We know — there are TOO many pet insurance companies to choose from. You want peace of mind and protection against unexpected vet bills, but how do you really know which pet insurance is the best for you?
The best pet insurance plan depends on your pet’s breed, age, and location. Top-rated providers like ASPCA, Figo, and Pumpkin offer comprehensive coverage with options for dental, alternative therapies, and unlimited annual payouts. Use Pawlicy Advisor to compare personalized quotes, get expert guidance, and find the best plan at the lowest rates for your pet's needs.
Category |
Pet Insurance Company |
---|---|
Best for Dental Coverage |
ASPCA , Pumpkin , Prudent Pet, Fetch , MetLife |
Best for Alternative Therapies |
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance , Hartville , MetLife , Spot Pet Insurance , Pumpkin Pet Insurance |
Best for Breeding |
|
Best for Lost Pet Assistance |
|
Best for Older Pets/No Upper Age Limits |
Pets Best , ASPCA , Pumpkin , Spot , MetLife , Fetch , Prudent Pet , Figo , Companion Protect |
Best for Cruciate Event Coverage |
ASPCA , Pumpkin , Spot , MetLife , Hartville , AKC Pet Insurance |
Best for Highest Annual Limit |
Pets Best , ASPCA , Pumpkin , Spot , MetLife , FIGO , Embrace , Fetch , Prudent Pet , Healthy Paws , Trupanion |
Best for Curable Conditions |
|
Best for Broad Coverage |
|
Best for Multi-Pet Owners (10% Discount) |
ASPCA , Prudent Pet , Embrace , Pumpkin , Hartville |
Best for Military Personnel (10% Discount) |
MetLife , FIGO , Fetch , Prudent Pet |
Best for Veterinary Staff |
ASPCA , MetLife , Prudent Pet , Embrace , Pets Best , Figo , Fetch |
Best for Flexible Wellness Plan |
|
Best for Straightforward Waiting Period |
|
Best for Direct Pay |
|
Best for Customization |
|
Best for Fast Claims Processing |
|
Best for Highest Customer Service Experience |
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Google “the best pet insurance companies” and you’ll see one list of pet insurance companies after another, each with a different top-rated plan. Sites will often rank pet insurance companies based on who pays them the most, and without any consideration of your pet’s breed, age, or location.
This is why veterinarians recommend Pawlicy Advisor. We specialize in pet insurance, and we do things differently. We objectively analyze your pet to help you find the best plan based on your pet’s breed-specific health risks and estimated lifetime costs using data across top providers.
We know how tricky it can be to choose the best insurance policy for your pet, especially with so many options out there. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the best pet insurance companies of 2025.
Our How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Guide considers waiting periods, payout limits, and how much you can get reimbursed, so you can choose the coverage that fits your pet’s needs.
The “best pet insurance” is the one that covers your pet's breed-related health risks, meets your personal preferences, and is available in the location where you live.
Get a personalized recommendation from Pawlicy Advisor today.
4.9 stars across hundreds of reviews
If you want an all-inclusive plan that covers more than just the basics, consider companies like ASPCA, Pumpkin, Prudent Pet, Spot, MetLife, and Fetch.
These policies typically cover a wider range of conditions and treatments, such as homeopathic care, dental accidents, and even lost pet advertising. Plus, both Prudent Pet and Fetch offer coverage for breeding and pregnancy complications, which is a bit of a rare perk!
When you need your claim processed quickly, Lemonade, Fetch, and Trupanion are some of the fastest. They are known for having excellent turnaround times, making it easier for you to get reimbursed when you need it the most.
A handful of pet insurance companies provide an insurance policy with a pet wellness plan.For those who want a bit more flexibility in their wellness plans, Embrace and MetLife have solid options.
Embrace’s wellness add-on covers a wide range of treatments, including things like grooming and dental cleanings, while MetLife provides a wellness plan that reimburses a percentage of total vet expenses for wellness care, rather than being limited to specific items.
ASPCA, Pumpkin, Prudent Pet, Fetch, and Metlife offer coverage for periodontal disease, illness-related cleanings, extractions, injuries, endodontic care, deciduous teeth, and cysts/eruption issues up to the annual policy limit.
