Best Pet Insurance

We compare pet insurance coverage from Figo, Nationwide, Healthy Paws, and more.
Best overall
Figo Pet Insurance
Figo
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    70%–100% coverage
  • con
    Direct-to-vet pay not available
  • pro
    Covers cured congenital conditions
Best for puppies and kittens
trupanion pet insurance
Trupanion
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    90% coverage
  • pro
    Direct pay available
  • pro
    Covers hip dysplasia
Best for budgets
Lemonade
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    70%–90% coverage
  • con
    Direct-to-vet pay not available
  • pro
    Short waiting periods
Best for same-day accident coverage
MetLife
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    70%–90% coverage
  • con
    Direct-to-vet pay not available
  • pro
    Short waiting periods
Best for preventative care
embrace pet insurance
Embrace
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
  • pro
    70%–90% coverage
  • con
    Direct-to-vet pay not available
  • pro
    Preventable conditions covered

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

Since many of us consider our animal companions family, it's no surprise that more than three million pets in the United States are covered by pet health insurance.1 We reviewed pet insurance companies on what matters to pet parents, such as coverage for preexisting conditions, waiting periods, and annual deductibles—pet insurance premiums are a bit harder to research since they vary so much.

Figo came out as top dog with three levels of insurance coverage that offer comprehensive pet insurance. Figo not only covers vet exam fees for injuries and accidents but also waives your copays for lifesaving treatments. Figo pet insurance plans also don’t exclude hip dysplasia, a common congenital condition for large breed dogs.

We also loved Figo’s cloud-based approach to storing your pet’s medical records and the way it uses the latest technology to coordinate reimbursing claims. All of these perks let pet owners stop worrying about the cost of vet bills and start focusing on helping pets enjoy a better quality of life.



Compare the best pet insurance plans

Plan
Best for
Price bullet
Deductible
(term) bullet
Payment method
Unlimited payout available bullet
Learn more
Best overall $100–$750
(annual)
Owner reimbursement
bulletOn top tier
Best for dogs $0–$1,000
(per condition,
lifetime)
Owner reimbursement, direct to vet
bulletYes
Best for budgets $100–$500
(annual)
Owner reimbursement
bulletUp to $100,000/yr.
Best for same-day accident coverage $50–$500
(annual)
Owner reimbursement
bulletNo—up to $10,000/yr. only
Best for preventative care$100–$1,000
(annual)
Owner reimbursement
bulletOn top tier
Best for exotic pets $250
(per condition,
annual)
Owner reimbursement
bulletOn top tier
Best for cats$100–$1,000
(annual)
Owner reimbursement, direct to vet
bulletYes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

Reviews: Best pet insurance

1. Figo: Best overall

Best overall
Figo Pet Insurance
Figo
4 out of 5 stars
4
Price varies

Figo Pet Insurance has a broad range of pet insurance plans and is one of the only pet insurance companies that offers up to 100% reimbursement based on the vet bill you receive.

pro
Pros
pro Choose up to 100% reimbursement
pro Exam fees covered (higher-tier plans)
pro No copay for life-saving care
pro Cloud-based pet healthcare management
con
Cons
con Higher premiums for standard plan
con Up to 30 days for reimbursement
con No wellness care coverage

Figo has three plans, each with a different annual deductible. No matter which plan you choose, Figo waives the copay in the event your pet needs life-saving treatment.

Figo also offers cloud-based, paperless medical records, with automatic reminders for immunizations and streamlined reimbursements. Figo’s pet cloud even has geolocation in case your microchipped furry friend goes missing.

Figo has a relatively short waiting period until coverage kicks in and a wide range of discounts available for service pets, military and veteran animals, and adopted shelter pets. And as long as your dog’s congenital or preexisting condition has been cured for 12 months, they won’t be excluded from coverage.

You’ll also be impressed with Figo’s exceptional customer service and stellar industry reputation. Figo does have higher priced premiums for basic coverage, a 30-day reimbursement turn around, and no wellness care coverage. But given all the perks your tail-wagger will receive, Figo premiums pack exceptional value.

