Anyone who has ever taken a sick or injured pet to the vet knows how expensive veterinary care can be. It’s in those situations where having a financial safety net to fall back on can be most helpful. It’s also in those situations where you shouldn’t have to decide between the health of your pet and your family’s financial well-being.
As a relatively new form of insurance, the first policy issued in 1982, pet insurance is not as well understood as other types such as homeowners, renters, or life insurance. For our unbiased rating of the Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2023, we researched 24 pet insurance companies to arrive at our final list of 10 companies. This guide will help you choose the best policy for your pet by explaining how pet insurance works, what it does and doesn’t cover, as well as what factors will affect the price of a policy.
Key points
- Pet insurance policies generally do not cover preexisting conditions.
- Most pet insurance companies require pet owners to pay vet bills up front, and then submit claims to be reimbursed.
- One insurer in our rating covers exotic pets, and another offers policies for horses, but most pet insurance companies only cover dogs and cats.
* Trupanion offers a 30-day trial period if the pet owners signed up within 24 hours after their pet’s vet exam.
** Nationwide’s Major Medical plan has an enrollment age limit of 10 years, whereas pets older than 10 can still enroll in its Whole Pet plan.
Spot »
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $36.54
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $16.51
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
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Option for unlimited coverage
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Exam fee reimbursement for covered conditions
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Both accident and illness and accident-only policies available
Cons:
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Claims forms need to be filled out and submitted online
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Only covers cats and dogs
Review: Spot is No. 1 among companies we researched based on factors such as its option for unlimited coverage and the availability of policies for cats and dogs that cover both accident and illness, as well as accident-only policies. One potential downside is that when submitting claims, filling out claims forms is required.
Coverage and costs: Exam fees for select conditions are covered by Spot’s policies. This is an additional charge with some of the providers in our ratings. Policies come with annual deductibles that must be met before reimbursement for expenses kicks in. Annual coverage limits also apply, but when building your policy, you will have the option to select unlimited annual coverage.
Our sample policy, using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed, showed a monthly cost of $36.54 for dogs and $16.51 for cats with Spot Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Annual wellness exam coverage can be purchased, at an additional fee, in the form of a preventive care package that comes in two levels: Gold and Platinum.
Lemonade »
Three Wellness Plans Available
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $19.44
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $11.00
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
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Cheapest pet insurance company in our rating
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Three wellness plans available
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Offers several types of discounts
Cons:
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Not available in 15 states
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Only covers cats and dogs
Review: Lemonade provides accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs. In addition to being the least expensive company on average in our rating, Lemonade’s two-day waiting period for accidents tied with Embrace as the shortest waiting period among companies reviewed. One of the downsides is that Lemonade coverage is not available nationwide. There are 15 states where you cannot get its pet insurance policies.
Coverage and costs: Lemonade offers a basic policy that can be modified with various packages and add-ons. The basic policy covers medical care or treatments for your cat or dog’s illnesses, including cancer, or injuries.
A sample policy using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed showed a monthly cost of $19.44 for dogs and $11 for cats with Lemonade Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Lemonade provides a number of options that can be added to its standard policies. These include three different wellness plans as well as an enhanced accident/illness plan that provides reimbursement for vet exams for covered conditions.
Trupanion »
No Coverage Limits
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $70.12*
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $30.88*
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
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Five-day waiting period for injuries
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Covers breed-specific and congenital conditions
Cons:
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30-day waiting period for illnesses
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Only insures cats and dogs
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No coverage for exam fees
Review: Trupanion Pet Insurance offers accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats. Noteworthy features include no limits on coverage and a per-incident deductible.The five-day waiting period for injuries is shorter than most companies in our rating, but Trupanion has a 30-day waiting period for illnesses.
Coverage and costs: Trupanion’s medical pet insurance plan covers congenital and breed-specific conditions when symptoms were not present before the coverage began or during the policy’s waiting period. With no coverage limits, pet owners don’t have to worry about hitting a limit for covered conditions. One of the policy’s downsides is that it doesn’t reimburse veterinary exam fees, even for covered conditions.
