Best Cheap Pet Insurance – Care for Less
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Welcoming home a new puppy, kitten, or other furry friend is always an exciting time. Nevertheless, along with all the cuddling and bonding comes real responsibility—including making decisions about how you'll provide them with lifelong quality care, what that entails, and how to budget reasonably for their needs over so many years together.
Most new pet parents vastly underestimate the costs that will stack up over Rover or Fluffy's lifetime, from routine checkups to visits to the emergency room for interventions in case of illness or injury. Expenses often end up piling surprisingly high because of today's advanced (and costly) pet healthcare.
So, let's take a look at key considerations every owner needs to weigh first when deciding if pet insurance makes sense for their needs and budget.
In this article
Overview of the best cheap pet insurance providers
Provider | Best for |
User-friendly digital experience | |
Wide coverage options | |
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions | |
Immediate preventative coverage | |
No payout caps on plans | |
Direct payout to vet | |
Senior pets |
- 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
What is pet insurance exactly?
Pet insurance, at its simplest, covers most veterinary costs and fees associated with keeping
your cat, dog, or other animal happy and healthy over their life.
It's essentially health insurance tailored specifically for pets that reimburses substantial costs
after injury treatment, diagnosis of disease, or any healthcare intervention — helping greatly
reduce out-of-pocket expenses to owners. Sounds familiar? The peace of mind concept mirrors
why humans have health insurance themselves.
You pay the pet insurer a regular monthly premium that varies based on factors like species,
breed, age at enrollment, coverage limitations (if any), and what perks or add-ons get included.
In exchange for your premium, if your animal gets unexpectedly hurt while playing or shows
symptoms requiring veterinary care, the insurance kicks in. It pays 70% to 90% of your bill after
you meet an annual deductible amount, saving owners thousands over paying vet costs in full
themselves.
Thus, your premium buys financial protection from unpredictable, expensive surprises.
What do pet insurance plans and polices actually cover?
While each pet insurer offers its own unique plans and perks that warrant careful review, most
standard accident and illness coverage bundles protect for:
- Visits to the vet or specialist
- Diagnostic testing
- Injuries
- Illnesses, including chronic conditions
- Hereditary and congenital disease
- Surgeries and hospitalization
- Prescriptions or other treatments
- X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds
Some insurers exclude certain pre-existing/hereditary conditions or may cap payouts
annually — important caveats to know upfront in your policy specifics before signing up. Others
may restrict coverage based on factors like pet age.
Most insurers also offer wellness add-on options for preventative care, such as:
- Routine annual exams
- Core vaccinations
- Parasite prevention
- Dental cleanings
In addition, many insurers allow further customizing your plan with riders for coverage like
behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, end of life services, or even lost pet advertising. That's why it's
worth finding out all the details of what does and doesn't make the cut before enrollment.
While premium costs and deductible specifics vary wildly based on all those coverage details in
play, you generally enjoy significant financial assistance with any accident, injury, or illness
treatment not caused directly by you (the owner) or classified as pre-existing when your policy
starts. Within policy limits, of course!
The most affordable pet insurance companies
How do you even define "cheap" when comparing pet insurers, since policies vary so greatly?
Our experts weighed six key equally important indicators:
- Affordable premiums. We obtained quotes for four common types of pets across deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits to calculate the overall lowest average monthly payments.
- Strong reimbursement rates. Even affordable premiums lose value if plans only pay back 50% after accidents, illnesses, or emergencies. We favored higher reimbursement rates.
- Comprehensive offerings. Cheap shouldn't mean bare-bones coverage. We spotlighted companies bundling robust accident and illness protections.
- Established companies. Inexpensive plans are worthless if a young upstart closes shop. Our top picks boast 5+ years of industry success.
- Positive reviews. Apart from financial stability, we analyzed companies for strong endorsements from both - the industry experts and past pet insurance customers themselves.
- Flexibility. Given that pets often live over 15 years, changing needs inevitably arise. Our favorite affordable providers allow adjusting coverage along the way to stay valuable over a lifetime, not just on enrollment day.
Based on that criteria, the insurers below are our top seven secure, budget-conscious picks
across accident & illness offerings.
Lemonade
Living up to its name and applying a zesty, fresh take on policies, Lemonade reinvented
cumbersome claim processes through AI and clever budget-protecting safeguards. A certified
B-Corporation, it's also reversing typical profit motives in unique ways.
Rather than shareholders seeking earnings growth each quarter, unused premiums fund
charities supporting pets after annual expenses get deducted.
In terms of affordability, Lemonade boasts the lowest quoted average monthly premiums,
specifically for cats. Since male cats especially present lower lifetime care costs than
accident-prone dogs, locking savings early on pays off in the long run.
