Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (2024)

To find the best pet insurance for dogs and cats, MoneyGeek compared data and real quotes to determine the best affordable pet insurance plans currently offered for your furry, scaly and feathered companions. We also provide details on how pet insurance works, what the best pet insurance plans offer and how you can choose the right coverage for your pet.

Table of Contents

  • The 7 Best Pet Insurance Companies & Plans:
    Best Overall
    Best Cheap Pet Insurance
    Best High-End Plan
    Best Policies for Wellness Add-on
    Best for Cats
    Best for Older Pets
    Best for Exotic Pets
    • Best Pet Insurance Plans Summary
  • How Much Do the Best Policies Cost?
  • How Does Pet Insurance Work?
  • What Do the Best Pet Insurance Plans Cover?
  • How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Policy?
  • How Much Pet Insurance Coverage Do You Need?
  • FAQs
Compare Pet Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your pet insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Best Overall: Spot

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (1)

pros

Affordable rates

Customizable coverage limits

Exam fees covered after deductible met

No upper age limit

cons

Only cats and dogs covered

Platinum preventive care add-on can be expensive

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's Take: Spot is our top pick for the overall best pet insurance plans because of its annual deductible and coverage limit options, lack of restrictions and affordable rates.

Spot pet insurance offers a lot of flexibility with few restrictions, making it one of the best pet insurance plans available. You can choose between comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses or accident-only coverage. Spot also offers two levels of preventive care coverage for services not typically covered under a pet insurance plan.

With Spot, you're not locked into the same coverage year after year. You can make changes anytime in your online portal or by calling or emailing Spot directly. If your pet's ownership changes, you can call Spot customer service to have the policy transferred. Spot also makes it easy to file claims online; just log in, upload the invoice and you’re on your way to reimbursem*nt. Billing is done automatically monthly or annually, so you don’t have to remember to pay, and your pet is always covered.

As long as your cat or dog is at least eight weeks old, they can be covered through Spot, and there is no upper age limit. You also don’t have to worry about lifetime coverage caps with Spot. If you move to a new state, be sure to contact Spot customer service to transfer your policy, so you don’t lose your pet’s pre-existing conditions history.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • Gold or Platinum preventive care coverage add-on available.
  • 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses.
  • Microchip implantation and exam fees are covered.
  • Six-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions (except knee and ligament conditions, which aren’t covered if pre-existing).
  • Claims can be filed online with a picture of the invoice.
  • Can be billed annually or monthly through your bank account or credit/debit card.

Policy Types & Details:

  • Coverage Amounts — $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, Unlimited.
  • Deductibles — $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000.
  • Reimbursem*nt Pct — 70%, 80%, 90%.

Best Cheap Pet Insurance: Pets Best

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (2)

pros

Fast claim processing and reimbursem*nt with direct deposit

Two levels of routine care add-on coverage available

Three coverage plan levels

Option for accident-only coverage

cons

$2 monthly processing fee if not paid annually (except in AK and MD)

Exam fees not covered in Essential plan

Rehab and alternative care only covered under Elite plan

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's Take: When comparing rates, we found Pets Best has the best affordable pet insurance plan available, making it our preferred choice for the best cheap pet insurance.

At Pets Best, you can choose from a $5,000 or unlimited annual limit and a range of annual deductible limits to fit your needs and budget. You have your choice of Essential, Plus or Elite coverage. Plus coverage includes exam fees and, if you choose Elite, rehab and alternative care like acupuncture are also covered. Pets Best offers optional routine care coverage, with predetermined maximum limits for routine appointments.

The Essential wellness plan includes $305 worth of annual benefits, and the Best wellness plan has up to $535. There is no waiting period on routine care, and just three days on accidents, with illnesses covered after a standard 14-day waiting period. Cats and dogs can be covered from seven weeks, with no upper age cap. You can make changes, file claims, track your deductible, add new pets and more through your online account or the Pets Best mobile app.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • Direct deposit claims reimbursed within two days, paper checks within 5–7 days.
  • Three-day waiting period for accidents, 14 for illnesses, six months for cruciate ligament conditions.
  • Optional add-on routine preventive care coverage only covered to certain dollar limits.
  • Pets aged three years and older must have teeth cleaning within 13 months of coverage with no signs of periodontal disease for dental coverage.

