Pet insurance can help you significantly offset the cost of your pet’s health care needs, and there are plenty of well-rated pet insurers to choose from today. If you’ve started doing the research, you’ve likely seen that most offer a similar accident-and-illness plan with standard coverages and exclusions. 

But there are some key differences that make certain pet insurance providers stand out and may make an insurer a better fit for your pet’s needs. We at the This Old House Reviews Team analyzed coverage, cost, downsides, and unique perks across leading pet insurance providers, scoring them on key metrics to help you make the best choice. See our top five picks for best pet insurance companies below.

Compare Pet Insurance Providers

Provider

Our Rating

Average Cost*

Coverage Options

Claim Filing

Lemonade

4.8/5

$23.22

accident-and-illness, wellness

customer portal, mobile app, “Help” button on site, M–F phone support

Spot

4.6/5

$45.75

accident-and-illness, accident-only, wellness

customer portal, mobile app, 24/7 vet telehealth line, M–F phone support

Embrace

4.7/5

$57.19

accident-and-illness, wellness

customer portal, mobile app, 24/7 pet help line, M–Sa phone support, email, online chat

Healthy Paws

4.7/5

$48.65

accident-and-illness

customer portal, mobile app, M–Sa phone support, email

ASPCA

4.5/5

$43.29

accident-and-illness, accident-only, wellness

customer portal, mobile app, M–F phone support, email

*Sample quotes are for 4-year-old, mixed-breed, male dogs in Raleigh, North Carolina using a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual limit, and 80% reimbursement rate. 


 

Best Pet Insurance Companies


 

What To Know About Pet Insurance

Learn the basics pet owners should know before selecting a pet insurance plan. 

Lemonade: Best Overall

We scored Lemonade at a 96 out of 100 for its coverage options, low monthly premiums, and short accident waiting period.

Lemonade

Best Overall
4.5
  • Deductibles: $100, $250 or $500
  • Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%

Why We Chose Lemonade

Lemonade’s plans are affordably priced. Customers can choose from various coverage limits, reimbursement rates, and deductible options. The company offers a comprehensive wellness plan for routine care coverage.

It also offers an inexpensive add-on for those who want all vet expenses and fees included in their policy, plus extra coverage for acupuncture and therapy. Finally, the company has a unique mobile app with AI technology for claims filing and enrollment, making managing your policy smooth and easy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a charitable giveback program Has a 48-hour waiting period for accidents Doesn’t have age limits for coverage Cons Doesn’t cover behavioral treatments or dental veterinary care Is available in only 35 states

Plans and Pricing

Lemonade offers one primary accident-and-illness plan with three add-on options:

  • Preventive care
  • Vet visit fees
  • Physical therapy

Exclusions include preexisting conditions, behavioral treatments, elective cosmetic procedures, and dental care.

Based on our research, monthly premiums for standard Lemonade policies cost $15–$30 per month for dogs and $9–$15 per month for cats.

What Customers Are Saying

We read more than 100 customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot for each provider on this list. The biggest customer complaint for Lemonade is denied claims, though this could be due to customers filing claims that aren’t covered by their policy, since many other customers reported having no issue with claim approval.

 Here’s a look at both the positive and negative comments.

“Easy claim procedure and fast payment. Always responsive to my questions. I love Lemonade!” —Mary S. via BBB

“I had pet and rental insurance through them for a year. And I regret ever setting up the policies. Any claim I put through even when clearly covered under my policy was denied.” —Jeanette P. via BBB

Learn more: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review

 


 

Spot: Most Customizable Plans

We scored Spot 91 out of 100 for its customizable coverage options, deductibles, and plan pricing.

Spot

Most Customizable Plans
4.4
  • Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
  • Annual coverage limits: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 or unlimited
  • Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%

Why We Chose Spot

Spot provides seven annual limit options from $2,500 to unlimited, plus three reimbursement levels and five annual deductibles. It also has one of the cheapest plans for accident-only coverage, making it ideal for pet owners who only need minimal coverage.

Pros and Cons

Pros Its standard plan includes microchipping Offers a 10% discount for customers with multiple pets Features an unlimited coverage option Cons Doesn’t cover pets under eight weeks old Has a long waiting period of 14 days for accidents

Plans and Pricing

Spot provides two standard plans for accident-only or accident-and-illness coverage. It includes coverage for exam and vet visit fees, plus offers two wellness plans at flat rates for routine care. Each plan is customizable with options for reimbursements, annual coverage limits, and annual deductibles.

