Best cheap pet insurance companies
Below are five companies we recommend for affordable pet insurance. Click the company name or keep scrolling for more details on each.
Pet insurance can be a literal lifesaver if your furry friend needs emergency surgery or expensive medical treatment, but the premiums can also put a dent in your budget. NerdWallet gathered quotes from 25 popular insurers to help you find the best cheap pet insurance.
We shopped accident and illness plans on insurers’ websites in 11 cities around the U.S. Sample pets were a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cat at ages 2 and 8. Each plan had a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual coverage limit and 80% reimbursement rate. Read our full methodology.
The cost of insurance will vary based on where you live, how much coverage you want, and your pet's breed and age. Companies that offered the cheapest rates in our tests may not be the best fit for you.
Figo: Cheapest pet insurance overall
Figo stands out for paying up to 100% of your vet bills after you meet your deductible.
Annual max coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement rates
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductibles
$100 - $1,500
Policy highlight
Mobile app has lots of useful features.
How Figo can save you money
Figo offered the cheapest pet insurance for dogs and cats among all the companies we tested. Figo also has discounts for insuring multiple pets or serving in the military. Are you a Costco member? Buy your policy through the Costco website to save 15%.
Other reasons to choose Figo
100% reimbursement option. If you choose this level of coverage, the company will reimburse all your vet bills once you’ve met your annual deductible. (Most pet insurers will pay up to 90%.)
Useful mobile app. You can use Figo’s Pet Cloud app to store your pet’s digital medical records. It also offers access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line.
Average of sample rates for dogs:
$46/month.
Average of sample rates for cats:
$22/month.
» READ MORE: Figo pet insurance review
Spot: Best value for money
Spot offers one of the most comprehensive accident and illness plans on the market.
Annual max coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement rates
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles
$100 - $1,000
Policy highlight
Broad coverage, including microchip implantation.
How Spot can save you money
Spot combines affordable prices with plans that cover more than many others. You don’t have to pay extra for dental coverage, for instance — it’s already included. Behavioral issues, acupuncture, even microchipping? All covered. In some cases, paying a little extra could end up costing you less in the long run than buying a skimpier plan.
If you have a tight budget but want some emergency coverage, consider Spot’s accident-only plan. It won’t pay for illnesses but could be helpful if your pet swallows a toy or gets hit by a car.
Spot offers a multipet discount of 10%.
Other reasons to choose Spot
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. Like most pet insurers, Spot won’t pay to treat problems your furry pal had before you bought your plan. However, if the condition is a curable one, such as an ear infection, Spot might cover it again in the future. The problem must have been symptom- and treatment-free for at least 180 days to be eligible.
Flexible plans. Spot has many ways to customize its plans. These options make it easier to find the right combination of coverage and price for your pet.
Average of sample rates for dogs:
$55/month.
Average of sample rates for cats:
$25/month.
» READ MORE: Spot pet insurance review
Pumpkin: Cheapest pet insurance for payment at the vet
Pumpkin stands out for comprehensive coverage and the ability to reimburse you for big vet bills almost immediately.
Annual max coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement rates
80%, 90%
Deductibles
$100 - $1,000
Policy highlight
PumpkinNow service can reimburse you while you’re still at the vet.
How Pumpkin can save you money
Pumpkin’s rates were about average in our tests, but the price may be worth it if you’re ever facing a high vet bill. Pumpkin plans include an urgent pay service called PumpkinNow. It can put money into your bank account within minutes if your vet bill is $500 or more. This service can help keep you from going into debt to pay for a pricey surgery or other major expense.
PumpkinNow is available during select operating hours Monday through Saturday. You must have an account with an eligible financial institution.
Pumpkin also offers a 10% multipet discount.
Other reasons to choose Pumpkin
Comprehensive coverage. Pumpkin plans include coverage some companies charge extra for, such as vet exam fees and prescription food. They also pay to treat dental illnesses.
No upper age limit. You can enroll any dog or cat as long as they’re at least 8 weeks old. (Some companies cap enrollment at a certain age.)
Average of sample rates for dogs:
$71/month.
Average of sample rates for cats:
$28/month.
» READ MORE: Pumpkin pet insurance review
AKC: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions
AKC offers lots of ways to customize your coverage, but its standard plan lacks benefits many other companies include.
