Best Pet Insurance Companies for Your Furry Loves
Joy Wallet is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and aren't influenced by compensation. To read our full disclosure, click here.
Whether you're a cat or dog enthusiast, or even if you have exotic pets, all pet parents can agree on one thing: they love their pets as family members and want to provide them with the best possible medical care. This commitment extends to maintaining their overall health and addressing specific needs, whether it's routine wellness care or more complex treatments.
The question of whether the cost of pet insurance is worth it becomes relevant when considering the high costs associated with veterinary care, which can accumulate significantly over time. Pet health insurance is a strategic solution to offset these expenses, making the care of your beloved pet, be it a traditional or an exotic one, more manageable. This not only eases financial stress but also offers peace of mind. Knowing the best pet insurance companies is crucial in ensuring that your pet insurance plans cover a wide range of needs, including illness coverage, accident coverage, wellness care, and specific provisions for dental illnesses, along with vet exam fees. Proper insurance coverage ensures comprehensive care for your pet, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with your furry or exotic companion without worrying about potential financial burdens.
In this article
Overview of the best pet insurance companies
Insurers | Best for |
Quick claim reimbursement | |
May pay up to 100% of covered expenses | |
Overall value | |
PetPlan | Coverage can start at 6 weeks old |
Coverage for hereditary conditions | |
90% reimbursement for all |
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
Best pet insurance companies
Lemonade
Offering pet health insurance for cats and dogs, Lemonade insurance coverage includes diagnostic tests, procedures, and medication resulting from accidents and illness. A base policy does not cover pre-existing conditions, dental care, accidents or behavioral conditions. Lemonade also offers a number of preventative care packages, which can help cover routine care like vaccines, wellness exams, heartworm tests, and more. Plus, Lemonade also offers five optional add-ons to help cover vet visit fees, physical therapy, behavioral conditions, dental illness, and end-of-life and remembrance.
The price I was quoted for a six-month-old boxer in my home state of Georgia was $17.58 per month. However, prices vary based on coverage, coinsurance, and annual deductibles. The company offers several discounts: a bundle discount, a multi-pet discount, and an annual payment discount. You can get a pet insurance policy in minutes by enrolling on the website or using the Lemonade mobile app.
Once you enroll in Lemonade pet insurance, there are up to three waiting periods before you can file for certain types of claims. From the date your policy starts, there is a two-day waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament events. Your exact waiting periods vary, depending on where you live. You can file claims online or using the app; with around half of claims settled instantly.
Unlike many traditional insurance providers, Lemonade doesn’t pocket funds left after paying claims. As a public benefit corporation and a certified B-corp, the company takes a flat fee from premiums and donates the remainder to charities their policyholders choose.
Figo
Figo offers three pet insurance plans for your cat or dog, all of which apply to diagnostics and treatment associated with accidents and illnesses, not including pre-existing conditions. With the Essential plan, you will receive up to $5,000 in annual benefits, while the Preferred plan offers up to $10,000 in annual benefits. With the Ultimate plan, there is no cap on annual benefits.
Using the same parameters I used with Lemonade, Figo quoted me a price of $26.37 for the Essential plan, $28.85 for Preferred, and $37.19 for the Ultimate tier. These come with a deductible of $500. There is also a policy customization option. For example, for an extra $6.62 per month, I could access lost pet advertising/award, pet theft or loss due to straying (up to $150), and up to $250 for cremation and burial, among other things. An additional $5.38 would cover veterinary exam fees for accident and illness visits.
Several factors determine how much your Figo pet insurance policy costs each month, including the age and breed of your pet, your coverage, your annual deductible, and your co-pay. Policy coverage is available for any cat or dog at least eight weeks old; there are no upper age limits for any pet.
You can file claims online, by email, phone, or fax, and you will need to submit your paid vet bill. You will also need your vet to submit your pet’s medical records for the last two years. Once all required information is received, Figo aims to process claims within seven to 10 business days, although it may take up to 30 days. You can choose reimbursement by direct deposit or check by mail.