Policy Types & Details:

  • Coverage Amounts — $5,000, Unlimited
  • Deductibles — $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
  • Reimbursem*nt Pct — 70%, 80%, 90%

Best High-End Plan: Trupanion

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (3)

pros

Per-issue lifetime deductible

Direct payments to vets

Pick a deductible between $0 and $1,000

Add-on coverages available for recovery, non-clinical procedures and pet owner assistance

cons

No discounts

Age capped at 14 years

No preventive care or pre-existing condition coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's Take: Trupanion is our choice for the best high-end pet insurance plan because it offers the most comprehensive selection with a one-time per-incident deductible and 90% reimbursem*nt.

If you want a high-end pet insurance plan with the most comprehensive coverage, consider Trupanion. This pet insurer has a standard 90% reimbursem*nt on all covered claims, and you can choose any dollar amount deductible from $10–$1,000. Unlike most other best pet insurance companies, Trupanion has a per-incident lifetime deductible instead of an annual deductible. So, if you choose a $200 deductible, once your pet meets the deductible for a condition, it never has to be met again for that condition as long as you stay with Trupanion.

Another unique feature Trupanion offers is direct payment to your veterinarian, eliminating the need to submit a claim. However, this option is only available to vets using Trupanion's patented software. If your vet doesn't, you can still submit your claim online, by email/fax or by printing and returning the claim form with an invoice by mail. If your pet changes ownership, Trupanion will transfer the policy to the new owner so they can keep already-reached deductibles and pricing in place.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • Lifetime per-incident deductible.
  • Recovery and complementary care optional riders cover non-clinical procedures like naturopathy and physical therapy.
  • Pet owner assistance package add-on includes lost pet advertising and reward, property damage liability, accidental death burial or cremation and holiday vacation cancellations.
  • Five-day accident and 30-day illness waiting periods.
  • Claims paid through direct deposit or mailed check.

Policy Types & Details:

  • Coverage Amounts — Unlimited
  • Deductibles — $0–$1,000
  • Reimbursem*nt Pct — 90%

Best Policies for Wellness Add-On: Nationwide

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (4)

pros

Only 24-hour waiting period for wellness plan

Avian and exotic pet coverage available

Nationwide insureds save 5%

cons

Must enroll pet by age 10

No accident-only plan

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's Take: When comparing wellness plan add-ons, we chose Nationwide as our best pet insurance pick. Nationwide offers two affordable choices for a standalone wellness plan, or you can include it as a medical plan rider.

Wellness exams are routine for pets to ensure they’re staying healthy, just like humans. Nationwide takes on some financial burden by offering a wellness plan add-on rider for its comprehensive pet insurance plan or as a standalone policy. Nationwide’s major medical with wellness plan features coverage for exams, vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventives, blood work and urinalysis. The price is built into the full plan and is based on pet type, age, breed and location.

For standalone wellness plans, Nationwide offers two choices: wellness basic and wellness plus. Each plan covers the same things as the major medical with wellness plan and includes nail trims, microchip, health certificates, deworming, fecal tests and one additional health test, like x-rays or an EKG. Each coverage has a maximum annual limit, with a total allowable benefit of $400 for the basic plan and $500 for the plus plan. The basic plan costs between $12 and $18 per month, while the plus plan costs $17–$22 per month. If you buy the wellness plan only, there is just a one-day waiting period before you’re eligible to collect reimbursem*nt.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses.
  • 24-hour waiting period for wellness plan without medical.
  • No coverage for boarding, grooming, pre-existing conditions, taxes or waste.
  • Accident and illness coverage for avian and exotic pets.

Policy Types & Details:

  • Coverage Amounts — $10,000 for whole pet plan, defined annual per-condition benefits for others.
  • Deductibles — $250.
  • Reimbursem*nt Pct — 50%, 70% (whole pet only).

