September 29, 2025
Between swallowed objects, broken bones from overzealous zoomies, and the parade of first-year vaccinations and more costs really add up. And here's the catch: if your puppy develops a condition before you enroll in insurance, most providers will classify it as pre-existing and refuse to cover it.
That's why enrolling early matters so much. We researched and consulted experts on puppy insurance plans across coverage breadth, pricing, waiting periods, claims speed, and customer experience to find the plans that actually deliver for new puppy owners.
Ready to see how they stack up? Compare puppy insurance plans side by side, or keep reading for our full analysis of each provider below.
| Provider | Best For | Minimum Age | Avg. Monthly Premium ($) |
| Spot Pet Insurance | Accident-only plans | 8 weeks | $50.01 |
| Embrace | Early coverage | 6 weeks | $58.60 |
| Pets Best | Affordability | 7 weeks | $39.55 |
| Lemonade | Wellness coverage | 8 weeks | $52.54 |
| Pumpkin | Comprehensive coverage | 8 weeks | $48.98 |
| ASPCA Pet Health | Alternative therapies | 8 weeks | $51.40 |
| Fetch | Unique coverages | 6 weeks | $50.51 |
| Healthy Paws | No limits | 8 weeks | $48.37 |
| FIGO | 100% reimbursement rate | 8 weeks | $55.22 |
| CarePlus by Chewy | Prescription food and medicine | 8 weeks | $46.80 |
Puppy insurance is pet insurance designed to help offset the cost of veterinary care for young dogs. It works the same way as regular pet insurance: you pay a monthly premium, and when your puppy needs medical care, you file a claim and get reimbursed for a percentage of the vet bill. The difference? Timing matters far more with puppies than with adult dogs.
Before you start comparing plans, here's a quick breakdown of the terms you'll see on every quote page:
Why we like Spot for puppies:
If you’re on a budget but still want to lock in pet insurance for your puppy, an accident-only plan from Spot is worth exploring. It can help cover unforeseen injuries and accidents that are common among pups. Eventually, you may upgrade to an accident and illness plan that may reimburse you for alternative therapies, prescription food and supplements, and more.
Spot also offers a preventative care add-on that can come in handy for your puppy. The higher-tier Platinum option includes coverage for spay or neuter surgery, blood tests, urinalysis, and vaccines. You’ll also enjoy VetAccess, a 24/7 helpline that can connect you to a vet via chat, phone, video, or messenger any time you have a question related to your pup’s health.
Pros
No lifetime caps for accidents and illnesses
Flexible deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000
Unlimited annual coverage available, which may be important for young puppies
Cons
Doesn’t reimburse puppy parents for prescription food or supplements unless they treat a covered condition
14-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses
No option to pay vets directly
Sample puppy rates for Spot
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $19.76 | $61.47 | $35.56 | $38.93 |
Beagle | $33.96 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $55.33 |
German Shepherd | $35.31 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $55.78 |
Average | $29.68 | $76.07 | $44.30 | $50.01 |
Why we like Embrace for puppies:
While many pet insurance companies require you to wait until your puppy is eight weeks old to enroll them, Embrace accepts pups as young as 6 weeks old. The pet insurer offers a comprehensive accident and illness plan with an unlimited annual coverage option.
You may also opt for Wellness Rewards, the routine care plan that helps pay for spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and even grooming, toenail trimming, and training. Plus, you can speak to a vet at any time through online video or text through PawSupport, the 24/7 helpline.
Pros
Pays for unlimited vet visits
Healthy Pet Discount Program rewards puppy parents who don’t file claims
Access to exclusive deals for puppy-related products
Cons
Charges $25 policy activation fee
Microchipping, grooming, and spay/neuter surgery requires wellness coverage
Doesn’t serve puppy owners in Rhode Island
Sample puppy rates for Embrace
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $20.23 | $60.98 | $38.48 | $39.89 |
Beagle | $33.66 | $100.00 | $63.10 | $65.59 |
German Shepherd | $37.98 | $106.10 | $66.94 | $70.34 |
Average | $30.62 | $89.03 | $56.17 | $58.60 |
Why we like Pets Best for puppies:
Out of all of the pet insurance companies we analyzed, Pets Best has the cheapest premiums for puppy owners. Its accident and illness plan comes in three tiers, Essential, Plus and Elite so you can choose the option that caters to your particular needs. An accident-only plan is available if you’re on a budget.
