10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of October 2022 | Money
Pet insurance can help pay for your pet’s medical care, with many policies covering up to 90 percent of your veterinary bills. our reviews evaluate the best pet insurance companies to help you identify which is the best fit for your needs.
If you need more information before diving into the reviews, our guide section explains how pet insurance works, what procedures providers don’t typically cover, and how to choose the right coverage. We also define key components of your policy, such as payment limits, types of coverage, and premiums.
Keep reading to learn more about the best pet insurance companies on the market today.
our top picks for the best pet insurance for October 2022
- healthy paws – best for alternative therapies
- aspca – best for hereditary and congenital conditions
- spot – best for unlimited coverage
- pumpkin – best for puppies and kittens
- figo – best for rebate options
- embrace – best for older pets
- pets best – best for treating mobility issues
- lemonade: best for fast claims processing
- trupanion: best for direct payment to vets
- across the country: best for exotic pets
Honorable Mentions: trusted friends, fetch by the dodo, metlife pet insurance, 24petwatch, hartville, pet insurance, usaa pet insurance, geico pet insurance, pet wise wagmo and many pets
reviews of the best pet insurance companies
Why We Chose Healthy Paws: Most pet insurance providers exclude alternative therapies from their policies, but Healthy Paws covers treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy and massage therapy, provided that as prescribed and performed by a licensed veterinarian.
healthy paws offers a single accident and illness policy for cats and dogs. You have no per-occurrence, annual, or lifetime benefit limits, and you can choose a deductible between $100 and $500.
The company provides fast claims processing through its mobile app and most claims are processed in just two days. also offers a direct payment option in lieu of reimbursement if you can’t pay the vet bill up front.
Healthy Paws is best for pets enrolled when they are young, as coverage options are more limited and reimbursement rates are less generous for older pets.
read full review >>
why we chose aspca: we chose aspca as the best pet insurance for congenital or hereditary diseases. Unlike other companies, you do not retain coverage for these illnesses if you enroll your pet after a certain age. your pet will be fully insured (and relatively quickly, too), thanks to the short 14-day waiting period.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers preventative care for cats and dogs for accidents, accidents and illness only. Equestrian enthusiasts can also insure their horses, but only in certain states.
aspca’s premium rates are some of the most affordable. The company is also more flexible on certain policy terms than many of its industry counterparts.
while other companies’ policies set an age limit for coverage of hereditary or congenital conditions, aspca guarantees coverage regardless of your pet’s age at the time of enrollment, as long as the conditions are not pre-diagnosed. plus, curable pre-existing conditions are covered, as long as your pet is symptom-free for at least 180 days. other companies can make you wait up to a year.
This insurer also falls short with its long claims processing time. pet care is expensive and waiting 30 days for insurance reimbursement is not a good selling point, considering some competitors process claims in a matter of days.
read full review >>
why we chose spot: we chose spot as the best pet insurance with unlimited coverage. caters especially well to pet owners who want a policy that maximizes peace of mind for their pets’ health. (Of course, such breadth comes at a cost, as opting for low or no copays and a small deductible tend to drive up the cost of any policy, regardless of company.) spot is also a good choice for older pets. , since there is no age limit for its coverage.
spot allows you to maximize your pet’s coverage. is one of the relatively few companies that offer policies with a full (100%) coverage option, which means you are not responsible for any co-pays on bills. Plus, the company offers a very low deductible option ($100), further lowering your out-of-pocket payments for care.
That said, choosing a low copay and a low deductible, or both, will lead to higher premiums for the policy. And spot prices are already higher than the norm for young pets, though the company doesn’t have an upper age limit for insuring new animals, which may make it a good option if your furry companions are elderly.
read full review >>
Why We Chose Pumpkin: Pumpkin is our pick for the best pet insurance for puppies and kittens because it offers a lot for relatively little. provides extensive insured and uninsured preventive care options tailored to young animals at an affordable price.
pumpkin offers affordable plans with the option to add preventative care packages for cats and young dogs not included in the standard coverage. for example, the company’s puppy preventive care packages include an annual wellness exam fee, four puppy vaccinations, and an annual fecal test.
