Best Pet Insurance Companies of April 2023

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• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee*

• Up to 90% reimbursement on eligible vet bills

• Multi-pet discount & access to 24/7 vet helpline

• Visit any U.S. licensed veterinarian or specialist

• Accident, illness, and optional preventive care coverage available

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• Get up to 90% back at any vet

• Comprehensive illness & accident coverage – no levels

• Optional wellness plan covers routine vet, grooming, & training costs

• Save $50/Year with Healthy Pet Deductible

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• Coverage starting at as little as $10 per month 

• Optional preventive care policy available

• Quick claims payment & easy-to-understand policies

• Live chat with veterinary experts through mobile app

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• Comprehensive coverage, tailored to your pet

• Up to 100% reimbursement, depending on plan

• Add Wellness or the Vet Exam Coverage to your plan

• 24/7 virtual vet service

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• Comprehensive coverage at affordable prices

• No upper age limit on enrollment

• Choose $5000 annual or unlimited benefits

• 24/7 veterinary support line for all customers

Pet insurance can help pay for your pet’s medical care, with many policies covering up to 90 percent of your vet bills. We reviewed over a dozen providers to help you identify the best pet insurance policies and help you choose the right one for your pet’s needs.

Should you need more information before diving into the reviews, our guide section explains what pet insurance covers, how pet insurance works and how to choose the right coverage. We also define key components of your policy such as payment caps, types of coverage and premiums.

Keep reading to learn more about the best pet insurance companies on the market today.

Our Top Picks for Best Pet Insurance of April 2023

• ASPCA – Best Pet Insurance for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions

• Spot – Best Pet Insurance for Unlimited Coverage

• Pumpkin – Best Pet Insurance for Puppies and Kittens

• Figo – Best Pet Insurance for Reimbursement Options

• Embrace – Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs and Cats

• Pets Best – Best Pet Insurance for Treatment of Mobility Issues

• Lemonade – Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims Processing

• Trupanion – Best Pet Insurance for Direct Payment to Vets

• Nationwide – Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets

Honorable Mentions: Healthy Paws, Fetch by The Dodo, Many Pets and Metlife Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Company Reviews

Sample premiums are based on quotes for a 1-year old domestic shorthair cat and a 1-year old Labrador Retriever.

Why we chose ASPCA: ASPCA ranks as the best pet insurance for congenital or hereditary conditions because it doesn’t withhold coverage for these illnesses if you enroll your pet past a certain age. Your pet will be fully insured (and relatively quickly, too), thanks to the short 14-day waiting period.

Pros

• Standout coverage for hereditary and congenital illnesses

• No upper age limit for enrollment

• Covers stem cell therapy and microchipping

Cons

• Warns that claim processing may take up to 30 days

• Monthly payments incur a transaction fee

• The website is not user friendly

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers accident-only, accident and illness and preventive care for cats and dogs. Riding enthusiasts can also insure their horses, but only in certain states.

ASPCA’s premium rates are some of the most affordable around. The company is also more flexible on certain policy terms than many of its industry counterparts.

While some other companies’ policies set an age limit on coverage for hereditary or congenital conditions, ASPCA guarantees coverage no matter your pet’s age at enrollment, as long as the conditions aren’t pre-diagnosed. Additionally, curable pre-existing conditions are covered, provided your pet is symptom-free for at least 180 days. Other companies may make you wait up to a year.

This insurer also falls short with its lengthy claims processing time. Pet care is expensive, and waiting 30 days for insurance reimbursement isn’t a good selling point, considering some competitors process claims in a matter of days.

Read ASPCA pet insurance review >>

Why we chose Spot: We picked Spot as the best pet insurance for unlimited coverage because it caters to pet parents who want to maximize their pet’s coverage, no matter the cost. Spot is also a fine choice for older pets since there’s no age limit for coverage.

Pros

• Unlimited annual coverage available

• No upper age limit

• 24/7 telehealth helpline

Cons

• Higher-than-average premiums for young pets

• Charges transaction fees for monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payments

Offering a full (100%) coverage option, Spot readily allows you to maximize your pet’s coverage, meaning you are not responsible for any co-payment. In addition, the company offers a very low ($100) deductible option, which further reduces your out-of-pocket payments for care.

