Table of Contents
- Fetch by the Dodo
- Healthy Paws
- Trupanion
- Lemonade
- Embrace
- Nationwide
- Figo
- Pumpkin
- Pets Best
- Prudent Pet
- Comparing pet insurance companies
- How much does pet insurance cost?
- Frequently asked questions
Best pet insurance companies of 2024, at a glance
- Most comprehensive coverage: Fetch by the Dodo
- Best pet insurance for dogs: Healthy Paws
- Best for chronic conditions: Trupanion
- Most user-friendly: Lemonade
- Best for older pets: Embrace
- Best for exotic animals: Nationwide
- Money-back guarantee: Figo
- Best pet insurance for puppies: Pumpkin
- Most affordable option: Pets Best
- Best for accident and illness: Prudent Pet
Whether you’re a new pet parent or already have a few pet-panions, choosing the best pet insurance for your furry friends can be a difficult choice. From insurance that offers comprehensive coverage to accident and illness coverage, or a plan specifically for puppies or older pets, there’s something for every need and budget.
Here are some of the top-rated pet insurance providers to choose from, according to our research and veterinarian recommendations.
Fetch by the Dodo — The most comprehensive coverage
Most comprehensive coverage
Fetch by the Dodo
Fetch by the Dodo keeps it simple with a single plan that covers sick visits, emergency care, non-routine dental care, holistic health services, and more.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅User-friendly app | ❌No wellness plan for routine care |
| ✅Flexibility in deductible and reimbursem*nt | ❌Mandatory exams |
| ✅Covers veterinary-prescribed alternative and holistic therapies |
Fetch by the Dodo offers one of the most comprehensive coverage plans on the market. Its singular policy covers sick visits, expenses incurred as a result of a lost or stolen pet, and boarding and kennel hospitalization fees on top of illness and injury coverage.
While it’s not common for insurance providers to only offer one policy, Fetch’s singular plan covers a wide range of costs — emergency care, non-routine dental care, holistic health services, boarding fees, and more. We also love that, no matter how old your pet gets, Fetch will never drop your coverage.
- Deductibles — $250, $300, $500
- Reimbursem*nt options — 70%-90%
- Annual limits — $5,000, $15,000, or unlimited
What customers say: Customers seem to love Fetch’s coverage. According to customers, receiving claims through the app makes it easy to submit and see updates during the claims process. Direct deposit makes it quick and easy to get reimbursed. However, some customers didn’t like that the premiums increased each year and the way they calculated payouts.
Healthy Paws — Best pet insurance for dogs
Best for dogs
Healthy Paws
Plans start at $20 a month for dogs with no limit on claims. Customers love their hassle-free claims process.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Hassle-free claims process | ❌Limits on coverage for hip dysplasia |
| ✅Coverage of traditional and non-traditional treatments | ❌Coverage and costs limited for senior pets |
| ✅Coverage options for diagnostic tests |
Healthy Paws plans start at $24 a month for dogs with no limit on claims. Healthy Paws insurance plans cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, prescription medications, hospital stays, and emergencies.
They also cover older dogs, which is hard to find with most policies. However, pets that are eight years and older are restricted to only 60% reimbursem*nt and a $750 annual deductible.
- Deductibles — $250, $500
- Reimbursem*nt options — 50%-80%
- Annual limits — Unlimited
What customers say: Some top reviews highlight Healthy Paws’ hassle-free claims process. Reimbursem*nts are quick, and the app is user-friendly, making the whole process easy. Customers also praise the coverage of non-traditional treatments as well as conventional treatments.
Trupanion — Best for chronic conditions
Best for chronic conditions
Trupanion
With coverage for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, Trupanion is a great option if your pet's breed is prone to these conditions.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Offers 90% coverage and has no payout limits | ❌Per-incident deductibles (rather than per year) |
| ✅Coverage for hip dysplasia and other hereditary conditions | ❌ Lack of coverage for common conditions like allergies and urinary tract infections |
With coverage for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, Trupanion is a great option if your pet’s breed is prone to these conditions. Trupanion stands out by offering just one policy for both dogs and cats. This includes coverage for hip dysplasia and other hereditary conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, upper respiratory infections, and more.