Our sample policy, which applied a common set of factors to companies reviewed, shows a monthly cost of $70.12 for dogs and $30.88 for cats with Trupanion coverage. Actual prices vary based on a number of things, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Available add-ons include Pet Owner Assistance, which can cover boarding fees if a pet owner is hospitalized, as well as unintentional property damage caused by a pet, and advertising fees or a reward if a pet is lost or stolen. Other add-ons include Complementary and Recovery Care, which includes coverage for services like acupuncture, behavioral therapy, and chiropractic and rehabilitative therapy.
Embrace »
2-Day Accident Waiting Period
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $29.71
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $12.22
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
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Two-day waiting period for accidents
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No claims forms when filing with its mobile app
Cons:
-
Only covers cats and dogs
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Six-month waiting period for orthopedic coverage
Review: Embrace Pet Insurance offers coverage for accidents and illnesses for cats and dogs. The company’s two-day waiting period for accidents tied with Lemonade as the shortest waiting period among companies in our rating. On the other hand, there is a six-month waiting period for orthopedic issues. Also, if you use the Embrace mobile app to file claims, you won’t have to fill out any forms.
Coverage and costs: Embrace Pet Insurance offers two types of plans, accident-only and an accident and illness plan. After a $100 annual deductible, the accident-only plan covers 90% of veterinary bills for applicable situations, up to $5,000 per year. The more general plan covers accidents as well as medical illnesses, including congenital conditions, dental illnesses, cancer, and chronic conditions such as allergies and arthritis.
Our sample policy, using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed, showed a monthly cost of $29.71 for dogs and $12.22 for cats with Embrace Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Among the company’s options is an extra-cost option called Wellness Rewards that provides up to $650 in reimbursements for preventive care, including dental cleaning, nail trimming, and vaccinations.
Pets Best »
No Upper Age Limits for Enrollment
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $44.37**
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $16.54**
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
-
Three-day waiting period for accident coverage
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Routine care coverage available
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No forms when claims filed with mobile app
Cons:
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Preexisting conditions not covered
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Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament coverage
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Only covers cats and dogs
Review: Pets Best offers accident-only policies as well as policies that cover both accidents and illnesses. Its three-day waiting period for accident coverage is among the shortest among companies we reviewed. The six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament coverage is on the longer side. As with most companies in our rating, preexisting conditions aren’t covered. If you use the company’s mobile app to file your claims, you won’t have to fill out any forms.
Coverage and costs: The company’s accident and illness policy offers three different levels, with the most expensive adding coverage for veterinary exams, rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Deductibles are on an annual basis, as opposed to per incident. You can pay premiums monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Our sample policy, using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed, showed a monthly cost of $26.89 for dogs and $11.93 for cats with Pets Best Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: There is a separate option to add coverage for routine or preventative care, including teeth cleaning and wellness exams.
Healthy Paws »
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $26.89
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $11.93
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
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No annual, per-condition, or lifetime coverage limits
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No claims forms when you use the company’s website or app
Cons:
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No discounts for enrolling multiple pets
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Only offers coverage for cats and dogs
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No wellness coverage available
Review: Healthy Paws offers pet insurance policies for cats and dogs that cover accidents and illnesses, but it does not offer wellness and preventive-care plans. If you use Healthy Paws’ website or mobile app, you won’t have to fill out claims forms. All you have to do is snap a photo of your veterinary bill and submit that.
Coverage and costs: Compared to many of the other providers in our ratings, Healthy Paws has more limited coverage options. Its comprehensive coverage includes treatment for new accidents and illnesses, along with hereditary and congenital conditions (following a waiting period) and chronic conditions. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance has no caps on payouts, per-incident caps, annual caps, or lifetime caps.
A sample policy using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed showed a monthly cost of $44.37 for dogs and $16.54 for cats with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Healthy Paws doesn’t have optional features like some of the other companies in our rating, but you can customize the premium by changing the reimbursement rate and deductible.
