A trip to the emergency veterinary clinic for a problem like a seizure or bite wounds could end up costing you thousands of dollars.
Pet insurance is an effective way to offset major veterinarian bills.
It’s like having a financial safety net for your furry friends, ensuring that you can provide them with the care they need without worrying about the cost.
Choosing the best pet insurance can be a daunting task with so many options available in the market.
Here are our top picks:
| Pet Insurance | Reimbursements | Deductibles |
|---|---|---|
| Paw Protect | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 |
| Embrace | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 |
| Spot | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| ManyPets | 70% or 80% | $500 |
| Pumpkin | 90% | $100, $250, $500 |
| Figo | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
| Lemonade | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 |
| Pets Best | 70%, 80%, 90% | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 |
| Trupanion | 50% to 100% | No deductible |
| Healthy Paws | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100, $250, $500 |
What you'll learn:
➤ Best Pet Insurance
1️⃣ Paw Protect (Paying Covered Vet Bills Instantly)
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500
Paw Protect offers a pet insurance plan that not only covers a wide range of medical expenses but also provides a unique feature—a $2,000 line of credit to cover vet bills with no fees, interest charges, or credit checks.
This means you can use the line of credit to pay your vet bill without having to pay the full amount upfront and then wait for insurance reimbursement.
Additionally, Paw Protect has a “diminishing deductible” feature, which reduces your deductible by $50 for every year you don’t make a claim. It’s a fantastic option for those who want peace of mind when it comes to their pets’ health.
Paw Protect Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides a virtual credit card with a $2,000 line of credit for paying vet bills, with the claim payment used to repay the credit. | Lacks a variety of options for annual coverage and deductibles. |
| Offers interest-free repayment of deductible and copay over 12 months if unable to pay immediately. | Requires a 6-month waiting period for coverage of orthopedic conditions, which can be waived with an orthopedic exam after purchasing the plan. |
| Offers the same plan and pricing as Embrace’s 5-star plan. | |
| Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illness and accidents. | |
| Features a “diminishing deductible” that reduces your deductible by $50 for each claim-free year. | |
| Has a short 2-day waiting period for accident coverage. | |
| Allows for the addition of an optional wellness plan. | |
| Includes a 24/7 pet telehealth line with the plan. |
2️⃣ Embrace (Superior Benefits)
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500
Embrace’s pet insurance plan stands out for its comprehensive coverage benefits. It covers vet exam fees and provides access to a 24/7 pet health line.
The waiting period for orthopedic conditions can be waived if your vet performs an orthopedic exam after you purchase the policy. Embrace is an excellent choice for those who want top-tier coverage for their furry companions.
Embrace Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illnesses and accidents. | Does not offer a variety of options for annual coverage and deductibles. |
| Offers a “diminishing deductible” that decreases the deductible by $50 for each claim-free year. | Requires a 6-month waiting period for coverage of orthopedic conditions, although it can be waived if your pet undergoes an orthopedic exam after plan purchase. |
| Features a short 2-day waiting period for accident coverage. | |
| Provides the option of an optional wellness plan. | |
| Includes a 24/7 pet telehealth line. |
3️⃣ Spot (Annual Coverage Choices)
- Maximum annual coverage: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Spot offers flexibility when it comes to annual coverage options, allowing you to tailor your plan to fit your budget. They cover vet visit fees, pet microchips, and even offer a multipet discount of 10%.
While the waiting period for accident coverage is 14 days, Spot’s competitive pricing and various options make it a great choice for those looking for customization.
Spot Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a low $100 deductible option. | The waiting period for accident coverage is 14 days; some top competitors require only 1 or 2 days. |
| Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illnesses and accidents. | |
| Includes coverage for pet microchips. | |
| Provides a multipet discount of 10%. | |
| Offers an optional wellness plan. | |
| Features a 24/7 pet telehealth line. |
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4️⃣ ManyPets (Unlimited Annual Coverage)
- Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70% or 80% (in most states)
- Deductible choices: $500 (in most states)
ManyPets offers affordable unlimited annual coverage and unique features, such as reducing the waiting period for illness or accidents to just 24 hours if you switch from another pet insurance company.
With competitive pricing and widespread availability in over 40 states, ManyPets is an excellent option for those seeking comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank.
ManyPets Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers the most affordable rates for unlimited annual coverage among the companies we evaluated. | Lacks a 24/7 pet telehealth line. |
| ManyPets provides a unique value proposition for new customers: Waiting periods for illness or accidents are 15 days, but they are reduced to only 24 hours if you’re switching from another insurer. | Does not cover pet behavioral therapy, unlike many other plans. |
| ManyPets is available in more than 40 states. | Does not cover alternative therapies, unlike many other plans. |
| Covers vet exam fees for illness and accident visits. | |
| Offers an optional wellness plan. |
5️⃣ Pumpkin (Senior Cats and Dogs)
- Maximum annual coverage: $10,000, $20,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 90%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500
Pumpkin is an ideal choice for senior cats and dogs, offering a wide range of coverage options for various medical expenses, including vet exam fees, surgeries, and dental issues.