Here’s an overview of each Spot plan and additional coverage option:

  • Accident-only plan
  • Accident-and-illness plan
  • Gold preventive care
  • Platinum preventive care

Note: Spot’s Accident-Only Plan’s premiums don’t change based on your pet’s age or breed. Exclusions include preexisting conditions, cosmetic procedures, and breeding costs.

Based on our research, monthly premiums for standard Spot policies are $15–$25 per month for dogs and $10–$15 per month for cats.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers reported overall positive experiences with Spot. Some complained about having claims they felt should have been approved denied as preexisting, but as with Lemonade, this could be from not understanding policy terms about what’s considered a preexisting condition. 

Here’s a look at both the positive and negative comments customers have left about Spot:

“Spot Pet Insurance was the best decision I could make for my playful pup! I spent a lot of time researching the best insurance and Spot was hands down the best choice to provide the most comprehensive care with the best reimbursement.” —Elizabeth B. via BBB

“Slow review of claims, and denied coverage for teeth cleaning, which is explicitly included on an annual basis in the policy, because it was performed in conjunction with teeth extractions for gingivitis (which they determined to be a preexisting condition as to all teeth because my cats had mild gingivitis on a couple teeth as kittens. Called to dispute and got nowhere). I told them I would like to cancel my policy because of this coverage denial, and they canceled coverage effective immediately in the middle of a payment period that I had already paid my premium for. I emailed the same day asking them to reinstate coverage through to the end of the payment period and they refused.” —Allyson C. via BBB

Learn more: Spot Pet Insurance Review

 


 

Embrace: Best Deductibles

Embrace scored a 93.5 out of 100, earning points for its costs, customization options, and additional features but losing points for its low coverage limits.

Embrace

Best Deductibles
4.5
  • Deductibles: $200, $300, $500, $750 or $1,000
  • Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $30,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%

Why We Chose Embrace

We recommend Embrace for anyone who wants to prioritize affordability. The provider offers ways to lower your premium with five deductible options and a Healthy Pet Deductible benefit that reduces your deductible $50 each year that you don’t file a claim.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an online chat for customer service Includes coverage for exam fees Offers policy management online and through a mobile app Cons Its highest annual coverage limit option is $30,000 Has limited customer service hours

Plans and Pricing

Embrace offers one accident-and-illness plan. It excludes preexisting conditions and aesthetic, cosmetic, or elective procedures.

Embrace also offers an optional Wellness Rewards add-on for routine care, such as vet exams.

Based on our research, monthly premiums for standard Embrace policies are $25–$55 per month for dogs and $20–$30 per month for cats.

Note: The Wellness Rewards plan is not available in Rhode Island.

What Customers Are Saying

Customer reviews of Embrace are generally positive. Many customers say the company is communicative and transparent, while others say the provider rarely reimburses their claims. 

Here’s a look at both the positive and negative comments customers have left about Embrace:

“They are everything they claim to be. I have a policy I can rely on, understand all costs and no hidden fees. It’s refreshing to find a company, any company that is honest and clear.” —Lonnee S. via BBB

“Extremely long [wait] times for claims. Clunky mobile app, difficult to upload information.” —A.S. via BBB

Learn more: Embrace Pet Insurance Review

 


 

Healthy Paws: Best Coverage Limit

Scoring a 93.5 out of 100, Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage with no maximum per-incident, annual, or lifetime payouts.

Healthy Paws

Best Coverage Limit
4.5
  • Deductibles: $250 or $500
  • Annual coverage limits: Unlimited
  • Reimbursement rates: 70% or 80%

*Policies that cover pets over six years old come with lower reimbursement rates (50% to 70%) and higher annual deductibles ($500 to $1,000).

Why We Chose Healthy Paws

We like Healthy Paws’s straightforward approach to pet insurance, even if that means recommending you to a different provider. Its goal is to connect you to the best coverage for the best price, so it offers a quote tool with a comparison feature that recommends other pet insurance providers when your quoted premium is higher than average.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has fast claims processing with a direct deposit Donates to homeless pets with every pet insurance quote Offers a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee Cons Has higher premiums for some breeds Its plans lack customizability compared to other providers

Plans and Pricing

Healthy Paws offers one accident-and-illness plan without any add-on options. Coverage includes procedures and related costs, such as cancer treatments, diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, ultrasounds, blood tests, X-rays, emergency care, specialty care, alternative treatments, and prescription medications.

Healthy Paws also covers hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, and congenital conditions as long as your pet’s symptoms manifest after the effective policy start date and 15-day waiting period.

Exclusions include preexisting conditions, spaying or neutering, dental care, preventive care, elective procedures, and hip dysplasia treatments within the first 12 months of the policy. If your pet is over six years old, you won’t be able to customize your plan and it will come with either a 50% or 70% reimbursement rate and a $500 or $1,000 deductible co-payment.

