Compare Pet Insurance Quotes and Company Plans (2024)
Comparing pet insurance quotes for dogs and cats can help you save up to 57% on your plan and find the right insurance for you and your pet.
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Written byJulia Taliesin
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Julia Taliesin is an insurance content writer at Insurify. She began her career as a journalist, covering local government and business in Somerville, Mass.
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Edited byEvelyn Pimplaskar
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10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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Updated May 21, 2024
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Table of contents
Life with a pet can be unpredictable. You never know when your furry friend will experience an illness or injury. But you can do your best to prepare with pet insurance. Pet insurance is a product — similar to other insurance products — that steps in to help pay for certain pet illnesses, injuries, and other emergencies.
Purchasing pet insurance can give you confidence you can pay for vet bills if your pet breaks a bone, swallows a toxic substance, or is diagnosed with a chronic condition. To find the right plan for you, compare pet insurance companies before making a decision.
Quick Facts
Average annual premiums for accident and illness insurance are $387 for cats and $640 for dogs.[1]
Older, larger purebred pets typically have higher premiums than smaller, younger mixed-breed animals.
When comparing pet insurance, consider the annual deductible, reimbursement limit, and reimbursement percentage.
How to compare pet insurance quotes
When shopping for pet insurance, comparing multiple companies can help you find the right coverage and save money.
1. Choose the type of coverage
Before you compare the best pet insurance companies, consider how much coverage is right for your pet. Here are the three main types of pet insurance plans:
Accident-only: This type of pet insurance covers injuries, diagnostic services, and treatments related to incidents like bite wounds and broken bones. It doesn’t cover any illnesses or preventative care.
Accident and illness: This plan covers care related to accidents and illnesses, from allergies to cancer. Most insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions or hereditary illnesses.
Wellness: This plan covers preventative care, like routine checkups, vaccinations, blood tests, and microchipping.
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Learn More: What Is Emergency Pet Insurance?
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2. Consider the cost
In addition to the type of insurance you want, another important factor is cost. You’ll have to make decisions about the following variables:
Reimbursement limit
This is the maximum amount your pet insurer will pay for a covered claim. For instance, you might have a plan with a $5,000 or $15,000 limit. You may also find plans without reimbursement limits.
Deductible
This is the amount you have to pay before your insurance kicks in and covers the rest. A higher deductible often results in a lower premium. Common deductibles range from $100 to $1,000 per year.
Reimbursement percentage
This is the percentage the pet insurance company will pay after you pay your deductible. For instance, if you choose an 80% reimbursement percentage, your insurer will pay 80% of your claim after you pay your deductible. You’re responsible for paying the other 20%. Common reimbursement levels range from 70% to 90%. And some companies offer 100% reimbursements.
3. Compare pet insurance quotes
You’re already thinking about coverage and average costs, so here’s more information to look for to find the right pet insurance company for your needs and budget.
Read pet insurance reviews to assess things like a company’s customer service and claims process.
Evaluate the monthly premium versus the deductible or reimbursement rate to ensure you choose a plan with out-of-pocket expenses you can afford.
Consider your pet’s age, breed, and size since premiums can vary based on these details.
Look for discounts. Your employer may offer a discounted rate, and some insurers offer discounts for multi-pet policies to help you save.
Weigh coverage details and waiting periods. Insuring your pet early will get you better rates and more coverage; waiting periods can last 10–30 days.
Using a quote-comparison site is the best way for pet parents to compare multiple insurers and find the best and most affordable pet insurance.
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How Much Is Pet Insurance in 2024?
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How pet insurance works
Pet insurance can provide pet owners with the peace of mind that they can cover their pet’s healthcare costs in case of an unexpected injury or illness.
You can usually choose to pay your pet insurance premium monthly or on a yearly basis. Often, companies will offer a discount if you pay annually.
With pet insurance, when your pet is sick or injured, you can take it to the vet to get treatment for a covered condition. Typically, you pay the vet bill and then submit your claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. The amount your pet insurance plan reimburses you depends on your reimbursement percentage, annual coverage limit, and deductible.
Types of pet insurance coverage
Before you purchase pet insurance, think about the type of coverage you want for your pet. Consider your pet’s age, if it has a pre-existing health condition, or if it’s prone to hereditary conditions.
Accident and illness plan
Accident and illness coverage is one of the most popular types of pet insurance plans. This type of policy helps you pay for many of the injuries your pet could sustain, including:
Bite wounds
Broken bones
Cuts and lacerations
Car impacts
Ingested toxins
Swallowed objects
Torn ligaments
Many plans also cover diagnostic services and treatments, including:
Blood work
Hospitalization
Prescription medications
MRIs
Surgery
Sutures
Ultrasounds
X-rays
Illness insurance provides coverage for a variety of major and minor illnesses, which could include:
Allergies
Arthritis
Cancer
Ear infections
Epilepsy
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Insurance companies can vary on what they consider an accident or illness, so it’s important to carefully compare quotes and coverages on pet insurance policies.
Accident-only plan
An accident-only plan covers the same injuries, diagnostic services, and treatments as an accident and illness plan but doesn’t cover your pet if it gets a minor or major illness.
