Best Pet Insurance in 2026: Compare Quotes From Top Companies
Lemonade and Healthy Paws top the list of best pet insurers.
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Written byDoug Bailey
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Doug BaileySenior Content Writer
Doug Bailey is a senior content writer at Insurify. Doug is an experienced business writer having worked more than a decade as a reporter and business editor at the Boston Globe, covering financial services and the insurance industry. Most recently, Doug was a regular contributor to InsuranceNewsNet, a news and information service for the insurance and financial industry.
Doug is a native New Englander hailing from Maine and works in Insurify’s Cambridge office.
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Edited byChris Schafer
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Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Table of contents
Pet insurance helps pet owners manage the rising cost of veterinary care. Policies typically reimburse you for covered costs, such as those for accidents and illnesses. Many companies also offer optional wellness coverage for routine care.
With so many different pet insurance companies in the marketplace, the best plan for your furry friend depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health needs, as well as your budget. This article offers an in-depth look at some of the top insurers to help you decide on the best solution for you and your pet.
Quick Facts
Purebred pets may cost more to insure due to hereditary conditions.
Pre-existing conditions and routine exam fees are common policy exclusions.
Most policies reimburse you for veterinary expenses, but some can pay your vet directly.
Best pet insurance companies
The best pet insurance policy for you depends on your pet’s needs, breed, age, and your budget. Here, you can learn how leading pet insurance companies compare against one another based on key factors, including premiums, coverage options, customer reviews, and financial stability.
This comprehensive analysis uses data from Insurify’s database of more than 250,000 quotes and allows for data-backed recommendations on the best plan options for specific pet situations.
The following table summarizes Insurify’s top picks across several popular categories, using average monthly premiums from our proprietary data.
Best Company  | Category | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | Cheap coverage | $32 | $18 |
| Figo | Short waiting periods | $56 | $25 |
| Healthy Paws | Puppies/kittens | $42 | $${PET_CARRIER_HEALTHY-PAWS_CAT_NATIONAL_PRICE_AGE-YOUNG} |
| Embrace | Senior pets | $53–$65 | $11–$30 |
| MetLife | Multiple pets | $45–$50 | $18–$27 |
| Nationwide | Exotic pets | $20–$21 | $20–$21 |
Best cheap pet insurance company: Lemonade
cheap rates
Lemonade
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Lemonade is often one of the most affordable insurers for pet owners— particularly for younger pets. Policies are customizable, allowing you to choose different annual limits, reimbursement rates, and deductibles to fit your budget. Its digital platform streamlines the application and claims process.
Pros
Highly affordable
Fast, user-friendly interface via mobile app
Offers preventive care add-ons
Cons
Some coverages require add-ons
Coverage maximums may be lower than some competitors’ highest-limit plan
Not available in all U.S. states
Best for short waiting periods: Figo
short waiting periods
Figo
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Figo is a strong choice if you’re looking for coverage that kicks in as soon as possible. It offers one of the shortest waiting periods in the industry for both accidents and illnesses, which can be critical for new pet parents. Figo also offers unlimited coverage as an add-on, providing exceptional financial protection for major unexpected veterinary bills.
Pros
Short waiting period for accident and illness coverage
Unlimited annual limit options available
Highly customizable for different pet needs
Cons
Some plan combinations can cost more than lower-priced competitors
Wellness plans are only available as an add-on
Exam fees aren’t covered
Best for puppies and kittens: Healthy Paws
Puppies and kittens
Healthy Paws
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Healthy Paws provides comprehensive illness coverage with no per-incident or lifetime payout caps, making it ideal for young pets that may develop health issues or require specialized treatment later in life. Getting coverage when your pet is young is the best strategy to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions in the future.