If you’d like coverage for spaying/neutering and teeth cleaning, the higher-tier BestWellness add-on can be worth the extra cash. It also covers wellness exams, vaccines, diagnostic panels, and preventative meds to keep your pup healthy for years to come
Pros
Enrolls puppies as early as 7 weeks old
Unlimited coverage available
Offers low deductibles starting at $50
Cons
Exam fees are not included with basic policies
Spay/neuter surgery requires the higher-tier EssentialWellness plan
No coverage for alternative therapies, which may be useful for some puppies
Sample puppy rates for Pets Best
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $17.05 | $23.34 | $26.65 | $22.35 |
Beagle | $27.36 | $50.04 | $60.87 | $46.09 |
German Shepherd | $32.45 | $53.32 | $64.86 | $50.21 |
Average | $25.62 | $42.23 | $50.79 | $39.55 |
Why we like Lemonade for puppies:
Lemonade makes it a breeze to cover routine care services for your pup through its Preventative Package for Puppies. Specifically designed for pups, it includes wellness tests, bloodwork, flea/tick medication, spay and neuter surgery, and microchipping.
You can add it to Lemonade’s accident and illness coverage, which will reimburse you for diagnostic exams, outpatient and emergency care procedures, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription meds. Add-ons for vet visit fees, physical therapy, dental illnesses, and behavioral conditions are also available. As an added bonus, Lemonade may donate a portion of your premiums to nonprofit organizations.
Pros
Short, 2-day waiting period for injuries
Pays some claims instantly
Multi-pet, bundling, and annual payment discounts available
Cons
Doesn’t cover supplements or virtual vet visits
Only serves puppy owners in 38 states
Vet visit fees cost extra
Sample puppy rates for Lemonade
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $24.37 | $54.25 | $68.62 | $49.08 |
Beagle | $28.48 | $57.71 | $72.95 | $53.05 |
German Shepherd | $30.27 | $63.39 | $72.77 | $55.48 |
Average | $27.71 | $58.45 | $71.45 | $52.54 |
Why we like Pumpkin for puppies:
Pumpkin doesn’t skimp on coverage for puppies. In fact, its standard accident and illness plan can reimburse you for alternative therapies, behavioral problems, microchipping, prescription diets, exam fees, and other services that are likely essential for your pup. The pet insurance company also offers Preventive Essentials for Dogs and Puppies.
With this optional add-on, you can save money on the following each year: 1 annual wellness exam, 2 vaccines, 1 fecal test for intestinal worms, and 1 blood test for heartworm and tick diseases. If you prefer a standalone wellness plan for your puppy plus access to a pet helpline, Pumpkin’s subscription-based Wellness Club has you covered.
Pros
Covers alternative therapies and prescription dog food in all plans
Reimburses exam fees
High TrustPilot rating
Cons
Access to the 24/7 pet helpline requires a Wellness Club subscription
14-day waiting periods may be too long for some puppy owners
No option to pay vets directly
Sample puppy rates for Pumpkin
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $17.72 | $61.47 | $35.46 | $38.22 |
Beagle | $30.45 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $54.16 |
German Shepherd | $31.67 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $54.57 |
Average | $26.61 | $76.07 | $44.26 | $48.98 |
With the right pet insurance policy, you can save money on vet bills and help your pup lead the healthy, fulfilling life they deserve.
