Best Pet Insurance Companies & Plans (2023)

Pet insurance is a healthcare policy designed to help pet owners finance emergency veterinary bills when their animal becomes sick or injured. Though coverage varies from provider to provider, most pet insurance policies can reimburse you for up to 90% of your pet’s medical expenses.

House Method evaluated more than 30 top-rated pet insurance providers and hand-picked the following nine based on superior cost-to-coverage ratios, plan customizability, verified customer feedback, discounts, and more.

9 Best Pet Insurance Providers

Here are the nine best pet insurance companies in the United States:

• Lemonade: Best Overall
• Spot: Most Customizable
• Wagmo: Best for Basic Wellness
• Embrace: Most Affordable
• Healthy Paws: Best for Unlimited Annual Coverage
• Pawp: Best for Multi-Pet Enrollment
• Figo: Shortest Waiting Period
• Fetch: Best for Vet Therapy Coverage
• Trupanion: Most Flexible Deductibles

Compare the Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2023

Below is a comparison of the best pet insurance companies. The provided sample premiums are based on a 3-year-old medium-size mixed-breed dog or cat in Raleigh, N.C. Each quote we requested only reflects the cost of standard accident-and-illness coverage with no additional plan riders.

Brand	Maximum Enrollment Age	Sample Monthly Premium Cost	Money-back Guarantee	Deductible Options	Reimbursement Options	Annual Payout Maximum
Lemonade	14 years old	Dogs: $23.22 Cats: $13.22	Yes	$100–$500	60%, 70, 80, or 90%	$5,000–$100,000
Spot	N/A	Dogs: $23.47 Cats: $12.22	Yes	$100–$1,000	70, 80, or 90%	$2,500–Unlimited
Wagmo	N/A	Dogs: $31.26 Cats: $19.73	No	$250–$1,000	90 or 100%	Up to $20,000
Embrace	15 years old	Dogs: $39.42 Cats: $23.02	Yes	$200–$1,000	70, 80, or 90%	$5,000–$30,000
Healthy Paws	14 years old	Dogs: $45.64 Cats: $21.33	Yes	$100–$500	70, 80, or 90%	Unlimited
Pawp	N/A	Dogs: $24 Cats: $24	No	N/A	N/A	Up to $3,000
Figo	N/A	Dogs: $33.21 Cats: $18.58	Yes	$100–$750	70, 80, 90, or 100%	$5,000–Unlimited
Fetch	N/A	Dogs: $35.16 Cats: $22.02	Yes	$200–$500	70, 80, or 90%	$5,000–$15,000
Trupanion	14 years old	Dogs: $49.05 Cats: $26.14	Yes	$0–$1,000	90%	Unlimited

What To Look For in a Pet Insurance Plan

When choosing the right pet insurance policy, there’s more to consider than your monthly premium. With so many competing providers claiming to offer the best value, it can be hard to single out what makes one plan better. Here are some key attributes to consider as you compare coverage options:

• Coverage limits: This is the maximum dollar amount a pet insurer will reimburse you for covered medical expenses per year. These payout caps vary widely across providers, with some even offering unlimited coverage. Keep in mind that the higher your payout limit, the more expensive your premium will be.
• Deductibles: A deductible is a set amount you’ll be required to pay out-of-pocket before your insurer helps—the higher your deductible amount, the lower your premium, and vice versa.
• Premiums: Your premium is simply the price of your pet insurance base plan. Most providers offer both monthly and annual payment options, with annual payments typically including a discount. Different providers have different formulas for calculating your custom premium, though most will factor in your pet’s species, breed, age, medical history, and geographic location.
• Reimbursement rates: Your selected reimbursement rate is the percentage of your pet’s vet bill that you’ll be reimbursed for once your claim is approved—most range between 60% and 100% across providers. A higher reimbursement rate may also translate into a higher premium.
• Waiting periods: All pet insurance providers enforce waiting periods. This is the time you’ll be required to wait after sign-up before filing your first claim. Some companies have longer waiting periods than others, so familiarize yourself with those time frames before signing up.

