Like so many other current costs of living, veterinarian bills for pets have been spiraling upwards. They increased by 10% in 2022 thanks to vets’ staffing costs, the price of medical supplies, lab-testing fees, and advanced drugs. The average annual cost in 2022 of vet visits for homes with a dog was $362, and $321 for those with a cat, according to an American Veterinary Medical Association report.
If you’re a pet owner—roughly 66% of U.S. households are—buying pet insurance may help defray the costs of healthcare for your furry (or feathered or scaly) friend. It helps to know which pet insurance companies offer the best deals for your wallet and Max, your yellow Labrador, or Bella, your Siamese cat. (Most people own a dog or cat, with fish and birds coming in a distant third and fourth, respectively, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.)
Only two states—California and Maine—currently have laws on the books that specifically govern pet insurance. But in 2022, in response to increasing pet ownership and a burgeoning pet insurance marketplace, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) developed a model law to create clear, consistent rules for pet insurance offerings. It spells out consumer protections for things such as rules for pre-existing conditions, disclosures of waiting periods before insurance takes effect, and renewals.
Since only Maine has adopted this model law, it’s more important than ever that you read and understand an insurer’s fine print before you sign up for a policy. We’ve done a lot of the legwork for you here, but keep in mind that things like your dog or cat’s breed and age, and your zip code, will factor into the cost and best pick of pet insurance for you. It’s also important to know what pet insurance companies do and do not cover. In the latter category, generally speaking, are pre-existing conditions, cremation and burial costs, pregnancy and breeding, and cosmetic procedures.
Featured Partner
Embrace Pet Insurance
Featured Partner
Embrace Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
Upper age limit: 15 years
Max annual coverage
$5,000 to unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$200 to $1,000 per year
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Best pet insurance companies compared 2024
| Insurance company | Best for | Pet age restrictions | Max annual coverage | Reimbursem*nt rates | Deductible choices | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lemonade Pet Insurance | Add-ons to basic coverage | Upper age limit: 14 years | $5,000 to $100,000 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $100 to $500 per year | 30 days |
Embrace Pet Insurance | Pet wellness plan | No upper age limit | $3,000, to $10,000 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $100, $250, or $500 per year | 30 days |
ASPCA Pet Insurance | Covering horses as well as cats and dogs | No upper age limit | $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $100, $250, or $500 per year | 30 days |
Metlife Pet Insurance | No upper age limit | No upper age limit | $2,000 to $10,000 | 50%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% | $50 to $500 or $2,500 per year | 14 days |
Fetch Pet Insurance | Puppies and kittens | Lower age limit: 6 weeks; no upper age limit | $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $250, $300, or $500 per year | 30 days |
Pets Best Insurance | Direct payment to vets | No upper age limit | $5,000 to unlimited | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $50 to $1,000 | 30 days |
Pawp Pet Insurance | Personalized pet care | No upper age limit | $3,000 for emergency care | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
Spot Pet Insurance | Annual coverage options | No upper age limit | $2,500 to unlimited | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $100 to $1,000 per year | 30 days |
Trupanion Pet Insurance | Prescription foods and supplements | Upper age limit: 14 years | Unlimited | 90.00% | $0 to $1,000 (in $5 increments), per condition | 30 days |
Odie Pet Insurance | Pet owners on a budget | No upper age limit | $5,000, $10,000, or $40,000 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | $50 to $1,000 in small increments | 30 days |
Nationwide Pet Insurance | Covering exotic pets | No upper age limit | $10,000 for Whole Pet plan | 50% or 70% | $100 or $250 | 10 days |
Figo Pet Insurance | 100% reimbursem*nt rate | No upper age limit | $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% | $100 to $1,500 per year (depending on pet’s age) | 30 days |
Our recommendations for best pet insurance company
Here is a closer look at each of the pet insurance carriers and what they offer.
Best for add-ons to basic coverage: Lemonade Insurance Company
Add-ons to base coverage
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Add-ons to base coverage
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, or unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
Deductible choices
$100 to $1,500 per year (depending on pet’s age)
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Although Lemonade has just one plan for both accidents and illness, it has more add-on options than most other companies listed here. The basics include diagnostic tests, surgery, injections for covered conditions, prescription medications, and much more. For a fee, you can add extras that include vet-visit fees, acupuncture, tooth extractions, therapy for behavioral problems, a wellness exam, once-yearly blood work, vaccines, and boosters. Or, you can add a care package for a puppy or kitten, which includes microchipping.