That said, choosing one or both of a low co-payment and a low deductible will lead to higher premiums for the policy. And Spot’s prices are already higher than the norm for young pets, although the company has no upper age limit for insuring new animals — which may make it a good choice if your furry companions are elderly.

Read Spot pet insurance review >>

Why we chose Pumpkin: Pumpkin is our pick as the best pet insurance for puppies and kittens because it offers a lot for comparatively little. It provides extensive insurance and non-insurance preventive care options tailored to junior animals at an affordable price point.

Pros

• Preventive care packages for the particular needs of puppies and kittens

• No upper age limit

• Short (14-day) waiting period for all conditions, including knee and hip dysplasia

Cons

• No customizable reimbursement levels

• No accident-only option

• Preventive plans don’t reimburse for spay/neuter surgeries or dental cleanings

Pumpkin offers affordable plans with an option to add preventative care packs for young cats and dogs that aren’t included in standard coverage. For example, the company’s puppy preventive care packs include one annual wellness exam fee, four puppy vaccines and one yearly fecal test.

Pumpkin will also refund the cost of up to four vaccines your puppy may have received prior to being insured under the preventive pack, as well as covering lab tests for parasites.

However, Pumpkin Preventive lacks dental cleanings and spay/neuter surgeries, and (unlike most companies) it won’t reimburse you if you purchase a separate wellness package.

Read Pumpkin pet insurance review >>

Why we chose Figo: Most competitors only offer up to 90% reimbursement. Figo stands out as the best pet insurance for reimbursement options because pet owners can choose up to 100% reimbursement without annual payout limits and avoid copayments entirely.

Pros

• Up to 100% reimbursement with no annual limits

• No upper age enrollment limit

• Low deductible options

• Free 24/7 vet helpline

• 1-day waiting period for accidents

Cons

• No coverage on hereditary conditions if the pet is enrolled after 2nd birthday

• Low payout limits in wellness plan

• Exam fee coverage and physical therapy need a separate rider

FIGO offers pet owners the option to reduce their copayment to 0%, thanks to its 100% reimbursement option. (As a rule, the lowest copayment offered by other providers is 10%.) Figo doesn’t enforce annual limits, either, but the company does apply a lifetime maximum – that is, how much it will reimburse over the lifetime of your pet.

Be prepared to pay higher than average premiums for a policy with 0% copay, unlimited payout benefits or both. Figo also enforces strict limits on its coverage for hereditary conditions.

Additionally, benefits such as the exam fee reimbursement and physical therapy are only available as separate riders — other providers include these benefits in their base policy.

Figo’s Pet Cloud app features comprehensive mobile support. With the app, you can contact a licensed veterinarian 24/7, manage your pet’s insurance documents and make payments, among other transactions.

Read Figo pet insurance review >>

Why we chose Embrace: Aging pets shouldn’t be spared insurance coverage when they need it most – and owners are prepared to pay sharp, age-related increases in premiums to buy a policy. We picked Embrace as the best pet insurance for older dogs and cats because it extends comprehensive coverage to pets under 14 years and accident-only coverage to pets 15 years or older.

Pros

• High upper age limit for enrollment

• High annual reimbursement limit option compared to other competitors with annual caps

• Yearly diminishing deductible

• 48-hour waiting period for accidents

Cons

• No unlimited benefit options

• Limited wellness benefits

• Caps dental illness coverage at $1,000 a year

Embrace is willing to provide accident and illness coverage to pets up to 15 years of age. After that age, you can still purchase coverage, albeit only for accidents. That’s somewhat of a rarity, as other companies generally won’t insure pets of 10 or older in any way.

Embrace doesn’t offer wellness benefits as a separate policy. Instead, pet owners can sign up for the Wellness Rewards plan and contribute a specific amount to cover preventive care expenses. Make sure your annual contributions match the expected level of preventative care, as unused funds don’t roll over for the following year.