Lemonade: Best Overall

Why We Chose Lemonade

Lemonade uses AI-powered claim processes to cut overhead costs, translating into affordable policy premiums. Boasting a one-and-done standardized accident-and-illness plan, ample room for plan customization, and an estimated 90-second enrollment experience, House Method nominates Lemonade as the best overall pick industry-wide.

Lemonade Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Lemonade offers one stand-alone accident-and-illness policy. This base plan includes reimbursement for the following emergency scenarios and conditions:

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Bite wounds
• Breed-specific and genetic conditions
• Cancer
• Dental trauma
• Fractured or broken bones
• Gastric bloat
• Glaucoma
• Injuries resulting from road accidents
• Orthopedic conditions
• Pneumonia
• Torn ligaments
• Toxic ingestions and swallowed objects
• Wounds, cuts, or burns

Lemonade’s waiting periods align with the industry standard of two days for injuries and 14 days for illnesses. Any medical emergencies affecting your pet before the expiration of these waiting periods will be deemed a pre-existing condition and, therefore, ineligible for coverage. Lemonade also excludes costs related to the following:

• Breeding, whelping, and pregnancy
• Cosmetic and elective procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, etc.)
• DNA testing, cloning, and experimentation
• Injuries or illnesses that arise as a result of neglect, fighting, racing, or cruelty

Policyholders can build out their base plan by purchasing riders at an additional cost for the following items:

• Behavioral conditions
• Dental illness
• End-of-life services
• Physical therapy
• Preventative care coverage
• Vet visit fees

Lemonade’s standard coverage can be customized through your choice of five payout limits, three reimbursement rates, and three deductible options:

• Annual Payout: $5,000–$100,000
• Reimbursement Levels: 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%
• Deductible Options: $100, $250, or $500

Lemonade Pet Insurance Cost

Lemonade’s pet insurance plans start as low as $10 a month, but pet owners should expect to pay around $23 for dogs and $21 for cats. Discounts are available to customers who enroll more than one pet or bundle their pet insurance policy with another Lemonade product like auto, life, or homeowners insurance.

Learn more: For more information about this provider, visit our full Lemonade pet insurance review.

Get a quote: Get a free pet insurance quote from Lemonade.

Spot: Most Customizable

Why We Chose Spot

Founded in 2019, Spot may be relatively new, but it offers quality coverage for senior pets and those with behavioral issues. House Method commends Spot for its flexible plan framework, zero restrictions on age, and lenient coverage terms for curable pre-existing conditions.

Spot Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Spot’s standard coverage is split between an accident-only plan and an accident-and-illness option.

• Accident-only plan: Covers vet exam fees, microchip implantation, prescription medications, supplements (only to treat a covered condition), prescription pet food, poison control consultation fees, MRIs/CT scans/X-rays, medical supplies, surgery, hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids and medications, alternative therapies, stem cell therapy, tooth extractions, and end-of-life expenses
• Accident-and-illness plan: Covers everything listed under the accident-only policy, plus cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) and behavioral therapy.

Like most other pet insurance providers, Spot won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Any injury or illness that occurs before the end of your set waiting period qualifies as a pre-existing condition. Spot has a 14-day waiting period for both accidents and illness.

Policyholders can choose one of seven annual limits, three reimbursement rates, and five deductible options.

• Annual Payout:  $2,500–Unlimited
• Reimbursement Levels: 70%, 80%, or 90%
• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000

Spot Pet Insurance Cost

Pet owners should anticipate a monthly premium of around $23 for dogs and $12 for cats. For an additional $9.95 a month, Spot also offers basic preventative care coverage through its Gold package, which includes a $250 per-treatment annual limit. Its more comprehensive Platinum package, priced at $24.95 a month, comes with a $450 per-treatment annual limit and includes coverage for spay/neuter.