Best for Cats: Figo

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (5)

pros

No upper age limits

Up to 100% reimbursem*nt

Worldwide coverage

Six-month orthopedic conditions waiting period doesn't apply to cats

cons

Enrollment exam recommended

Vet exam fees covered under optional coverage

Routine wellness and preventive care includes limited coverage with additional cost

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek’s Take: Our pick for the best pet insurance for cats is Figo. This pet insurer offers up to 100% reimbursem*nt, with coverage for rehab, behavioral issues and holistic treatments built into its basic policy.

Offering one of the most comprehensive pet insurance plans, Figo has dogs and cats covered from nose to tail, with few exceptions. Cat owners can get some of the best affordable pet insurance rates from Figo for their feline companions, with reimbursem*nt of up to 100% of covered claims. Though consultation and vet exam fees are not covered by Figo’s wellness plan, you can get optional coverage for as little as $3 per month.

Figo also offers a wellness plan add-on for blood work, vaccines, heartworm and flea preventives and more. The basic plan covers up to $135 per year, or you can buy the plus plan for $250 in annual coverage. While riders can only be added during renewal, you can change your plan at any time online or by calling Figo directly.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • Waiting periods are one day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, six months for orthopedic conditions in dogs.
  • Optional Extra Care Pack includes coverage for lost pet advertising and reward, pet emergency vacation cancellation fees, pet theft or loss and up to $10k in pet property damage liability coverage.
  • Optional Veterinary Exam Fees coverage includes consultation and exam fees for accidents and illnesses and up to $250 in prescription diet food.
  • Medication and training for behavior issues are covered up to $500 annually (or $1,000 annually if Exam Fee coverage is purchased).

Policy Types & Details:

  • Coverage Amounts — $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
  • Deductibles — $100, $250, $500, $750
  • Reimbursem*nt Pct — 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%

Best for Older Pets: Embrace

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (6)

pros

Accident-only coverage available

No dental exam required for dental illness coverage

Only 12-month lookback period for pre-existing conditions

$50 diminishing deductible each year you don’t file a claim

Multiple discount options

cons

Pets enrolled at 15 or older are only eligible for accident coverage

No unlimited coverage option

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's Take: Pet owners with older pets can have a more difficult time getting pet insurance coverage, but Embrace doesn’t have a cap on age, making it our top pick for the best insurance plan for older pets.

If you're looking for the best pet insurance for older pets, Embrace is one of the best pet insurance companies without an upper age limit for enrollment. All pets enrolled who are 14 or younger can be covered for accidents and illnesses, with the option to add wellness plan benefits. As long as the policy stays in force, coverage will continue for the life of your pet. However, if you wait to enroll your pet until they are 15 or older, they are only eligible for accident coverage with the option for wellness coverage.

Embrace offers a unique feature in its Healthy Pet Deductible, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs for vet care. Every calendar year that you don’t get an accident or illness reimbursem*nt from Embrace, you get a $50 credit towards your deductible. This continues until your deductible reaches $0 and is free for all Embrace policyholders.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • Waiting period: Two days for accidents, 14 days for illness, six months for orthopedic conditions (but can waive with exam down to 14 days).
  • Healthy pet diminishing deductible feature: Each year that Embrace doesn’t reimburse a claim, your deductible diminishes by $50.
  • Up to 25% off in stackable discounts for multi-pet, military and employee benefits.
  • Claims processed for accident or illness typically take up to 15 business days (five business days for wellness claims).

Policy Types & Details:

  • Coverage Amounts — $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $13,000, $30,000
  • Deductibles — $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
  • Reimbursem*nt Pct — 70%, 80%, 90%

Best for Exotic Pets: Nationwide

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (7)

pros

Only major U.S. pet insurer covering avian and exotic pets

Worldwide coverage

Save up to 15% with multiple pets

cons

Rates not available online

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's Take: As the only major pet insurer offering coverage for exotic pets, Nationwide is our choice for the best pet insurance plans for avian and exotic pet owners.

Nationwide offers coverage to pet owners with a wide range of exotic pets, including amphibians, reptiles, chinchillas, goats, potbellied pigs and turtles. Exotic pet insurance covers exam and lab fees, prescriptions diagnostics, hospitalizations and more for accidents and illnesses.