What sets Pumpkin apart is its lack of extended waiting periods for conditions like cruciate ligament issues or hip dysplasia. If you have senior pets, Pumpkin can provide the coverage they need in their golden years.
Pumpkin Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes coverage for veterinarian exam fees related to illnesses and accidents. | Does not provide access to a 24/7 pet healthline. |
| Offers optional wellness coverage. | Does not offer an accident-only insurance plan. |
| No specific waiting period for issues like knee injuries or hip dysplasia. | |
| Provides discounts for insuring multiple pets. | |
| Offers a 90% reimbursement level for dogs and cats aged 8 weeks and older, including senior cats and dogs. | |
| Features a 14-day waiting period for accident coverage (while some top competitors have only a 1- or 2-day waiting period). |
6️⃣ Figo (Short Waiting Period for Accident Coverage)
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $750
Figo offers a range of options for coverage, reimbursement, and deductible to suit your budget. One standout feature is its incredibly short 1-day waiting period for accident coverage, ensuring that your pet is protected almost immediately.
Figo also has a 24/7 pet telehealth line, routine wellness plans, and even an upgrade that covers special circumstances. If you want quick and versatile coverage, Figo is a solid choice.
Figo Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick 1-day waiting period for accident coverage. | Additional cost for coverage of vet exam fees. |
| Offers a 100% reimbursement option. | A 6-month waiting period for orthopedic problems, although it can be waived with a vet’s orthopedic conditions waiver within the first 30 days of the policy. |
| Provides a 24/7 pet telehealth line for support. | Does not cover dental illnesses. |
| Offers routine wellness plans for comprehensive coverage. | Only includes coverage for prescription food if you purchase the Vet Exam Fees for Accident and Illness Visits powerup. |
| Provides an upgrade option that covers special circumstances, including advertising and rewards for lost pets, vacation cancellation due to a pet emergency, and loss of a pet due to theft or straying. | |
| The Figo Pet Cloud platform helps you discover pet-friendly places and connect with other pet owners for activities like doggy play dates. |
7️⃣ Lemonade (Kittens and Puppies)
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500
Lemonade is an excellent option for those with young pets, offering competitive rates, especially for puppies and kittens.
While it may not have a 24/7 vet helpline and vet visit fee coverage is available only as an add-on, Lemonade’s affordability is a major draw for pet owners looking to protect their furry family members without breaking the bank.
Lemonade Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers the most affordable rates for young pets | Covers cruciate ligaments with a 6-month waiting period. |
| Short 2-day waiting period for accident coverage. | Coverage for vet exam fees is an additional cost, unlike leading competitors that include them in their base policies. |
| Provides the option for a wellness plan. | Does not include coverage for behavioral or alternative therapy. |
| Features live chat support for pet health inquiries, available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET. | Excludes coverage for stem cell treatment, prescription food, or microchipping. |
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8️⃣ Pets Best (Choices of Deductible)
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible choices: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Pets Best stands out for offering a wide range of deductible choices, allowing you to customize your plan to fit your needs.
They also have a short 3-day waiting period for accident coverage and the option for your vet to be paid directly, reducing the hassle of reimbursement.
If you prefer having control over your deductible and want a seamless claims process, Pets Best is an excellent choice.
Pets Best Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Various deductible options available. | Excludes alternative therapies, which some other plans may include. |
| Short 3-day waiting period for accident coverage. | Covers cruciate ligament issues with a 6-month waiting period. |
| Potential to pay your vet directly, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. | |
| Multipet 5% discount. | |
| Access to routine wellness plans. | |
| Offers a 24/7 pet telehealth line for support. |
9️⃣ Trupanion (Lowest Out-Of-Pocket Claims Costs)
- Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 50% to 100%
- Deductible choices: No deductible
Trupanion offers a unique approach to pet insurance, with no deductibles and flexible reimbursement options.
Your pet insurance costs do not increase as your pet gets older. They also pay your vet directly (if your vet uses Trupanion’s software).
However, it lacks certain options like wellness coverage and a 24/7 pet health line. If you want a straightforward and cost-effective plan, Trupanion is worth considering.