Annual max coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement rates
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles
$100 - $1,000
Policy highlight
Covers chronic pre-existing conditions in some states.
How AKC can save you money
AKC was on the more expensive end of the spectrum in our tests. But in many states it offers a perk that’s almost impossible to find at any price: coverage for pre-existing conditions. Pet insurers usually won’t cover chronic, incurable conditions that developed before you bought your pet’s policy. So if you enroll a pup with diabetes or a cat with kidney disease, most companies won’t pay to treat those issues.
AKC is different. Once your pet has had a plan for 365 days, the company may cover its pre-existing conditions. Depending on your pet’s ailment, this could save you hundreds of dollars. (The coverage isn’t available in all states, and pets enrolled beyond age 9 are eligible for accident coverage only.)
AKC offers a 5% multipet discount.
Other reasons to choose AKC
Vet helpline. You can reach out to this 24/7 service if your pet gets sick in the middle of the night and your normal vet isn’t available.
Breeding coverage. Most pet insurers won’t cover any issues connected to breeding or pregnancy. AKC offers this coverage for an additional fee.
Average of sample rates for dogs:
$62/month.
Average of sample rates for cats:
$35/month.
» READ MORE: AKC pet insurance review
Lemonade: Honorable mention
Lemonade boasts a seamless online experience and quick claims, but its default coverage is more limited than some other plans.
Annual max coverage
$100,000
Reimbursement rates
60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductibles
$100 - $750
Policy highlight
Pays some claims almost immediately.
How Lemonade can save you money
Lemonade had consistently affordable pet insurance for both dogs and cats in our tests. In fact, it was the cheapest option for three of our sample dogs and four of our sample cats. Plus, the company has discounts for paying your bill annually rather than monthly and for insuring more than one pet. If you have another Lemonade policy (such as homeowners, renters or life insurance), you can save even more.
Other reasons to choose Lemonade
Quick claims. After you file your claim through the app, the company uses artificial intelligence to review and pay some claims right away. (Human adjusters review the rest.)
Donations to a charity of your choice. Lemonade stands out for its unique “Giveback” program. Each year it donates a portion of company profits to charities chosen by policyholders.
Average of sample rates for dogs:
$53/month.
Average of sample rates for cats:
$24/month.
» READ MORE: Lemonade pet insurance review
Other affordable pet insurance companies
Not sure if the companies above are right for you? See sample rates for other pet insurers below.
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs
Average of sample monthly rates for cats
» MORE: The best pet insurance companies
What determines your pet insurance cost?
While each company has its own pricing formula, these are some of the main factors that will influence how much you pay for pet insurance.
Where you live. If you’re in an area with a high cost of living, vet care may be expensive, too — and your premium will go up accordingly.
Your pet’s age. Just like humans, pets tend to develop more health issues as they age. Because older pets are more likely to need veterinary care, their pet insurance will generally cost more than it would for a puppy or kitten.
Your pet’s species and breed. Dogs tend to be more expensive to insure than cats, and certain breeds cost more than others. That’s because some breeds are more prone to health conditions such as trouble breathing, joint problems or heart issues.
The coverage you choose. Expect higher prices for plans with unlimited annual payouts and 90% reimbursement for vet expenses. Adding wellness coverage to pay for annual shots and checkups can also run up your costs. Some insurers charge extra to cover certain expenses such as exam fees or physical therapy.
» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?
More Nerdy Perspective
Once your policy is in place, it’s often easier to reduce coverage than to increase it. For example, you may have to wait till your policy renews to get a higher reimbursement rate. In some cases, making changes may even require getting a whole new policy, which will reset your waiting periods and pre-existing conditions. That’s why you may want to start with the most generous plan you can afford. You can always cut coverage later if you need to reduce costs.
Once your policy is in place, it’s often easier to reduce coverage than to increase it. For example, you may have to wait till your policy renews to get a higher reimbursement rate. In some cases, making changes may even require getting a whole new policy, which will reset your waiting periods and pre-existing conditions. That’s why you may want to start with the most generous plan you can afford. You can always cut coverage later if you need to reduce costs.
Sarah SchlichterSenior writer on InsuranceHow to find cheap pet insurance
The following tips can help you get the best rate for your pet insurance.
