If your cat suffers from an illness or has an accident, like swallowing a foreign object, it could cost you thousands of dollars at the vet. Our data research team analyzed 173,484 cat insurance rates and evaluated 34 key coverage categories, then determined our top eight picks. Read our methodology
Pet insurance for cats and kittens can be an effective way to cover unexpected vet bills for accidents (such as broken bones and swallowed objects) and illnesses (such as cancer and feline leukemia). Find out which plans offer competitive prices and first-rate coverage.
Spot Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our analysis found that Spot is the best overall pet insurance for cats and kittens, earning 5.0 stars from our research team. Its accident and illness plan with $10,000 in annual coverage is a superb value that includes a wide range of coverage benefits included with its base policy, such as behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, prescription food and supplements, stem cell therapy, dental illness, vet exam fees, end-of-life expenses and a 24/7 vet telehealth line.
If you need even more coverage, Spot’s accident and illness plan with unlimited annual coverage also did well, earning 4.0 stars from our research team.
Pets Best
Our Expert Review
Our analysis found that Pets Best is the best pet insurance for cats and kittens for cost and coverage, earning 4.9 stars from our research team. The Pets Best Elite plan offers exceptional rates for purebred cats, as well as mixed-breed cats. It also provides an excellent lineup of coverage, such as alternative therapy, dental illness, end-of-life expenses and the ability to pay your vet directly.
Pets Best Essential and Plus with $10,000 annual limits were also high-ranking, each earning 4.9 stars. Pets Best Essential with unlimited annual coverage earned 4.5 stars, while Elite and Plus unlimited plans earned 4.4 stars, according to our research team.
ASPCA
Our Expert Review
Our evaluation found that ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is the best pet insurance for cats and kittens for its all-around coverage, earning a 4.7-star rating from our research team. It has a solid selection of coverage benefits such as alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, end-of-life expenses, vet exam fees, dental illness, prescription food and supplements, and a 24/7 vet telehealth line.
Prudent Pet
Our Expert Review
Our analysis determined that Prudent Pet is the best pet insurance for cats and kittens for customer experience, earning a 4.7-star rating from our research team. The Prudent Pet Essential plan ranks highest in our evaluation for overall satisfaction, including claims handling and customer support. This indicates its ability to provide a consistent and better-than-average experience for customers.
Figo Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our analysis found that Figo is the best pet insurance for cats and kittens for plan upgrades, earning 4.4 stars from our research team. Its custom plan offers competitive prices for its base plan and the option to upgrade your plan via “Powerups.”
Figo’s Powerups include uncommon coverage, including advertising and rewards if your pet is lost or stolen, and up to $250 in final respects coverage such as burial or cremation. Powerups also include up to $10,000 in liability coverage if your pet damages someone else’s property, boarding cost reimbursement if you are hospitalized and coverage for vet exam fees. It’s rare to find this range of add-ons bundled together with other top pet insurers.
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our analysis found that Lemonade is the best pet insurance for cats and kittens for its cheap prices, earning a 4.3-star rating from our research team. Its plan with $20,000 of annual coverage was the cheapest option for mixed-breed and purebred cats in our analysis.
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our evaluation determined that Nationwide is great pet insurance for cats and kittens for budget-minded pet owners, earning 4.2 stars from our research team. Its Modular pet insurance plan offers low-cost prices for mixed-breed cats and includes a solid set of coverage benefits, though its annual coverage limit of $10,000 may not be sufficient for all cat owners.
Metlife
Our Expert Review
We found that MetLife is a great pet insurance for cats and kittens for short waiting periods, earning a 4.2-star rating from our research team. MetLife’s accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a plan, allowing you to use your plan nearly immediately if your cat or kitten is injured.
We found that Prudent Pet is the best pet insurance company, earning a 5.0-star rating from our research team. The Prudent Pet Essential plan is the best overall plan due to its very competitive prices, high customer satisfaction and impressive coverage benefits.
The Prudent Pet Ultimate plan also scored well in our evaluation, earning 4.8 stars from our research team.
Pros and Cons
Outstanding score on our Price-Value Index, which measures the best bang for your buck in terms of the coverage you get per dollar spent
No option to pay the vet directly
The six-month waiting period for knee and ligament issues can be waived if you get a vet exam within the first 30 days of the policy
Does not offer customer support through an app
24/7 vet telehealth line available
Includes coverage for vet exam fees, behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, dental illness, stem cell treatments, prescription food and supplements, and end-of-life expenses
Consumer Sentiment Index
Prudent Pet’s customers highlight its affordability and comprehensive coverage, along with its friendly, knowledgeable and helpful customer service. The process of buying a policy is described as easy to navigate and a straightforward approach to pet care. Some customers expressed concerns with denials of claims related to preexisting conditions and rising premiums.
