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Best Pet Insurance Companies

We compared 41 companies and chose the top pet insurance providers

  • Top overall
    Lemonade Pet Insurance
    4.2(457)
  • Customizable plans
    Embrace Pet Insurance
    3.8(1,673)
  • Accident-only plans
    ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
    4.4(1,145)

Best Pet Insurance Companies

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Written by Ashley Eneriz
+1 more
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Edited by Kathryn Parkman

Our top 4 picks for pet insurance companies

  1. Our top pick overall: Lemonade
  2. Our pick for customizable coverage: Embrace
  3. Our pick for accident-only coverage: ASPCA
  4. Our pick for customer service: Healthy Paws
Our top pick overall
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Lemonade Pet Insurance
4.2
457 reviews
Upper age limit
Varies
Waiting period
Two days to six months
Reimbursement rates
60% to 90%
Annual reimbursement limits
$5,000 to $100,000
Get Pricing Read Reviews

Lemonade Pet Insurance is reasonably priced and highly rated by customers. It offers multiple coverage options and reimburses costs at licensed vets across the U.S. We also like that there is a mobile app to help you manage your claims.

Pros

  • Pricing starts at $10/month
  • Multiple discounts
  • Quick reimbursement times
  • Mobile app for managing claims

Cons

  • Not available in every state
  • No local agents
  • Coverage for preexisting conditions can be limited

Plans start around $10 per month and increase based on your level of coverage and other factors. 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.

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.

  • “I have been using Lemonade Insurance for a year with my pup and have just added my second dog to my policy. It is cheap, easy to understand and super reliable. I hear back in just a few hours for all my claims and they are always available to chat if I have any queries.” — Ellis in Oklahoma
  • “Hey let's face it. Having money kicked back to you to help offset the cost of your pet's veterinarian bills is a must in this economy, especially for emergency situations. I have enjoyed the experience I have had with Lemonade. Yeah, sure there are some things that are not covered, such as dental cleanings, but with the money I save on preventative, and emergency situations, that's not such a big worry. The fast, and effective way the claims are done, makes me a very happy customer. Funds usually deposit the next day after filing a claim.” — Nika in Georgia

Many customers have had claims processed quickly and received reimbursement promptly. However, there are some negative reviews regarding claim denials based on preexisting conditions and difficulties in communication with the company.

Our pick for customizable coverage
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance
3.8
1,673 reviews
Upper age limit
15 years for full coverage
Waiting period
14 days
Reimbursement rates
70% to 90%
Annual limits
$2,000 to unlimited
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Veterinary care can get expensive, especially for chronic conditions and accidental injuries. With Embrace Pet Insurance, you can feel covered against unknown health issues and emergencies. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and discounts for military individuals.

Pros

  • Go to any vet
  • Vanishing deductible option
  • Accident-only coverage available
  • Military discounts

Cons

  • Not all policies available online
  • No zero-deductible options
  • Limited online policy details

Plans average $8 to $38 per month for cats and $18 and $72 per month for dogs. This company is a good fit for large dog breeds because it covers 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.

  • “Embrace does a very good job of dealing with Daisy's vet bills quickly and efficiently. The online process is easy to do and Embrace reacts quickly after submission. Daisy is especially happy because we use some of our refund to buy her treats.” — John in Florida
  • “I have had this service for almost a decade and it has been great. It has helped save Muffie's life many times. I have never had an issue with them and when I call to speak to them they always provide excellent customer service.” — Dan in Pennsylvania
  • “I have always been pleased when submitting a claim with Embrace. They are prompt with processing and someone is always there for communication. The website for submitting claims is user friendly. I have been with Embrace for many years.” — Paul in Indiana

Not everyone is happy with their coverage. Bob in Virginia told us he never had a successful claim in three years. “They rejected every claim by calling them preexisting conditions,” Bob told us. He also said monthly payments have increased each year.

Our pick for accident-only coverage
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
4.4
1,145 reviews
Upper age limit
None
Waiting period
14 days
Reimbursement rates
70% to 90%
Annual limits
$2,500 to $10,000
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ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has affordable accident-only coverage, which focuses solely on injuries resulting from accidents, such as broken bones or ingestion of foreign objects. We also like that if your pet has a prior condition but hasn’t received treatment or shown symptoms for 180 days or more, ASPCA no longer considers it a preexisting condition (excluding knee and ligament issues).

Pros

  • Exam fees included
  • No age restrictions
  • No networks

Cons

  • Preventive care costs extra
  • Supplements and vitamins not covered

If you own a dog, cat or horse, you can get coverage with ASPCA. Plans start at $20 per month, and you can visit any vet within the U.S. or Canada. There is an annual limit of $10,000 on care for your pets. Additionally, supplements and vitamins are not covered, but you can add preventive care coverage to the accident-only plan for $9.95 per month.

