10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of October 2023

We researched 20 companies to find the best pet insurance. Our writers evaluated sample policies and analyzed benefits, exclusions, waiting periods and age restrictions. Based on that research, we identified insurers that offer the best pet insurance for dogs, cats and other pets.

The best pet insurance can reimburse 90% or even 100% of your pet's vet bills if they get seriously sick or injured, so you can focus on your pet's recovery without financial stress.

Pet insurance covers a long list of accidents and illnesses, including bite wounds, broken bones, cancer and even congenital conditions. You can also tweak the plan's deductible, payout limit and coinsurance to suit your budget.

Check out our reviews of the best pet insurance companies below.

Our Top Picks for Best Pet Insurance of October 2023

• Spot - Best Pet Insurance for Unlimited Coverage
• Pumpkin - Best Pet Insurance for Puppies and Kittens
• AKC - Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
• Figo - Best Pet Insurance for Reimbursement Options
• Embrace - Best Pet Insurance for International Coverage
• Pets Best - Best Pet Insurance for Treatment of Mobility Issues
• Lemonade - Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims Processing
• Trupanion - Best Pet Insurance for Direct Payment to Vets
• Nationwide - Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets
• Healthy Paws - Best Pet Insurance for Alternative Therapies

Honorable Mentions: ASPCA, Fetch Pet Insurance, Many Pets, Metlife Pet Insurance and Banfield Pet Hospital.

Best Pet Insurance Company Reviews

Sample premiums are based on quotes for a 5-year-old Maine Coon and a 5-year-old German shepherd from Colombia, South Carolina.

Why we chose Spot

We picked Spot as the best pet insurance for unlimited coverage because it caters to pet parents who want to maximize their pet’s coverage, no matter the cost. Spot is also a fine choice for older pets since there’s no age limit for coverage.

Offering a full (100%) coverage option, Spot readily allows you to maximize your pet’s coverage, meaning you are not responsible for any co-payment. In addition, the company offers a very low ($100) deductible option, which further reduces your out-of-pocket payments for care.

That said, choosing one or both of a low co-payment and a low deductible will lead to higher premiums for the policy. And Spot’s prices are already higher than the norm for young pets, although the company has no upper age limit for insuring new animals — which may make it a good choice if your furry companions are elderly.

Read Spot Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Pumpkin

Pumpkin is our pick as the best pet insurance for puppies and kittens because it offers extensive insurance and non-insurance preventive care options tailored to junior animals at an affordable price point.

Pumpkin offers affordable plans with an option to add preventative care packs for young cats and dogs that aren’t included in standard coverage. For example, the company’s puppy preventive care packs include one annual wellness exam fee, four puppy vaccines and one yearly fecal test.

Pumpkin will also refund the cost of up to four vaccines your puppy may have received prior to being insured under the preventive pack, as well as covering lab tests for parasites.

However, Pumpkin Preventive lacks dental cleanings and spay/neuter surgeries, and (unlike most companies) it won’t reimburse you if you purchase a separate wellness package.

Read Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose AKC

We picked AKC as the best pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions because it’s the only provider that covers illnesses and injuries sustained before the policy effective date or during the waiting period.

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) pet insurance policy offers unprecedented coverage for pre-existing conditions. To qualify, you must keep the policy active for 365 days. Any pre-existing issue that was initially excluded will be fully covered once the waiting period elapses and the policy renews.

AKC’s policy covers diagnosis and treatment for eligible accidents and illnesses, including services such as:

• Labs
• X-rays
• Ultrasounds
• MRI and CT scans
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Physical and alternative therapy
• Medication
• Chemotherapy
• Euthanasia

You can also pay extra for preventive care and coverage for end-of-life expenses, veterinary exam fees, behavioral therapy, hereditary and congenital conditions and issues related to breeding.

Pet owners should note some limitations regarding AKC’s coverage. There’s no coverage for dental illnesses, and hereditary and congenital conditions aren’t covered unless you purchase the HereditaryPlus rider. Residents of Florida, California and Washington must enroll their pet before its second birthday to qualify for this add-on.