Plan Details
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage amount
$10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Waiting periods
5 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for knee and ligament issues (can be waived with a vet exam within first 30 days of policy)
Age restrictions
No upper age limits
Multi-pet discount
10%
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Yes, if you buy a wellness plan
Lemonade
Our Expert Review
Our team found that Lemonade is the best pet insurance company for budget-minded pet owners, earning a 4.9-star rating from our research team. It offers extremely competitive rates for both cats and dogs, and it was the top-scoring company in our Price-Value Index, which measures the best bang for your buck in terms of the coverage you get for every dollar spent.
Lemonade also offers an impressive array of discounts for even deeper savings. For example, you may qualify for discounts such as multipet discounts, bundling your pet insurance with other Lemonade policies (like car, home or renters insurance), annual payment discount, Humane Society and animal shelter discounts, and discounts for partnerships with veterinarian clinicians, affinity groups and employer benefits.
If you want even more annual coverage, check out Lemonade’s accident and illness plan with $100,000 of annual coverage, which also has excellent prices and earned 4.5 stars from our research team.
Pros and Cons
Top scoring company in our Price-Value Index, which measures the best bang for your buck in terms of the coverage you get for every dollar spent
No 24/7 vet telehealth line, but it has a live chat for pet health questions seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET
Offers different tiers of wellness plans
No option to pay the vet directly
Covers microchipping if you buy the Puppies and Kittens Preventative Care Package for pets ages 2 years and under
May have an upper age limit to buy a new plan, depending on your pet’s breed
Multipet discount of 5% to 10%, depending on your state
You’ll have to pay extra for coverage for vet exam fees, physical therapy and behavioral therapy—some top insurers include these vet expenses in their base coverage
Consumer Sentiment Index
Many Lemonade customers appreciate its competitive pricing, intuitive app and fast claims processing, noting easy claim submissions and quick reimbursement, often within the same day. But some customers reported inadequate customer service, with a reliance on an AI-driven process that may lead to delays and dissatisfaction.
Plan Details
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage amount
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
Reimbursement choices
60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
Waiting periods
Accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. the day after you purchase a plan, 14 days for illnesses, 30 days for orthopedic conditions
Age restrictions
May have an upper age limit based on your pet’s breed
Multi-pet discount
5% to 10%, depending on your state
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Available as an add-on
Microchipping
Included if you buy the puppies or kittens wellness package
Fetch Pet Insurance
We found that Fetch is the best pet insurance company for dental coverage, earning a 4.6 star rating from our research team. It covers both dental accidents (like broken teeth) and dental illnesses (like periodontitis) and covers every adult tooth (not just the canines), including advanced treatments like root canals.
Fetch includes a 24/7 telehealth treatment, so you can call, text, email or video chat with a licensed vet. Online vet visits are covered up to $1,000, with no copay, no deductible and at no additional cost.
Pros and Cons
Includes a 24/7 telehealth line, so you can call, text, email or video chat with a licensed veterinarian
Prices for mixed-breed dogs are slightly higher than average among the pet insurers in our evaluation
Optional wellness plan available
Does not have the option to pay the vet directly
Prices for mixed-breed cats and purebred dogs and cats are below average among the insurers in our evaluation
Does not offer a multipet discount
Covers kennel/boarding fees if you are hospitalized for four or more days, up to $1,000, (which you won’t find with many pet insurers)
Covers alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, dental illness, stem cell therapy, prescription vitamins and supplements, and end-of-life expenses
Consumer Sentiment Index
Fetch customers praise its broad coverage options, accessible app and customer service. Many customers find the claims process straightforward, with quick reimbursement and ease of submission. But there are criticisms regarding significant premium increases and difficulty with policy cancellation.
Plan Details
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage amount
$5,000, $10,000, $15,000 (you can get higher coverage amounts by calling Fetch)
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$300, $500 (you can get more options by calling Fetch)
Waiting periods
No accident waiting period; 15-day illness waiting period; 6-month waiting period for hip and knee injuries (knee injury waiting period can be waived with vet exam within the first 30 days of the policy)
Age restrictions
Available for dogs and cats ages 6 weeks and older; no upper age limit to buy a new policy
Multi-pet discount
N/A
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Yes (if you buy a wellness plan)
Pets Best
Our Expert Review
We found that Pets Best is the best pet insurance company for paying the vet directly, earning 4.5 stars from our research team. The Pets Best Elite plan offers the option to pay your vet directly (if your vet signs the Veterinarian Reimbursement Release Form), which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
The Pets Best Essential and Plus plans with $10,000 in coverage also scored very well in our analysis, earning 4.5 stars and 4.4 stars, respectively, from our research team. These plans offer fewer coverage benefits, but at a cheaper price.
