Since 2016, our writers and editors have invested thousands of hours researching the best pet insurance companies. We vetted 19 insurers based on over 50 data points and reviewed the benefits, exclusions and restrictions of each plan. Based on this research, we settled on 10 top picks, including Lemonade, AKC and Pumpkin.

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Money’s Main Takeaways
Spot features unlimited coverage without age caps Figo offers 100% reimbursement and unlimited payouts AKC is the best option for pre-existing conditions Pumpkin offers excellent preventive care packages Why Trust Us?

Our editors and writers evaluate insurance companies independently, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial integrity. Read the full methodology to learn more.

Based on 50+ data points
Reviewed 19 insurers
1,000+ hours of research

Our top picks for best pet insurance of December 2023Spot – Best Pet Insurance for Unlimited CoveragePumpkin – Best Pet Insurance for Puppies and KittensAKC – Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing ConditionsFigo – Best Pet Insurance for Reimbursement OptionsEmbrace – Best Pet Insurance for International CoveragePets Best – Best Pet Insurance for Treatment of Mobility IssuesLemonade – Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims ProcessingTrupanion – Best Pet Insurance for Direct Payment to VetsNationwide – Best Pet Insurance for Exotic PetsHealthy Paws – Best Pet Insurance for Alternative Therapies

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Best Pet Insurance Company Reviews

Sample premiums are based on quotes for a 5-year-old Maine Coon and a 5-year-old German shepherd from Colombia, South Carolina.

$2.5K, $3K, $5K, $7K, $10K or unlimited

$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1K

14 days for accidents and illnesses

10% employee, 10% multi-pet

Why we chose Spot

We picked Spot as the best pet insurance for unlimited coverage because it caters to pet parents who want to maximize their pet’s coverage, no matter the cost. Spot is also a fine choice for older pets since there’s no age limit for coverage.

Unlimited annual coverage available
No upper age limit
24/7 telehealth helpline
Pet owners have 270 days (around eight months) to file a claimHigher-than-average premiums for young pets
Charges transaction fees for monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payments

Offering a full (100%) coverage option, Spot readily allows you to maximize your pet’s coverage, meaning you are not responsible for any co-payment. In addition, the company offers a very low ($100) deductible option, which further reduces your out-of-pocket payments for care.

That said, choosing one or both of a low co-payment and a low deductible will lead to higher premiums for the policy. And Spot’s prices are already higher than the norm for young pets, although the company has no upper age limit for insuring new animals — which may make it a good choice if your furry companions are elderly.

Read Spot Pet Insurance Review >>

14 days for accidents and illnesses

Sample premium for a kitten

Sample premium for a puppy

Why we chose Pumpkin

Pumpkin is our pick as the best pet insurance for puppies and kittens because it offers extensive insurance and non-insurance preventive care options tailored to junior animals at an affordable price point.

Preventive care packages for the particular needs of puppies and kittens
No upper age limit
Short (14-day) waiting period for all conditions, including knee and hip dysplasia
No customizable reimbursement levels
No accident-only option
Preventive plan doesn’t cover spay/neuter or dental cleanings

Pumpkin offers affordable plans with an option to add preventative care packs for young cats and dogs that aren’t included in standard coverage. For example, the company’s puppy preventive care packs include one annual wellness exam fee, four puppy vaccines and one yearly fecal test. The company will also refund the cost of up to four vaccines your puppy may have received prior to being insured under the preventive pack, as well as cover lab tests for parasites.

For dogs and cats of all ages, Pumpkin offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage with some standout benefits: microchip implantation, stem cell therapy and a pet poison control consultation fee. Pet owners are free to call the ASPCA Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline (and maybe save themselves a trip to the emergency room) without worrying about paying $85-$95 for the phone call.

Read Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review >>

$2.5K, $5K, $7.5K,$10K, $15K, 20K, Unlimited

$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1K

2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses

Why we chose AKC

We picked AKC as the best pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions because it’s the only provider that covers illnesses and injuries sustained before the policy effective date or during the waiting period.

Accident-only plan option available

Direct payments to vets available under certain conditions
Offers supplemental accident and illness coverage for breeding petsCoverage for congenital and hereditary conditions costs extra

No dental coverage except tooth extractions due to injury
Pets aged nine years or older are not eligible for accident and illness coverage

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) pet insurance policy offers unprecedented coverage for pre-existing conditions. To qualify, you must keep the policy active for 365 days. Any pre-existing issue that was initially excluded will be fully covered once the waiting period elapses and the policy renews.

