We found that pet owners are most interested in three factors when shopping for cheap pet insurance: monthly cost, deductible and reimbursement percentage. Our data researchers analyzed 478,682 pet insurance costs for 22 cat and dog breeds to find the top picks.
Quick Dive
Unexpected vet bills, like emergency surgery or swallowed objects, can easily reach thousands of dollars. Pet insurance can help offset those costs, but the cheapest plans aren’t always equal in coverage. Discover which plans offer competitive prices and solid coverage.
The best pet insurance plan depends on your pet’s breed, age, and location. Top-rated companies like ASPCA, Figo, and Pumpkin offer comprehensive coverage with options for dental, alternative therapies, and unlimited annual payouts.
Best Pet Insurance Companies
We know how tricky it can be to choose the best insurance policy for your pet, especially with so many options out there. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best pet insurance companies of 2026.
Best Pet Insurance for Broad Coverage
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Prudent Pet, Spot, MetLife, Fetch
If you want an all-inclusive plan that covers more than just the basics, consider companies like ASPCA, Pumpkin, Prudent Pet, Spot, MetLife, and Fetch. These policies typically cover a wider range of conditions and treatments, such as homeopathic care, dental accidents, and even lost pet advertising.
Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims Processing
Lemonade, Fetch, Trupanion
When you need your claim processed quickly, Lemonade, Fetch, and Trupanion are some of the fastest. They are known for having excellent turnaround times, making it easier for you to get reimbursed when you need it the most.
Best Pet Insurance to Bundle with Wellness Care
Embrace, MetLife
A handful of pet insurance companies provide an insurance policy with a pet wellness plan. For those who want a bit more flexibility in their wellness plans, Embrace and MetLife have solid options.
Best Pet Insurance for Dental Coverage
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Prudent Pet, Fetch, MetLife
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Prudent Pet, Fetch, and MetLife offer coverage for periodontal disease, illness-related cleanings, extractions, injuries, endodontic care, deciduous teeth, and cysts/eruption issues up to the annual policy limit.
Best Pet Insurance for Curable Conditions
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife
Some conditions your pet faces might be temporary or curable. Companies like ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, and MetLife are known for offering coverage for curable conditions after a shorter waiting period (just 180 days in some cases).
Best Pet Insurance for Multi-Pet Owners
ASPCA, Prudent Pet, Embrace, Pumpkin
Companies like ASPCA, Prudent Pet, Embrace, and Pumpkin offer a 10% discount for insuring more than one pet.
Best Pet Insurance for Direct Pay
Trupanion
Trupanion stands out in this area, offering a direct pay option that lets your vet be paid directly without you needing to wait for reimbursement.
Best Pet Insurance for Time to File Claims
ASPCA, Spot, Pumpkin
ASPCA, Spot, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance allow up to 270 days after the incident to submit a reimbursement claim, well above the industry standard of 90 days.
Best Pet Insurance for Highest Reimbursement Rate
Figo, ASPCA
Figo and ASPCA offer reimbursement rates up to 100% with certain deductible selections ($1,000). That means they will cover the eligible expenses on your vet bill in full, up until you reach your annual payout limit.
Best Pet Insurance for Highest Payout Limits
ASPCA, Figo
ASPCA and Figo both offer unlimited payouts on their policies.
Best Pet Insurance for Highest Annual Limit
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, Figo, Embrace, Healthy Paws, Trupanion
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, FIGO, Embrace, Fetch, Prudent Pet, Healthy Paws, and Trupanion all offer unlimited coverage options, ensuring that your pet’s care isn’t limited by the cap on coverage.
Best Pet Insurance for Senior Pets
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, Figo
Some great options include ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, and Figo. These companies make sure that age is not a barrier to getting your pet the coverage they need.
Best Pet Insurance with a Straightforward Waiting Period
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife
If you’re looking for clarity, try ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, or MetLife. These providers are known for having straightforward waiting periods for coverage.
Best Pet Insurance with Highest Customer Service Experience
Trupanion, Embrace
Trupanion and Embrace shine in customer service, earning the highest satisfaction ratings online.
