Pumpkin Pet Insurance at a Glance
If you’re a millennial pet parent searching for insurance that actually covers the stuff that matters (looking at you, dental illness and behavioral issues), Pumpkin is worth your attention. Launched in 2020 by Zoetis, one of the world’s largest animal health companies, this newer player has quickly made a name for itself by offering comprehensive coverage without the sneaky add-on fees that plague so many competitors. They’re now backed by JAB Holding Company, which acquired a majority stake in 2023, adding some serious financial muscle to the operation.
We gave Pumpkin pet insurance a 9.3 out of 10, earning it a spot among our best pet insurance picks. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right fit for your furry friend.
Key Strengths
- Comprehensive coverage without hidden fees. Pumpkin plans cover dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, parasite infections, prescription food and supplements, physical therapy, and alternative therapies with no extra add-on fees required.
- Short waiting periods across the board. Pumpkin offers waiting periods of less than 2 weeks, including for orthopedic issues like knee injuries and hip dysplasia. These waiting periods are often six months with other providers.
- No age limits or breed restrictions. There are no breed or upper age restrictions, plus no reduction in coverage as pets age. Your 12-year-old Frenchie is just as welcome as your 8-week-old kitten.
- PumpkinNow urgent pay service. With PumpkinNow, pet parents can submit a claim online and receive real-time payment for up to 90% of the eligible vet bill before they even leave the vet or emergency clinic. The fastest claim paid to date? Two minutes.
Key Weaknesses
- Higher premiums than average. Pumpkin’s sample average monthly premiums are the third highest among major pet insurers, with dog coverage averaging around $95 monthly and cats around $46.
- No mobile app. The company doesn’t have a mobile app to help you manage your policy, though their website is mobile-optimized.
- No accident-only option. Pumpkin has one accident and illness plan available for dogs and cats, so there’s no option to choose accident-only cover if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
- Pre-existing conditions limitations. Like all pet insurers, Pumpkin doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, and some reviewers report claims being denied with conditions classified as pre-existing even when they felt the condition was new.
Who is Pumpkin Best For?
Pumpkin is ideal for pet parents who want extensive coverage and don’t mind paying a bit more for peace of mind. In our rating of the best pet insurance companies, Pumpkin earns the accolade of the best for senior pets. If you have an older dog or cat that other insurers might reject or charge astronomical rates for, Pumpkin welcomes them with open arms and the same coverage options as younger pets. It’s also a solid choice for breeds prone to hereditary conditions since there are no breed-specific exclusions or waiting periods for orthopedic issues.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Pumpkin 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 a wide range of needs, including dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, parasite infections, prescription food and supplements, and physical and alternative therapies all without requiring expensive add-ons. Furthermore, 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, giving older dogs and cats the same great options as younger ones. In addition to being senior-friendly, Pumpkin is innovating the claims experience with its "PumpkinNow" feature. This special feature allows qualified customers to submit a claim and receive a 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, which is a genuinely impactful benefit for critical care.
Finally, while the company is newer, it boasts a solid foundation and strong customer sentiment, which speaks to its reliability. It is financially backed by Zoetis and JAB Holding Company (a major pet insurance platform owner), and its policies are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, which holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. This financial strength is complemented by high customer satisfaction, with a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot and 4.5/5 on Google. Customers frequently praise the responsiveness of their customer service and the fairness and speed of the claims process.
- All-Inclusive Coverage: Get one plan that covers everything; dental illness, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, and prescription food, with no sneaky add-on fees.
- Rapid Care with PumpkinNow: Receive real-time payment for up to 90% of your eligible vet bill in minutes, often before you leave the clinic, for critical care claims over $1,000.
- Shortest Waiting Period: Just 14 days for all accidents and illnesses, including orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia and knee injuries that competitors make you wait six months for.
- Best for Senior Pets: No upper age limits, no breed restrictions, and coverage that will never be reduced as your pet gets older.
- Trusted and Highly Rated: Backed by major financial players and rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot for rapid and fair claim processing.
Pumpkin Overview
Pumpkin Insurance Services was founded in 2019 and launched in 2020. Pumpkin Insurance Services is headquartered in New York, NY.
Since the company’s launch in 2020, it has grown to serve 65,000 pets across the U.S. (as of 2023).
Pumpkin insurance plans are valid across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and are accepted by any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada.
Pumpkin covers dogs and cats only, with a minimum enrollment age of 8 weeks. Unlike many competitors, there’s no maximum age for enrollment.
Zoetis, which claims to be the world’s largest animal health company, launched Pumpkin in 2020 and will remain a minority stakeholder after JAB Holding Company acquired a majority stake in May 2023.
Pumpkin Reliability
Pumpkin’s pet policies are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, which holds an AM Best rating of A (Excellent). That’s the rating that tells you they can actually pay claims when you need them to.