AKC’s policy covers diagnosis and treatment for eligible accidents and illnesses, including services such as:

Labs X-rays Ultrasounds MRI and CT scans Surgery and hospitalization Physical and alternative therapy Medication Chemotherapy Euthanasia

You can also pay extra for preventive care and coverage for end-of-life expenses, veterinary exam fees, behavioral therapy, hereditary and congenital conditions and issues related to breeding.

Pet owners should note some limitations regarding AKC’s coverage. There’s no coverage for dental illnesses, and hereditary and congenital conditions aren’t covered unless you purchase the HereditaryPlus rider. Residents of Florida, California and Washington must enroll their pet before its second birthday to qualify for this add-on.

Read AKC Pet Insurance Review>>

$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1K

1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses

Why we chose Figo

Most competitors only offer up to 90% reimbursement. Figo stands out as the best pet insurance for reimbursement options because pet owners can choose up to 100% reimbursement without annual payout limits and avoid copayments entirely.

Up to 100% reimbursement with no annual limits
No upper age enrollment limit
Low deductible options
Free 24/7 vet helpline1-day waiting period for accidents
No coverage on hereditary conditions if the pet is enrolled after 2nd birthday
Low payout limits in wellness plan
Vet exam fees and physical therapy coverage require separate riders

Figo offers pet owners the option to reduce their copayment to 0%, thanks to its 100% reimbursement option. (Generally, the lowest copayment provided by other insurers is 10%.)

Be prepared to pay higher than average premiums for a policy with 0% copay, unlimited payout benefits or both. Figo also enforces strict limits on its coverage for hereditary conditions such as hyperthyroidism, renal disease and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Additionally, benefits such as the exam fee reimbursement and physical therapy are only available as separate riders — other providers include these benefits in their base policy.

Figo’s Pet Cloud app features comprehensive mobile support. With the app, you can contact a licensed veterinarian 24/7, manage your pet’s insurance documents and make payments, among other transactions.

Read Figo Pet Insurance Review >>

$5K, $8K, $10K, $15K or $30K

$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1K

2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses

10% multi-pet, 5% military and diminishing deductible

Why we chose Embrace

We picked Embrace as the best pet insurance for international coverage because policyholders are free to use any licensed veterinarian worldwide and request reimbursement, even if they’re traveling for a long time.

High upper age limit for enrollment
High annual reimbursement limit option compared to other competitors with annual caps
48-hour waiting period for accidents
Limited wellness benefits
Caps dental illness coverage at $1,000 a year

Embrace offers coverage for your pet’s vet care outside the country for up to six months, provided it’s given by a licensed veterinarian. This is relatively uncommon, as other companies only reimburse claims when the care was dispensed by a licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada.

Another benefit of Embrace pet insurance is its healthy pet discount program. Every year you don’t exceed $300 in claims reimbursements, Embrace will apply a 5% discount to your monthly premium. The discount increases to 10% if you also qualify the following year.

Embrace doesn’t offer wellness benefits as a separate policy. Instead, pet owners can sign up for the Wellness Rewards plan and contribute a specific amount to cover preventive care expenses. Make sure your annual contributions match the expected level of preventative care, as unused funds don’t roll over for the following year.

Embrace is also the insurer behind USAA Pet Insurance, a members-only insurance product. Military members, veterans and eligible relatives can access all of Embrace’s pet insurance benefits at a 25% discount.

Note: This product is not for sale in the international market.

Read Embrace Pet Insurance Review >>

$2.5K, $5K, $10K or unlimited

$50, $100, $250, $500 or $1K

3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses

Why we chose Pets Best

Pets Best has a wide range of coverage options and deductibles, and it offers coverage for pets as young as seven weeks. It’s also one of the few pet insurance companies that cover prosthetic devices and wheelchairs.

Coverage for prosthetic devices and wheelchairs

Wide range of deductibles

Covers pets as young as seven weeks with no upper age limit
Direct payments to vets available upon requestSlow claims processing

Excludes alternative therapy and behavioral modification
Policy upgrades are not available until the renewal date

Pets Best pet insurance offers accident and illness plans and sells multiple wellness add-ons to cover your pet’s routine care. There’s a short 3-day waiting period for accidents and the standard 14-day waiting period for illnesses.

