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Americans love their pets. Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that 66% of US households -- roughly 86.9 million families -- own a pet. Yet only 5.7 million pets are enrolled in a pet insurance plan, a pet healthcare package designed to help you better afford vet costs.
"As a veterinary surgeon and pet owner, I urge all my clients, friends, and family to insure their pets, just like I do," said Dr. Karyn Kanowski, a veterinarian at PangoVet in Roseville, California. "My own dog had both hips replaced several years ago and without pet insurance, there is no way I could have afforded $8,000 per hip."
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I learned this lesson firsthand when my wife and I spent over $12,000 to extend the life of Alfie, our Shih Tzu-Poodle mix who passed away in 2020. We didn't have pet insurance, so we ended up draining a lot of valuable savings. While we didn't have to turn to credit cards, it's easy to see how quickly vet bills can spiral into debt. Dog owners may pay up to $55,000 for care over the lifespan of a canine, while cat owners may pay up to $45,000, according to a Synchrony study.
If you want to steer clear of tens of thousands in vet bills, pet insurance can help. We reviewed some of the top national pet insurance companies for price, coverage options, deductibles and other perks to help you find the best fit. The price you pay will depend on your pet's breed, age, health and gender, and could vary depending on where you live. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare multiple quotes to get the best deal to protect your family's pet.
Most affordable pet insurance
Coverage type: Accident, illness, wellness
Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – $100,000
Deductibles: $100 – $750
Pets covered: Dogs and cats
If you want to protect your pet, but don't have much wiggle room in your budget, we recommend Lemonade's pet insurance. Its $10-a-month price tag will get you coverage for major accidents, and its everyday illness and wellness coverage averages $28 a month for cats and $47 per month for dogs, according to the company's website.
Lemonade's plans include accident and illness coverage, but if you're hoping to get reimbursed for preventative measures like annual exams, vaccines, routine dental cleaning and heartworm medication, you'll pay more for a preventative add-on policy.
With plenty of options to customize your coverage, you'll likely be able to find a mix of deductible, coinsurance and max annual reimbursements that works for your budget. The only downside: Where you live can impact your eligibility. Currently, Lemonade offers pet insurance in 38 states and Washington, DC.
Like most pet insurance, you'll pay upfront and receive a reimbursement. Lemonade leverages AI to process and approve claims, which means you'll receive your money fast. Users also love the company's app: It earns a 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Apple Store and a respectable 4.2 from Android users.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 2 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Discounts: 5% for paying annually; 5% multipet discount; 10% bundle discount (Lemonade offers other types of insurance including renters, homeowners, car and life coverage.)
Accident and illness plan
Embrace
Because of Embrace’s commitment to offer comprehensive, personalized policies that provide a broad range of coverage and policy perks, it makes it a priority to ensure you won't have gaps in coverage, so you can be confident that your insurance is there for you and your pet when you both need it most.
Best direct payment option
Coverage type: Accident and illness
Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
Deductibles: $0 – $1,000 per condition
Pets covered: Dogs and cats
Most pet insurance requires you to make upfront and receive money back in the form of a claim. Trupanion's VetDirect Pay, however, pays your vet directly, lowering or eliminating your vet bill. There's a big catch though: It's not accepted at every vet office in the country. You'll need to check the company's website to see which vets in your area are on board.
Another key distinction of Trupanion is the company's lifetime deductible per condition arrangement. For example, let's say your dog gets diagnosed with liver disease or your cat is diabetic. Once you meet the deductible for that condition, additional visits will not require any deductible.
Trupanion also claims its price increases are significantly lower than many of its competitors. While rates do go up over time, the company says it won't automatically increase your premium on your pet's birthday, like other services may. Unlike other pet insurance companies, Trupanion doesn't offer a discount for multiple pets. So, if you have a gang of cuddly buddies at home, you may be better off with another company that can save you more cash.
There are also limits to Trupanion's coverage. This insurance does not cover routine wellness visits but will aid you if your pet has an accident or illness that needs treatment.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 5 days for accidents; 30 days for illnesses
Discounts: None
Best for frequent vet visits
Coverage type: Accident, illness, wellness
Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – Unlimited
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500 and $1,000
Pets covered: Dogs and cats
Pumpkin's pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage that will reimburse you for many conditions other pet insurance companies deny, including dental disease, behavioral issues, parasite infection and hereditary disorders. The tradeoff? You'll also pay slightly higher monthly premiums in exchange. That said, if you're visiting the vet frequently, this insurance offers a higher maximum annual coverage than most.
Pumpkin offers between 80% and 90% reimbursement coverage for dogs and cats with a deductible that ranges between $100 and $1,000. Opting for a lower deductible will raise your monthly bill. You can also join Pumpkin's Wellness Club --which starts at $14.95 for cats and $19.95 for dogs -- to save some cash on checkups, vaccinations, routine dental cleanings and more.
Like most pet insurance, pre-existing conditions are not covered. However, a curable condition like a fractured paw or UTI will be covered if your pet remains symptom- and treatment-free for six months, with some exceptions for knee and hind leg ligament conditions.
