Best Pet Insurance for Dogs (2025)
Spot, Pets Best, and Lemonade are a few of the best dog insurance companies.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Edited byBecky Helzer
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Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, 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
If you’re a dog owner, pet insurance is worth exploring. For example, an emergency vet visit can cost between $96 and $236, according to CareCredit. With a pet insurance policy, you can reduce costly out-of-pocket vet bills and ensure your dog gets the care it needs.
Here’s what you should know about pet insurance for dogs, including how to compare pet insurance quotes from multiple insurers to find the right coverage for your furry companion.
Quick Facts
Figo, Pets Best, and Trupanion are three of the best and cheapest pet insurance companies for dogs.
Similar to human health insurance, pet insurance can have a deductible that you must pay out of pocket before the insurance begins to pay.
Pet insurance typically includes coverage for accidents and unexpected illnesses, while a pet wellness plan can help with the cost of preventive care, including annual wellness exams.
Best pet insurance for dogs
The ideal pet insurance depends on your dog’s needs, although some pet insurance companies consistently rank at the top. To find these insurers, we analyzed coverage options, premiums, third-party reviews, and customer reviews.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | $30 |
| Pets Best | $39 |
| Spot | $41 |
| Figo | $68 |
Spot: Best for unlimited coverage
Average monthly quote: $92
Spot offers accident-only pet insurance plans and accident and illness plans. If you choose the accident and illness plan, you’ll receive coverage for your dog’s vet exam fees, dental illnesses, and alternative therapies, like acupuncture. Spot has an unlimited annual plan and doesn’t have per-incident or lifetime caps on coverage.
Pros
Annual unlimited coverage option
Covers some care other pet insurers don’t, like alternative therapies
You can visit any licensed vet in the U.S.
Cons
Doesn’t offer as many discounts as other insurers
Requires a 14-day waiting period for coverage
Your premiums will increase as your pet ages
Trupanion: Best for fast reimbursement
Average monthly quote: $63
Trupanion provides coverage for all dog breeds. The company provides extensive coverage that includes hereditary conditions, unidentified issues, and congenital issues developed before birth. Trupanion doesn’t have caps on insurance payouts, and the company pays your claims for vet bills as soon as you submit them.
Pros
No caps on insurance payouts
Won’t raise your premiums as your pet ages
Instant claim payouts
Cons
Doesn’t pay for exam fees
Doesn’t offer a wellness plan add-on
More expensive than some other insurers
Lemonade: Best for puppies
Average monthly quote: $36
Lemonade is the best option for puppy insurance, thanks to the company’s preventative care package. This plan covers procedures like spaying and neutering, microchipping, and certain vaccines and boosters. And you can use coverage for visits at any licensed veterinarian office in the United States.
Pros
Offers a preventative care package for puppies
Known for processing claims quickly
Offers a 5% multi-pet discount if you purchase dog and cat insurance together
Cons
Available in only 22 states and the District of Columbia
Costs extra for acupuncture or chiropractic care
Six-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments
Pets Best: Best for routine care coverage
Average monthly quote: $82
When you sign up for Pets Best, you can choose between accident-only coverage and accident and illness coverage. You also have the option to add routine care coverage, which pays for annual checkups and routine vaccinations. The company’s claims process is fairly simple, and you can sign up for direct deposit to receive your reimbursements faster.
Pros
You can choose an accident-only plan to save money
Can reimburse your vet directly
Routine care available for annual checkups and vaccinations
Cons
Rates increase as your dog ages
Doesn’t cover food or supplements
Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Figo: Best for pre-existing conditions
Average monthly quote: $69
Figo is one of the only pet insurance companies that may offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. To qualify, pets must be symptom-free within 12 months of treatment. Figo is also one of the few pet insurers that offer a 100% reimbursement option.
Pros
May cover curable pre-existing conditions
No per-incident caps
Up to 100% reimbursement on certain plans
Cons
Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan
Coverage for exam fees available at an added cost
Six-month waiting period for orthopedic problems, like hip dysplasia
Compare pet insurance companies
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. 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. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–100% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–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–Unlimited | 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 |
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. $0 to $950 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 | 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 |
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 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.
To identify the best pet insurance companies for dogs, Insurify’s writers and editors sought sample quotes from each insurer for a medium-sized 2-year-old male mixed-breed dog living in Hartford, Connecticut. 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 available coverage options, deductible options, discounts, pets covered, waiting period, and customer reviews.