pumpkin will also reimburse the cost of up to four vaccinations your pup received prior to being insured under the preventive package, in addition to covering lab tests for parasites. however, these supplements, known as pumpkin preventative essentials, are not available in all states.
read full review >>
Why We Chose Figo: Most competitors only offer up to 90% cash back. figo stands out as the best pet insurance with reimbursement options because pet owners can choose up to 100% reimbursement and avoid copays altogether.
figo offers pet owners the option of reducing their copay to 0%, thanks to its 100% refund option. (As a general rule, the lowest copay offered by other providers is 10%). figo also does not impose annual limits, but the company does apply a lifetime maximum, that is, how much it will reimburse during the life of your pet. .
Be prepared to pay higher-than-average premiums for a policy with 0% copays, unlimited payment benefits, or both. Other notable drawbacks include figo coverage limitations on hereditary conditions and a lack of rider options. pet owners can purchase additional coverage for veterinary exam fees, but not preventive care or wellness.
figo pet cloud app has full 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 full review >>
Why We Choose To Adopt: Aging pets shouldn’t lose insurance coverage when they need it most, and owners are prepared to pay hefty age-related premium increases to purchase a policy. We chose Embrace as the best pet insurance for senior pets because it extends full coverage to pets under 14 years of age and accident-only coverage to pets 15 years of age and older.
embrace is willing to provide accident and illness coverage for pets up to 15 years old. After that age, you can still buy coverage, though only for accidents. that’s a rarity, as other companies generally don’t insure pets 10 years and older at all.
embrace does not offer wellness benefits as a separate policy. instead, pet owners can enroll in the wellness rewards plan and contribute a specified amount toward preventive care expenses. Make sure your annual contributions match the expected level of preventive care, as unused funds don’t carry over to the next year.
Another benefit of echo pet insurance is lowering your deductibles. Every year that you don’t receive a claim refund, hug will reduce your annual deductible by $50.
All policies come with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a prorated refund, if you’ve already filed a claim within that time period.
read full review >>
Why We Chose Pets Best: Pets Best has a wide range of coverage options and deductibles, offering pet coverage for as little as seven weeks. It is also one of the few pet insurance companies that covers prosthetic devices and wheelchairs.
pets best offers accident and illness policies and also sells multiple wellness plans to cover routine care for your pet.
Most insurers require pets to be at least eight weeks old to enroll, but it’s best to insure pets at seven weeks. There’s also no upper age limit, so you can get coverage for older pets.
Insurers don’t always cover treatment for mobility problems, but pets provide better coverage for wheelchairs and prosthetic devices when prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness.
However, the best pets have bilateral exclusions. If your pet has previously been diagnosed with a condition on one side of the body, such as a cataract in one eye, hip dysplasia, or patellar dislocation, it is best for pets not to cover the condition if it later affects the other side; it is considered a pre-existing condition.
read full review >>
why we chose lemonade: we chose lemonade as the best pet insurance for quick claims. The company uses novel AI-powered processing, which promises to deliver claims very quickly through the Lemonade app. The ability to donate a portion of company profits to a charity of your choice can also appeal to many pet owners.
lemonade offers a comprehensive accident and illness policy, and you can enhance coverage even further with a preventive care rider for annual check-ups, immunizations, and screening for heartworms and parasites. A separate clause is also available to cover the costs of veterinary examinations and alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
lemonade also donates excess premium payments to non-profit organizations selected by policyholders from a list of partner charities. lemonade is currently available in 36 states, but you can sign up for updates on their website.
read full review >>
Why We Chose Trupanion: Pet owners typically have to pay their vet bill in full before receiving reimbursement from pet insurance providers. With Trupanion’s direct payment software, your veterinarian can file a claim in the office and receive payment almost immediately. you do not need to pay the entire bill and wait to be reimbursed for the covered portion.
trupanion offers a single insurance plan for dogs and cats. In addition to standard benefits such as diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, and prescription drugs, coverage also extends to alternative treatments, dental disease, prosthetics, and prescription foods.