Trupanion typically uses the traditional reimbursem*nt plan, but if your vet clinic accepts payments from them, you may have the option of the insurance company paying your vet directly. There’s also no limit for any benefits, whether it’s per incident, monthly, or over a lifetime.
- Deductibles — $0-$1,000
- Reimbursem*nt options — 90%
- Annual limits — Unlimited
What customers say: Customers love that Trupanion directly pays the vet when an owner needs to use their policy. It also offers 90% coverage and has no payout limits, both considered “pros” in the policyholders’ eyes.
Some complaints from customers include the per-incident deductibles (rather than per year) and the lack of coverage for common pre-existing conditions like allergies and urinary tract infections.
Lemonade — Most user-friendly
Most user-friendly
Lemonade
Their mobile app makes it easy for tech-savvy users to set up their policies. Monthly premiums start at $10 a month.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Fast reimbursem*nts | ❌Limited or no coverage on common conditions |
| ✅Coverage for diagnostic tests | ❌Not available in every state |
| ✅Can bundle with Lemonade home, renters, and life insurance |
The Lemonade mobile app makes it quick and easy to use with its all-inclusive mobile app. It has a wide variety of plans for any pet owner’s needs. Monthly premiums start at $10 and vary based on your pet, deductible, reimbursem*nt percentage, and annual limit. Owners can also upgrade their policy to include a wellness plan for preventative care.
- Deductibles — $100, $250, $500
- Reimbursem*nt options — 70%-90%
- Annual limits — $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
What customers say: Lemonade policyholders love the fast reimbursem*nts and helpful customer service reps. They also like that you can bundle home, renters, and life insurance with pet insurance policies. One main complaint, however, is that they don’t cover a lot of common pre-existing conditions like skin dermatitis or allergies.
Embrace — Best for older pets
Best for older pets
Embrace
Keep your pet's pearly whites in good condition with Embrace's high coverage for dental cleanings and procedures.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅No age limit | ❌Strict policies for medical documentation |
| ✅Unlimited reimbursem*nt | ❌Only covers $1,000 of dental per year |
| ✅Coverage for adopted and rescued dogs without knowing medical history |
Keeping your pet healthy and covered at any age is important. Embrace accepts dogs age 15 and older for new policies, unlike other providers with age limits. Embrace offers high coverage for dental illnesses and injuries, which is rare to find in pet insurance.
Along with its dental coverage, accident-only plans are available with optional wellness reward programs. All exam fees are covered, and you can get care at any licensed clinic. The longer you go without filing a claim, the lower your deductible becomes.
- Deductibles — $100-$1,000
- Reimbursem*nt options — 70%-90%
- Annual limits — Up to Unlimited
What customers say: Positive reviews of Embrace often highlight the excellent and helpful customer service reps. They deal with claims quickly and make it as easy as possible for policyholders. One complaint pet parents seem to have is the strict policy of needing all previous medical documents to ensure coverage.
Nationwide — Best for exotic animals
Best for exotic animals
Nationwide
If you own a lizard, bird, or other exotic pet, Nationwide is the only major insurer that covers these types of animals.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Offers emergency and wellness plans | ❌No coverage for some dental issues like gingivitis |
| ✅24/7 vet helpline |
If you own a lizard, bird, or other exotic pet, Nationwide is the only major insurer that covers these types of animals. Plans vary based on your pet’s species, but there are two main options: Whole Pet with Wellness (complete coverage and wellness) and Major Medical (emergencies, accidents, and illnesses). There are no age restrictions, plus current Nationwide members can get a 5% discount on a new pet insurance policy.
- Deductibles — $250
- Reimbursem*nt options — 50%, 70%, 90%
- Annual limits — $10,000 for their Whole Pet Plans, or on a per-condition basis for Major Medical
What customers say: Nationwide offers a variety of plans to cover every pet owner’s unique needs — both emergency and wellness. It works with owners based on what they can afford, no matter what type of pet they own. One issue some owners had was a rise in premiums.