To get a quote for exotic pet insurance from Nationwide, you must call 1-800-874-0651. Coverage cost is based on the type of exotic pet you own, their size, and your location. With Nationwide, you pay a per-incident deductible rather than an annual policy deductible. Bird owners can purchase an optional avian routine care plan, which offers parasite testing and treatment, trims and some blood work coverage.

Coverage & Other Details:

  • Rate based on type of exotic pet.
  • Routine care coverage for birds only includes parasite testing and treatment, bloodwork and beak, nail and wing trims.
  • Coverage includes surgery and treatment for accidents, diseases and illnesses.

Policy Types & Details:

  • $50 deductible per incident

Best Pet Insurance Plans Summary

Here's a snapshot of the best pet insurance companies’ plan options and available discounts to help you choose the right coverage for your pet and budget.

Company

Coverage Options

Deductible Options

Reimbursem*nt Options

Available Discounts

Spot
Best Overall

  • $2,500
  • $3,000
  • $4,000
  • $5,000
  • $7,000
  • $10,000
  • Unlimited
  • $100
  • $250
  • $500
  • $750
  • $1,000
  • 70%
  • 80%
  • 90%
  • 10% multi-pet
  • 10% employee
    benefits discount

Pets Best
Best Cheap Pet
Insurance

  • $5,000
  • Unlimited
  • $50
  • $100
  • $200
  • $250
  • $500
  • $1,000
  • 70%
  • 80%
  • 90%
  • 5% multi-pet

Trupanion
Best High-End
Plan

  • Unlimited
  • $0–$1,000
  • 90%

Nationwide
Best Policies for
Wellness Add-On

  • $10,000 (whole
    pet only)
  • Defined annual
    benefits per condition
  • $250
  • 50% (whole
    pet only)
  • 70% (whole
    pet only)
  • 5% multi-pet
  • 5% current
    Nationwide insureds

Figo
Best for Cats

  • $5,000
  • $10,000
  • Unlimited
  • $100
  • $250
  • $500
  • $750
  • 70%
  • 80%
  • 90%
  • 100%
  • Varies by state

Embrace
Best for Older
Pets

  • $5,000
  • $8,000
  • $10,000
  • $13,000
  • $30,000
  • $200
  • $300
  • $500
  • $750
  • $1,000
  • 70%
  • 80%
  • 90%
  • 10% multi-pet
  • 10% employee
    benefits
  • 5% military

Nationwide
Best for Exotic
Pets

  • $10,000 (whole
    pet only)
  • Defined annual
    benefits per condition
  • $250
  • 50% (whole
    pet only)
  • 70% (whole
    pet only)
  • 5% multi-pet
  • 5% current
    Nationwide insureds

Best Pet Insurance Companies by State

Not all pet insurance companies offer coverage in every state, and premiums can vary depending on your location. The table below explores MoneyGeek's top picks for pet insurance providers in each state.

The Best Pet Insurance Providers in Every State

State

Company

Alabama

Figo

Alaska

Embrace

Arizona

Figo

Arkansas

Figo

California

Embrace

Colorado

24 Pet Watch

Connecticut

24 Pet Watch

Delaware

Figo

District of Columbia

ASPCA

Florida

Embrace

Georgia

Embrace

Hawaii

Embrace

Idaho

Embrace

Illinois

Embrace

Indiana

Embrace

Iowa

Figo

Kansas

Figo

Kentucky

Figo

Louisiana

Embrace

Maine

Figo

Maryland

Figo

Massachusetts

Figo

Michigan

Figo

Minnesota

Figo

Mississippi

Figo

Missouri

Hartville

Montana

Embrace

Nebraska

Figo

Nevada

Figo

New Hampshire

Figo

New Jersey

Embrace

New Mexico

Figo

New York

24 Pet Watch

North Carolina

Figo

North Dakota

Embrace

Ohio

Figo

Oklahoma

Figo

Oregon

Figo

Pennsylvania

Figo

Rhode Island

Embrace

South Carolina

Embrace

South Dakota

Embrace

Tennessee

Figo

Texas

Figo

Utah

Embrace

Vermont

Figo

Virginia

Figo

Washington

Embrace

West Virginia

Figo

Wisconsin

Embrace

Wyoming

Figo

How Much Do the Best Pet Insurance Policies Cost?