Another benefit of Embrace pet insurance is its shrinking deductibles. Every year you don’t receive a claim reimbursement, Embrace will reduce your annual deductible by $50.

All policies come with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a pro-rated refund — if you’ve already filed a claim within that time frame.

Read Embrace pet insurance review >>

Why we chose Pets Best: Pets Best has a wide range of coverage options and deductibles, and it offers coverage for pets as young as seven weeks. It’s also one of the few pet insurance companies that cover prosthetic devices and wheelchairs.

Pros

• Covers pets as young as seven weeks with no upper age limit

• Direct payments to vets available

• Coverage for prosthetic devices and wheelchairs

• Wide range of deductibles

Cons

• Parasite treatment is not covered

• Excludes alternative treatments and therapies

• Limited annual benefit options

• Policy upgrades are not available until the renewal date

Pets Best offers accident and illness plans and also sells multiple wellness plans to cover your pet’s routine care.

Most insurers require pets to be at least eight weeks old to enroll, but Pets Best will insure pets at seven weeks. There is no upper age limit, either, so you can get coverage for senior pets.

Insurers don’t always cover treatments for mobility issues, but Pets Best provides coverage for wheelchairs and prosthetic devices when prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness.

However, we noted that Pets Best has unusual coverage exclusions: pet owners won’t be reimbursed for parasite treatment (even if the pet is up-to-date on its vaccines and preventive medications) or alternative treatments such as kinesiology, electromagnetic therapy and massages.

Read Pets Best pet insurance review >>

 

Why we chose Lemonade: We picked Lemonade as the best pet insurance for speedy claims. The company uses novel, AI-powered processing, which promises to deliver claims very quickly via the Lemonade app. The ability to direct a part of the company’s profit to a charity of your choice may also appeal to many pet owners.

Pros

• Quick claims processing — in minutes rather than weeks via mobile app

• Multiple discounts, including for bundling with homeowners insurance, insuring multiple pets and making a single, annual payment

• A portion of payments go to charities

Cons

• Only available in 38 states

• Policy information is difficult to find

• Limited customer support

• Older pets may not be eligible for coverage

Lemonade’s accident and illness policy covers diagnostics, procedures and medications for covered conditions. Vet visit fees, dental illnesses, end-of-life services, acupuncture and chiropractic care are excluded from the base policy (which may translate to lower premiums) but you can add these benefits as riders if they’re available in your state.

Pet owners can further enhance coverage with a preventative care rider that reimburses the cost of annual checkups, vaccines and parasite screening.

Lemonade is available in 38 states, but you can sign up for updates on its website. However, users may find Lemonade’s website hard to navigate. To get a quote, you have to input a lot of information that other insurers don’t require. Also, if you have questions the automated chat can’t answer, talking with a live agent via chat isn’t possible.

Read Lemonade pet insurance review >>

 

Why we chose Trupanion: Usually, pet owners have to pay the vet bill in full before receiving reimbursement from pet insurance providers. With Trupanion’s direct payment software, your vet can file a claim in-office and receive payment almost immediately. You needn’t pony up the entire bill and wait for the covered proportion to be reimbursed to you.

Pros

• The company pays vets directly

• No payout limits for any benefits (per incident, monthly or lifetime)

• Free 30-day coverage with partnering shelters, breeders or vets

• Enrollment also available in Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia

Cons

• High premium rates

• No preventive care coverage

• Only one plan option

Trupanion offers a single insurance plan for cats and dogs. Aside from standard benefits, like diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization and prescription medications, coverage also extends to alternative treatments, dental illnesses, prosthetic devices and prescription food.

Trupanion also features a unique benefit: pet owners can extend coverage to breeding and working pets in the following categories: hunting, herding, sledding, guarding, search and rescue, law enforcement, therapy and assistance. Accidents and illnesses associated with breeding, whelping and working will be covered up to 90%.

If your veterinarian uses Trupanion’s direct payment software, you don’t need to file a claim; Trupanion pays the vet directly. Policyholders, then, need not worry about making costly upfront payments or submitting reimbursement claims, which are standard for most of the pet insurance industry.