This type of plan usually won’t cover any pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, preventive care, or dental illnesses. Accident-only insurance is often a good choice if you’re on a tighter budget and want some protection but can’t afford a more comprehensive plan.
Wellness plan
Most accident and illness insurance plans don’t cover preventative care. This is where a wellness plan comes in. Some pet insurance companies offer a wellness plan as an add-on to a pet insurance policy. A wellness plan can cover the following:
Blood tests
Fecal tests
Microchipping
Routine checkups
Urinalysis
Vaccinations
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Learn More: Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?
Compare the best pet insurance companies
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Cost for Dogs ▲▼ | Average Monthly Cost for Cats ▲▼ | Annual Limit ▲▼ | Reimbursement Options ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ManyPets | $21 | $13 | Unlimited | 70%, 80% |
| Pets Best | $30 | $20 | $5,000 or Unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Figo | $32 | $16 | $5,000 to Unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% |
| Nationwide | $33 | $15 | $5,000 or Unlimited | 50%, 70%, 80% |
| AKC | $33 | $22 | $2,500 to Unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Embrace | $43 | $34 | $5,000 to Unlimited | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Insurify analyzed quotes from each insurer to find the best pet insurance companies. We requested quotes for a 2-year-old mixed breed, medium-sized male dog and a 2-year-old American shorthair female cat. Quotes were for accident and illness coverage with 80% reimbursement, a $500 deductible, and $5,000 or more in annual coverage.
We also researched each pet insurance company’s coverage options, deductible options, discounts, pets covered, waiting period, and customer reviews.
Embrace: Best for discounts
Average monthly quote for dogs: $43
Average monthly quote for cats: $34
Embrace pet insurance offers various pet plans for dogs and cats, including full coverage, dental illness, and preventative wellness plans. You can take advantage of a 10% multi-pet discount and a 5% military discount.
Pros
You can use any vet
Unlimited reimbursement available
24/7 pet helpline
Cons
Age limits may apply
No pre-existing conditions coverage
Charges $25 enrollment fee
With Embrace, you can visit any vet or use its Paw Support telehealth line, which is available to customers 24/7. Embrace also offers overall exam fee coverage, which isn’t always included with other pet insurance companies.
Plans available:
Illness and conditions
Accidents and injuries
Dental
Prescriptions
Wellness
Pets Best: Best for low deductible
Average monthly quote for dogs: $30
Average monthly quote for cats: $20
Pets Best offers several ways to customize your pet’s coverage options. Insurance is available for dogs and cats older than 7 weeks, with no upper age limits. Pets Best allows you to use your own veterinarian with insurance accepted at any licensed vet office in the U.S. and Canada.
Pros
Accepted at any vet office in the U.S. and Canada
No upper age limits
Offers unlimited coverage
Cons
No pre-existing condition coverage
Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions
Essential package doesn’t cover exam fees
With a range of deductibles starting as low as $50, you can find an option that fits your budget. If you have multiple pets to insure, you may qualify for a 5% multi-pet discount.
Plans available:
Dog and puppy insurance
Cat and kitten insurance
Pet wellness plans
Optional accident and illness exam fee coverage
Nationwide: Best for exotic pet coverage
Average monthly quote for dogs: $33
Average monthly quote for cats: $15
Nationwide offers pet insurance for dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Exotic animal coverage includes birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Some exotic pets are not eligible for coverage, including venomous or poisonous species, endangered or threatened species, and others. Monthly premiums for exotic pets start at less than $21 per month.
Pros
Exotic pet insurance
No upper age limits
Visit any licensed vet in the U.S.
Cons
No pre-existing condition coverage
Only offers coverage of up to 80%
14-day waiting period
With Nationwide, you can use your coverage at any licensed vet in the U.S. If you have multiple pets, you may qualify for a 5% discount.
Plans available:
Accident
Illness
Wellness
Figo: Best for full reimbursement coverage
Average monthly quote for dogs: $32
Average monthly quote for cats: $16
Figo offers pet insurance for dogs and cats that are at least 8 weeks old, with no upper age limits. With Figo, you can visit any licensed vet office worldwide. Figo offers various customizable plans to best fit your needs. Some plans even offer 100% reimbursement coverage.
Pros
Some plans offer 100% reimbursement
Customizable plans
Some coverage for pre-existing curable conditions
Cons
Six-month waiting period for orthopedic problems
Enrollment fee
No accident-only plan
Like most pet insurance companies, Figo doesn’t offer pre-existing condition coverage. You can still insure your pet with Figo if it has a pre-existing condition, but coverage won’t include the condition.
Plans available:
Accident and illness
Wellness coverage
Veterinary exam fees
AKC: Best for pre-existing condition coverage
Average monthly quote for dogs: $33
Average monthly quote for cats: $22
AKC Pet Insurance has provided pet insurance since 2003. It’s the exclusive pet insurance partner of the American Kennel Club, which is the world’s largest dog registry.