Best Pet Insurance for Cruciate Event Coverage
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, and MetLife are great choices. Honorable mention goes to AKC Pet Insurance, which covers pre-existing cruciate injuries but after a 365-day waiting period.
Best Pet Insurance for Customization
Lemonade
Lemonade is the go-to option for customizable pet insurance. Their policies offer a lot of flexibility, with a range of add-ons for both accidents and illnesses, as well as wellness care.
Best Pet Insurance for Alternative Therapies
ASPCA, MetLife, Spot, Pumpkin
ASPCA, MetLife, Spot, and Pumpkin include coverage for even more alternative therapies like homeopathy and naturopathy.
Best Pet Insurance for Breeding
Trupanion
Trupanion is the first and one of the few pet insurance providers that offers coverage for conditions related to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing as part of its standard pet insurance plans.
Best Pet Insurance for Lost Pet Assistance
Fetch
Fetch Pet Insurance is one example of a pet insurance provider that offers coverage for lost pet expenses.
Best Pet Insurance for Military Personnel
MetLife, FIGO, Fetch, Prudent Pet
MetLife, FIGO, Fetch, and Prudent Pet offer 10% off, while Embrace and Pets Best offer 5% per pet for military personnel.
Best Pet Insurance for Veterinary Staff
ASPCA, MetLife, Prudent Pet, Embrace, Figo, Fetch
Veterinary staff also deserve a break, and a few insurance providers recognize that. Here’s a list of discounts you can get from these insurance companies if you’re a veterinary staff member:
- ASPCA: 20% discount
- MetLife: 10% discount
- Prudent Pet: 10% discount
- Embrace: 10% discount
- Figo: 15% discount
- Fetch: 10% discount
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $52.07
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $38.47
Pros
- Customizable plans to fit your pet’s needs and budget
- Coverage for a wide range of conditions, including congenital and behavioral issues
- No age limits for enrollment or coverage discontinuation
- Multiple pet discount (10%)
- Freedom to use any licensed veterinarian in the US or Canada
Cons
- No direct payments to veterinarians – reimbursement model only
- Premium increases as pets age
- Preventive care is only available through a separate wellness plan
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers dogs and cats in all 50 states. It has one of the widest coverage menus in pet insurance.
Its Complete Coverage plan includes dental disease, alternative therapies, congenital conditions, behavioral therapy, LASER therapy, and end-of-life care. You can pick from low annual deductibles and two optional wellness tiers. You also get up to 270 days to file a claim after a vet visit. That’s among the longest windows in the industry.
The program traces back to 2006, when Crum & Forster partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to launch the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance product.
| COMPANY DETAILS | ASPCA Pet Health Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 14 days for accident and illnesses |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 9 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 270 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2500, $5000, $10000, $15000, or Unlimited |
ASPCA Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes
- Other: Exam fees, euthanasia, cremation/burial, microchipping
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Figo Pet Insurance
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses
- Flexible reimbursement rates up to 100%
- No upper age limit for pet coverage
- 15% discount for Costco members
- One-day accident waiting period
Cons
- No coverage for prescription food and supplements
- Sick exam fees are only covered with an upgrade
- No accident-only coverage option
- No direct vet payment option
- May have higher premiums than some competitors
Figo is available in all states in the United States. The key feature of Figo Pet Insurance is the optional 100% reimbursement rate that pays for all vet costs covered by your policy after you’ve met your deductible. You’ll get comprehensive Accident & Illness coverage with any policy you choose, including both their lower- and higher-tiered plans.
Figo was founded in 2013 by Rusty Sproat. It has since become one of the largest pet insurance companies in the market and has won multiple awards for its coverage.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Figo Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for knee conditions |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 8 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 180 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $100, $250, $500 or $750 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2500, $5000, $10000, $15000, or Unlimited |
Figo Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Accident-related extractions only
- Alternative therapies: Some
- Bilateral conditions: No
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes, up to $500 annually with the alternative care
- Other: Euthanasia
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Read the full review: Figo Pet Insurance Review
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Pros
- Unlimited payouts with no caps (per-incident, annual, or lifetime)
- Fast claim processing within two business days
- Direct vet payment option available
- Coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions
- Includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care
Cons
- Limited customization options (no accident-only plans)
- No wellness or preventative care coverage
- 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia
- Limited coverage for pets enrolled at 6+ years old
- No coverage for vet exam fees or behavioral therapy
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Healthy Paws offers no payout limits on any plan and can reimburse claims faster than most of the insurance companies out there. You could get reimbursed for claims in as little as two days.
