The Best Pet Insurance Companies

Friday, January 17th

2025 Pet Insurance Company Reviews

Embrace

• $15 to $25/month for cats, $25 to $50/month for dogs
• $77.80/month for a sample 8-year-old large mixed breed dog in Illinois
• Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
• Optional add-ons for exam fees and prescription drugs
• Flexible Wellness Rewards plan for preventive care
• Coverage usable with any licensed veterinarian worldwide
• No waiting period for accident coverage
• 24/7 pet telehealth service
• Multiple pet discount available
• Healthy Pet Deductible program can reduce annual deductible
• Hip dysplasia coverage on all accident/illness policies

Embrace has been in the pet insurance business since 2006, enrolling cats and dogs up to 14 years of age in new policies. Only their accident coverage is available for enrolled pets after they turn 15. Annual reimbursements are available at $2k, $5k, $10k, $15k, or unlimited; annual deductibles at $1k, $750, $500, $250, or $100; and reimbursement percentages of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Embrace's coverage can be used with any licensed veterinarian anywhere in the world, including specialist and emergency veterinarians.

$77.80/month with test case

According to Embrace's website, the average monthly cost to insure a cat ranges from $15 to $25, while for dogs it's typically between $25 to $50. For our example quote, we used Magnus, an 8-year-old large mixed breed dog in Illinois. The Embrace Accident and Illness plan for Magnus was quoted at $77.80 per month, covering:

• Accidents and injuries
• Illnesses including cancer
• Genetic and chronic conditions
• Dental trauma
• Alternative and physical therapies
• Lab tests and biopsies
• Hospitalization and surgery

Add-ons for exam fees, prescription drugs available

Missing from the base plan were coverage for exam fees and prescription drugs, which could be added for an additional $11.67 and $12.44 per month, respectively. Preventive care is also not included in this plan. Like most pet insurance providers, Embrace's main plan doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, breeding-related expenses, or spaying and neutering.

Embrace's preventive care plan is more flexible than competitors'

If you're interested in a non-insurance add-on that reimburses you for preventive expenses, you can add the Wellness Rewards plan for $300 to $700 of annual reimbursement, costing $20 to $60 a month. The great thing about it is that you're not limited to a certain dollar amount of coverage by condition. Where some pet insurance providers' preventive care plans only allot you $25 for all your pet's vaccinations in a year and don't let you "borrow” from other categories to cover excess expenses, Embrace lets you use the entirety of your annual reimbursement however you please.

10-15 days for claims process

You can submit your claim to Embrace via their mobile app or website. It'll take between 10-15 days for them to process it (and your first claim always takes longer). It'll be another 2-3 days after that for the direct deposit to hit your account.

No waiting period for accident coverage

Embrace requires access to medical records from a check-up within the past 12 months before your coverage can begin. According to the details of our quote, our Embrace policy would take effect two days after purchase. The waiting period for illness coverage is 14 days from the effective date, while accident coverage begins on the effective date itself. For orthopedic conditions, the waiting period varies by state - in our Illinois test case, it was six months. You can get this waiting period shortened by completing their Orthopedic Exam and Waiver process.

Premiums increase even without claims

Embrace will increase your premium every year even if you do not file any claims. While they're just as coy as their competitors about the exact amount, one customer says the rate their first year cost $464, the second $571, and the third $984 - all without any claims. Despite this experience, the customer still rated Embrace 5 stars because when their puppy ate a foreign object and incurred over $12k in medical expenses, Embrace paid exactly what was expected without a fight.

Customers think the cost is high, but worth it

Embrace Pet Insurance has earned an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.0 rating average from over 6,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Our research revealed the typical ratio of satisfied to unsatisfied customers regarding claim payouts. Notably, many customers praised the quality of customer service provided by Embrace's representatives. The most frequent criticism we encountered was that Embrace's premiums are high. However, many customers felt the peace of mind provided by the coverage justified the cost.

#1 for comprehensiveness and flexibility

Embrace Pet Insurance is proud of their hip dysplasia coverage on all accident/illness policies, dental illness coverage up to $1,000 per term, and international pet coverage. Customers can take advantage of 24/7 pet telehealth, and Embrace's Healthy Pet discount program might even reduce your deductible by $50 a year if you have no claims. While there are a couple of common drawbacks (like the bilateral condition clause and the orthopedic waiting period), we're impressed by Embrace's preventive care add-on, and didn't find any noticeable gaps in their accident and illness coverage. That's why they're our top pick, earning a 5-star rating. We encourage you to get a free quote and find out if Embrace's pet insurance will work for your budget.

Spot

• Accident + Illness plan quoted at $102.56/month; Accident-only plan at $27.22/month
• Covers cats and dogs 8 weeks and older with no upper age limit
• Annual limits range from $2,500 to unlimited
• Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%
• Annual deductibles from $100 to $1,000
• 14-day waiting period for all conditions
• Claims processed in 2-7 days
• Covers exam fees, therapeutic diets, and behavioral treatments
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 10% multi-pet discount available

Spot is a pet insurance company built by and for pet lovers, underwritten by American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. They cover cats and dogs 8 weeks and older with no upper age limits for enrollment or coverage. You'll be glad to know you can use their insurance with any licensed vet, specialist, or emergency care clinic in the United States or Canada. Their annual limits range from $2.5k to unlimited; reimbursement rate options are 70%, 80%, or 90%; and annual deductibles range from $100 to $1,000.

Accident-only plan includes exam fees

During the quote process, you'll have to choose between an Accident + Illness plan or an Accident Only plan. The latter covers vet exam fees and lab tests, MRI or CT scans and x-rays, surgery and hospitalization, IV fluids and medications, medical supplies, poison control, prescription meds, broken teeth, advanced care, and alternative treatments. Using an annual limit of $5k, a reimbursement rate of 80%, and an annual deductible of $500 for an 8 year old large dog in Illinois, we were quoted $27.22 a month for Accident Only.