Insurers don’t always cover treatments for mobility issues, but Pets Best provides coverage for wheelchairs and prosthetic devices when prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness.

Additionally, the company offers comprehensive physical therapy coverage as an add-on, encompassing acupuncture, electroacupuncture, chiropractic care, treadmill therapy, laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, ultrasound therapy, gait training and other treatments.

Pets Best’s take-home prescription rider is also noteworthy. The add-on covers not just prescription medications, but over-the-counter drugs, supplements, remedies and treatments as long as they’re prescribed by a veterinarian. That said, there’s no coverage for alternative therapies and holistic treatments that might benefit your pet’s recovery.

Read Pets Best Pet Insurance Review >>

$5K, $10K, $20K, $50K or $100K

2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses

Why we chose Lemonade

We picked Lemonade as the best pet insurance for speedy claims. The company uses novel, AI-powered processing, which promises to deliver claims very quickly via the Lemonade app. The ability to direct a part of the company’s profit to a charity of your choice may also appeal to many pet owners.

Quick claims processing — in minutes rather than weeks via mobile app

Multiple discounts availableA portion of payments go to charities
Customizable coverageOnly available in 38 states
Policies can only be adjusted at renewal
Older pets may not be eligible for coverage

Lemonade’s accident and illness policy covers diagnostics, procedures and medications for covered conditions. Vet visit fees, dental illnesses, end-of-life services, acupuncture and chiropractic care are excluded from the base policy (which may translate to lower premiums) but you can add these benefits as riders if they’re available in your state.

Pet owners can further enhance coverage with a preventative care rider that reimburses the cost of annual checkups, vaccines and parasite screening.

Lemonade is available in 38 states, but you can sign up for updates on its website. However, users may find Lemonade’s website hard to navigate. To get a quote, you have to input a lot of information that other insurers don’t require. Also, if you have questions the automated chat can’t answer, talking with a live agent via chat isn’t possible.

Read Lemonade Pet Insurance Review >>

Custom percentage from 70% to 100%

12 days for accidents and illnesses

Why we chose Trupanion

Usually, pet owners have to pay the vet bill in full before receiving reimbursement from pet insurance providers. With Trupanion’s direct payment software, your vet can file a claim in-office and receive payment almost immediately.

Policyholders can set their deductible to $0No payout limits for any benefits (per incident, monthly or lifetime)
Free 30-day coverage with partnering shelters, breeders or vets
Covers pets from birthHigh premium rates
Only one plan option
No multi-pet discount

Trupanion offers a single insurance plan for cats and dogs. In addition to standard benefits, Trupanion covers alternative treatments, dental illnesses, prosthetic devices and prescription food. You can also purchase this plan through GEICO pet insurance or State Farm pet insurance.

Trupanion features several unique benefits: direct payment to vets, coverage for breeding and working pets in select categories and a lifetime deductible per condition. If your veterinarian uses Trupanion’s direct payment software, you don’t need to file a claim; Trupanion pays the vet directly. Policyholders, then, need not worry about making costly upfront payments or submitting reimbursement claims, which are standard for most of the pet insurance industry.

Trupanion lacks affordability and flexibility – premiums are high and there’s only a single policy option. However, its coverage is comprehensive. If you can afford higher-than-average premiums, your pet will benefit from 90% reimbursement on all eligible claims and no payout limits per incident, year or lifetime.

Read Trupanion Pet Insurance Review >>

50% or 70% for Whole Pet plan

14 days for accidents and illnesses

Sample premium for rabbits

Why we chose Nationwide

We picked Nationwide as the best pet insurance for exotic pets because it offers comprehensive insurance for various unconventional animals. Pet owners can relax knowing up to 90% of their expenses for such animals are covered by a reputable insurer.

No per-incident, annual or lifetime caps
Covers alternative therapy for diagnosed conditions
Direct payments available under certain conditions
Limited coverage for hip dysplasia
12-month waiting period for knee injuriesNo coverage for behavioral modification or prescription food

Nationwide is the only pet insurance company of its size that offers insurance for avian and exotic pets. The Avian & Exotic Pet Plan covers most birds, rabbits, reptiles and small mammals, including goats and pot-bellied pigs. (Note that any animal not explicitly listed on the Nationwide website isn’t eligible, including those listed under venomous or endangered species.)