For those seeking a licensed and bonded insurer who leverages the latest technology to simplify
processes at friendly prices (with social benefits bonuses), Lemonade delivers feel-good,
affordable care options worth your attention. Their smarter coverage model protects both wallet
and community spirit all at once.
Monthly premium range
- Dogs: $20 - $50
- Cats: $10 - $30
Reimbursement rate options:
70%, 80%, 90%
Annual claims limits:
$5k, $15k, $50k, Unlimited
Pros
- Unused premiums fund pet charities and animal welfare nonprofits
- Fast digital claim processing via AI automation
- Bonus preventative care rewards programs
- 97% customer satisfaction rating
- Free lemonade with policy purchases
Cons
- Slightly complicated signup requiring bot identity verification
- Ran initial soft credit check without the opt-out option
- Exam fees are not covered under the base plan
Embrace
Where Embrace shines brightest is rewarding loyal policyholders through its unique Healthy Pet
Discount program. If you make it through a year with claims under $300, you will enjoy a 5%
policy discount. Do it again the next year, and that bumps to 10% savings.
They also include less common offerings like exam fees and behavioral therapies in standard
plans. With diminishing deductibles over time plus fast access to veterinary experts 24/7,
Embrace provides complete support from all angles.
If you take an active role in nurturing your pet's well-being, Embrace gives back through
discount rewards and compassionate care options that are worth considering.
Monthly premium range
- Dogs: $18 - $72
- Cats: $8 - $38
Reimbursement rate options:
70%, 80%, 90%
Annual claims limits:
Unlimited
Pros
- Generous Healthy Pet wellness rewards program lowers premiums yearly
- Diminishing deductibles over time
- Covers exam fees for accidents and illnesses
- Fast 2-day waiting period approving accident claims
- Access 24/7 to veterinary experts
Cons
- Limited range of deductible and annual limit options
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament (ACL) issues
Figo Pet Insurance
True to its name implying versatile, energetic pets, Figo brings both unmatched coverage
flexibility and highly competitive rates to the table. Their accident and illness plans ranked
affordably priced across all common pet types we obtained quotes for.
Outpacing competitors, Figo reimburses an industry-leading 100% after meeting your chosen
annual deductible, kicking even more financial power back into your hands.
Their base policies also bundle in standard perks like emergency vet assistance and pet cloud
app claim tracking that competitors charge extra for. No basic coverage gaps to unexpectedly
non-reimbursable surprise outlays.
Beyond bundling everything pet parents expect, Figo allows switching reimbursement rates and
deductibles anytime without waiting periods when household budgets get tight. Plus, your
choice of 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% reimbursement rates creates welcome payment flexibility
when money matters.
The icing on the cake? Figo offers an excellent pet insurance discount for spayed/neutered pets
and impressive rate locks, ensuring your monthly premium can't spike unexpectedly as your
furry family member ages.
Monthly premium range
- Dogs: $45 - $85
- Cats: $15 - $50
Reimbursement rate options:
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Annual claims limits:
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Pros
- Customizable reimbursement rates 70-100%
- Option to adjust deductibles and coverage anytime without waiting periods
- Bundles emergency vet assistance and cloud claim tracking
- Fast claims processing technology
- Rate locks preventing premium hikes as pets age
- Empathetic customer service guides euthanasia arrangements
Cons
- Slightly pricier monthly premiums over $50 on average for dogs
- Does not cover exam fees in the base plan
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Boasting nearly 20 years of diligently serving pet parents nationwide, ASPCA leads our list of
cheap pet insurance companies thanks to consistently low premiums across all life stages.
In fact, average quoted premiums for cats under their plan ranked as the most budget-friendly
overall. Considering kitties require fewer expensive interventions than accident-prone dogs over
a lifetime, locking low rates while young means fewer price hikes down the road.
Unlike human health insurance, pet insurers charge more incrementally as four-legged family
members age, accounting for higher risk. So ASPCA's affordability out the gate offers true
long-term value, guarding your wallet from bigger hikes later.
Their Gold plan also bundles unusually robust offerings, even many high-end "unlimited"
coverage competitors exclude. We're talking about perks like behavioral therapies,
hospitalization boarding fees, lost pet advertising costs, death benefits, and even microchip
implantation. Lots of bang for your buck here.
Monthly premium range
- Dogs: $35 - $55
- Cats: $15 - $35
Reimbursement rate options:
70%, 80%, 90%
Annual claims limits:
$3k, $7k, $10k, Unlimited
Pros
- Nonprofit status directly supports vulnerable pets in shelters/rescues
- Consistently low premium pricing across coverage tiers
- Bundles exam fees, microchipping, behavioral therapies
- Covers euthanasia/burial costs
- Excellent A+ financial rating for claims payment ability
Cons
- Slightly longer 14-day waiting period for accidents
- Only discloses $10k max annual limit online
Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws provides unlimited annual coverage at budget-friendly rates - no per-incident,
annual, or lifetime payout caps whatsoever. Your pet gets all the veterinary care needed as life
brings surprises. For those wanting robust protection without overpaying, Healthy Paws delivers
top value.