The company is young, but the backing is legit. Pumpkin holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is the BBB’s top grade. They’ve been BBB Accredited since 7/21/2025.
Being newer means less of a track record than legacy insurers, but the combination of strong underwriter ratings and backing from major players provides a solid foundation.
Pumpkin Coverage Options
Pumpkin keeps it simple with one comprehensive accident and illness plan. No accident-only option exists, which might frustrate budget-seekers.
Pet insurance alone won’t solve your pet’s health care needs, so they created Preventive Essentials, a package you can add to your insurance policy to get refunds for routine care. There’s also a standalone Pumpkin Wellness Club option.
What’s Covered
Pumpkin’s plans offer extensive coverage for a wide variety of medical issues, ranging from common accidents and acute infections to more serious and long-term conditions.
The policy’s comprehensive coverage includes:
- Illnesses and Injuries: Acute infections, allergic reactions, bite wounds, broken bones, cancer treatment, chronic diseases, congenital disorders, emergency hospitalization, hereditary conditions, and torn ligaments.
- Standout Coverage:
- Cancer treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy.
- Other chronic conditions, such as arthritis and kidney disease.
- Orthopedic conditions, including hip dysplasia and a luxating patella.
- Dental illnesses (including periodontal disease), along with associated exams, X-rays, treatment, surgery, and prescription medications.
- Treatment for behavioral issues, such as aggression or separation anxiety, from a vet or an Applied Animal Behaviorist.
- In-clinic and virtual vet exam fees for accidents and illnesses with no extra add-on fees required.
What’s NOT Covered
The plan doesn’t cover: Breeding costs. Spaying or neutering. Cosmetic or elective procedures. Dental cleanings are not related to illness. Most pre-existing conditions. Herbal supplements.
The good news: Pumpkin’s plan covers some curable pre-existing conditions if symptom-free for 180 days, with the exception of knee and ligament conditions. And there are no breed-specific exclusions.
Policy Terms
In most states, coverage starts 14 days after your policy’s effective date. That applies to everything, including orthopedic issues that typically have six-month waits elsewhere.
Pumpkin doesn’t have a maximum age limit for enrollment, and plans will NEVER reduce or limit coverage for aging pets.
You can receive a full refund when you cancel during the first 30 days if you haven’t submitted a claim.
Coverage works at any licensed veterinarian, specialist, emergency clinic, or hospital in the US or Canada.
Special Features
PumpkinNow lets customers get paid for eligible critical care before they pay their vet.
The Preventive Essentials plan gives dogs one annual wellness exam, two vaccines, one blood test, and one fecal test. Puppies get one annual wellness exam, four vaccines, and one fecal test. Cats get one annual wellness exam, one vaccine, and one fecal test.
Pumpkin Affordability
Here’s the deal: Pumpkin isn’t cheap, but you’re getting more coverage baked into the base plan.
Dogs: Average of $46 monthly ($548 annually), though comprehensive coverage options push the sample monthly rate to $95.02.
A healthy mixed-breed puppy in Kansas City runs about $42/month with a $500 deductible. Adult labs land near $68, and senior retrievers hit $100+ with a $250 deductible.
Cats: Average of $20 monthly ($238 annually).
Kittens run $18 to $22/month; spayed adult Domestic Shorthairs average $28; a 10-year-old Maine Coon comes in around $32.
What Affects Your Rate
Premiums change based on breed. Cat owners pay around $17 monthly for British Longhairs but $35 for Abyssinians. Dog premiums start at $19 for small mixed breeds under 20 pounds and reach $103 for Scottish Terriers.
Rates vary by state based on veterinary costs and local claim patterns. Cats in Arkansas pay as little as $13 monthly, while Massachusetts tops out at $26.
Customization Options
Annual deductibles of $100, $250, $500, or $1,000.
Reimbursement rates of 80% or 90%.
Annual limits of $10,000, $20,000, or unlimited for dogs and $7,000, $15,000, or unlimited for cats.
Discounts
10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet.
You can waive the monthly installment fee by paying annually.
Additional savings available through AAA membership, workplace benefit programs, and partner offers.
Is It Worth It?
The company ranks first nationally for cat insurance affordability when you factor in what’s actually included. If you’d be adding on dental coverage, behavioral coverage, and exam fees elsewhere, Pumpkin’s all-in-one approach might actually save you money.
Pumpkin Claims Process
Pumpkin plans have paid over $60 million in covered accident and illness claims over $1K.
How to File
Filing is 100% digital and requires zero paperwork. Log in to Pumpkin. Care, navigate to “Claims,” upload a photo of your itemized vet bill plus any relevant medical records, and submit.
You can also fax, mail, or email your claim within 270 days of treatment if you’re old school about it.