Embrace maxes periodontal disease coverages at $1000 annually, Pets Best requires dental cleanings within 13 months of any dental disease diagnosis for coverage, and Fetch has no limitation.
MetLife, ASPCA, Hartville, Spot, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance all offer full Accident & Illness coverage plans for your pet’s dental health..
Some conditions your pet faces might be temporary or curable. Companies like Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, and MetLife are known for offering coverage for curable conditions after a shorter waiting period (just 180 days in some cases), which is great news if your pet needs treatment for something that’s not long-term.
For those of you with multiple furry friends, some insurers offer great discounts. Companies like ASPCA, Prudent Pet, Embrace, Pumpkin, and Hartville offer a 10% discount for insuring more than one pet, which can add up to significant savings if you have a whole zoo at home.
Trupanion stands out in this area, offering a direct pay option that lets your vet be paid directly without you needing to wait for reimbursement. This can be a real lifesaver when you're dealing with unexpected medical bills for your pet.
ASPCA, Hartville, Spot, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance are the best pet insurance companies for those concerned about how much time they have to file a claim. These companies allow up to 270 days after the incident to submit a reimbursement claim, which is well above the industry standard of 90 days from the renewal date. They also happen to all have the same insurance underwriter (Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group).
The reimbursement rate is the percentage of covered vet expenses your insurance provider will repay after you've met your deductible. FIGO and ASPCA offer reimbursement rates up to 100% with certain deductible selections ($1,000). That means they will cover the eligible expenses on your vet bill in full, up until you reach your annual payout limit.
Pets Best Pet Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, FIGO, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, Spot Pet Insurance, Pumpkin Pet Insurance, Embrace, Metlife, Purdent Pet, and Trupanion all offer unlimited payouts on their policies, which means there's no ceiling on how much money you can receive in reimbursement.
If you're looking for a pet insurance plan with high (or even unlimited) annual limits, then you’ll want to check out Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, FIGO, Embrace, Fetch, Prudent Pet, Healthy Paws, and Trupanion. These companies give you peace of mind, ensuring that your pet’s care isn’t limited by the cap on coverage.
If you have an older pet, finding insurance that doesn't have age limits for enrollment is crucial. Some great options include Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, Figo, and Companion Protect.
These companies make sure that age is not a barrier to getting your pet the coverage they need, no matter how many candles are on their birthday cake!
Waiting periods can be a headache, but some companies make it easier to understand upfront. If you’re looking for clarity, try ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, or Hartville.
These providers are known for having straightforward waiting periods for coverage, so there’s no confusion about when your pet’s insurance kicks in.
Trupanion and Embrace shine in customer service, earning the highest satisfaction ratings online. If you value being able to reach a helpful, friendly rep when you need support, these two companies should be at the top of your list.
Cruciate ligament injuries, like ACL tears, are unfortunately common in pets. If you're concerned about this, companies like ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, and Hartville are great choices as they offer specific coverage for these types of events.
Just keep in mind that some companies have waiting periods, and it can vary, so it’s always worth double-checking the specifics.
Honorable mention goes to AKC Pet Insurance, which covers pre-existing cruciate injuries, but after a 365-day waiting period.
Lemonade is the go-to option for customizable pet insurance. Their policies offer a lot of flexibility, with a range of add-ons for both accidents and illnesses, as well as wellness care. If you like to tailor things to your pet’s specific needs, Lemonade’s policies will probably be a great fit.
Alternative therapies include rehabilitative, chiropractic, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy treatments. Several companies offer this type of coverage, including Pets Best, Figo, and others.
However, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Hartville, MetLife, Spot Pet Insurance, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance include coverage for even more alternative therapies like homeopathy and naturopathy.
Few pet insurance providers cover any breeding-related costs as part of their standard plans. If the company offers it, you typically have to purchase breeding coverage as an add-on.
Trupanion is the first and one of the few pet insurance providers that offers coverage for conditions related to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing as a part of its pet insurance plans. That makes it a great option if you want to cover potential breeding complications through your pet insurance provider.