2. Trupanion: Best for puppies & kittens

Best for puppies & kittens
trupanion pet insurance
Trupanion
4 out of 5 stars
4
Price varies

Trupanion boasts a couple advantages that are particularly useful for dog parents. It gets a big paws up for being the only pet insurance company on our list that can directly pay your veterinarian when you submit veterinary bills through their online portal.

pro
Pros
pro Lifetime deductible per condition
pro Direct payments to your vet
pro 90% reimbursement
pro No lifetime or annual limits
con
Cons
con No wellness or preventive care
con No coverage for exam fees
con Higher premiums

This pet insurance company also has a unique deductible that lets you pay a lifetime amount per condition. Once your deductible is met, Trupanion coverage will kick in for the rest of your dog’s life. This can be particularly useful for dog breeds prone to chronic conditions like allergies or hip dysplasia. 

Trupanion offers only one plan, but it pays 90% of eligible expenses with no lifetime or annual limits. However, exam fees and preventative care aren’t eligible for reimbursement.

While Trupanion has slightly higher premiums, you’ll save in the long run if you have a young pup or a purebred dog prone to certain conditions that require regular treatment.

Read more in our full Trupanion review.

3. Lemonade Pet Insurance: Best for budgets

Best for budgets
Lemonade
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Price varies

When we compared pet insurance quotes from the top 10 companies, Lemonade consistently provided the most affordable rates. In fact, Lemonade's quotes represented savings of up to 66% when compared to other pet insurance policies for the same pet, deductible terms, co-insurance, and payout limits. 

pro
Pros
pro Unlimited payout options
pro Direct payments to your vet
pro 70%–90% reimbursement
pro Low deductibles
pro 2-day waiting period for accidents
pro Plenty of optional add-ons
pro Coverage for cured congenital diseases
con
Cons
con Upper age limits for enrollment
con No coverage for prescription diet
con Limited alternative therapy coverage

Lemonade's core pet insurance policy covers prescription medication, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, non-elective surgeries, and treatments for conditions like hip dysplasia, cancer, and diabetes. There's also a variety of optional riders to choose from, including a wellness cash-back plan and end-of-life coverage. 

The only catch? Lemonade pet insurance is not available in these states:

  • Alaska
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Read more in our full Lemonade review.

4. MetLife Pet Insurance: Best for same-day accident coverage

Best for short waiting periods
MetLife
4 out of 5 stars
4
Price varies

With MetLife pet insurance—formerly known as PetFirst—accident and wellness coverage goes into immediate effect the day you purchase the policy. This same-day coverage is rare among pet insurance companies. (Illnesses aren't covered until 14-days after purchasing the policy.)

pro
Pros
pro 70%–90% reimbursement
pro Low deductibles
pro No waiting period for accidents or wellness
pro Plenty of optional add-ons
pro No upper age limit for enrollment
pro Exam fee coverage
pro Low deductibles
pro Claims processed within 2 weeks
pro Some exotic pets covered
con
Cons
con No direct-to-vet payment
con Limited coverage for prescription diets

There's plenty more to love about MetLife thanks to its affordable deductibles ($50 to $500) and thorough coverage. MetLife also offers outstanding discounts for two- or three-pet families. Active military members, veterans, healthcare workers, and animal care workers also get discounted MetLife pet insurance policies.

5. Embrace Pet Insurance: Best for preventative care

Best for preventative care
embrace pet insurance
Embrace
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Price varies

When it comes to healthcare, prevention is half the battle and our furry companions are no different. Embrace is a great option for preventative health insurance.