Healthy Paws was founded by Steve Siadek and Rob Jackson in 2009. It’s one of the oldest pet insurance companies in the country, so it has significantly more experience than many of the latest companies on the market.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Healthy Paws Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 15 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 2 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days after service or treatment date |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $100, $250 or $500 depending on age |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80% or 90% depending on age |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | Unlimited |
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Accident-related extractions only
- Alternative therapies: Some
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding cruciate ligament conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: No
- Other: Some specialty care
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: No
MetLife Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $63.68
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $44.20
Pros
- Flexible coverage options with reimbursements up to 90%
- No breed or age restrictions for enrollment
- Freedom to visit any licensed vet in the U.S.
- 24/7 vet chat service available
- Mobile app for convenient claim submission
- Coverage is available for exotic pets beyond cats and dogs
Cons
- No accident-only coverage option
- No direct vet payment (reimbursement model only)
- Potentially longer claims processing times
MetLife operates in all states in the US. It’s notable because it offers some specialty coverage. You can get lost pet advertising and reward costs covered through a MetLife plan, as well as end-of-life care.
MetLife was originally founded in the 1800s and is one of the largest insurance companies in the world. The company began offering pet insurance after it acquired PetFirst in 2021.
| COMPANY DETAILS | MetLife Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 0 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and cruciate ligament conditions |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 10 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $50, $250 or $500 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 50%, 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $5,000 or $10,000 |
MetLife Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding pre-existing conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes
- Other: Lost pet advertising & reward, euthanasia, cremation/burial
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $55.33
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $32.81
Pros
- Affordable premiums (rated as the best budget option)
- Customizable coverage with flexible deductibles and reimbursement rates
- User-friendly mobile app for policy management
- Fast claims processing (many settled instantly)
- Multiple wellness coverage tiers are available as add-ons
Cons
- Limited availability (only in 42 states and the District of Columbia)
- Key features like vet exam fees and virtual vet visits are not included in the base policy
- Additional costs for important coverage add-ons
- Age and breed-specific enrollment restrictions
- Waiting periods before coverage becomes active
Lemonade is available in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The biggest benefit of Lemonade’s pet insurance product is how customizable it is. Lemonade offers plenty of options for your annual deductible, your reimbursement rate, and your annual reimbursement limit.
Lemonade originally offered homeowners and renters insurance. It began offering pet insurance in 2020 after it discovered that the vast majority of its existing customers owned pets, many of which were uninsured.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Lemonade Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 18 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 180 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $250, $500, $1,000 or $2,500 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000 |
Lemonade Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: No, but available with an optional add-on
- Alternative therapies: No, but available with an optional add-on
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, cruciate ligament, & knee conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: No, but available with an optional add-on
- Other: Euthanasia, cremation/burial (as add-on)
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Pros
- Coverage available for exotic pets (beyond cats and dogs)
- 24/7 vet helpline for immediate advice
- Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
- Multi-pet discounts available
Cons
- Age restrictions may exclude senior pets
- Premiums may increase significantly over time
- Some plans have annual coverage limits
- Wellness plans not available in all states
Nationwide offers pet insurance for all 50 states in the US, but some products, discounts, perks, and services may not be available in all states. Every Nationwide policy comes with an annual deductible of $250 to $1,000, making it a good option if you don’t want to pay too much out of pocket.