Nationwide »
Offers Policies for Exotic Pets
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $56.74***
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $28.15***
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
-
Offers policies for birds, reptiles, and small mammals
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Has a separate policy for pet wellness coverage
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Some preexisting conditions may not be permanently excluded
Cons:
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One of the more expensive companies in our rating
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Has a maximum enrollment age of 10 years
Review: Nationwide offers accident and illness policies for cats and dogs as well as birds and other exotic pets, including reptiles, potbellied pigs, goats, and small mammals, like ferrets, rabbits, rats, and guinea pigs. Wellness policies are also available for cats and dogs. Nationwide occasionally offers pet insurance discounts to its current home or auto policy holders.
Coverage and costs: All companies in our rating exclude preexisting conditions, but Nationwide does offer a few exceptions. If your pet’s condition is considered cured and the pet hasn’t shown symptoms in six months, it may become eligible for coverage again. A couple of downsides, however, are Nationwide’s policy rates and maximum age cut-off. Policies for cats and dogs have a maximum age limit of 10 years for enrollment in one of Nationwide’s policies, and the company’s rates are higher than many in our rating.
A sample policy using common factors applied to all companies reviewed showed a monthly cost of $56.74 for dogs and $28.15 for cats with Nationwide Pet Insurance coverage ($250 annual deductible; $10,000 annual benefit limit). Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Nationwide offers several different types of plans — Whole Pet Wellness, Major Medical, Basic Wellness, and Avian and Exotic Pet — so there are not other add-ons to its plans. Customization depends on the plan selected.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance »
Offers Policies for Horses
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $36.54
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $20.17
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
-
Policies include coverage for rehabilitation and hydrotherapy
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Offers policies for horses
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Optional preventative-care coverage
Cons:
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Claims may take up to 30 days
Review: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance provides accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs. It also offers coverage for horses, which is unique among the companies in our ratings. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance licenses its name from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and is not affiliated with it. One downside to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is that claims processing is on the longer end, taking up to 30 days to process.
Coverage and costs: Policies for cats and dogs include accident and illness coverage, as well as coverage for hereditary and congenital issues, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies (something not all pet insurance companies will cover). Cat and dog insurance also covers prescription medications and microchipping. Its Complete Coverage and Accident Only policies have annual deductibles and annual coverage limits, rather than per incident. With annual coverage limits, limits will reset at the start of a new policy year.
Our sample policy, using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed, showed a monthly cost of $36.54 for dogs and $20.17 for cats with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customization: One advantage is that ASPCA allows you to add extra pets for a 10% discount on each additional premium. That could be a cost-effective option if you have multiple pets.
Figo »
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $31.34
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $18.18
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
-
Most claims settled in less than three business days
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May cover preexisting conditions deemed curable
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Option of unlimited annual coverage
Cons:
-
Only covers cats and dogs
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Coverage for vet exams is optional
Review: Figo’s policies for cats and dogs provide coverage for accidents and illnesses. Its policies may cover preexisting conditions that are considered curable. Figo’s website states that most of its claims are completed in less than three business days.
Coverage and costs: Figo breaks the process of building a policy into three steps for customers, who select a coverage level, customize the reimbursement and deductible, and then select additions that can enhance the policy. Policyholders can select $5,000 or $10,000 in coverage limits or opt for unlimited annual benefits.
Our sample policy, using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed, showed a monthly cost of $31.34 for dogs and $18.18 for cats with Figo Pet Health Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customizations: Coverage for vet exams isn’t part of Figo’s standard policies, but it is available as an option.
Fetch by The Dodo »
- Sample Premium for Dogs
- $35.25
- Sample Premium for Cats
- $20.16
- App Available
- Yes
Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
Pros:
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Vet exam fees for covered conditions are reimbursed
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Multiple discounts available
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Policies include coverage for physical and behavioral therapy
Cons:
-
No wellness coverage options
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Annual wellness visit required to renew policy
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Only covers cats and dogs
Review: Fetch by The Dodo provides accident and illness policies for cats and dogs. There are several discounts available, including for members of AARP, active-duty and military veterans, as well as veterinarians and their employees. There are also discounts for going claims-free and for adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization. To renew your policy, your pet will be required to take an annual wellness exam.