Get a quote: Get a free quote from Spot today. 

Wagmo: Best for Basic Wellness

Why We Chose Wagmo

Wagmo is one of the few providers that offer stand-alone wellness plans for cats and dogs. For that reason, we named it the best option for basic wellness coverage. This provider is a great option for pet owners who have a handle on potential emergency expenses but would benefit from savings on preventative care costs.

Wagmo Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Emergency veterinary services covered through Wagmo’s accident-and-illness policy include but aren’t limited to:

• Behavioral therapy
• Exam fees
• Diagnostics and related tests
• Prescription medication
• Surgery
• Treatment of congenital and hereditary conditions
• Treatment of dental illness
• Virtual vet visits

Unlike competing providers, Wagmo specializes in preventative care, available in three incremental levels under its Wagmo Wellness plan option. All three wellness plans are designed to strictly cover routine veterinary expenses like annual checkups, heartworm/flea/tick medication, maintenance dental cleanings, vaccinations, and more. Whereas most pet insurers only offer preventative care as an add-on—or not at all—Wagmo Wellness plans can be purchased independently.

Here’s an overview of how each level of Wagmo Wellness differs in cost and coverage: 

• Value Plan: $20 per month with an annual limit of $350
• Classic Plan: $36 per month with an annual limit of $650
• Deluxe Plan: $59 per month with an annual limit of $1,100

Policyholders can choose the following customization options:

• Annual Payout: $20,000
• Reimbursement Levels: 90% or 100%
• Deductible Options: $250, $500, or $1,000

On average, wellness claims through Wagmo are reimbursed within an impressive one business day after approval. Accident-and-illness claims are typically processed within three to five days. 

None of the wellness plans has a waiting period, so you’ll have instant access to coverage benefits after sign-up. Wagmo’s accident-and-illness plan, however, has a 15-day waiting period. Costs related to cancer treatment have a 30-day waiting period. Even after your waiting period, costs related to pre-existing conditions, prescription pet food, vitamins and supplements, dental surgery, rehabilitation, and alternative therapies are eligible for coverage through Wagmo.

Wagmo Pet Insurance Cost

Wagmo’s emergency accident-and-illness plan costs an average of $30 per month for dog insurance and just under $20 for cat insurance. Policyholders can also reduce their insurance premiums by up to 10%  when they enroll two or more pets in coverage. Wagmo also guarantees an additional 15% off when you renew your pet insurance policy after one year with no claims filed.

Get a quote: Get a free quote from Wagmo today.

Embrace: Most Affordable

Why We Chose Embrace

Our research team highlighted Embrace as one of the best options for pet owners who can’t resist a good deal. Featuring stacked new joiner discounts for up to 25% off, a one-of-a-kind Wellness Rewards program, and an annual deductible that drops in price year over year, Embrace helps its customers maximize their savings unlike any other provider on the market.

Embrace Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Embrace distributes its coverage through two base plan options: accident-only and accident-and-illness. Both policies uphold the same waiting periods of 48 hours for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and six months for orthopedic conditions (which can be waived if your pet receives an orthopedic exam within the first two weeks of coverage). Approved accidents, illnesses, and conditions include:

• Up to $1,000 annually for dental illnesses (extractions, gingivitis, root canals, etc.)
• Breed-specific, congenital, and genetic conditions (hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, allergies, etc.)
• Cancer
• Chronic conditions (diabetes, arthritis, etc.)
• Orthopedic conditions (bone breaks, torn ligaments, osteosarcoma, etc.)
• Preventable conditions (Lyme disease, parasites, parvo, etc.)

In addition to its standard pet insurance coverage, Embrace also offers an elective Wellness Rewards program. Wellness Rewards covers routine vet costs and several unique items beyond traditional preventative care coverage, such as nutritional supplements, medicated shampoo, wearable pet activity monitors, nail trimming, and more.