If your veterinarian uses Trupanion’s direct payment software, you do not need to file a claim; trupanion pays directly to the vet. Policyholders therefore do not have to worry about making costly up-front payments or filing claims for reimbursement, which are standard for most of the pet insurance industry.
trupanion lacks affordability and flexibility: premiums are high and there is only one 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, with no payment caps per incident, year, or lifetime.
read full review >>
Why We Picked Nationwide: We picked Nationwide as Best Exotic Pet Insurance because it offers comprehensive insurance for several unconventional animals. Pet owners can rest easy knowing that up to 90% of their pet expenses are covered by a reputable insurer.
nationwide is the only pet insurance company of its size to offer a plan for poultry and exotic pets. most birds, reptiles, and small mammals can be covered, including goats and pot-bellied pigs. (However, any animal not explicitly listed on the national website is not eligible, including those listed as endangered or poisonous.)
Exotic pet owners should call (844-244-3691) for a quote or to sign up, but it’s easy to get cat and dog insurance right on the Nationwide website. For these pets, three accident and illness policy options are offered nationwide, along with two wellness care packages.
read full review >>
other pet insurance companies we consider
Narrowing down our list, these companies stood out in some respects, but did not match the strengths of our top picks.
trusted friends
trustedpals policies are underwritten by zurich, a global insurance company. trustpals issues policies for dog and cat owners with no age limit, and 1% of company profits are donated to pet-related charities.
offers accident and illness plans and wellness policies, and several discount programs are available. In addition to a multiple pet discount, you may also qualify for a discount if you’re a service member or veteran, first responder, veterinary student, or if your pet is a service animal.
In a nutshell: trustpals has a wide range of customization options, allowing you to choose deductibles as low as $0 and annual benefits ranging from $4,000 to unlimited. but the company has a 12-month waiting period before covering treatment for hip dysplasia or ligament conditions and charges fees if you choose to pay your premiums monthly.
sought by the dodo
fetch by the dodo is one of the few insurers that accepts pets as young as six weeks, making it a good option for owners of young kittens who typically go to their new homes at that age. the company has no upper age limit and has multiple deductibles and annual benefit options.
Bottom line: fetch by the dodo has the lowest age limit for enrollment of all the companies we reviewed, and it has some additional perks and features that may be attractive to owners of pets. however, the company does not have a wellness care plan and there are some strict rules that policyholders must follow to get reimbursed for claims.
metlife pet insurance
metlife pet insurance, formerly known as pet first, offers an easy online application and adjustable coverage options. You can select your maximum benefit amount, which ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. deductibles are as low as $0 or as high as $2,500, and you can take advantage of one or more of the discount programs, such as discounts for healthcare workers, military, veterans, and first responders. employers who provide pet insurance also qualify for a discounted rate, as well as affinity groups and those who work in animal care.
In a nutshell: metlife pet insurance policies let you adjust your deductible, reimbursement amount, and reimbursement percentage to meet your budget, and you can add a wellness rider to compensate. routine care expenses. But the company takes longer than some of its competitors to reimburse expenses, and wellness benefits aren’t clearly outlined online, which may leave you wondering what you’re really paying for.
24pet clock
24petwatch offers wellness policies and plans with short waiting periods and low deductibles, but the company did not qualify due to certain policy limitations. there is only one refund option (80%). In addition, dogs lose coverage at age ten and cats at age 12. At those ages, it’s hard to find another company willing to start coverage, leaving older pets uninsured. also, the lack of discounts makes their plans a bit more expensive than the competition.
In a nutshell: 24petwatch covers veterinary fees and offers a $500 benefit per occurrence for expenses such as kennel fees, pet loss reward, additional living expenses, and cancellation fees. trips. but lack of choice in rebate level, scarcity of discounts, and age limitations meant it didn’t match our selections.
hartville
hartville policies offer excellent coverage, but it comes at a price: expect to pay around $40 per month for a mongrel puppy and $22 per month for a mongrel kitten. accident-only coverage appears to be an affordable alternative, and even then, premiums start around $30 for a puppy. once your dog is over five years old, sickness benefit premiums also increase considerably.
hartville also advertises an unlimited annual benefit payment, but the option is not available through online enrollment. you will need to call 1-800-799-5852 for more information.