Why we like ASPCA Pet Health for puppies:
Some puppies might benefit from alternative therapies in addition to conventional treatments. Fortunately, ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan can make them more affordable. This accident and illness policy includes acupuncture, chiropractic care, and stem cell therapy. In addition, it may reimburse you for microchip implantation and prescription food/meds.
ASPCA’s Preventive Care add-on is also available in two tiers: Basic and Prime. With Prime, you can enjoy coverage for spaying or neutering, additional vaccines, urinalysis, and heartworm prevention. No matter which plan(s) you choose, you can log onto your member portal and access a 24/7 vet helpline to discuss your pup’s health at any time.
Pros
Standard plan pays for prescription food and supplements
Customizable accident-only coverage available for budget-friendly puppy parents
Multiple discount opportunities
Cons
Must upgrade to the Prime wellness plan to get reimbursed for spay/neuter procedures
Longer, 30-day claim processing times
Requires a phone call for an unlimited coverage quote
Sample puppy rates for ASPCA Pet Health
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $22.55 | $61.47 | $35.46 | $39.83 |
Beagle | $38.76 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $56.93 |
German Shepherd | $40.31 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $57.45 |
Average | $33.87 | $76.07 | $44.26 | $51.40 |
Why we like Fetch for puppies:
Fetch goes above and beyond for puppies with its robust plan that includes coverages that are usually unavailable or only offered as add-ons by other pet insurance companies. With a Fetch accident and illness plan, you may collect reimbursements for sick-visit exam fees, dental care, alternative treatments, behavioral therapy, and even up to $1,000 per year in online vet visits.
In addition, Fetch covers up to $1,000 annually in boarding fees if your puppy becomes hospitalized as well as advertising and rewards fees to help find your pup if they go missing. Fetch also offers three tiers of wellness plans that might make sense if you’d like to save on routine care costs.
Pros
Great value for puppy parents
Highly-rated mobile app to simplify the claim process
Processes many claims within 2 days
Cons
Maximum annual coverage limit of $15,000 may not be enough for puppies
No accident-only plans
Doesn’t cover prescription food
Sample puppy rates for Fetch
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $25.10 | $51.29 | $28.93 | $35.11 |
Beagle | $34.77 | $74.93 | $43.21 | $50.97 |
German Shepherd | $44.11 | $98.11 | $54.11 | $65.44 |
Average | $34.66 | $74.78 | $42.08 | $50.51 |
Why we like Healthy Paws for puppies:
Your puppy might require a lot of medical care in their early years of life. With pet insurance coverage from Healthy Paws, you won’t have to worry about per-incident, annual or lifetime caps on payouts. Also, if you enroll your pup before they’re 6 years old, the pet insurer will cover hip dysplasia at no additional cost.
Another notable perk is direct vet pay for approved claims, which can come in handy if you don’t want to shell out a lot of money for vet bills upfront. Additionally, the easy-to-use Healthy Paws mobile app makes it easy to manage your policy and initiate the claim process.
Pros
Includes alternative care services
Typical claim processing is 2 days
High TrustPilot rating
Cons
Requires a vet exam to secure puppy coverage
Longer, 15-day waiting period for accident claims
No wellness plans to cover routine care services for pups
Sample puppy rates for Healthy Paws
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $22.46 | $32.75 | $38.85 | $31.35 |
Beagle | $33.58 | $54.94 | $58.16 | $48.89 |
German Shepherd | $45.17 | $71.24 | $78.23 | $64.88 |
Average | $33.74 | $52.98 | $58.41 | $48.37 |
Typically, pet insurance companies offer reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%. Figo, however, is one of the only insurers with an optional 100% reimbursement rate, which can be paired with no annual limits. This is a huge perk if you want to minimize the upfront costs of puppy care as much as possible.
You can also access a vet virtually 24/7 and secure coverage for prescription medications, treatments from veterinary specialists, holistic therapies, and more. Figo’s optional Powerups might also save you money on routine care and vet exam fees which can quickly become expensive for puppy parents.