This add-on is a non-insurance benefit that reimburses 100% up to your select annual limit. Allowances, however, don’t roll over into the next policy term if left unused. Policyholders participating in Wellness Rewards will receive a $25 annual reward from Embrace.

Here’s how the three reward levels vary in cost and coverage:

• $250 allowance per year = $18.75 per month
• $450 allowance per year = $35.42 per month
• $650 allowance per year = $52.09 per month

Policyholders can choose the following customization options:

• Maximum Annual Payout: $20,000
• Reimbursement Levels: 70%, 80%, or 90%
• Deductible Options: $200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000

Embrace Pet Insurance Cost

Embrace’s accident-and-illness coverage costs an average of $30 per month for dogs and $15 for cats. Premiums can also be reduced through a 10% multi-pet discount and a 5% military discount.

Get a quote: Get a free quote from Embrace today.

Healthy Paws: Best for Unlimited Annual Coverage

Why We Chose Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws is the perfect provider for indecisive pet owners or anyone new to pet insurance. With one stand-alone accident-and-illness base plan and automatic unlimited annual coverage for all policyholders, Healthy Paws does much of the decision-making for you.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Healthy Paws offers premier pet insurance through one accident-and-illness plan for cats and dogs. By covering your pet with a Healthy Paws plan, you’ll be compensated for the following conditions and services in accordance with the deductible and reimbursement level you select:

• Accidents, such as broken bones, ligament tears, sprains, bite wounds, swallowed objects, etc.
• Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, etc.
• Cancer
• Chronic conditions, such as asthma, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, etc.
• Congenital conditions, such as heart disease, nervous system issues, liver disease, etc.
• Critical and emergency care
• Hereditary conditions, such as elbow/hip dysplasia, cherry eye, intervertebral disc disease, etc.
• Illnesses, such as stomach issues, UTIs, skin conditions, ear infections, eye abnormalities, etc.
• Specialty care, such as ophthalmology, neurology, cardiology, etc.

Healthy Paws does not offer any form of preventative care coverage, not even as an optional add-on. If you choose to enroll with Healthy Paws, consider signing up for a stand-alone wellness plan with a provider like Wagmo to ensure there aren’t any gaps in your pet’s coverage.

We wouldn’t recommend Healthy Paws if you’re looking to enroll a middle-aged or senior pet as coverage customizability and breadth become increasingly narrow the older the animal is at enrollment. Dogs and cats 3 years and under have access to all three reimbursement rates and deductibles offered by the provider. However, pets ages 4 and 5 lose 10% of their reimbursement potential and can only choose between the two higher deductible options. Pets 8 years and older are limited to a 50% reimbursement rate and a $1,000 deductible.

• Maximum Annual Payout: Unlimited          
• Reimbursement Levels: 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% (based on age)
• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 (based on age)

Cats and dogs ages 14 and up aren’t eligible for enrollment through Healthy Paws. Healthy Paws won’t cover exam fees, elective cosmetic procedures, boarding, behavioral therapy, preventative care items, or pre-existing conditions. Any medical emergencies that predate the 15-day waiting period for accidents and illness will be deemed pre-existing conditions and denied. Pets enrolled before age 6 must also abide by a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia. Pets enrolled after the age of 6 aren’t eligible for hip dysplasia coverage at all.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cost

Accident-and-illness coverage through Healthy Paws costs an average of $40 per month for dogs and $20 for cats. New joiners should also be aware of a $25 administration fee at sign-up.

Get a quote: Get a free pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws today.

Pawp: Best for Multi-Pet Enrollment

Why We Chose Pawp

Pawp takes an unorthodox approach to emergency pet healthcare by offering coverage through an allowance-based fund rather than a traditional insurance model. House Method named Pawp the best option for pet parents with multiple animals needing coverage, as six pets can be covered with just one membership. We specifically loved Pawp’s 24/7 chat line that connects members to real veterinary staff and its direct vet payment option. We did dock a few points as Pawp doesn’t offer preventative care coverage.