In a nutshell: Hartville’s Comprehensive Coverage Plan covers behavioral issues and microchipping in addition to standard accident and sickness benefits. plus, full coverage kicks in after 14 days, with no additional precondition waiting period. but company policies are expensive.
pet insurance
To be clear, pet insurance is not pet insurance, but rather a discount plan that offers a 25% discount on all in-office medical procedures. Although the program has participating veterinarians in every state, Puerto Rico, and Canada, the number of providers per location is limited.
Bottom line: Pet insurance is an affordable alternative that bridges the potential gaps in your current policy, as long as your vet accepts it. but the company’s offer wasn’t enough because it’s not pet insurance.
pet insurance in usa uu.
usaa offers accident-only or accident-and-sickness policies through coverage, one of our top picks, and has an optional wellness clause. claims and customer service are also handled through hug. By purchasing through usaa, members can access up to a 25% discount on pet insurance.
we didn’t like how sparse the usa pet insurance page was. UU., with very little information about the policies. If you want more information, it’s best to go directly to hugh’s website.
Conclusion: USAA might be worth considering for military families. but you didn’t make it to our restricted list because you must be a member of the military or a family member to purchase coverage.
geico pet insurance
Pet owners who apply for insurance through Geico will be redirected to Hug’s website. however, geico’s policy does not include the usual acceptance options for unlimited annual benefits, full reimbursement, or a $0 deductible.
Bottom line: Although Geico offers more discounts than other insurers, including multiple pets, spay/neuter, and annual payment, it falls short of other companies in other ways.
wandering
wagmo pet insurance offers an accident and illness insurance plan for pets. The policy has fixed lifetime and per occurrence limits, set at $100,000 and $10,000, respectively. instead, most of the companies we reviewed allow pet owners to choose their preferred annual coverage limit (sometimes even “unlimited”) and waive any per-occurrence limits.
We liked wagmo’s streamlined claims process: pet owners can upload an image of the bill or receipt on a mobile device, and once the claim is processed, the company sends the reimbursement via direct deposit, venmo or paypal.
Conclusion: Although we liked certain benefits in both the preventive care plan and the insurance policy, such as ambulance coverage, dental benefits, and comprehensive care, we found that the insurance for wagmo pets lacked flexibility.
wise pet
prudent pet sells two accidents & illness policies (essential and unlimited), an accident-only plan and a preventive care supplement. coverage benefits and premium costs are comparable to other providers: essential coverage for a 1-year-old cocker spaniel is $42 per month, with a 70% reimbursement and a $500 deductible.
Prudent Pet’s wellness add-on is also on par with other preventive care packages: Coverage applies to basics like teeth cleaning, spay/neuter, routine exams, vaccinations, microchipping and deworming. reimbursement for each procedure is capped in dollars, but you can choose from three reimbursement levels: low, medium, and high.
Conclusion: Prudent Pet Insurance offer is comparable to other providers in our top picks. coverage and exclusions are industry standard, deductibles and reimbursement amounts are customizable, and you can add comprehensive preventive care. That said, Pet Wise is not on our top list because other providers in a similar price range and level of coverage offer shorter waiting periods and cover veterinary exam fees at no additional cost.
many pets
many pets offers a single accident and illness policy, with an optional wellness add-on. The policy covers veterinary examination fees, medication, treatment, surgery, hospitalization, euthanasia, and cremation.
With many pets, you can waive the 15-day waiting period if your pet was previously insured by another carrier and the policy became effective at least 24 hours before the new policy activation date.
At $27/month, the Many Pets Sample Quote for a 1 year old Cocker Spaniel is also one of the most affordable options available. You can also add a wellness plan, but it’s not as comprehensive as others: it doesn’t cover blood and stool tests, spay/neuter, or microchipping.
Bottom line: Many pets’ accident and illness coverage is comparable to other affordable insurance providers on our list. however, our top picks still have a slight edge with better preventive care plans, nationwide coverage, and policy discounts like multiple pets.
pet insurance guide
In this section, we go into the details of pet insurance, so you know what to expect from most policies. We explain what it is, how much it costs, types of plans and tips for choosing the right insurer.
index:
- what is pet insurance?