Coverage and costs: These policies include both behavioral and physical therapy and vet exams for covered conditions, but there are no options for wellness or preventative-care coverage. The company offers several ways to save on premiums. You’ll avoid installment fees by paying quarterly or annually.
A sample policy using a common set of factors applied to all companies reviewed showed a monthly cost of $35.25 for dogs and $20.16 for cats with Fetch by The Dodo Pet Health Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Customization: Fetch by The Dodo does not offer coverage add-ons.
There are a lot of factors to consider as you shop for pet health insurance. The steps below can help you find the right company and policy for you and your pet.
Decide what type of policy you need. Pet owners can typically choose between three types of policies:
- Accident and illness insurance: covers treatment of broken bones, swallowed objects, cancer, urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, etc.
- Wellness insurance: covers routine care, such as vaccinations, exams, spaying and neutering, and nail trims
- Exotic pet insurance: designed for pets other than cats or dogs, such as hamsters, rabbits, geckos, and snakes
Determine what is (or isn’t) covered under the policy. Closely examine which conditions, diagnostic tests, and treatments are covered for your pet and identify any limits, exclusions, or age-specific restrictions. If you own a breed of pet that is prone to hereditary or congenital conditions, such as hip dysplasia or asthma, verify that the policy will provide coverage for treatment. Keep in mind that insurers generally don’t cover preexisting conditions.
Choose a deductible. Like human health insurance, pet insurance policies include deductibles, or the amount of money you pay before the insurance company will begin to cover expenses.
In general, the companies in our rating offer two types of deductibles:
- Annual deductibles are similar to those found in human health insurance policies. Each year, you’re responsible for paying a set amount of money (e.g., $500) for covered care, regardless of what type. After you meet your deductible, the insurer will pay any additional costs within the coverage limits.
- Per-condition deductibles refer to a set of deductibles that are specific to different conditions. For instance, a policy may include a separate deductible for arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and liver disease.
If your pet needs to visit the vet multiple times a year, and each visit is for a different injury or illness, an annual deductible may be less expensive. If your pet develops an illness or issue requiring consistent care or multiple visits but doesn’t have other issues, a per-condition deductible may be more affordable. There are pros and cons to both deductibles, but neither is inherently better than the other.
Choose a reimbursement rate. Reimbursement rates refer to the percentage of costs an insurer will reimburse. Reimbursement rates vary by insurer, but common rates range from 60% to 100% of your veterinary bill.
Determine what limits are available. Limits refer to the total amount of money an insurer will pay for covered expenses (e.g., $10,000 a year). Some insurers don’t cap payments, but others have annual limits. If a policy has an annual limit, your insurer will only cover expenses up to that amount. You’ll need to cover any additional costs until the next policy year.
Find out if you can customize your premiums. Some insurers allow policyholders to customize their premiums by adjusting one or more aspects of their policy. Though each insurer is different, you may be able to adjust your deductible, reimbursement rate (percentage of costs an insurer will cover), or policy limits to build a premium that fits your budget or veterinary care needs. Decreasing your payout limits and the rate of reimbursement will typically lower your premiums. You can also lower your premiums by raising your deductible. However, keep in mind that each adjustment may result in more out-of-pocket expenses should your pet need frequent or costly care.
Check for discounts. Some insurers will offer discounts that can bring down coverage costs. Discounts vary in availability and type but may include annual pay discounts, multi-pet discounts, military discounts, and employee benefit discounts. For example, Lemonade offers a 10% discount if you have another policy (such as home insurance) with the company.
As you shop for a pet health insurance policy, there are a few other factors that can help you make your decision. Most companies in our rating offer several customer service options, including email, phone, and online chat support as well as mobile app access. Reviewing customer service and support options can help you find an insurer that meets your policy management and claims handling preferences.