Read AKC Pet Insurance Review>>

Why we chose Figo

Most competitors only offer up to 90% reimbursement. Figo stands out as the best pet insurance for reimbursement options because pet owners can choose up to 100% reimbursement without annual payout limits and avoid copayments entirely.

Figo offers pet owners the option to reduce their copayment to 0%, thanks to its 100% reimbursement option. (Generally, the lowest copayment provided by other insurers is 10%.)

Be prepared to pay higher than average premiums for a policy with 0% copay, unlimited payout benefits or both. Figo also enforces strict limits on its coverage for hereditary conditions such as hyperthyroidism, renal disease and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Additionally, benefits such as the exam fee reimbursement and physical therapy are only available as separate riders — other providers include these benefits in their base policy.

Figo’s Pet Cloud app features comprehensive mobile support. With the app, you can contact a licensed veterinarian 24/7, manage your pet’s insurance documents and make payments, among other transactions.

Read Figo Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Embrace

We picked Embrace as the best pet insurance for international coverage because policyholders are free to use any licensed veterinarian worldwide and request reimbursement, even if they’re traveling for a long time.

Embrace offers coverage for your pet’s vet care outside the country for up to six months, provided it’s given by a licensed veterinarian. This is relatively uncommon, as other companies only reimburse claims when the care was dispensed by a licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada.

Another benefit of Embrace pet insurance is its shrinking deductibles. Every year you don’t receive a claim reimbursement, Embrace will reduce your annual deductible by $50.

All policies come with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a pro-rated refund — if you’ve already filed a claim within that time frame.

Embrace doesn’t offer wellness benefits as a separate policy. Instead, pet owners can sign up for the Wellness Rewards plan and contribute a specific amount to cover preventive care expenses. Make sure your annual contributions match the expected level of preventative care, as unused funds don’t roll over for the following year.

Embrace is also the insurer behind USAA Pet Insurance, a members-only insurance product. Military members, veterans and eligible relatives can access all of Embrace’s pet insurance benefits at a 25% discount.

Note: This product is not for sale in the international market.

Read Embrace Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Pets Best

Pets Best has a wide range of coverage options and deductibles, and it offers coverage for pets as young as seven weeks. It’s also one of the few pet insurance companies that cover prosthetic devices and wheelchairs.

Pets Best pet insurance offers accident and illness plans and sells multiple wellness add-ons to cover your pet’s routine care. There’s a short 3-day waiting period for accidents and the standard 14-day waiting period for illnesses.

Insurers don’t always cover treatments for mobility issues, but Pets Best provides coverage for wheelchairs and prosthetic devices when prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness.

Additionally, the company offers comprehensive physical therapy coverage as an add-on, encompassing acupuncture, electroacupuncture, chiropractic care, treadmill therapy, laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, ultrasound therapy, gait training and other treatments.

Pets Best’s take-home prescription rider is also noteworthy. The add-on covers not just prescription medications, but over-the-counter drugs, supplements, remedies and treatments as long as they’re prescribed by a veterinarian. That said, there’s no coverage for alternative therapies and holistic treatments that might benefit your pet’s recovery.

Read Pets Best Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Lemonade

We picked Lemonade as the best pet insurance for speedy claims. The company uses novel, AI-powered processing, which promises to deliver claims very quickly via the Lemonade app. The ability to direct a part of the company’s profit to a charity of your choice may also appeal to many pet owners.

Lemonade’s accident and illness policy covers diagnostics, procedures and medications for covered conditions. Vet visit fees, dental illnesses, end-of-life services, acupuncture and chiropractic care are excluded from the base policy (which may translate to lower premiums) but you can add these benefits as riders if they’re available in your state.

Pet owners can further enhance coverage with a preventative care rider that reimburses the cost of annual checkups, vaccines and parasite screening.

Lemonade is available in 38 states, but you can sign up for updates on its website. However, users may find Lemonade’s website hard to navigate. To get a quote, you have to input a lot of information that other insurers don’t require. Also, if you have questions the automated chat can’t answer, talking with a live agent via chat isn’t possible.