Pros
Comprehensive plan for puppies
Includes a personalized pet tag to find your pup if they go missing
Average claim processing time of 2.4 days
Cons
Puppy premiums can be expensive
Complaints about claim denials
Doesn’t cover prescription food
Sample puppy rates
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $14.96 | $38.28 | $34.18 | $29.14 |
Beagle | $28.03 | $61.51 | $53.85 | $47.79 |
German Shepherd | $29.78 | $60.63 | $60.63 | $50.35 |
Average | $24.26 | $53.47 | $49.55 | $42.42 |
Why we like CarePlus by Chewy for puppies:
Many puppies rely on prescription food and medicine to keep their health in optimal shape. CarePlus by Chewy sells pet insurance plans from Lemonade and Trupanion that may cover 100% of your pup’s prescriptions, supplements, and prescription food, as long as you buy them from Chewy.
While plan options vary, many of them offer higher reimbursement rates and unlimited annual coverage. Also, CarePlus by Chewy allows for free, unlimited vet visits with your puppy, seven days a week with most of its policies.
Pros
Some Trupanion policies allow for direct vet pay
Speedy claim processing with most plans
Offers preventative care coverage
Cons
Doesn’t issue its own pet insurance
Limited customization for puppy plans
Expensive coverage for puppies
Sample puppy rates for CarePlus by Chewy
Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix | $36.29 | $41.59 | $41.59 | $39.82 |
Beagle | $69.96 | $52.44 | $88.88 | $70.43 |
German Shepherd | $77.71 | $180.42 | $88.65 | $115.59 |
Average | $61.32 | $91.48 | $72.37 | $75.28 |
For puppies, shorter waiting periods can be especially valuable. Young dogs are prone to swallowing objects, getting into scrapes, and picking up infections during their early socialization period. Plans with 2-day accident waiting periods (like Lemonade) give you faster protection when your puppy needs it most.
Here's the single most important reason to get puppy insurance early: any condition diagnosed before your policy takes effect is classified as pre-existing and won't be covered. If your Golden Retriever is diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 10 months and you try to enroll at 11 months, that condition — and all related treatments — will be excluded from your policy.
Enrolling your puppy at 6–8 weeks, before any conditions have a chance to develop, gives you the broadest possible coverage. Most insurers accept puppies starting at 6–8 weeks old, and there's generally no upper age limit for enrollment — though premiums increase significantly as your dog ages.
It's a common misconception that you can wait until your puppy shows signs of a problem and then enroll. By that point, it's too late for that condition. Think of it like locking in your coverage window — the earlier you start, the wider that window stays open.
Some pet parents also assume their puppy's breed is "healthy," but even mixed breeds can develop unexpected conditions in their first two years. Early enrollment is the safest strategy regardless of breed.
Most pet insurance companies insure puppies as young as six to eight weeks old so that puppy parents can enjoy comprehensive protection right off the bat. While the requirements to lock in coverage vary from company to company, you can typically secure a pet insurance policy for your puppy by providing their breed, age, and basic health information.
Once you do, you may need to submit their medical records to help ensure they receive adequate coverage based on their full medical background. Medical records can also help confirm that your pup does not have pre-existing conditions that would otherwise be excluded from coverage.
Your puppy's breed plays a major role in both pricing and coverage needs. Large breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament tears — conditions that can cost $3,000–$7,000 to treat surgically. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) face higher risks of respiratory issues and overheating. Small breeds like Yorkies and Chihuahuas are more susceptible to luxating patella and dental problems.
If your puppy belongs to a breed with known hereditary conditions, look for plans that explicitly cover hereditary and congenital conditions — and enroll before any symptoms appear.
The first year of puppy ownership is typically the most expensive for veterinary care. Between initial vaccinations (DHPP, rabies, bordetella), spay or neuter surgery, flea/tick prevention, deworming, and multiple wellness exams, most puppy owners spend $1,000–$3,000 on vet care before their pup's first birthday [AVMA, 2025]. Add in the risk of accidents — puppies under one year old are the most likely pets to swallow foreign objects or sustain injuries from falls — and it's easy to see why insurance makes the most financial sense during this period.
