5 Best Pet Insurance Providers for Dogs & Cats in the US [2024]
Compare and choose from our list of the top pet insurance providers to ensure your cats and dogs receive the care they need
Updated November 27, 2023.
Pet insurance is one of the most important things you can buy for your pet to make sure they get the care they need, when they need it. So it's not surprising to see the number of insured pets nearly doubling over the past four years. Emergencies and illnesses can cost thousands of dollars, and even just the annual cost of veterinary care for dogs and cats comes up to $700 and $379, respectively.
Most people don't realize that pet insurance works very differently from human health insurance. You'll generally pay the cost of a veterinary bill yourself and file for reimbursement from your insurer. The exact coverage, deductibles, and amount covered can vary between the providers, so it's a good idea to shop around.
5 Top Pet Insurance Providers for Dogs & Cats in the US
- Lemonade - Best affordable pet insurance
- Embrace - Best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions
- Pumpkin - Best senior pet insurance
- Fetch - Best pet insurance for dental coverage
- MetLife - Best pet insurance for multiple pets
We've reviewed and ranked the 5 best dog and cat pet insurance providers for 2024 based on customer reviews, benefits offered for dogs and cats, plans available, age restrictions, available multi-pet discounts, and the waiting period.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance For You
When you're looking into the best pet insurance for your furry friends, it's important to research different companies to find out if their pet insurance premiums go up with age and if their pet insurance premiums go up after a claim is made. This information can help you make an informed decision about which policy is the best fit for you and your pet's needs. Here are a few other things you should consider:
- Cost: When it comes to how to choose deductibles for pet insurance, be sure to compare the monthly premiums and deductibles of different policies to find one that fits your budget.
- Coverage: Look for a policy that covers accidents, illnesses, and preventive care.
- Exclusions: Make sure you understand what is not covered by the policy, such as pre-existing conditions or certain breeds.
- Customer service: Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find a company with good customer service.
- Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation and a history of paying claims promptly.
1
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Smart savings for pets
Read the reviewWaiting period
2 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses
Age restrictions
Minimum 2 months old; Maximum age limits vary by breed
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 to $100,000
Plans available
Accident and illness; Wellness
2
Embrace Pet Insurance
Coverage that embraces all
Waiting period
14-day waiting period for illnesses; 48 hrs waiting period for accidents; 180-day for orthopedic injuries, reducible to 14 days with a vet exam
Age restrictions
Minimum 6 weeks old; Up to age 14, accident and illness coverage; Age 15+, only accident coverage
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 to unlimited
Plans available
Accident and illness; Accident-only; Wellness
Brief overview
Because pre-existing conditions often aren't covered, many people write off getting pet insurance. However, Embrace is one insurer that will cover pre-existing conditions—as long as it's curable.
Why we chose Embrace
Embrace offers some of the best pet insurance for wellness and accidents, which is an important factor if you have a curious cat or a spunky pup. It also offers an accident-only plan for pets over 15 years of age.
A limited coverage plan like this can offer your pet some peace of mind without breaking the bank, making Embrace one of the best accident-only pet insurance plans.
Pros and cons
Covers curable pre-existing conditions
Accident-only plan for pets 15+
Customizable plans
No coverage for prescription food or supplements
3
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Golden years coverage
Waiting period
14 days for accidents and illnesses
Age restrictions
Minimum 8 weeks old; No upper age limit
Maximum annual coverage
$7,000 to unlimited
Plans available
Accident and illness
Brief overview
If you have an older pet, you might have given up on finding good coverage options. But that's exactly who Pumpkin specializes in, since it doesn't have any upper age limits for pets it'll cover. However, keep in mind your premium may cost more for an older pet.
Why we chose Pumpkin
Pumpkin's generous reimbursement of 90% can further increase the price. When you need to file a claim (they can be extra-expensive for senior pets), you won't have to spend as much money out-of-pocket to ensure your pet gets the care they need.