Pawp Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Each Pawp membership includes an emergency fund of $3,000 annually, which can only be used once a year for one pet emergency. Up to six pets can be grouped under one membership. New joiners are subject to a two-week waiting period upon enrollment. Additionally, only medical emergencies that receive treatment within eight hours of the incident’s occurrence are eligible for coverage through the emergency fund.

Because Pawp doesn’t follow a reimbursement model, you won’t be charged a deductible or co-pay should you ever need to access your emergency fund. Pawp requires policyholders to video chat with a Pawp vet to confirm the coverage eligibility of the accident or illness. Once you receive approval, you’ll be granted access to your fund, which pays the vet directly.

• Maximum Annual Payout: $3,000
• Reimbursement Levels: N/A
• Deductible Options: N/A

Pawp Pet Insurance Cost

As an alternative form of pet insurance, Pawp’s stand-alone membership options are priced at $24 per month for cats and dogs of any breed or age. This cost remains fixed even if you add multiple pets to one membership. Pawp doesn’t have any additional coverage riders available for purchase.

Get a quote: Sign up for a pet emergency fund through Pawp today.

Figo: Most Customizable Pet Insurance Plans

Why We Chose Figo

With extensive customization options, Figo is our top recommendation to pet owners looking to take the reins of their pet insurance policy. Figo stands out from its competitors for its broad range of coverage options, multiple base plan options, and up to 100% annual reimbursements.

Figo Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Figo’s base plan options fall into three levels: Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate. Each differs from the next based on its annual coverage limits. Essential features an annual payout limit of $5,000, Preferred comes with $10,000, and Ultimate offers unlimited coverage. Figo customers can also choose between four reimbursement rates and deductibles.

• Maximum Annual Payout: Unlimited
• Reimbursement Levels: 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
• Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, or $750

Apart from standard coverage, Figo also offers the following add-ons:

• Basic Wellness: +$9.50 per month for annual coverage of $135
• Plus Wellness: +$16.50 per month for annual coverage of $250
• Vet Exam Fees: +$10.95 per month
• Extra Care Pack: +$6.62 per month
  • Up to $250 for cremation and burial
  • Lost pet advertising or reward
  • Vacation cancellation due to a pet emergency
  • Boarding fees
  • Pet theft or loss
  • Third-party property damage liability (up to $10,000 per policy period)

Figo won’t reimburse any medical emergencies occurring before the end of the 24-hour waiting period to cover accidents, 14 days for illnesses, or six months for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia. Aside from pre-existing conditions, Figo’s coverage terms exclude experimental procedures, breeding/pregnancy/birth, cloning procedures, and cosmetic surgery.

Figo Pet Insurance Cost

Accident-and-illness coverage through Figo costs an average of $35 per month for dogs and $25 for cats. New joiners must also pay a one-time $15 administrative fee. Policyholders who opt to pay monthly will owe a $2 transaction fee.

Get a quote: Get a free pet insurance quote from Figo today.

Fetch: Best for Vet Therapy Coverage

Why We Chose Fetch

Fetch by the Dodo is a solid option for anyone looking to enroll an older cat or dog, or breeds prone to potentially expensive congenital conditions. With no upper age limits, Fetch offers generous coverage options, including a 100% reimbursement rate and unlimited annual payout, designed to support pet owners through even the most expensive emergency veterinary bills.

Fetch Pet Insurance Coverage and Plans

Fetch offers one accident-illness plan, which covers a comprehensive list of emergency veterinary services and a few extra perks like hospital boarding fees, behavioral therapy, virtual veterinarian visits, and more. Fetch does, however, require pet owners to ensure their pet receives one annual health and dental checkup to remain eligible for coverage.