In fact, a recent BestMoney survey found that 68% of pet owners have faced unexpected vet costs, highlighting just how common these "unplanned" expenses are for the average household.
Without insurance, an emergency bill hits your wallet in full. With a plan that reimburses at 80% after a $250 deductible, your share drops to a fraction of that total. For most puppy owners, the math is straightforward: the premiums you pay in year one are likely less than the cost of one moderate emergency.
Puppy insurance plans generally fall into two categories: accident-only and comprehensive (accident and illness). Deciding between them is the first major choice most new puppy owners face.
Accident-only plans cover injuries like broken bones, swallowed objects, and bite wounds. They're significantly cheaper — often $15–$35 per month — but leave you responsible for illness costs. If your puppy develops parvovirus, a urinary tract infection, or a hereditary condition, you'll pay out of pocket.
Comprehensive plans cover both accidents and illnesses, including infections, chronic conditions, hereditary issues, and emergency surgery. Monthly premiums typically range from $40–$80 for puppies, but the financial protection is substantially broader. Most plans also allow you to add wellness coverage for routine care like vaccinations and spay/neuter.
For most puppy owners, we recommend starting with a comprehensive plan. Puppies are vulnerable to both accidents and illnesses in their first year, and the cost difference between the two plan types is often $20–$40 per month — roughly the cost of one bag of premium puppy food. If budget is the primary concern, an accident-only plan from Spot provides a meaningful safety net while keeping monthly costs low.
To zero in on the best pet insurance plans for puppies, our team researched insurers that cover pups. We pulled real quotes, read the fine print on every policy, and evaluated each provider against the criteria that matter most to new puppy owners. From there, we focused on minimum age requirements and these categories:
Availability: We evaluated the geographic presence of each pet insurer. Some pet insurance companies serve puppy parents in all 50 states while others are only available in select states.
Costs: We focused on affordable puppy insurance rates as pup ownership doesn’t come cheap. To do so, our team pulled real-time quotes for puppies of various breeds and in different locations.
Claims process: We assessed the claim filing process of each pet insurance company. Our team researched average turnaround times and filing options.
Customer service: We researched how long each pet insurance company has been in business. Then, we looked at reviews from reputable third-party review sites like TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
We also consulted independent customer review data from TrustPilot, BBB, and state insurance department complaint databases to gauge real-world policyholder experiences. No insurer paid for placement or influenced their ranking on this list. BestMoney earns commissions from some of the providers featured here, but our editorial team evaluates every provider independently based on the criteria above.
>>>> Learn more about how we rate and review pet insurers.
As you search for the right puppy insurance policy, here are the features and factors that matter most for protecting your new pup.
"Puppies are naturally curious and can be prone to accidents, so coverage for unexpected injuries, infections, and illnesses is essential," explains Amber Batteiger, Pet Insurance Expert at BestMoney. You may save money with an accident-only plan, but an accident and illness policy provides far more comprehensive protection — covering everything from ear infections and digestive issues to broken bones and cancer treatment.
For most puppy owners, an accident and illness plan is the foundation. It's what protects you from the $2,000–$5,000 emergency bills that can happen without warning [NAPHIA, 2025]. If your puppy swallows a foreign object, tears a ligament during play, or develops a sudden illness, this is the coverage that kicks in.
Accident-only plans exist for budget-conscious puppy parents, but they leave you exposed to illness costs — and puppies are susceptible to everything from parvovirus to urinary tract infections in their first year. Unless your budget truly can't accommodate a full accident and illness plan, we recommend starting with comprehensive coverage and adjusting your deductible to manage the monthly cost.
"Many breeds are predisposed to genetic conditions that may not appear until adulthood," says Batteiger. Fortunately, some pet insurance companies cover these conditions as long as they are not pre-existing. This is one of the most important features for puppy owners, because enrolling your pup early ensures these conditions are covered when they eventually surface.
