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Reviewed by Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP 04/10/2024 02:38 PMPet insurance can protect you from large or unexpected veterinary bills, but the market is saturated with choices. We researched pet insurance providers to help pet owners find the right match. Our top picks for companies with the best plans are Pets Best, Figo, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
Most Affordable Most Inclusive Most Experienced Most Comprehensive CoverageOur editorial team follows a strict and comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing pet insurance providers. Our scores are not impacted by advertisers.
27 105 2,700| Brand | Logo | Monthly Cost | BBB Rating | Annual Limits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | $20-$131 | A+ | $5k-Unlimited | Compare Quotes | |
| Figo |  | $25-$54 | B | $5,000–unlimited | Compare Quotes |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | $18–$44 | A+ | $2,500–$10,000 | Compare Quotes | |
| Lemonade | $16–$30 | C- | $5,000–$100,000 | Compare Quotes | |
| Spot | $22-$80 | A- | $2.5k-Unlimited | Compare Quotes | |
| ManyPets | $16–$30 | B- | Unlimited | Compare Quotes | |
| Embrace | $23-$85 | A+ | $5k-$30k | Compare Quotes | |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | $22-$38 | A+ | $5k-$15k | Compare Quotes | |
| Healthy Paws | $24–$54 | A+ | Unlimited | Compare Quotes |
| Pets Best | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $20-$131 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $5k-Unlimited |
| Figo | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $25-$54 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Annual Limits | $5,000–unlimited |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| BBB Rating | C- |
| Annual Limits | $5,000–$100,000 |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| BBB Rating | A- |
| Annual Limits | $2.5k-Unlimited |
| ManyPets | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| Annual Limits | Unlimited |
| Embrace | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $23-$85 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $5k-$30k |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$38 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $5k-$15k |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | Unlimited |
We rate pet insurance providers using a standard 100-point scale that evaluates coverage, plan options, cost, reputation, customer service, species covered, and wellness benefits. From there, we distill the score into a star rating, with a rating of five stars being the highest. The companies highlighted in this review are top-rated and are listed in order, starting with the highest scores.
All pet owners can benefit from pet insurance, which provides a financial safety net to ensure your furry pal’s veterinary bills don’t overwhelm your finances. Many Americans don’t have significant savings set aside for emergencies, let alone for their pet’s care. If you belong to that majority, pet insurance can ensure you never have to choose between an expensive medical treatment that could save or improve your pet’s life and paying the rest of your bills. Pet insurance may not be worth purchasing if you have significant savings set aside for your pets, but keep in mind that bills for emergencies, surgeries, or chronic conditions can exceed several thousand dollars.
Pet insurance plans come in several basic types. A full-coverage or accident and illness plan covers diagnostics and treatments related to accidents, injuries, illnesses, and chronic diseases. An accident-only plan doesn’t include illness coverage, so conditions such as cancer or arthritis won’t be covered. Finally, a wellness plan offers set reimbursements for routine care, such as vaccines, wellness visits, or dental care.
The annual limit determines how much your plan will pay each year. If the limit you choose is too low, you risk running out of coverage for serious and often costly illnesses or treatments, such as cancer or orthopedic surgery. We recommend obtaining at least $10k in coverage per year.
The best way to compare costs across similar pet insurance providers is to obtain quotes using each brand’s website. Ensure you enter the same or similar plan options, including reimbursement rates, annual limits, and deductibles, for the most accurate comparison.
Online reviews allow you to learn how real customers feel about each pet insurance provider. Good places to check reviews include TrustPilot, Reddit, and Google. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) website shows formal complaints and actions taken to rectify them, but isn’t a great source for general reviews. Consumers should take reviews with a grain of salt because many negative reviews result from pet owners not following rules or reading their policy thoroughly—especially regarding pre-existing conditions. Helpful reviews, like the one below, provide specific and thoughtful feedback.
Although any pet can be affected, purebred and designer pets are at increased risk for genetic, hereditary, and breed-related health conditions. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart disease, Miniature Schnauzers suffer from metabolic problems, and large breeds can develop hip and knee problems. Look for plans that specifically mention these coverages and have reasonable waiting periods for orthopedic issues.
Weather conditions and lifestyle factors can impact your pet’s risk of health problems. Pets who live in climates with extreme heat or cold or those who spend time outdoors hiking or camping are at risk for injuries, such as heatstroke, torn nails, frostbite, or broken bones. Pet owners with adventurous pets should ensure they have good accident coverage with a short waiting period and low deductible.