Pros
No annual or lifetime claim payout limits
Fast claims reimbursement
Covers alternative therapies
Cons
Some plans don’t cover exam fees
No wellness or preventive care options
Limited coverage flexibility
Best for senior pets: Embrace
senior pets
Embrace
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Embrace is among the best insurers for older pets because its coverage balances pricing and broad coverage (chronic conditions, quality care). Embrace offers strong coverage options for older animals and more flexible upper age limits.[1]
Pros
Customizable coverage options
Covers curable pre-existing conditions
Features wellness and Healthy Pet rewards
Cons
Some coverages are only available as add-ons
Waiting periods and frequent orthopedic delays
Mixed customer experiences with claims
Best for multiple pets: MetLife
multiple pets
MetLife
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MetLife is an excellent option for pet parents with multiple pets, offering an easy-to-use digital platform and a multi-pet discount (family plan) for enrolling multiple pets. This can lead to substantial savings on annual premiums.
Pros
Multi-pet discount [2]
One deductible and annual coverage limit for all pets
Preventive care add-ons
Cons
Lower coverage limits
Not available in all states
Can’t customize coverage for different pets
Best for exotic pets: Nationwide
exotic pets
Nationwide
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Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance companies to offer comprehensive coverage for exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Its avian and exotic pet plans typically cover accidental injuries and illnesses, providing pet owners with financial security for veterinary care, which can be costly for specialized species.
Pros
Coverage for a wide range of exotic and avian pets
Can be used with any licensed vet, including specialists and emergency providers
Offers accident and illness protection, which is rare in the exotic pet market
Cons
May require calling for quotes for enrollment instead of a fully online process
Fewer customization choices
Pre-existing condition limitations
To determine the best pet insurance companies across various categories, we employed a rigorous data-driven methodology. Our analysis considered critical factors such as average prices, available coverage options, customer satisfaction ratings, and the insurer’s financial health.
Our findings are grounded in an analysis of more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database. This enables us to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations on the best pet insurance plan for a pet’s age, breed, and needs.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The average monthly costs of a pet insurance policy can vary significantly. Generally, dog insurance is more expensive than cat insurance. The average monthly cost for dogs is $43, and for cats, it’s $23. These prices are estimates, as several factors ultimately affect your monthly premiums.
The exact cost you’ll pay for pet insurance coverage depends on the coverage you select, including the annual limits, reimbursement rate, and deductible. Your pet’s age and breed, as well as where you live, will also play a significant role in your rates. For example, purebred pets may cost more to insure than mixed-breed pets, as purebreds are often more susceptible to hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia.
Balancing your monthly premiums with the annual coverage limit and reimbursement rate is key to finding a policy that fits your budget. You can use the comparison table below to see average costs from top companies.
| | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–100% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 50%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 50%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 50%–80% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$30,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,000–$10,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–$10,000 |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $250–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$2,500 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $250 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify users who received a pet insurance quote from our partner Fletch.
Is pet insurance worth it?
The value of pet health insurance varies significantly, but many pet parents find it worthwhile. Pet insurance offers crucial financial protection against unexpected, high veterinary care costs.
For instance, a basic emergency exam can range from $90 to $250 for the initial visit. Typical emergency care costs roughly $600–$900 before insurance, and serious emergencies or surgeries can exceed $10,000. This is particularly true for owners of expensive breeds or pets with chronic health issues.[3]
But a pet insurance plan may not be worth the monthly premiums if your older pet has several pre-existing conditions that you won’t have coverage for, or if you have a large savings fund for vet bills.
The best approach is to balance monthly premiums against the potential financial risk of a high-cost event, ensuring you have a safety net for your pet’s needs.
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What pet insurance covers
A pet insurance policy can help you pay for major, unexpected health events, including accidents, illnesses, and sometimes preventive care. The core comprehensive coverage typically includes costs for surgery, hospitalization, diagnostic testing (such as X-rays and lab work), prescription medications, and emergency veterinary visits.
Wellness components, such as vaccinations, routine care, and checkups, are typically available as an optional add-on.
If your pet is in an accident, pet insurance would cover the cost of surgery for a broken bone, but it typically wouldn’t cover the exam fees charged by the licensed vet unless you have an exam fee add-on.
For a wellness visit, the policy typically covers the cost of a routine dental cleaning if you have a wellness plan, but not a surgical procedure to remove a tumor, which falls under accident and illness coverage.
Common pet insurance coverage options fall into three tiers:
Accident-only coverage
This coverage reimburses you for treatment of injuries resulting from an accident, such as broken bones or cuts. It’s the most affordable option.