Owners of exotic pets can select up to 90% reimbursement for covered accidents and illnesses and add preventive care riders as well. Just as with dog and cat insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage.

For exotic pets, Nationwide offers three accident and illness policy options and two wellness care packages. Exotic pet owners must call (844-244-3691) to get a quote or sign up. However, cat and dog insurance is easy to get directly on Nationwide’s website.

Read Nationwide Pet Insurance Review >>

15 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia

Why we chose Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws is the best pet insurance for alternative therapies because it covers treatments such as acupuncture chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy and massage therapy at no extra cost.

No per-incident, annual or lifetime caps

Quick claim processing
Direct payments available under certain conditionsLimited coverage for hip dysplasia

No coverage for behavioral modification
Limited coverage options for senior pets

Healthy Paws offers just one accident and illness policy for cats and dogs. It has no per-incident, annual or lifetime benefit caps, and you can choose from a $100, $200 or $500 deductible.

The company provides quick claims processing through its mobile app, and states that most claims are processed in just two days. It also offers a direct payment option instead of reimbursement if you can’t afford the upfront veterinary bill.

Healthy Paws is best for pets that are enrolled while they’re young, as coverage options are more limited and reimbursement rates less generous for senior pets.

Read Healthy Paws pet insurance review >>

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Pet Insurance Comparison

Our pet insurance comparison table can help you choose a plan that fits your pet’s needs, whether you want to compare dog insurance plans or explore options for other cherished pets.

We also include companies that stood out in some respects but didn’t quite match the strengths of our top picks. Read our full reviews to learn more: ASPCA Pet Insurance, Fetch Pet Insurance, Many Pets Pet Insurance, MetLife Pet Insurance and Wagmo Pet Insurance.

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Pet Insurance Guide
What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a type of insurance that covers part of your pet’s vet bills if they get seriously sick or injured. Though most pet owners purchase pet insurance directly with the provider, getting pet insurance through your employer may be possible as well.

Types of pet insurance

Accident & illness policy 

Accident-only policy

Wellness riders

Covers diagnosis, surgery, hospitalization, treatment and medications for any covered accident or illness.

Only pays to treat sudden injuries such as poisonings, broken bones or bloating. 

Reimburses policyholders for services such as vaccinations, microchipping, checkups, pet dental care and parasite prevention.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance works much like other insurance policies. You pay a monthly premium and the insurance carrier agrees to reimburse you part of your pet’s medical expenses if they suffer a serious injury or illness. The policy works as follows:

Policyholders must pay the vet bill in full, submit their claim and receive reimbursement at a later date. No network restrictions; you can take your dog or cat to any licensed vet or specialist nationwide. Annual limits, deductibles, coinsurance and waiting periods apply. Premiums won’t increase after you file a claim, but they can increase after the policy renews to match your pet’s age and the cost of veterinary care in your zip code. What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance covers the diagnosis and treatment of accidents and illnesses such as poisoning, bite wounds, cancer, hereditary conditions, diabetes and orthopedic conditions (these last two being common in overweight pets).

Read our pet insurance coverage guide to learn more.

Does pet insurance cover surgery?

Yes, surgery coverage includes diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, X-rays or blood tests), anesthesia, intravenous fluids and medications. It also covers medical supplies such as bandages, casts and splints.

Read our guide for more information on pet insurance surgery coverage

Does pet insurance cover medication?

Accident and illness policies cover medications administered at the vet’s office as well as take-home prescriptions. Depending on your policy, prescription coverage may exclude supplements and prescription food. And while some insurers cover certain homeopathic drugs, others explicitly exclude alternative medicines.

Does pet insurance cover allergies?

Pet insurance covers allergies as long as it isn’t a pre-existing condition. In fact, allergies are one of Healthy Paws’ top ten pet insurance claims. You can get reimbursed for diagnostic tests, immunotherapy, allergy medication, prescription shampoo and prescription food.

Does pet insurance cover vaccines?

Basic cat or dog pet insurance doesn’t cover vaccines or preventive medications for heartworm, fleas ticks and parasites. Vaccines are eligible for reimbursement only if you get a preventive care package.

Does pet insurance cover dental?

Pet insurance covers fractured or broken teeth caused by dental accidents and illnesses such as periodontal disease and infections. Covered services include tooth extractions, surgery, medication and even root canals and crowns.

Does pet insurance cover teeth cleaning?

