10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of August 2024 (2024)

When it comes to pet ownership, most pet parents know their favorite furry companions can wind up at the vet unexpectedly. What might start as a fun day at the park could lead to a vet bill reaching the thousands. Without a robust emergency fund or pet insurance, this type of bill could derail your entire financial picture.

The good news is that the best pet insurance companies offer policies to help you pay for your pet’s vet visits with minimal financial stress. We explore some of the best pet insurance companies to help you find the right option.

Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2024

Best Overall

Pets Best

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$5,000 to Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$50 to $1,000

Why We Chose It

Pets Best is one of the few pet insurance companies that offers to pay your vet directly if your vet is set up for that option. Beyond this convenience, Pets Best offers unlimited maximum coverage options and deductibles as low as $50. Based on our sample quote, the price point is in line with other affordable options, which makes it our all-around favorite option.

Pros

• A relatively low deductible of $50 available
• Unlimited annual coverage available
• Direct payments to vets available

Cons

• 14-day waiting period for illnesses
• Multi-pet discount only 5%
• Transaction fee when paying your premium

Policy Highlights

• Direct payments to vets available
• Three tiers of accident and illness coverage available
• Wellness add-on available

Best for Older Pets

Spot

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$2,500 to unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$100 to $1,000

Why We Chose It

Spot offers pet insurance plans without an upper age limit, which means you can get insurance for your pet regardless of their age. The catch is that pre-existing conditions aren’t covered. But that’s true of most pet insurance policies.

Pros

• Insure pets at any age
• Wellness add-on available
• Microchip implantation covered

See Also

Best Pet Insurance Companies Reviews Of August 2024

Cons

• Relatively long waiting period of 14 days
• No chat feature available for customer support
• No direct pay-to-vet option

Policy Highlights

• No pet age restrictions
• Customizable plans available
• Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered
• 14-day waiting period for coverage

Best for Puppies and Kittens

Lemonade

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$5,000 to $100,000

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$100 to $750

Why We Chose It

When you bring home a new puppy or kitten, Lemonade might be the best pet insurance option due to its robust preventative care add-on. With this affordable bundle, you can get your pet the baseline protection it needs, like select vaccines, microchipping and more. As you get your pet up to speed on vaccines, the preventative care add-on is beneficial. Read more with our Lemonade pet insurance review.

Pros

• Preventative care coverage available
• Discounts available for paying annually, bundling policies and insuring multiple pets
• Short two-day waiting period for accidents

Cons

• Only available in 37 states and Washington, D.C.
• Upper age limit varies based on breed
• No accident-only policies available

Policy Highlights

• Waiting period is two days for accidents, 14 days for illness and six months for cruciate ligament events
• Multi-pet discount of 5%
• Pre-existing conditions not covered

Best for Diminishing Deductibles

Embrace

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$5,000 to Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$100 to $1,000

Why We Chose It

If you have a healthy pet, you might not get much use from standard pet insurance policies. Embrace changes that with its Healthy Pet Premium Discount program, which allows you to tap into discounts on future premiums if you don’t make a claim. Embrace also offers a multi-pet discount of 10% and a 5% military discount. Depending on your situation, tapping into these discounts can be a game-changer for your budget.

Pros

• Up to 10% monthly discount through Healthy Pet Premium Discount program
• Multi-pet discount of 10% and military discount available
• Unlimited reimbursement option

Cons

• Claims paid out within 10 to 15 days
• Dogs over 15 years of age can only qualify for accident-only plans
• Not available in Maine

Policy Highlights

• Healthy Pet Premium Discount program discounts for future premiums when you don’t make a claim
• Prescription drug and exam fee coverage available
• 24/7 pet helpline

Best for Fast Claims Processing

Prudent Pet

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$2,500 to Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$100 to $1,000

Why We Chose It

Prudent Pet reportedly processes 75% of claims within 24 hours. The fast turnaround timeline is easy for most pet owners to appreciate. Plus, you can always chat with a vet for free to help you assess the situation before heading to your local vet.