Trupanion Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No deductibles | Does not cover vet exam fees |
| Flexible reimbursement level options (50% to 100%) | No routine care coverage available |
| Your pet insurance does not increase with age | 12-day delay before coverage is effective (some insurers offer shorter timeframes) |
| Pays your vet directly (if your vet has Trupanion’s software) | |
| No extended waiting period for certain issues (e.g., cruciate ligament) |
🔟 Healthy Paws
- Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
- Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500
Healthy Paws Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – No maximum annual or lifetime pay-outs | – No routine wellness option |
| – Most claims processed within two days | |
| – 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| – Direct vet payments may be possible |
➤ What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is like health insurance for your furry friend. It helps cover the cost of medical expenses for your pet, such as vet visits, treatments, and even some unexpected accidents.
Here’s how it works:
- You Pay Upfront: When your pet needs medical care, you pay the vet bill upfront.
- Submit a Claim: After your vet visit, you send the bill to the pet insurance company.
- Reimbursement: The insurance company reviews your claim and reimburses you for eligible expenses. This can help you get some of your money back.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Deductible: Before insurance kicks in, you usually need to pay a certain amount, called a deductible. For example, if your deductible is $500, you’ll pay the first $500 of vet bills.
- Reimbursement Level: Pet insurance companies offer different reimbursement levels, like 70%, 80%, or 90%. This means they’ll pay that percentage of your eligible vet bills after you meet the deductible.
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What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance plans come in a few flavors:
- Accident and Illness Plans: These are the most common. They cover things like injuries, sickness, and even hereditary or congenital conditions.
- Accident-Only Plans: These plans focus on injuries and accidents, like a broken bone.
- Wellness Plans: You can often add these to your policy for routine care, like vaccinations and checkups.
But here’s the catch: pet insurance usually doesn’t cover:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any issues your pet had before getting insurance won’t be covered.
- Boarding and Kennel Fees: Unless it’s due to your hospitalization.
- Breeding Costs: These aren’t usually included.
- Exam Fees: Regular vet exams might not be covered.
- Food and Supplements: Your pet’s regular food and vitamins are typically not covered.
- Grooming: Things like haircuts and baths aren’t included.
- Lost or Stolen Pets: Most plans won’t cover this.
- Preventative and Elective Procedures: Things like declawing or ear cropping.
- Vaccines: Standard plans usually don’t cover vaccines.
- Recommended Care: Your vet might recommend specific care. If you don’t follow it, you might not be covered for related expenses.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
If you have pet insurance, you’ll usually start by paying your vet bill upfront. Then you’ll submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. But there are a few things to check:
- Exclusions: Read your policy carefully; it lists what’s not covered, like grooming or certain pre-existing conditions.
- Waiting Periods: There’s usually a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. For example, a 14-day wait for accident-related costs.
- Veterinarian Restrictions: Generally, you can visit any licensed vet. But check if there are any geographic restrictions.
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance
Here’s how to find the best pet insurance for you:
- Choose the Right Plan: Decide if you want comprehensive coverage or something simpler, like accident-only.
- Select Coverage Levels: Choose how much coverage you want, your annual maximum, deductible, and reimbursement level.
- Check Waiting Periods: Understand how long you need to wait before your coverage starts.
- Look for Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts, like multi-pet, spay/neuter, or annual pay discounts.
- Consider Extras: Some policies come with extra benefits, like 24/7 vet helplines or preferred pricing on pet prescriptions.
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➤ Best Pet Insurance FAQ
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet insurance can be a lifesaver when your furry friend gets sick or hurt. It can help you avoid unexpected vet bills that could break the bank. Consider how much you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket for vet bills and weigh that against the cost of insurance. If you’re worried about covering potential pet medical expenses, it’s worth looking into.
What’s the most insured pet breed?
The most commonly insured dog breeds are medium-sized mixed breeds, while domestic shorthair cats are the most insured among feline friends. But remember, pet insurance is helpful for all breeds and types of pets, no matter their background.
What are the most common pet insurance claims?
The most common pet insurance claims cover issues like vomiting, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, weight loss, and ear infections. Pet owners are spending more on vet services in 2023 compared to previous years, so having insurance can be a wise choice.
What’s the average cost of pet insurance?
The cost of pet insurance can vary, but on average, it’s around $35 a month for dogs and $28 a month for cats. The cost depends on factors like your pet’s age, breed, and the coverage you choose.
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➤ Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, pet insurance is like a safety net for your furry family members, helping you give them the care they need without breaking the bank. It’s a smart way to prepare for the unexpected and ensure your pet’s well-being.
In conclusion, choosing the best pet insurance is a crucial decision to ensure your pets receive the care they need without financial stress.
These best pet insurance companies offer various benefits and features, allowing you to pick the one that aligns with your budget and pet’s needs.
Remember to consider your pet’s specific requirements and your budget when making your choice.
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