One drawback: Pumpkin's 14-day waiting period applies to accidents, too, which is longer than many competitors.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 14-day period for accidents and illnesses
Discounts: 10% for multiple pets
Best full reimbursement option
Coverage type: Accident, illness, wellness
Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 to unlimited
Deductibles: $100 to $750
Pets covered: Dogs, cats
Figo pet insurance offers the chance to get 100% of your vet expenses reimbursed and comes with $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited annual benefits. It's also a good company for owners with older pets: There is no upper age limit to take out a new policy. Like other carriers, preexisting conditions, preventative dental care, elective procedures and routine wellness are not covered unless you purchase a separate rider.
You can create your own custom plan to include coverage for veterinary exam fees and other wellness care. Figo also offers an extra care pack with coverage for lost pet advertising, vacation cancellation for pet emergencies, boarding fees, pet theft or loss, up to $10,000 per policy for third-party property damage liability and cremation or burial expenses.
Like most traditional pet insurance policies, you'll need to pay for your vet bills up front and then file for reimbursement through the Figo Pet Cloud mobile app, online or by faxing or emailing your paid invoice. Reimbursements are issued within 10 business days, though the company says most claims are closed within 2.6 days. The Figo Pet Cloud app also offers access to 24/7 telehealth with a licensed vet, lets you store your pet's vet records online and connects you with other pet parents in your area.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: One day for accident coverage; 14 days for illnesses; ability to get an orthopedic conditions waiver that eliminates the typical six-month waiting period
Discounts: 15% discount for Costco members; 5% multiple pet discount
Best dental coverage options
Coverage type: Accident, illness, wellness
Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – Unlimited
Deductibles: Up to $1,000
Pets covered: Dogs and cats
More than 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease before they're three years old, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. While many pet insurance plans have an optional add-on policy for dental issues, Embrace automatically covers up to $1,000 of dental illnesses and injuries per policy term with all of its accident and illness coverage options (excluding routine cleanings).
This benefit can be very valuable and save you from paying the thousands it can cost to treat periodontal disease in pets. Plus, Embrace offers the assurance of no waiting period for accidents: When you confirm your policy, your pet is immediately covered in the event of an unexpected mishap.
Embrace also offers wellness coverage that does apply to routine dental cleanings, as well as other standard illness and accident protection.
"Embrace's average individual claim cost in 2024 was $445, but pet emergencies are unpredictable and can cost tens of thousands of dollars," said Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: Immediate coverage for accidents; 14-day period for illnesses; orthopedic conditions vary by state
Discounts: 10% for multiple pets; 5% for military members (excluding those who live in TN or NY)
Best for exotic pets
Coverage type: Accident, illness, wellness
Maximum annual coverage: $7,500 - $10,000 depending on your plan
Deductibles: $250
Pets covered: Dogs, cats, birds, exotic pets
Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance companies offering reimbursement coverage for birds and exotic pets. To get quotes for your exotic pets, you'll have to call Nationwide directly, but you can purchase pet insurance for a dog or cat online. Nationwide's wellness features are robust and include annual exams, vaccinations, blood work, urinalysis and flea and heartworm preventatives.
Each plan comes with a $250 annual deductible, and 50% to 80% reimbursement (excluding the major medical plan). Most also offer defined annual benefits per condition, which is different from most pet insurance plans. The whole pet plan, which includes accident and illness coverage, has a cap of $10,000 in annual benefits and pet owners can choose from a 50% or 70% reimbursement level. Pet parents have access to a 24/7 vet customer service line you can call for advice and quick help.
You can file a claim online, through the app, or email, mail or fax a state-specific claim form along with your paid veterinarian invoice. Some plans are also only offered through workplace benefits.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements:
Most plans have a 14-day waiting period before coverage kicks in.
Discounts:
You get a 5% discount for enrolling more than one pet and a 10% discount if you enroll four or more pets. You may also be eligible for a 5% discount if you're an existing Nationwide policyholder.
Best workplace benefit for pets with preexisting conditions
Coverage type: Discount plan
Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
Deductibles: None
Pets covered: All: dogs, cats, birds, exotic animals, farm animals, small animals
Pet Assure is a little bit different from most pet insurance plans -- it's not technically pet insurance, but rather a discount plan that offers discounts off all in-house medical care at participating vets with no claims required. Pet Assure is an employer-sponsored benefit, which means your workplace will need to offer this benefit in order to apply. If your employer offers this benefit and your vet accepts Pet Assure -- we like that this plan offers discounts for preexisting conditions that aren't covered by most policies.
There are few restrictions with Pet Assure -- no waiting periods, deductibles or annual maximums. The few exclusions to its discount plan include nonmedical services, outsourced lab work or other services, food and medications.
Pet Assure also covers pets beyond cats and dogs, including exotic pets. Discounts are deducted at the time you pay your vet bill, at participating vets.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements:
Pet Assure does not have waiting periods or eligibility requirements. However, this plan cannot be used if your vet offers its own discount service.
