Pet insurance pricing varies dramatically between insurers for the same pet. Two quotes for a 3-year-old medium mixed-breed dog can differ by 2-3x for identical coverage levels. That spread is the first thing to understand before any of the brand comparisons below matter.
Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2026 – Quick Picks
Best Overall – Embrace
Best Cheap/Budget – Lemonade
Best for Unlimited Coverage – Healthy Paws
Best for Pre-Existing Condition Flexibility – Embrace
Best for Senior Pets – Pumpkin
Best Customer Service – Fetch
Best for Direct Vet Payment – Trupanion
Best for Wellness Add-Ons – Pets Best
Best App Experience – Lemonade
Best for Multiple Pets – Spot
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Best for Young Dogs and CatsHealthy Paws is an excellent fit for pet owners with a young or middle-aged pet under six years old whose main goal is protection against catastrophic high-cost veterinary events. The plan offers a genuinely rare unlimited payout structure ensuring expensive procedures like a $30,000 surgery or ongoing cancer treatments will not hit an annual or lifetime coverage ceiling. The plan's key strength is its appealing simplicity — it offers exactly one plan covering accidents and illnesses ideal for people who want to minimize time spent comparing endless coverage tiers and confusing policy details. The quick app-based claims process is frequently praised by customers making the experience streamlined and easy to manage without the hassle of paperwork or long waiting times for reimbursement. Finally Healthy Paws is backed by the global insurance giant Chubb with its A++ rating from AM Best giving customers confidence in the company's ability to pay out massive claims years down the line. While it lacks discounts and wellness options the value proposition is strongest for the owner prioritizing peace of mind against the worst-case scenario.
- Zero payout limits — true unlimited lifetime coverage with no cap on expensive surgeries or long-term illness costs
- 2-day claim turnaround — submit, approve, and get reimbursed faster than the industry average using the mobile app
- Paperless claims — simply photograph your vet bill to file a claim in minutes with no forms required
- Broad coverage — includes therapies many competitors charge extra for such as acupuncture and physical therapy
- A++ financial security — backed by Chubb, a global insurer with the highest financial rating from AM Best
Spot Pet Insurance
Best for Multi-Pet DiscountSpot Pet Insurance distinguishes itself through a highly flexible and comprehensive approach to pet coverage starting with its unique age-blind enrollment policy. Unlike many competitors that cap enrollment for older pets Spot will insure pets of any age as long as they are at least eight weeks old making it invaluable for owners of senior or newly-adopted older animals. Its flagship Accident and Illness plan automatically includes coverage for things many other insurers charge extra for such as exam fees for covered conditions behavioral therapy when professionally prescribed and alternative medicine like acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments. Every policyholder receives instant 24/7 access to the VetAccess telehealth service which connects them with veterinary professionals via phone chat or video at no extra charge. Spot also offers an exception for pre-existing conditions: if a curable condition has been fully resolved and symptom-free for six months it may become eligible for coverage if it returns. Customers can select deductibles from $100 to $1,000 choose reimbursement rates of 70% 80% or 90% and pick annual coverage limits up to unlimited. A 10% multi-pet discount and an additional 10% for AAA members makes Spot ideal for multi-pet households.
- Age-blind enrollment — insures pets of any age as long as they are at least eight weeks old
- All-inclusive base plan — exam fees, behavioral therapy, and alternative medicine like acupuncture included automatically
- Pre-existing condition exception — curable conditions resolved for six months may become eligible for coverage again
- 24/7 VetAccess telehealth — connect with veterinary professionals via phone, chat, or video at no extra charge
- Multi-pet discount — 10% off for multiple pets plus an additional 10% for AAA members
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Best for Customizable CoverageASPCA Pet Health Insurance stands out for its genuinely comprehensive base plan and inclusive policy on senior pets. Unlike many competitors that charge extra ASPCA's Complete Coverage plan automatically includes dental disease hereditary conditions alternative therapies such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy and behavioral treatments. There is no upper age limit for enrollment making it one of the best options for senior pets whose financial safety net is often restricted elsewhere. The multi-pet discount offering 10% off each additional pet stacks nicely for larger fur families and can lead to significant annual savings. For breeds prone to joint issues the waiting period for orthopedic issues is only 14 days much shorter than the typical six to twelve months required by many other insurers. A curable pre-existing condition that remains symptom-free for 180 days can become eligible for coverage again. The policies are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company which holds an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best. With a low complaint index of just 0.3 well below the industry average of 1.0 the company shows high reliability for claim payouts. Every policy includes 24/7 access to The Vet Connection telehealth service.
