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Pet Insurance Policies for 2023
Compare pet insurance policies for your favorite furry friend.
with Money.com
The 8 Best Pet Insurance Companies for October 2023
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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 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.
The best pet insurance companies at a glance
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.
Company | NerdWallet rating |
|---|---|
How we ranked the best pet insurance companies
NerdWallet’s rating system rewards companies with broad coverage, a variety of ways to customize your plan, a high financial strength rating and a good customer experience. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale.
These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several pet insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. Check out the pros, cons and unique features for each of the best pet insurance companies below.
Jump to:
Embrace: Best for many ways to save
Figo: Best mobile app
Pets Best: Best flexible plans
MetLife: Most potential discounts
Nationwide: Best for exotic pets
Spot: Broadest coverage
Trupanion: Best for chronic conditions
Embrace
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Embrace
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: Embrace offers its customers many ways to save. You’ll automatically get a 10% discount 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. The company is currently working on rolling out a healthy pet discount, too.
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 a vet provides them.
There’s typically a 180-day waiting period before Embrace will cover a dog’s orthopedic injuries, but you can reduce that to 14 days with a vet exam.
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.
Plans available: Accident and illness, accident-only, wellness.
Deductible options | $100 to $1,000 annually. |
Reimbursement options | 70%, 80% or 90%. |
Coverage limits | $5,000 to unlimited per year. |
To learn more, read our full Embrace pet insurance review.
Figo
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Figo
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: 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 dog walkers or groomers.
Figo offers an accident and illness plan with three different annual reimbursement maximums 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.
Like other pet insurers, Figo won’t cover pre-existing conditions, but it recognizes that some conditions are curable. If your pet hasn’t shown any symptoms or had any treatment for a curable condition over the past 12 months, Figo will cover the problem if it crops up again.
Age restrictions: The minimum age for coverage is 8 weeks. There’s no maximum age limit.
Plans available: Accident and illness, wellness.
Deductible options | $100 to $1,500 annually (not all options available for all pets). |
Reimbursement options | 70% to 100%. |
Coverage limits | $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited. |
To learn more, read our full Figo pet insurance review.
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Pets Best
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: 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 upfront.
Pets Best has fairly standard waiting periods in most states: three days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate ligament issues.
Age restrictions: The minimum age is 7 weeks. Pets Best has no upper age limit.
Plans available: Accident and illness, accident-only, wellness.
Deductible options | $50 to $1,000 per year. |
Reimbursement options | 70%, 80% or 90%. |
Coverage limits | $5,000 per year to unlimited. |
To learn more, read our full Pets Best pet insurance review.
AKC
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
AKC
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: The American Kennel Club’s pet insurance plans aren’t just for registered purebred dogs. You can sign up mixed breeds and even cats 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 in most states. 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.
Age restrictions: The minimum enrollment age is 8 weeks for puppies and 10 weeks for kittens. There’s no maximum age, but pets 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.
Plans available: Accident and illness, accident-only, wellness.
Deductible options | $100 to $1,000 annually. |
Reimbursement options | 70%, 80% or 90%. |
Coverage limits | Annual limits ranging from $2,500 to unlimited. |
To learn more, see our full AKC pet insurance review.
MetLife
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
MetLife
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: MetLife Pet Insurance 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 also stands out for its broad coverage, which includes things like hereditary and congenital conditions, alternative therapies, prescription food and dental illnesses. You can customize the plan by adjusting your deductible, reimbursement and coverage amounts and by adding wellness coverage. The plan has no lifetime limits.
MetLife’s website is generally user-friendly but doesn’t offer sample policies so you can preview the coverage terms before you buy.
Age restrictions: None.
Plans available: Accident and illness, wellness.
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. |
To learn more, read our full MetLife pet insurance review.
Nationwide
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Nationwide
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: 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 three 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. The Modular plan allows you to mix and match different types of coverage.
You can supplement your Modular or Major Medical plan with wellness coverage or buy a wellness plan on its own. Wellness plans aren’t available in all states or with Whole Pet.
Age restrictions: Depending on the plan, the minimum age may be 8 weeks and the maximum age may be 8 or 9 years. Some plans have no minimum or maximum age.
Plans available: Accident and illness, wellness.