Based on our research, monthly premiums for standard Healthy Paws policies are $30–$65 per month for dog insurance and $20–$30 per month for cat insurance.

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers praise Healthy Paws for genuinely caring about their pets’ well-being. However, some have complained that their premiums were unexpectedly raised as their pet got older. 

Here’s a look at both the positive and negative comments customers have left about Healthy Paws:

“Amazing company! Never had any issues sending claims and getting approvals and reimbursed. Fast, easy, and always reliable! My baby got injured and had back surgery and we got reimbursed within about 1 week. Much better than my own health coverage.” —Julie N. via BBB

“Absolutely disappointed in them. Just another typical insurance company. Was a customer for 5 years. In trying to submit my first claim I hit roadblock after roadblock. Every time I submitted what was asked for another thing was needed. Also lack of communication. Do not use.” —Marc V. via BBB

ASPCA: Best for New Pet Owners

We gave ASPCA Pet Health Insurance an 89 out of 100 for its long partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and its many online resources for pet owners.

ASPCA

Best for New Pet Owners
4.5
  • Deductibles: $100, $250 or $500
  • Annual coverage limits: $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000 or $10,000
  • Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%

Why We Chose ASPCA

ASPCA is well-known in the pet community for caring about pets’ well-being. The organization offers many helpful resources for pet owners to encourage proper pet care. For instance, you can use the vet finder tool on its website or mobile app to find local vets near you. You can also find information on various pet breeds and their common health needs on its website.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers behavioral issues and conditions Offers an accident-only plan for low-cost coverage on accidents and injuries Includes coverage for exam fees in its standard plans Cons Doesn’t offer a website chat for customer service Has longer-than-usual wait times for customer support, according to third-party customer reviews

Plans and Pricing

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers two plans: one for accident-only coverage and one that covers accidents and illnesses. Like most other companies, it doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, breeding or pregnancy issues, cosmetic procedures, and elective surgeries.

You can select reimbursement rates, annual deductibles, and annual coverage limits options to customize your premium. Here’s an overview of ASPCA’s plan options and two wellness add-ons:

  • Accident-only coverage plan
  • Complete coverage plan
  • Basic preventive plan
  • Prime preventive plan

Based on our research, monthly premiums for standard ASPCA Pet Health policies are $15–$25 per month for dogs and $10–$20 per month for cats.

What Customers Are Saying

The 100+ reviews we analyzed for ASPCA were mixed. Some customers reported good service, but many cited frequent price increases. 

Here’s a look at both the positive and negative comments customers have left about ASPCA:

“Customer service is always friendly and professional. Claims processing and payment of claims has been in a very acceptable time frame. I was disputing an unpaid claim, and they contacted my vet’s office, got the information they required and I received my reimbursement within about 5 days.” —Rowena via Trustpilot

“I have been a customer for 2 years and this year they are choosing to raise my rate 26%!! No rhyme or reason … This company does not care about their customers!! My cat is only 7 years old and her insurance rate is going from $40 to $53 for no logical reason. I am incensed and trapped. Do not [i]nsure your pet with ASPCA insurance!” —Steph C. via BBB

Learn more: ASPCA Pet Insurance Review

 


 

Other Pet Insurance Providers

While the providers below didn’t make our top five, we felt they deserved an honorable mention. Each provider has standout features, but their downsides made them rank lower than those listed above.

Provider

Coverage

Average Cost*

Pros

Cons

Our Full Review

Figo

accident-and-illness, wellness

$26.48

Offers unlimited coverage, plan customization, and add-ons

Doesn’t offer unlimited benefits in all areas and has a 6-month waiting period for all orthopedic conditions

Learn more

Fetch

accident-and-illness

$46.48

Has no upper age limit and covers exam fees

Has low annual limits, few deductible options, and no wellness coverage

Learn more

Wagmo

accident-and-illness, wellness

$68.88

Has no age restrictions and a 100% reimbursement rate

Offers only two annual limits and three deductibles

Learn more

Trupanion

accident-and-illness

$96.52

Allows you to pay your bet bill directly at checkout and offers unlimited coverage

Provides no wellness coverage and has long waiting period for illness claims

Learn more

Prudent Pet

accident-and-illness, accident-only, wellness

$46.88

Has no age restrictions and unlimited coverage

Has no mobile app and 6-month waiting period for knee and cruciate ligament issues

Learn more

*Sample quotes are for 4-year-old, mixed-breed, male dogs in Raleigh, North Carolina using a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual limit, and 80% reimbursement rate.

 


 

How Much Is Pet Insurance?