Figo — Has a money-back guarantee
Money-back guarantee
Figo
With three different plan tiers to choose from, Figo allows pet owners to customize the right plan for their pet's unique needs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Affordable plans with up to 90% reimbursem*nt | ❌No accident-only coverage option |
| ✅Quick reimbursem*nts | ❌Deductibles based on pet’s age |
With three different plan tiers to choose from, Figo allows pet owners to customize the right plan for their pet’s unique needs. Choose between hereditary, congenital, or chronic condition coverage. Based on your plan, deductible, and reimbursem*nt choice, you can even receive up to 100% back on covered procedures.
Virtual visits are covered through an easy-to-use app, plus there’s no network needed throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Customers can reach customer service reps 24/7 via live chat, text, email, Twitter, or phone call.
- Deductibles — $100, $250, $500, $750
- Reimbursem*nt options — 70%-100%
- Annual limits — $5,000, $10,000, or Unlimited
What customers say: Figo’s rates are reasonable no matter what policy you choose, along with a 90% reimbursem*nt rate. Claims are reimbursed quickly, but a common complaint was a rise in premium rates over multiple years.
Pumpkin — Best pet insurance for puppies
Best for puppies
Pumpkin
If you just adopted a cute new puppy, Pumpkin is one of the rare insurance providers that includes coverage for puppy vaccines and routine care.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Great puppy coverage others don’t offer | ❌Costs for dog breeds are high |
| ✅Reimburses at 90% with all plans | ❌ No customer service on weekends |
If you just adopted a cute new puppy, Pumpkin is one of the rare insurance providers that includes coverage for puppy vaccines and routine care. Pumpkin plans include coverage for routine care and accidents and illnesses.
In addition to puppies, adult dogs and cats are covered, too. Plan premiums vary based on your pet’s age along with your choice in deductible and annual limit.
- Deductibles — $100, $250, $500
- Reimbursem*nt options — 90%
- Annual limits — $10,000, $20,000, or unlimited for dogs; $7,000, $15,000, or Unlimited for cat
What customers say: Pumpkin customers are thankful for the incredible puppy coverage that other providers don’t offer. The customer service team is highly appreciated, along with the additional and optional wellness plans for both puppies and adult dogs.
Pets Best — Most affordable option
Most affordable option
Pets Best
Pets Best gives pet owners flexibility on annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursem*nt levels to make their insurance plan as affordable as they need.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅No age limit for coverage | ❌ Only covers dogs and cats |
| ✅24/7 helpline | |
| ✅Accident and illness plan options |
Pets Best gives pet owners flexibility on annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursem*nt levels to make their insurance plan as affordable as they need. Pets Best offers three different accident/illness policies (Essential, Plus, and Elite), plus two wellness plans that you can add to any of them.
Owners also have flexibility regarding annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursem*nt levels (which go up to 90%) to make their plans as affordable as they need.
- Deductibles — $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursem*nt options — 70%-90%
- Annual limits — $5,000 or Unlimited
What customers say: Owners of older dogs love that Pets Best enrollment doesn’t have an age limit. There are also a variety of plans, making it an affordable option for most owners. But while age limits aren’t a problem, Pets Best doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions like most insurance policies, making it hard on older pets.
Prudent Pet — Best for accident and illness
Best for accident and illness
Prudent Pet
They offer a variety of plans that are easy to understand and won’t deny coverage to a dog or cat based on their breed or age.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Can add a wellness plan to an existing accident plan | ❌Can only add wellness plan as an add-on |
| ✅24/7 chat with real veterinarians | ❌Not covered if treatment has occurred twice for the same thing within the previous two years of coverage |
Pets are family members, and Prudent Pet certainly stands by that. They offer a variety of plans that are easy to understand and won’t deny coverage to a dog or cat based on their breed or age.
They also offer real-time chats with veterinarians without requiring an appointment. They offer Accident Only, Essential, and Ultimate plans, varying based on coverage.