- No age limit — senior pets are welcome with no upper age cap on enrollment
- Comprehensive coverage — dental, behavioral, and alternative therapies included in the base plan at no extra cost
- 10% multi-pet discount — perfect for households with more than one pet
- 24/7 vet helpline — round-the-clock access to real vet professionals through The Vet Connection
- Fast ortho coverage — only a 14-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions vs. six to twelve months at most competitors
Embrace Pet Insurance
Best Overall Pet InsuranceEmbrace Pet Insurance is highly recommended primarily because of its flexibility and unique comprehensive coverage options. Pet parents can customize their plan by choosing from various annual deductibles ($100 to $1,000), reimbursement percentages (70%, 80%, or 90%), and annual limits from $5,000 up to unlimited. A major differentiator is their policy on curable pre-existing conditions which become eligible for coverage if the pet goes 12 months symptom-free. Their standard accident and illness plan also includes dental illness coverage up to $1,000 per year for issues like gingivitis and extractions — a feature often excluded or an extra charge with competitors. Embrace is backed by American Modern Insurance Group which holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best. The policy includes complimentary coverage for alternative therapies such as acupuncture and physical therapy at no extra cost plus a free 24/7 PawSupport pet health line. Embrace covered 92% of all claims in 2024 and paid out more than $212.5 million in claims that year demonstrating strong financial reliability. Their commitment to customization combined with coverage for curable pre-existing conditions and included dental illness care makes it a powerful option for those who prioritize extensive coverage.
- Tailored to your budget — adjust your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits including an unlimited option
- Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions — past conditions like ear infections become eligible if your pet is symptom-free for 12 months
- Dental illness coverage included — up to $1,000 annually for dental issues, a feature often excluded or charged extra elsewhere
- Alternative therapies covered — acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy included at no extra cost
- 24/7 Pet Health Helpline — around-the-clock access to veterinary professionals for urgent advice
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Best for Online ExperienceLemonade excels as a modern technology-driven insurer making it an excellent choice for pet owners who prefer a fully digital experience. Their highly-rated mobile app allows for simple account management policy purchases and claims filing. A major competitive advantage is their use of artificial intelligence in the claims process approving approximately half of all claims instantly with money hitting a policyholder's bank account within a day or two for simple claims. The product is highly competitive on price regularly ranking among the most affordable options with plans starting as low as $10 monthly. Policyholders can build their ideal plan by selecting from multiple annual deductible amounts ($100 to $750) three reimbursement percentages (70% 80% or 90%) and annual coverage caps up to $100,000. Discounts are available for bundling with other Lemonade policies paying annually or insuring multiple pets. Lemonade is structured as a certified B-Corporation meaning remaining underwriting profits are donated to charities chosen by policyholders. The base Accident & Illness plan covers curable pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free year and includes genetic and inherited conditions like hip dysplasia which is vital for many purebred animals.
- Claims paid in minutes — around half of all claims processed almost instantly by AI with reimbursement in 24–48 hours for simple cases
- Budget-friendly pricing — plans start as low as $10 per month making it one of the most affordable options
- Best pet insurance app — rated 4.9 stars on the App Store handling everything from quotes to claims filing
- Bundle and save 10% — discount available if you already have a Lemonade homeowners or renters policy
- Covers inherited conditions — genetic conditions like hip dysplasia are covered, critical for many breeds
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Best for Older PetsPumpkin Pet Insurance stands out for its exceptional comprehensive coverage designed to eliminate the confusion and surprise fees common in the industry. Their single all-inclusive accident and illness plan covers dental illnesses behavioral issues hereditary conditions parasite infections prescription food and supplements and physical and alternative therapies all without requiring expensive add-ons. Pumpkin offers an industry-leading short 14-day waiting period for all eligible conditions including traditionally long-wait orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia and knee injuries ensuring pets can get covered and treated much faster than with most competitors. The company earns its reputation as the best for senior pets by completely removing upper age restrictions and never reducing or limiting coverage as a pet ages. Pumpkin's PumpkinNow feature allows qualified customers to submit a claim and receive real-time payment for up to 90% of the eligible veterinary bill in as fast as 15 minutes often before they even leave the emergency clinic. Policies are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company which holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. Pumpkin holds a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot with customers frequently praising the responsiveness of customer service and the fairness and speed of claims.
- All-inclusive coverage — one plan covers dental illness, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, and prescription food with no add-on fees
- PumpkinNow rapid claims — receive real-time payment for up to 90% of your eligible vet bill in minutes, often before leaving the clinic
- Shortest waiting period — just 14 days for all accidents and illnesses including orthopedic conditions competitors make you wait six months for
- Best for senior pets — no upper age limits, no breed restrictions, and coverage that never reduces as your pet gets older
- Trusted and highly rated — 4.8/5 on Trustpilot backed by United States Fire Insurance Company with an AM Best A rating
Fetch Pet Insurance
Best for Comprehensive Standard CoverageFetch Pet Insurance has built its identity around offering genuinely comprehensive coverage without requiring expensive add-ons. Their single accident and illness plan automatically includes dental coverage across all adult teeth, breed-specific and hereditary conditions, exam fees for sick visits, behavioral therapy up to $1,000 annually, and telehealth consultations with no copay. This bundled approach simplifies comparison shopping since you're not trying to estimate which extras you might need. One of Fetch's notable differentiators is its approach to pre-existing conditions — if your pet goes a full 12 months without symptoms or treatment for a particular condition Fetch considers it curable and will cover it going forward. Reimbursement is solid with direct deposit customers often seeing money back in their accounts within a couple of days. The company offers meaningful lifetime discounts of 10% for military members veterans AARP members and veterinary professionals. Fetch is backed by AXIS Insurance Company which carries an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and an A+ (Strong) rating from Standard & Poor's. The company has been in business since 2003 originally as Petplan with a proven track record.