Pros
Pre-existing coverage after 365 days of continuous coverage (in most states)
Free 30-day trial
24/7 vet helpline
Cons
Limited coverage options for pets age 9 and older
Monthly service fee
Additional coverage required for hereditary and congenital conditions
With AKC insurance, you can visit any licensed vet, specialist, or emergency clinic in the U.S. or Canada. AKC offers 24/7 veterinary support and is one of the few pet insurance companies that offer pre-existing condition coverage after 365 days of continuous coverage in eligible states. AKC also offers coverage for eligible hereditary conditions, provided you added HereditaryPlus to your policy.
Plans available:
Accident and illness
Accident only
Wellness options
Exam coverage
Hereditary conditions coverage
Breeding coverage
Final respects coverage
ManyPets: Best for low monthly rates
Average monthly quote for dogs: $21
Average monthly quote for cats: $13
ManyPets got its start in 2012 in the United Kingdom. Since this time, the company has expanded into Sweden and the U.S.
Pros
No networks, no restrictions
Covers pre-existing conditions if symptom- and treatment-free for 18 months
No annual or lifetime limits on payouts
Cons
Requires 18 months of medical records
No accident-only plan
Not available in Idaho
With ManyPets coverage, you can visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the U.S. ManyPets provides new insurance policies for kittens, puppies, and older dogs and cats up to age 14 with no additional fees. If your pet was insured before age 14, there’s no age limit as long as you’ve maintained your insurance and routine care.
Plans available:
Accident and Illness
Wellness
Find Health Coverage for Your Best Friend
Find savings and discounts when you compare quotes
How insurers calculate pet insurance costs
The cost of pet insurance can vary widely among companies based on a number of factors, including:
Type of animal
Age
Breed
Hereditary conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions
Location
Annual deductible
Add-ons
Cat insurance is typically cheaper than dog insurance. The most recent statistics from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reveal the average annual insurance premiums for accident and illness insurance are $387 for cats and $640 for dogs.[1]
Older pets are usually more expensive to insure than younger pets because, like in humans, the risk of illness increases with age. Insurance for mixed-breed pets is also typically cheaper than for purebreds, as mixed-breeds tend to suffer from fewer inherited conditions. Larger breeds often have higher premiums because it costs more to treat them than smaller breeds.
Where you live can also affect the cost of your premiums. Pet owners in urban areas can expect to pay higher costs because running vet practices in urban areas is generally more expensive than in rural areas.[2]
To find the best coverage and price possible compare multiple pet insurance quotes before buying a policy.
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Keep Reading: How to Get Pet Insurance With No Waiting Period
Pet insurance FAQs
Learn about reducing pet insurance costs in Insurify’s guide. Here are some answers to common questions about pet insurance.
How do pet insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is a health condition that existed before the start of your pet insurance coverage. Many pet insurance companies require a veterinary examination or request medical records before providing coverage.
When should you get your dog or cat pet insurance?
Many pet owners should aim to get pet insurance within the first six months of getting their pet. Since many pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, you may want to get it early to avoid paying more.
What’s the best pet insurance?
Some of the best pet insurance companies are Figo, ManyPets, Embrace, and Nationwide. But the best insurance for you depends on striking a balance between your pet’s specific needs and a company that offers you the best value. Comparing top pet insurance companies will help you find the right coverage at the best price.
How much is pet insurance?
The cost of pet insurance is an average of $53 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats. But your cost will vary among companies and by several factors, including your pet’s age, breed, location, species, and more.
What is the most cost-effective pet insurance?
The most cost-effective pet insurance for you depends on your pet, chosen coverage, and budget. For example, though ManyPets has the cheapest average rates, Figo is one of our top picks for a cost-effective insurer, given it reimburses up to 100%, has deductibles as low as $100, and offers unlimited annual coverage.
What are the three types of pet insurance?
The three types of coverage are accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness. Accident and illness plans are the most popular but don’t cover routine care. Wellness plans cover regular checkups, microchipping, vaccinations, and more. Consider your pet’s health issues and any chronic conditions when comparing pet insurance to find the best policy for you.
Methodology
Quoted rates reflect the average cost for a 2-year-old, male, medium, mixed-breed dog and a 2-year-old, female American shorthair cat.
Insurify collected quote data for the following policy details:
Type: Accident and Illness
Reimbursement limit: $15,000
Deductible: $500
Reimbursement percentage: 80%
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Sources
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "State of the Industry Report: 2023 Highlights."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
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Julia TaliesinInsurance Content Writer
Julia Taliesin is an insurance content writer at Insurify. She began her career as a journalist, covering local government and business in Somerville, Mass. She reported multiple investigative stories about municipal finances and budget allocation, building development and inspection, and personnel. When the pandemic began she became a de facto public health reporter, writing daily and weekly reports using available data to quickly communicate rates of infection and city response.
She's worked for print and digital outlets, writing everything from quick-hit breaking news to long-form community features. More recently, Julia managed content strategy at a startup creating a social platform for licensed nurses, overseeing a team of nurse freelancers and editing interview transcripts and news articles for publication.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in communications from Simmons University, with a focus in journalism. Outside of work, Julia enjoys working on crafting projects, learning about homesteading, and singing in cover bands.
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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