According to our research and extensive quote collection in each state, the average cost for a pet insurance plan in the U.S. is $49 per month. Costs for individual pets depend on where you live and your pet’s age, breed, and species. Each plan offers variable coverages and features, such as customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits, which also influence cost. Accident-only plans often start under $10 per month, while full-coverage plans with low deductibles and unlimited coverage can cost upwards of $100 per month.
Pet insurance costs typically increase over time due to several factors. Insurance pricing is based on risk, and for pets, the most influential risk factor is age. You’ll likely see modest increases each year, and then more significant changes when your pet crosses the threshold into their senior years. The cost of veterinary care in your area and inflation also influence plan pricing, and some plans will take previous claims history into account. To illustrate the difference in pet insurance costs over time, we obtained quotes for a medium mixed-breed male dog through petinsurer.com. You can see how cost increases over time, despite plan parameters remaining the same. Costs for the same pet are significantly higher when the plan choice is set to unlimited coverage instead of the $5k used in the previous example. The more coverage you choose, the more you’ll pay in monthly premiums.
Every pet insurance company on our list earned high marks from our review team, but each has different strengths and weaknesses. Here’s an overview of the pros, cons, and costs for top insurance providers.
Average Cost $28 for cats, $59 for dogs Annual Limit Options $5,000 or unlimited Deductible Options $50–$1,000
Pros Three-day accident waiting period Low-cost, high-coverage accident-only plan and three accident and illness options Wellness plans include coverage for parasite prevention medications Cons Plan pricing for purebreds is significantly higher than for mixed-breed pets Only two choices for annual limits Prescription medications are approved based on a formulary
Pets Best earned 4.9 out of 5 stars and the top spot on our list of the best pet insurance providers. The company scored well in all of our rating categories, is associated with Synchrony Ban —the creators of CareCredit—and we trust they have your pet’s best interests in mind.
Pets Best has an A+ rating with the BBB but mixed customer reviews, as is the case with most insurance companies. Of the greater than 4,000 reviews on Trustpilot, Pets Best scored 4 out of 5 stars overall. Positive reviews mentioned friendly and compassionate customer service, policy transparency, efficient claims processing and reimbursements, and peace of mind from the 24/7 vet line. However, negative reviews noted annual price increases, problems with the mobile app, and lower-than-expected reimbursements.
Here is a review from Trustpilot that reflects the overall 4-star rating:
Average Cost $25 for cats, $54 for dogs Annual Limit Options $5,000, $10,000, unlimited Deductible Options $100 to $1,500
Pros 100% reimbursement rate option Pet-centric mobile app with AI claims filing Industry-leading one-day accident waiting period Cons Low wellness reimbursement amounts Exam fees are not included in the base plan Deductibles available change based on your pet’s age
Figo earned 4.8 out of 5 stars from our review team and has proven itself to be a strong all-around choice. We like its flexible reimbursement rates—including a 100% option— award-winning mobile app, fair prices, and easy-to-reach customer service team.
Figo’s current BBB rating is a respectable B, and the current Trustpilot score is 4 out of 5 stars, indicating mostly positive customer feedback. Positive reviews praise Figo’s lightning-fast claims processing, fair pricing, easy-to-use mobile app, helpful customer service team, and 24/7 vet chat. Negative reviews mention poor claims communication, minimal wellness reimbursements, and inconsistency in claims approvals.
This Trustpilot review reflects Figo’s 4-star rating:
Average Cost $18 for cats, $44 for dogs Annual Limit Options $2,500–$10,000 Deductible Options $100, $250, $500
Pros Plan pricing is well below average without compromising coverage No separate waiting period for orthopedic issues Over two decades of experience and reliability Cons Requires up to 30 days for claims processing Excludes prescription foods for weight loss Lower maximum annual limit than other providers
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance earned 4.8 out of 5 stars as the oldest and most experienced pet insurance provider we reviewed. The company has a reputation for quality and reliability, offers cost-effective policies, has multiple plan options, and doesn’t discriminate against older pets.
