The cost of veterinary care in the US continues to rise, and an increasing number of pet owners are turning to pet insurance for the peace of mind it provides. The right pet insurance coverage acts as a financial safety net should you be hit with unexpected vet bills. Below, we cover our top five pet insurance companies and what to consider before you sign on the dotted line.
We reviewed 15 insurance companies and found MetLife Pet Insurance to be our preferred option for pet insurance.
We took a deep dive into 15 pet insurance providers and selected the top five. We rated each company on coverage, cost, claims processing time, reputation, and customer service.
Below, you can compare the companies that made the cut.
| Company | Our Rating | Our Award | Number of Plans | Number of Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | 4.4 | Best Overall | 4 | 2 |
| Embrace | 4.0 | Best for Puppies and Kittens | 1 | 3 |
| Figo | 4.2 | Waiving Waiting Periods | 4 | 2 |
| Healthy Paws | 3.9 | No Payout Limits | 1 | 0 |
| Lemonade | 4.2 | Digital Experience | 1 | 8 |
MetLife Pet Insurance is a top contender in the pet health insurance industry thanks to its broad coverage and competitive pricing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Coverage for multiple pets on a single policy | $10,000 maximum payout limit |
| Covers exotic pets | No accident-only coverage |
| Broad coverage for complementary treatments |
| Research Category | Endurance Rating |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 4.4 |
| Cost | 4.1 |
| Claims Processing Time | 4.0 |
| Customer Service | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4 |
MetLife offers three set plan options, a custom plan, and two preventative care add-ons.
| Sample Quote for Exotic Pets | Sample Quote for Dogs | Sample Quote for Cats | Annual Deductible Options | Reimbursement Percentage Options | Annual Maximum Payout | Claim Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not stated | $55.25* | $26.83* | $50 $100 $250 $500 | 70% 80$ 90% | $10,000 | 5 days |
The reviews for MetLife Pet Insurance speak for themselves. With a 4.5 rating on Trustpilot and consistent reviews praising the kind and helpful representatives, the pet insurance provider is a top contender in the industry.
Despite not being BBB accredited, MetLife Pet Insurance policyholders can rest assured that their investments are safe thanks to its strong financial backing through its underwriter, MetGen.
Embrace offers comprehensive coverage and add-ons that cover pets from a younger age than most competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complementary treatments are covered with every policy | No accident-only plan for dogs under 15 years old |
| Exclusive offers from pet brands for the Routine Care Plan | |
| 10% Multiple pet discount |
| Research Category | Embrace Rating |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 4.7 |
| Cost | 3.6 |
| Claims Processing Time | 3.5 |
| Customer Service and Reputation | 4.1 |
| Overall Rating | 4 |
Embrace offers one customizable, comprehensive plan and three optional add-ons:
Below are the quotes and key data points we gathered during our secret shopper analysis.
| Dog Monthly Sample Quote | Cat Monthly Sample Quote | Annual Deductible Options | Reimbursement Percentage Options | Annual Maximum Payout | Claim Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $78.28* | $46.05* |
|
|
| The first claim can take up to 30 days to review 10 – 15 business days for accident or illness claims 5 business days for Wellness Rewards |
Many Embrace policyholders on Trustpilot praise the company for the friendly support that the well-informed customer care team provides. The representatives are reachable via telephone, unlike many competitors who only communicate via email or chat.
Embrace has strong, reputable backing, indicating the company’s financial stability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pet Cloud app with integrated 24/7 vet chat | Limited travel coverage outside the U.S. and Canada |
| 30-Day Free Look cancellation offer | No accident-only plan |
| No per-incident cap on claims |
| Research Category | Everything Breaks Rating |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 4.2 |
| Cost and Buying Experience | 4.2 |
| Reputation | 4.5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9 |
| Overall Rating | 4.2 |
With Figo, you can customize your own plan or choose one of three fixed plans. You can also fill coverage gaps with add-ons or “Powerups”. Coverage options include:
For our pet insurance comparison, we retrieved key data points and quotes using Figo’s premiums calculator.
| Dog Monthly Sample Quote | Cat Monthly Sample Quote | Annual Deductible Options | Reimbursement Percentage Options | Annual Maximum Payout | Claim Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46.86* | $23.95* |
|
|
| 3 business days or less |
Figo’s customer reviews on Trustpilot consistently praise the company’s tech-forward approach. The Pet Cloud app, + 24/7 vet chat, streamlines the claims-filing process and consolidates all necessary information, making it easily accessible.
