The Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2022

Pet insurance plans reimburse you for some of the vet bills when your animal companion gets injured or sick. Buying the best pet insurance requires careful shopping because the policies aren’t standardized, and the range of options makes it hard to compare plans.

We evaluated more than a dozen pet insurers across the country to find the ones with the best combination of coverage, financial strength, consumer experience and plan options. Below are the ones we consider to be the best pet insurance companies in the U.S.

Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the content on our website is accurate and fair, so you can make financial decisions with confidence and choose the products that work best for you. Here’s the full methodology behind our pet insurance ratings.

The best pet insurance companies

All of the pet insurance companies below scored at least 4.5 out of 5 stars based on an in-depth comparison of coverage, plan terms and options, consumer experience, financial strength, and discounts.

Check out the pros, cons and unique features for each of the best pet insurance companies below. This information is a general overview of each insurer’s offerings, but details may vary by state.

» MORE: What is pet insurance, and what does it cover?

Embrace

Best for: Multiple ways to save.

Embrace offers its customers many ways to save. A 10% discount is automatically added when you insure more than one pet. Active military members and veterans can get a 5% discount in every state but New York and Tennessee. And for each year that you don’t file any claims, your deductible will drop by $50.

Embrace has a wide range of deductibles and annual coverage limits to choose from. Its standard accident and illness plan includes chiropractic care, acupuncture, physiotherapy and other alternative therapies. It also pays exam fees for covered conditions and reimburses for behavioral treatments as long as they’re provided by a vet.

There’s typically a 180-day waiting period before a dog’s orthopedic injuries are covered, but you can reduce that to 14 days with a vet exam.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: The minimum age is 6 weeks. Pets up to age 14 are eligible for accident and illness coverage, which can be maintained throughout their lives. If you’re enrolling a pet for the first time at age 15 or above, it’s eligible only for accident coverage.

Deductible options: $200 to $1,000 annually.

Reimbursement options: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Coverage limits: $5,000 to $30,000 per year.

Accident-only plan available? Yes.

Wellness coverage available? Yes, except in Rhode Island.

» MORE: Embrace pet insurance review

Figo

Best for: A robust mobile app experience.

Figo isn’t the only pet insurer with a mobile app, but you can use its Pet Cloud for more than simply filing claims and paying bills. You can also organize your pet’s medical records, live chat with a veterinarian, meet other pet parents and look up nearby pet hospitals.

Figo offers three accident and illness plans, each with a different annual reimbursement maximum ranging from $5,000 to unlimited. Figo’s coverage is comprehensive, including nonroutine dental care, alternative treatments and hereditary conditions. Then you can add even more options such as wellness care and coverage for veterinary exam fees. Figo’s waiting periods vary by state.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: The minimum age for coverage is 8 weeks. There’s no maximum age limit.

Deductible options: $100 to $750 annually.

Reimbursement options: 70% to 100%.

Coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited.

Accident-only plan available? No.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: Figo pet insurance review

MetLife

Best for: Lots of potential discounts.

Formerly known as PetFirst, MetLife Pet Insurance offers a solid accident and illness plan that you can customize with various deductible, reimbursement and coverage amounts. You can also add wellness coverage. Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered, as are alternative therapies. The plan has no lifetime limits.

MetLife offers a variety of ways to save on your policy, depending on where you live and work. First responders, health care workers, veterans, current members of the military and staff at animal care facilities may all be eligible for a discount. You may also save on your policy if your employer offers MetLife pet insurance as a benefit.

MetLife’s claims process isn’t as seamless as it could be. Instead of completing a few quick fields online, you’ll have to download and fill out a form and then send it back through email, online portal, fax or mail. However, you can expect a relatively quick payout, with most claims paying out within 10 business days.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C. Policies in some states may be branded under the PetFirst name and have slightly different coverage options.

Age restrictions: None.

Deductible options: $0 to $2,500 per year.

Reimbursement options: 50% to 100%, depending on the policy.

Coverage limits: $500 to $25,000 per year. An unlimited option may be available by phone.

Accident-only plan available? No.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: MetLife pet insurance review

Pets Best

Best for: Flexible and customizable plans.

If you’re looking for plenty of ways to customize your coverage and price, Pets Best may be a good option. The company has three tiers of accident and illness coverage, plus two wellness add-ons and an accident-only plan. That increases your chances of finding insurance that fits your needs and budget.

For larger expenses, such as surgeries, you can work with Pets Best to pay your vet directly so you don’t have to pay as much yourself upfront.

Pets Best has fairly standard waiting periods: three days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate ligament issues.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: The minimum age is 7 weeks. Pets Best has no upper age limit.

Deductible options: $50 to $1,000 per year.

Reimbursement options: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Coverage limits: $5,000 per year to unlimited.

Accident-only plan available? Yes.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: Pets Best pet insurance review

AKC

Best for: Pets with pre-existing conditions.