Pet insurance doesn’t cover teeth cleaning or dental exams, unless you add a preventive care rider to the base policy. This add-on typically reimburses $150 for one in-office dental cleaning (also called dental prophylaxis) a year.

Does pet insurance cover spaying?

Pet insurance doesn’t cover spaying or neutering unless you purchase a preventive care rider, which reimburses you a fixed amount for the procedure. Most wellness riders cap reimbursement at $150 for spay and neuter services and group this benefit with dental cleanings.

Read our report on pet insurance spay and neuter coverage to learn more.

Does pet insurance cover behavioral therapy?

Pet insurance may cover behavioral therapy to treat issues such as aggression and separation anxiety (not to be confused with basic obedience and toilet training, which isn’t covered). To qualify, your pet must receive care from a veterinarian or certified specialist.

Check out our report on pet insurance and behavioral therapy to learn more.

Does pet insurance cover prescription food?

Pet insurance may cover prescription food to treat specific illnesses such as bladder stones, gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, cancer or allergies. Note that this coverage doesn’t include food prescribed for general maintenance or weight loss, and pet insurance will only cover a prescription diet for a limited time.

What pet insurance won’t cover

Pet insurance coverage exclusions vary slightly per provider, so it’s best practice to read the sample policy thoroughly before enrolling. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the six most common items pet insurance won’t cover.

Pre-existing conditions Routine care (vaccinations, annual checkups and dental cleanings) Veterinary exam fees Obedience training Injuries or illnesses caused by the owner’s negligence Illnesses caused by lack of preventive care

Pet insurance won’t cover the financial value of your pet, either. High-value pets such as service dogs, show pets or the most expensive dog breeds may need a different insurance product: pet life insurance.

Much like human life insurance, cat or dog life insurance can cover end-of-life expenses and reimburse owners the value of the pet if it’s stolen, lost or dies.

Read our guide for more information on what is not covered by pet insurance.

Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

As a general rule, pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.

There’s only one exception to this rule, and it depends on whether the carrier makes the distinction between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. Fortunately, most do.

The following providers will cover curable pre-existing conditions if the pet remains symptom- and treatment-free for a defined period of time.

Trupanion and Healthy Paws are the only providers in our list that make no such distinction. Any illness that can be traced back to when the pet wasn’t insured is excluded.

Here are a few examples of curable and incurable pre-existing conditions

Vomiting unrelated to chronic illness

Diarrhea unrelated to chronic illness

Pet insurance for bilateral conditions

Bilateral conditions — those that affect the body on both sides — are another important subset of pre-existing conditions. Let’s say your pet tore a joint on its right knee a few months before you purchased pet insurance. Pet insurance will consider that injury a pre-existing condition, but there’s another catch: The policy won’t cover the left knee if it develops the same problem in the future.

Examples of bilateral conditions include:

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cruciate ligament issues such as ACL tears Cataracts Cherry eye Pet insurance cost

How much is pet insurance?

NAPHIA’s State of the Industry Report states that the average cost of pet insurance is $29 a month for cats and $49 a month for dogs. To better illustrate this, we compared pet insurance plans for a cat and a dog in Miami, Florida.

Some companies charge significantly more than the averages reported by NAPHIA. You’ll also notice that monthly rates increase to inordinate prices as the pet gets older, no matter the company or the type of pet.

How much is pet insurance for dogs?

Monthly cost for a Labrador retriever from Miami, Florida

How much is pet insurance for cats?

Sample quotes for a domestic shorthair from Miami, Florida

Sample quotes correspond to an accident and illness policy with 80% reimbursement, $10,000 payout limit and a $250 deductible, except in the case of Trupanion, Figo and Pumpkin. Please note that your quote may be different from the rates above.

Additional out-of-pocket expenses to remember

The cost of pet insurance is not limited to premium payments. Unless you purchase a policy with 100% reimbursement, unlimited payouts and no deductibles, you’ll have to cover some expenses yourself.

Exam or office fees: Veterinarians and emergency clinics charge an exam fee that’s separate from diagnostic or treatment costs. Most insurers exclude this fee from coverage, which then amounts to a hidden deductible of $30 to $100 for each visit. Deductible: You’ll need to meet the policy’s deductible before the insurance company starts reimbursing you. It might take a few vet visits to reach the deductible amount, especially if you set a high deductible in order to lower your premium rate. Copay: Once you file for reimbursement, plans typically pay 70% to 90% of eligible veterinary services. The remaining 30% to 10% comes out of your own wallet. Payout caps: Pet insurance won’t pay once you’ve reached the policy’s maximum coverage amount for the year. Some insurers also set individual coverage caps for behavioral modification, dental illness and end-of-life expenses.