Trupanion lacks affordability and flexibility – premiums are high and there’s only a single policy option. However, its coverage is comprehensive. If you can afford higher than average premiums, your pet will benefit from 90% reimbursement on all eligible claims and no payout limits per incident, year or lifetime.

Read Trupanion pet insurance review >>

Why we chose Nationwide: We picked Nationwide as the best pet insurance for exotic pets because it offers comprehensive insurance for various unconventional animals. Pet owners can relax knowing up to 90% of their expenses for such animals are covered by a reputable insurer.

Pros

• No per-incident, annual or lifetime caps

• Covers alternative therapy for diagnosed conditions

• Direct payments available under certain conditions

Cons

• Limited coverage for hip dysplasia

• Only a single policy offered

• No coverage for behavioral modification or prescription food

Nationwide is the only pet insurance company of its size that offers insurance for avian and exotic pets. The Avian & Exotic Pet Plan provides coverage for most birds, rabbits, reptiles and small mammals, including goats and pot-bellied pigs. (Note that any animal not explicitly listed on the Nationwide website isn’t eligible, including those listed under venomous or endangered species.)

Owners of exotic pets can select up to 90% reimbursement for covered accidents and illnesses and add preventive care riders as well. Just as with dog and cat insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage.

For exotic pets, Nationwide offers three accident and illness policy options and two wellness care packages. Exotic pet owners must call (844-244-3691) to get a quote or sign up. However, cat and dog insurance is easy to get directly on Nationwide’s website.

Read Nationwide pet insurance review >>

Other pet insurance companies we considered

In narrowing down our list, these companies stood out in some respects but didn’t quite match the strengths of our top picks.

Healthy Paws

Why Healthy Paws didn’t make the cut: Healthy Paws offers a comprehensive accident and illness plan with unlimited payout limits and 90% reimbursement. However, two factors kept the company out of our top picks: 1) There is no coverage for hip dysplasia for pets enrolled after age six, and 2) the company doesn’t distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions.

Pros

• No per-incident, annual or lifetime caps

• Quick claim processing

• Covers alternative therapy for diagnosed conditions

• Direct payments available under certain conditions

Cons

• Limited coverage for hip dysplasia

• Only a single policy offered

• No coverage for behavioral modification

• Limited coverage options for senior pets

Healthy Paws offers just one accident and illness policy for cats and dogs. It has no per-incident, annual or lifetime benefit caps, and you can choose from a $100, $200 or $500 deductible. It also offers a direct payment option instead of reimbursement if you can’t afford the upfront veterinary bill.

Read Healthy Paws pet insurance review >>

Fetch by The Dodo

Why Fetch by The Dodo didn’t make the cut: Fetch by The Dodo has the lowest age limit for enrollment of all the companies we looked at, and it has some additional perks and features that can be appealing to pet owners. However, policyholders must follow some strict rules to get claims reimbursed: The pet must receive medical care within 48 hours of noticeable symptoms and pet owners must file a claim no later than 90 days from the invoice date.

Pros

• Dental illness coverage for every tooth, not just canines

• No lifetime or per condition claims limit

• Base policy covers exam fees, behavioral issues and medical boarding fees

Cons

• No preventive care rider or accident-only plan

• For coverage to apply, you must take your dog or cat to the vet within 48 hours of noticing symptoms

• 6-month waiting period for hip dysplasia and knee injuries

Fetch by The Dodo is one of the few insurers that will enroll pets as young as six weeks, making it a good option for owners of young kittens who often go to their new homes at that age. The company has no upper age limit, and it has multiple deductibles and annual benefit options.

Fetch by the Dodo policyholders will also get reimbursed for medical boarding, behavior modification and lost pet rewards — up to $1,000 annually for each benefit.

Many Pets

Why Many Pets didn’t make the cut: Many Pets’ accident and illness coverage is comparable to other affordable insurance providers on our list. However, our top picks still have a slight advantage with better preventative care plans, nationwide coverage and a shorter waiting period (180 days) for curable pre-existing conditions.