When an owner loses their pet, they typically have to pay out of pocket or crowdfund to provide a reward. They may also need to pay to create and post lost pet posters around town. Fetch Pet Insurance is one example of a pet insurance provider that offers coverage for these types of expenses.
Military families can also benefit from some sweet discounts. MetLife, FIGO, Fetch, and Prudent Pet offer 10% off, while Embrace and Pets Best go a step further, offering 5% per pet for military personnel. It’s always nice to see those who serve getting a little extra help!
Veterinary staff also deserve a break, and a few insurance providers recognize that. It’s a great way to help the people who take care of our pets save a little extra cash.
Here’s a list of discounts you can get from these insurance companies if you’re a veterinary staff member:
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Insurer | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 days for accident and illnesses | 9 Days | 270 days | $100 $250 $500 or $1,000 | 70% 80% 90% or 100% | $2,500 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 or Unlimited | |
3 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 6 months for knee conditions | 8 Days | 180 Days | $100 $250 $500 or $750 | 70% 80% 90% or 100% | $5,000 $10,000 or Unlimited | |
3 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions depending on the state | 7 Days | 180 Days | $100 $250 $500 or $1,000 | 70% 80% or 90% | $5,000 $10,000 or Unlimited | |
15 days for accidents and illnesses 12 months for hip dysplasia | 2 Days | 90 days after service or treatment date | $100 $250 or $500 depending on age | 70% 80% or 90% depending on age | Unlimited | |
2 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions | 10 - 15 Days | 60 days after policy renewal | $100 $250 $500 $750 or $1,000 | 70% 80% or 90% | $5,000 $8,000 $10,000 $15,000 $30,000 or Unlimited | |
MetLife Pet Insurance (Formerly PetFirst) | 0 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses and cruciate ligament conditions | 10 Days | 90 Days | $50 $250 or $500 | 50% 70% 80% or 90% | $5,000 or $10,000 |
2 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions | 18 days | 180 Days | $250 $500 $1,000 or $2,500 | 60% 70% 80% or 90% | $5,000 $10,000 $20,000 $50,000 or $100,000 | |
14 days for accidents and illnesses | 30 Days | 90 days from treatment date | $250 $500 or $1,000 | 50% 70% or 80% | $2,500 or $5,000 for accident coverage $5,000 to $10,000 for illnesses $5,000 limit for hereditary/congenital conditons depending on age | |
0 days for accidents 15 days for illnesses 6 months for hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament conditions, and luxating patellas | 2 - 6 Days | 90 Days | $250, $300, 350, $400, $450, $500, $550, $600, $650, $700, $750, $800, $850, $900, $950, $1,000, $1,100, $1,200, $1,300, $1,400, $1,500, $1,600, $1,700, $1,800, $1,900, $2,000, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300, $2,400 and $2,500 | 70% 80% or 90% | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $6,000, $7,000, $7500, $8,000, $9,000, $10,000, $12,500, $15,000, $20,000, $25,000, Unlimited | |
5 days for accidents and 30 days for illnesses | 5 - 7 Days | 90 Days | $0 - $1,000 (in $5 increments) | 90% or 50%-90% (depending on your state) | Unlimited | |
5 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 180 days for cruciate ligament and hip dysplasia | 7 Days (with 85% in less than 24 hours) | 90 Days after the end of the policy term | $50, $100. $200, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, or $2500 | 70% 80% or 90% | $2,500 $5,000 $10,000 or Unlimited | |
14 days for accidents and illnesses | 10 - 14 Days | 270 Days | $100 $250 $500 $750 or $1,000 | 70% 80% or 90% | $2,500 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $7,000 $10,000 or Unlimited | |
14 days for accidents and illnesses | 7 Days | 270 Days | $100 $250 $500 or $1,000 | 80% or 90% | $10,000 $20,000 or Unlimited for Dogs $7,000 $15,000 or Unlimited for Cats |
NOTE: These companies are not ranked and appear in no specific order. See above for why we don’t believe in broad ratings or numerical scores. Use Pawlicy Advisor to get a personalized pet insurance recommendation for your unique pet, remarkably fast.