Read Lemonade Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Trupanion

Usually, pet owners have to pay the vet bill in full before receiving reimbursement from pet insurance providers. With Trupanion’s direct payment software, your vet can file a claim in-office and receive payment almost immediately.

Trupanion offers a single insurance plan for cats and dogs. In addition to standard benefits, Trupanion covers alternative treatments, dental illnesses, prosthetic devices and prescription food. You can also purchase this plan through GEICO pet insurance or State Farm pet insurance.

Trupanion features several unique benefits: direct payment to vets, coverage for breeding and working pets in select categories and a lifetime deductible per condition. If your veterinarian uses Trupanion’s direct payment software, you don’t need to file a claim; Trupanion pays the vet directly. Policyholders, then, need not worry about making costly upfront payments or submitting reimbursement claims, which are standard for most of the pet insurance industry.

Trupanion lacks affordability and flexibility – premiums are high and there’s only a single policy option. However, its coverage is comprehensive. If you can afford higher-than-average premiums, your pet will benefit from 90% reimbursement on all eligible claims and no payout limits per incident, year or lifetime.

Read Trupanion Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Nationwide

We picked Nationwide as the best pet insurance for exotic pets because it offers comprehensive insurance for various unconventional animals. Pet owners can relax knowing up to 90% of their expenses for such animals are covered by a reputable insurer.

Nationwide is the only pet insurance company of its size that offers insurance for avian and exotic pets. The Avian & Exotic Pet Plan covers most birds, rabbits, reptiles and small mammals, including goats and pot-bellied pigs. (Note that any animal not explicitly listed on the Nationwide website isn’t eligible, including those listed under venomous or endangered species.)

Owners of exotic pets can select up to 90% reimbursement for covered accidents and illnesses and add preventive care riders as well. Just as with dog and cat insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage.

For exotic pets, Nationwide offers three accident and illness policy options and two wellness care packages. Exotic pet owners must call (844-244-3691) to get a quote or sign up. However, cat and dog insurance is easy to get directly on Nationwide’s website.

Read Nationwide Pet Insurance Review >>

Why we chose Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws is the best pet insurance for alternative therapies because it covers treatments such as acupuncture chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy and massage therapy at no extra cost.

Healthy Paws offers just one accident and illness policy for cats and dogs. It has no per-incident, annual or lifetime benefit caps, and you can choose from a $100, $200 or $500 deductible.

The company provides quick claims processing through its mobile app, and states that most claims are processed in just two days. It also offers a direct payment option instead of reimbursement if you can’t afford the upfront veterinary bill.

Healthy Paws is best for pets that are enrolled while they’re young, as coverage options are more limited and reimbursement rates less generous for senior pets.

Read Healthy Paws pet insurance review >>

Pet Insurance Comparison

Pet insurance companies often share the same underwriter, but if you compare pet insurance plans closely, you'll find that providers offer select services as a way to stand out.

Whether you want to compare dog insurance plans or explore options for other cherished pets, our pet insurance comparison table can help you choose a plan that fits your pet's needs.

We also include companies that stood out in some respects but didn’t quite match the strengths of our top picks. Read our full reviews to learn more: ASPCA Pet Insurance, Fetch Pet Insurance, Many Pets Pet Insurance, MetLife Pet Insurance and Wagmo Pet Insurance.

Compare pet insurance plans

Pet Insurance Guide

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What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a type of property and casualty policy that covers pet medical expenses related to accidents and illnesses. Every pet insurance company offers cat and dog insurance, though dogs are definitely the most popular beneficiaries — dog health insurance coverage accounts for 85% of active policies, while cats account for the remaining 15% according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

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Types of pet insurance

There are two types of pet insurance policies: accident and illness plans and accident-only policies.

Insurers also offer wellness plans or preventative care riders to customers buying pet insurance.

Accident & illness policies

An accident and illness policy covers diagnosis, surgery, hospitalization, treatment and medications for any covered accident or illness. The policy may also reimburse you for physical therapy, alternative therapies and even behavioral modification.