Pros and Cons
Offers a 24/7 pet telehealth line and wellness plans
Does not cover behavioral therapy, prescription food or supplements
CareCredit cardholders can use the card to pay for vet bills and receive reimbursement directly to the card
Does not cover stem cell treatments
No upper pet age limit for buying a new policy
6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligament issues
Offers a 1-month trial policy for dogs and cats ages 8 and under through certain veterinary clinics and companies that partner with Pets Best
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pets Best customers appreciate the customizable plans, affordable premiums for younger pets and comprehensive coverage. But a significant number of customers have expressed frustration with lengthy and often inconsistent claim processing times. Some policyholders had concerns with poor responsiveness and difficulties in communication with customer service.
Plan Details
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage choices
$5,000, $10,000, unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Waiting periods
3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
Age restrictions
Available for pets 7 weeks and older; no upper age limits
Multi-pet discount
5%
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Yes, if you purchase a wellness plan
Plan details may vary by state
Spot Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our team found that Spot is the best pet insurance company for all-around coverage, earning 4.5 stars from our research team. Its accident and illness plan with $10,000 in annual coverage is an excellent value that includes an impressive array of coverage benefits included with its base policy, such as coverage for behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, prescription food and supplements, stem cell therapy, dental illness, vet exam fees, end-of-life expenses and a 24/7 vet telehealth line.
Pros and Cons
No extended waiting period for coverage of orthopedic problems
Prices for mixed-breed dogs are above average, but Spot’s policy includes more coverage than you’ll find at most top competitors
10% discount for AAA members
Does not have the option to pay the vet directly
Offers two tiers of wellness plans
Competitive prices for purebred dogs and cats, as well as mixed-breed cats
Consumer Sentiment Index
Spot customers appreciate its straightforward claims submission process, quick claims processing and responsive customer service, highlighting Spot’s app for its ease of use and clear communication. Some customers have complained about premium increases and difficulties canceling their policy.
14 days for accidents and illnesses; no extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Age restrictions
Available for pets 8 weeks and older; no upper age limits
Multi-pet discount
10%
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Included
Metlife Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our analysis determined that MetLife is the best pet insurance company for discounts, earning a 4.4-star rating from our research team. It has an impressive amount of pet insurance discounts that you may not find at other insurers, including discounts for multipet, multiple policies, military members, employer group discounts, organization/membership programs or affinity groups, bundling (such as pet and auto policies), referral programs, adopted pets, senior pets and diminishing deductibles.
Pros and Cons
Has a 24/7 pet telehealth line
No option to pay the vet directly
Accident coverage kicks in at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a policy
Does not cover behavioral therapy
Covers alternative therapy, dental illness, stem cell therapy, prescription food and supplements, and end-of-life expenses
Prices for mixed-breed dogs are higher than average
Consumer Sentiment Index
MetLife pet insurance customers appreciate its comprehensive coverage options, quick reimbursement process and the ability to cover multiple pets with shared deductibles. But some customers report frustration with the complexity of documentation that’s required for claims, unresponsive customer service and premium increases.
Plan Details
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage choices
$2,000, $5,000, $10,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500
Waiting periods
12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a policy for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
Age restrictions
No upper age limits to buy a new policy
Multi-pet discount
5%
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Yes, if you purchase a wellness plan
Embrace Pet Insurance
Our Expert Review
We determined that Embrace is among the best pet insurance companies for its 24/7 vet help, earning a 4.4-star rating from our research team. While many insurers include a 24/7 vet telehealth line in their base coverage, Embrace offers free 24/7 phone, video and chat options, which can come in handy if your pet gets sick in the middle of the night.
Pros and Cons
Accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a policy
Pets age 15 and older may only qualify for an accident-only policy, while some pet insurers do not have an upper age limit to buy a new policy
Covers behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, vet exam fees, dental illness, stem cell therapy and end-of-life expenses
Does not have the option to pay the vet directly
Offers optional wellness plan
Prices for cats are above average
Consumer Sentiment Index
Embrace customers appreciate the ease of submitting claims, prompt reimbursements and the helpfulness and professionalism of its customer service team. But there are some concerns about premium increases, particularly for older pets, with some reporting that the steep hikes are unaffordable. Some customers reported issues with the mobile app and delays in claim processing.
12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a policy for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions (can be reduced to 14 days with a vet exam)
Age restrictions
Available for pets age 6 weeks and older; pets age 15 and older may not be eligible for a new accident and illness plan but may qualify for an accident-only plan
Multi-pet discount
5%
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Yes, if you purchase a wellness plan
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Our Expert Review
Our analysis found that ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is among the best pet insurance companies for coverage of preexisting conditions, earning a 4.4-star rating from our research team. If your pet has a “curable” preexisting condition (like an ear infection), ASPCA will treat this condition like a new condition if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. Many insurers won’t cover preexisting conditions or will have a waiting period of 365 days.