Pros

• Unlimited annual payout limit available
• Processes most claims within 24 hours
• 24/7 vet chats available

Cons

• No mobile app available
• Must pay extra for vet exam fees coverage
• Insurer will not pay the vet directly

Policy Highlights

• Unlimited vet chats available 24/7
• 75% of claims processed within 24 hours
• Wellness and vet exam add-on coverages are available

Best for Unlimited Payouts

Healthy Paws

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$100 to $1,000

Why We Chose It

If you want to walk into an emergency situation knowing that your pet is covered regardless of the final bill, the unlimited annual coverage option available through Healthy Paws is enticing. With this policy, you won’t face any per-incident, annual or lifetime coverage caps. You’ll likely get your funds quickly because most claims are processed within two days.

Pros

• Unlimited maximum payouts available
• Most claims are processed within two days

Cons

• No wellness coverage add-on available
• No accident-only plan available
• No exam fee coverage add-on available

Policy Highlights

• The company says it processes most claims within two days
• No annual or lifetime maximum payouts

Best for Horses

ASPCA

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$2,500 to $10,000

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$100 to $500

Why We Chose It

Most pet insurance companies stick to dogs and cats, but ASPCA also offers coverage for horse health. If you want a policy to help cover the cost of colic, accidents and illnesses in your hoofed companion, ASPCA might be the right solution.

Pros

• Currently only pet insurance company that covers horses
• Customizable premium options
• Colic coverage available through all plans

Cons

• Pre-existing conditions, breeding costs and cosmetic procedures not covered
• 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
• Claims are generally completed in 30 days or less

Policy Highlights

• Preventative care add-on coverage available
• Horse coverage available
• Colic coverage available for horses in every plan

Best for 100% Reimbursement

Figo

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$5,000 to Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80%, 90% and 100%

Deductibles

$100 to $750

Why We Chose It

Pet owners who want to be reimbursed for 100% of their unexpected vet bill can find a lot to like through Figo. With plans that have a maximum annual coverage amount of $10,000 or less, you can tap into a 100% reimbursement option.

Pros

• Most claims are processed in three business days or less
• 24/7 access to vet support
• Up to 100% reimbursement rate available

Cons

• Must purchase an add-on for vet exam fees
• Must purchase an add-on to cover wellness services
• Premium increases as your pet ages

Policy Highlights

• 100% reimbursement available for annual plans with a max coverage amount of $10,000 or less
• 5% multi-pet discount
• Extra care add-on available for financial support to find a lost pet

Best for Dental Coverage

Fetch

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$5,000 to $15,000

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% and 90%

Deductibles

$300 to $700

Why We Chose It

While most pet insurance companies don’t cover dental issues under their accident and illness policy, Fetch does. If your pet runs into dental issues, this measure of coverage can protect your wallet. Further, you can purchase a wellness add-on to cover dental cleanings and other routine care needs. Read our Fetch Pet Insurance review to learn more.

Pros

• Comprehensive dental coverage included
• Get up to $1,000 covered in virtual vet visits without a copay
• Exam fees for sick visits are covered in standard plan

Cons

• Add-on required for routine care coverage
• 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
• No discounts available for multiple pets

Policy Highlights

• Dental injury and disease covered
• Vet exam fees covered for sick visits
• Breed-specific hereditary issues covered
• Easy to submit a claim through the mobile app

Best for Direct Payment To Vet

Trupanion

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 75%, 80%, 85% and 90%

Deductibles

$0 to $1,000

Why We Chose It

Most pet insurance companies require you to pay the bill and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Trupanion takes a different approach by paying the vet bill directly when you check out. You won’t have to wait for a reimbursement because the cost of the covered treatment is paid out directly to the vet immediately. This feature is worthwhile to anyone who values keeping their funds safely tucked into their bank account.

If your vet isn’t set up for direct pay, you’ll have to submit the paid invoice for reimbursement. 70% of these claims are paid within 24 hours.