Fetch Pet Insurance Cost

Fetch policyholders pay an average of $35 per month for dog insurance and $25 for cat insurance. This is about the industry standard for accident-and-illness coverage.

Get a quote: Get a free pet insurance quote from Fetch today.

Trupanion: Most Flexible Deductibles

Why We Chose Trupanion

Trupanion is one of the few pet insurance providers on the market that offer a $0 deductible option, giving pet owners immediate access to their plan benefits with no minimum balance to meet. Policyholders can also opt to have their vet paid directly for the provided emergency care rather than waiting for reimbursement. We particularly liked Trupanion for its flexible deductible options but subtracted points for its lack of exam fee coverage and 30-day waiting period for illnesses.

Trupanion Coverage and Plans

Trupanion distributes its coverage under one accident-illness base plan with unlimited annual and lifetime coverage for cats and dogs. Wellness coverage and accident-only protection aren’t available through Trupanion. A wide range of veterinary services and conditions are covered through Trupanion’s standard coverage, including but not limited to the following:

• Congenital, hereditary, and breed-specific conditions
• Diagnostic testing
• Homeopathic and holistic therapies
• Hospitalization and inpatient care
• Prescription medication and pet food
• Surgery
• Veterinary supplements (for the treatment of a covered issue, not prevention)

Trupanion Pet Insurance Cost

Trupanion policyholders typically pay an average of $70 per month for dog insurance and $40 for cat insurance, which is slightly higher than competing premiums. Customers who choose the $0 deductible option should anticipate an even higher monthly cost.

Get a quote: Get a free pet insurance quote from Trupanion today.

What Is Pet Insurance and How Does It Work?

Pet insurance is a health care policy for pets designed to reimburse a percentage of emergency medical expenses based on the coverage level you select. There are two primary types of pet insurance: accident-only and accident-and-illness. Accident-only strictly covers emergency injuries, whereas accident-and-illness spans injuries, illnesses, diseases, and infections. Pet owners can also add wellness coverage to their pet’s policy to help offset the cost of routine veterinary services like annual exams, vaccinations, parasite tests, and more.

Like most other forms of insurance, pet insurance will only cover incidents that occur after your coverage is active and the initial waiting period has expired. Waiting periods for accidents typically only last a few days, whereas illnesses usually require around two weeks. Coverage for congenital conditions and orthopedic issues has waiting periods of six months or more.

Most forms of standard pet insurance follow reimbursement models. In other words, you’ll be responsible for covering your pet’s medical expenses out-of-pocket immediately following treatment. Once the vet has been compensated, you can file a claim with your insurer for reimbursement.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

What is and isn’t eligible for reimbursement through your pet insurance policy will depend on the type of coverage you select.

An accident-only plan will generally cover costs related to the following:

• Bite wounds
• Broken bones and fractures
• Cuts, burns, and wounds
• Eye trauma
• Foreign body ingestion
• Torn ligaments
• Poisoning

On the other hand, accident-and-illness offers more comprehensive financial protection, covering all conditions under accident-only plus:

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Breed-specific conditions
• Cancer
• Chronic conditions
• Dental illnesses
• Ear infections

What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?

Specific exclusions and limitations will vary from provider to provider. However, most will not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is an injury or illness that predates the start of your pet insurance policy. Even symptoms of a condition that hasn’t yet been formally diagnosed will qualify as a pre-existing condition.

Other common exclusions include:

• Anal gland expression, removal of anal glands, or anal sacculitis
• Breeding-related procedures, including Cesarean section, termination of pregnancy, dystocia, etc.
• Cosmetic or elective procedures: declawing, tail docking, ear cropping, skin refold resection, etc.
• Disease preventable by proper vaccination
• Routine veterinary care (unless a wellness rider is otherwise purchased)
• Spaying or neutering

How To Find the Best Pet Insurance Plan for Your Pet

With dozens of pet insurance companies on the market, locking in the best policy for you and your pet will depend on various factors specific to your pet’s health history. Here are a few pointers to help you as you compare competing providers:

Evaluate Your Breed and Potential Future Conditions

Because pedigree or purebred pets are at a higher risk for certain congenital and hereditary conditions, they’re more expensive to insure than mixed breeds. Pet insurers charge more for the increased liability they present, so if you’re the owner of a purebred cat or dog, expect a slightly higher monthly premium from the get-go.