According to our sample quote data, the average monthly cost for an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance accident and illness plan is $31 per month. The provider also offers an accident-only plan, which averages $15 per month. Plans include exam fees and behavior treatments, which some other providers may exclude. Two wellness plan options are available for $10 or $15 per month.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has an A+ rating with the BBB. As the oldest provider on our list, they have more than 5,000 Trustpilot reviews, earning an overall score of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Some positives mentioned in the reviews include fast claims processing, affordable premiums, clear policy language, and compassionate customer care. Negatives mentioned in reviews include communication problems, rate increases, and confusion over claims denials. Here’s what one reviewer had to say about their experience with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance on Trustpilot:
Average Cost $16 for cats, $30 for dogs Annual Limit Options $5,000–$100,000 Deductible Options $100–$750
Pros Takes a flat fee on premiums, pays claims, then donates leftovers to charities Policyholders can bundle with renters or auto insurance for discounts AI-powered, streamlined signup and claims process Cons Base plan requires add-ons to achieve full coverage Upper age limits for enrollment vary by breed Customer phone support is lacking—you must sign up for a plan online
Lemonade earned 4.6 out of 5 stars from our review team as our favorite affordable pet insurance option. Lemonade’s policies are fully customizable with an essentials-only base plan and five available add-ons, so you only pay for exactly what your pet needs and nothing more.
Lemonade’s current BBB rating is a C-, which indicates the company may not respond well to formal complaints. However, Lemonade’s Trustpilot score is excellent at 4.4 out of 5 stars, indicating an overall positive customer experience. Satisfied reviewers enjoy Lemonade’s low cost, instant claims reimbursements, user-friendly app, and non-traditional approach to insurance. Negative reviewers noted unfair pre-existing condition determinations, inconsistent claims approvals, and rate increases.
The review below is indicative of why Lemonade has an average of 4.4 stars on Trustpilot:
Average Cost $34 for cats, $75 for dogs Annual Limit Options $2,500–unlimited Deductible Options $100–$1,000
Pros Seven annual limits and five deductible choices for the ultimate in customization Accident-only plan option to reduce costs Filing a claim won’t affect your premium Cons Policy premiums are above average in cost because they are more inclusive Does not cover advanced dental treatments The lowest reimbursement rates may not provide adequate coverage
Spot earned 4.6 out of 5 stars from our review team, who noted Spot’s inclusive and highly customizable coverage as its biggest asset. We particularly like the company’s transparent and easy-to-understand policies and rave customer reviews.
Spot offers all-inclusive accident and illness coverage, accident-only coverage, and two wellness plan add-ons. According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Spot plan is $54 per month, but pricing can vary considerably depending on plan parameters. Spot coverage is extensive, including exam fees, behavior treatments, and microchipping on top of standard norms. The average accident-only plan costs $35 per month and wellness options cost $10 or $25 per month in addition to base pricing.
Spot currently has a B+ rating with the BBB and 4.7 out of 5 stars based on more than 4,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Customers love Spot for its hassle-free claims, fast reimbursements, adherence to policy claims, and customizations to fit any budget. A few negative reviews mention pre-existing conditions determinations, claims denials, and long claims wait times. The review below reflects Spot’s rave customer feedback:
Average Cost $39 for cats, $73 for dogs Annual Limit Options $5,000–unlimited Deductible Options $100–$1,000
Pros More discount and savings opportunities than other providers we reviewed The wellness program doesn’t operate on a fee schedule Two-day accident waiting period Cons Moderate to high base pricing Pets over 15 years at enrollment aren’t eligible for illness coverage Six-month orthopedic waiting period
Embrace earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from our review team for its comprehensive coverage and multiple, combinable discount opportunities. Embrace also has a solid reputation for reliability, a unique wellness program, and enough customization options for most pet owners to find a plan that fits their budget.
According to our sample quotes, the average cost for an Embrace accident and illness plan is $56 per month. This coverage includes exam fees and prescription drugs, but consumers in most states can choose to toggle this coverage on or off for an average of $8 per month apiece. An accident-only plan is available but pet owners must call for pricing. Embrace also offers Wellness Rewards, which is a uniquely flexible program allowing policyholders to spend their allotted dollars as they see fit, for $18 to $52 per month.
Embrace has a current rating of A+ with the BBB and 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Positive customer reviews mention the provider’s partnership with USAA, reasonable claims processing, and caring and supportive claims adjusters. On the other hand, a few negative reviews mention prolonged claims processing, repeated information requests, and pre-existing condition determinations. This review illustrates how many customers feel about Embrace:
Average Cost $45 for cats, $90 for dogs Annual Limit Options $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 Deductible Options $250–$700
Pros Includes holistic care and supplement coverage Sick visit exam fee coverage Visit any vet in the U.S. or Canada Cons High base pricing with annual rate increases No accident-only plan No unlimited coverage option
Fetch earned 4.2 out of 5 stars from our review team for offering comprehensive base coverage and being widely available in the U.S. and Canada. We love Fetch’s commitment to all-around pet health, including holistic treatments excluded by most other providers.