Accident-only policies

An accident-only pet insurance policy only pays to treat sudden injuries such as poisonings, broken bones or bloating. This type of pet insurance may be suitable for owners whose primary concern is their pet's propensity for accidents and mishaps or older animals that aren't eligible for an accident and illness plan.

Wellness riders

Wellness riders, also known as preventive or routine care riders, reimburse you for services such as vaccinations, microchipping, checkups, pet dental care and parasite prevention.

A preventive care plan isn't a pet insurance policy but a subscription plan that your insurer sells separately. Wellness cat or dog coverage is subject to yearly limits, which may look something like this:

• $75 for all vaccinations within a year
• $150 for one dental cleaning or spay/neuter surgery
• $50 for parasite screenings
• $25 for health certificate

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How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance works much like other insurance policies. You pay a monthly premium and the insurance carrier agrees to reimburse your pet's medical expenses if they suffer a serious injury or illness. The policy's coverage works as follows:

• No network restrictions; you can take your dog or cat to any licensed vet or specialist nationwide.

• No coverage for routine or preventive care unless you purchase a separate wellness plan.

• Policyholders must pay the vet bill in full, submit their claim and receive reimbursement at a later date.

• Waiting periods apply. Typically, pet owners must wait 14 days to file a claim. Some outliers cover accidents after just one to three days.

Policyholders must pay for their pet's medical care out-of-pocket until they reach the annual deductible ($100 to $1,000). Once the deductible is paid for, the insurance will reimburse the policyholder up to 90% of subsequent vet bills up to the annual payout limit, which ranges from $2,500 to unlimited.

Your policy is up for renewal each year, at which point you can change the reimbursement percentage, deductible and annual payout limit.

Upon renewal, the deductible and the annual payout limit reset and your premiums are recalculated. Unlike your car or homeowners insurance policy, premiums won't increase if you file a claim, but they will increase to match your pet's age and the cost of veterinary care in your zip code.

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What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance covers the diagnosis and treatment of accidents and illnesses such as poisoning, bite wounds, cancer, hereditary conditions, diabetes and orthopedic conditions (these last two being common in overweight pets).

Read our pet insurance coverage guide to learn more.

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Does pet insurance cover vaccines?

Cat or dog pet insurance doesn't cover vaccines or preventive medications for heartworm, fleas ticks and parasites. Vaccines are eligible for reimbursement only if you get a preventive care package.

The payout cap for core vaccines and boosters typically ranges from $20 to $150, so you might have to pay out-of-pocket for part of the vaccination bill if you live in an area with expensive vet care rates.

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Does pet insurance cover dental?

Pet insurance covers dental accidents (broken teeth, for example) and illnesses such as periodontal disease and infections. Covered services include tooth extractions, surgery, medication and even root canals and crowns.

Pet dental insurance doesn't cover routine dental cleanings, exams or supplies for at-home care because these services are part of your pet's standard care.

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Does pet insurance cover teeth cleaning?

Pet insurance doesn't cover teeth cleaning or dental exams unless you purchase a preventive care add-on. Most preventive care plans reimburse up to $150 for dental cleanings, which is a fraction of the total cost of the procedure. In-office dental cleanings (also called dental prophylaxis) cost between $300 to $700 for dogs and around $200 for cats.

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Does pet insurance cover spaying?

Pet insurance doesn’t cover spaying or neutering unless you purchase a preventive care rider, which reimburses you a fixed amount for the procedure. Most wellness riders cap reimbursement at $150 for spay and neuter services and group this benefit with dental cleanings.

Read our report on pet insurance spay and neuter coverage to learn more.

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Does pet insurance cover surgery?

Yes, as long as it’s performed by a licensed veterinarian. Surgery coverage includes any diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, X-rays or blood tests), anesthesia, intravenous fluids and medications, as well as medical supplies such as bandages, casts and splints.

Read our guide for more information on pet insurance surgery coverage

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Does pet insurance cover medication?

Accident and illness policies cover medications administered at the vet's office as well as take-home prescriptions. However, coverage details vary by insurance company.