If you’re on a tight budget, check out our reviews of the best cheap pet insurance. In our sample of providers, the cheapest pet insurance quotes were $15 per month for cats and $40 for dogs.

Factors that determine what your pet insurance costs:
Type of policy: Accident and illness policies cost more than other types of pet insurance (wellness plans or accident-only policies). Type of animal: Dog insurance costs twice as much as pet insurance for cats. Bird insurance premiums typically start at less than $21 a month, while horse insurance starts at over $80 a month. Pet’s age: Premiums increase with age and do so sharply for very old animals. In addition, after your dog or cat reaches the age of 10 or 12, your options for insurance providers will significantly diminish. Pet’s breed: Purebreds prone to congenital or hereditary conditions usually cost more to insure than mixed breeds. Pet’s size: Buying pet insurance for larger dogs or cats is more expensive compared to small or toy-sized animals. That said, smaller breeds tend to live longer, which means you’ll pay more over the animal’s lifetime. Where you live: Pet insurance costs more in states where vet care is more expensive. On average, residents of California and New York pay the most.
How to choose the best pet insurance

Pet owners don’t need to wonder which is the best dog insurance or the best pet insurance for cats. A good insurance policy will cover both pet types equally.

The first step is to identify reputable pet insurance carriers. We recommend you read the pet insurance best practices established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Then it’s time to do some comparison shopping. The best way to compare pet insurance plans is to look at the policy’s benefits and compare the cost versus value.

Check out our guide on how to buy pet insurance for more information.

1. Pick a policy type

Decide between an accident and illness plan or an accident-only policy. Consider the value of wellness coverage, as well. Is it worth the monthly expense or are you better off setting money aside for your pet’s basic needs?

2. Research providers

Many pet insurance carriers share the same insurance underwriter but offer different coverage options and services, such as 24/7 vet helplines, direct payment to vets and fast claims processing.

3. Compare pet insurance quotes

You’d be surprised at how much variability there is from one provider to the next. Some insurers may quote double the price of others for the same pet so it pays to do some comparison shopping. And comparing multiple plans at once is fairly easy through a pet insurance comparison site such as Petted Insurance, Pawlicy Advisor or Pet Insurer.

4. Compare coverage benefits

Take a close look at what is and isn’t covered before you buy pet insurance, especially when it comes to dental illnesses, orthopedic conditions and hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.

How to save on pet insurance

There’s not much you can do about your zip code, your pet’s breed or age when it comes to premiums but you can tweak coverage levels to fit your budget:

Payout caps: Choosing the highest coverage limit increases premiums. To pick the right payout cap, check the average cost of vet treatment in your area for breed-specific illnesses and common injuries. Reimbursement percentage: A low reimbursement percentage means you’ll pay less in premiums. However, this also means you’ll have a higher copayment. Deductibles: The higher the deductible, the lower your policy’s premium will be. If your pet remains healthy, choosing a higher deductible can pay off and save you money, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if anything unexpected happens. Pet insurance discounts

Pet owners can shave 5 to 10% off their policy’s monthly rate if their pet insurance carrier offers any one of these discounts:

Annual pay discount: Lower rates if you pay for the policy annually instead of monthly Multipet discount: Discounted rates for each additional pet you enroll with the same provider Bundle discounts: Discounted rate for bundling with homeowners or renters insurance under the same provider Spay/neuter discount: Reduced premium if you spay/neuter your pet upon enrollment Military discounts: Discounts for active and former members of the armed forces Group discounts at work: Lower rates for employer-provided pet insurance

You can also save money on pet insurance by adopting through a shelter. Trupanion offers 30 days of free insurance at participating shelters and vets, and you can continue coverage after the trial ends (terms and conditions apply).

Check out the best places to adopt a pet and ask if they participate in similar programs.

What if your pet insurance company goes out of business?

Trusted Pals, Bivvy and Otto pet insurance are recent examples of pet insurance companies that closed down. Trusted Pals and Otto stopped accepting new policies, while Bivvy redirects you to Spot pet insurance if you want to enroll a new pet.