Figo does have waiting periods in place, but these vary by state, so you will need to check with the company’s customer service department for waiting periods specific to your location. Likewise, Figo may offer certain discounts on your policy rates, but these, too, can vary by state, so talk with a customer service representative to see if you qualify.
Healthy Paws
Available for cats and dogs, Healthy Paws pet insurance covers accidents, illnesses, genetic conditions, cancer, emergency care, and alternative care with no maximum annual or lifetime payouts. Plus, you are not limited to any provider network; you can use any licensed veterinarian.
Your plan will have a reimbursement level and annual deductible to determine how much your reimbursement is. For instance, your annual deductible is $250, and your reimbursement level is 90%. You pay $500 in covered treatments; your reimbursement is $450. If you owe your annual deductible, $250 would be subtracted from the reimbursement, and Healthy Paws would reimburse you $200.
I was quoted a $57.12 per month, including a $250 annual deductible and 80% reimbursement. At a $500 deductible, the price comes down to $48.55 per month.
You can choose your reimbursement level and annual deductible at enrollment. The lower your deductible and higher your reimbursement level, the higher your monthly premium is. Once you file a claim, you can lower your reimbursement level and raise your deductible.
Healthy Paws policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, exam fees, or routine care such as annual checkups, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, or dental cleanings. Every insurance policy includes a 15-day waiting period for new accidents and illnesses and 12 months for hip dysplasia. For dog insurance, you can enroll your puppy starting at eight weeks old; if you enroll your dog before age 6, hip dysplasia coverage is included for free. Cats and dogs can be enrolled until their 14th birthday.
Your pet will need a full physical exam to be eligible for coverage. If your pet is age five or younger, this exam must be completed within the last 12 months. If it’s been over 12 months, you’ll need to have your pet examined within 15 days of applying for coverage. If your pet is six or older, the exam must be within the last 30 days or the first 15 days of applying for coverage.
Filing a claim is quick and easy. You just snap a photo of the vet bills and submit it using the Healthy Paws website or mobile app. Per the company, most claims are processed within two days, so you don’t have to wait to get your money back. Reimbursement is made through check by mail or direct deposit. When filing your first claim, you’ll need to submit a copy of your pet’s full medical history, including the enrollment exam.
And if you choose who you do business with based on the company’s philosophy and community involvement, you’ll love Healthy Paws’ commitment to helping homeless pets. Through the Healthy Paws Foundation, the company donates every pet insurance quote.
PetPlan (now Fetch by The Dodo)
PetPlan, now known as Fetch by The Dodo, separates itself from the competition by offering comprehensive pet insurance that covers many expenses other insurance providers don’t. For instance, when taking your furry friend to the doctor for a sick visit, PetPlan covers the exam fee. This insurance also covers dental injury and disease for all teeth with no broad exclusions and certain hereditary conditions linked to breeding. Plus, should you be hospitalized for four or more days, PetPlan will cover boarding fees for your pet.
Your coverage can pay up to 90% of your vet bills related to accidents and illness. However, it does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine and preventative care, or elective procedures. Pricing depends on your pet’s breed, age and location, annual coverage, reimbursement level, annual deductible, and co-pay amounts. However, PetPlan advertises that plans average around $35 per month for dogs and $25 per month for cats.
For your coverage to become effective, your pet must have received a vet exam within six months before the policy start date. Otherwise, your pet will need a vet exam within 30 days of the policy start date. PetPlan policies include a 15-day waiting period for illness and a six-month exclusionary period on hip dysplasia, cruciate, and patellas. A condition of PetPlan insurance is that it arranges for your pet to undergo an annual health check and dental exam.
Claims can be filed online or through the app and are reviewed within one business day. It’s then sent to an adjuster for processing, and if approved, you will be reimbursed.
Trupanion
Stating it reimburses at 90% with no payout limits, Trupanion offers pet insurance for accidents, illness, and hereditary and congenital conditions. Covered expenses include diagnostic tests, surgeries, hospitalization, and medications. Not surprisingly, pre-existing conditions are not covered. Once enrolled in Trupanion, there is a five-day waiting period for accidents and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses.