By the end of 2024, waiting periods will be 14 days for illness and 30 days for orthopedic conditions—and no waiting period for accidents. (Changes begin with new and renewal policies in Mississippi, New Hampshire, Washington, and Nebraska and will roll out nationally; check your policy for current rules). One downside: Lemonade insurance is only sold in 37 states and the District of Columbia.
The maximum annual coverage ranges from $5,000 to a high of $100,000. Reimbursem*nt rates are 70%, 80%, or 90%; and deductibles range from $100 to $500 a year. A bonus: You can get a 10% discount on your pet insurance if you bundle it with Lemonade’s homeowners, renters, or car insurance. You can also get a 5% discount for adding another pet and a 5% discount if you pay your premium annually instead of monthly.
Best for pet wellness plan: Embrace
Pet wellness plan
Embrace Pet Insurance
Pet wellness plan
Embrace Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
Upper age limit: 15 years
Max annual coverage
$5,000 to unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$200 to $1,000 per year
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Embrace pet insurance covers the usual issues—namely, unexpected illnesses and accidents. But where the company really shines it with its wellness plans designed to keep pets healthy and reduce the likelihood of preventable illness.
Embrace offers a flexible pet wellness plan that covers vaccination, spay or neuter surgery, annual wellness exams, preventative medications, grooming, teeth cleaning, training, and even massage therapy. The wellness plan is a reimbursem*nt plan, which means you’ll need to submit a claim. You can choose between three annual reimbursem*nt amounts ($250, $450, and $650) to suit your budget and your pet’s anticipated needs. Opting for a wellness plan can help you budget more easily for preventative care, rather than having to pay a hefty vet bill when you take your pet in for their annual visit.
Additional perks of opting for an Embrace pet insurance plan include a wide range of maximum annual coverage amounts (up to unlimited) and deductible choices ranging from $200 to $1,000. These choices make Embrace a good choice for pet owners with a variety of budgets.
Best for covering horses: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Covering horses as well as cats and dogs
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Covering horses as well as cats and dogs
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$3,000, to $10,000
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, or $500 per year
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Most pet insurance plans are limited to dogs and cats, but if you own a horse, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, an established, well-known brand, offers plans for accidents and illness. Both types include colic (a common problem for horses), and you can add on preventive care. Its coverage for dogs and cats includes an accident-only plan, its most affordable option. Also available: Complete Coverage, which pays for both accidents and illness—from arthritis and hip dysplasia to behavioral disorders, cancer, and even hereditary conditions that may not show up until later in a pet’s life—as well as alternative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. The waiting period for accident coverage is 14 days.
There are also two levels of add-on coverage that pay for such expenses as wellness exams, vaccines, and dental cleanings, but no stand-alone wellness plan. A plus: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance policies cover microchip implantation to help locate a lost dog or cat. Annual deductibles range from $100 to $500, annual coverage limits range from $3,000 to $10,000 (on the low side), and reimbursem*nt rates are 70% to 90%. ASPCA offers insurance in all 50 states and gives a 10% discount when you insure more than one pet.
Best for a family plan for multiple pets: Metlife All Pets Insurance
Family plan—one policy for multiple pets
Metlife Pet Insurance
Family plan—one policy for multiple pets
Metlife Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$2,000 to $10,000
Reimbursem*nt rates
Up to 90%
Deductible choices
$50 to $500 per year
Money-back guarantee
14 days
Metlife has been in the insurance business for more than 150 years. In 2019 it brought PetFirst, a pet insurance company in business since 2004, under the MetLife umbrella. It offers one comprehensive accident and illness plan as well as a preventive care plan for services such as dental cleanings, bloodwork, and microchipping for an additional monthly payment. The waiting period for accidents is the best of this group—coverage starts at midnight the day you sign up—while its illness coverage waiting period is a more typical 14 days.
If you have multiple pets, Metlife is the only insurer that lets you cover up to three of them on one policy with a shared deductible. Deductibles range from a low of $50 to $500 per year, with annual limits of $2,000 to $10,000 and reimbursem*nt rates up to 90%. (Reimbursem*nt rates may be 50% for MetGen underwritten policies and 65% for IAIC underwritten policies.)