- Deductibles — $100, $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursem*nt options — 70%-90%
- Annual limits — $10,000 or Unlimited
What customers say: Prudent Pet’s customers are pleased with the claim’s process and customer service. Unfortunately, since they have strict policies regarding coverage for pre-existing conditions, a lot of customer’s claims get unexpectedly denied.
Comparing pet insurance companies
For some pet insurance companies, the average monthly costs depend on age, breed, and size. As dogs age and become more prone to accidents and illness, monthly premiums tend to increase. They can also change based on your state and your policy.
The cost of your policy is also dependent on whether you add additional coverage or plans or how many claims you submit each year.
| Company | Deductibles | Reimbursem*nt options | Average monthly cost | Discounts | Overall customer opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch | $250, $300, $500 | 70%-90% | $50-$65+ | No | Average |
| Healthy Paws | $250, $500 | 50%-80% | $25-$55+ | No | Great |
| Trupanion | $0-$1,000 | 90% | $55-$165+ | No | Poor |
| Lemonade | $100, $250, $500 | 70%-90% | $25-$60+ | Yes | Average |
| Embrace | $100-$1,000 | 70%-90% | $55-$80+ | Yes | Good |
| Nationwide | $250 | 50%, 70%, 90% | $5-$50+ | Yes | Poor |
| Figo | $100, $250, $500, $750 | 70%-100% | $35-$65+ | Yes | Poor-Average |
| Pumpkin | $100, $250, $500 | 90% | $40-80+ | Yes | Poor-Average |
| Pets Best | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | 70%-90% | $30-$60+ | Yes | Poor |
| Prudent Pet | $100, $250, $500, $1,000 | 70%-90% | $18-$100+ | Yes | Good |
*Rating of overall customer opinion based on Consumer Affairs and BBB data
How much does pet insurance cost?
Similar to human health insurance plans, pet owners have to pay a monthly or yearly premium for pet insurance. The premium price can vary depending on a few variables, including:
- Species. Insurance policies are available for all pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles, pigs, horses, and rodents.
- Breed. Certain breeds are predisposed to illnesses and injuries and may require costlier care.
- Gender. More claims are submitted for males than females, so females tend to cost less.
- Age. The older the pet, the more likely they’ll need vet care, thus the costlier the insurance.
- Location. Insurance costs more in major metro areas than in the suburbs and rural areas.
The monthly cost of pet insurance varies based on all of these factors. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), dog and cat owners can expect to pay anywhere between $10 to $55 for monthly premiums.
Most pet owners will spend around $35 to $55 per month for a plan with accident and illness coverage. Accident-only coverage tends to be the least expensive, leaning toward the lower end of $10-$20 a month.
By providing financial security and peace of mind, pet insurance alleviates the burden of having to make tough decisions about your pet’s care. Choosing the best pet insurance will depend on you and your pet(s). With pet insurance, pet parents can make sure their pets receive the care they deserve without the stress or financial strain.
Frequently asked questions
Which insurance is best for my dog?
The best insurance depends on your dog and their needs. This includes what you want to pay as your monthly premium, if your pup has any pre-existing conditions, and more. Make sure to do your research on different providers to find the best fit for you and your dog.
What are the disadvantages of having pet insurance?
Having pet insurance can be financially helpful when your pet needs expensive procedures or treatments. But, one downside is traditional policies don’t cover preventive or elective procedures such as dental cleanings or spaying/neutering. These usually would need to be added to a policy or purchased alone for an additional fee.
Does dog insurance go up with age?
Yes. As your dog ages, your premiums will likely increase. Some pet insurance companies won’t increase premiums until a certain number of years have passed, while others increase incrementally per year.
What’s the average cost of pet insurance for dogs?
The average cost of pet insurance is $65 per month for dogs and $30 per month for cats, but this can vary depending on the provider and your pet’s specific needs.
How much should you spend on dog pet insurance?
How much you spend on pet insurance will vary depending on your animal, needs, the plan and company you choose, and your budget. While the average monthly cost for pet insurance ranges from around $30-65, this will vary from plan and company.