Select the Coverage Level You Can Afford

Pet insurance is designed to be a financial tool, so it’s counterproductive to spread yourself thin to afford the most comprehensive coverage level. Be realistic about the type of coverage your pet needs to avoid paying for features you likely won’t ever use.

Another way to adjust your premium while achieving adequate coverage is by experimenting with a lower reimbursement rate and a higher deductible.

Check For Discounts and Get Multiple Quotes

Shopping around and requesting quotes from at least three viable pet insurance providers is the smartest way to ensure you’re enrolling in the plan with the best value for you. Some companies offer exclusive discounts for policyholders who enroll more than one pet at a time. Other savings opportunities may include military, annual pay, employee, and bundling discounts. 

Be Wary of Waiting Periods

Waiting periods determine how soon after enrollment your pet is eligible for coverage for covered conditions. You’ll want to pay the most attention to any waiting periods for congenital conditions like hip dysplasia. Most providers require policyholders to hold six months of active coverage before they can file a claim for breed-specific issues.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

The average cost of a standard accident-and-illness pet health insurance plan for dogs is $583.91 per year or $48.66 per month. Coverage for cats falls around $342.84 per year or $28.57 per month.

Accident-only premiums are slightly cheaper at $239.11 per year or $19.93 per month for dogs and $130.24 per year or $10.85 per month for cats.

What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Plan Cost?

Five primary factors shape the amount you’ll pay for pet insurance:

• Age: Older pets are more expensive to insure than younger ones, as they’re more likely to need medical care for age-related conditions. Depending on the provider, premiums may increase with your pet’s age.
• Breed: Certain breeds are predisposed to developing congenital and hereditary conditions. Mixed breeds have more genetic diversity than purebreds and are at a much lower risk of genetic disease than purebreds. Pet insurance providers lump high-risk breeds into the same premium categories when calculating your premium.
• Coverage specifications: The cost of your pet insurance plan will depend on the breadth of coverage you customize. Your policy type, reimbursement rate, deductible, and optional coverage add-ons will play into your total premium.
• Pet type: Dogs are 74% more expensive to insure than cats. Though premiums will vary based on the size of your pet, dogs are generally larger than cats and, therefore, require a higher volume of medication. As a species, cats are also prone to fewer genetic conditions than dogs.
• ZIP code: Pet owners living in larger metropolitan areas will pay more for pet insurance coverage than those in rural areas. Pet insurance rates are determined relative to the overall cost of vet care in your provided location. Standard veterinary services are naturally more expensive in densely populated areas than in remote regions with a low cost of living.

How To Purchase Pet Insurance

Purchasing pet insurance is simple. After you’ve compared a few custom quotes and settled on the right provider, you can complete the enrollment process online through the insurer’s main website. You’ll be asked to provide basic information about you and your pet, which will then be used to create a made-to-order premium.

Once you’ve provided your payment information, you’ll likely be directed to create an account with the company to finalize the sign-up process. Some pet insurance providers still offer sign-up services over the phone or via e-mail, fax, and snail mail.

Final Thoughts: The Best Pet Insurance Companies and Plans

With so many pet insurance providers to choose from, all claiming to offer the best value, pet owners often feel inclined to settle on the one with the largest customer base. And though larger companies may offer greater financial security than newer, lesser-known insurers, bigger isn’t always better. The best pet insurance option for you is fully contingent on your pet’s medical needs, what fits within your budget, and which coverage options offer you the most peace of mind.

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