And if you want pet healthcare coverage that includes a wellness plan, Embrace should top your list. Embrace even offers wellness rewards accounts that are like flex spending for your pet with perks you can put toward nail trims and dental cleanings.

pro
Pros
pro 70%–90% reimbursement
pro Covers pets as young as 6 weeks
pro Exam fee coverage
pro Claims processed within 3 weeks
pro 10% multi-pet discount
pro International coverage
con
Cons
con No direct-to-vet payment
con Vet exam required for enrollment
con Pets 15+ years limited to accident-only enrollment

6. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Best for exotic pets

Best for exotic pets
Nationwide
Nationwide
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Price varies

If it slithers, flies, or creeps, Nationwide probably has a pet insurance plan to cover it. Nationwide has the best breed variety coverage on this list, offering plans specifically designed for exotic pets like birds, lizards, snakes, and even potbellied pigs.

Nationwide Pet Insurance covers examinations, lab fees, prescriptions, X-rays, and hospitalizations for 23 different kinds of animals, including dogs and cats.

7. Healthy Paws: Best for cats

Best for cats

Healthy Paws keeps it simple for furry friends of both the canine and feline persuasion with one unlimited plan. And Healthy Paws insurance plans do exactly what they state with unlimited lifetime benefits once you meet your annual deductible.

pro
Pros
pro Unlimited lifetime benefits
pro Top-rated cat insurance
pro Great customer service
pro Fast claims processing
con
Cons
con Poor hip dysplasia coverage
con Longer waiting period
con Vet exam required for enrollment

Healthy Paws boasts awards as the best-rated cat insurance for the past several years. However, the significant limitations on hip dysplasia make Healthy Paws an unattractive choice for dog owners, especially those with large breeds.

Despite the limitations on common dog conditions, this pet insurance company has a excellent industry reputation and solid customer service ratings. Healthy Paws also provides fast claims processing with about a two-day turnaround for most reimbursements.

While there is a longer initial waiting period after enrollment compared to other pet insurance providers, we think you’ll find the comprehensive coverage from Healthy Paws worth the wait. 

8. Pets Best: Direct-to-vet alternative

Direct-to-vet alternative
PetsBest logo
Pets Best
4 out of 5 stars
4
Price varies

While we weren't impressed with Pets Best's coverage options, it's still one of the only pet insurance companies with a direct-to-vet payment option, which is ideal for people on a budget. Plus, Pets Best processes claims in about 2 weeks on average, which your vet will appreciate. 

pro
Pros
pro 70%–90% reimbursement
pro Unlimited lifetime benefits
pro Direct-to-vet payment option
pro No upper age limits for enrollment
pro Covers pets as young as 7 weeks
pro 5% multi-pet discount
con
Cons
con No wellness plan
con No prescription diet coverage
con Prescription medicine coverage requires add-on
con Transaction fees

You'll wait just three days for accident coverage and 14 days for illness coverage with a new Pets Best policy. But read the fine print extra carefully with this company—lots of things aren't covered, including prescription diets and cremation. Add-ons are available for anything other than basic coverage, but Pets Best is one of the few pet insurance companies without a wellness plan. 

When we conducted our pet insurance cost research, Pets Best came back with some of the most affordable cat insurance quotes. But overall, we think other pet companies offer better coverage and perks. Pets Best is worth looking into if you want direct-to-vet payments, but that's about it. 

9. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Best equine bundle

Best equine bundle

If your four-legged family includes horses, consider ASPCA Pet Health Insurance—the only option we found that covers dogs, cats, and horses. 

That said, the online quote portal doesn't seem to work for horses. You'll have to call to get an accurate quote.

pro
Pros
pro Colic coverage
pro Accident coverage
pro Optional illness coverage
pro Optional preventative plan
pro Visit any vet
con
Cons
con Must call for an equine quote

The ASPCA's equine insurance plans cover colic care and surgery regardless of cause, plus accident-related care like cuts, poisoning, and hoof abscesses. You can upgrade to illness coverage to get reimbursed for cancer treatment, among other illnesses. There's also an optional preventative plan that offers limited reimbursement for teeth floating, vaccinations, and annual exams. 