- All-in-one coverage — dental for all adult teeth, breed-specific conditions, exam fees, behavioral therapy, and telehealth included with no add-ons
- Pre-existing condition reconsideration — go 12 months symptom-free and Fetch will cover previously excluded conditions
- Generous telehealth benefit — up to $1,000 annually for virtual vet consultations with no copay
- Lifetime discounts available — military members, veterans, AARP members, and veterinary professionals save 10% for life
- Strong financial backing — underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company with AM Best A and S&P A+ ratings and 20+ years in business
Nibbles Pet Insurance
Best for Pet Owners Who Skip the Monthly PremiumNibbles is the only pet insurance product on this list that comes bundled into a credit card, meaning you get real accident and illness coverage without paying a separate monthly premium. The base policy covers a genuinely broad range of conditions including cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia, and genetic disorders, which puts it ahead of many entry-level standalone plans on coverage depth. The automated claims experience is the product's most practical differentiator: use the card at the vet, get an email, and Nibbles files the claim for you. For the large majority of pet owners who currently have no coverage at all, the card provides a meaningful protection floor at no additional monthly cost. The main caveats to know upfront are the $950 base deductible, which is high compared to standalone alternatives, and the fact that take-home prescriptions and vet exam fees require paid add-ons. Both gaps are fixable for $56 per year combined, and the card's 3X points on pet expenses generates real rewards value even in years where you never need to file a claim.
- No monthly premium — pet insurance is built into the card benefit, not a separate bill to manage each month
- Automated claims filing — Nibbles detects vet charges on your card and offers to file the claim for you
- Broad illness coverage — cancer, diabetes, genetic disorders, hip dysplasia, and breed conditions are all included in the base policy
- 3X points on pet expenses — earn elevated rewards on every dollar spent at the vet, whether you file a claim or not
- Any licensed US vet — no network restrictions, including specialists and emergency animal hospitals
RatesChaser’s Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2026
1. Embrace – Best Overall Pet Insurance
Monthly cost example: ~$38/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$22/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
Embrace earns the top spot through plan flexibility and genuinely comprehensive coverage. Deductibles run $100 to $1,000. Reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, or 90%. Annual limits go up to unlimited. The curable pre-existing condition policy is one of the best in the industry: if your pet stays symptom-free for 12 months, previously excluded conditions like ear infections or digestive issues become eligible again. Dental illness coverage up to $1,000 per year and alternative therapies including acupuncture and physical therapy are included in the base plan, not sold as add-ons.
The downsides are real. Orthopedic conditions carry a waiting period up to six months. Prescription medication coverage requires a separate add-on. Pets 15 and older are limited to accident-only policies. Long-term customers frequently report steep premium hikes as their pets age. Even so, Embrace is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group (A+ from A.M. Best), and the company reported covering 92% of submitted claims in 2024. For younger pets or breeds prone to hereditary conditions, it is the most balanced option available.
Waiting periods: 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), up to 6 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A+ | Trustpilot: 4.4/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: Curable pre-existing condition coverage, dental illness included, deep customization, strong financials
Cons: Long orthopedic wait, prescription add-on required, premium increases with age
Best for: Pet owners who want plan control and broad hereditary coverage from day one
Embrace Pet Insurance Review →
2. Lemonade – Best Budget/Cheapest Pet Insurance
Monthly cost example: ~$17/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$10/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
Lemonade is the price leader for young, healthy pets in the states it serves. Plans start around $10 per month, and the app earns 4.9 stars on the App Store. Their AI claims system processes roughly half of all claims instantly, with reimbursements often depositing within 24 to 48 hours. Deductible levels, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits up to $100,000 are all customizable.
Geographic coverage is the first problem: Lemonade operates in about 38 states. No accident-only plan exists. Exam fees, dental illness, physical therapy, and behavioral treatment all require paid add-ons. Age limits vary by breed, typically capping between 10 and 14 years. The Better Business Bureau rates Lemonade B-. As a certified B-Corporation, any remaining underwriting profits go to policyyholder-selected charities through the annual Giveback program, which matters to some buyers and not at all to others.
Waiting periods: 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), 14 days (orthopedic with OFA certification option)
BBB: B- | Trustpilot: 4.3/5 | NAIC complaint index: Near average
Pros: Lowest premiums for young pets, fastest claims in the market, excellent app
Cons: Only ~38 states, key coverages are add-ons, B- BBB rating, breed-based age limits
Best for: Digitally-oriented owners of young, healthy pets in covered states who prioritize low premiums and fast claims
Lemonade Pet Insurance Review →
3. Healthy Paws – Best for Unlimited Coverage
Monthly cost example: ~$40/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$20/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible)
Healthy Paws offers one plan. No wellness add-on, no accident-only tier, no per-incident caps, no annual payout ceiling, no lifetime maximum. A $30,000 cancer treatment and a $40,000 surgery will both be covered at your chosen reimbursement rate. Claims process through an app and typically resolve within a few days. Chubb underwrites the policies at an A++ A.M. Best rating, the highest available.
The simplicity cuts both ways. There is no wellness option for owners who want preventive care coverage, no multi-pet discount, and no accident-only plan for budget-constrained shoppers. The 15-day accident waiting period is longer than most competitors. Premium increases for aging pets are well-documented across hundreds of user reports on Reddit and Trustpilot, and they can be steep. Enrollment is also limited: pets must be under 14 years old to enroll.
Waiting periods: 15 days (accidents), 15 days (illness), 12 months (hip dysplasia)
BBB: A+ | Trustpilot: 4.6/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: True unlimited payouts, no per-incident caps, fast app-based claims, A++ financial strength
Cons: No wellness add-on, no multi-pet discount, longer accident wait, significant age-related premium increases
Best for: Owners who want one simple policy with no ceiling on payouts and no add-on decisions to make
4. Trupanion – Best for Direct Vet Payment
Monthly cost example: ~$65/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$32/mo for a 3-year-old cat (90% reimbursement, $250 per-incident deductible)
Trupanion is the only major insurer that pays veterinary hospitals directly, in real time, at checkout. At over 17,000 partner hospitals, you pay your deductible and walk out, Trupanion handles the rest while you’re still at the clinic. The single plan pays 90% of actual veterinary costs with no payout limits, no annual caps, and no per-incident caps beyond your deductible. Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered from day one.
The constraint is structural: Trupanion only offers 90% reimbursement. No 70% or 80% option exists, which keeps the base premium high. The per-incident deductible model means you pay a new deductible for each new condition, which can compound costs for pets with multiple issues. Wellness coverage is not available. Age at enrollment affects lifetime pricing significantly. Across user reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot, the most consistent praise is for the direct-pay experience; the most consistent complaint is premium cost.
Trupanion is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company and operates under its own insurance license in most states. The NAIC complaint index runs below the industry average.
Waiting periods: 5 days (accidents), 30 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.4/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: Real-time direct vet payment at 17,000+ hospitals, no payout caps, hereditary coverage included
Cons: 90% reimbursement only, premium is above market average, per-incident deductible, no wellness option
Best for: Owners who want to skip the reimbursement process entirely and have the bill handled at checkout
5. Pumpkin – Best for Senior Pets
Monthly cost example: ~$55/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$30/mo for a 3-year-old cat (90% reimbursement, $200 deductible)
Pumpkin has no upper age limit and does not reduce or restrict coverage as pets get older. A 12-year-old dog gets the same plan as an 8-week-old kitten, which is rare in a market that routinely penalizes aging animals. The single accident and illness plan covers dental illness, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, parasite infections, prescription food and supplements, and alternative therapies with no add-ons required. The 14-day waiting period applies to orthopedic conditions, compared to the six months that most competitors require for hip dysplasia and cruciate injuries.
Premiums are priced near the top of the market. No accident-only plan exists. Pumpkin also lacks a dedicated mobile app, which stands out in 2026. The PumpkinNow feature is a genuine differentiator: eligible customers can submit a claim and receive real-time payment for up to 90% of their vet bill in about 15 minutes, sometimes before leaving the clinic. Policies are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, rated A by A.M. Best. Trustpilot and Google reviews consistently cite claim speed and senior pet coverage as the top reasons owners chose Pumpkin.
Waiting periods: 14 days (accidents, illness, and orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.7/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: No age limit, short orthopedic wait, all-inclusive plan, PumpkinNow fast pay
Cons: Premium pricing, no accident-only plan, no mobile app
Best for: Senior pet owners and anyone who wants one inclusive plan without playing the add-on game
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review →
6. Fetch – Best Customer Service
Monthly cost example: ~$48/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$26/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $300 deductible, $15,000 annual limit)
Fetch bundles in coverage that most competitors either skip or charge extra for. The single accident and illness plan includes dental coverage across all adult teeth, breed-specific and hereditary conditions, exam fees for sick visits, behavioral therapy up to $1,000 annually, and telehealth consultations with no copay. The pre-existing condition review policy is notable: if your pet goes 12 months symptom-free, Fetch will reconsider the exclusion. AXIS Insurance Company underwrites the policies, rated A by A.M. Best and A+ by S&P.
Premium increases are the main complaint. Across user reports on Reddit and Trustpilot, long-term customers regularly describe annual increases of 30-50% as pets age, steeper than most competitors. There is no multi-pet discount. Prescription food stays excluded even when vet-recommended for a covered condition. Cancellation requires a phone call during business hours.
Waiting periods: 3 days (accidents), 15 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.5/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: Comprehensive standard plan, full dental coverage, hereditary conditions included, strong financials
Cons: High age-related premium increases, no multi-pet discount, prescription food excluded
Best for: Purebred dog owners who want one plan covering virtually everything without add-ons
7. Spot – Best for Multiple Pets
Monthly cost example: ~$50/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$27/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
Spot will insure pets of any age from eight weeks up, with no maximum enrollment age. The accident and illness plan includes exam fees, behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care in the base plan without riders. Policyholders get 24/7 access to VetAccess telehealth with no waiting period. Deductibles run $100 to $1,000, reimbursement up to 90%, and annual limits up to unlimited. Multi-pet households get 10% off each additional pet.
Premiums run near the top of the market, only Trupanion typically charges more. The 14-day waiting period applies uniformly to both accidents and illnesses, while some competitors offer same-day or next-day accident coverage. Spot does not offer direct vet payment, so you front the bill and wait for reimbursement.