Accident and illness coverage
This is the most popular coverage type. It provides broad coverage for accidents and a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and hereditary conditions.
Wellness coverage
This is an add-on or stand-alone plan that helps cover the costs of routine and preventive care, such as annual checkups, spaying and neutering, and vaccinations.
What pet insurance doesn’t cover
All pet insurance policies have exclusions, or situations or conditions your insurance won’t cover. The most common exclusions are for pre-existing conditions, which are health issues that your pet developed or showed symptoms of before the policy started and before the waiting periods ended.
Most policies also don’t cover exam fees — a routine part of a vet visit — unless you purchase add-on coverage. Other exclusions often include waiting periods, upper age limits on new enrollments, and elective procedures such as tail docking.
Here are the most common exclusions in a pet insurance policy:
Pre-existing conditions: Illnesses or injuries present before the policy’s effective date
Breeding costs: Expenses related to pregnancy, whelping, and breeding
Neutering/spaying: Often considered routine or elective procedures unless covered by a wellness plan
How to buy the best pet insurance
You should carefully evaluate several key factors when choosing a pet insurance policy. First, consider the coverage you need, such as comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses. Next, decide whether a wellness plan add-on is appropriate for routine care. Then review the deductible options — the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage begins — as well as the reimbursement rate and annual coverage limit.
Some companies also allow you to pay the licensed vet directly, which can help you avoid paying the full vet bills up front.
You have a few straightforward ways to enroll in a pet insurance plan:
Comparison sites: Use an independent quote-comparison platform to quickly compare pet insurance quotes, coverage, and monthly cost from multiple insurers simultaneously.
Direct from the insurer: Visit pet insurance companies' websites to get quotes and enroll.
Through an agent: Some insurance agents offer pet insurance policies from various insurers as part of their comprehensive coverage offerings.
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Best pet insurance FAQs
Here, you’ll find a few frequently asked questions about pet health insurance and the coverage it provides.
What is the best pet insurance?
The best pet insurance for you depends on your pet’s age, breed, health, and more. The top companies — including Lemonade, Healthy Paws, and Figo — consistently offer competitive prices, strong comprehensive coverage, and good customer experiences for pet owners.
What is the best pet insurance that pays the vet directly?
While most policies operate on a reimbursement model, some pet insurance companies can pay your licensed vet directly. This means you don’t have to pay for large vet bills out of pocket or wait for your insurer to process your claim. Pet insurers like Trupanion, Pets Best, and Healthy Paws all offer services to pay your veterinarian directly.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The average monthly cost for pet insurance is roughly $23 for cats and $43 for dogs, according to Insurify data. But your actual monthly premiums will depend on your pet’s age and breed, your location, and the annual deductible and reimbursement rate you choose.
Which pet insurance has the best coverage?
Healthy Paws and Lemonade have some of the best coverage options, according to Insurify data. Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage with no per-incident limits, while Lemonade provides extensive and affordable comprehensive coverage with optional preventive care add-ons for your pet’s needs.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. A standard pet insurance policy won’t cover pre-existing conditions. These are illnesses or injuries your pet had before you enrolled in the plan or before the waiting periods were satisfied. That said, some companies will cover curable pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.[4]
Which pet insurance offers the best coverage for dogs?
For dogs, top insurers like Healthy Paws and MetLife are worth considering. Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage, which is key for expensive surgeries, such as for hip dysplasia, and MetLife is known for its broad accident and illness coverage.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Insurify’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of eight quotes is required for dogs and four quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
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Sources
- Embrace Insurance. "Best Pet Insurance."
- MetLife. "Best Pet Insurance."
- ASPCA. "The Real Benefits of Pet Insurance: What You Get and Why It Matters."
- Pet MD. "Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?."
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Doug BaileySenior Content Writer
Doug Bailey is a senior content writer at Insurify. Doug is an experienced business writer having worked more than a decade as a reporter and business editor at the Boston Globe, covering financial services and the insurance industry. Most recently, Doug was a regular contributor to InsuranceNewsNet, a news and information service for the insurance and financial industry.
Doug is a native New Englander hailing from Maine and works in Insurify’s Cambridge office.
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
Featured in
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.