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Best Pet Insurance

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If something were to happen to your pet, do you know how you would cover the bill? 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.

The best pet insurance plans are reasonably priced and highly rated by customers. They offer multiple coverage options and reimburse costs at licensed vets across the U.S. Here’s how the top companies measure up side by side.

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Lemonade Pet Insurance logoLemonade Pet InsuranceFigo Pet Insurance logoFigo Pet InsuranceEmbrace Pet Insurance logoEmbrace Pet InsuranceASPCA Pet Health Insurance logoASPCA Pet Health InsuranceSpot Pet Insurance logoSpot Pet Insurance
Rating4.43.63.54.34.4
# of reviews26926087084691
Our pick for Flexible coverage Short waiting period Customer support Older pets Easy claims process
Deductible $100-$500 $100-$750 $200-$1,000 $100-$500 $100-$1,000
Reimbursement rates 70%-90% 70%-100% 70%-90% 70%-90% 70%-90%
Annual limits $5,000-$50,000 $5,000-unlimited $5,000-$30,000 $3,000-$10,000 $2,500-unlimited
Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews
All information accurate as of time of publication.

Compare our top 5 choices for best pet insurance

Veterinary care can get expensive, especially for chronic conditions and accidental injuries. With a pet insurance plan, you can feel covered against unknown health issues and emergencies. Read more about our top choices.

Best flexible coverage Lemonade Pet Insurance
  • Upper age limit: Varies
  • Deductible: $100 - $500
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% - 90%
  • Annual limits: $5,000 - $50,000

Lemonade is our top pick for pet insurance because you can customize your dog or cat care plan to fit your needs and budget. Plans start around $10 per month and increase based on your level of coverage and other factors. There is a mobile app to help you manage your claims, but note that the waiting period for coverage may be longer than some other insurers (two days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses).

Make sure you review the company policies and plans for any exclusions, such as dental illnesses, preexisting conditions and prescription diets. The company does offer some riders and add-ons that may allow coverage for these.

Lemonde’s pet coverage is available in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Some packages include live, 24/7 vet chats and coverage for genetic conditions. The preventive care package comes with dental care coverage. Bundle and save 10% on your pet insurance when you use Lemonade for other insurance needs.

  • Quick claims process
  • Optional wellness package
  • Discounts for multiple pets
  • Not currently available in all states
  • Long wait periods
  • No accident-only plan
“The staff is caring and always asks about my dog and her well-being and make the claims process smooth,” said one reviewer in Virginia. Others agree that Lemonade is quick to approve claims. A number of reviewers cautioned that Lemonade has a tendency to classify health problems as preexisting and not cover those issues.
Best for short waiting period Figo Pet Insurance
  • Upper age limit: None
  • Deductible: $100 - $750
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% - 100%
  • Annual limits: $5,000 - unlimited

With Figo Pet Insurance, you get coverage for cats and dogs of any age, and there’s only a one-day waiting period for injuries caused by an accident (illness and orthopedic coverage are longer, however). It works to get most claims closed in less than three working days. Figo’s Pet Cloud is a convenient app that makes it easy to keep vet records organized. Additionally, Pet Cloud allows access to live vet help 24/7.

Like other plans, Figo does not cover preexisting conditions, and there are other exclusions, including care for pregnancy, parasites and experimental procedures. Additionally, since it only covers dogs and cats, if you have more nontraditional or exotic pets, you’ll need to find another provider.

Plans start around $27 per month. Choose from three flexible coverage plans based on how much coverage you want, from $5,000 per year to unlimited coverage. You set your deductible range between $100 to $750, noting that the lower your deductible, the higher your premiums will be. You also choose a reimbursement rate between 70% to 100%.

  • Works with any participating vet worldwide
  • Military and multipet discount available
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Automatic renewal policy
  • Extra coverage needed for exam fees
  • Only covers dogs and cats
Several reviewers have said that though the coverage is pricey, it is worth it because the payouts are quick. “They have covered everything they said they would,” according to one customer in Texas.