Figo Pet Insurance Agency has a slightly lower BBB rating than some of its competitors, primarily due to several complaints filed against the agency. However, its underwriter’s strong financial ratings offer peace of mind that your coverage is secure.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Alternative treatments included in the comprehensive plan | 15-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses |
| No limits on claims payouts | Lacks coverage for routine and preventative care |
| Fast claim turnaround time |
| Research Category | Healthy Paws Rating |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 3.5 |
| Cost | 3.4 |
| Claims Processing Time | 4.7 |
| Customer Service and Reputation | 3.9 |
| Overall Rating | 3.9 |
Healthy Paws offers one comprehensive plan with customizable deductibles and reimbursement rates.
Below are the quotes and data points we pulled from the Healthy Paws quote calculator.
| Monthly Dog Sample Quote | Monthly Cat Sample Quote | Annual Deductible Options | Reimbursement Percentage Options | Annual Maximum Payout | Claim Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $80.15** | $24.01** |
|
| Unlimited only | 2 business days |
According to most Trustpilot reviews, the majority of Healthy Paws policyholders are happy with the services the company offers. There is consistent praise for the straightforward and fast claim turnaround time. Many customers are impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable representatives. However, some recent reviews flag questionably high premium increases.
Healthy Paws was acquired by Chubb in 2024, and while there’s always some level of uncertainty when companies change hands, pet owners can rest assured that Healthy Paws has strong and reliable financial backing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive wellness and preventative care coverage | Not available in all states |
| 10% Bundle discount for existing Lemonade customers | No accident-only plan |
| Offers extensive end-of-life coverage option |
| Research Category | Lemonade Rating |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 3.8 |
| Cost | 4.3 |
| Claims Processing Time | 4.8 |
| Reputation and Customer Service | 4.2 |
| Overall Rating | 4.2 |
Lemonade offers one comprehensive base plan and several optional add-ons to extend coverage.
Here’s the data we pulled while using Lemonade’s quotation tool:
| Sample Quote for Dogs | Sample Quote for Cats | Annual Deductible Options | Reimbursement Percentage Options | Annual Maximum Payout | Claim Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60* | $27.4* |
|
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| Simple claims paid almost instantly |
“Simple, fast, efficient!” – The consensus on Trustpilot is that Lemonade is great for a fast and efficient pet insurance claims process through their convenient app. The company’s reputation did, however, take a hit in 2024 when a class action lawsuit was filed against it. They were disclosing personal and health-related information of life insurance applicants to third parties.
Lemonade is not BBB-accredited or rated by AM Best. This is likely because it’s a relatively new player in the insurance space and is still establishing its long-term track record, whereas other insurers have already established theirs.
Below, we cover what pet insurance is, how it works, and how to navigate choosing the right company and policy that works for your budget and gives your pet the best possible coverage.
A pet insurance policy helps to cover a portion of the veterinary expenses you incur when your pet needs emergency care or treatment for accidental injuries and covered illnesses.
It typically operates on a reimbursement system: You pay the vet bill, submit a claim, pay a deductible, and receive reimbursement for a predetermined percentage of eligible expenses.
They might not cover everything, but pet insurance plans can protect you from financial blows when your pet needs care on a rainy day.
Here’s a brief overview of what coverage options pet insurers typically offer:
Coverage can vary significantly across companies, plans, underwriters, and more, so read the fine print, take a close look at sample policies, and ask coverage-related questions to ensure your expectations are met.
Some of the most common covered accidents and accidental injuries are:
On top of coverage for unexpected injuries, these more comprehensive pet insurance plans may cover treatment for:
Pet owners can supplement insurance plans with optional non-insurance programs and benefits. Think “gap-cover.” These add-ons budget for routine care that’s typically excluded from base plans. Preventive or routine care can go a long way in keeping your pet healthy. For example, vaccines can protect your furkids from certain illnesses, and routine wellness exams can help detect medical issues early.
Some common add-on treatments and procedures include:
Most pet insurance policies include coverage for the following diagnostic tests, treatments, and other services:
Some treatments or services are not advertised. Instead, additional coverage is often hidden in the fine print. Your pet might be entitled to anything from mobility aids to root canals, or even organ transplants. Also, if there’s even the smallest room for interpretation in the wording of your pet insurance policy, don’t be scared to push for a treatment that is not explicitly excluded.
Too many pet owners have been caught off guard by excluded (or reduced) coverage and sudden premium changes in their policies. However, in 2022, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) passed the Pet Insurance Model Act to help regulate the pet insurance industry.
With consumer protection top of mind, the act requires insurers to clearly define terminology and add disclosures about exclusions, policy limitations, reduced coverage, or increased premiums. The act also prohibits pet insurers from marketing or selling wellness programs as pet insurance, ensuring that pet owners are aware that any “wellness” benefits are optional, non-insurance add-ons.