  • “ASPCA Pet Health Insurance gave us a lot of peace of mind after a very traumatic accident with our Dog Gatsby. The claims process was easy without complication.” — Josh in California
  • “I purchased ASPCA Pet Health Insurance immediately after being adopted by a stray cat. Little did I know I would need to use the insurance soon after adopting her as she became ill with a digestive disorder. ASPCA has promptly responded to my claims, paying exactly as anticipated, with no nasty surprises. The insurance has been a literal lifesaver for my sweet cat, as I could not afford the quality of care she needs without the help of this insurance. I highly recommend ASPCA for doing exactly what they say they'd do, for the ease of submitting claims through the app, and for their communication with my vet.” — Leila in Michigan
  • “This is the BEST pet insurance and worth the money! I have had ASPCA for many years and they always treat me and my pets well and pay claims in a timely manner or ask for additional information if needed. I tried a less expensive policy a few years ago and it was terrible.” — Leigh in New Jersey

Happy customers appreciate the ease of submitting claims online and the helpfulness of customer service representatives. However, there are also negative reviews, with customers expressing frustration over denied claims and high premium increases. 

“It's hit or miss with ASPCA,” Mary in New York told us. “I called the other day to discuss an injury on one of my client's horses, and the girl had no equine knowledge. It made the conversation very infuriating, and I was not happy about it.”

Best for no maximums
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
4.9
757 reviews
Upper age limit
14 years
Waiting period
15 days
Reimbursement rates
70% to 90%
Annual limits
No limit
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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation made our list thanks to its commitment to customer service. The company has a reputation for handling claims quickly and efficiently, often within just a few days. This means you won't be left waiting for reimbursement when your pet needs treatment. We also like that Healthy Paws offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in most states.

Pros

  • Fast processing
  • No caps on payouts
  • Mobile app
  • Easy-to-understand plan

Cons

  • 15-day waiting period
  • Somewhat limited plan options
  • Premiums may increase significantly over time

Plan prices vary depending on your state but range from around $9 to $25 per month for cats and $14 to $37 per month for dogs when you select the lowest reimbursement tier and highest deductible.

Since you can choose a plan with as low as a 50% reimbursement rate and up to $1,000 deductible (depending on your state), monthly prices can be cheaper than other companies offer, but you might also pay more out of pocket when there is an emergency.

  • “We have used Healthy Paws pet insurance since 2017. Our cat got the best care we could give and Healthy Paws was a huge part of his quality of life. We had major surgeries covered. We have long term medications covered. Healthy Paws was also fast to complete and cover claims.” — Doran in California
  • “Health Paws is affordable. They have responsive customer service. The app and claims are simple and pay quickly. Overall we are very happy with Healthy Paws. My dog had major surgery. I wasn’t sure how to proceed but I called and customer service told me how to proceed in terms of records so that they can process my claim. After the surgery- Our claim was processed in under 2 weeks.” — Annie in Massachusetts
  • “Healthy Paws paid 80% of every bill we submitted. You can imagine how much his care and medication costs were for those 6 days and subsequent follow-up care to this day. We are thankful for them being there for us during this difficult time and would highly recommend them! In addition to the financial support they have given, they also check in periodically on our boy just to see how he is doing and to send him big virtual hugs!” — Elizabeth in Michigan

Your rates might go up over time. Justin in Hampshire told us his premiums have increased by about 300% over six years.

Pet Insurance Providers Buyers guide

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In this guide

Top Picks

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Embrace Pet Insurance logo
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Pet insurance buyers guide

No one likes to imagine their furry friend getting ill or having an accidental injury, but it happens, and it can be costly. Emergency vet visits 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.

Key insights

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for a good pet insurance plan.

Jump to insight

Most plans are designed to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses for dogs and cats.

Jump to insight

Some pet insurers have age restrictions, breed exclusions and exam requirements before your pet is eligible for coverage.

Jump to insight

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, medication, and wellness care. Like other types of insurance, pet insurance plans typically have annual deductibles, reimbursement rates, waiting periods and benefit caps. However, some policies may help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses by paying the vet directly.

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 offer coverage for common illnesses like ear infections, cancer or other conditions that may develop over time, but usually not routine care.

» LEARN: Does pet insurance cover prescription food?

Typically covered

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

Common exclusions

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

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 that may cover routine things like dental checkups or spaying, 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.
Best pet insurance companies by state

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.

Pros

  • Peace of mind
  • Flexible plans
  • Possible discounts
  • Predictable veterinary costs
  • Routine care coverage

Cons

  • Exclusions for preexisting conditions or specific hereditary issues
  • Waiting period
  • Coverage limits
  • Claim process may require upfront payment
  • Not all costs covered

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.

» LEARN: Does pet insurance cover euthanasia?

FAQ

Can I have more than one pet insurance policy?

Yes, several pet insurance companies will allow you to add multiple pets on one plan and even offer a discount for doing so.

Can I get coverage for an older pet?

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

Especially 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.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Buying pet insurance can be worth it if you're concerned about paying for expensive, nonroutine medical care, like surgery or infections, 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.

Keep in mind that many pet insurance companies don't cover preventive care like spaying and neutering, though some companies do offer add-on coverage that includes these procedures.

Methodology

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.

Disclaimer

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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    Guide sources

    ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

    1. American Veterinary Medical Association, “Pet health insurance.” Accessed Dec. 13, 2024.

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