Your Trupanion coverage rates depend on several factors, including your deductible. With Trupanion, you pay a lifetime deductible whenever your pet develops a new condition. This deductible must be met before the 90% coverage starts for all expenses related to that condition. I was quoted a premium of $89.75 per month with a $200 deductible. A $700 deductible lowers the price to $51.05 per month. You can enroll your pet any time before your pet’s 14th birthday.
For example, say your lifetime deductible is $500 per condition. If your pet swallows something and requires surgery, you will pay a lifetime deductible of $500 for that surgery and any follow-up treatments. A few months later, your pet is injured after getting hit by a car. You will pay a lifetime deductible of $500 for all treatments related to that injury. When your pet gets older, it may be diagnosed with arthritis. Again, you will pay a $ 500-lifetime deductible for all arthritis-related treatments. This type of policy could be a good choice if you have a pet breed susceptible to a chronic condition.
With Trupanion, you may not have to file a claim. If your veterinarian runs the Trupanion software, you will pay only your portion of the total bill without needing to file a claim. If the vet does not run the Trupanion software, you must submit a claim with your pet’s medical records online, by email, or by fax.
Trupanion offers some coverage options not typically seen with pet insurance. Its Recovery and Complementary Care Rider covers expenses for physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, and other non-clinical procedures. With the Pet Owner Assistance Package, you’ll receive coverage for such expenses as boarding fees if you are hospitalized, cremation or burial for deaths resulting from an accident, and advertising and rewards for lost pets. Another major perk is that Trupanion advertises that “We will never raise your pet's rate no matter how many claims you file with us.”
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
Pumpkin
Pumpkin pet insurance for dogs and cats offers comprehensive coverage, including diagnostics and treatment for accidents and illness, hereditary conditions, dental and gum disease, behavioral issues, alternative therapies, and sick visit exam fees. You also have the option to add on a preventative care pack that covers an annual wellness exam, certain vaccinations, and certain screenings.
As with all other pet insurance companies, pre-existing conditions are not covered. All pets aged eight weeks and older are eligible for enrollment with no upper age limits. Pumpkin also has a waiting period of 14 days or less for all conditions.
Pumpkin offers a straightforward approach to rates and reimbursement. Rates are determined based on your pet’s age and location, the annual deductible, and the annual payout limit—the higher your annual deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Pumpkin also offers a 10% discount for each additional pet you enroll in pet coverage.
For reimbursement, you choose an annual deductible, and after that amount is paid, you receive 90% back on all eligible vet bills up to the annual limit for your plan. The 90% reimbursement rate never drops during the life of the policy. The annual limit could be $10,000 or $20,000 per year for dog insurance or $7,000 or $15,000 per year for cat insurance.
Pumpkin quotes me a price of $80.96 per month with a $10,000 annual limit for my dog and an annual deductible of $500. If I chose an unlimited annual limit, my monthly premium went up to $115.83.
Although Pumpkin does not offer a mobile app, you can quickly file a claim online by uploading a copy of your vet bill — and their website is mobile-optimized for tablets and smartphones. Once approved, reimbursement is made by direct deposit or checks by mail. You can also have reimbursement sent directly to your vet, provided you don’t have to pay your bill upfront.
Best pet insurance summary
Insurance agency | Deductible type | Limits on payouts | Hereditary/congenital conditions covered |
Annual | Yes | Yes | |
Annual | Depends on your coverage | Yes | |
Annual | No | Yes | |
Annual or per condition | Yes | Yes | |
Trupanion | Per condition | No | Yes |
Annual | Yes | Yes |
FAQs
Navigating pet insurance can be confusing. These are some of the questions many pet owners want to be answered before enrolling in any coverage.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is health insurance for your pets. Although it often doesn’t cover preventative care like human health insurance, it does cover medical expenses for diagnostics and treatments for accidents and illnesses that are not related to pre-existing conditions.
Do I need pet insurance?
That depends on your own financial circumstances and your pet. If you have a pet that is susceptible to chronic conditions later in life, it could save you money on vet bills in the long run. Likewise, if you are not in a position to pay a hefty vet bill at a moment’s notice, pet insurance could be a good option. Of course, that depends, too, on how much your deductible is.
What do I look for in pet health insurance coverage?
