are also covered. ASPCA plans allow you to visit any vet or provider in the U.S. and Canada. Waiting periods for use are about 14 days, which is less than other companies.

Customers appreciate the quick reimbursement process and ease of filing claims with ASPCA. They also mention that ASPCA offers affordable coverage and has good customer service. Reviewers also praise the quick online claims process.

• “Having had a number of other pet insurances, I can say that ASPCA has by far been better than any other pet insurance I have had in the past. The company is fair, it doesn’t raise its rates every time my pets go to the vet, and is prompt in getting me reimbursed…” — Marie in California
• “I liked ASPCA Pet Health Insurance's rates and coverage. I just chose the one that is for emergencies. Because moneywise, it makes more sense for the emergencies instead of paying the extra, which I would put towards the regular maintenance fees, like shots. The dog that I initially got the insurance for is a French Bulldog. Most insurance companies charge higher rates for them. And they've covered me every time I've needed them without issues…” —  Leah in Connecticut
• “I was looking at tons of different pet insurances and ASPCA was the cheapest and the best option. The enrollment was pretty easy and when I file a claim, it works very smoothly. It works well for me.” — Alexis in Indiana

ASPCA offers a variety of options to fit different budgets. The least expensive comprehensive coverage options are about $16 per month for dogs and $9 per month for cats.

For dogs, Complete Coverage premiums average about $72 per month, with costs ranging from $16 to $192 based on May 2024 quotes. For cats, Complete Coverage averages around $27 per month, with premiums ranging from $9 to $58.

Accident-only coverage options for dogs and cats provide lower premiums by covering only injuries and emergencies. For dogs, accident-only premiums average about $19 per month, ranging from $11 to $50. For cats, accident-only coverage averages about $19 per month, with costs ranging from $7 to $36, depending on age, breed, and coverage options.

ASPCA also offers two tiers of preventive care at $9.95 and $24.95 per month, covering routine health expenses like vaccines, wellness exams, and dental cleanings, with no deductibles or waiting periods.

• Yearly deductibles: $100, $250 or $500
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
• Annual limits: $2,500, $4,000, $7,000 or $10,000

There are some complaints about ASPCA not covering certain tests and treatments. You need the Complete Coverage plan for accidents and illnesses like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and digestive problems, as well as congenital and hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and kidney disease. Also, “the app sucks compared to the website,” according to Emma in California.

Fetch Pet Insurance offers extensive coverage that includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions as well as behavioral issues. Dental illness coverage and alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care are nice options. The wellness plan offerings allow pet owners to tailor their coverage to specific needs and budgets. Some reviewers have also noted the user-friendly claims process and responsible customer service.

Fetch receives positive feedback for its comprehensive coverage options, including dental illness and alternative therapy coverage.

• “It’s great having peace of mind when it comes to my sweet rat terrier, Ollie Hopnoodle. He’s been having stomach issues the past year, and I don’t have to worry about taking him to see the vet when he needs to. Once I get the receipt and doc notes from the vet, the claim takes all of about 60 seconds to file on the app. Fetch let’s me know the status of my claims and handles them promptly. I’ll always have coverage with Fetch for my fur baby!” — Ashley in Texas
• “Fetch makes it easy to submit claims on line. Once the claims are approved the dollar amount goes right into my checking account. Very easy and convenient. Also, claims are paid pretty fast. I am happy with Fetch…” — Marianne in Florida
• “It is easy to file a claim and quickly get reimbursed for your covered expenses. The app makes it easy to access everything you need to know about your policy. You never know when you will need it and having a policy with Fetch provides peace of mind.” — Carmen in Iowa

Fetch offers a wide range of premium options at a relatively lower rate for dogs and cats. For dogs, premiums range from $22 to $150 a month on average, depending on coverage level, deductible and reimbursement rate.

The average monthly premium for standard coverage is about $43, with the more expensive plans averaging between $32 to $77. A five-year-old French bulldog’s premium, for example, costs $80.81 for standard coverage with a $500 deductible and $10,000 annual payout.

For cats, premiums range from $22 to $57 per month. The average monthly premium was about $32 when we got quotes in May 2024, with more expensive plans averaging $36 and the less expensive options around $18.

Fetch offers three wellness plans: the Essentials at $11.29 per month, covering annual exams and vaccines; an Advantage plan at $20.46 per month, adding microchipping and anal gland expression; and a Prime plan at $32.14 a month, which includes everything plus dental cleaning and more testing options, providing up to $735 in annual benefits.

• Yearly deductibles for dogs: $300, $500 or $700
• Yearly deductibles for cats: $250, $300 or $400
• Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
• Annual limits: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000

Some customers seem concerned about limited coverage for certain treatments. This is a common theme across the pet insurance industry. Overall, Fetch gets positive reviews for its helpful customer service, easy claim process and quick reimbursement.