Depending on your policy and insurer, prescription coverage may exclude preventative care drugs or supplements, including diet food, heartworm treatments and medicated shampoos. And while some cover certain homeopathic drugs, others explicitly exclude alternative medicines.

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Does pet insurance cover behavioral therapy?

Pet insurance may cover behavioral therapy to treat issues such as aggression and separation anxiety — as long as the problem isn't pre-existing. To qualify, your pet must receive care from a veterinarian or certified specialist. Moreover, coverage doesn't extend to basic obedience or toilet training.

Check out our report on pet insurance and behavioral therapy to learn more.

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Does pet insurance cover prescription food?

Coverage for prescription diet foods also varies by insurance company. Some reimburse pet owners a percentage of prescription food expenses, while others exclude this from standard accident and illness policies. Some wellness riders may also cover prescription food.

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Does pet insurance cover allergies?

Pet insurance covers allergies as long as it isn’t a pre-existing condition. In fact, allergies are one of Healthy Paws’ top ten pet insurance claims. You can get reimbursed for diagnostic tests, immunotherapy, allergy medication, prescription shampoo and prescription food.

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What pet insurance won't cover

Pet insurance coverage exclusions vary slightly per provider, so it’s best practice to read the sample policy thoroughly before enrolling. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the six most common items pet insurance won't cover.

• Pre-existing conditions
• Routine care
• Veterinary exam fees
• Obedience training
• Injuries or illnesses caused by the owner's negligence
• Illnesses caused by lack of preventive care

Read our guide for more information on what is not covered by pet insurance.

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Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

Pet insurance — except for AKC pet insurance — doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.

There's only one exception to this rule, and it depends on whether the carrier distinguishes between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. Fortunately, most do.

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Pre-existing conditions

Pet insurance providers exclude any illness or injury that exhibited symptoms prior to the policy’s effective date or during the waiting period. If your pet develops allergies during the 30-day waiting period, it won’t be eligible for coverage.

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Routine care

Car owners don't expect their auto insurance policy to pay for the vehicle's oil change. Well, pet insurance is the same. Routine care (annual checkups, vaccinations, parasite screenings, grooming and dental cleanings) is considered part of your responsibilities as a pet parent and insurance won't cover it.

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Check-up fees

Most companies exclude exam fees from the standard policy or charge extra to add this coverage. That said, a handful of providers are starting to include veterinary exam fees in their base policies.

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Obedience training

Obedience training, the practice of teaching pets specific commands like sit and stay, isn’t covered by pet insurance. Some insurers might cover behavioral modification to treat stress, fear, anxiety and aggression, but they require that a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist with a vet referral provides the therapy. Treatment by an animal trainer or therapist without the necessary qualifications isn't covered.

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Injuries or illnesses linked to owner negligence

Pet insurance won’t cover injuries or illnesses caused by organized fighting, racing or guarding. This exclusion also applies if your pet is intentionally harmed by you or any member of your household.

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Illnesses caused by lack of preventive care

When you sign a pet insurance contract, you're also agreeing to provide adequate preventive care. Diseases caused by heartworm, parasites, fleas ticks or lack of dental care are grounds for a claims denial in most pet insurance policies.

A similar exclusion may apply if you fail to protect your pet from recurring injuries or illnesses. Say your dog accidentally ate a sock and now needs emergency vet care to get it out. Some pet insurance companies will only cover the first occurrence — afterwards, the insurer considers it your responsibility to stop your dog pet from eating things it shouldn't.

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Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

As a general rule, pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.

There's only one exception to this rule and it depends on whether the carrier makes the distinction between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. Fortunately, most do.

The United States Fire Insurance Company — the underwriter behind ASPCA, Spot and Pumpkin’s pet insurance policies — excludes chronic pre-existing conditions but will cover curable ones such as ear infections or dermatological conditions. The only requirement is that the pet remains symptom- and treatment-free for six months.

On the other hand, Trupanion and Healthy Paws make no such distinction. Any illness that can be traced back to when the pet wasn’t insured is excluded.