- types of pet insurance plans
- how does pet health insurance work?
- how much does pet insurance cost?
- how to choose the best pet insurance for you
- is pet insurance worth it?
what is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of indemnity insurance that covers pets’ medical expenses related to accidents and illnesses. most companies primarily offer dog and cat insurance; Some providers extend coverage to exotic pets like birds and reptiles, but they make up less than 1% of US policies, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (Naphia).
One significant difference between pet insurance coverage and your own health insurance is that pet preventive care is sold separately. this includes expenses such as vaccinations, deworming, dental cleanings and microchipping.
There are generally no network restrictions with pet insurance – coverage applies to any licensed veterinarian or specialist nationwide. Some carriers also extend coverage to Canada and foreign territories, such as Puerto Rico.
types of pet insurance plans
When looking to insure your pet, the first thing you should do is take a hard look at your finances and how much you’re able and willing to spend in the event of an emergency. Pet insurance policies vary in coverage and, of course, in premiums. Understanding the different types of policies and what each offers is crucial to understanding how to shop for pet insurance.
- Accident-only policies: An accident-only plan may be more suitable for you if your main concern is your cat or dog’s susceptibility to accidents (such as poisoning, broken bones, , swelling). they are generally more affordable than plans with broader coverage.
- accident & sickness policies: These are the popular all-inclusive pet insurance plans, which cover both accident and sickness coverage. they can be expanded to be truly comprehensive by purchasing wellness coverage, which is often an add-on rather than an integrated part of the plan.
- Comprehensive Policies: Some insurers offer comprehensive policies that cover everything from accidents to illness to wellness to routine care. for example, they may cover the cost of dental care, chiropractic care, sterilization, vaccinations, behavioral therapy, and more. Naturally, these plans come at the highest price, but they can be worth it for the peace of mind they provide.
If you want to assess whether an insurer is right for you, it’s a good idea to download their sample policy, which is usually available on the company’s website.
Please read all of your inclusions, exclusions and restrictions carefully. if you feel comfortable with them and they are competitive with other companies, go ahead and sign your pet up.
how does pet health insurance work?
Pet insurance basically works by reimbursing your pet’s eligible medical expenses. however, there are additional limitations detailed in the fine print of the policy:
- waiting periods: Your insurance will not pay for care until a waiting period has passed. most companies require at least 14 days after enrollment before they will reimburse you for a vet visit due to illness.
- exclusions: Pet insurance policy language generally excludes some specific conditions. Please read the policy carefully before you buy so you know what is and is not covered.
- Network Restrictions – Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance generally does not have a restricted or preferred network of providers, although some insurers may limit some coverage to veterinarians specific. however, there may be geographic restrictions; For example, your pet may not be covered if you travel to Canada or Puerto Rico.
how much does pet insurance cost?
Cat insurance is generally cheaper than dog insurance. The average monthly cost of pet insurance with accident and illness coverage is about $50 for dogs and $30 for cats. But the exact amount you’ll spend to insure your pet will vary, and not just depending on which insurer you choose.
Pet insurance costs vary widely based on several factors, including the pet’s breed, whether it’s male or female, age, location, and the coverage and deductible options chosen.
- Pre-Existing Conditions – Pet insurance providers will not reimburse you for conditions your dog, cat, or other pet already had before you purchased the pet insurance policy.
- Preventive care add-ons: You’ll get the best value from an accident or illness coverage plan, but you can add coverage for preventive care. Policies that cover both routine care and care due to accident or illness are called comprehensive coverage.
- age of pet: Premiums increase with age, and they do so considerably for very old animals. Plus, after your dog or cat reaches the age of 10 or 12, your insurance options will decrease significantly.
- deductibles: With many plans, you set the deductible, which is the money you must pay before your insurance policy kicks in. sure you also understand its type. An annual deductible for all care is common, but some instead (or in addition) impose deductibles per incident or per condition.
- where you live: Generally speaking, pets living in urban areas (particularly along the coast) will have higher pet insurance rates due to higher costs of care veterinary medicine, among other socioeconomic factors. . States with especially high vet costs (and therefore premiums) include New York or California.