How pet insurance works
Pet insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind, helping dog owners manage veterinary expenses and give their dogs the care they need. Like human health insurance, pet insurance involves paying a monthly premium in exchange for a certain level of coverage, though most plans have exclusions.
You’ll typically have an annual deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before your policy covers any expenses. Pet insurance plans also have a waiting period, which is the time before your coverage begins.
Once your waiting period ends, your pet insurer will reimburse you for a covered claim based on your chosen reimbursement rate, no matter which vet you visit. While most pet insurance companies operate on a reimbursement model, some offer the option to pay your vet directly.
Dog owners have many insurance options. While it might be tempting to go with the first company you research, comparing plans helps you find the best coverage for your pet.
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Types of pet insurance coverage for dogs
Pet insurance for dogs includes three main types: accident-only coverage, accident and illness coverage, and wellness coverage. Since each coverage type caters to specific needs and budgets, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all three.
Accident-only coverage
An accident-only plan covers medical expenses only for injuries caused by accidents. It usually pays to treat broken bones, bite wounds, foreign object ingestion, poisoning, and injuries from car accidents. It won’t reimburse you for any expenses related to illnesses and pre-existing conditions. Dog owners pay an average of $16 per month for accident-only coverage.
Accident and illness coverage
Accident and illness policies are the most common type of pet insurance, offering the most comprehensive coverage for your dog. These plans cover treatment for diseases, cancer, and infections and may reimburse you for diagnostic procedures, lab tests, X-rays, surgery, and hospitalizations.
It’s important to note that this type of insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, dental exams, and routine care services (like wellness exams and vaccinations). On average, accident and illness coverage for dogs costs $63 per month, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.[1]
Wellness coverage
Insurers usually offer wellness plans as an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy. These plans help pay for preventive care and routine services, like wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, blood work, and flea and heartworm prevention.
Unlike accident-only and accident and illness pet insurance, wellness plans don’t usually have deductibles. Instead, they reimburse up to a set maximum amount. Monthly costs for wellness coverage for dogs typically range between $10 and $65, depending on the coverage level.
Cost of pet insurance for dogs
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs is $43 per month. But your exact premium will depend on several factors, including your location, your dog’s age and breed, its medical status, the type of policy you choose, your desired deductible and reimbursement rate, and more.[2]
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the average cost of pet insurance for several popular dog breeds.
Average pet insurance costs for top dog breeds
Pet insurance premiums for dogs vary significantly by age and breed. The chart below shows a breakdown of average insurance costs by age for 10 different breeds.
Breed | Cost to Insure a Puppy | Cost to Insure an Adult Dog | Cost to Insure a Senior Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| French bulldog | $68 | $80 | $181 |
| Labrador retriever | $64 | $74 | $169 |
| Golden retriever | $54 | $63 | $142 |
| German shepherd | $49 | $57 | $130 |
| Goldendoodle | $36 | $41 | $94 |
| Dachshund | $55 | $64 | $145 |
| Shih Tzu | $49 | $57 | $130 |
| Rottweiler | $80 | $94 | $212 |
| Pit bull | $68 | $80 | $181 |
| Chihuahua | $47 | $55 | $125 |
Factors that affect cost
Several factors affect how much you pay for dog insurance.[3] These include:
Location
Where you live affects your pet insurance costs due to local vet care expenses and cost of living.
Plan type
Most pet insurance companies let you choose between an accident-only plan and an accident and illness policy. Some also offer wellness coverage as an add-on. Accident-only plans are cheaper than accident and illness plans.
Reimbursement limit
This is the maximum amount a pet insurance company will reimburse you for covered vet bills in one contract year. Plans with unlimited coverage are more expensive.
Deductible
The higher the deductible, the less you’ll spend on pet insurance. Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase your out-of-pocket costs after a claim.
Dog breed
Some dog breeds — French bulldogs, for example — are more susceptible to illnesses than others. Your dog’s breed and predisposition to illness affect your pet insurance premiums. Also, mixed breeds are typically less expensive to insure than purebreds because they aren’t as likely to inherit breed-specific issues.
Dog age
Puppies are usually cheaper to insure than older dogs, which may have chronic conditions. Most insurers allow you to buy coverage when your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old.
Pre-existing conditions
Pet insurers typically don’t cover pre-existing conditions, which are health issues that began before your policy started. Some companies will also charge more to cover a dog with a pre-existing condition.