Pros

• No annual or lifetime payout caps

• Covers vet exam fees and consultations

• 15-day waiting period with option to waive

• Option to choose $0 deductible and 100% reimbursement

Cons

• 18-month waiting period for curable pre-existing conditions

• Enrollment is currently limited to 37 states

• No coverage for hip dysplasia in pets over 6 years old

Many Pets offers a single accident and illness policy, with an optional wellness add-on. The policy covers vet exam fees, medication, treatment, surgery, hospitalization, euthanasia and cremation. You can also add a wellness plan, but it’s not as comprehensive as others — no coverage for fecal and blood tests, spaying/neutering or microchipping.

With Many Pets, you can waive the 15-day waiting period if your pet was previously insured by another provider and the policy was in effect at least 24 hours before the new policy’s activation date.

MetLife Pet Insurance

Why MetLife Pet Insurance didn’t make the cut: MetLife offers an accident-only plan and an accident and illness policy with multiple reimbursement and deductible options. However, submitting a claim isn’t as easy as with other insurers. MetLife requires you to download a claim form, fill it out, and send it back digitally or by mail. Additionally, Metlife’s wellness benefits are not clearly outlined online. You have to contact the company for more information.

Pros

• Multiple discounts

• Accident coverage after just 24 hours

• Decreasing deductible for every year without a claim

• Deductibles range from $0 to $2,500

Cons

• Claim processing can take up to 10 days

• No sample policy or detailed wellness benefits online

• Requires 12 months of veterinary records for the first claim

MetLife Pet Insurance, previously known as Pet First, offers an easy online application and adjustable coverage options. You can select your maximum benefit amount, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Deductibles are as low as $0, or as high as $2,500, and you can take advantage of one or more of the discount programs like discounts for healthcare workers, military, veterans and first responders. Employers that provide pet insurance also qualify for a discounted rate, as well as affinity groups and those that work in veterinary care.

Pet Insurance Guide

In this section, we go into the particulars of pet insurance, so you know what to expect from most policies. We explain what pet insurance is, how much it costs, plan types and tips to choose the right insurer.

Table of contents:

• What is pet insurance?

• Types of pet insurance

• How does pet insurance work?

• What does pet insurance cover?

• What is excluded from pet insurance?

• How much is pet insurance?

• How to choose the best pet insurance for you

• Is pet insurance worth it?

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a type of indemnity insurance that covers pet medical expenses related to accidents and illnesses. Most companies primarily offer dog and cat insurance — some providers do extend coverage to exotic pets like birds, reptiles and rabbits, but it accounts for less than 1% of U.S. policies, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

A significant difference between pet insurance coverage and your own health insurance is that preventive pet care is sold separately. This includes expenses like vaccines, parasite prevention, dental cleanings and microchipping. One other notable distinction is that nearly all pet insurance plans mandate that policyholders pay the full amount of the bill upfront before receiving any reimbursement.

Generally, there are no network restrictions with pet insurance — coverage applies to any licensed vet or specialist nationwide. Some providers extend coverage to Canada and overseas territories like Puerto Rico, as well.

Types of pet insurance

When you’re looking to insure your pet, the first thing to do is take a good look at your finances — and how much you’re able to spend in case of an emergency. Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage and, of course, premiums. Understanding the various types of policy, and what each offers, is crucial for understanding how to buy pet insurance.

• Accident-only policies – An accident-only plan may suit you best if your main concern is your cat or dog’s propensity for mishaps (such as poisonings, broken bones, bloating). They’re usually the cheapest pet insurance plan available.

• Accident & Illness policies – These are the popular, all-inclusive pet insurance plans, covering both accident and illness coverage. They can be expanded to be truly comprehensive by buying wellness coverage, which is usually an add-on rather than an integrated part of the plan.