The waiting periods provided above are for general reference and can vary from state to state as well as from company to company. Check the specific terms of your policy's details to confirm the actual effective date of coverage.
Use Pawlicy Advisor to create your own pet insurance comparison charts and search for plans filtered to your personal preferences.
Before choosing a pet insurance plan, it’s important to understand what will be covered by your policy. Though all providers offer Accident & Illness coverage for sick or injured pets, the services and treatments eligible for reimbursement vary by provider.
Know that only a few pet insurance companies will cover a pre-existing condition, such as AKC pet insurance with a 365-day waiting period for pets under age 9. That, though, will not exclude you from getting coverage for future, unrelated conditions. Additionally, some providers will cover “curable conditions” if there are no recurring symptoms.
Here’s an overview of the coverage offerings from some of the best pet insurance providers:
Provider | Other | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASPCA | Yes | Yes | Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions) | Yes | Yes | Exam Fees, Euthanasia, Cremation/Burial and Microchipping | Yes |
Figo | Accident-Related Extractions Only | Some | No | Yes | Yes, up to $500 annually with the alternative care | Euthanasia | Yes |
Pets Best | Yes | Yes (Elite plans) | No | Yes | No | Euthanasia | Yes |
Healthy Paws | Accident-Related Extractions Only | Some | Yes (excluding cruciate ligament conditions) | Yes | No | Some Specialty Care | No |
Embrace | Yes $1,000 max for periodontal disease | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Exam Fees, Prescription Medication | Yes |
MetLife | Yes | Yes | Yes (excluding pre-existing conditions) | Yes | Yes | Lost Pet Advertising & Reward, Euthanasia, Cremation/Burial | Yes |
Lemonade | No, but available with optional add-on | No, but available with optional add-on | Yes (excluding cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, cruciate ligament & knee conditions) | Yes | No, but available with optional add-on | Euthanasia, Cremation/Burial (as add-on) | Yes |
Nationwide | Yes | Some | Yes | Yes, but amount vary depending on plan | Yes, depending on plan | Supplements | Yes |
Fetch Pet Insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes (excluding pre-existing conditions) | Yes | Yes | Virtual visits, Prescription Supplements, Boarding Fees due to owner hospitalization, Lost Pet Advertising & Reward | Yes |
Trupanion | Yes | Yes (as add-on) | Yes | Yes | Yes (as add-on) | Optional Add-ons: Breeding, Lost Pet Advertising & Reward, Boarding due to owner hospitalization, Cremation/Burial, and Vacation Cancellation costs | No |
Hartville | Yes | Yes | Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions) | Yes | Modification Therapy, Behavioral Disorders | Euthanasia, Cremation/Burial | Yes |
Spot | Yes | Yes | Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions) | Yes | Yes | Exam Fees, Microchip Implementation, End of Life Expenses (related to a covered condition) | Yes |
Pumpkin | Yes | Yes | Yes (excluding cruciate ligament & knee conditions) | Yes | Yes | Exam Fees, Microchip Implementation, Prescription Medications, Euthanasia | Yes |
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FACT: There is no one-size-fits-all pet insurance plan that's universally better than the rest. The “best pet insurance” is the one that covers your pet's breed-related health risks, meets your personal preferences, and has availability in the location where you live.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance consistently ranks high on “best-of” lists because of its high level of coverage, affordable prices, and years of industry experience. Its parent company, Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group, was founded in 1997, making it one of the original pet insurance providers in the United States.
Crum & Forster eventually partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 2006 to offer its ASPCA Pet Health Insurance product.
ASPCA plans offer fast reimbursement times for claims compared to other providers. It also gives customers plenty of time to file a claim after visiting the vet: 270 days, or about nine months.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance also allows customers to select low annual deductibles and offers two wellness plans to choose from, alongside their considerable accident and illness coverage. ASPCA customers can get dental coverage, alternative therapy coverage, coverage for congenital disorders, and coverage for some behavioral therapies. The brand also offers coverage for LASER therapy and end-of-life care.
Pros
Cons
Related: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Review
Figo was founded in 2013 by Rusty Sproat. It has since become one of the largest pet insurance providers in the market and has won multiple awards for its coverage.