The average cost of pet insurance for dogs across our top five providers is $43.62 per month. The average monthly premium for cats across these providers is $18.02. Lemonade, Spot, and ASPCA have the lowest pricing out of our top five providers. 

Pet insurance premiums are calculated based on your location and your pet’s age, breed, gender, and species. Metropolitan areas typically have higher premiums, as do older pets, male pets, and dogs. 

If saving money is your priority, check out our review of cheapest pet insurance companies.

 


 

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

The coverage you get depends on the plan you select. All providers have an accident-and illness plan that typically covers accidents such as:

  • Bite wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts
  • Ingested objects or toxins
  • Sprains

Commonly covered illnesses include:

  • Allergies
  • Cancer
  • Chronic conditions
  • Congenital conditions
  • Dental illness
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive illnesses
  • Eye and ear infections
  • Heart disease
  • Hereditary conditions
  • Hip dysplasia

You can use your standard pet insurance coverage to pay for all or the partial cost of vet treatments such as blood tests, emergency care, hospitalization, prescription medications, specialty care, surgery, ultrasounds, and X-rays.

Preventive Care Coverage

If you choose to add wellness coverage to your policy, you can use it to offset the cost of preventive routine care, such as: 

  • Annual wellness exams
  • Dental cleanings
  • Grooming
  • Microchipping
  • Spaying or neutering
  • Vaccinations 

What’s Not Covered

Pet insurance does not cover:

  • Any condition resulting from intentional neglect or abuse by you or a member of your household 
  • Any treatment not performed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Breeding or whelping 
  • Cosmetic procedures, such as tail clipping or declawing, unless medically necessary
  • Preexisting conditions 

Learn more about what pet insurance covers.

 


 

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Once you enroll in a pet insurance plan, there will be a waiting period until your coverage kicks in—usually no longer than 15 days for most providers. After the waiting period is over, you can file a claim for your pet’s veterinary bills. When you take your pet to any licensed vet office, you’ll pay the bill out of pocket, then go online or on your mobile app to file a claim for the amount you were charged. Your provider will reimburse you via direct deposit or mailed check, usually within a couple of weeks after the claim is processed.

Keep in mind you’ll have to meet your pet insurance deductible before you’ll start receiving reimbursements. If you choose a higher deductible, you’ll have a lower monthly premium, but you’ll be responsible for paying more out of pocket up-front. If you choose a lower deductible, you’ll pay less out of pocket up-front but will have a higher premium. 

The annual limit you choose also affects how much you’ll be reimbursed. For example, if you choose a $5,000 annual limit, once you’ve been reimbursed $5,000, your provider won’t reimburse you any further even if you continue submitting claims. Some providers offer unlimited coverage, meaning there’s no payout cap, though this option sometimes increases your premium. 

You’ll also get to choose your reimbursement rate, which is usually 70%–100%. The higher the rate, the higher the premium, but you’ll also be reimbursed more. For example, if you choose a 90% reimbursement level, your provider will reimburse you 90% of the vet bill you filed a claim for.

Learn more about how pet insurance works.

 


 

How To Get Pet Insurance

All providers allow you to sign up for a policy on their website. Some also allow you to enroll over the phone. Once you enroll, your provider will send you your policy contract and any additional documents you need. 

Here are our tips for getting the right pet insurance for you:

  • Read providers’ sites, sample policies, customer reviews, and other online ratings
  • Be familiar with what providers’ plans do and don’t cover
  • Get sample quotes from each provider to see what your monthly premium will be
  • Call or chat customer support with any questions you have before enrolling
  • Pick the annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement rate that work best for your budget and your pet’s health care needs

 


 

Our Conclusion

Having pet insurance is an important part of being a pet owner. Unless you’re prepared to pay for all of your pet’s vet expenses out of pocket, a pet insurance plan helps you significantly reduce the cost of your pet’s health care needs, sometimes even footing 100% of the bill. 

Don’t forget to research providers carefully before committing to ensure you get the right coverage for your pet at the right price for your budget. We recommend pet insurance companies Lemonade, Spot, and Embrace for their comprehensive coverage, customer satisfaction, and service, though it’s worth checking out any provider on this list.

 


 

FAQ About Pet Insurance

Our Methodology

The This Old House Reviews team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:

  • Coverage (25)
  • Plan options (20)
  • Monthly cost (20)
  • Company reputation (15)
  • Customer service (10)
  • Species eligibility (10)

Our researchers keep all data in each company’s score up to date, making any changes to our content when necessary to provide our readers with the most accurate information on relevant metrics, such as plan options, customer service, reputation, and monthly cost.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.