Waiting periods: 14 days (accidents and illness), 14 days (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.2/5 | NAIC complaint index: Near industry average
Pros: No age limit, broad base plan coverage, 10% multi-pet discount, telehealth included
Cons: High premiums, 14-day accident wait, no direct vet pay
Best for: Multi-pet households and owners of older or recently adopted animals
8. Pets Best – Best for Wellness Add-Ons
Monthly cost example: ~$29/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$16/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $5,000 annual limit)
Pets Best offers the broadest plan tier structure in the market: accident-only, accident and illness at multiple coverage levels, and wellness plans that can be added independently. The accident-only plan starts around $9 per month for dogs, the lowest accident-only pricing widely available. The EssentialWellness and BestWellness add-ons cover routine exams, vaccines, flea/tick prevention, dental cleanings, and spay/neuter, with the BestWellness tier paying up to $650 annually in wellness benefits for dogs. Deductibles range from $50 to $1,000. Reimbursement options include 70%, 80%, and 90%. Annual limits go up to unlimited.
Pets Best’s premiums are among the lowest for accident and illness coverage, which explains the budget-conscious following the company has built on Reddit threads about pet insurance. Claims processing averages 5 to 7 days, which is middle-of-the-pack. The NAIC complaint index runs slightly above the industry average, and some user reports on Trustpilot cite delays on complex claims. Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (A- from A.M. Best).
Waiting periods: 3 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A+ | Trustpilot: 4.1/5 | NAIC complaint index: Slightly above industry average
Pros: Accident-only plan available, strong wellness add-ons, competitive premiums, $50 deductible option
Cons: NAIC complaint index slightly elevated, complex claims can be slow, A- financial strength rating
Best for: Budget-focused owners who want wellness benefits included or need accident-only coverage
9. ASPCA Pet Insurance – Best for Customizable Comprehensive Coverage
Monthly cost example: ~$42/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$24/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
The ASPCA brand is licensed by Crum & Forster, which operates the insurance. The actual underwriter is United States Fire Insurance Company, rated A by A.M. Best. The Complete Coverage plan includes dental disease treatment, hereditary conditions, alternative therapies, and behavioral treatments in the base plan. There is no upper age limit for enrollment. The orthopedic waiting period is 14 days, a fraction of the six to twelve months competitors require for cruciate injuries and hip dysplasia. A 10% multi-pet discount stacks for each additional pet.
Reimbursement processing can take up to 30 days, which is noticeably slower than insurers that wrap up claims within a week. Unlimited annual coverage requires a phone call to access rather than an online option, which is an unnecessary friction point. The mobile app receives lukewarm reviews across user reports.
Waiting periods: 14 days (accidents and illness), 14 days (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.2/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: Short orthopedic wait, comprehensive base plan, no age limit, stackable multi-pet discount
Cons: Slow reimbursement (up to 30 days), weak mobile app, unlimited coverage requires phone call
Best for: Multi-pet households and owners of older pets who prioritize orthopedic coverage
10. MetLife Pet Insurance
Monthly cost example: ~$44/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$25/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
MetLife entered pet insurance through its 2020 acquisition of PetFirst, and the product has been retooled under the MetLife brand. The plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and behavioral issues. Deductibles range from $0 to $2,500. Reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, or 90%. Annual limits go up to unlimited. MetLife’s main structural advantage is employer distribution: many employers offer MetLife pet insurance as a workplace benefit, sometimes with group discounts of 10-15% that are not available direct to consumer. If your employer carries it, that pricing channel is worth checking before buying anywhere else.
Purchased direct, MetLife’s premiums are in the middle of the market without particularly distinguishing themselves on coverage breadth. Claims processing typically runs 7 to 10 days. The NAIC complaint index is near the industry average. Underwritten by Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company.
Waiting periods: 14 days (accidents and illness), 12 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 3.9/5 | NAIC complaint index: Near industry average
Pros: $0 deductible option, employer group discounts available, MetLife financial backing
Cons: Long orthopedic wait (12 months), mid-tier Trustpilot score, less distinctive direct-to-consumer pricing
Best for: Employees whose workplace benefits include MetLife pet insurance at a group discount
11. Nationwide Pet Insurance – Best for Exotic Pets and Wellness Plans
Monthly cost example: ~$50/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$29/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible)
Nationwide is the only major insurer that covers exotic pets: birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. For dog and cat owners, the primary draw is the Whole Pet plan, which covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, cancer, and exam fees. Nationwide also offers a stand-alone wellness plan for owners who only want routine care coverage, which is genuinely uncommon in the market. The Major Medical plan is a lower-cost option for catastrophic coverage only.
The NAIC complaint index for Nationwide’s pet division runs above the industry average, which is a legitimate concern worth weighing. Premiums are above market average for dogs. The claims process has generated consistent friction reports across Reddit and Trustpilot user reviews, particularly around documentation requirements. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company, a Nationwide subsidiary.
