The Best Pet Insurance Companies of April (2024)
Pet 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.
What Are The Best Pet Insurance Companies?
According to our research, the best pet insurance providers are:
- Pets Best: Best overall
- Figo: Most flexible reimbursement rates
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Most experienced
- Lemonade: Most affordable
- Spot: Most customizable
- ManyPets: Cheapest newcomer
- Embrace: Best for discounts
- Fetch: Best for holistic care
- Healthy Paws: Best unlimited
Compare the Top Pet Insurance Companies
| 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 |
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| Monthly Cost | $20-$131 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $5k-Unlimited |
| Figo | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $25-$54 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Annual Limits | $5,000–unlimited |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| BBB Rating | C- |
| Annual Limits | $5,000–$100,000 |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| BBB Rating | A- |
| Annual Limits | $2.5k-Unlimited |
| ManyPets | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| Annual Limits | Unlimited |
| Embrace | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $23-$85 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $5k-$30k |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $22-$38 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $5k-$15k |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | Unlimited |
How We Chose The Best Pet Insurance
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.
Who Needs Pet Insurance?
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.
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance Plan For You
Choose Your Optimal Plan Type
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.
Get At Least $10k in Annual Coverage
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.
Compare Pricing For Similar Plans
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.
Read Online Reviews
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.
Breed-Specific Coverages
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.
Consider Your Location and Activities
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.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
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.
Does the Cost of Pet Insurance Increase Over Time?
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.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies, Reviewed
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.
Pets Best
Best overall
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Pets Best
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.
Plans and Pricing
According to our extensive sample quote collection, the average Pets Best plan costs $44 per month. Pet owners can choose from one of three base accident and illness plans, each of which differs slightly in coverage. The essential plan offers diagnostics and treatments related to accidents and illnesses but excludes exam fees and rehabilitation. The Plus plan adds exam fee coverage, and the Elite plan includes exam fees, rehabilitation, chiropractic, and acupuncture. An accident-only plan is also available, as well as two wellness add-ons.
Pets Best plans and average monthly pricing are:
- Essential: $40
- Plus: $44
- Elite: $45
- Accident: Fixed at $6 for cats and $9 for dogs
- EssentialWellness: Base + $19
- BestWellness: Base + $29
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Figo
Most flexible reimbursement rates
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Figo
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.
Plans and Pricing
Figo offers a base accident and illness plan with two optional add-on wellness plans. Base coverage is highly comprehensive, though it doesn’t include exam fees. However, customers can choose to add this coverage for an additional monthly fee. Pet owners should note that reimbursements for Figo wellness plans are low in comparison to Pets Best, our top pick.
The average monthly costs for Figo’s plans are:
- Accident and illness base coverage: $39
- Exam fee add-on: $8
- Wellness Basic add-on: $9.50
- Wellness Plus add-on: $16.50
What Do Customers Think?
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:
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Most experienced
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
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.
Plans and Pricing
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.
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Lemonade
Most affordable
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Lemonade
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.
Plans and Pricing
Lemonade offers one accident and illness plan with multiple add-on options and three wellness plans targeted at adults or puppies and kittens. According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Lemonade accident and illness plan is $23 per month, which includes diagnostics, procedures, and medications. Add-on options and wellness plan cost averages are as follows:
- Exam fees: $5
- Dental illness: $13
- Behavioral conditions: $4
- Physical therapy: $3
- End-of-life remembrance: $4
- Wellness: $11–$27
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Spot
Most customizable
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Spot
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.
Plans and Pricing
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.
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Embrace
Best for discounts
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Embrace
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.
Plans and Pricing
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.
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Fetch Pet Insurance
Best for holistic care
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Fetch
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.
Plans and Pricing
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.
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Healthy Paws
Best unlimited
Pros & Cons
Why We Chose Healthy Paws
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.
Plans and Pricing
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.
What Do Customers Think?
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:
Who Didn’t We Pick?
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.
What Is Pet Insurance and How Does It Work?
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).