Shop around. We recommend getting pet insurance quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not offer the best value if it comes with a higher deductible or less coverage. (A deductible is the amount you need to pay before your insurer starts reimbursing you.)
Customize your coverage. Many insurers let you tweak your price by changing the terms of your plan. For example, you can typically lower your premium if you choose to be reimbursed for only 70% of your vet expenses rather than 80% or 90%. You could also buy an accident-only policy, which will cover injuries like broken bones or snake bites but not illnesses like cancer.
Just be sure you’re comfortable with the tradeoffs you’re making to get a lower premium. The plan may be cheaper, but you’ll be on the hook for more of your pet’s vet bills.
Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer savings if you cover more than one animal. You may also see military and bundling discounts.
Pay annually. Some companies charge installment fees if you pay your premiums monthly. In these cases, you can save a few bucks by paying your premium in full once a year.
Your employer may offer discounted pet insurance to employees. Before you choose this option, however, ask the insurer whether you can maintain your pet’s coverage even if you leave your job.
» MORE: How much is pet insurance?
How to compare pet insurance plans
Aside from price, pet insurance plans vary in what they cover and how generously they’ll reimburse your vet bills. Here are a few key things to check before you commit to a pet insurance plan.
What’s covered — and what’s not
Most accident and illness plans cover things like cancer treatments or surgery if your pet gets hurt. But there are types of coverage you can’t always count on.
Say your pet develops periodontal disease and needs to have a few teeth pulled. Some plans will cover this expense; others won’t. Still others might cover it only if you’ve bought optional dental illness coverage. Learn more about pet dental insurance.
Plans may also vary in how they cover rehab, treatment for behavioral issues, and prescription food and supplements.
Finally, check whether your plan will cover vet exam fees. If you bring your pet in for a sick visit, some pet insurers will pay for medication and other treatment but won’t reimburse you for the exam fee.
» MORE: What does pet insurance cover?
Reimbursement
One of the most important things to know about a plan is how it will pay your vet expenses. A handful of companies can pay your vet directly, but in most cases you’ll need to settle the bill yourself and then file a claim for reimbursement.
Check how long it generally takes the companies you’re considering to process claims. Some do so in a matter of days, while others may take up to a month.
Another question to ask is whether your insurer applies your deductible or your reimbursement rate to your vet bills first. Having the deductible applied first can save you money.
Say you have a $500 yearly deductible and a reimbursement rate of 80%. Your dog needs a $2,000 surgery and you haven’t paid anything toward your deductible yet. Below are the two ways your reimbursement might be calculated.
Option #1: Deductible first
$2,000 vet bill - $500 deductible = $1,500.
80% reimbursement on the remaining $1,500 bill = $1,200.
How much you pay: $800.
Option #2: Reimbursement percentage first
$2,000 vet bill x 0.8 (representing an 80% reimbursement rate) = $1,600.
$1,600 - $500 deductible = $1,100.
How much you pay: $900.
Of the five companies we recommend above, AKC, Pumpkin and Spot apply the deductible first, which means bigger payouts for you. Figo and Lemonade apply your reimbursement percentage first.
Waiting periods
There’s generally a waiting period between when you buy your policy and when your coverage begins. For instance, your pet’s illnesses might not be covered for the first 14 days. Some companies have extended waiting periods for certain issues like knee injuries or hip dysplasia. Learn more about pet insurance waiting periods.
Reviews
NerdWallet has evaluated dozens of major pet insurance companies to help you compare your options. Read our pet insurance reviews to see our star ratings and get details about each insurer’s plans.
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet gathered online quotes for accident and illness policies from pet insurance companies’ websites. Plans had a $250 annual deductible, $5,000 in annual coverage and an 80% reimbursement rate.
Our sample pets were a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cat with no pre-existing conditions. We sampled rates for both pets at ages 2 and 8 in the following locations:
Boston.
Charlotte, N.C.
Columbus, Ohio.
Denver.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Jersey City, N.J.
Katy, Texas.
Los Angeles.
New York City.
Seattle.
We then took the median of these rates to come up with our overall averages for each company for cats and dogs.
These are sample rates gathered for specific pets in certain locations. Your own rates will be different.