Waiting periods: 14 days (accidents and illness), 14 days (orthopedic)
BBB: A+ | Trustpilot: 3.5/5 | NAIC complaint index: Above industry average
Pros: Only major insurer covering exotic pets, stand-alone wellness plan available, Nationwide financial strength
Cons: Above-average NAIC complaint index, lower Trustpilot score, above-average dog premiums
Best for: Exotic pet owners and households that want standalone wellness coverage without accident/illness insurance
12. Figo Pet Insurance
Monthly cost example: ~$35/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$18/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
Figo underwrites both its own direct policies and the Costco pet insurance program sold to members. The direct Figo product covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, cancer, and behavioral treatments. Annual limits go up to unlimited. Figo’s cloud-based Pet Cloud app handles claims, stores veterinary records, and connects to a 24/7 vet chat service. One notable feature: Figo’s Lost Pet service includes a nationwide alert system and GPS tracker integration.
Costco members should specifically compare Figo direct pricing against the Costco-branded program, which carries a member discount that can run 15% below the standard Figo rate for the same coverage. On its own, Figo’s premiums are competitive but not the lowest available. Exam fees are covered. Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (A- from A.M. Best).
Waiting periods: 1 day (accidents), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.3/5 | NAIC complaint index: Below industry average
Pros: Short accident wait (1 day), solid app, Costco member discount available, unlimited annual limit option
Cons: A- financial rating, 6-month orthopedic wait, wellness requires add-on
Best for: Costco members and owners who want a short accident waiting period with app-based management
13. AKC Pet Insurance
Monthly cost example: ~$38/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$21/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
AKC Pet Insurance is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and administered through PetPartners. The AKC brand appeals primarily to purebred dog owners, and the product is positioned accordingly: hereditary and congenital conditions are covered, and breed-specific health risks are acknowledged in the underwriting. Cat coverage is available but the positioning is clearly dog-first. Deductible options run from $100 to $1,000. Reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, or 90%. Annual limits go up to $20,000.
AKC pet insurance does not offer unlimited annual limits, which is a meaningful gap compared to Healthy Paws, Trupanion, and others in this tier. The Trustpilot score reflects mixed experiences with claims handling. AKC members and registered breeders may find promotional discounts that bring premiums below market rate.
Waiting periods: 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 3.8/5 | NAIC complaint index: Near industry average
Pros: Hereditary and congenital coverage, AKC member discounts, breed-aware underwriting
Cons: $20,000 annual limit ceiling, lower Trustpilot score, dog-centric product design
Best for: AKC-registered purebred dog owners who want breed-aware coverage and member pricing
14. Odie Pet Insurance
Monthly cost example: ~$25/mo for a 3-year-old medium dog; ~$14/mo for a 3-year-old cat (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible, $10,000 annual limit)
Odie is one of the newer entrants in the market and competes primarily on price. Premiums are among the lower-cost options for accident and illness coverage, and the product includes hereditary conditions, behavioral treatments, and exam fees in the base plan. Annual limits go up to unlimited. The digital-first purchase and claims experience is clean and straightforward.
Odie has a shorter operating history than most competitors reviewed here, which means less longitudinal data on premium stability and claims behavior at scale. User reviews are thinner than for established players, and the NAIC complaint data is still building. Underwritten by Markel Insurance Company (A by A.M. Best). Worth getting a quote for price comparison purposes, if Odie comes in significantly cheaper for your pet profile, the financial strength rating is solid enough to take seriously.
Waiting periods: 3 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), 14 days (orthopedic)
BBB: A | Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (smaller sample) | NAIC complaint index: Insufficient data for full benchmark
Pros: Competitive pricing, short orthopedic wait, unlimited annual limit available, Markel financial backing
Cons: Limited operating history, thinner claims track record, smaller user review base
Best for: Price-conscious shoppers willing to trade established track record for lower premiums
15. Honorable Mention – Nibbles Pet Insurance Credit Card
Nibbles bundles a real pet insurance policy into a credit card benefit. No separate monthly premium. The base policy covers accidents, illnesses including cancer and genetic disorders, hip dysplasia, breed-specific conditions, diagnostics, in-office medications, and overnight hospital stays. Take-home prescriptions, vet exam fees, and preventive care are excluded by default but available as add-ons. The take-home prescription add-on is $28 per year. The exam fee add-on is another $28. The wellness plan runs $276 per year.
The base deductible is $950, steep enough to matter. It can be upgraded down to $100. Annual limit can be raised to $40,000. The card earns 3X points on pet expenses and files claims automatically: use the card at the vet and Nibbles emails asking if you want them to start the claim.
Nibbles pet insurance credit card review →
Why Pet Insurance Exists (And Why Costs Have Outpaced Everything)
Between 2023 and 2024 alone, vet services jumped 7.9% in urban areas. A service that cost $20 at the vet in 1997 costs nearly $78 today. That 289% increase dwarfs general inflation. Modern veterinary medicine can do remarkable things, but the price of that sophistication lands entirely on the owner.
In 2024, 37% of pet owners ended up in debt, and nearly 70% of them attributed it to a medical emergency. Emergency vet visits routinely hit $3,000 to $5,000. Cancer treatment starts around $9,000 and climbs. ACL repairs, chronic condition management, and serious infections all carry four-figure price tags. Pet insurance converts that unpredictable catastrophic expense into a predictable monthly cost. The question is not whether it “saves money” on average, it usually does not. The question is whether you can absorb a $4,000 emergency tomorrow without financial wreckage.