- Copayment before deductible: $2,500 x 80% = $2,000 in reimbursement. Applying the deductible, $2,000 - $500 = $1,500 in total reimbursement. Assuming a $600 total premium for the year, you will have saved $900 on your pet’s care.
- Deductible before copayment: $2,500 - $500 = $2,000 in reimbursement. Applying the copayment, $2,000 x 80% = $1,600. Assuming a $600 total premium for the year, you will have saved $1,000 on your pet’s care.
What Does Pet Insurance Usually Cover?
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:
- Injuries (broken bones, cuts, falls)
- Acute illnesses (vomiting, respiratory infections, urinary tract issues)
- Chronic diseases (arthritis, cancer, diabetes)
Many plans include the following in standard coverage or offer them for an added fee:
- Dental accidents and illnesses
- Behavior conditions
- Hereditary or breed-related conditions
- Rehabilitation for covered conditions
- Alternative therapies
- Sick visit exam fees
Common exclusions to watch out for include:
- Reproduction-related costs
- Prescription foods
- Experimental treatments
- Cosmetic and elective procedures
- Anal sac expression
- Cremation
- Supplements
Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance
Like any other insurance product, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
Pros
- Can pay out more than most people have available in savings
- Provides peace of mind and makes decision-making for your pet easier
Cons
- Must follow the company’s rules and regulations
- Pet insurance doesn’t pay for pre-existing conditions
Is Pet Insurance Popular?
The number of insured pets in the U.S. is low compared to the actual pet population, although this number continues to increase each year as more pet owners experience rising veterinary care costs and recognize the value of a pet insurance plan. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), 5.4 million pets are currently insured.
Our Final Thoughts
Pet insurance is a sound financial decision for most American pet owners, as it can help ensure your pet gets the veterinary care it needs without you having to worry about how to pay the bills. Choosing a provider can be a confusing and difficult process, so we did the legwork to research and rank providers for you.
Our top choice for pet insurance providers is Pets Best, followed by Figo and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. We recommend pet owners narrow down their choices and obtain quotes from at least three companies to compare before signing up for a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance a good investment for a pet? Why or why not?
Pet insurance is a good investment because it typically costs between $500 and $600 per year, while a single veterinary bill can easily exceed this amount. If you don’t have at least $10,000 in savings to pay for veterinary care, a pet insurance policy can provide a financial safety net.
Can I get pet insurance after diagnosis?
Pet insurance cannot cover pre-existing conditions, which means any diagnoses or symptoms that occur before enrollment or during the plan’s specified waiting periods are excluded from coverage. The best way to avoid exclusions is to obtain pet insurance as soon as possible after bringing your pet home.
How do vets feel about pet insurance?
Although most veterinarians prefer not to recommend specific pet insurance providers to their clients, they believe pet insurance helps to prevent pet owners from making treatment decisions or opting for euthanasia based solely on finances. Insured pets are more likely to receive recommended care, which reduces stress on the pet owner and the veterinary team.
Is it better to get pet insurance or put money aside?
If possible, we recommend doing both. If you were to set aside the money you would put toward a pet insurance premium, you’d typically save less than $1,000 per year. While this amount can help with pet care, it’s easily overwhelmed by expensive orthopedic surgery, cancer treatments, or a chronic disease like diabetes that can cost several thousand dollars. In contrast, pet insurance policies can pay up to an unlimited amount each year.
Does pet insurance cover antibiotics?
Pet insurance will cover antibiotics if they are used to treat a covered accident or illness. Antibiotics prescribed for a pre-existing condition or other exclusion won’t be covered.
Other Pet Insurance Resources
-
Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets (2024 Review)
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Emergency Pet Insurance: What’s Covered? (2024 Review)
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Best Pet Insurance For Hip Dysplasia (2024 Review)
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Best Pet Insurance For French Bulldogs (2024 Review)
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Best Pet Insurance Plans for Older Dogs (2024 Review)
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Best Pet Insurance Plans for Multiple Pets (2024 Review)
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Best Cheap Dog Insurance Plans (2024 Review)
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Pet Insurance Cost: The Definitive 2024 Guide
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Banfield Pet Wellness Plans Review ( 2024 Guide)