Common hereditary conditions to watch for include:
Hip dysplasia: Especially common in Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Surgical treatment can cost $3,500–$7,000 per hip [NAPHIA, 2025].
Luxating patella: Frequently seen in small breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians. Surgery ranges from $1,500–$3,000 per knee [NAPHIA, 2025].
Heart murmurs: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Boxers are particularly susceptible. Diagnostic workups and ongoing treatment can exceed $2,000 annually [AVMA, 2025].
If your puppy's breed is prone to any of these, make sure your plan explicitly includes hereditary and congenital condition coverage — and verify there are no per-condition caps that would limit your reimbursement for expensive, ongoing treatments.
Enrolling your puppy before symptoms appear is the single most effective way to ensure hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia are covered. I recommend getting quotes within the first two weeks of bringing your puppy home.
Flexibility with deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits can allow you to find a puppy plan that aligns with your budget. Most pet insurers make it easy to play around with different options to see how your premium changes.
Here's a general rule of thumb: a higher deductible means lower monthly payments but more out of pocket when you file a claim. An 80% reimbursement rate is the most common default, but many plans offer 70% (lower premiums) or 90% (higher premiums, less out of pocket per claim). For puppies, we generally recommend at least $10,000 in annual coverage with an 80% reimbursement rate — that's enough to handle most emergencies without paying for more coverage than you're likely to need.
Most insurers also let you adjust your settings at renewal, so you're not locked into your initial choices forever. If your puppy has a healthy first year and you want to lower your premium, you can increase your deductible. If you want more protection as your pup grows, you can raise your annual limit or reimbursement rate. The key is finding a starting configuration that gives you genuine peace of mind without straining your monthly budget.
"Puppies require frequent vet visits for vaccinations, parasite prevention, and early screenings," explains Batteiger. Adding wellness coverage to a standard pet insurance policy can help manage these routine costs, which typically run $200–$500 per year for a puppy [AVMA, 2025]. Most wellness add-ons cover some combination of annual exams, vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping.
Whether wellness coverage is worth the extra cost depends on your situation. If you're already planning to spend $400+ on first-year routine care (which most puppy owners are), a wellness add-on priced at $15–$30 per month can break even or save you money. If your puppy's routine care needs are minimal, you may be better off paying out of pocket. One approach we recommend: add up what you'd spend on vaccinations, spay/neuter, and at least two wellness exams in the first year, then compare that total against the annual cost of a wellness add-on. If the add-on is within 10–15% of what you'd pay anyway, it's usually worth the convenience and predictability of a single monthly payment.
If you want to learn more about what preventative care can do for your pet, check out our guide on pet insurance preventive care or explore the best pet wellness plans for a side-by-side comparison. You may also want to know whether pet insurance covers vaccinations — the answer depends on your plan type.
Puppy insurance doesn't have to break the bank. Many insurers offer discounts that can lower your premiums by 5%–15%:
Multi-pet discounts: If you have more than one pet, most insurers offer 5%–10% off each additional policy. This adds up fast if you're a multi-dog household.
Annual pay discounts: Paying your premium for the full year upfront can save you 5%–10% compared to monthly billing.
Military and first-responder discounts: Some providers (including Embrace and Pets Best) offer discounts for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.
Employer partnerships: Check whether your employer offers pet insurance as a voluntary benefit — group rates are often lower than individual quotes.
Healthy pet programs: Embrace's Healthy Pet Discount reduces your premium if you go a year without filing a claim.
For more ways to keep costs down, see our roundup of the most affordable pet insurance providers for 2026.
The cost of puppy insurance varies greatly and depends on your location, your pup's age, their breed, the coverage level you select, and the insurance company you choose.