Pros and cons
No lifetime limits
90% reimbursement rate for all plans
10% discount for each additional pet
No coverage for most pre-existing conditions
4
Fetch Pet Insurance
Protecting every tooth
Waiting period
15 days for accidents and illnesses; 6 months for hip and knee injuries, waivable with a vet exam within first 30 days of policy
Age restrictions
Minimum 6 weeks old; No upper age limit
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 to unlimited
Plans available
Accident and illness
Brief overview
Fetch Pet Insurance offers special cover options such as wellness coverage, alternative therapies, and behavioral therapy to promote the overall well-being of pets. Their standout features include customizable plans, fast claims processing, and a 24/7 vet helpline for expert advice and guidance.
Why we chose Fetch
Another common pet peeve of many dog and cat owners is the amount of fine print that comes with pet insurance policies. Often, pet owners find out too late that only certain teeth, such as canines, are covered under their plans.
If your pet is prone to dental problems, Fetch is a good choice because it covers their whole mouth. However, Fetch doesn't cover preventative or wellness care—including dental cleaning and tooth extraction. So, these will be covered only if your vet does it to treat another diagnosed condition, like periodontal disease.
Pros and cons
Covers dental injuries and diseases
Includes holistic treatment options and sick exam fees
Discounts available for rescued or adopted pets from a shelter
No accident-only plans or wellness coverage
5
MetLife Pet Insurance
Many paws under one policy
Waiting period
Midnight EST for accidents; 14 days for illness coverage
Age restrictions
None
Maximum annual coverage
$1,000 to $25,000
Plans available
Accident and illness; Wellness
Brief overview
Normally when you buy pet insurance, you buy one policy per pet. But if you have health insurance, you know that family plans are usually cheaper than individual ones. That's exactly how MetLife's coverage works—you can insure up to three pets under one policy, with a single deductible applying to everyone.
Why we chose MetLife
MetLife offers the best pet insurance for service dogs. Often, families who live with a service dog also have other pets too, and MetLife provides an affordable option to cover all furry members of your family together—dogs and cats included.
Pros and cons
Up to three pets under one policy
No waiting period; accident coverage starts immediately
Coverage for holistic and alternative care included
No sample policies on the website
Securing Your Pet's Future: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is worth it if you want to protect yourself from unexpected veterinary bills. By paying a monthly premium, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet's medical expenses will be covered if they become sick or injured. Be sure to carefully review the policy and understand what is covered and what is not.
It's a good idea to get quotes from multiple companies as you shop around for the best pet insurance for your family. Each of these insurers is worth checking out, and it'll only take a few minutes of your time.
Additionally, for ongoing insights into your pet's health, Daily Tails provides invaluable information on related conditions and care. Make an informed decision and ensure your furry companions get the best care they deserve.
» Learn more about what is covered by pet insurance providers
FAQ
Is pet insurance worth it for an indoor cat?
Pet insurance can still be worth it for an indoor cat, even though they may be at a lower risk of injury or illness than outdoor cats. Indoor cats can still develop health conditions or accidents, such as urinary tract infections, dental problems, or accidental poisoning. Additionally, some policies cover preventive care, such as annual check-ups and vaccinations, which can help keep your indoor cat healthy.
Is pet insurance worth it for an older dog?
Pet insurance can still be worth it for an older dog, especially if they have a pre-existing condition or are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to their age. However, some insurance companies may charge higher premiums or have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so it's important to carefully review the policy and consider the cost to determine if it's worth it for your individual situation.
Is accident-only pet insurance worth it?
Accident-only pet insurance is a great investment to protect yourself from unexpected veterinary bills due to accidents, such as broken bones or ingestion of foreign objects. However, it's important to understand that this type of policy does not cover illnesses or preventive care, and may have lower coverage limits than comprehensive policies.
Why are male cats more expensive to insure?
Male cats are generally more expensive to insure than female cats because they are more likely to develop certain health conditions, such as urinary blockages and kidney disease. These conditions can be costly to treat and may require multiple visits to the vet. Male cats are also more likely to roam and get into fights, increasing their risk of injury. As a result, insurance companies may charge higher premiums for male cats to account for these increased risks.