If you’re on a tight budget and need a policy with more affordable premiums, take a look at our best cheap pet insurance page.
additional expenses to consider
The price of pet insurance isn’t limited to premium payments, and you’ll likely have to pay out-of-pocket expenses even after insurance coverage kicks in. Keep the following in mind when budgeting for your pet’s insurance coverage:
- Reimbursements – You pay for all vet visits and fees, and then request reimbursement. plans generally reimburse 70% to 90% of covered expenses.
- payment limits: Most plans stop reimbursing once you reach your policy’s maximum coverage amount. most policies have an annual expense limit, but some have limits per incident (illness or injury) or even during the life of the animal. expect to pay higher premiums for higher caps.
how to choose the best pet insurance for you
Pet insurance coverage varies by state and policy terms may change annually. Because policies aren’t one-size-fits-all, Naphia’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide suggests that you:
- Consider what your pet needs throughout its life, either overall or by breed
- select coverage levels appropriate for common procedures and breed-specific conditions
- choose payment limits that work with the average cost of treatment in your area
- look for the shortest waiting periods
- take a close look at the policy terms on chronic, hereditary and pre-existing conditions
- compare costs: premiums, copay and reimbursement percentages
When it comes to premiums, there’s not much you can do about your pet’s breed and age, but you can adjust coverage levels to fit your budget. To choose coverage levels, consider how they affect premiums:
- payment limits: These are often set as annual limits; choosing the higher number or the unlimited option increases premiums. To choose the right payment limit, it’s a good idea to check the average cost of veterinary treatment in your area, especially those that are breed-specific and those that are considered “worst case scenarios.”
- reimbursement rate – A low reimbursement rate means you will pay less in premiums. however, this also means you will have a higher copay.
- deductibles: The higher the deductible, either annual or per incident, the lower your policy premium will be. if your pet stays healthy, this strategy will save you money, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if something unexpected happens.
Don’t forget to apply any available discounts to lower your monthly payment. common discounts include:
- multiple pet discount: discounted rates for each additional pet you enroll with the same provider
- annual payment discount: lower rates if you pay the policy annually instead of monthly
- spay/neuter discount: Reduced premium if you spay/neuter your pet at enrollment
- Military Discounts: Discounts for current and former members of the military
- Group discounts at work: lower rates for employer-provided pet insurance
- Bundle Discounts – Discounted rate for packages with homeowners or renters insurance under the same carrier
Most companies honor a money-back guarantee in eligible states, also called a “cooling off” or “free trial” period. pet owners have the right to cancel with a full refund up to 30 days after enrollment, provided they have not received payment or filed a claim.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet owners may wonder if pet insurance is really worth paying for, especially considering how much it costs to own a pet.
Pet insurance is worth it if:
- You can afford the premium payments
- You can’t pay the full amount of unexpected and expensive vet bills
- You can pay a portion (usually 20-30 %) of expensive bills
- your pet is young and generally healthy when you sign up
Senior pets with multiple pre-existing conditions are unlikely to get insurance benefits. the premiums will be very expensive and any condition or illness prior to enrollment will not be covered. this is an advantage for enrolling your companion at a young age.
latest news on pet insurance
Pet insurance is just one of many expenses to consider when getting a new pet. What about non-negotiables like food, veterinary care, and household items? how to budget for a new dog can help you organize your finances, so you know what to expect as initial and recurring pet care expenses start to line up.
Discount shopping and price comparison takes time, so it’s best to know which expenses are worth it and which aren’t. 5 Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Pets identifies areas where you can really save a little, like medications, wellness plans, and off-brand products.
The food section of a local pet store, much like the cereal aisle of your grocery store, can lead to a kind of choice overload. there are too many options: dry food, wet food, grain free, affordable, expensive; the list goes on. Our reviews of the best dog food and the best cat food can help simplify your choice.
If you have enough space in the garden, sniffspot, a service that connects owners with pet owners who want additional space for their dogs to run, is a way to earn extra money and meet all kinds of dogs. take a look do you have a backyard? you can make thousands a month letting the dogs play on it, where we interview the founder and explain how exactly sniffspot works.