The key feature of a Figo Pet Insurance is the optional 100% reimbursement rate that pays for all vet costs covered by your policy after you've met your deductible. You’ll get comprehensive Accident & Illness coverage with any policy you choose, including both their lower- and higher-tiered plans. The only difference between plans are customizable aspects like deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits.
Figo won’t reduce your coverage when you visit a specialist either. That makes it a great option if you want to ensure you have complete coverage for serious illnesses or injuries.
However, if you want to save money by purchasing Accident-Only coverage, then Figo may not be the best pet insurance solution for you.
Pros
Cons
Related: Figo Pet Insurance Review
Pets Best Pet Insurance offers considerable coverage compared to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Pumpkin Pet Insurance, although it doesn't offer as much coverage for behavioral health. Pets Best will only cover behavioral consultations with a licensed veterinarian and any behavioral medication prescribed by them. You can also get coverage for alternative therapies, but only through Pets Best's "Elite" plans.
Nonetheless, Pets Best does offer a range of deductible coverage options comparable to ASPCA Pet Insurance. Its lowest monthly premiums are also significantly lower than other companies, making Pets Best an affordable option for pet healthcare coverage.. The company has received great reviews from its customers on Trustpilot.
Pros
Cons
Related: Pets Best Pet Insurance Review
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation was founded by Steve Siadek and Rob Jackson in 2009. It’s one of the oldest pet insurance companies in the country, so it has significantly more experience than many of the latest providers on the market.
Healthy Paws provides accident and illness coverage, but no wellness plan. Its coverage is comparable to other providers. It also provides coverage for congenital conditions and some alternative care options.
The most unique thing about Healthy Paws is that it offers no payout limits on any plan and that it can reimburse claims faster than most of the insurance companies out there. You could get reimbursed for claims in as little as two days.
Pros
Cons
Related: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
MetLife was originally founded in the 1800s and is one of the largest insurance providers in the world. The company began offering pet insurance after it acquired PetFirst in 2021.
MetLife offers more coverage than some other providers, including coverage of dental, alternative, and congenital care.
MetLife is notable because it offers some specialty coverage as well. You can get lost pet advertising and reward costs covered through a MetLife plan, as well as end-of-life care.
Pros
Cons
Related: MetLife Pet Insurance Review
Lemonade originally offered homeowners and renters insurance. It began offering pet insurance in 2020 after it discovered that the vast majority of its existing customers owned pets, many of which were uninsured.
Lemonade’s accident and illness coverage is comparable to other plans. However, it doesn’t cover dental, alternative therapies, or behavioral disorders without policy add-ons. It does cover congenital conditions and you can get coverage for euthanasia and burial at the end of your pet’s life.
The biggest benefit of Lemonade’s pet insurance product is how customizable it is. Lemonade offers plenty of options for your annual deductible, your reimbursement rate, and your annual reimbursement limit. Although Lemonade doesn’t offer an unlimited annual reimbursement limit, you can get a plan with a limit as high as $100,000.
Pros
Cons
Related: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, commonly known as Nationwide, represents a large group of U.S. insurance and financial services companies. It offers a variety of insurance options, including pet insurance.
Nationwide offers complete coverage of accidents and illnesses like most pet insurance companies, as well as a wellness plan. Its plans also cover some alternative treatments and supplements.
Every Nationwide policy comes with an annual deductible of $250 to $1,000, so it might be a good option if you don’t want to pay too much out of pocket.
Pros
Cons
Related: Nationwide Pet Insurance Review
Fetch earns mention here because of its high level of coverage compared to other plans. Fetch also offers considerable levels of coverage for other treatments, including dental, behavioral therapy, and alternative care. Fetch is relatively affordable compared to other providers and receives high reviews from customers.
Pros
Cons
Related: Fetch Pet Insurance Review
Embrace Pet Insurance was rated the #1 Pet Insurance Provider by Forbes in 2022. The company also says that it paid out 92% of the claims submitted in 2021 and that customers can get up to 90% back on their vet bills.
Embrace covers orthopedic conditions and cruciate ligament injuries after a six-month waiting period.