Here's a real-world example of what puppy insurance looks like in practice:
Scenario: 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy swallows a corn cob
Without Insurance | With Insurance (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible) | |
Emergency vet visit + X-ray | $800 | $800 |
Endoscopy to remove object | $2,400 | $2,400 |
Overnight monitoring | $600 | $600 |
Total vet bill | $3,800 | $3,800 |
Insurance reimbursement | $0 | -$2,840 |
Your out-of-pocket cost | $3,800 | $960 |
On average, puppy insurance plans run between $39 and $76 per month based on the providers we tested. Here's how pricing varies by breed and coverage level:
Breed | Accident-Only | Accident & Illness | Accident, Illness & Wellness |
Mixed Breed (small) | $15–$25/mo | $30–$45/mo | $45–$65/mo |
Labrador Retriever | $20–$35/mo | $45–$65/mo | $60–$85/mo |
French Bulldog | $25–$40/mo | $55–$80/mo | $70–$100/mo |
Golden Retriever | $20–$35/mo | $45–$70/mo | $60–$90/mo |
Ranges based on quotes for 8-week-old puppies with a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement.
It's a good idea to shop around and explore all your options so you can find coverage that fits your budget. The earlier you enroll, the lower your premiums tend to be — and the fewer exclusions you'll face down the road.
Keep in mind that premiums increase as your dog ages, so locking in a policy while your puppy is young gives you the lowest possible starting rate.
Many insurers also adjust pricing based on breed, ZIP code, and the coverage options you select — so two puppy parents in different cities with different breeds may see very different quotes for the same plan. That's why we recommend getting at least 3–4 quotes before committing to any single provider.
For most new puppy owners, enrolling in a comprehensive insurance plan early is the smartest financial move you can make. Puppies are unpredictable, vet bills are expensive, and the cost of waiting is that any condition your pup develops in the meantime becomes a permanent exclusion from coverage.
The right plan depends on your puppy's breed, your budget, and the coverage that gives you peace of mind. Don't wait until your puppy develops a condition that gets classified as pre-existing — the cost of waiting is almost always higher than the cost of enrolling early.
Most owners should aim for at least $5,000–$10,000 in annual coverage.
This usually covers emergencies and illnesses. For higher-risk breeds, unlimited coverage offers more peace of mind.
Yes — puppies are more accident-prone and develop conditions early.
Insurance helps cover costly vet bills, and enrolling young prevents exclusions for hereditary or chronic issues.
Beyond just medical peace of mind, insurance protects your financial health. A recent BestMoney survey found that nearly 50% of pet owners would have to rely on debt (like credit cards or loans) to cover a $2,000 emergency vet bill. Insurance ensures you can make medical decisions based on your pup's needs rather than your bank account balance
It depends on your needs: Pets Best for affordability, Healthy Paws for unlimited coverage, and Lemonade for wellness care.
Each company has unique strengths, so the best choice depends on budget and coverage priorities.
An accident and illness plan is best for most puppies.
It provides broad coverage for emergencies and illnesses, with optional wellness add-ons for vaccines, spay/neuter, and preventive care.
No, but it’s highly recommended.
While not required, pet insurance can save thousands on unexpected vet bills and helps ensure your puppy gets the care they need.
As early as possible, ideally 6–8 weeks old.
Enrolling young locks in coverage before conditions develop, keeping premiums lower and coverage more comprehensive.
As pet owners, we all want our furry companions to live long, happy lives. Pet insurance preventive care is one of the best ways to ensure this.
Read More
Pet wellness plans are suitable if you want to reduce the risk of unforeseen veterinary care.
Read More
While standard policies focus on accidents and illnesses, many owners are surprised to learn that preventive care like vaccines isn’t automatically included.
Read MoreAnna Baluch is an insurance and finance expert at BestMoney.com. With over a decade of writing experience, she specializes in insurance, banking, mortgages, personal loans, and retirement planning. Her work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Newsweek, Fox Business, Credit Karma, Insurify, and Realtor.com. Anna holds a bachelor’s in marketing from Northwood University and an MBA from Roosevelt University. Her goal is to empower consumers to make smart financial decisions.