Discounts:
Check with your employer's benefits plan for specific discounts.
Pet insurance companies, compared
| Provider | Best for | Coverage type | Deductible | Max annual coverage | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | Owners on a tight budget | Accident, illness, wellness | $100 – $750 | $5,000 – $100,000 | 38 states |
| Trupanion | Direct payment (no claims) | Accident and illness | $0 – $1,000 per condition | Unlimited | All 50 states |
| Pumpkin | Frequent vet visits | Accident, illness, wellness | $100, $250, $500 and $1,000 | $5,000 – Unlimited | All 50 states |
| Figo | Full reimbursement | Accident, illness, wellness | $100 – $750 | $5,000 – Unlimited | All 50 states |
| Embrace | Dental coverage options | Accident, illness, wellness | Up to $1,000 | $5,000 – Unlimited | All 50 states |
| Nationwide | Exotic animals | Accident, illness, wellness | $250 | $7,500 - $10,000 | All 50 states |
| Pet Assure | Preexisting conditions (workplace benefit only) | Accident, illness, wellness | N/A | No limit | All 50 states |
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of financial coverage that can help you better afford vet bills. It works similarly to human health insurance.
Most pet insurance works through a claims process. You'll pay a regular premium in exchange for receiving reimbursement for some of your veterinary expenses. There will usually be a deductible amount that you'll need to pay first before getting money back from insurance coverage.
What's covered by pet insurance companies can vary. Some pet insurance policies do not automatically cover preventative measures such as taking your dog or cat in for an annual wellness exam or getting vaccines. Instead, some pet insurance policies only cover accidents and illnesses.
How does pet insurance work?
Most pet insurance policies operate on a reimbursement basis, which means they require up-front payment to the veterinarian's office. You then file a claim for reimbursement, which is determined by your deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual coverage maximum.
Reimbursements may be mailed to you via a check or sent through direct deposit into your bank account. Some reimbursement policies will also pay your vet directly if your vet allows payment plans. Keep in mind that many policies have a maximum annual coverage limit, after which you'll no longer be reimbursed for vet expenses.
Some pet insurance companies, like Trupanion, operate differently and pay the vet directly. However, these pet insurance policies aren't accepted everywhere. Talk to your vet before signing up for a pet insurance plan.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The average dog owner pays more than $675 a year for accident and illness coverage, while the average cat owner pays $383 per year for the same coverage, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, The amount you'll pay for pet insurance will vary based on key factors including your pet's age and breed, where you live and how high you set your deductible.
We recommend comparing quotes from different pet insurance agencies to find the best price and fit for your pet.
Is pet insurance worth the cost?
Deciding if pet insurance is worth the price tag is a personal decision for your family to make. The peace of mind that wellness and illness protection can offer may be worth the cost for you.
It's tempting to ignore pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy, but the older your pet becomes, the more expensive they can be to insure. Plus, if your pet develops a health condition before they're insured, it can be difficult -- or expensive -- to find a pet insurance plan to cover them later on.
You can also save money by purchasing accident protection in case of an expensive emergency (Lemonade, for instance, offers this for only $10 per month). If you don't decide to invest in pet insurance, building an emergency fund for your pet's vet visits can help you avoid going into debt if your pet becomes ill.
When should you get pet insurance?
The sooner you get pet insurance, the better, says Dr. Chris Konvalinka, veterinarian and senior partner at Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital in North Carolina. Konvalinka recommends pet owners begin paying for insurance early to take advantage of more affordable premiums – similar to paying for life insurance at a younger age.
"The later someone chooses to get pet insurance, the more likely a preexisting condition might not be covered," Dr. Konvalinka says. "And, like other types of insurance, you generally won't be able to get a policy after your pet has developed an illness or injury."
What should I look out for when comparing pet insurance plans?
Pet insurance is a maze of reimbursement rates, deductibles, excluded conditions and more. There's so much information that it can be really tough to figure out what you'll actually be getting in exchange for your monthly premiums.
Dr. Kanowski at PangoVet recommends reading the fine print carefully and warns pet owners to avoid automatically going with the lowest price.
"Some policies will increase their premium significantly after initially attracting you with a low-priced premium," she says. "Many companies will increase their premium once a claim has been made."
Is pet insurance tax-deductible?
No, pet insurance is not tax-deductible. It's considered a cost of owning a pet and is usually paid with post-tax dollars unless your employer offers pretax pet insurance coverage.
If you own a service animal, however, like a guide dog, the IRS lets you deduct pet insurance costs on your taxes. Therapy animal expenses are not currently tax-deductible.
Is pet insurance only for cats and dogs?
Many of the most well-known pet insurance companies only cover cats and dogs, but some insurance companies offer coverage for other pets. For example, Nationwide and Pet Assure offer insurance for birds and exotic pets.
CNET reviews insurance carriers and products by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each category. For pet insurance, we examine coverage types, starting rates, deductibles, maximum annual coverage, pets covered and availability.
For this list, we also included uncommon coverage options, including preexisting conditions, dental exams and emergency care.