• Wellness plans – Plans for routine care are sold as separate packages or as riders. These cover the cost of checkups, pet dental care, spaying or neutering, vaccinations and parasite prevention. Preventive care plans are generally only for cats and dogs, not exotic pets.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance essentially works by reimbursing your pet’s eligible medical expenses. However, there are additional limitations fleshed out in the policy’s fine print:

• Waiting periods – Your insurance won’t pay for care until a waiting period has elapsed. Most companies require at least 14 days after enrollment before they will reimburse you for a vet visit due to illness.

• Exclusions – Pet insurance providers typically exclude pre-existing conditions and impose coverage limitations on particular issues such as hip dysplasia or joint problems. It is crucial to carefully review the policy before enrolling, especially if your cat or dog is predisposed to certain conditions.

• Network restrictions – In contrast to human health insurance, pet insurance typically does not have a restricted or preferred network of providers. However, there may be geographical limitations to coverage. For example, your pet may not be covered if you travel to Canada or Puerto Rico.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance coverage reimburses pet owners for the diagnosis and treatment (including medication and hospitalization) of accidents and illnesses.

Pet owners who purchase an accident-only policy will get a fraction of the coverage benefits, as the policy will only reimburse them for issues defined as accidents and exclude everything else that’s considered an illness.

The following are just a few examples of injuries and accidents that pet insurance covers:

Accidents

• Ingestion of a foreign object

• Poisoning

• Bite wounds, cuts or broken bones (including teeth)

• Ingesting a foreign object

• Poisoning

• Torn ligaments

Illnesses:

• Cancer

• Hepatitis

• Diabetes

• Allergies

• Arthritis

• Skin or ear infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Stomach and intestinal problems

• Epilepsy

• Orthopedic conditions such as torn ligaments or hip dysplasia

While a few pet insurance providers cover cremation and burial expenses, most policies do not reimburse the monetary value of the pet. This aspect falls within the realm of pet life insurance, which compensates the financial value of the animal in case of theft or death. It is more practical to consider such policies for pets that have a high economic value, such as rare or expensive breeds, as well as “working pets” like cats, dogs and other animals that serve as show, breeding and service animals.

What is excluded from pet insurance coverage?

Pet insurance coverage exclusions vary slightly per provider so it’s best practice to read the sample policy thoroughly before enrolling. But don’t worry: We’ve got you covered. The following bulleted list explores five of the most common exclusions across the industry.

• Pre-existing conditions – Pet insurance providers will not reimburse for conditions your dog, cat, or other pet already had before you bought the pet insurance policy. Some examples include diabetes, allergies, cancer or arthritis.

• Check-up fees – Most companies exclude checkup fees with the justification that such expenses fall under expected pet care costs (unlike accidents and injuries). That said, a handful of providers are starting to include veterinary exam fees in their base policies.

• Pre-existing bilateral conditions – Let’s say your pet’s knee suffered a cruciate ligament injury before enrollment. That injury isn’t covered because it’s a pre-existing condition, but if the other knee develops the same issue in the future, it won’t be covered either. The same restriction may apply to other issues that occur on both sides of the body such as cataracts or hip and elbow dysplasia.

• Routine care – Insurance providers exclude routine pet care from coverage but offer reimbursement benefits through wellness packages and riders. These add-ons reimburse a fixed amount for annual checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental cleanings and spay/neuter surgeries.

• Illnesses caused by lack of preventive care – Pet insurance policies typically exclude coverage for heartworm treatment in dogs or sickness caused by preventable parasites in cats. The same restriction applies to flea and tick-borne diseases, dental ailments if the pet has not received professional cleanings, and any other condition that could have been prevented through vaccinations.

• Injuries or illnesses linked to owner negligence – Pet insurance won’t cover issues that result from organized fighting, racing or guarding. This exclusion also applies to any harm inflicted by you or a member of your household.

How much is pet insurance?

Typically, cat insurance is more cost-effective than dog insurance, costing almost half as much, according to Rover’s 2023 report on the expenses of dog parenthood and cat parenthood. Annual insurance premiums for dogs range from $360 to $720, while coverage for cats ranges from $240 to $360. However, the precise cost of pet insurance will vary depending on factors beyond the insurance provider you select.

