Best Pet Insurance Companies 2024: My Top Providers & Plans
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Dogs are not just pets; they’re family members who bring joy, comfort, and companionship into our lives. But just like any family member, they can face unexpected health issues that require medical attention. I’ve been there—sitting in a vet’s office, faced with the tough decisions about how to afford the best possible care for my pet without breaking the bank. That’s when I realized the importance of having pet insurance. But with so many pet insurance options, how do you know which is the best pet insurance provider for your pet? It can feel overwhelming to sift through all the information. That’s why I’ve put together this guide. I want to help you navigate the world of pet insurance so you can find the plan that suits your pet’s needs and your budget.
Best Pet Insurances — At A Glance
Why You Should Trust Us
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We have tested and rated thousands of dog products, including pet insurance companies. Our writers, editors, research team, and in-house veterinary review board spent hours analyzing these products to help you find what’s best for your dog. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.
The Importance of Getting The Best Pet Insurance
The best pet insurance plans cover a wide range of scenarios, from accidents like broken bones to illnesses such as cancer or diabetes and even curable pre-existing conditions. This means you can focus on your pet’s recovery rather than how you’ll pay for their treatment. In many cases, you also have the option to add a pet wellness plan, which covers the costs of routine vet visits, vaccinations, and other essential expenses needed to maintain your pet’s health.
Mitigates Common Health Issues Treatment Cost
As pets age, they are more likely to develop health problems. Pet insurance helps mitigate the cost of treating these health issues, ensuring you don’t have to choose between your pet’s health and financial stability. Every 6 seconds, a pet parent faces a vet bill of more than $1,000.
Preparedness For Emergencies
Like humans, pets can get injured or fall ill unexpectedly. Nearly 1 in 3 pets will require emergency veterinary treatment within a year. Emergency visits can be costly, with some pet owners facing bills upwards of $3,000 for a single incident.
Without pet insurance, should your pet develop a health condition or suffer an emergency, your out-of-pocket costs can be more than some can afford and could deplete their savings. In fact, over 40% of pet owners state that they would struggle to cover an unexpected $1,000 vet bill. Pet insurance ensures that owners can afford the care needed to maintain their pets’ quality of life as they age without hurting their finances.
Best Pet Insurance Companies
- Best Overall: Lemonade
- Best Personalized: Spot
- Best No-Cap Payouts: Healthy Paws
- Best Pre-Existing Conditions: Embrace
- Best For Traveling: Figo
- Best For Bilateral Conditions: Trupanion
- Best Direct Vet Payments: Pets Best
- Best For Exotic Pets: Nationwide
- Best Alternative Therapy: ASPCA
- Best For Puppies & Kittens: Pumpkin
- Best For Hospitalized Pets: Fetch By The Dodo
Best Overall Pet Insurance
Lemonade
Who It’s For: Ideal for pet owners seeking the most comprehensive coverage, managing policies, filing claims, & accessing customer support.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $750
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual payout limit: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000
Waiting period: 2 to 14 days
Age limit: 14 years old
Reimbursement: 7 to 10 days
Avg dog premium: $10
Avg cat premium: $13 to $20
2. Best Pet Insurance For Personalized Coverage
Spot
Who It’s For: Pet owners seeking highly customizable coverage that can cater to their pet’s specific needs and budget.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual payout limit: $2,500 to Unlimited
Waiting period: 14 days
Age limit: Unlimited
Reimbursement: Varies (State-dependent)
Avg dog premium: $15
Avg cat premium: $21 to $26
3. Best No-Cap Payouts Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws
Who It’s For: Particularly beneficial for those with pets prone to chronic conditions or requiring expensive treatments as there are no caps on claim payouts.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 & $1,000
- Reimbursement rates: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual payout limit: Unlimited
Waiting period: 15 days
Age limit: 14 years old
Reimbursement: 2 days
Avg dog premium: $50
Avg cat premium: $19 to $25
4. Best Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions
Embrace
Who It’s For: Perfect for addressing curable pre-existing conditions and for those with younger pets who want a policy that rewards them for maintaining their pet’s health over time.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual payout limit: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 & unlimited
Waiting period: 15 days
Age limit: 14 years old
Reimbursement: 8 to 9 days
Avg dog premium: $50
Avg cat premium: $24 to $52
5. Best Pet Insurance For Travelers
Figo
Who It’s For: Well-suited for pet owners who frequently travel with their pets, as it offers coverage at any licensed veterinarian worldwide.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $750
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%
- Annual payout limit: $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited
Waiting period: 1 to 14 days
Age limit: Unlimited
Reimbursement: 7 to 14 days
Avg dog premium: $31
Avg cat premium: $17 to $38
6. Best Pet Insurance For Bilateral Conditions
Trupanion
Who It’s For: Ideal for pet owners who want coverage for conditions that might affect both sides of their pet’s body, known as bilateral conditions such as hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, and cataracts.
- Deductible: $0, $200, $700 or $1000
- Reimbursement rates: 90%
- Annual payout limit: Unlimited
Waiting period: 5 to 30 days
Age limit: 14 years old
Repayment: 24 hours
Avg dog premium: Various
Avg cat premium: $29
7. Best Direct Vet Payments
Pets Best
Who It’s For: Pet owners who don’t want out-of-pocket expenses at the time of service or for those who may not have immediate access to funds for expensive treatments or surgeries.
- Deductible: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual payout limit: $5,000 or unlimited
Waiting period: 3 to 14 days
Age limit: No upper age limit
Reimbursement: 0 days*
Avg dog premium: $35
Avg cat premium: $22
8. Best For Exotic Pets
Nationwide
Who It’s For: A top choice for pet owners who have exotic pets, such as birds, reptiles, or small mammals, in addition to cats and dogs.
- Deductible: $100, $250 or $500
- Reimbursement rates: 50%, 70% or 80%
- Annual payout limit: $10,000
Waiting period: 14 days
Age limit: No upper age limit
Reimbursement: 30 days
Avg dog premium: $35
Avg cat premium: $25 to $45
9. Best Pet Insurance For Alternative Therapy Coverage
ASPCA Pet Health
Who It’s For: Excellent for pet owners seeking coverage for alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $250 or $500
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual payout limit: $2,500, $5,000, $7,000 or $10,000
Waiting period: 2 to 14 days
Age limit: 14 years old
Reimbursement: 7 to 10 days
Avg dog premium: $35 to $65
Avg cat premium: $25 to $45
10. Best For Puppies & Kittens
Pumpkin
Who It’s For: Pet owners who have puppies or kittens, as it offers comprehensive coverage tailored to the needs of young pets.
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $1,000
- Reimbursement rates: 90%
- Annual payout limit: $10,000, $20,000 or unlimited
Waiting period: 14 days
Age limit: Unlimited
Reimbursement: 14 to 30 days
Avg dog premium: $30 to $50
Avg cat premium: $20 to $40
Other Top-Rated Pet Insurance Companies
The Bottom Line
It’s essential to thoroughly read your policy and understand what is covered, what is excluded, and any limitations or conditions. Familiarize yourself with terms like deductibles, co-pays, and reimbursement rates to avoid surprises when you need to file a claim.
Pet insurance is an essential tool for managing your pet’s healthcare costs, providing peace of mind, and ensuring your pet receives the best care possible. The right plan can protect you from unexpected expenses and give your pet a long, healthy life. Don’t wait until an emergency arises. Take the time now to compare pet insurance plans and choose one that fits your pet’s needs and your budget.
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