Deductible options | $250 per year. Other options may be available. |
Reimbursement options | 50% or 70% for Whole Pet plans. 50% to 90% for Modular plans. For Major Medical plans, Nationwide sets reimbursement caps for each condition. |
Coverage limits | $10,000 per year for Whole Pet plans. $5,000 per year or unlimited for Modular plans. |
To learn more, read our full Nationwide pet insurance review.
Spot
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Spot
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: 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 many annual coverage limits to choose from. 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.
Age restrictions: The minimum age is 8 weeks. There’s no upper age limit.
Plans available: Accident and illness, accident-only, wellness.
Deductible options | $100 to $1,000 per year. |
Reimbursement options | 70%, 80% or 90%. |
Coverage limits | $2,500 per year to unlimited. |
To learn more, read our full Spot pet insurance review.
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Trupanion
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Company overview: 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 select states, including Florida and Texas, there are no deductibles. You can choose your own reimbursement rate between 70% and 100%.
Trupanion doesn’t offer a wellness plan and charges extra for acupuncture, physical therapy and behavioral treatments in most states. You may also be able to buy 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.
Age restrictions: There’s no minimum age. The maximum age is 13 years.
Plans available: Accident and illness.
Deductible options | In most states, $0 to $1,000 lifetime deductible per condition. In a handful of states, plans have no deductibles. |
Reimbursement options | 90% in most states. In select states, you can choose a percentage between 70% and 100%. |
Coverage limits | Unlimited in all states. |
To learn more, read our full Trupanion pet insurance review.
How much is pet insurance?
Pet insurance costs about $640 per year for a dog and $387 per year for a cat, on average, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. That works out to about $53 a month for a dog and $32 a month for a cat.
The average cost of dog insurance has gone up by a little over 2% since last year, according to NAPHIA’s data. Cat insurance has seen an increase of nearly 5%.
The averages above are for accident and illness coverage, the most common type of plan. Accident-only policies are significantly cheaper, at $201 per year for dogs and $122 per year for cats. On a monthly basis, that’s roughly $17 for a dog and $10 for a cat. However, an accident-only plan won’t pay for conditions such as cancer, allergies or urinary tract infections.
» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?
Your own pet's price will vary depending on factors such as:
Where you live. Pet insurance companies take the cost of vet care in your area into account when pricing your policy.
Your pet’s age. Because older animals are more likely to have health problems, their premiums are generally higher.
Your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are more prone to health issues. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often develop breathing problems, while German shepherds and other large breeds are more likely than others to get hip dysplasia. These potential problems may be reflected in the cost of your pet insurance plan.
Your deductibles, coinsurance and coverage limits. The less you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your pet insurance premium will be. For instance, choosing a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one means your plan will start reimbursing you sooner for your pet’s care — but it’ll cost you more in premiums.
Learn more about pet insurance costs.
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 pet insurance.
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. Research what’s covered
Pet insurance plans typically cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization and medication if your pet gets sick or hurt. However, there are certain things that some companies charge extra for or won’t cover at all. Here are a few examples:
Exam fees. Say your dog breaks her leg. Some plans will reimburse expenses like X-rays, surgery and pain medication, but not the vet’s exam fee.
Alternative treatments and rehabilitation. Some companies include coverage for things like acupuncture and physical therapy in their standard plans. Others charge extra.
Behavioral therapies. Not all policies cover veterinary treatment for aggression or other behavioral issues.
Prescription food. Certain plans won’t cover food or supplements at all, even if your vet prescribes them for a covered condition.
Dental care. Pet insurance plans vary widely when it comes to caring for your pet’s teeth. For example, your policy may not cover dental illnesses such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Alternatively, it may cover them only if your pet has had a recent tooth cleaning. Some add-on wellness plans pay for cleanings.
Note that pet insurance policies usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures or breeding expenses. For more information, see our guide to pet insurance coverage.
Many pet insurance plans will cover “curable” pre-existing conditions that haven’t shown any symptoms for a set period of time.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Check waiting periods
Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Your plan won't pay for any treatment during the waiting period.
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.
6. 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 price of the wellness insurance plan with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services the plan covers. Read the details, because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.
Some wellness plans will pay up to a set amount toward the cost of spay or neuter surgery.
7. 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.
NerdWallet’s pet insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, scope of coverage, the ability to customize your plan and more. Our “consumer experience” category looks at factors such as website transparency and mobile app ratings. To calculate each insurer’s star rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale. See our full pet insurance methodology.
These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
