With the right pet insurance policy, you can save money on vet bills and help your pup lead the healthy, fulfilling life they deserve.
To take the guesswork out of puppy pet insurance, the BestMoney team did the heavy lifting for you. We’ve uncovered this list of the best pet insurance companies for puppies, based on factors, such as cost, coverage levels, availability, claims process, and customer service.
Puppy Pet Insurance at a Glance
Lemonade stands out for its puppy-specific wellness plans, while Spot is a solid pick for cost-conscious puppy owners in search of accident-only coverage.
Embrace accepts puppies as young as 6 weeks old and Pets Best offers the lowest premiums for puppy insurance.
While Pumpkin’s provides robust coverage, ASPCA Pet Health covers alternative therapies, which may be important for some pups.
Fetch offers unique coverages you might not find elsewhere and Healthy Paws doesn’t impose any annual or lifetime limits.
Figo lets you choose a 100% reimbursement rate on puppy insurance whereas CarePlus by Chewy can reimburse 100% of your pup’s prescription food and meds.
Comparing the Best Pet Insurance for Puppies
Insurer | Best for | Minimum Age Requirement | Average Puppy Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
Wellness coverage | 8 weeks old | $52.54 | |
Accident-only plans | 8 weeks old | $50.01 | |
Early coverage | 6 weeks old | $58.60 | |
Affordability | 7 weeks old | $39.55 | |
Comprehensive coverage | 8 weeks old | $48.98 | |
Alternative therapies | 8 weeks old | $51.40 | |
Unique coverages | 6 weeks old | $50.51 | |
No limits | 8 weeks old | $48.37 | |
100% reimbursement rate | 8 weeks old | $42.42 | |
Prescription food and medicine | 8 weeks old | $75.28 |
*Sample prices are based on quotes for an 8-week-old male puppy.
A Closer Look at the Best Puppy Insurance Plans
1. Lemonade – Best for wellness coverage
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 |
2. Spot – Best for accident-only plans
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 |
3. Embrace – Best for getting covered as early as possible
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 |
4. Pets Best – Best for its plan affordability
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 |
5. Pumpkin – Best for comprehensive coverage options
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 |
6. ASPCA Pet Health – Best for alternative therapy options
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 |
7. Fetch – Best for their unique coverage options
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 |
8. Healthy Paws – Best for no limits
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 |
9. Figo – Best for its 100% reimbursement rate
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 |
10. CarePlus by Chewy – Best for their prescription food and medicine
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 |
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Puppy Insurance
To zero in on the best pet insurance plans for puppies, our team researched insurers who cover pups. From there, we focused on minimum age requirements and these categories:
Coverage terms: We looked at the different puppy insurance coverages offered by each pet insurance company, including accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness policies. Our team also considered deductibles, annual limits, and reimbursement rates.
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).
Learn more about how we rate and review pet insurers.
What Is Puppy Insurance?
Puppy insurance is designed to help offset the cost of vet bills for puppies.
“Puppy insurance is the same as regular pet insurance, but it’s always a good idea to enroll a puppy when they are young to ensure they are covered before any medical issues arise,” says Amber Batteiger, PR and communications manager at Embrace.
Since pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, enrolling early helps secure coverage for hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions that may develop later in life. “Puppies may also be prone to accidents and illnesses as they explore their new world, making early coverage essential,” adds Batteiger.
Puppy Pet Insurance Requirements
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 by insurer, many will ask that you take your pup to the vet for a medical exam.
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 doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions as many insurers do not cover them.
How Much Is Pet Insurance for a New Puppy?
The cost of puppy insurance varies greatly and depends on a number of factors, such as your location, the age of your pup, their breed, the coverage level you select and the pet insurance company you buy from. Optional add-ons and discounts will also play a role in pricing for pup insurance.
On average, however, puppy insurance plans run between $43.00 and $76.00 per month. It’s a good idea to shop around and explore all your options so that you can find the best coverage for your budget and the particular needs of your pup.
Key Features of Good Puppy Insurance
As you search for the ideal puppy insurance policy, be sure to look for these important features.
Accident and illness coverage
“Puppies are naturally curious and can be prone to accidents, so coverage for unexpected injuries, infections, and illnesses is essential,” explains Batteiger. You may save money with an accident-only plan but depending on the nature and health of your pup, an accident and illness policy might make more sense.
Hereditary and congenital condition coverage
“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.
No per-condition limits
“Some pet insurers cap how much they’ll pay for a specific condition over the pet’s lifetime,” explains Batteiger. The good news is many pet insurance companies have no per-condition limits, ensuring continuous coverage.
Customizable plans
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 coverage options via their website quote tools so you can zero in on the best coverage that fits with your budget.
Wellness coverage
Routine care services like vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and flea/tick prevention are essential if you’d like to take a proactive approach to your pup’s health. Many pet insurance companies offer wellness coverage you can add onto an accident-only or accident and illness plan.
How to Find the Best Insurance for Your Puppy
These tips can simplify your search for the ideal puppy insurance plan:
Enroll early
Don’t wait to secure a puppy insurance plan! “Signing up as soon as possible ensures that hereditary conditions aren’t classified as pre-existing, locking in the most comprehensive coverage,” says Batteiger. Early enrollment can also help you save on premiums.
Read the fine print
Some insurers exclude common breed-specific conditions or have per-condition limits.
Reviewing the fine print before you move forward with a puppy insurance plan can help avoid unexpected exclusions and the hefty costs that come with them.
Consider wellness coverage
“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.
Look for discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for enrolling multiple pets or for military families or veterinary employees. Find out which discounts apply to you and take advantage of them when you enroll. A 5% or 10% discount can make a difference in your rates.
Ask your vet
There’s a good chance your vet is familiar with pet insurance companies for puppies. Don’t hesitate to ask them for some recommendations. They know your pup and their unique needs and can help you narrow down your options.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Best Type of Pet Insurance for a Puppy?
The best pet insurance for a puppy is usually an accident and illness plan. It typically offers comprehensive coverage, which is important in the early years of a puppy’s life.
Do I Need Insurance for a Puppy?
Puppy insurance is not a requirement or a necessity. However, it’s usually a smart investment, especially if you want to save some cash and avoid the high costs on unexpected and routine vet bills.
At What Age Should You Get Your Dog Pet Insurance?
It’s in your best interest to enroll your puppy in a pet insurance plan as early as possible. Most pet insurers accept puppies as young as 6, 7 and 8 weeks old.