When choosing the best pet insurance plans for your needs, comparing coverage options can help you find the right plan to fit your budget. The tables below show sample rates for plan options with low, average and high coverage for dogs. In the last table, you can see average coverage rates for the best pet insurance for cats. The younger your pet is when you enroll them, the cheaper your pet insurance will be and the less likely they’ll have pre-existing conditions excluded from coverage.

Low Coverage ($5k Max, 80%, $500) Pet Insurance Premium for Dogs

Company

Monthly Premium

1.

Pets Best

$19.97

2.

Pet Plan

$22.29

3.

Spot

$26.49

4.

Hartville

$26.51

5.

ASPCA

$26.54

6.

Figo

$27.14

7.

Embrace

$30.15

8.

GEICO

$30.15

9.

24 Pet Watch

$39.03

Average Coverage ($10k / $250 / 80%) Pet Insurance Premium for Dogs

Company

Monthly Premium

1.

Figo

$41.28

2.

Embrace

$42.75

3.

GEICO

$42.75

4.

Spot

$49.18

5.

ASPCA

$49.27

6.

Hartville

$49.27

7.

24 Pet Watch

$51.95

8.

Pumpkin

$57.61

9.

Nationwide

$71.73

Average Coverage ($10k / $250 / 80%) Pet Insurance Premium for Cats

Company

Monthly Premium

1.

GEICO

$19.81

2.

Embrace

$19.81

3.

Figo

$20.94

4.

Nationwide

$25.15

5.

ASPCA

$25.89

6.

24 Pet Watch

$25.92

7.

Spot

$26.31

8.

Hartville

$26.61

9.

Pumpkin

$34.05

What Factors Impact Your Policy Cost

Just like other forms of insurance, certain factors impact how much you’ll pay for pet insurance. Understanding how insurers create their quotes can help you choose the best policy for your needs.

1

Coverage Levels

The more coverage you choose, the more you’ll pay for it. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your premium, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket. While unlimited coverage costs the most, you could end up saving over lower plans if your pet has a major accident or illness.

2

Your Pet's Age

Most pets can be insured as young as eight weeks, and the oldest they can be insured varies by company. The younger your pet is, the cheaper your coverage will be. With pet insurance, your rate can increase each year with your pet’s age.

3

Your Pet's Breed

Your pet's breed can also impact how much you pay. Genetics and adult size play a significant role in health issues. For instance, large dog breeds are more susceptible to heart and hip conditions, making them riskier to insure. Cats cost less to insure than dogs, with the average monthly cost for comprehensive coverage at $28.48 per month for cats and $49.51 for dogs, according to the NAPHIA survey.

4

Your Location

Pet insurance rates are also based on veterinary care costs in your area. Those living in rural areas usually pay less for pet insurance than those living in urban and suburban areas.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

With the best pet insurance plans, you can go to any vet you want and get reimbursed for covered claims. When you buy pet insurance, you pay monthly or annual premiums, and the insurance company reimburses you for accidents, illnesses and wellness visits based on your coverage limits. Pet insurance is typically on a reimbursem*nt model, which means you pay the vet at checkout and then submit your invoice for reimbursem*nt from the company.

    Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (8)

    Coverage Limit

    The coverage limit is the maximum amount the pet insurance company will reimburse you for covered health issues. The more coverage you have available for the year, the higher your premium. Most pet insurance companies offer several options for annual coverage limits, with some offering unlimited limits. With an unlimited coverage limit, there is no cap on reimbursed claims.

    Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (9)

    Deductible

    The deductible is how much you’ll pay toward a covered accident or illness before the insurance company reimburses you. The higher your deductible, the less you pay in premiums, but the more you’ll pay in out-of-pocket costs until you reach the deductible. Most companies have an annual deductible, which means the deductible rolls back to $0 each year.

    Companies like Trupanion have a per-incident deductible. With this deductible option, you have to meet the deductible for each health concern before the company pays. For example, if you have a $200 deductible and your pet is seen four times in one year for four different issues, you will have to meet four $200 deductibles before the company reimburses you. However, this is a lifetime deductible, so once you meet the deductible for an ear infection, you’ll never have to pay a deductible again for that condition for the life of the policy.

    Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (10)

    Reimbursem*nt Percentage

    The reimbursem*nt percentage is how much the company will reimburse for coverage. Let’s say you’ve met your deductible and pay a $300 vet bill with a 70% reimbursem*nt percentage. The insurance company will reimburse you 70%, or $210. The lower your reimbursem*nt percentage, the more you’ll save on premiums, but you’ll have to pay more of the vet costs.

    Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (11)

    Waiting Period

    The waiting period is how long you have to wait for coverage to be effective after the policy is issued. A 14-day waiting period is standard for accidents and illnesses, which means accidents and illnesses are covered on day 15 of the policy. The waiting period varies and could be longer or shorter, depending on the company.

What Do the Best Pet Insurance Plans Cover?

Pet insurance coverage varies by company, even for the best pet insurance plans. Accident-only plans only reimburse for accidental injuries, like your pet ingesting poison or a foreign object or getting hit by a car. Comprehensive pet insurance plans include accidents and illnesses, even serious illnesses like cancer.

Treatment is usually covered, including:

  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • X-rays
  • Emergency care
  • Prescription medications
  • Hospitalization
  • Laboratory testing
  • Surgery
Pet insurance plans may cover the following:

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (12)

ACCIDENTS
  • Insect stings
  • Bite wounds
  • Eye injuries
  • Torn nails
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations
  • Sprains
  • Toxin ingestion

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (13)

ILLNESSES
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney failure
  • Cancer
  • Digestive issues
  • Bladder stones or crystals
  • Genetic conditions
  • Hereditary conditions
  • Urinary infections
  • Orthopedic conditions

While some pet insurance plans include wellness benefits, most offer them as add-on coverage. A wellness plan as a standalone policy — or a rider for comprehensive or accident-only coverage — can include:

  • Teeth cleaning
  • Spaying/neutering
  • Vaccines
  • Microchip
  • Urinalysis
  • Deworming
  • Flea, heartworm and tick preventives and testing
  • Exam fees
  • Blood, fecal and parasite exams

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Policy?

Choosing the best pet insurance plan can be a daunting task, with so many companies offering pet coverage. Use these tips to help you find the best pet insurance companies offering the coverage you need for your pet.

1

Enroll while your pet is young.

One factor pet insurance companies use to determine your premium is your pet’s age. The younger they are, the better your rates and the less likely they are to have pre-existing health issues that could be excluded from coverage. Older pets may be excluded from coverage or only offered accident coverage.

2

Consider your coverage.

You know your pet best. If they are healthy and not predisposed to genetic or hereditary diseases, accident-only coverage may be the best option. But if you want illness coverage for nose-to-tail protection, it can be a worthwhile investment. A wellness add-on comes with an additional cost but may offer more financial assistance for routine care.

3

Read the fine print.

Pet insurance coverage limits and exclusions vary by company. Most companies offer state-specific sample policies online you can review before purchasing. Before you buy, you should read the fine print to be aware of any coverage gaps that might make another company a better option.

4

Look over reviews and recommendations.

After considering our best pet insurance reviews, go a step further and ask your vet for a recommendation. They can review your pet’s history and help you choose a plan right for you. Friends and family with pet insurance are also great resources to ask for a recommendation.

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (14)

MONEYGEEK TIP

Take a look at your pet’s vet history to help you decide the level of coverage that’s right for you. Compare pet insurance quotes with at least three companies to get the cheapest rate for the highest level of coverage. Remember, the best pet insurance companies allow you to make coverage changes at any time, so you aren’t locked into the same levels you enrolled with.

How Much Pet Insurance Coverage Should You Buy?

When determining how much pet insurance coverage to buy, you should first consider the type of pet you have. If you have an indoor cat who only gets seen for routine visits, you may not need the same level of coverage for an active dog who frequents the dog park or regularly goes hiking with you.

Think about how much you can afford to pay for your pet’s care. If you can afford more vet costs, you can save on pet insurance premiums with a higher deductible and lower reimbursem*nt percentage.