Pros
Cons
Related: Embrace Pet Insurance Review
Trupanion was founded in 1999 as “Vetinsurance” in Canada and expanded into the United States in 2005. That makes it one of the oldest pet insurance providers in the market. It’s also one of the most popular.
Trupanion offers considerable coverage compared to many other pet insurance providers. Plans cover dental and bilateral conditions, as well as prescriptions. Trupanion is also the first pet insurance company to offer coverage of breeding-related costs. You can also get coverage for alternative treatments and behavioral disorders, but only as add-ons to your accident and insurance plan.
Every Trupanion plan comes with an unlimited annual reimbursement limit. You can even get a $0 annual deductible, so you won’t have to pay much out of pocket for veterinary care. This makes it a great option if you’re concerned about your pet having expensive health issues down the road.
Pros
Cons
Related: Trupanion Pet Insurance Review
Hartville Pet Insurance offers comparable coverage to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. A comprehensive Hartville plan can include a wellness add-on, and it will cover dental, alternative therapies, congenital disorders, and some behavioral therapies.
Hartville also receives excellent marks from its customers on Trustpilot. Its lowest monthly premiums are very affordable compared to other providers as well.
What makes Hartville unique is its varying choices for annual deductibles. Customers can choose a deductible as low as $100 to ensure their coverage kicks in as quickly as possible. However, they can also choose a deductible of $250, $500, $750, or $1,000, depending on how much they'd like to pay out of pocket.
This range is notable because it means customers can choose a plan that fits their monthly budgets and their out-of-pocket costs perfectly.
Pros
Cons
Related: Hartville Pet Insurance Review
Spot Pet Insurance offers comparable coverage to other companies, including coverage of alternative therapies like acupuncture, microchipping, and behavioral issues. This coverage is baked into its core insurance product, whereas other brands sometimes offer them only as add-on.
Spot customers can customize their coverage in much the same way Pawlicy Advisor users can. They can choose their reimbursement percentage, annual limit, and annual deductible.
Pros
Cons
Related: Spot Pet Insurance Review
Launched in 2018, Prudent Pet has quickly risen as a standout in the pet insurance space, offering plans designed to suit a wide range of pet owners' needs. This Illinois-based company provides Accident & Illness coverage for dogs and cats starting as young as six weeks old, with no maximum age limits, making it a great option for pets of all ages.
Prudent Pet's plans are underwritten by Markel Insurance Company and include flexible options with deductibles starting at $100, ensuring coverage remains accessible for pet owners on a budget. Policyholders can enjoy unlimited annual payouts and comprehensive coverage for everything from accidents and illnesses to hereditary conditions. Coverage begins after a brief 14-day waiting period, and the company also offers an optional wellness add-on to cover routine care, helping keep pets healthy through preventative treatments like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Pros
Cons
Related: Prudent Pet Insurance Review
Founded in 2020 by Zoetis, a leading global animal health company, Pumpkin quickly made a name for itself and was awarded "Best Pet Insurance For Comprehensive Coverage" by Businessinsider.com in both 2022 and 2023. This tech-forward provider based out of NYC offers extensive Accident & Illness coverage to dogs and cats of all breeds at least eight weeks-old with no upper age limits.
Pumpkin offers some of the best pet insurance plans (underwritten by the Independence American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company) with deductibles as low as $100 — meaning you won't have to pay much out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in — as well as an unlimited annual payout option. Insurance coverage kicks in after a short, 14-day waiting period and includes the most advanced diagnostics and treatments for sick or injured pets. They also offer an optional wellness package created alongside vets to help keep pets healthy by refunding costs related to routine care.
Pros
Cons
Related: Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review
TIP: Use Pawlicy Advisor to make your own comparison chart so you can quickly see how popular pet insurance plans stack up against each other.
Choosing a pet insurance policy is a personal decision. However, there are a few factors every pet parent should consider before making a choice.