Best for puppies and kittens: Fetch
Puppies and kittens
Fetch Pet Insurance
Puppies and kittens
Fetch Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
Lower age limit: 6 weeks; no upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$250, $300, or $500 per year
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Most pet insurance providers won’t cover animals under eight to 12 weeks old, but Fetch offers coverage to puppies and kittens as young as six weeks. In addition, there’s no maximum age limit, so you can cover your pet using Fetch for almost their entire lives.
In addition to covering young animals, Fetch covers exam fees for sick visits and has a waiting period as short as five days for claims, which means you’ll receive claim approval quickly. Fetch also offers up to a 10% discount on premiums for pets adopted from a shelter or rescue, members of AARP, veterans and active military members, and veterinary staff, allowing certain pet owners to save even more on their premiums. Fetch claims that its average monthly premiums are $35 for dogs and $20 for cats, which is already relatively affordable even before discounts are applied.
Best for direct payment to vets: Pets Best Pet Health Insurance
Direct payment to vets
Pets Best Insurance
Direct payment to vets
Pets Best Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$5,000 or unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$50 to $1,000
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Pets Best Pet Health Insurance, started by veterinarian Jack Stephens in 2005, offers pet owners the option of direct reimbursem*nt to vets, which can help reduce the worry of a big bill. The company offers two policies: accident only and accident and illness with three levels of care (Essential, Plus, and Elite, which is the most comprehensive). It also sells two optional plans for routine care such as annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more: BestWellness and EssentialWellness, which has higher reimbursem*nt levels.
Deductibles for Pets Best are $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, and $1000. The maximum annual coverage is either $5,000 or unlimited; and reimbursem*nt rates are 70%, 80%, and 90%. Waiting periods are three days for accidents and 14 days for illness. Pets Best Pet Health Insurance also has 24/7 vet support, which can be a comfort for those middle-of-the-night cat or dog emergencies.
Best for personalized pet care: Pawp
Personalized pet care
Pawp Pet Insurance
Personalized pet care
Pawp Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$3,000 for emergency care
Reimbursem*nt rates
N/A
Deductible choices
N/A
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Pawp is an alternative option to traditional pet insurance. For a monthly subscription fee, you get access to 24/7 virtual vet care, unlimited visits, ongoing care reminders, and outcome-based care plans. Pawp personalizes each plan based on the specific pet, so you won’t need to worry that you’ll be paying for coverage that your pet doesn’t need.
Pawp also has an emergency fund that offers reimbursem*nt of up to $3,000 on one emergency medical bill. It’s important to note that you can only make one claim per year on the emergency fund, and that limit applies to all pets in your household (up to six total), so if you have more than one emergency in a year you’ll be on the hook for the second bill. However, if you do need to make an emergency fund claim, you can do so easily using the Pawp app; if approved, you’ll receive reimbursem*nt up to $3,000 to help cover the emergency vet bill.
Best for annual coverage options: Spot
Annual coverage options
Spot Pet Insurance
Annual coverage options
Spot Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$2,500 to unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$100 to $1,000 per year
Money-back guarantee
30 days
For pet owners on a budget, having a broad range of coverage options is an important factor when choosing a pet insurance provider. Spot has annual coverage options for as little as $2,500 up to unlimited coverage, with in-between options of $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000. This wide selection means you can opt for the coverage that best suits your pet’s needs and your budget without worrying that you’re overpaying for coverage you don’t need.
Spot has available reimbursem*nt rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%, which is comparable to other pet insurance providers. You can also choose deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000, so you can choose to have a lower premium in exchange for a higher deductible or vice versa. You can also view a sample policy before signing up, so you can get an idea of the terms and conditions surrounding coverage.
Best for 100% reimbursem*nt rate: Figo Pet Insurance
100% reimbursem*nt rate
Figo Pet Insurance
100% reimbursem*nt rate
Figo Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, or unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
Deductible choices
$100 to $1,500 per year (depending on pet’s age)
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Figo Pet Insurance has been around since 2013, when Rusty Sproat founded it in Chicago. One of Figo’s biggest pluses: It has reimbursem*nt rates of 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% (this last is unusual for pet insurance plans). That, along with an unlimited annual coverage option (as well as $5,000 and $10,000) and deductibles that range from $100 to $1,500 (depending on the age of your pet—higher amounts are for older pets), lets you come up with a more customized plan. Monthly plan premiums are based on these factors as well as your pet’s species, breed, age, gender, and location.