A few customers have complained that in 2020 the insurance changed underwriters and the unlimited plan is not actually “unlimited” in coverage as it suggests.

Best customer support Embrace Pet Insurance
  • Upper age limit: 15 years for full coverage
  • Deductible: $200 - $1,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% - 90%
  • Annual limits: $5,000 - $30,000

Embrace Pet Insurance offers “nose-to-tail” coverage for vet emergencies for cats and dogs. You can add on wellness coverage, but it costs more and only covers up to $650 in claims each year. If you don’t make a claim during the year, you will be rewarded with a $50 deductible discount going forward.

For those with questions, concerns or other customer service needs, Embrace offers long phone hours (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST) as well as email support. Customers can access their online portal for assistance, and the founder of the company has made his email address available to customers, as well.

Plans start at $7 per month for cats and $14 per month for dogs. This company is a good fit for large dog breeds because it includes coverage for surgeries that veterinarians often recommend for big breeds, such as gastropexy. Embrace reserves its full accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats under 15 years old, but its accident-only policy could be a good option for older dogs.

As with other providers, take the time to review plan exclusions, claims processing times and waiting periods for injuries and illnesses.

  • Good dental illness policy
  • Military and multiple-pet discounts
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Not available in all areas
  • Some age restrictions
  • Only cats and dogs are covered
One customer in Kansas estimates that Embrace has reimbursed about 90% of their claims: “Anytime I have a question regarding my pet insurance, I get to talk to a real person who is genuine about my concerns,” they said. Several pet owners felt that Embrace took a long time to process claims and submit reimbursements.
Best for older pets ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
  • Upper age limit: None
  • Deductible: $100 - $500
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% - 90%
  • Annual limits: $3,000 - $10,000

ASPCA insurance is a good choice for older pets because there is no maximum age limit for coverage. The Complete Coverage plan covers several expenses associated with senior pets, including tooth extractions, end-of-life care, surgery and cancer treatments.

Plans start at $20 per month, and you can visit any vet within the U.S. or Canada. We also like that with ASPCA, if your pet has a preexisting condition but hasn’t received treatment or shown symptoms for 180 days or more, ASPCA no longer considers it a condition (excluding knee and ligament issues).

There is an annual limit of $10,000 on care for your pets. If you own a horse, dog or cat, you can get coverage with ASPCA.

  • No age limit
  • Covers select prescription food
  • Horses covered
  • Supplements and vitamins not covered
  • No stand-alone wellness coverage
  • Maximum annual limit is $10,000
One New York customer had no issues getting reimbursed $800 for their dog’s tooth extraction, writing, “Never took longer than two weeks to get paid the 80% reimbursement for my dog's vet bills so I’m very happy with this pet insurance.” Some reviewers found the claims process to be slow, with costs hard to get approved.
Best easy claims process Spot Pet Insurance
  • Upper age limit: None
  • Deductible: $100 - $1,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% - 90%
  • Annual limits: $2,500 - unlimited

Spot Pet Insurance offers accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks old and comes with a 14-day waiting period for coverage. If you do need to file a claim, you can do so up to 270 days from the date of treatment. There is no need for paper filing; you can quickly file claims and upload your invoice through the member portal. If Spot needs more information, it contacts your vet directly.

Although it has exclusions for things like preexisting conditions, Spot provides coverage for end-of-life, alternative therapy and behavioral-related health issues, like fur pulling, which some competitor plans do not cover.

You can get customizable coverage for your pets, with plans starting at $11 per month for cats and $17 per month for dogs. You have the option to add on a preventive care package starting at $9.99. This extra package includes coverage for dental cleanings, wellness exams and deworming.

  • No per-incident limits or lifetime caps
  • Alternative therapy coverage
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Higher premiums for older pets
  • Some documentation required
  • Exclusions for some conditions
Customers felt like they could rely on Spot to approve their claims without delay. One customer in Florida got a plan for their 5-year-old Pomeranian. When a specialist recommended surgery for a colon tumor, Spot covered most of the expenses. There are a few reviewers who felt the plan was expensive and not worth the coverage they received.