Ways to save on pet insurance costs
Follow these tips to get the best price on pet insurance for your furry friend:[4]
Get several quotes. Pet insurance companies aren’t all the same. Shop around and compare pet insurance quotes from at least three different insurers.
Choose an accident-only policy. An accident-only plan is the cheapest option. It’s a good choice if your dog is healthy and you want coverage only for unexpected injuries.
Increase your deductible. If you have savings or some wiggle room in your budget, it may make sense to pick a $1,000 or $1,500 deductible instead of a $500 deductible.
Leverage discounts. Many pet insurance companies offer discounts to help policyholders save on coverage. Ask about a multi-pet discount, auto-pay discount, or loyalty discount.
Don’t wait to lock in coverage. The earlier you buy insurance, the cheaper your premiums will be. Since older dogs are more prone to illness, pet insurers typically offer the lowest rates for puppies and younger dogs.
How to choose the right pet insurance for your dog
The best pet insurance policy depends on your specific situation. The following steps can help you make the best decision.
1. Assess your dog’s needs
First, consider your dog’s overall health. An accident-only plan might be enough if your pet is young and healthy. If you have an older dog with age-related health issues, though, you may be better off with more comprehensive coverage through an accident and illness policy.
Talk to your vet about breed-specific health risks if you have a purebred dog. Finally, consider your dog’s lifestyle and activity level to determine the best coverage option for your furry friend.
2. Consider your budget
Look closely at your budget to see what you can realistically afford. Your goal should be to find a good balance between monthly premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs. You might choose a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate if you have savings.
If you know you can’t easily cover an unexpected vet bill, consider a lower deductible and higher reimbursement rate. It’s also a good idea to explore other ways to cover your dog’s vet bills, such as an emergency fund, payment plans at your vet, or a financing option like CareCredit.
3. Read the fine print
Before you sign up for coverage, ensure you understand every aspect of your policy. Read the agreement thoroughly to understand the waiting period before your coverage begins.
Become familiar with the claims process and what you’ll need to do to file a claim. And don’t forget to review cancellation policies and premium increase patterns. If something isn’t clear or doesn’t make sense, be sure to reach out to the insurer directly before you commit to the policy.
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How to file a pet insurance claim
While the claims process varies by pet insurance company, it usually includes the following steps:
Gather documents. Most pet insurers require an itemized bill from your vet, medical records, and proof of payment (if you’re requesting reimbursement).
File a claim. In most cases, you can file a claim online, via your online portal, or through the pet insurer’s mobile app. Some insurers also accept claims over the phone or by mail.
Be available and responsive. Make sure you reply to any questions or requests for additional information from your pet insurer. This can help avoid reimbursement delays.
Wait for reimbursement. Your pet insurance company will reimburse you via check or direct deposit when it approves your claim. If you choose direct vet pay, the insurance company will pay your vet directly. Note that reimbursement timelines vary by pet insurance company.
Dog insurance FAQs
The following frequently asked questions and answers can provide additional information about pet insurance for dogs.
Pet insurance for dogs costs an average of $43 per month. Factors like your location, dog’s age and breed, policy, deductible and reimbursement limits, and pre-existing conditions affect how much you pay for coverage.
Yes. A pet insurance policy is usually worth it for dogs. Pet insurance provides peace of mind. Without it, you may be on the hook for hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unexpected vet bills.
The best pet insurance for dogs depends on your dog and personal circumstances. Top pet insurance companies include Spot, Lemonade, Pets Best, Figo, and Trupanion. Shop around to find the best insurance company for you.
Yes. Most vets accept pet insurance. Pet insurance companies cover vet bills from any vet because there are no networks, unlike human health insurance.
Accident and illness plans typically pay for surgery. It’s a good idea to check with each pet insurance company you’re considering to see which surgeries they cover.
It depends. Accident-only plans and accident and illness plans typically don’t cover vaccines. But an add-on wellness plan often does.
Yes. Pet insurance is worth it, even for healthy dogs. You can buy a basic accident-only plan to avoid high out-of-pocket vet bills after an unexpected injury.
It depends. Some pet insurance plans cover spaying and neutering. Lemonade, for example, offers a preventative care plan for puppies that includes spaying and neutering.
The earlier you secure a pet insurance policy for your dog, the better. Since older dogs are at higher risk for accidents and injuries, pet insurance companies save the lowest premiums for puppies and younger dogs.
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
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Industry Data, Section 3: Average Premiums:."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Pet Insurance."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Get Your Pet Covered."
- Nevada Division of Insurance. "Pet Health Insurance."
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