It’s also worth considering any add-on or additional coverage you may want. Some of the companies in our rating offer wellness or alternative care plans that cover things like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. When all else is equal, reviewing customer support and supplemental coverage options can help you make your decision.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance provides coverage to help deal with costs associated with accidents, illnesses, and – in some cases – routine healthcare like vaccinations and checkups. In most cases, a pet owner pays a veterinarian for medical services for their pet and then submits a claim to the insurance provider to be reimbursed. Payment to the pet owner occurs after the insurance provider determines the claim meets the requirements of the policy.
Categories of pet insurance policies include accident and illness insurance, which offers coverage in the event a pet becomes ill or is injured. Wellness policies can cover routine or preventative care, such as vaccinations, exams, and can also cover spaying and neutering.
Most pet insurance companies only offer coverage for dogs and cats, but there are some exceptions. Among the companies in our rating, No. 7 Nationwide offers pet insurance policies that cover birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, at No. 8 in our rating, offers policies for horses.
Most pet insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions. Many insurers, however, will provide future coverage for conditions that are considered “curable.”
Premiums for pet insurance, like those for other types of insurance, depend on a number of factors. These include the kind of pet being insured, the pet’s age, where the pet lives and the pet’s general health. Coverage limits and deductibles, reimbursement rates, and additional coverage options can also affect premiums.
- Select a pet insurance company.
- Fill out a form for a quote.
- Schedule a visit with your vet or request they send in your pet’s medical records.
Once you’ve chosen a pet insurance company that suits your needs, you can fill out a form on the company’s website to request a quote. You will usually be asked your pet’s name, whether they’re a cat or dog, their breed, their age, where you live, and broad questions about whether they have any preexisting conditions.
After you’ve received the quote you will likely be asked more specific questions about your pet’s medical history. You will also be asked to select a plan, where applicable, and make decisions about your deductible, payout limits, and reimbursement rates.
At some point in the process, the company will likely either request you schedule an exam with your vet or that your vet submit your pet’s medical history. Some companies will wait until you file your first claim before requesting your pet’s medical records. If your pet has any preexisting conditions, whether officially diagnosed by the vet or not, those conditions will generally be excluded from your coverage.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Based on our sample policies, pet insurance for dogs costs between $20 and $70 per month. For cats, the cost is between $11 and $30 per month.
Our sample policies were based on a 1-year-old female mixed-breed dog and an under-1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate.
Premiums will vary based on if you have a cat or dog, your pet’s age, health, and location.
Factors specific to your policy will also affect the cost. Some examples include the following:
- Coverage limits
- Reimbursement rate
- Deductible
- Any options you may have added
- Type of policy
Pet Insurance Cost Comparison
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* Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company or insurance agent directly for applicable quotes.
* Monthly costs are for a 1-year-old female mixed-breed dog and a male domestic shorthair cat less than a year old, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate.
* Trupanion’s deductible is per incident throughout lifetime, whereas other companies use an annual deductible. Trupanion also has no benefit limit.
** Healthy Paws has no benefit limit.
*** Nationwide differs from our standard archetype by having a $250 deductible and $10,000 annual benefit limit.
Pet Insurance Coverage
What pet insurance covers will all depend on your specific policy. Normally, treatments that are needed due to an injury are covered by your policy. When it comes to what is not covered, this will often include things like preexisting conditions and dental cleanings. But, some insurers do offer wellness coverage plans that can help cover vet costs unrelated to accidents and illnesses such as vaccinations and annual wellness exams.
What does pet insurance cover?
Normally, an accident and illness policy will cover treatment that is due to an injury or illness. For example, if your pet breaks its leg, this policy might cover the cost of a cast, setting the bone, x-rays, and sometimes the exam fee.
Some policies will also cover medications, behavioral therapy, or rehab after an event that is covered.
What does pet insurance not cover?