When it comes to dogs and cats, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers impressive benefits. Pets are covered as young as 8 weeks and there's no upper age limit. Exam fees, microchipping, prescription medicine, physical therapy, behavior treatment, alternative therapies, and end-of-life services are all covered. Cured congenital diseases are also covered, except for ligament injuries.

Dog and cat deductibles range from $100 to $500, and the plans cover 70% to 90% of eligible expenses. Quotes for ASPCA pet insurance ran on the high side when we conducted cost research, but you do get thorough coverage. 

Things to consider before buying pet health insurance

Age and breed

The cost of your pet insurance policy is going to depend on a few variables, but the most significant will be the age and breed of your pet. Just like people, older animals are prone to more serious health problems and cost more to insure. Certain dog breeds can also have high incidents of chronic conditions that mean a lifetime of prescription medications and recurring surgeries. Shop around to find the best rate, but be aware that some pets are more expensive to insure than others.

Preexisting and congenital conditions

If your dog or cat has a preexisting condition, they can probably still get coverage, but any costs associated with that condition will not be covered by pet insurance. Look for policies that have exceptions for congenital conditions that have been cured for a certain time period and dig into what you’ll have to provide to prove your pet is in good health.

Deductibles and premiums

As with most pet insurance costs, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium and vice versa. Look to strike a balance between a monthly payment you can afford and an annual deductible that won’t break the bank when an accident or illness occurs. Monthly premiums and deductibles can also vary considerably depending on the rate of reimbursement you select.

Wellness and preventive care

While it’s not standard in most pet insurance policies, wellness and preventative care is a key factor in controlling costs and keeping your pet healthy. If you’re caring for a young dog or cat you expect to be a lifetime companion, paying a bit more for wellness coverage from an insurance provider may reap dividends through a longer and better quality of life for your pet.

Pet insurance FAQs

When it comes to whether you’ll pay more with or without pet insurance in the long run, the short answer is that it depends. For certain pets, you’ll pay more in monthly premiums than you’ll incur in medical costs and vet bills.

Younger, healthier pets tend to be relatively inexpensive to insure and if they end up with chronic conditions later in life, insurance will have been a fabulous investment.

Read more: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Your monthly premium for pet insurance will depend on the kind of coverage you have and other factors like age, breed, gender, and location.

Average comprehensive accident and illness coverage premiums:2

  • Dogs: $49.51
  • Cats: $28.48

Average accident-only coverage premiums:2

  • Dogs: $18.17
  • Cats: $11.13

Read more: How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

No pet insurance plans cover costs associated with preexisting conditions. However, many insurance plans will agree to cover your pet for other health costs and concerns if a congenital condition has been cured for at least a year.

If your pet has a preexisting condition like allergies or hip dysplasia, it pays to shop around.

Read more:

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip bone doesn’t sit fully within the hip socket, leading it to become dislocated more easily. This is a condition that is common in dogs and is usually a birth defect, specifically in larger dog breeds like mastiffs, retrievers, and St. Bernards.

Pet Assure is not a pet insurance plan but a discount plan for pet owners who sign up and go to network providers to receive discounted veterinary care. It includes a wide variety of services such as dental cleanings, spay and neutering, and even vaccinations.

Chewy's CarePlus Pet Insurance & Wellness program is just Trupanion under a different label. Chewy adds to Trupanion's value by offering a free tele-vet service for insurance customers. Otherwise, the terms and conditions are virtually identical. 

How we reviewed the best pet insurance plans

As pet parents, we appreciate that pets are family, so we approached finding the best pet insurance plans with that in mind. We screened for the best pet insurance companies that were widely available across the United States with solid reputations via Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.

Using expert advice about coverage and deductibles, we worked to find not just the best value but the best care for your animal companion. Want to bite off more than you can chew? You can find our full methodology here.

Related articles on SafeWise


Sources

  1. North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of The Industry Report 2021,
    "Section #2: Total Pets Insured," May 2021. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
  2. North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of The Industry Report 2021,
    "Section #3: Average Premiums," May 2021. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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