Here are a few examples of curable and incurable pre-existing conditions:

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Pet insurance for bilateral conditions

Bilateral conditions — those that affect the body on both sides — are another important subset of pre-existing conditions. Let’s say your pet tore a joint on its right knee a few months before you purchased pet insurance. Pet insurance will consider that injury a pre-existing condition, but there’s another catch: The policy won’t cover the left knee if it develops the same problem in the future.

Examples of bilateral conditions include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament issues such as ACL tears
• Cataracts
• Cherry eye

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Pet insurance cost

NAPHIA reports that the number of insured pets has increased steadily since 2017. These figures represent millions of pet parents willing to buy pet insurance for added peace of mind, despite the monthly expense.

If you’re considering insurance for your beloved companion and are wondering how much pet insurance is, read on.

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How much does pet insurance cost?

According to Rover’s 2023 report on the cost of dog parenthood and cat parenthood, annual premiums for dog insurance range from $360 to $720, while comprehensive coverage for cats ranges from $240 to $360. These are the factors that determine your pet insurance costs:

• Type of policy: Accident and illness policies are more comprehensive and generally cost more than other types of pet insurance (wellness plans or accident-only policies).

• Type of animal: Dog insurance costs twice as much as pet insurance for cats. Bird insurance premiums typically start at less than $21 a month, while horse insurance starts off quite expensive — over $80 a month.

• Pet’s age: Premiums increase with age and do so sharply for very old animals. In addition, after your dog or cat reaches the age of 10 or 12, your options for insurance providers will significantly diminish.

• Pet’s breed: Purebreds prone to congenital or hereditary conditions usually cost more to insure than mixed breeds.

• Pet’s size: Buying pet insurance for larger dogs or cats (regardless of the breed) is more expensive compared to small or toy-sized animals. That said, smaller breeds tend to live longer, which means you’ll pay more over the animal’s lifetime.

• Where you live: Pet insurance costs more in states where vet care is more expensive. On average, residents of California and New York pay the most. You might also find rate variations across zip codes. For example, rural Texas residents will likely pay less than residents of cities like Austin or Houston.

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Average cost of pet insurance

According to NAPHIA’s State of the Industry Report, the average monthly premium for cats is $29 and $49 for dogs. To better illustrate this, we compared pet insurance plans for a cat and a dog in Miami, Florida.

Some companies charge significantly more than the averages reported by NAPHIA. You’ll also notice that monthly rates increase to inordinate prices as the pet gets older, no matter the company or the type of pet.

How much is pet insurance for dogs?

Monthly cost for a Labrador retriever from Miami, Florida

How much is pet insurance for cats?

Sample quotes for a domestic shorthair from Miami, Florida

Sample quotes correspond to an accident and illness policy with 80% reimbursement, $10,000 payout limit and a $250 deductible, except in the case of Trupanion, Figo and Pumpkin. Please note that your quote may be different from the rates above.

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Additional out-of-pocket expenses to remember

The cost of pet insurance is not limited to premium payments. Unless you purchase a policy with 100% reimbursement and unlimited payouts, you’ll have to cover some expenses yourself.

• Exam or office fees: Veterinarians and emergency clinics charge an exam fee that's separate from diagnostic or treatment costs. Most insurers exclude this fee from coverage, which then amounts to a hidden deductible of $30 to $100 for each visit.

• Deductible: You’ll need to meet the policy's deductible before the insurance company starts reimbursing you. It might take a few vet visits to reach the deductible amount, especially if you set a high deductible in order to lower your premium rate.

• Copay: Once you file for reimbursement, plans typically pay 70% to 90% of eligible veterinary services. The remaining 30% to 10% comes out of your own wallet.

• Payout caps: Pet insurance won't pay once you’ve reached the policy’s maximum coverage amount for the year. Some insurers also set individual coverage caps for behavioral modification, dental illness and end-of-life expenses.

If you’re on a tight budget, check out our reviews of the best cheap pet insurance. In our sample of providers, the cheapest pet insurance quotes were $11 per month for cats and $27 for dogs.