Pros

• Skip the claims process through direct payments to vets
• Unlimited payout
• 24/7 customer service chat option

Cons

• Most expensive sample claim of our list
• No wellness add-on available
• No multi-pet discounts available

Policy Highlights

• Direct payments to vets available
• No wellness coverage add-ons available

Is Getting Pet Insurance Worth It?

Pet insurance offers pet parents some peace of mind. If you would struggle to cover the cost of an emergency vet bill, then opting to pay for pet insurance is a good option. With the right policy in place, you can focus on getting the best care for your furry companion without worrying about how you’ll foot the cost.

However, pet insurance isn’t the right fit for everyone. If you have a robust emergency fund and relatively healthy pets, the ongoing premium might be put to better use tucked into a savings account for future pet costs.

Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance Plans:

Pros

• Get reimbursed for pet care. Depending on your plan, you could get reimbursed for between 70% to 100% of the cost of care.
• Choose your own vet. Most pet insurance plans allow you to work with the vet of your choice.

Cons

• You’ll often have to pay upfront. In many cases, you’ll be reimbursed by the pet insurance company after you pay the vet bill. With that, you’ll still be on the hook for upfront costs.
• Preventative care is not covered. Most basic plans don’t include coverage for preventative care, like vaccines. However, you can often opt to purchase a wellness add-on to help cover routine pet costs.

How Much Do You Need To Budget for Pet Insurance?

The cost of pet insurance can vary wildly based on your situation. Older pets are generally more expensive to insure than younger pets, and cats are less expensive to insure than dogs. And, of course, opting for more robust coverage will lead to a higher premium.

If you insure a puppy of two years or less, you might pay between $40 to $60 per month. But if you are insuring a cat of two years or less, you might pay closer to $20 to $30 per month.

How Do Pet Insurance Companies Work?

Most pet insurance companies offer policies with a reimbursement model. It starts with you making premium payments. When you get a vet bill for a covered issue, you’ll pay the vet directly. Then, you’ll file a claim with your pet insurance company. If the insurer agrees the claim is valid, you’ll receive a reimbursement check for a predetermined percentage of the cost.

Why Would You Need a Pet Insurance Company?

Not every pet owner would benefit from pet insurance, but many can. Consider the reasons below as you decide whether or not to buy pet insurance.

• You don’t have an emergency fund. If you don’t have an emergency fund, coming up with the money for an unexpected vet bill could put a strain on your finances.
• You have a young and healthy pet. Locking in a policy for a young and healthy pet can come with lower rates for the long term.
• You can budget for vet care more easily. Some insurers allow you to pay for a wellness add-on, which can help you pay for vaccines and routine visits. If you struggle to budget for pet care costs throughout the year, this could help you set aside the funds each month to avoid a big vet bill.

If you have an emergency fund and plenty of space in your budget for pet costs, pet insurance might not be necessary. That’s especially true if you have one of the best credit cards for pet owners.

How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance Company for Your Pets

As you shop for an appropriate pet insurance policy, keep the following factors in mind.

Coverage

First and foremost, you’ll need to seek out a plan that offers the coverage you have in mind. Generally, plans are available for accident-only, accident and illness and wellness add-ons. Determine what you want to get out of a pet insurance policy beforehand to help you narrow down your choices.

For example, if you simply want help paying for unexpected care due to an accident, then accident-only coverage might be enough. But if you’re more interested in getting help covering wellness visits, opting for a plan with a wellness add-on might be a better fit.

Affordability

Shop around to see which company offers the most affordable rates for your unique situation. You might be surprised to see a large swing in price points across different insurers.

Reimbursement Rates

Some insurers offer higher reimbursement rates than others. You’ll likely face a higher insurance premium if you want to lock in a higher reimbursement rate. But the trade-off can be worth it.

Customer Feedback

No one wants to file a claim. But if you do, the right customer service team can make all the difference. Take some time to explore customer feedback about the insurance company to better understand what it’s like to work with them. If most customers report a terrible experience, it might be worth opting to work with a different insurance company.