While most pet insurance companies offer unlimited annual coverage, this is the most expensive option. Do you really need unlimited coverage each year? Reviewing your pet’s vet history can help you decide if this is the right coverage choice. Choosing a lower annual coverage limit can reduce the premium, and you can change the coverage later if needed.

Also, consider the cost of vet care in your area. The average annual cost of vet care is between $700 and $1,500, with the average office visit costing $50–$250. But an emergency vet visit could cost $3,000 or more and should be covered by pet insurance. While an ear infection may only set you back around $100, a UTI could cost $1,000 or more. And if your pet develops cancer, you may not be able to afford the more than $3,500 it costs for chemotherapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance

Do you have even more questions about pet insurance? Understanding the answers to the most frequently asked questions about buying and using pet insurance can help you choose the right plan for your pet.

How does pet insurance work, and what does it cover?

Pet insurance is a reimbursem*nt for covered accidents and illnesses. You usually pay the vet up-front and get reimbursed by the pet insurance company based on your chosen level of coverage. Pet insurance can cover accidents only or accidents and illnesses. It often doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, routine wellness care or exam fees, though some companies offer add-on coverage for these items.

What are the best pet insurance companies?

According to MoneyGeek’s analysis and our best pet insurance reviews selection, the best pet insurance companies are Embrace, Figo, Nationwide, Pets Best, Spot and Trupanion.

How much does pet insurance cost?

Pet insurance costs vary by your ZIP code, pet’s age, breed and the type of pet you have. The younger your pet is when you buy pet insurance, the more affordable premiums.

Should you buy pet insurance?

Whether you should buy pet insurance is a personal choice. It can offset the cost of veterinary care for accidents and illnesses and may provide coverage for routine wellness care. You have to decide if the price of pet insurance is worth it based on your pet’s health and your financial situation.

Do veterinarians all take pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a reimbursem*nt, so you can see any veterinarian you choose. You pay the vet bill and then submit the invoice to the pet insurance company for reimbursem*nt based on your plan coverage limits.

Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering are not covered by pet insurance unless you buy the wellness plan rider that specifically covers it. Wellness plan availability and limitations vary by pet insurer.

Does pet insurance cover dental?

Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover periodontal disease and accidental damage to your pet’s teeth. However, routine cleanings are usually not covered. Your pet may have to undergo teeth cleaning to get dental coverage.

Does GEICO have pet insurance?

GEICO does not have pet insurance but offers it through Embrace Pet Insurance.

Does Allstate have pet insurance?

While Allstate does not offer pet insurance directly, you can get coverage through Embrace Pet Insurance.

Does USAA have pet insurance?

USAA does not have pet insurance but is partnered with Embrace Pet Insurance. USAA members can save up to 15% on their policy.

About Mandy Sleight

Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (15)

Mandy Sleight is a licensed property, casualty, life and health insurance agent with 20 years of experience in the industry. She has worked for major insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide, and most recently as the Operations Coordinator for a startup employee benefits company.

Sleight holds a business administration and management degree from the University of Baltimore and a master's in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She uses her vast knowledge of insurance and personal finance to create easy-to-understand and engaging content to help readers make smarter choices with their budgets and finances.

sources
Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Who gives the best pet insurance? ›

Comparing the best pet insurance UK providers
Trustpilot ratingPerks
Kennel Club Pet Insurance4.7· 5-weeks free insurance for puppies by breeders
Petwise Insurance4.6· Food contribution · Bereavement hotline
Lifetime Pet Cover4.6· Travel cover · Complementary therapies
4Paws Pet Insurance4.6· Pay monthly at no extra cost
7 more rows
Dec 1, 2023

What is the best level of pet insurance? ›

Lifetime policies

These policies cover your pet for their entire life, taking care of expenses for both illnesses and injuries. Although they are the most expensive option, they offer the highest level of protection, with coverage limits that reset annually upon policy renewal.

Which is better, Fetch or Spot? ›

Fetch covers more than most other providers, including Spot

Spot has limited or no coverage when it comes to dental illness, boarding fees, supplements and more.