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How much is a vet visit?

The cost of a vet visit depends on its purpose. Is it for a standard yearly checkup or are you rushing to the vet for an emergency? A routine visit may set you back $50 to $250, depending on the care your pet receives and the clinic’s location.

A common question among pet owners is how much is an emergency vet visit, and it's hard to pinpoint a specific dollar amount. The cost depends on the type of emergency and the level of emergency care your pet requires. Pet emergencies are scary and can get expensive real fast but an emergency visit is also where you stand to gain the most from pet insurance.

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How much is a vet visit for a dog without insurance?

Expect to pay between $50 to $250 for a routine checkup without a dental cleaning, which can add $300 to $700 to the bill.

A vet visit to address a specific issue comes with a higher price tag. According to Healthy Paws’s Cost of Veterinary Care in 2022, skin conditions were the most common insurance claim of the year for dogs. The bill averaged $200 to $2,500. Gastritis came second and cost an average of $1,600 to $5,000 to treat.

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How much is a vet visit for a cat without insurance?

A routine wellness visit for cats, including bloodwork and a dental exam, averages between $100 to $200, according to MetLife Pet Insurance.

Healthy Paws reports gastritis as the most common condition in cats. Claims for reimbursement ranged around $1,500- $1,800. Next were urinary tract infections for an average cost of $1,050.

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How to choose pet insurance

Pet owners don’t need to wonder which is the best dog insurance or the best pet insurance for cats. A good insurance policy will cover both pet types equally.

The first step is to identify reputable pet insurance carriers. We recommend you read the pet insurance best practices by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as well as the regulatory guidelines established in the Pet Insurance Model Act.

Then it's time to do some comparison shopping. The best way to compare pet insurance plans is to look at the policy’s benefits and compare the cost versus value.

Check out our guide on how to buy pet insurance for more information.

1. Pick a policy type

Decide between an accident and illness plan or an accident-only policy. Consider the value of a wellness package, as well. Is it worth the monthly expense or are you better off setting money aside for your pet's basic needs?

2. Research providers

Many pet insurance carriers share the same insurance underwriter but offer different coverage options and services, such as 24/7 vet helplines, direct payment to vets and fast claims processing.

3. Compare pet insurance quotes

You’d be surprised at how much variability there is from one provider to the next. Some insurers may quote double the price than others for the same pet so it pays to do some comparison shopping. And comparing multiple plans at once is fairly easy through a pet insurance comparison site such as Petted Insurance.

4. Compare coverage benefits

Take a close look at what is and isn’t covered before you buy pet insurance, especially when it comes to dental illnesses, orthopedic conditions and hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.

How to save on pet insurance

There’s not much you can do about your zip code, your pet’s breed or age when it comes to premiums but you can tweak coverage levels to fit your budget:

• Payout caps: Choosing the highest coverage limit increases premiums. To pick the right payout cap, check the average cost of vet treatment in your area for breed-specific illnesses and common injuries.

• Reimbursement percentage: A low reimbursement percentage means you’ll pay less in premiums. However, this also means you’ll have a higher copayment.

• Deductibles: The higher the deductible, the lower your policy’s premium will be. If your pet remains healthy, choosing a higher deductible can pay off and save you money, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if anything unexpected happens.

You can save on cat and dog insurance coverage through discounts and by opting out of wellness riders. The yearly cost of these subscription plans is often much higher than what you'd pay out-of-pocket for vaccinations and checkups.

Finally, consider getting pet insurance through your employer, which will cost significantly less than buying a policy individually.

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Pet insurance discounts

Pet owners can shave 5 to 10% off their policy's monthly rate if their pet insurance carrier offers any one of these discounts:

• Annual pay discount: Lower rates if you pay for the policy annually instead of monthly

• Multipet discount: Discounted rates for each additional pet you enroll with the same provider

• Bundle discounts: Discounted rate for bundling with homeowners or renters insurance under the same provider

• Spay/neuter discount: Reduced premium if you spay/neuter your pet upon enrollment

• Military discounts: Discounts for active and former members of the armed forces

• Group discounts at work: Lower rates for employer-provided pet insurance

Prospective pet owners can also save money on pet insurance by adopting through a shelter. Trupanion offers 30 days of free insurance at participating shelters and vets, and you can continue coverage after the trial ends (terms and conditions apply).

