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Lemonade
Spot Pet Insurance
Pets Best
Pumpkin
WagWalking.com
Embrace
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
FIGO
Metlife
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Lemonade says they are the fastest claims payment, and considering they offer hassle-free digital pet insurance run by AI, we agree. Lemonade helps cover the costs of treatments your pets need for accidents and illnesses and is actually affordable.
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Spot Pet Insurance offers flexible pet insurance policies for cats and dogs. You can opt for a standard plan that covers everything from accidents to illnesses, or choose accident-only or preventative care coverage. In addition, you get to choose your deductible, annual payout limit, and reimbursement model.
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Pets Best is one of the most established pet insurance providers on the web today. It was launched in 2005 by Dr. Jack Stephens, who actually helped to kick start the pet insurance industry some 40 years ago. Today, the Pets Best service stands out thanks to its international pet coverage and unlimited protection.
Pet insurance is a health insurance policy for pets. There are a few types of policies, including:
Each plan has benefits and drawbacks, so consider your pet's health needs, breed, and your budget when choosing coverage. The best pet insurance allows policyholders to customize annual coverage, reimbursement percentages, and deductibles.
Some pet insurance companies offer a wide range of plans, while others focus on a particular type of policy.
Wendy Hauser, DVM and veterinary advisor at ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, says: “I recommend pet owners understand different choices for percentage reimbursement, deductible levels, if there are any waiting periods, and if there are any annual or per-incident maximums.
"Additionally," she notes, "pet owners should review sample policies on the website to understand what is covered and what is excluded. Comparison tools help to highlight how provider coverage differs.”
 | Customize a plan for your pet today |
To choose the best pet insurance plan, match your pet's needs with the plan type. Younger pets may need wellness services, while older pets may need accident and illness coverage. Consider these questions when shopping for a policy:
What are my monthly premiums?
Will my premium increase each year? How is the increase determined?
Is pet wellness or dental coverage included? Is there an extra fee?
Can I file a claim using my smartphone?
How are pre-existing conditions defined?
What is/isn’t covered?
Are there waiting periods?
Are there plan discounts, including multi-pet discounts?
A high deductible policy will cost less, but you'll have higher expenses the first time you use your policy. If your budget allows, consider a lower deductible.
Most companies have waiting periods before coverage activates. For accidents and illness, it’s usually 14 days or less. For other services, like cruciate ligaments, the waiting period may be longer, such as six months.
Check for multi-pet, military, spay/neuter, annual payment, and bundling discounts.
Get a quote from multiple carriers for the same amount of coverage and deductible, then compare. You may find one cheaper than another, but look at the fine print to make sure you know precisely what you're purchasing.
The cost of pet insurance depends on the pet's age, medical history, and coverage type. On average, expect to pay between $40 and $70 a month.
The best pet insurance companies understand that no two pets’ needs are the same. Here are some of the criteria used to calculate costs:
Pet insurance costs are primarily determined by three things:
Annual maximum coverage: The higher the maximum, the higher the premium.
Reimbursement Level: Options typically range from 70% to 90% but can go lower and higher.
Deductible: Normally anywhere from $50 to $1,000. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium.
Pet insurance for a puppy or kitten will likely cost less. Over time, your monthly premium may increase as your pet ages and becomes more likely to have health issues.
In addition to your pet’s age and weight, the insurer may also look at its breed to calculate your premium. Some breeds are more prone to hereditary and congenital health problems and present more risk to the insurer.
Here are a few dog breeds that may cost more to get pet insurance for:
Cane Corso
French Bulldog
Mastiff
Newfoundland
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
When it comes to cats, these breeds will cost more to insure:
Sphynx
Himalayan
Persian
British Shorthair
Maine Coon
Sometimes one gender of animal is more likely to develop certain illnesses or diseases, or even engage in riskier behavior that might cause accidents and injury.
Because veterinarian costs vary depending on location, so can your pet insurance premium. Areas where vets charge more may have higher pet insurance rates to cover those costs.
 | Flexible plans, 24/7 healthline |
Coverage varies by company but generally includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, dental illnesses, hospitalization, cancer, prescriptions, hip dysplasia, and, in some cases, alternative treatments.
Most carriers don't cover pre-existing conditions, spaying/neutering, flea and heartworm prevention, dental cleaning, grooming, wellness visits, or prescription food. Some policies cover euthanasia, funeral costs, and behavioral treatments, but most do not. Elective procedures like tail docking and declawing are usually excluded.
Pet insurance usually works on a reimbursement basis. This means you pay the vet upfront, then file a claim to get reimbursed for eligible expenses. Some companies partner with vets to pay them directly, so you only cover the costs that aren't eligible.
There may be exclusions for age or breed, and many won't cover pre-existing conditions.
Even the best companies have waiting periods for accidents and illness, usually up to two weeks. For cruciate ligaments, it may be six months, though some insurers waive this with a vet’s note.
When shopping for the best pet insurance, see if your preferred vet is one you can visit with your policy.
It depends on your pet's needs and your budget. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and access to better care, but costs and coverage details must be evaluated carefully.
When you buy a pet insurance policy, you'll pick an annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage. These choices help determine your premium and the maximum amount you can get back yearly.
The past five years have seen significant changes in the pet health industry. According to a recent study, nearly a quarter of pet owners reported increased pet care costs in the past year, driven by inflation, higher veterinary staff wages, and the high cost of new medications. Additionally, over a third of pet owners said it would be financially challenging to pay for a minor operation for their pet.
These factors have led to increased demand for pet insurance and higher premiums, up to 20% in the last year. It's crucial for pet owners to research, compare policies, and consider the costs of pet insurance so that they're not taken advantage of.
It's worth bearing in mind that a 2022 MarketWatch Guides Team study found that 99.5% of pet owners who bought pet insurance did not regret it.
Pet insurance can provide financial support should your pet need costly exams or treatments. If you decide that pet insurance is right for you, know that not all pet insurance companies are identical, nor are policies identical. Know what you and your pet need in a policy and then compare providers to find the best policy.
PetsBest 30-day money-back guarantee is not available in NY or PA.
* Plan costs vary based on plan type, pet breed, age, and location. Prices are rounded up to the nearest whole USD.
Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, Nav, SoFi, and AllBusiness. She writes about business and personal credit, insurance, loans, and credit cards.