Factors that affect your pet insurance premium

Pet insurance costs vary based on the following factors:

• Pet’s age and breed – Purebreds (especially large cat or dog breeds) usually cost more to insure than mixed-breed pets. Premiums also increase with age (no matter the breed) and do so sharply for very old animals. In addition, after your dog or cat reaches the age of 10 or 12, your choices in insurers will significantly diminish.

• Where you live – Pet insurance tends to be more expensive for pets that live in urban areas, especially on the coasts (New York and California.)

• Deductibles – Most providers allow you to set the deductible, which is the money you must pay before your insurance policy kicks in. Bear in mind that an annual deductible for all care is common, but some companies may also require per-incident or per-condition deductibles.

• Preventative care add-ons – You’ll get the best value from an accident or illness coverage plan, but you could also add coverage for preventative care. Policies covering both routine care and accident or illness care are known as comprehensive coverage.

Additional expenses to keep in mind

The cost of pet insurance is not limited to premium payments — you’ll likely have to cover out-of-pocket expenses, even after the insurance kicks in. Consider the following when budgeting for your pet’s insurance coverage:

• Reimbursements – You pay for all vet visits and charges and then file for a reimbursement. Plans typically reimburse 70% to 90% of covered expenses.

• Payout caps – Most plans stop reimbursing after you’ve reached your policy’s maximum coverage amount. Most policies have an annual expense cap, but some have caps per incident (illness or injury) or even for the animal’s lifetime. Expect to pay higher premiums for higher caps.

If you’re on a tight budget and require low-cost pet insurance, you can explore our page on the best cheap pet insurance. In our sample of providers, the cheapest pet insurance quotes were $11 per month for cats and $27 for dogs.

How to choose the best pet insurance for you

Pet parents don’t need to worry about selecting the best pet insurance for cats or the best pet insurance for dogs. A good insurance policy will cover both pet types equally. What matters is the level of coverage selected by the owner and whether the benefits are as comprehensive as possible.

Pet insurance coverage varies per state, and policy terms can change annually.

To help you choose the best policy, NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide points out what you should consider before selecting coverage.

• Decide which type of policy will be more appropriate – You can choose between accident and illness coverage or an accident-only policy. Accident and illness policies offer the most coverage but are more expensive than accident-only plans. If you want more coverage, you can purchase a wellness rider to cover vaccinations, dental cleanings, annual checkups and parasite prevention.

• Get multiple quotes – You’d be surprised at how much variability there can be in pet insurance quotes from one provider to the next. Some insurers may quote double the price than others for the same pet so it pays to do some comparison shopping before settling on one policy.

• Take a close look at what is and isn’t covered – We recommend taking notes of the policy’s terms on hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions (especially if your pet’s breed is prone to a particular issue), dental illnesses, alternative therapies and behavioral modification.

• Look for the shortest waiting periods – Most providers enforce a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, but you can also find policies that activate accident coverage from day one. Keep in mind that some insurers set unusually long waiting periods for issues such as hip dysplasia and knee injuries.

• Take note of providers with curable pre-existing conditions clauses – Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered by insurance, but an exception applies to “curable pre-existing conditions.” Say your cat had a respiratory infection in the past: if the illness was cured and showed no symptoms for 180 days before the policy’s effective date, new infections are covered.

When it comes to premiums, there’s not much you can do about your pet’s breed and age, but you can tweak coverage levels to fit your budget:

• Payout caps – Choosing the highest coverage limit or unlimited payout caps increases premiums. To pick the right payout limit, it’s a good idea to check the average cost of vet treatment in your area, especially those that are breed-specific and those considered “worst case scenarios.”

• Reimbursement percentage – A low reimbursement percentage means you’ll pay less in premiums. However, this also means you’ll have a higher copayment.

• Deductibles – The higher the deductible, be it annual or per-incident, the lower your policy’s premium will be. If your pet remains healthy, this strategy will save you money, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if anything unexpected happens.