Figo also offers add-on packages called “powerups” for routine care like vaccines, annual exams, and diagnostic tests. Waiting periods are one day for accidents—better than most other insurers—and 14 days for illness, which is more standard. And there is no upper age limit for coverage, though be advised that older animals cost more to insure. Also note that Figo’s plans cover both illness and injuries; some other insurers offer accident-only plans.
If you want to connect with local pet owners (and manage your account and claims), consider downloading the Figo Pet Cloud app. Want to change your mind about coverage? You have 30 days to get your money back. Figo plans are available in all 50 states.
Best for covering exotic pets: Nationwide Pet Insurance
Covering exotic pets
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Covering exotic pets
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$10,000 for Whole Pet plan
Reimbursem*nt rates
50% or 70%
Deductible choices
$100 or $250
Money-back guarantee
10 days
If you want coverage for your exotic bird or iguana (or a range of small animals, including ferrets, chinchillas, potbellied pigs, rabbits, and turtles), you may want to turn to Nationwide, a company based in Brea, Calif. Pricing and coverage of exotics depends on the species and the animal’s medical history. It provides Whole Pet, Major Medical, and Wellness plans, although wellness plans are not available in all states). Nationwide offers 10% off when you insure four or more pets. Waiting times are 14 days for all of its plans.
Maximum annual coverage is $10,000 and the reimbursem*nt percentages are limited to 50% and 70%. However, for Major Medical plans there is a set annual cap for each condition. Nationwide recommends enrolling a pet before age eight to get the best coverage options. As the name indicates, insurance is available in all 50 states.
Best for pet owners on a budget: Odie Pet Insurance
Pet owners on a budget
Odie Pet Insurance
Pet owners on a budget
Odie Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
No upper age limit
Max annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, or $40,000
Reimbursem*nt rates
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$50 to $1,000 in small increments
Money-back guarantee
30 days
A newcomer to the pet insurance marketplace, Odie launched in 2020 and is headquartered in Agoura Hills, Calif. It has accident-and-illness and accident-only plans with lower-than-average premiums for dogs and cats in every state except Alaska. Wellness add-ons for preventive care—a Basic Plan and a Plus Plan, which pays out more for services like spaying and teeth cleaning—are also available.
Odie’s deductibles range from $50 to $1,000, with many options in between, which can lower your premiums. The trade-off for lower prices: The plans aren’t generally as comprehensive as those of other insurers. Maximum annual coverage depends on your plan and ranges from $5,000 to $40,000, and reimbursem*nt rates are 70%, 80%, and 90%. Odie also has a multi-pet discount of 5% when you enroll more than one pet. Two downsides: While many pet insurers provide electronic reimbursem*nt, Odie’s sends a check through the mail, and there’s no mobile app for account management.
Best for prescription foods and supplements: Trupanion
Prescription foods and supplements
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Prescription foods and supplements
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Pet age restrictions
Upper age limit: 14 years
Max annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursem*nt rates
90.00%
Deductible choices
$0 to $1,000 (in $5 increments), per condition
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Unlike many pet insurers, Trupanion, which was started in Canada in 2000, will cover foods, supplements, and herbal treatments, provided a licensed vet prescribes them for a specific condition. In addition, the insurer offers a rider that covers illness/injuries related to breeding. Also uncommon: Coverage can start at birth (most other companies begin coverage when dogs or cats are eight weeks old).
There is no maximum annual limit—it is unlimited. The reimbursem*nt rate is 90%, and while there are numerous deductible choices, they are by condition, not by plan. Trupanion also has a direct-to-vets payment feature for partner veterinarians. Waiting periods are five days for accidents and 30 days for illness, which are longer than most other insurers’ waiting times. In addition, there is no wellness option—Trupanion’s focus is unexpected illness or injury, not expenses that a consumer can plan for, like vaccinations—or multi-pet discount.
Methodology
TIME Stamped is dedicated to providing consumers with thorough reviews of pet insurance companies. We scanned news sources and the data that companies provide to glean plan options, deductions, and limits in order to make sure users have the information they need to make the right decisions for their pets and their families.
What is the average cost of pet insurance?