Who Actually Benefits From Pet Insurance
You are a good candidate if a sudden $3,000 vet bill would mean scrambling for credit cards or pulling from savings earmarked for something else. Most people are in this position even if they would rather not admit it.
Purebred dog owners with known breed risks need to take this seriously. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, and brachycephalic breeds are effectively walking actuarial tables for hip dysplasia, cancer, and respiratory problems. Persians, Maine Coons, and Abyssinians carry documented genetic conditions. If you researched your pet’s breed and know what’s coming, insurance is the mechanism for not paying for it in a single traumatic bill.
Early enrollment matters more than most buyers realize. Premiums for pets under one year average $33 per month for dogs and $19 for cats. Senior pets can cost $189 per month for dogs and $110 for cats. Every month of delay is another month a condition can develop that becomes a permanent exclusion.
You may not need it if you genuinely have several thousand dollars earmarked specifically for pet emergencies and the discipline to keep it there. Pets with significant pre-existing conditions require honest math: if the policy excludes most of what your pet is likely to need, the premium-to-benefit calculation may not hold.
The Key Features That Actually Matter
Coverage type is your foundation. Accident and illness plans cover both injuries and medical conditions, including chronic diseases, hereditary conditions, and cancer. About 98% of policies fall here for good reason. Accident-only plans average $17 per month for dogs and $10 for cats, but leave you exposed to the much more common cost driver: illness. Unless budget constraints are severe, accident and illness coverage is the correct choice.
Annual maximum matters more than the premium. Serious conditions easily exceed $5,000. Cancer, major surgeries, and chronic condition management over a year can blow past lower limits entirely. Aim for at least $10,000 or unlimited. A $5,000 cap can still leave you with a five-figure bill for serious conditions.
Your deductible determines how much you pay before insurance activates. Common options run $100 to $1,000, with $250 to $500 typical. The math: with 80% reimbursement on a $2,000 bill after a $500 deductible, you pay $800 out of pocket. Choose a deductible you can actually cover in cash today. Annual deductibles reset each policy year; per-incident deductibles apply separately to each new condition. Annual is generally better for chronic conditions.
Waiting periods can permanently expose you. Most policies have 1 to 5 days for accidents, 14 days for illness, and 6 months to a year for orthopedic conditions. Anything that develops during waiting periods is treated as pre-existing and may never be covered. If your dog starts limping during the orthopedic wait, you may lose knee and hip coverage for the pet’s entire life.
The Pre-Existing Condition Problem
The definition of pre-existing condition is broader than most buyers expect. A single undocumented limp before enrollment can exclude joint coverage. Vomiting episodes can flag future digestive conditions. Insurers review 6 to 12 months of medical records, sometimes more for older pets, and they are specifically looking for anything linkable to future claims.
Most policies permanently exclude incurable pre-existing conditions: allergies, diabetes, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and existing cancer stay excluded forever. Curable pre-existing conditions are treated differently by the better policies. If your cat had a urinary tract infection that resolved and has been symptom-free for six months, some policies will cover future UTIs. The symptom-free window typically runs 180 days to a year.
Bilateral conditions are a separate trap. If your dog tears the left ACL before coverage, many policies exclude the right ACL preemptively. The logic, that one side injured implies elevated risk on the other, is medically defensible but financially devastating for joint and eye conditions that routinely affect both sides.
Enroll young and enroll healthy. That is the only reliable defense.
Features That Are Oversold
Wellness plans are the most consistently oversold feature in pet insurance. They cover routine care, exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, flea prevention, at an additional $10 to $56 per month, with per-service caps that often limit payouts to $50 toward exams or $30 toward vaccines. Add up what you actually spend on preventive care annually and compare it to 12 months of wellness premiums. Many owners discover they are paying more for the plan than they would spend without it. Wellness plans make sense when your pet needs substantial preventive care or you want the budgeting structure of monthly payments. For owners who rarely miss an annual vet visit but spend close to market rates on routine care, the math usually does not work.
Exam fee coverage matters much less than it sounds. The consultation fee runs $80 to $120 per visit. If your policy excludes it, you pay that line item yourself and get everything else reimbursed. It is annoying, not catastrophic. Do not let exam fee exclusions determine your choice unless all other factors are genuinely equal.
Red Flags
Suspiciously low premiums nearly always reflect massive exclusions, very low annual maximums like $2,500, or poor reimbursement rates. The coverage only works if it actually pays when you need it.
Blanket bilateral condition exclusions are a problem for joint and eye coverage. If the policy excludes the second knee because the first knee had issues, you are exposed to predictable, expensive surgeries on the sound side.
Policies that reserve the right to lower your annual maximum as your pet ages are worth flagging. That reduction happens exactly when your pet is most likely to need high payouts.
Slow claim processing is a quality-of-life issue with real financial consequences. Fronting thousands of dollars and chasing reimbursement for months is its own financial stress. Check reviews specifically for claims processing speed before committing.