Anything that is listed as an exclusion will not be covered by a pet insurance policy. An accident and illness policy typically won’t cover things like exam fees, vaccinations, and teeth cleanings. Pet insurance policies also typically don’t cover preexisting conditions.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
Extractions and reconstruction due to injuries are normally covered by accident and illness pet insurance policies. But, preventative care, which would include services like teeth cleanings, is not covered.
However, some insurers, like Pets Best, will offer optional wellness coverage plans to help with the cost of routine dental services and other procedures. Other insurers, like Healthy Paws, do not offer this optional coverage.
Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?
Spaying and neutering are both considered preventative care, so they will generally not be covered by accident and illness policies. But there are some companies, like Pets Best, that have wellness coverage plans that can be added on. These can offset the cost of spaying and neutering.
But, always check the fine print; some wellness coverage plans, like the one offered by Nationwide, don’t include dental cleanings.
Does pet insurance cover preexisting conditions?
Typically, pet insurance policies don’t cover any health conditions that happened prior to the time of enrollment or during the mandatory waiting period. If your pet exhibited symptoms, even if the condition wasn’t diagnosed by your vet, it will generally be considered a preexisting condition.
Some insurers, like Healthy Paws, include a bilateral exclusion, which means if your pet has a cruciate ligament injury prior to enrollment or during the waiting period, that leg would not be covered if a similar injury happens.
Even though these preexisting conditions aren’t covered, most insurers will provide future coverage for conditions that are considered “curable.” For example, Nationwide will cover new cruciate ligament or meniscus injuries after the first year.
Pet insurance is designed to provide coverage for your pets. It is similar to other types of insurance in that there are deductibles and exclusions that it doesn’t cover. With most pet insurance companies in our rating, you pay your vet for their services and then submit a claim to your insurance provider which will then evaluate the claim to see if it meets the requirements of your policy. Once your claim has been approved, the insurer will then reimburse you according to the specifications of your policy.
For example, if your policy has a 90% reimbursement rate and you’ve already met your deductible, your insurer would pay you 90% of the amount you paid the vet, as long as you’re still below the coverage limits of your policy.
Types of Pet Insurance
- Accident and Illness Insurance: These policies cover your pet in the case that they are injured or fall ill.
- Wellness Insurance: Wellness policies generally cover more routine issues like exams, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and nail trims.
- Exotic Pet Insurance: This type of insurance covers pets that aren’t cats or dogs. Very few companies offer this type of insurance.
Most pet insurance policies are for when your pet is injured or becomes ill. Sometimes this will be split into separate accident or illness plans.
Wellness policies, plans, and riders are rare. Some companies, like ASPCA and Pets Best, offer routine care or preventative care riders, while companies like Nationwide offer separate wellness insurance policies. One thing to look out for is that some companies, like Embrace, offer a wellness rewards plan. These are not necessarily insurance policies or riders but are designed to cover things like check-ups and other preventative care up to a certain amount each year.
When researching different companies with wellness add-ons, look to see whether the wellness plans are a type of insurance policy or not.
The third type of insurance is designed to cover pets that aren’t cats and dogs, such as birds, reptiles, and small animals. Only one company in our rating, Nationwide, offers such a policy. Its Avian & Exotic Pet policy covers accidents, illnesses, and some preventative care such as exams. While it doesn’t offer an exotic pet plan per se, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance does offer plans that cover horses.
Pet Insurance Plan Availability
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The pets of U.S. News employees
According to our research, Spot Pet Insurance is the No. 1 insurer on our Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2023 rating. Spot offers both accident/illness and accident-only policies in addition to an optional wellness plan. It also offers the option of unlimited coverage limits. Unlike other companies in our rating, Spot will reimburse exam fees as part of its accident and illness coverage.
The value of pet insurance is largely based on your expectations. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, you will likely be disappointed as no company or agency in our rating covers preexisting conditions.
But, if you understand your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and have a policy that fits your budget and needs, you are far more likely to consider the policy worth it.
You may also have years where you don’t have to take your pet to the vet for anything other than an annual check-up and vaccinations, but if your pet suffers an accident or becomes seriously ill, that is when you may consider pet insurance worth the expense.
Read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it for more information.