Check out the best places to adopt a pet and ask if they participate in similar programs.

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Is pet insurance worth it?

You may wonder whether paying for pet insurance for dogs or cats is worth the monthly expense, considering how much pet spending has increased.

Inflation is just one of the reasons why vet bills are so expensive; the other reason is surprisingly positive. Technological advances have made it so that our furry friends have access to similar medical procedures as us — and more expensive.

Pet insurance is worth the cost if:

• Your pet is young and healthy overall when you enroll

• You can’t afford the full amount of costly, unexpected vet bills.

• You can afford to pay monthly premiums plus any copays and the deductible.

• You want to avoid a situation where you're forced to choose between your pet's health and your financial stability.

Say you bought an accident and illness policy for a three-year-old dog. After meeting the $250 annual deductible, the policy will reimburse 90% of vet bills up to a $15,000 limit. The pooch is then diagnosed with patellar luxation, a common knee condition in toy breeds.

Here’s how the policy would work:

1. You pay the full cost of the surgery ($1,500) at the vet’s office.
2. You (or the veterinarian) file an insurance claim and submit the required documentation.
3. The insurance provider subtracts the deductible ($250) and pays for 90% of the remaining balance ($1,250).
4. You receive a reimbursement of $1,125.
5. Your final out-of-pocket cost is $375 (the $250 deductible, plus your 10% copayment).

Pet insurance might not be enough if you want to insure your pet's financial value. Service dogs are a significant investment, and show pets represent a stream of income for their owners. In fact, the most expensive dog breeds cost up to $6,000.

High-value pets may need a different insurance product: pet life insurance. Much like human life insurance, cat or dog life insurance can cover end-of-life expenses and reimburse owners the value of the pet if it's stolen, lost or dies.

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What if your pet insurance company goes out of business?

Although it's a rare occurrence, insurance companies can go out of business unexpectedly. Trusted Pals, Bivvy and Otto pet insurance are recent examples of pet insurance companies that closed down. Trusted Pals and Otto stopped accepting new policies, while Bivvy redirects you to Spot pet insurance if you want to enroll a new pet.

What’s important to remember is that your money is protected. Each state administers a state guarantee fund that will cover any outstanding claims if the insurance company is declared insolvent. The typical payout limit for these funds is $300,000 per policyholder, which is more than enough to cover any unpaid pet insurance claims.

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How We Chose the Best Pet Insurance Companies

As part of our methodology, we gathered sample quotes and compared pet insurance plans based on the following factors:

• Plan and coverage options
• Cost and available discounts
• Policy benefits, exclusions and restrictions
• Waiting periods
• Customer service options and claims processes

When evaluating insurance companies, we typically look at the complaint index recorded by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Unfortunately, these metrics aren’t yet applicable to pet insurance — the NAIC doesn’t track pet insurance complaints the same way it does for other types of insurance and there’s a significant lack of data.

For consumers filing a complaint, identifying which entity to report is also challenging — the pet insurance brand name isn’t the same as the name of the underwriting company and multiple insurers may underwrite for a variety of pet insurance brands.

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Summary of Money’s Best Pet Insurance Companies of October 2023

• Spot - Best Pet Insurance for Unlimited Coverage
• Pumpkin - Best Pet Insurance for Puppies and Kittens
• AKC - Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
• Figo - Best Pet Insurance for Reimbursement Options
• Embrace - Best Pet Insurance for International Coverage
• Pets Best - Best Pet Insurance for Treatment of Mobility Issues
• Lemonade - Best Pet Insurance for Fast Claims Processing
• Trupanion - Best Pet Insurance for Direct Payment to Vets
• Nationwide - Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets
• Healthy Paws - Best Pet Insurance for Alternative Therapies