How to Compare-Shop (What Forbes, NerdWallet, and Reddit Actually Tell You)
Forbes and NerdWallet both publish pet insurance rankings that are updated regularly and are worth reading. They are strongest on plan feature comparisons and tend to be thorough about coverage structure. The limitation is that their pricing data is illustrative rather than personalized, a quote for a “2-year-old mixed-breed dog” in a test ZIP code may differ substantially from what you get quoted for your specific pet in your specific location. Use their coverage analysis as a research layer, not as a final price guide.
Reddit threads on r/petinsurance surface the experience that comparison sites often miss: actual claims outcomes, documented premium increases at renewal, and how specific insurers behave when coverage disputes arise. The bias runs negative, people post when they are angry, not when a claim processed normally, but patterns across hundreds of posts on the same insurer are informative. If three years of Reddit threads show consistent complaints about a specific company denying hereditary condition claims or fighting dental exclusions, that is signal worth weighing.
The comparison-shopping reality no site fully solves: premium differences for the same pet can be 2-3x between insurers for identical coverage parameters. Get at least three quotes with identical deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit inputs before making a decision. The price spread alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually for coverage that is functionally equivalent.
When to Enroll
The best time is immediately after you get your pet, before the first vet visit creates a medical record. The second best time is now, assuming your pet is still relatively young and healthy. Senior pets, generally 7 years and older depending on breed, face much higher premiums, narrower enrollment windows (many policies cap at 10 to 14 years), and dramatically higher pre-existing condition risk.
If you are considering switching insurers, think hard before acting. Anything covered under your current policy becomes pre-existing at a new one. New waiting periods restart. The exception is employer group plans that explicitly offer continued coverage for existing conditions, those are worth evaluating on their specific terms.
The Bottom Line
Pet insurance is risk management. You might pay premiums for a decade and never file a major claim. That is the best possible outcome. The math is not about whether insurance “pays for itself” over your pet’s lifetime compared to out-of-pocket spending. The math is whether you can absorb a sudden $5,000 to $10,000 expense without it derailing your finances. For most people, the honest answer is no.
Choose a policy that covers your pet’s actual risk profile, fits your sustainable monthly budget, and comes from a company with documented claims-paying behavior. Read the actual policy document before buying, the exclusions section, not the marketing summary. Enroll early, enroll healthy, and get at least three quotes before committing.
Methodology
Rankings are derived from five weighted categories applied uniformly across all 15 insurers reviewed:
Price competitiveness (30%): We compared premium costs across standardized pet profiles, a 3-year-old medium dog and a 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat, with identical deductible, reimbursement, and annual limit inputs. Discounts available to general consumers were factored in.
Claims experience (20%): Evaluated submission methods, processing times, reimbursement speed, and direct vet payment availability. Consumer complaint data from the NAIC complaint index, Trustpilot, and Reddit’s r/petinsurance community informed scoring alongside structural claims process analysis.
Customer satisfaction (20%): BBB ratings, Trustpilot scores, NAIC complaint indices, and aggregate user sentiment from Reddit and Google reviews were assessed. Volume of complaints weighted against insurer size to normalize for market share differences.
Financial strength (20%): A.M. Best ratings, years in operation, and corporate backing. Insurers rated below A- were flagged.
Coverage breadth and transparency (10%): Plan variety, what is covered and excluded in the base plan versus add-ons, waiting periods, eligibility restrictions, and accessibility of policy documents. Insurers that require a phone call to access standard coverage options scored lower on transparency.
Pricing data is current as of June 2026. Ratings and complaint indices are sourced from the most recently available NAIC annual filing data. This article is refreshed semi-annually; check the publication date at the top for currency.
Summary of RatesChaser’s Top Pet Insurance of 2026
| Pet Insurance Company | Recommended For | Highlights | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embrace | Best Overall Pet Insurance Company |
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| Spot Pet Insurance | Best for Multi-pet Discount |
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| Healthy Paws | Best for Young Dogs and Cats |
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| ASPCA Pet Insurance | Best for Customizable Comprehensive Coverage |
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| Lemonade | Best for Online Experience |
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| Pumpkin | Best for Senior Pets |
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| Fetch Pet Insurance | Best for Comprehensive Standard Coverage |
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Pet Insurance Company Reviews and Rankings
| Pet Insurance Company | Stability | Coverage | Affordabiliuty | Claims | Customer Service | Weighted Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Geico Pet Insurance (Powered by Embrace) | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9.5 |
| Many Pets Pet Insurance | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8.5 |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9.5 |
| Metlife Pet Insurance | 9 | 7.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7 | 9.3 |
| Pets Best Pet Insurance | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 9.3 |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7.5 | 9.3 |
| Prudent Pet Insurance | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9.3 |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 |
| Healthy Paws Pet Insurance | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Spot Pet Insurance | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8.9 |
| AKC Pet Insurance | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8.9 |
| Trupanion Pet Insurance | 8 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 8.8 |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | 8 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8.8 |
| Hartville Pet Insurance | 9 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8.6 |
| Figo Pet Insurance | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8.3 |
| Liberty Mutual Pet Insurance | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 8.1 |
| PetPremium Pet Insurance | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7.8 |
| Banfield Pet Insurance | 8 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7.3 |
| Nationwide Pet Insurance | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9.3 |
| Nibbles Pet Insurance | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7.6 |
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