According to North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) statistics, in 2022 the average annual premium for a dog was $640.04 for accident-and-injury insurance and $200.58 for accident-only coverage. Those translate to monthly costs of $53.34 and $16.70, respectively. The average annual premium for a cat in 2022, per NAPHIA, was $387.01 for accident-and-injury insurance and $122.19 for accident-only coverage, or monthly costs of $32.25 and $10.18, respectively. In the U.S. 3.89 million dogs and just under 1 million cats were insured in 2022, according to NAPHIA.
How are pet insurance costs determined?
Age
Younger pets are much less expensive to insure than older ones, which are prone to health issues. Plus, treating aging pets is more expensive. Also, for most pet insurance, as your pet ages, your premiums will rise.
Species
Prices will vary depending on what species you are insuring, whether a dog, a cat, a horse, or an exotic pet. Dogs, for instance, tend to be more expensive to insure than cats because cats generally have fewer health issues.
Breed
Breeds have varying susceptibility to health problems; these are factored into the cost of insurance. For instance, golden and labrador retrievers tend to develop hip dysplasia, and short-snouted breeds like bulldogs are at greater risk of having breathing problems, dental disease, and other health issues.
Where you live
Your premiums are determined, in part, by where you live. If your location has a higher cost of living and higher vet fees, your premiums will be more expensive.
Type of plan
The type of plan factors into the cost of your pet’s insurance. Accident-only plans generally cost less than accident-and-illness plans.
Deductibles and reimbursem*nt rates
The deductible and reimbursem*nt rate of the plan you choose will affect your premiums. If you have a low deductible, your premiums will be higher since insurance will kick in sooner. Just the opposite is true if your deductible is high—your premiums will be lower, but you’ll also have to pay more up front before your insurance pays a claim. As for the reimbursem*nt rate you choose, a low reimbursem*nt rate will keep your premiums lower, and a high one will make premiums higher.
Benefit limits
Policies that are unlimited or have higher benefit limits are usually more expensive than those with lower benefit limits.
How to select the best pet insurance company for you
First, look into the coverage options that are available. These include accidents and injuries, illnesses, hereditary and congenital disorders, chronic conditions, behavioral problems, prescription medications, surgery and hospitalizations, and diagnostic testing. It’s important to know your breed’s specific health risks and look for a plan that offers coverage for the ones that your pet may be more likely to experience over its lifetime.
Next, make sure you know what the exclusions and limitations are in terms of how a policy can be used. Pay attention to what is spelled out regarding pre-existing conditions, breed-specific exclusions, age limitations, waiting periods, maximum benefit amounts, and deductibles and copayments. Some of these also factor into the cost of insurance, and affordability is key. Check the premium rate, the deductibles, annual limits, and available discounts (such as for multi-pet enrollment or policy bundles).
Look for good customer service too, including hours of operation, contact options (phone, email, chat), availability of customer service reps, the window of time to file a claim, filing methods, average time for claim reimbursem*nt, and the ability to track claims online. Pawlicy Advisor, the American Animal Hospital Association membership preferred business provider for pet insurance, has a comparison tool that allows you to analyze top insurance company plans, taking into account your pet’s age, location, and breed-related needs.
TIME Stamp: Look for adequate, affordable insurance with good customer service
The best pet insurance for you will provide adequate coverage for your pet, have good customer service, and above all, be affordable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pets are often beloved members of a family and their well-being needs to be taken into consideration so that they can live long and healthy lives. Pet insurance can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to paying for treatment for an illness or injury to your animal. Veterinary care can be expensive, and insurance is a way to help you cover those costs.
How does the reimbursem*nt process work?
When your pet has been treated for an illness or injury, your vet will provide a bill that you must pay and then submit to the insurance company. Some companies allow you to do this online or via an app. Subsequently, you will be reimbursed—either by direct deposit or by mailed check—according to the plan and reimbursem*nt schedule you have purchased.
Can I choose my own veterinarian?
Most insurance companies allow you to choose your own veterinarian, as long as they are licensed. However, if the insurance company has a direct-to-vet payment option that you plan to use, you may be required to use one of its vet partners who has its software.
Are there waiting periods before coverage begins?
Yes, all plans have a waiting period before coverage begins. The waiting periods tend to be different for accident-only plans versus accident-and-illness (or illness) plans, with the period usually being shorter for the former and longer for the latter. A typical waiting period is 14 days, but some injuries and conditions, like hip dysplasia, have waiting periods of six months or even longer.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.