Pros and Cons
24/7 vet telehealth line
Prices for mixed-breed dogs are above average, but ASPCA’s policy includes more coverage than you’ll find at most top competitors
Offers pet wellness plan
14-day accident waiting period—some top competitors have accident waiting periods that kick in at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a policy
No extended waiting period for orthopedic issues
Will pay your vet directly (via paper check) once your claim is approved
Very competitive prices for purebred dogs and cats, as well as mixed-breed cats
Consumer Sentiment Index
ASPCA pet insurance criticism centers around dissatisfaction with customer support, unexpected premium increases and the claims process. Some customers find the app and website to have functionality issues and complicated claims submissions, along with long claim processing times and unresponsive customer service. But some customers say they appreciate its coverage for various conditions and its reimbursement for costly vet bills, noting that it’s been worthwhile for emergencies.
Plan Details
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage choices
$2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
Waiting periods
14 days for accidents and illnesses; no extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Age restrictions
Available for pets 8 weeks and older; no upper age limits
Multi-pet discount
10%
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Included
Microchipping
Included
Plan details may vary by state
Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws is one of the leading pet insurance program providers in the U.S. for dogs and cats, and is ranked #1 by customers on leading review websites. Chubb, an A+ rated insurance carrier, underwrites its insurance policies. The Healthy Paws Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides cash grants to pet adoption organizations specifically for life-saving vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries and advanced medical treatments of homeless pets in their care. To learn more about their mission to save more homeless pets and how you can help, visit https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/how-we-help. For more information about Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, visit https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com. (PRNewsFoto/Healthy Paws Pet Insurance)
Our Expert Review
Our evaluation determined that Healthy Paws is among the best pet insurance companies for its unlimited lifetime payouts, earning a 4.2-star rating from our research team. Healthy Paws’s rates for unlimited annual coverage for mixed-breed dogs are the lowest among the companies we evaluated, and its costs for purebred dogs and mixed-breed and purebred cats are also below average.
Pros and Cons
Can pay your vet directly (you must request direct payment for approval in advance of your pet’s treatment)
Upper age limit of 13 to buy a new accident and illness plan
Has a 24/7 vet telehealth line
30- or 365-day waiting period for hip dysplasia (depending on your state) if your pet is age 6 or younger at time of enrollment
Covers alternative therapy, stem cell treatment and end-of-life expenses
Pets age 6 or older at time of enrollment are not eligible for coverage for hip dysplasia
Does not offer wellness plans
Does not offer a multipet discount
Consumer Sentiment Index
Most customers are satisfied with Healthy Paws and appreciate its ease of claims filing and fast reimbursement. But there are numerous complaints about steep and unexpected premium increases, especially as pets age, which often forces policy cancellation or reduced coverage. There are also numerous complaints about poor customer service, unresponsive support and inconsistent communication regarding policy changes.
15 days for accidents and illnesses; 6 months for hip dysplasia for pets ages 6 and under at time of enrollment (pets older than age 6 are not eligible for coverage for hip dysplasia)
Age restrictions
Available for pets age 8 weeks and older; upper age limit of 13 to buy a new accident and illness policy
Multi-pet discount
No
Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses
Included
Vet exam fees
Excluded
Microchipping
Excluded
Plan details may vary by state
Pumpkin
Our Expert Review
Our analysis found that Pumpkin is among the best pet insurance companies for its multipet discount, earning a 4.1-star rating from our research team. It offers a 10% multipet discount (many insurers only offer a 5% multipet discount or do not offer multipet discounts) and includes solid perks in its base coverage, such as coverage for behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, dental illnesses, stem cell therapy, prescription food and medication, and end-of-life expenses.
Pros and Cons
No upper age limit to buy a new policy
Does not have a 24/7 vet telehealth line
No extended waiting period for orthopedic issues (some pet insurers have an orthopedic waiting period of six months or longer)
Prices for dogs and cats are above average
Offers a routine wellness plan
Among the highest scoring companies in our Consumer Sentiment Index
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pumpkin largely receives positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage, ease of filing claims and fast claims processing, including support for complex procedures and wellness care. Customers also praise its customer service, particularly during emergency situations. But some customers note significant premium increases over time.
Plan Detail
Coverage type
Plan details
Annual coverage choices
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, unlimited for dogs; $5,000, $7,000, $15,000, unlimited for cats
Reimbursement choices
80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Waiting periods
14 days for accidents and illnesses; no special waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Age restrictions
Available for pets age 8 weeks and older; no upper age limit to buy a new policy