Nationwide first offered pet insurance as a voluntary benefit in 1999. Today, it protects more than 1.1 million pets, including exotic and avian pets.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Nationwide Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 14 days for accidents and illnesses |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 30 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days from treatment date |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $250, $500 or $1,000 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 50%, 70% or 80% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2,500 or $5,000 for accident coverage, $5,000 to $10,000 for illnesses, $5,000 limit for hereditary/congenital conditions depending on age |
Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Some
- Bilateral conditions: Yes
- Congenital disorders: Yes, but amounts vary depending on plan
- Behavioral disorders: Yes, depending on plan
- Other: Supplements
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Fetch Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $52.21
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $37.15
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage including dental injuries and behavioral disorders
- No upper age limit for enrollment
- Flexible coverage options (multiple deductibles and reimbursement choices)
- Includes boarding coverage if the owner is hospitalized
Cons
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Waiting periods for illness and accident claims
- No direct vet payment option
- Annual health check-up may be required for coverage
- No multi-pet discount
Fetch offers pet insurance in all 50 states. Fetch earns mention here because of its high level of coverage compared to other plans. Fetch also offers considerable levels of coverage for other treatments, including dental, behavioral therapy, and alternative care. Fetch was founded in 2003 and has been helping pets and their parents live healthier, happier lives.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Fetch Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 0 days for accidents, 15 days for illnesses, 6 months for hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament conditions, and luxating patellas |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 2–6 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $250, $300, $350, $400, $450, $500, $550, $600, $650, $700, $750, $800, $850, $900, $950, $1,000, $1,100, $1,200, $1,300, $1,400, $1,500, $1,600, $1,700, $1,800, $1,900, $2,000, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300, $2,400 and $2,500 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $6,000, $7,000, $7,500, $8,000, $9,000, $10,000, $12,500, $15,000, $20,000, $25,000 or Unlimited |
Fetch Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding pre-existing conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes
- Other: Virtual visits, prescription supplements, boarding fees due to owner hospitalization, and lost pet advertising & award
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Embrace Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $55.09
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $39.22
Pros
- Diminishing deductible decreases by $50 each year without claims
- Customizable plans with various deductibles and reimbursement options
- 24/7 telehealth veterinary support
- Coverage includes hereditary conditions and physical therapy
Cons
- Longer claims processing times compared to competitors
- Higher average premiums
- No direct vet payment option
- No accident & illness coverage for pets 15+ years enrolling in new plans
Embrace Pet Insurance is available in all states except Maine. It was rated the #1 Pet Insurance Provider by Forbes in 2022. The company also says that it paid out 92% of the claims submitted in 2021 and that customers can get up to 90% back on their vet bills. Embrace started as a pet insurance concept that won the 2003 Wharton Business Plan Competition and later became the Embrace Pet Insurance we know today.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Embrace Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 60 days after policy renewal |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000 or Unlimited |
Embrace Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes, $1,000 max for periodontal disease
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: No
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes
- Other: Exam fees, prescription medication
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Pros
- No annual coverage limit
- No age-related premium increases
- VetDirect Pay system for direct vet payments
- Coverage for dental conditions
Cons
- Higher premiums compared to competitors
- No multi-pet discounts
- Limited plan customization options
- No coverage for wellness care or preventive measures
Trupanion is available in 26 states in the US. Trupanion offers considerable coverage compared to many other pet insurance companies. Plans cover dental and bilateral conditions, as well as prescriptions. Trupanion is also the first pet insurance company to offer coverage of breeding-related costs.
Trupanion was founded in 1999 as “Vetinsurance” in Canada and expanded into the United States in 2005. That makes it one of the oldest pet insurance companies in the market. It’s also one of the most popular.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Trupanion Pet insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 5 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 180 days for cruciate ligament |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 7 days (85% in under 24 hours) |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days after end of policy term |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,500 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 or Unlimited |
Trupanion Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes (as add-on)
- Bilateral conditions: Yes
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes (as add-on)
- Other: Optional add-ons: breeding, lost pet advertising & reward, boarding due to hospitalization of owner, cremation/burial, and vacation cancellation costs
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: No
Spot Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $54.89
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $34.71
Pros
- No upper age limit for enrollment
- Customizable plans with various deductibles and coverage options
- Available unlimited annual payout option
- Accident-only plan as a lower-cost alternative
Cons
- No direct vet payment option
- 14-day waiting period for accident coverage
- May have higher rates for cats
- No coverage for curable pre-existing conditions without the 6-month symptom and treatment-free period
Spot is available in all 50 states in the United States. It offers comparable coverage to other companies, including coverage of alternative therapies like acupuncture, microchipping, and behavioral issues. This coverage is baked into its core insurance product, whereas other brands sometimes offer them only as add-on. Spot is one of the newer pet insurance companies in the US, founded only at the start of 2020.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Spot Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 14 days for accidents and illnesses |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 10–14 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 270 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 or Unlimited |
Spot Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes
- Other: Exam fees, microchip implementation, end-of-life expenses (related to covered condition)
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Prudent Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $51.96
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $37.65
Pros
- Customizable plans with flexible deductible options
- No lifetime or per-incident coverage limits
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Discounts for military members and multi-pet households
Cons
- No direct vet payment option
- 5-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Requires annual health exams and dental checkups
- Exam fee coverage costs extra
Prudent Pet offers pet insurance across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This Illinois-based company provides Accident & Illness coverage for dogs and cats starting as young as six weeks old, with no maximum age limits, making it a great option for pets of all ages.