The American Kennel Club’s pet insurance plans aren’t just for registered purebred dogs. Mixed breeds and even cats can be signed up for the organization’s policies, which include optional add-ons for exam fees, wellness coverage and final expenses. If you do register your new pup for AKC membership, you can get 30 days of free pet insurance.

One thing that sets AKC apart is that it covers pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period. Most other pet insurers will cover only pre-existing conditions that have been fully cured or won’t cover them at all.

However, AKC may not be the best bet if you’re enrolling an older pet. Pets that are 9 years or older when you buy your policy are eligible only for accident coverage. And those signed up past age 2 aren’t eligible for AKC’s optional coverage for hereditary or congenital conditions.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: The minimum enrollment age is 8 weeks for puppies and 10 weeks for kittens. There’s no maximum age. Pets that are enrolled at age 9 and up are eligible only for accident coverage. However, pets with an existing accident and illness plan may keep that coverage beyond age 9 as long as there are no coverage lapses.

Deductible options: $100 to $1,000 annually.

Reimbursement options: 70%, 80% and 90%.

Coverage limits: Annual limits ranging from $2,500 to unlimited.

Accident-only plan available? Yes.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: AKC pet insurance review

ASPCA

Best for: A short, simple waiting period.

You may know the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for its animal shelters, but it also offers solid pet insurance plans through its insurance partners. Coverage includes things some other companies exclude, such as prescription food to treat a covered condition, holistic treatments and behavioral therapy.

Other perks: Medical records or vet exams aren’t required for enrollment, and the waiting period for accidents, illnesses and cruciate ligament injuries is just 14 days. (Many companies have waiting periods of six months for knee injuries.) There’s a 10% discount for multiple pets.

Animals covered: Cats, dogs and horses.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: 8 weeks is the minimum age. There’s no upper age limit.

Deductible options: $100, $250 or $500 per year.

Reimbursement options: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Coverage limits: Annual limits range from $5,000 to unlimited.

Accident-only plan available? Yes.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: ASPCA pet insurance review

Hartville

Best for: A wide range of coverage and plans.

From its headquarters in Akron, Ohio, Hartville offers pet insurance for cats and dogs across the country. The company’s accident and illness policy covers an array of conditions, ranging from hereditary diseases to behavioral issues. It also covers advanced treatments, such as stem cell therapy, chemotherapy and acupuncture.

If you don’t need coverage for illnesses, you can buy an accident-only plan, which includes exam fees and treatments for covered accidents.

Hartville offers two preventive care plans: basic and prime. These plans can be added to your policy for a monthly fee. The basic package can help pay for services like dental cleaning, vaccinations and blood tests. The prime plan offers higher annual maximums, plus coverage for spaying and neutering.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: 8 weeks is the minimum age. There is no maximum age.

Deductible options: $100, $250 or $500 per year.

Reimbursement options: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Coverage limits: $5,000 per year to unlimited.

Accident-only plan available? Yes.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: Hartville pet insurance review

Nationwide

Best for: Exotic pets.

While most companies insure only dogs and cats, Nationwide’s exotic pet plan can cover just about any of your furry, feathered or scaly friends. You’ll have to call to get it though, as online quotes are available only for cats and dogs.

Nationwide has two main plans. Whole Pet covers a range of accidents and illnesses, including hereditary conditions, and reimburses a percentage of your vet bills — up to your annual limit. Major Medical offers less comprehensive coverage and pays a set amount for each condition, regardless of what your vet charges you.

You can supplement your Major Medical plan with wellness coverage or buy a wellness plan on its own.

Animals covered: Cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards, turtles and more.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: Depending on the plan, the minimum age may be 8 weeks and the maximum age may be 8 years. Some plans have no minimum or maximum age.

Deductible options: $250 per year. Other options may be available if you call the company.

Reimbursement options: 50% or 70% for Whole Pet plans. For Major Medical plans, reimbursement caps for each condition are set by Nationwide.

Coverage limits: $10,000 per year for Whole Pet plans.

Accident-only plan available? No.

Wellness coverage available? Yes, but not in all states, and not as an addition to Whole Pet plans.

» MORE: Nationwide pet insurance review

Pumpkin

Best for: Generous plans for all dogs and cats.

Pumpkin keeps things simple with a single accident and injury plan that automatically reimburses 90% of vet expenses for all pets, with no upper age limits. You can choose among three annual coverage limits and add a preventive care package if you’d like. Coverage for accidents and injuries kicks in after 14 days, even for hip and knee issues.

The company covers dental illnesses, behavioral issues, vet fees for covered conditions and alternative therapies, all without an extra charge.

You can file claims online through Pumpkin’s web portal. For vets who don’t require full payment upfront, you can arrange for Pumpkin to pay them directly — a helpful feature if you don’t have cash on hand for pricey treatments.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: The minimum age is 8 weeks. There’s no maximum age limit.

Deductible options: $100 to $500 per year.