Note: Not all states have adopted this law, so transparency from every provider is not guaranteed. Review state-specific information about coverage in your area before committing.
| Term | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | The amount you pay out of pocket before you get reimbursed for a claim you submitted | A higher deductible typically results in lower monthly premiums. It’s an upfront cost, so you need to be sure it fits into your budget |
| Waiting Period | The amount of time before coverage kicks in after you enroll in a policy | You generally won’t be eligible for reimbursement if your pet needs care before the relevant waiting period has ended |
| Reimbursement % | The percentage of the vet bill that the insurer will reimburse you for an eligible claim | Higher reimbursement percentages typically result in higher monthly premiums, so it’s essential to assess what your budget allows. Percentages usually range between 50% and 100% |
| Annual Payout Limit | The maximum amount your insurer will reimburse you each year | A high yearly maximum payout can cover the costs of major eligible treatments and procedures. A low annual maximum payout may limit the care your pet receives in the event of a medical crisis. |
According to the 2025 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) State of the Industry Report, here’s the average amount pet owners paid monthly for pet insurance policies in 2024:
Dogs
Cats
Calculating pet insurance premiums is all about the potential risk the insurance provider faces when offering you financial protection for your vet bills. To protect themselves from overexposure, underwriters will adjust premiums according to the specific risk profile.
The following factors will most likely determine your premiums:
Most insurance companies consider your pet’s age when calculating your monthly premiums. Older dogs are generally more prone to chronic diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and dementia. The same goes for cats.
Aging felines are more likely to develop health issues such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and dental disease. As our pets age, they often become less active, tend to gain weight, and are at risk of health issues linked to obesity in pets.
Your fur kid’s breed will also play a role in how much your monthly premiums are. Certain breeds are prone to developing specific illnesses or conditions. The more health issues your pet is prone to, the higher your pet premiums are likely to be.
For example, larger dog breeds, such as St. Bernards and German Shepherds, are at greater risk of developing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers are known to have a higher risk of certain types of cancer. Brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, and Persian cats) may be more prone to requiring regular veterinary visits due to respiratory issues, dental problems, skin fold infections, and eye problems.
Your zip code may impact how your monthly premiums are calculated. If you live in a bigger city with a higher cost of living, you can expect greater expenses for your pet’s medical and emergency care, as well as higher vet fees.
In certain areas or regions, wildlife and the elements come into play when calculating your premiums. Plants and animal wildlife may risk your pet’s health. Think of places with higher venomous snake populations, and ticks with their tick-borne diseases. Anything from the likelihood of heat stroke to frostbite can impact how much you’ll pay for pet insurance.
Another factor is that insurance provider requirements vary by state. The state you live in affects the services and plans local underwriters may offer, as well as the premiums they quote.
Accident-only plans tend to be on the lower end of the price scale, while pet insurance plans that include coverage for both accidents and illness are typically more expensive. Any add-ons, such as those for dental or routine care costs, will increase the cost of your monthly premium.
Sterilized pets are believed to be less prone to behavioral issues (fighting, roaming) and pose less risk for excessive veterinary care costs. Certain medical conditions (cancers in particular) are also less common in spayed or neutered pets.
Many pet owners are blindsided when their premiums are raised without any explanation or warning. Here are a few potential reasons your pet insurance premiums may be raised:
Here are some tried and tested ways to save on pet insurance:
The claims process for most pet insurers follows a reimbursement model. Here’s how that works when you need to file a claim:
A note on direct vet pay: Paying costly veterinary bills upfront can be particularly challenging for many people. Some insurers offer a payment method called Direct Vet Pay. With this payment option, the insurer pays the covered portion of your vet bill at checkout, so you don’t need to wait for reimbursement. It’s not an option with all insurers and may not be advertised, so it’s worth calling customer service to ask whether the option is available.
Pet insurance can give you peace of mind that, should something happen to your furchild, they’ll get the best possible medical care. However, there’s always a chance that the expense of insurance over your pet’s lifetime may outweigh the cost of an emergency. You need to crunch the numbers and weigh the odds.
If you’re sure you’ll have enough room in your budget to pay the vet bills out of pocket, you may not need pet insurance.
However, if you don’t think you can, and you don’t have a pet savings account or other nest egg for a rainy day, pet insurance might be what stands between you and a heartbreaking scenario that every pet parent wants to avoid.
We reviewed 15 insurance companies and found MetLife Pet Insurance to be our preferred option for pet insurance.
*Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Contact the insurance company for applicable quotes. The above quotes are the monthly premiums for a 2-year-old male, neutered Golden Retriever, and a 2-year-old male, neutered American Shorthair, both in excellent health and located in the State of New York. Plans were customized to a $5,000 annual reimbursement limit, a $500 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement rate.
**Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Contact the insurance company for applicable quotes. The above quotes are the monthly premiums for a 2-year-old male, neutered Golden Retriever, and a 2-year-old male, neutered American Shorthair, both in excellent health and located in the State of New York. Plans were customized to a $5,000 annual reimbursement limit, a $500 deductible, and an unlimited reimbursement rate.
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