Again, that depends on your needs. Some pet owners choose an “accidents only” policy while other pet owners want a fully comprehensive policy that covers everything from well checkups to emergency care. Consider your pet’s current health needs as well as any possible future needs, and look for a policy that offers the coverage your pet needs.
Why you should use pet insurance
Most pet insurance coverage applies to accidents and illness, which could be beneficial if you worry about your pet getting injured or sick. Policies that cover hereditary conditions could be very helpful if you have a breed that often develops problems later in life. To reap the most benefits from pet insurance, getting coverage for your pet at an early age is important. Suppose you wait until your dog or cat is a few years old. In that case, he or she may already start showing signs of hereditary conditions or chronic illnesses that, if indicated or diagnosed by your vet, may be deemed a pre-existing condition and, therefore, won’t be covered.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Financial security. The most significant advantage is its financial cushion against high veterinary costs, especially in emergencies or chronic illnesses. This is crucial considering the average cost of vet visits and treatments.
- Comprehensive coverage. Many plans offer a range of coverage options, including accidents, illnesses, routine wellness care, and even hereditary conditions. This often includes wellness coverage for regular vet visits, which can help in early detection and prevention of health issues.
- Peace of mind. Having a safety net for unexpected veterinary expenses, including those from routine wellness checks or emergency treatments, offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your pet's recovery rather than the cost.
- Customizable plans. Flexibility is a key feature of pet insurance policies, allowing you to tailor the level of coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates to suit your budget and your pet's specific health needs, including routine wellness coverage.
- Better care for pets. With the financial burden lessened, you're able to afford better and more timely medical care for your pet, including regular vet visits and wellness checks, which are crucial for maintaining your pet's health.
Cons
- Cost. Premiums can be expensive, particularly for older pets or those with pre-existing conditions. Over a pet's lifetime, these costs, including those for wellness coverage and routine vet visits, can accumulate.
- Coverage limitations. Some policies might not cover all aspects of pet healthcare. Exclusions like pre-existing conditions, certain breeds, or specific illnesses can limit their utility, affecting both routine and emergency care.
- Complexity of plans. Navigating the different insurance plans, understanding what is covered, including wellness care and routine vet visits, and their costs, can be challenging.
- Waiting periods. The delay before coverage takes effect means you can't claim expenses immediately, which can be a limitation for immediate vet care needs.
- Reimbursement model. This model, where you pay vet bills upfront and get reimbursed later, can still pose a financial challenge, particularly for high-cost procedures or regular wellness visits.
- Deductibles and co-pays. The requirement to pay a deductible before insurance covers costs, along with co-pays, adds to the out-of-pocket expenses, which can accumulate, especially with regular wellness visits and routine care.
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
The bottom line
Most pet owners consider their beloved cats or dogs family members and want to do all they can to ensure they are healthy. Pet insurance can help you provide much-needed financial coverage if your pet is injured in an accident or becomes ill. Many pet insurance companies also include coverage if your pet develops health problems due to hereditary conditions, which can be a real money-saver.
Deciding which pet insurance company is the best for your pet depends on the type of coverage you want. Choices range from basic coverage for accidents and illness to comprehensive coverage that includes preventative care. Shop with at least three pet insurance providers to compare coverage options, deductible amounts, annual payout limits, and reimbursement levels. These will help you determine which coverage meets your pet’s needs and fits your budget.
Joy Wallet is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor, financial advisor, loan broker, insurance producer, or insurance broker. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment advice. Joy Wallet does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment issues. Featured estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market. We are compensated by our partners, which may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on our site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice. Our editorials are grounded on independent research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.
We value your privacy. We work with trusted partners to provide relevant advertising based on information about your use of Joy Wallet’s and third-party websites and applications. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing information about your web browsing activities with Meta (Facebook) and Google. All of the web browsing information that is shared is anonymized. To learn more, click on our Privacy Policy link.
Images appearing across JoyWallet are courtesy of shutterstock.com.
Writer
Karon Warren is a freelance writer who has covered articles in finance, insurance and health for sites like Reviews.com, USA Today, Healthgrades, among others.
Share this article