Related: How to Choose Pet Insurance
Before deciding which pet insurance is best, use Pawlicy Advisor to get a personalized recommendation and see quotes from multiple providers all in one place. Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to compare coverage and pricing. Pawlicy Advisor will also explain the coverage details of each policy in language that’s easy to understand so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
Get expert guidance to find the best pet insurance for your best friend
To compare pet insurance companies, evaluate factors like coverage options, premiums, waiting periods, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
Consider the types of coverage (accident-only, illness, comprehensive), the insurer’s claims process, and customer reviews. It can also be helpful to know which pet insurance plans veterinarians recommend based on their clinical experience and real-world outcomes. Check for exclusions, limitations, and whether the company offers direct vet payment or other benefits.
First, examine the types of plans offered. Most providers offer accident and illness plans (covering unexpected injuries and diseases), accident-only plans (covering just injuries), and optional wellness plans for routine care. A comprehensive or "nose-to-tail" policy typically combines accident and illness coverage with a wellness plan.
Compare the financial structure of policies across companies. This includes annual coverage limits (ranging from $2,500, $5,000, and unlimited), deductible options (typically $100 to $500), and reimbursement percentages (usually 70% to 90%). Rather than focusing solely on price, prioritize coverage levels you're comfortable with for sufficient protection during expensive claims.
Evaluate which specific benefits are included in base policies versus add-ons. Key features to compare include:
Waiting periods are the time between policy purchase and when coverage begins. Compare standard waiting periods for accidents (0-15 days) and illnesses (14-30 days). Pay special attention to extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament issues, which can range from 6 to 12 months with some companies.
Consider practical factors that affect your experience:
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a pet insurance policy is your premium rate. This is the amount of money you’ll need to pay each month (or upfront each year) to keep your policy active.
It can be tempting to choose the option with the lowest rate because it will add the least to your monthly expenses. But sometimes, the cheapest pet insurance plan today is not the cheapest plan in the long run - so it's crucial to consider “lifetime pricing” when finding the best pet insurance for your budget. Remember that insurance premiums are a general reflection of the strength of your plan.
Sometimes, the cheapest pet insurance plan today may not be the cheapest plan in the long run...
Kari Steere, Licensed Insurance Producer, Pawlicy Advisor
Monthly premiums can be higher or lower based on several factors. A few variables include your plan’s type of coverage, annual deductible, reimbursement rate, and payout limit. Your pet’s breed, age, and location can also affect the cost of your insurance premium.
For example, if a policy allows you to opt for a lower reimbursement rate and you choose to do so, you’ll likely pay less in premiums. However, you might have to pay more out-of-pocket each time your pet visits the vet. Conversely, a plan with a low deductible may come at a higher premium, but you can count on insurance coverage for vet bills sooner rather than later.
The best pet insurance plans allow you to customize the policy terms, so you can find a coverage solution that both satisfies your budget and provides sufficient financial protection.
For pet parents who want to instantly compare the best pet insurance companies for rates, coverage, and more, Pawlicy Advisor is the place. We're the leading pet insurance marketplace that helps you find a great plan at the lowest guaranteed price.
Give it a try to see just how fast you can get peace of mind.
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No pet insurance product is more widely accepted than another because there are no health networks as there are with human health insurance companies. You can file a claim to get reimbursed for eligible expenses that occurred at any licensed veterinary practice in the U.S.
You can know which pet insurance is best for you by identifying your pet’s breed-specific health risks and comparing top providers to ensure the policy will cover the issues your pet is most likely to encounter. You’ll also want to compare how each provider changes premiums as your pet ages to ensure you get the best lifetime value. This is made easy with Pawlicy Advisor.
Related: How to Choose Petompare Pet Insurance Plans and Evaluate Top Providers
The cheapest pet insurance seemed to be offered by Pets Best Pet Insurance. Its monthly premiums go as low as $11 for dogs and $9 for cats. However, the cheapest plan will ultimately depend on your pet’s breed, age, and location - and the deductible, reimbursement, and coverage limit you select.
Related: Average Pet Insurance Cost by Breed, Age, and State
Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?
Analyze My PetThe pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!
Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It
Kari Steere is a licensed P&C insurance agent in all 50 states and has focused entirely on pet insurance since 2019. As an animal lover with a rescued Terrier named Barry, when she's not helping pet owners find the perfect plan on Pawlicy Advisor, she runs a ranch in Oregon and rehabilitates any animals that come across her path.