Yes, many pet insurance companies offer discounts. To help make policies more budget-friendly, many companies offer discounts when you insure multiple pets. There are also some discounts for veterans, active members of the military, and people who work in jobs related to animal care.
Pet Insurance Discount Comparison
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* A 5% affiliation discount may apply to individuals who belong to select military, law enforcement, and service animal training organizations that have a relationship with Nationwide.
** A discount is offered to pet owners who work at animal-care facilities such as shelters.
Pet insurance companies generally don’t have networks. While Trupanion does partner with some vets to provide instant reimbursement on its policies, you can still use this insurance with other vets.
Most pet insurance companies only have coverage for dogs and cats, but this is not the case for all companies.
In our rating, we have two companies that offer insurance policies for other types of pets: Nationwide and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Nationwide has a policy for birds and other exotic pets. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has plans for horses.
With most pet insurance providers, to file a claim you will fill out a claim form on the company’s website, in its app, or by printing it out and mailing it. You typically submit an invoice from your vet with your claim.
A pet savings account is a type of supplemental savings account dedicated to saving up money for expenses related to your pet.
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For more information about other types of insurance visit our guides:
Why You Can Trust Us: 24 Pet Insurance Companies Researched
At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 24 pet insurance companies and agencies and analyzed 12 third-party review sources. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review. In addition, we maintain a separate business team that has no influence over our methodology or recommendations.
The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing pet insurance to guide prospective consumers.
1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.
U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which pet insurance companies and agencies Americans are most interested in. We found 24 companies and agencies that stand out in terms of volume of searches and research among consumers, as well as across the different rating sources. After conducting a thorough analysis, we were able to condense the initial list to the 10 overall Best Pet Insurance Companies. With the companies and agencies determined, we conducted a comprehensive research on their features to create a general layout of what consumers should know to assist with their purchasing decisions.
We then compared the available plans provided by our top pet insurance companies and agencies across several criteria, including but not limited to cost, wellness riders, waiting periods, plan coverage, claim processing time, unique features, and customer satisfaction. Research shows that these are the most important criteria for people shopping for pet insurance. Monthly costs are for a one-year-old female mixed-breed dog and an under one-year-old male domestic shorthair cat, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate.
2. We created objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.
U.S. News’ 360 Reviews team applied an unbiased methodology that includes opinions from professional reviews as well as consumer reviews.
Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on personal opinions or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:
(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:
Professional Ratings and Reviews. Many independent pet insurance evaluating sources have published their assessments of pet insurance companies and agencies and their plans. We consider several of these third-party reviews to be reputable and well-researched. However, professional reviewers often make recommendations that contradict one another. Rather than relying on a single source, U.S. News believes consumers benefit most when these opinions and recommendations are considered and analyzed collectively with an objective, consensus-based methodology.
Consumer Ratings and Reviews. U.S. News also reviewed published consumer ratings and reviews of pet insurance companies and agencies. Sources with a sufficient number of quality consumer ratings and reviews were included in our scoring model.
Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.
(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.
The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.
The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company and agency’s score compared to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:
Calculating the Z-Score: The Z-Score represents a data point’s relation to the mean measurement of the data set. The Z-Score is negative when the data point is below the mean and positive when it’s above the mean; a Z-Score of 0 means it’s equal to the mean. To determine the Z-Score for each third-party rating of a company or agency, we calculated the mean of the ratings across all companies and agencies evaluated by that third-party source. We then subtracted the mean from the company’s rating and divided it by the standard deviation to produce the Z-Score.
Calculating the T-Score: We used a T-Score calculation to convert the Z-Score to a 0-100 scale by multiplying the Z-Score by 10. To ensure that the mean was equal across all data points, we added our desired scoring mean (between 0 and 10) to the T-Score to create an adjusted T-Score.
Calculating the common-scale rating: We divided the adjusted T-Score, which is on a 100-point scale, by 20 to convert the third-party rating to a common 0-5 point system.
(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.
We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than one was excluded from the consensus scoring model.
Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.
U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