Launched in 2018, Prudent Pet has quickly risen as a standout in the pet insurance space, offering plans designed to suit a wide range of pet owners’ needs.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Prudent Pet Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 5 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 180 days for cruciate ligament and hip dysplasia |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 7 days (with 85% in less than 24 hours) |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 90 days after the end of the policy term |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,500 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 70%, 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 or Unlimited |
Prudent Pet Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: Yes
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Training for behavioral disorders only
- Other: Prescription medications, euthanasia, cremation/burial
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Price for Dogs: $54.48
Average Monthly Price for Cats: $33.55
Pros
- No age or breed restrictions – suitable for senior pets
- High 80% or 90% reimbursement rate for covered expenses
- Comprehensive coverage, including exam fees and behavioral issues
- No premium increases for filing claims
- Shorter 14-day waiting period for coverage
Cons
- No accident-only plan option
- Limited customer service (no 24/7 support or mobile app)
- Higher premiums compared to some competitors
- No direct vet payment option
- Lacks telehealth or vet chat features
Pumpkin is available in all states in the US. Pumpkin offers some of the best pet insurance plans (underwritten by the Independence American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company) with deductibles as low as $100, which means you won’t have to pay much out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in, as well as an unlimited annual payout option.
Founded in 2020 by Zoetis, a leading global animal health company, Pumpkin quickly made a name for itself and was awarded “Best Pet Insurance For Comprehensive Coverage” by Businessinsider.com in both 2022 and 2023.
| COMPANY DETAILS | Pumpkin Pet Insurance |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIODS | 14 days for accidents and illnesses |
| AVERAGE DAYS TO REIMBURSE | 7 days |
| TIME TO MAKE A CLAIM | 270 days |
| ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE OPTIONS | $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 |
| AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATES | 80% or 90% |
| ANNUAL PAYOUT LIMITS | $10,000, $20,000 or Unlimited for dogs; $7,000, $15,000 or Unlimited for cats |
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Coverage
- Dental coverage: Yes
- Alternative therapies: Yes
- Bilateral conditions: Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions)
- Congenital disorders: Yes
- Behavioral disorders: Yes
- Other: Exam fees, microchip implementation, prescription medications, euthanasia
- Routine/Wellness Care Add-On: Yes
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Policy
Choosing a pet insurance policy is a personal decision. However, there are a few factors every pet parent should consider before making a choice.
- Understand any common health risks associated with your pet’s breed. For example, some dog breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia than others. Make sure you select a policy that covers genetic issues your pet’s breed may be prone to, as some providers exclude hereditary, congenital, and/or bilateral conditions.
- Understand how the cost will change over the lifetime of your pet. This is particularly important because you want to choose the best plan upfront — you don’t want to change companies once enrolled because any pre-existing condition will not be covered.
- Evaluate what features matter most to you in both a policy and a company. Here are a few key considerations:
- Some policies offer low monthly costs, but not as much coverage.
- The amount of time you have to file a claim varies by company, as does the time it takes for them to process and reimburse claim submissions.
- Certain pet insurance companies offer technology features that make the claims process easier.
How to Get the Best Pet Insurance Rates
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a pet insurance policy is your premium rate. This is the amount you’ll pay each month to keep your policy active.
It can be tempting to choose the option with the lowest rate. But sometimes, the cheapest pet insurance plan today is not the cheapest plan in the long run.
The best pet insurance plans allow you to customize the policy terms, so you can find a coverage solution that satisfies your budget and provides sufficient financial protection.
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