Prudent Pet
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.
Plan Details
| Coverage type | Plan details |
|---|---|
| Annual coverage choices | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited |
| Reimbursement choices | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Deductible choices | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| 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 |
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.
| Coverage type | Plan details |
|---|---|
| Annual coverage choices | $2,000, $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited |
| Reimbursement choices | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Deductible choices | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| 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 (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
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.
Plan Detail
| Coverage type | Plan details |
|---|---|
| Annual coverage choices | $5,000, $7,000, Unlimited |
| Reimbursement choices | 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Deductible choices | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $3,000, $5,000 |
| Waiting periods | 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 |
| Multi-pet discount | 10% |
| Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses | Included |
| Vet exam fees | Excluded |
| Microchipping | Included |
Plan details may vary by state
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