Best Pet Insurance
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.
- Our pick for flexible coverage: Lemonade Pet Insurance
- Our pick for short waiting period: Figo Pet Insurance
- Our pick for customer support: Embrace Pet Insurance
- Our pick for older pets: ASPCA Pet Insurance
- Our pick for easy claims process: Spot Pet Insurance
- Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
- 4,244,400 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
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Rating | 4.4 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
# of reviews | 269 | 260 | 870 | 846 | 91 |
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 |
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.
- 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.
- What we like
- Quick claims process
- Optional wellness package
- Discounts for multiple pets
- What to consider
- Not currently available in all states
- Long wait periods
- No accident-only plan
- What reviewers say
- “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.
- 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%.
- What we like
- Works with any participating vet worldwide
- Military and multipet discount available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- What to consider
- Automatic renewal policy
- Extra coverage needed for exam fees
- Only covers dogs and cats
- What reviewers say
- 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.
- 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.
- What we like
- Good dental illness policy
- Military and multiple-pet discounts
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- What to consider
- Not available in all areas
- Some age restrictions
- Only cats and dogs are covered
- What reviewers say
- 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.
- 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.
- What we like
- No age limit
- Covers select prescription food
- Horses covered
- What to consider
- Supplements and vitamins not covered
- No stand-alone wellness coverage
- Maximum annual limit is $10,000
- What reviewers say
- 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.
- 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.
- What we like
- No per-incident limits or lifetime caps
- Alternative therapy coverage
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- What to consider
- Higher premiums for older pets
- Some documentation required
- Exclusions for some conditions
- What reviewers say
- 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.
Compare Pet Insurance Reviews | ||||||
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| Complete and accident-only plans for dogs and cats. Pick your own veterinarian. Deductible options range from $100 to $500, with reimbursement rates ranging from 70% to 90%. Annual coverage limits range from $3,000 to $15,000. | ![]() | Get Pricing | |||
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| Insures dogs and cats in 35 states and D.C. Sign up for a policy in just seconds. Covers diagnostics, procedures and medication. Fast claim payments. Add-ons for preventive care and physical therapy. Starts at $10/month. | ![]() | Get Pricing | |||
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| Specializes plans for veterinary treatments related to illness and injury. Preventive health care and accident-only options available. No upper age limits. Covers alternative therapies. Get a quote online. | ![]() | Get Pricing | |||
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| Three plans with limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited. Includes ER visits, surgeries, cancer treatment and other treatments. Covers animals eight weeks old and up. File claims online, over the phone or via fax. | ![]() | Get Pricing | |||
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| Offers one coverage plan. Work with any licensed vet. Claims are handled online and most are processed within two days. Policies can be underwritten by multiple providers. | ![]() | Get Pricing | |||
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| Pet accident and illness insurance plans and wellness coverage. Starts at $20 or less per month. No payout limits, direct vet payments, live vet access and multiple-pet discount. 100% coverage for prescriptions. Cancel anytime. | ![]() | Get Started | |||
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| Covers dogs and cats at any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada. Get reimbursed up to 90% on unexpected vet bills. $1,000 in online vet visits included at no extra cost. Protects over 370,000 dogs and cats. | ![]() | Get Pricing | |||
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| Offers comprehensive and accident-only plans. Get up to $1,000 annually for dental illnesses. No network of service providers. Choose your own vet. Offers an optional wellness rewards plan for routine care. | ![]() | ||||
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| Get a plan for pets of all ages and breeds. Choose your reimbursement percentage up to 90%. Highly customizable and budget-friendly plans. 14-day waiting period before illness coverage begins. | ![]() | ||||
Read Author Review | Offers pet insurance plus care packages for dogs and cats. Works with any vet in the U.S. or Canada. Discounts when you enroll more than one pet. Deductibles and benefit limits vary. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Compare Pet Insurance Reviews | ||||||
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Offers one base plan with multiple add-ons and premium options. Discounted coverage for breeders. 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Three-day waiting period for accidents. Covers some holistic and alternative care. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Provides insurance policies for dogs and cats. Coverage includes illness and injury treatment, surgeries and prescription food. Plans cost as little as $1.50 per day. $0 deductible option available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Shows plan prices in your area. Offers family plans for those with several pets. Get discounted medical care when you visit a veterinarian in the Pet Assure network. No waiting period. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Two basic plans with annual benefits from $2,000 to $5,000. An additional plan with a benefit up to $10,000 is available. Affiliated with MetLife. Plans for dogs from $15 a month. Plans for cats from $9 a month. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers pet insurance and pet protection plans. Apply on its website. Annual pet protection starts at $29.95 a year or $94.95 for a lifetime membership. Policies underwritten by The North River Insurance Company. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers one easy-to-understand plan with no payout limitations. Policies are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company. Deductibles range from $0 to $1,000. Get a quote for specific pricing. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers pet insurance and health plans. Add-on routine care and wellness plans start at $16 a month with no deductible. Plans have custom limits, deductibles and reimbursements based on your pet’s needs. 24/7 Pet Helpline. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Includes access to trained veterinary professionals and reimbursements for covered medical costs. Plans start at $35 a month. Work with any vet. Must enroll before the pet turns 10 years old. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Offers emergency coverage, routine coverage and a mix of both. Pays some claims in 24 hours. Wellness plans available in all 50 states. Hip dysplasia only covered in pets six years old or younger. Lets you go to any vet. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Read Author Review | Offers insurance for dogs and cats. Plans come with a flat 10% copay and a $100 deductible. Multi-pet, military and animal welfare discounts available. Premiums don’t increase as the pet ages. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Provides an alternative to pet insurance through a health-sharing plan. Pets of all ages and breeds are eligible. Monthly subscription fee costs $17, but other fees may apply. Currently available throughout the U.S. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Provides accident-only and complete coverage for dogs and cats. Annual deductibles range from $100 to $500. Reimbursement rates are between 70% and 90%. Unlimited annual benefits available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | Offers accident only or accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats. Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%. Deductibles range from $100 to $1,000. Pets must be under 9 years old. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Offers customizable policies for cats and dogs at least eight weeks old. Allows pet owners to choose any licensed vet. Provides free quotes over the phone and a 30-day, money-back guarantee. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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