What are 4 factors that go into determining your monthly premium for pet insurance? ›

Four factors that affect pet insurance cost:
  • Your location. Veterinary care is more expensive in certain parts of the country. ...
  • Your pet's age. ...
  • Your pet's breed. ...
  • Your deductible and reimbursem*nt level.

What's the cheapest but best pet insurance? ›

Here are the eight best and most affordable pet insurance companies based on our review:
  • ManyPets: Cheapest pet insurance.
  • Lemonade: Cheapest plans for cats.
  • ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Best for senior pets.
  • AKC Pet Insurance: Best customer experience.
  • Healthy Paws: Most affordable unlimited coverage.
  • Figo: Most affordable.
4 days ago

Why is Petplan the best? ›

Our years of experience mean we cover a wide range of injuries and illnesses – and we pay out on 97% of claims we receive. We also want to help owners get their pets the best care. We cover things other policies don't and we don't penalize customers for claiming.

How much should I be spending on pet insurance? ›

On average, pet insurance costs $60 per month for dogs and $32 for cats, based on quotes gathered by the MarketWatch Guides team. The cost to cover your pet may vary, but this type of insurance can offer financial protection against high-cost and emergency vet visits.

Why is trupanion so expensive? ›

Trupanion is among the most expensive pet insurance providers we have reviewed nationwide. The company likely charges higher costs because it features a standard 90% reimbursem*nt rate and an unlimited coverage model.

What age is best to get pet insurance? ›

Simply put: The best age to get pet insurance for dogs is when they're young (puppies are best). As they age their health will inevitably decline, and they'll be inherently riskier to insure. That risk will be passed on to you, the owner, in the form of higher monthly and annual insurance premiums.

Is there anything better than fetch? ›

Capital One Shopping is a popular shopping browser extension and app. And it's better than Fetch if you do a lot of online shopping, unsurprisingly. All you have to do is download its free extension. You can then use it to automatically find available coupon codes at 30,000+ stores as you shop.

Is Fetch a good animal insurance? ›

For years, Fetch has offered uniquely comprehensive coverage and perks, making it one of our top recommended pet insurance companies.

What are the pros and cons of fetch? ›

Pros & Cons
  • Fetch Rewards is a mostly passive income app since all you have to do is upload photos of receipts.
  • Excellent gift card variety.
  • A low 3,000 point minimum redemption requirement.
  • Multiple ways to earn points with sponsored offers, eReceipts, and GoodRX deals.
  • Fetch Rewards is very user-friendly.
May 27, 2024

What are 4 things you should look at when choosing an insurance plan? ›

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan in...
  • Open Enrollment.
  • Types of Plans.
  • Total Cost & Financial Assistance.
  • Monthly premium: the price you pay the insurance company each month.
  • Deductible: the amount you pay for covered services before your health insurance plan begins to pay.
Dec 19, 2023

How do pet insurance know pre existing conditions? ›

How do pet insurers know about pre-existing conditions? Depending on your insurer, when you submit a pet insurance claim, they will typically request your pet's medical records to evaluate the claim and determine if the issue predates your waiting period.

Does pet insurance premium increase every year? ›

You can generally expect your pet's insurance coverage cost to increase each year, along with their age. Consider the following, which could help you offset the higher cost of insurance.

Is it worth claiming on pet insurance? ›

It's usually not too difficult to know when you should claim, and you can always check your policy documents or speak to your insurance provider if you're not sure. The only time it might not be worth claiming is if your policy excess – that's the amount you pay to make a claim – is more than the cost of the treatment.

How do I get the best out of my pet insurance? ›

These three tips will ensure you get the best experience possible.
  1. Pay Upfront Treatment Costs On A Credit Card, And Pay It Off With Your Reimbursem*nt. ...
  2. Make Sure Your Vet Knows About Your Pet Insurance Coverage. ...
  3. Make Sure Your Policy Makes Sense For Your Breed, Location, Age, And Any Pre-Existing Conditions.

How much should I cover my dog for? ›

As a general rule, cover less than £5000 is likely to leave you with problems if your dog gets in a serious accident, and £7000 is the minimum most vets would consider to be fairly comprehensive.

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