They also offer unique guidance, steering you to alternative carriers if your personalized quote
still returns too pricey. This consumer advocacy aligns with their overall transparent,
customer-first approach.
With well-regarded mobile tools, fast claims response, and features like their 30-day
money-back guarantee, this company earns trust in protecting pets when the unexpected
strikes.
Monthly premium range
- Dogs: $38 - $49
- Cats: $17 - $23
Reimbursement rate options:
50-80%
Annual claims limits:
Unlimited
Pros
- Unlimited annual coverage with no payment caps
- Mobile app for direct claim filing and account access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Recommends alternative quotes if initial pricing is too high
- Covers alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic
Cons
- Only one coverage plan option is available
- Reduces maximum reimbursement rate to 70% after the age of 5
- A higher $250 deductible minimum
Fetch Pet Insurance
For those seeking more holistic care protection, Fetch offers a fresh approach. Their coverage extends to alternative therapies like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and laser treatments up to $1,000 annually.
They also reward loyalty with policyholders earning 15% premium credit every year without
claims. Add customizable pricing across coverage tiers and deductibles, and Fetch provides
welcome flexibility while catering wellness to each pet.
If you want extra support for whole-body wellness needs with the flexibility to pivot coverage as
life shifts, this smaller company thinks outside the box.
Monthly premium range
- Dogs: $33 - $47
- Cats: $20 - $22
Reimbursement rate options:
80%
Annual claims limits:
$5k, $10k, $15k
Pros
- Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture up to $1000
- 15% loyalty discount each yearr without claims
- Customizable pricing across coverage tiers
- 97% customer satisfaction rating
Cons
- Does not include wellness or preventative coverage
- Claims processing slower than competitors
Spot Pet Insurance
Spot makes our list of top picks because it’s one of the only pet insurance options available where there’s no upper age limit–perfect for those of us with senior pets. It includes a wide range of coverages under accident and illness, or you can choose an accident only plan. It even includes vet exam fees with accident and illness, which is another hard-to-find feature among pet insurance plans. While it doesn’t have an optional dental insurance plan, it does cover some tooth extractions, depending on the cause.
- 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 best cheap pet insurance summary
Provider | Types of coverage available | Waiting period | Available in all states | Can use any vet |
Accidental and wellness | Up to six months | No, only 37 | Yes | |
Accidental, wellness, dental, prescription | Up to six months | 49 states and Washington D.C. | Yes | |
Accidental, wellness, possible chronic conditions | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Yes | |
Accidental, wellness, chronic, and behavioral issues, dental | Right away for preventative, 14 days for accident and illness | Not disclosed | Yes, in the U.S. and Canada | |
Accidental and illness | Depends on state | Yes | Yes | |
Fetch | Accident and illness | 15 days | Yes | Yes, in U.S., Canada |
Accident, illness, preventative care | 14 days | Yes | Yes, in the U.S. and Canada |
Ways to save on pet insurance costs
Even though the providers we listed above offer excellent overall conditions, there is still room
for savings.
You'll be able to get 20% or even 35% off originally quoted premium costs thanks to the proven
pet insurance cost-cutting strategies below:
Consult your vet guiding unique risk factors
Who knows what pre-existing conditions and breed risk factors are most likely to require future
care? Your family veterinarian! Before even requesting quotes, schedule a consultation sharing:
- Pet age, weight, breed, gender
- Known illnesses and injuries
- Hereditary conditions possibly requiring coverage
- Lifestyle risks like boarding, outdoor exposure, etc .
Armed with an expert perspective on vulnerabilities requiring coverage, narrow search to
appropriate providers. Then, inquire exactly what treatment scenarios or chronic therapies
quoted policies would reimburse. Avoid unpleasant claim denials down the road from
undisclosed exemptions, blindly trusting marketing fluff, and vague fine print legalese.
Insure pets early before conditions develop
Remember, pet insurers don't cover pre-existing problems diagnosed earlier. So acquiring
coverage BEFORE the onset of injury, illness, or other issues lets you file future claims
paperwork validating newly occurred eligible crises only.
Heftier premiums will accompany aging fur babies anyway as companies price risk. Avoid a
double whammy of inflated payment plus recurring disorder exclusions tanking value. Puppy
and kittenhood allow for a prime opportunity to insulate financial risks later.
Consider accident-only policies for healthy young pets
Let's say you adopted rescues with clean bills of health. Paying premiums covering illnesses
seems like an unnecessary expense upfront, right? Start with cheaper accident-only policies
covering unforeseen injuries, poisoning, or injuries. Upgrade plans later only if the original
health changes. Keep costs lower until absolutely necessary to increase protection.