Pet insurance discounts

Don’t forget to apply any available discounts to reduce your monthly payment. Common discounts include:

• Multipet discount – discounted rates for each additional pet you enroll with the same provider

• Annual pay discount – lower rates if you pay for the policy annually instead of monthly

• Spay/neuter discount – reduced premium if you spay/neuter your pet upon enrollment

• Military discounts – discounts for active and former members of the armed forces

• Group discounts at work – lower rates for employer-provided pet insurance

• Bundle discounts – discounted rate for bundling with homeowners or renters insurance under the same provider

The majority of companies honor a money-back guarantee in eligible states — also called a “cooling off” or “free look” period. Pet owners are entitled to cancellation with a full refund up to 30 days after enrollment, provided they haven’t received payment or submitted a claim.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Pet owners may wonder whether paying for pet insurance is worth the monthly expense, considering how much they spend on their pets.

Pet insurance is worth the cost if:

• You can’t afford the full amount of costly, unexpected vet bills

• You can afford to pay the monthly cost plus a portion (typically 20-30%) of costly vet bills

• Your pet is young and healthy overall when you enroll

Say you bought an accident and illness policy for a three-year-old dog. After meeting the $200 annual deductible, the policy will reimburse 80% of vet bills up to a $10,000 limit. The pup is then diagnosed with patellar luxation, a common knee condition in toy breeds.

Here’s how the policy would work in practice:

1. You pay the full cost of the surgery ($1,500) at the vet’s office unless the insurer offers direct payment.

2. The insurance provider subtracts the deductible ($200) and pays for 80% of the remaining balance ($1,300).

3. You’ll receive $1,040 as reimbursement, reducing your out-of-pocket costs to $460 (the $200 deductible, plus your 20% copayment).

Pet Insurance FAQs

How much is pet insurance?

Pricing your pet insurance premium will depend on many factors: 1) your pet’s type, sex, and breed; 2) your pet’s age; 3) your location; 4) coverage types; 5) deductible and reimbursement level. The more expensive it is where you live, whether it’s California or New York City, the more expensive your pet insurance will be. Find more information about each factor in our subsection how much is pet insurance.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Knowing whether pet insurance will pay off for you depends on your needs and your pet’s health care needs. Before trying to enroll your pet in a plan, consider the circumstances listed in our pet insurance guide and whether they match your situation. Any pet insurance coverage provides a service that’s not measured as a dollar amount — giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t be facing expensive vet bills all on your own.

What does pet insurance cover?

It depends on the specific plan. Standard pet health insurance will cover most accidents and injuries. Still, you can also buy a policy that covers only accidents or only routine vet visits for checkups and vaccinations, usually called wellness plans. “Things like ultrasounds, blood tests or procedures such as MRIs or CAT scans — they’re now available [for pets],” said Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance is a policy that comes with a monthly premium. With pet insurance, if your pet is sick or injured, you pay the bill up front and submit a claim for reimbursement. You can take your pet to a licensed veterinarian and then submit a claim to get reimbursed for issues that are covered under your pet insurance plan. Review our pet insurance guide to learn more about how pet insurance works.

What is the best pet insurance?

The best pet insurance for you will depend on a combination of different elements, mainly your budget and your pet’s needs. Check out our best pet insurance reviews to find the right one.

How We Chose the Best Pet Insurance Companies

As part of our methodology, we gathered sample quotes and compared the following components of each pet insurance provider:

• Plan and coverage options

• Cost and available discounts

• Annual reimbursement limits

• Policy exclusions and restrictions

• Wellness benefits

• Customer service options and claims processes

• Customer reviews

• Third-party ratings from websites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Summary of Money’s Best Pet Insurance Companies of April 2023

• ASPCA – Best Pet Insurance for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions

• Spot – Best Pet Insurance for Unlimited Coverage

• Pumpkin – Best Pet Insurance for Puppies and Kittens

• Figo – Best Pet Insurance for Reimbursement Options

• Embrace – Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs and Cats

• Pets Best – Best Pet Insurance for Treatment of Mobility Issues

• Lemonade – Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims Processing

• Trupanion – Best Pet Insurance for Direct Payment to Vets

• Nationwide – Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets

Best Pet Insurance Companies

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