What’s important to remember is that your money is protected. Each state administers a state guarantee fund that will cover any outstanding claims if the insurance company is declared insolvent.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Pet insurance is worth the cost if:

Your pet is young and healthy overall when you enroll You can’t afford the full amount of costly, unexpected vet bills You can afford to pay monthly premiums plus any copays and the deductible You want to avoid a situation where you’re forced to choose between your pet’s health and your financial stability

Say you bought an accident and illness policy for Bella, a young Yorkshire terrier. Bella then develops a displaced kneecap and requires surgery. Here’s how the policy would work:

You pay the full cost of the surgery ($1,500) at the vet’s office You (or the veterinarian) file an insurance claim The insurance provider subtracts a deductible ($250) and pays for 90% of the remaining balance ($1,250) You receive a reimbursement of $1,125 for Bella’s surgery How much is a vet visit?

Pet spending and the cost of veterinary care has increased significantly in recent years. Inflation is just one of the reasons why vet bills are so expensive; the other reason is surprisingly positive.

Technological advances have made it so that our furry friends have access to similar medical procedures as us — and more expensive.

A routine veterinary visit may set you back $50 to $300 but the cost of an emergency vet visit is much harder to predict — it will depend on the type of emergency and the level of care your pet requires.

How much is a vet visit for a dog without insurance?

Expect to pay between $50 to $250 for a routine checkup without a dental cleaning, which can add $300 to $700 to the bill.

A vet visit to address a specific issue comes with a higher price tag. According to Healthy Paws’s Cost of Veterinary Care in 2022, skin conditions were the most common insurance claim of the year for dogs. The bill averaged $200 to $2,500. Gastritis came second and cost an average of $1,600 to $5,000 to treat.

How much is a vet visit for a cat without insurance?

A routine wellness visit for cats, including bloodwork and a dental exam, averages between $100 to $200, according to MetLife Pet Insurance.

Healthy Paws reports gastritis as the most common condition in cats. Claims for reimbursement ranged around $1,500- $1,800. Next were urinary tract infections for an average cost of $1,050

Pet Insurance FAQs

A routine veterinary visit for a cat and a dog without insurance may set you back $50 to $300. An emergency visit can cost much more, depending on the type of emergency and the level of care your pet requires.

A vet visit to address a specific issue comes with a higher price tag, as well. According to Healthy Paws’s Cost of Veterinary Care in 2022, skin conditions were the most common insurance claim of the year for dogs. The bill averaged $200 to $2,500. Gastritis was the most common condition in cats, and claims for reimbursement ranged around $1,500-$1,800.

What is the best pet insurance?The best pet insurance for you will depend on a combination of different elements, mainly your budget and your pet’s needs. Our roundup of the best pet insurance includes reputable providers such as Spot, Pumpkin, AKC, Figo, Embrace, Pets Best, Lemonade, Trupanion, Nationwide and Healthy Paws.How much is pet insurance?

In our price survey, we found pet insurance costs between $40 and $130, depending on your pet’s age and the insurance provider.

Pricing your pet insurance premium depends on: 1) your pet’s type, sex, and breed; 2) your pet’s age; 3) your location; 4) coverage types; 5) deductible and reimbursement level. The more expensive it is where you live, whether it’s California or New York City, the more expensive your pet insurance will be.

How does pet insurance know about pre-existing conditions?

Pet insurance companies identify pre-existing conditions by reviewing your pet’s healthcare records or requesting a nose-to-tail medical exam before enrollment. To gather your pet’s medical records, the company might request the contact information of every shelter or veterinarian that has treated your pet in the past.

How We Chose the Best Pet Insurance Companies

As part of our methodology, we gathered sample quotes and reviewed pet insurance plans based on the following factors:

Plan and coverage options Cost and available discounts Policy benefits, exclusions and restrictions Waiting periods Customer service options and claims processes Summary of Money’s Best Pet Insurance Companies of December 2023
Spot – Best Pet Insurance for Unlimited Coverage Pumpkin – Best Pet Insurance for Puppies and Kittens AKC – Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Figo – Best Pet Insurance for Reimbursement Options Embrace – Best Pet Insurance for International Coverage Pets Best – Best Pet Insurance for Treatment of Mobility Issues Lemonade – Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims Processing Trupanion – Best Pet Insurance for Direct Payment to Vets Nationwide – Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets Healthy Paws – Best Pet Insurance for Alternative Therapies

Original: Money.com: 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of December 2023