Review all available discounts
Most pet insurers offer multiple opportunities to bring costs lower, like:
- Customer loyalty discounts
- Bundling multiple pet plans
- Paying paremiums annually
- Enrolling military first responders
- Choosing higher deductibles
Carefully scan company fine print for language around reductions, then inquire directly about
qualifying for maximum concessions lowering premiums. Never assume you'll get whatever
lowest advertised rates are shown on the website!
Don't drag feet securing coverage
If a new fur baby joins the household or an existing pet exhibits concerning symptoms, expedite
obtaining coverage pronto before worsening. Insurers deny undisclosed pre-existing condition
claims anyway, so it makes no sense to send premiums while also handling illnesses/injuries out-of-pocket unreimbursed and paying double. Act now to enter a healthy chapter so you're
covered later when crisis strikes.
What impacts how much pet insurance costs?
Smart choice protects budget, no question! But wide cost variations between pet insurance
companies leave folks perplexed about what makes pricing fluctuate in the first place.
Here are the top three factors influencing your monthly premium totals so you understand value
differences protecting pets long term.
Age matters significantly
Insurance protects against future surprise conditions, so companies charge more to cover older
pets statistically facing chronic issues and age-related disorders sooner. It makes sense, right?
Think human health insurance - insuring 16-year-olds costs less than 36-year-olds based on the
risk of needing interventions ahead.
The same holds for pet insurance:
- Young puppies and kittens enjoy the lowest pricing, reflecting healthy early years before diagnoses come about. Lock this in early for budget-wise savings!
- Middle-aged pets see modest premium bumps around age 5 as chronic disease risks increase. Price hikes compound yearly.
- Senior pets face the steepest premiums, reflecting the highest likelihood of sudden veterinary needs and existing conditions requiring maintenance. Costs easily double entering the senior years. You should factor this in.
Breed risk impacts pricing
Dogs and cats are genetically prone to certain conditions, which also influence premium totals.
For example, Labs/goldens commonly face hip/arthritis issues later in life. Insurers charge more
upfront before obvious issues materialize down the road.
Always disclose your pet's breed truthfully so actuaries can accurately estimate realistic risk
tiers and price protection accordingly. Some insurers even offer a "mixed breed" tier, further
reducing costs.
Health history sets the stage
Pets adopted with prior diagnoses or existing conditions when newly enrolling are legally
considered "pre-existing" situations unfit to be covered since treatment is already underway.
Insurers cannot initiate policies mid-way through addressing illnesses and then continue funding
ongoing care. Instead, new plans only cover accidents or diagnoses arising after the enrollment
date.
While healthy puppies enrolling starts with a "clean slate" set to claim future surprise conditions,
shelter pets sometimes enroll already managing issues that are immediately excluded upfront.
FAQs
How do I qualify for affordable pet insurance?
Enroll pets when they are young and healthy to lock in the lowest rates before issues develop.
Take advantage of all available multi-pet, deductible, and annual payment discounts offered by
insurers.
What does pet insurance typically cover?
Most accident and illness plans cover injuries, acute illnesses, chronic disease diagnoses, hereditary conditions, surgeries, hospital stays, therapies, medications, and more for
reimbursement after paying your annual deductible. Clarify particular scenarios worrying you most with the insurer pre-enrollment.
What are multi-pet discounts?
Multi-pet discounts are a form of savings offered by pet insurance companies to pet owners who insure more than one pet under the same policy or with the same provider. This discount is designed to make pet insurance more affordable for households with multiple pets, encouraging owners to secure coverage for all their animals. The specific discount rate can vary between insurance providers but typically ranges from 5% to 10% or more off the premium for each additional pet.
Is cheap pet insurance suitable for exotic pets?
Unfortunately, no universal exotic pet insurance lifehack promises affordable coverage similar to dogs/cats due to limited providers, frequent policy exemptions, and challenges related to pre-existing conditions. The best strategy is to vet shop to prevent issues needing insurance
initially, then independently save upfront, offsetting inevitable uncovered diagnoses down the road.
- 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
Our pets offer priceless companionship and love, and we only want the best for them. The good news is a wide range of best pet insurance companies available, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality coverage even on a smaller budget. Always read the inclusions, exclusions, and the finer details of the policy before you decide whether it is worth it. The right pet insurance will bring you peace of mind and ensure that your four-legged is well looked after in case of any health issues.
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Writer
Sara Coleman is a former corporate gal turned creative entrepreneur. She began writing professionally several years ago and now contributes to multiple websites, blogs, and magazines. She’s also an avid reader and can’t resist a great historical fiction novel. Sara holds a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia and can be found supporting her Bulldogs every chance she has. She resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wonderfully supportive husband and three children. When she’s not ushering her kids to sports and dance lessons, she can be found creating content for her own website, TheProperPen.com.
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