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    Is pet insurance worth it?

    Buying pet insurance can be worth it if you're concerned about paying for expensive, nonroutine medical care when your pet is ill or injured.

    If you’re a first-time pet owner, you might appreciate knowing that you can take your animal to the vet after an accident or illness without paying 100% of the bill out of pocket.

    However, pet insurance can also be worth it if you have an older pet or multiple animals. If you fall into either of these categories, you’re more likely to visit the vet for an accident or illness, so potential savings are more likely.

    How to choose pet insurance

    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 that 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 are 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.

    If you have an older pet with preexisting conditions, pet insurance might not be the best option for you. Consider starting a pet emergency fund by putting money in a high-yield online savings account you can access in the event of an illness or emergency.

    How does pet insurance work?

    When you have pet insurance, you typically pay for the services out of pocket when visiting a veterinarian. After, you file a claim with your pet insurance company. If approved, your insurer reimburses you by direct deposit or by mail. The amount you're reimbursed depends on the plan you choose, but it’s usually a percentage of the overall cost.

    There’s also typically a waiting period after you sign up for a pet insurance plan — during this time, you can’t make a claim and expect a payout. In addition to the waiting period, there are some other terms to understand:

    • Premium: The premium is the amount you pay monthly, quarterly or annually for your insurance policy.
    • Deductible: The deductible is the amount you have to pay for vet care before the insurance company starts to pay. Policies with higher deductibles cost less, but keep in mind that you will pay more out of pocket before the insurance company begins reimbursing you.
    • Reimbursements: Most insurance policies cover only a portion of medical expenses, even after you’ve met your deductible. For example, your policy might reimburse you 80% of the cost of care, leaving you responsible for the other 20%.
    • Maximum payout: Many insurance policies have a maximum payout limit, whether it's a certain amount each year, per event or during the lifetime of your policy. Once it's reached, you must cover 100% of the costs.

    There are some plans that may pay the provider at the time of service. Take the time to read and understand how your policy works to ensure that you get reimbursed for eligible costs.

    What does pet insurance cover?

    Depending on the level of coverage you select, plans can cover accidents, illnesses and chronic conditions. Coverage varies from plan to plan, but here are some things that are typically included:

    • Infections
    • Ear illnesses
    • Eye illnesses
    • Bone fractures or breaks
    • Fleaborne illnesses
    • Foreign body ingestion
    • Lacerations
    • Insect bites

    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?

    Here are some common things not covered:

    • Preexisting conditions
    • Examination fees
    • Preventive care
    • Cosmetic procedures
    • Issues from owner negligence
    • Breeding costs

    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.

    FAQ

    What is pet insurance?

    Pet insurance is a policy that reimburses you for covered veterinary expenses. 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.

    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.

    Can you have two pet insurance policies?

    You can have more than one pet insurance policy for your pet. You might, for instance, have a policy that covers accidents and illnesses and an add-on policy that covers wellness care.

    Can you get pet insurance for older dogs?

    Many pet insurance providers offer coverage for older dogs. However, you might have to pay a higher premium. Some companies do set age limits and restrictions. If there is an age limit, it’s usually between 9 and 15 years.

    Do I need health insurance for my cat?

    It’s not required, but insurance for a cat can save you a lot of money if you end up using it. For felines, the most expensive treatments are usually for cancer and other chronic conditions, which a comprehensive policy should cover.

    Methodology

    To choose our top pet insurance providers, we started with a list of 22 popular pet insurance companies. To narrow the options, we first considered overall customer satisfaction ratings. Providers with an overall satisfaction rating below 3.5 stars were eliminated first, leaving nine companies. To stay on the list, companies had to have at least twice as many 5-star reviews as 1-star reviews over the last year (June 15, 2020, through June 15, 2021).

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team then analyzed recent reviews from verified customers to make recommendations. For example, Spot is our pick for an easy claims process because of the high density of certain recurring phrases (e.g., “easy file claims,” “claims very helpful”) in verified 5-star reviews on our site over the last year.

    Not sure how to choose?

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