Reimbursement options: 90%.

Coverage limits: $10,000 or $20,000 per year, or unlimited, for dogs; $7,000 or $15,000 per year, or unlimited, for cats.

Accident-only plan available? No.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: Pumpkin pet insurance review

Spot

Best for: Broad coverage, including microchipping and prescription food.

Spot’s pet insurance plans are comprehensive, covering alternative treatments, behavioral therapies, dental illness, microchip implantation and diets prescribed to treat a covered condition.

The company offers a variety of ways to customize your policy, including more than half a dozen different annual coverage limits. There’s even an unlimited option.

Its easy-to-understand waiting period is 14 days for everything, including both accidents and illnesses, with no exception for cruciate ligament issues. The company offers a 10% multipet discount.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: 8 weeks is the minimum age. There’s no upper age limit.

Deductible options: $100 to $1,000 per year.

Reimbursement options: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Coverage limits: $2,500 per year to unlimited.

Accident-only plan available? Yes.

Wellness coverage available? Yes.

» MORE: Spot pet insurance review

Trupanion

Best for: Pets that may develop chronic conditions.

In most states, Trupanion handles deductibles differently than most other pet insurance companies. Instead of charging a given deductible each year, it charges deductibles per condition — and once you’ve met each one, you won’t have to pay it again during your pet’s lifetime.

That could save you money if your pet develops a chronic condition that requires extended treatment. Once you’ve paid the deductible once, you won’t have to pay it year after year. Trupanion reimburses 90% of expenses once you’ve met the deductible, and it has no annual or lifetime coverage limits.

In Florida, where Trupanion is testing a new type of plan, there are no deductibles. You can choose your own reimbursement rate between 50% and 90%.

Trupanion doesn’t offer a wellness plan and charges extra for acupuncture, physical therapy and behavioral treatments (except in Florida, where some of these therapies are included). You can also pay more for a Pet Owner Assistance package. This covers things like a reward for a lost pet, boarding fees if you’re hospitalized and trip cancellation costs if you have to rush home for a pet emergency.

Animals covered: Cats and dogs.

States available: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Age restrictions: There’s no minimum age. The maximum age is 13 years.

Deductible options: In most states, $0 to $1,000 lifetime deductible per condition. In Florida, plans have no deductibles.

Reimbursement options: 90% in most states. In Florida, you can select any percentage between 50% and 90%.

Coverage limits: Unlimited in all states.

Accident-only plan available? No.

Wellness coverage available? No.

» MORE: Trupanion pet insurance review

How to compare pet insurance companies

The costs and types of pet insurance plans vary by company, so consider options from several providers before choosing. Here are some tips for buying.

1. Check whether your pet is eligible

Puppies and kittens often must be a minimum of 6 to 10 weeks old to be insured, depending on the company. Senior pets may not be eligible for first-time enrollment with some companies, or they may qualify for accident coverage only. Once the pet is enrolled, though, most plans will offer coverage for life as long as you continue paying the premiums.

2. Decide how much coverage you want

Most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, although some have no annual limit. Only you can decide the amount that gives you reasonable peace of mind for paying vet bills.

If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, you might go years without paying for anything but routine care. But an unexpected surgery or serious illness could add up to thousands of dollars in expenses.

» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?

3. Understand reimbursements and deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill. You can generally choose a reimbursement level, such as 70%, 80% or 90%, when you buy the plan.

Other plans pay what the insurance company deems a standard fee for a given treatment, which might be less than what your vet charges. You’d be responsible for the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before the policy pays. You can usually choose from a range of deductibles, such as $100, $250 or more. Some plans apply deductibles to each injury or illness that’s treated. Most have you pay the deductible every year.

Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. A lower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.

» MORE: Home and renters insurance for pit bulls

4. Look for exclusions and waiting periods

Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Treatment during the waiting period is not covered.

Some plans include longer waiting periods for coverage of certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries, a common orthopedic problem for dogs. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the knee; when injured, it can make it difficult for a dog to walk.

Meanwhile, some plans don’t cover certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia, or certain expenses, such as exam fees when your pet is injured or sick. In some cases, you may need to pay more for this coverage.

5. Examine extra costs

Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services such as well visits and vaccinations. While this may sound tempting, do the math to determine whether it’s worth the extra cost. Compare the annual wellness insurance premium with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services covered under the plan. Read the details, because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.

6. Compare quotes

The cost of insurance varies by carrier and the amount of coverage. Some pet insurers offer discounts; you might be able to save money by insuring more than one pet, for example. But a discount doesn’t guarantee the plan is the best deal.

The only way to find the best insurance for your pet is to dig into the details and get quotes for several plans. Make sure you’re making a fair comparison, with similar coverage amounts, deductibles and reimbursement limits.

Understand the plan before you buy, so when your beloved pet is sick as a dog, you will know what the insurance covers and won’t be taken by surprise.