Fetch offers a customizable accident and illness plan designed to cover all possible pet health needs. Aside from three wellness plan options, no other add-ons or plan types are available. According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Fetch plan is $67 per month. This is well above average, but coverage is extensive. A few of the coverages that Fetch goes above and beyond to include are exam fees, full-mouth dental, behavior disorders, and virtual pet visits. Wellness plans cost between $11 and $32 per month.
Fetch has an A+ rating with the BBB and 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. One major complaint from Fetch users is rate increases following claims, as Fetch uses claims history to determine annual renewal rates. Other negatives from reviewers include confusion over required history documents and less-than-expected reimbursement amounts. On the other hand, positive reviews mention good customer service, an easy claims process, and comprehensive coverage. This review shows what the average customer thinks about Fetch:
Pros Has a dedicated charity foundation Most claims are processed and reimbursed in a few days Competitively priced unlimited coverage Cons Reduces reimbursements to 50% for seniors 12-month hip dysplasia waiting period No option for exam fee coverage
Healthy Paws earned 4.1 out of 5 stars from our review team for its budget-friendly unlimited coverage and long-running track record of reliability. The provider offers a simple plan without confusing add-ons and never limits payouts.
Healthy Paws offers only one accident and illness plan, which is an intentional attempt to simplify the pet insurance process and focus its attention on the most important coverages for pet owners. According to our sample quotes, the average Healthy Paws plan costs $39 per month. Coverage does not include exam fees or routine care for any pet or hip dysplasia for pets enrolling after six years old.
Healthy Paws currently has an A+ rating with the BBB and 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, indicating strong customer satisfaction and complaint resolution. Although the policy restricts coverage for hip dysplasia, it provides well-rounded coverage in most other respects and has been around for decades. Online reviewers praise the company for clear communication, quick claims reviews, a caring customer service team, and affordable monthly premiums. Reviewers with complaints noted rate increases, confusion over documents needed for claims processing, and denied claims. This review illustrates how many customers feel about Healthy Paws:
A few providers didn’t make the cut on our list of the best pet insurance companies. These providers, including Trupanion, Wagmo, and Prudent Pet, earned lower overall scores than the others because of higher costs or restrictive coverage. Pet owners may still wish to consider these companies, but should be aware that they may not meet their expectations.
Pet insurance provides financial assistance to pet owners to help them pay for veterinary care. A pet health insurance policy isn’t the same as human health insurance. Instead, pet policies more closely resemble property insurance. Pet insurance policies don’t use networks, don’t pay for preventive care, and require you to pay your veterinarian directly, and then file a claim for reimbursement after the fact. Pet owners can purchase a policy to cover their pets at any time, but pre-existing conditions are never fully covered, so purchasing a policy earlier in your pet’s life is beneficial. Each policy has unique specifications regarding coverage, limitations, and exclusions. When your pet has a health problem, you’ll pay your veterinarian as you normally would, then submit a claim to your pet insurance provider—usually through a website or mobile app. How much you get reimbursed per claim depends on your deductible, which is the amount you pay before reimbursements begin, and reimbursement rate, which is the percentage of covered charges the policy will pay back. On some occasions and with specific providers, pet insurance can pay your vet directly. To illustrate how pet insurance works, we’ll look at an example of an insured pet suffering from an injury. Let’s say your pet has a policy with an 80% reimbursement rate and a $500 deductible, and the total for the veterinary bill is $2,500. If this is the first claim of the year, you’ll pay the full deductible amount. The total reimbursement amount depends on the company because they may apply your copayment before applying the deductible, or vice-versa. Let’s look at both possible calculations, assuming all listed expenses on the invoice are eligible for reimbursement (i.e., none are related to pre-existing conditions or policy exclusions).
Pet insurance plans typically cover diagnostics and treatments related to new accidents and illnesses. Routine or wellness care isn’t included, but some providers allow partial reimbursements when you purchase add-on wellness plans. Coverage differs from plan to plan, with some providing all coverages as standard, others requiring add-ons and riders to complete coverage, and others still completely excluding certain coverages. Always read a sample policy and study your policy documents in detail to gain a complete grasp of your plan’s fine print.
Most accident and illness plans cover tests, medications, hospitalizations, and specialist care related to:
Many plans include the following in standard coverage or offer them for an added fee:
Common exclusions to watch out for include:
Like any other insurance product, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
