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How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
The average pet insurance cost is $640 per year for dogs and $387 for cats for the most common type of policy. However, plans can vary significantly from one company to another. Compare the options below and apply today.
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NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5
Embrace Pet Insurance - SEM
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on Embrace's website

Coverage

Covers curable pre-existing conditions

Customization Options

Many ways to customize your coverage and monthly rate

Reimbursement

Reimbursement amounts up to 90%

Discounts

Discounts available, including 10% multi-pet discount

THE BOTTOM LINE
Based in Cleveland, Embrace offers popular and comprehensive pet insurance for cats and dogs. In fact, big-name insurers Allstate, Geico and USAA use Embrace as a third-party pet insurance provider. So if you're an Allstate customer trying to buy a policy for your dog, for instance, Allstate will provide you with a quote from Embrace. Embrace pet insurance plans are also easy to customize and cover a wide variety of conditions and treatments, such as alternative therapies and dental illnesses.
NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5
ASPCA Pet Insurance - Social
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on ASPCA's website

Coverage

Generous coverage options, including wellness and accident-only plans

Plan Types

In addition to cats and dogs, horse plans are also available

Waiting Period

Shorter waiting periods than most insurers

Discounts

10% discount for veterinarians and multiple pets

THE BOTTOM LINE
You name it, and ASPCA pet insurance probably covers it — including dental illnesses, behavioral issues, alternative treatments, prescription food and even microchipping. Unlike some other pet insurers, it also includes coverage for accident or illness exam fees. If you want less coverage and a lower rate, you can opt for an accident-only policy. If you want even more coverage, you can add a preventive care plan to pay for services like dental cleaning, heartworm tests and vaccinations. The company offers pet insurance not only for dogs and cats but also for horses.
NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5
MetLife Pet Insurance - SEM
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on MetLife's website

Coverage

Covers what others don’t: alternative therapies and holistic medicine

Wait Times

No waiting period for accident coverage

Deductibles

In most states, your deductible reduces each year without a claim

Chat Service

24/7 vet chat service available

THE BOTTOM LINE
Founded in 1868, MetLife is a well-established insurer that offers solid coverage for pets. It puts no age restrictions on pet enrollment, has a 24/7 vet chat service for policyholders and offers more potential discounts than most other pet insurers. It’s also got relatively short waiting periods before your coverage starts.
NerdWallet rating 

4.0

/5
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance - SEM
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on Healthy Paws' website

Coverage

Simple plan that covers accidents and illnesses with no annual limit

Processing Time

Many claims are processed within two days

Deductibles

Deductibles starting at $100

THE BOTTOM LINE
If you find it overwhelming to have too many choices, the simplicity of Healthy Paws pet insurance might appeal to you. The company offers a single plan that covers accidents and illnesses with no annual or lifetime limit. You can customize the amount you pay your vet upfront and how much the company will reimburse you, but otherwise, you’ll get a decent plan without having to make too many decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions