Best Pet Insurance Companies

No one likes to imagine their furry friend getting ill or having an accidental injury, but it happens, and it can be costly. An emergency vet visit can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Pet insurance helps you pay for the pricey vet visit and ensures you can afford the care your pet needs.

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a policy that reimburses you for covered veterinary expenses. It provides peace of mind for many pet owners by helping to manage unexpected veterinary costs. Depending on the provider, plans can include coverage for accidents, illnesses and wellness care. Like other types of insurance, pet insurance plans typically have annual deductibles, reimbursement rates and benefit caps.

If something happened to your pet, how would you pay the bill?

“The best way to ensure that your pet is adequately covered is to purchase a comprehensive pet health insurance plan when the animal is young and healthy,” Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, veterinarian director at the website Senior Tail Waggers, told us.

» MORE: Pet insurance statistics

What does pet insurance cover?

Depending on the level of coverage you select, plans can cover accidents, illnesses and chronic conditions. Most plans are designed to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses for dogs and cats. If you have an exotic pet, such as a guinea pig or a bird, you can look at companies that provide exotic pet insurance.

What does pet insurance not cover? “Pet health insurance does not cover preexisting conditions and may not be helpful in cases where the pet already has medical issues,” Dr. Whittenburg said. However, exclusions vary by policy and provider.

Basic plans don’t usually cover routine illnesses; they cover only accidents. Comprehensive plans cover illnesses and developed conditions but usually not routine care.

How much does pet insurance cost?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for a good pet insurance plan. How much you pay varies depending on factors including your location, what type of pet you have, your pet's age and what type of coverage you choose. Accident-only plans are typically cheaper, and any available discounts can lessen the cost. Coverage that includes preventive care typically costs more.

» COMPARE: Best cheap pet insurance companies

How to choose pet insurance

“When looking at different pet health insurance policies, it is imperative to research what each plan covers, premiums, exclusions, limits and reimbursement policies,” Dr. Whittenburg explained. “The process for filing claims and reimbursement should also be clear so that there are no surprises or issues.”

You need a pet insurance company that will cover your unique pet care needs. These steps will help you discover the best pet insurance for you.

1. Research plan options: Think about the type of coverage your pet will need the most. If you’re most worried about paying for expensive wellness care each year, be sure to find plans that cover that.
2. Consider pet eligibility requirements: You can usually get a policy for your dog or cat as long as they're at least 6 to 8 weeks old. However, some pet insurers have age restrictions, breed exclusions and exam requirements before your pet is eligible for coverage.
3. Look for discount opportunities: Many companies offer discounts for multiple pets or pet parents who are military members. In some states, you can combine discount opportunities to get up to 25% off your monthly bill.
4. Ask about the network or provider list: Some pet insurance companies may restrict where you can take your pet for care. If you live in an area with limited options, make sure your plan lets you visit any licensed veterinarian.
5. Understand specific coverages and exclusions: Read through your policy carefully. You don’t want to go to the vet thinking you’re covered for an expensive bill only to find out you’re on your own.

Pet insurance pros and cons

Pet insurance can offer protection for your beloved furry companions, but like any financial decision, it's not the right choice for everyone.

Pet insurance alternatives

Not all pets will qualify for pet insurance, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be ready in case something happens. If you can’t get pet insurance or are looking for a better option for your budget, try these alternatives to protect your finances.

• Pawp Emergency Fund: Pawp is a monthly subscription that offers a 24/7 veterinary telehealth service. The monthly prices vary on your animal and needs, but its $19 per-month add-on, Pawp Emergency Fund, allows you to claim $3,000 per year toward an emergency.
• Pet Assure: Anyone can sign up for Pet Assure, regardless of their pet’s age or existing condition. It isn’t pet insurance but rather a flat 25% discount (that cannot be combined with other discounts). Not all veterinarians have heard of Pet Assure or use it, so do your research before signing up.
• Create your own emergency fund: You don’t need a special plan to create your own emergency savings fund. If you set aside $25 per week, you will have saved $1,300 in a year — plus interest — if you stash your cash in a high-yield savings account.

To update our top picks, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings we researched. We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from Dec. 1, 2021, to Nov. 30, 2024, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies reviewers are happiest with for each aspect. For pet insurance, these included:

• Claims handling satisfaction
• Staff satisfaction
• Customer service satisfaction

We then carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing a pet insurance company and researched these offerings at each company:

• Customizability
• Reimbursement options
• Deductible options
• Availability of accident-only plan
• Discounts

The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the next-highest score was named the winner.