How Fast Do They Pay?
Pumpkin aims to review claims within five business days.
But PumpkinNow is where things get interesting: covered and qualified customers can get paid directly for up to 90% of eligible veterinary expenses in just 15 minutes.
You’ll be reimbursed via check or direct deposit for 80% or 90% of covered costs up to the annual limit, after your deductible.
New in October 2025: policyholders can use a CareCredit card and have Pumpkin send reimbursement directly to their CareCredit account.
Customer Feedback
Customers consistently praise the company for its rapid and fair claim processing, often highlighting reimbursements within 48 hours.
Pumpkin Customer Service
Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.
Phone: 1-866-273-6369 (1-866-ARF-MEOW, because of course)
Email: [email protected]
They have an online chat feature but no 24/7 customer service.
Digital Experience
The website is 100% mobile-optimized.
Unlike most insurers, Pumpkin doesn’t have an app.
What Customers Say
Customer feedback is strong: Trustpilot 4.8/5 with 2,064 reviews and Google 4.5/5 with 2,495 reviews.
Reddit sentiment shows 79% positive comments. Users frequently praise customer service responsiveness and clear policy explanations.
Customer Highlights
The Good:
“Pumpkin insurance is a lifesaver!! My dog needed emergency surgery, of course, it happened to be during Christmas time! I paid, filed my claim, and got reimbursed within a week! Customer service was sweet and caring.”
“We have had Pumpkininsurance for about 4 years now, and they continue to be the best investment in our dog’s life. The claims process is quite simple.”
The Bad:
“They have not settled several claims and have not responded to replies; they take more than a week to answer an email, and after denying your claim, they string you along for days.”
“They make you work for every cent and routinely call everything ‘pre-existing’ so they don’t have to cover it.”
Common themes: Fast claims processing and comprehensive coverage get praise. Pre-existing condition disputes and denied claims fuel most complaints.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- All-inclusive coverage. Dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, parasite infections, prescription food and supplements, physical therapy, and alternative therapies are all in the base plan.
- Short waiting periods. 14-day waiting period for all accidents and illnesses, even including orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia and knee injuries, which usually have a six-month waiting period with other pet insurance companies.
- PumpkinNow. Pumpkin customers can receive real-time payments for eligible claims of $1000 or more almost instantly.
- Senior-friendly. No upper age limits, no reduced coverage for older pets, no breed restrictions.
Cons
- Higher premiums. Comprehensive coverage costs more than stripped-down alternatives.
- No app. Website-only management feels dated.
- No accident-only plans. You can’t opt for minimal coverage to save money.
- Pre-existing disputes. Negative reviews tend to focus on claims being denied due to conditions deemed “pre-existing.”
Our Verdict
Bottom line: Pumpkin works best for pet parents who want comprehensive coverage without playing the add-on game. It earns the accolade of best for senior pets thanks to no age limits and consistent coverage. PumpkinNow is genuinely innovative for emergencies.
Recommended for:
- Pet parents with senior dogs or cats
- Owners of breeds prone to hereditary conditions
- Anyone who wants one plan with everything included
- People who value fast claims processing
Not ideal for:
- Budget-focused pet parents (consider Pets Best)
- Those wanting accident-only coverage (consider ASPCA Pet Insurance)
- Anyone who prefers a mobile app (consider Lemonade Pet Insurance)
Methodology
Our evaluation weighted five categories based on their importance to the average pet insurance buyer:
Affordability (30%): We compared pet insurance premium costs across multiple pet profiles, factoring in available discounts and fee structures. Pets Best’s industry-low prices drove their strong score here.
Claims Process (20%): We evaluated submission options, processing times, reimbursement speed, and the availability of direct vet payment. Multiple submission methods and reasonably fast processing earned a solid score, though customer friction reports prevented a higher rating.
Customer Service (20%): We assessed accessibility, digital tools, and customer satisfaction metrics from Trustpilot, BBB, and Reddit. The BBB complaint situation and app issues significantly impacted this score.
Stability (20%): We examined A.M. Best ratings, years in business, corporate backing, and regulatory standing. Strong financial backing offset by mixed underwriter ratings resulted in an above-average score.
Coverage Options (10%): We reviewed plan variety, what’s covered and excluded, waiting periods, and special features. Comprehensive offerings with genuine customization options earned a high score, with waiting periods being the main drawback.
Our review methodology weighs five key factors to generate overall scores. We analyzed 20 pet insurance providers across identical criteria, then applied a curve based on the top performer to ensure fair comparisons.
Pumpkin Category Scores
- Financial Strength: 8/10
- Coverage Options: 8/10
- Affordability: 6/10
- Claims Experience: 9/10
- Customer Experience: 7.5/10
Check out our complete methodology and see how every provider stacked up in our Pet Insurance Reviews.