Accident + Illness plan quoted at $102.56/month

If you opt for Accident + Illness, you'll get coverage for infections, cancer and chemo, surgery and specialized care, arthritis and hip dysplasia, allergies and treatments, digestive issues, and more. You'll also be able to take advantage of 24/7 virtual vet visits. We were quoted $102.56 per month for a dog on this plan. Spot lists the typical exclusions - pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, breeding costs, and preventive care.

Wellness plans available with caps on individual expenses

Neither plan includes breeding or pregnancy care, cosmetic surgeries, preventive care, or pre-existing conditions. If you need a little more coverage (like for wellness exams, screenings, dental cleanings, or spaying and neutering) you can pay extra for Platinum or Gold plans (adding an extra $10 to $30 a month according to our quote). Be aware that there's a payout limit on each expense covered on these plans, which means you'll likely be leaving money on the table every year - for example, you'd be paying towards $25 worth of health certificates every year, and if you didn't need it, you wouldn't be able to use those $25 towards a wellness exam.

14-day waiting period

You won't need to submit your pet to an exam in order to enroll with Spot, but be sure to have their medical records on hand when you file your first claim. Spot has a flat 14-day waiting period for all accidents and illnesses.

2-7 days for claims processing

Submitting a claim to Spot Pet Insurance can be done quickly and easily through the mobile app or on desktop via the Member Center portal. You'll need to answer a few basic questions about your pet's medical history and upload an itemized invoice. They say it'll take up to a week for a standard claim to be processed, and just 2 days for a preventive care claim. While Spot won't increase your premium if you file a claim, you will still need to budget for higher premiums as your pet ages.

Plenty of positive reviews to be found

Spot has an "A-” from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 rating average on Trustpilot from nearly 7,000 reviews - one of the highest ratings we've seen for a pet insurance company. However, due to the nature of the shared-risk model of any insurance company, we still found complaints from customers about their claims being unfairly denied. On the other hand, the most recent customer reviews were all positive - one pet parent had a $6,000 bill paid, another felt the claims processing was "very fast”, and a third found it very simple to set up their plan.

A few small drawbacks

Competitors might point out that Spot is relatively new to the pet insurance market, having only been established in 2019. This could mean less experience in handling claims compared to more established companies. Also, their preventive care wellness plans have payout limits for each covered expense, which is restrictive compared to more flexible wellness coverage offered by at least one other rival.

Worth your consideration

That said, Spot Pet Insurance should be considered for their coverage for exam fees, therapeutic diets, supplements, and behavioral treatments - areas often excluded by their competitors. The company also prides itself on having no upper age limit for enrollment, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 10% multi-pet discount. Combined with their coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, we think these things make them an attractive option to pet owners shopping around for insurance. They earn our second-place rating.

Fetch

• Pricing: Plans start at $35/month for dogs and $20/month for cats
• Quote of $130.89/month for our test dog
• No upper age limit for coverage
• Covers all 50 states and most of Canada
• Includes coverage for dental care (every tooth and gums)
• Covers alternative and holistic care
• Includes sick visit exam fees
• Covers boarding fees when owner is hospitalized
• Provides advertising and reward coverage for lost pets
• Offers flexible coverage options with various annual payout limits
• 6-month waiting period for certain conditions can be waived with vet exam

Fetch Pet Insurance has been around since 2003, covering cats and dogs 6 weeks of age and older with no upper limit. Fetch insurance is accepted by all licensed veterinarians in the US or Canada. They offer flexible coverage options with maximum annual payouts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. Customers can choose annual deductibles of $300, $500, or $700, and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Main plan is expensive, but covers extras like reward money

Fetch says their plans for dogs average out to $35 a month and $20 for cats. However, for our example quote with Magnus, an 8-year-old large mixed breed dog in Illinois, Fetch provided a monthly premium of $130.89 for an accident & illness plan with a $5,000 annual payout limit, $500 deductible, and 80% reimbursement rate. This plan covered:

• Treatment for accidents and illnesses
• Sick-visit exam fees
• Dental care (every tooth and gums)
• Alternative and holistic care
• Breed-specific issues
• Emergency vet visits and specialists
• Diagnostic tests and hospitalization
• Physical and behavioral therapy
• Online vet visits
• Supplements
• Boarding fees (when owner is hospitalized)
• Advertising and reward for lost pets

Wellness add-on starts at $15.33/month

For coverage of preventive care like annual exams, vaccinations, microchipping, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and more, you can choose one of three Fetch Wellness tiers as an add-on: Essentials ($15.33/month, up to $315 in annual benefits), Advantage ($25.03/month, $520 in benefits), or Prime ($37.93/month, $735 in benefits).

6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament or patellar luxation issues can be waived

Fetch Pet Insurance has a waiting period of up to 15 days for most conditions, but a 6-month waiting period for hip and knee injuries. This longer waiting period can be waived if a veterinarian examines the pet within 30 days of enrollment and determines there are no pre-existing conditions.

15 days to process your claim

Fetch asks for a bit more documentation during the claims process than some other pet insurance companies. Make sure you have the finalized invoice, and, in addition, records of your pet's medical history from their most recent annual exam (as opposed to from a visit for another reason, like injury or illness). Fetch also recommends setting up direct deposit in your account settings to get paid back sooner. You'll need to wait about 15 days before your claim is processed.

Rates will increase for a variety of reasons

Fetch, like most pet insurance companies, uses a rate increase structure called "birthday pricing”, so expect your premiums to increase each year. Some customers believe that since the company changed underwriters, rate increases have accelerated. Although the company uses evasive language to make it sound like your number of claims won't impact your premium, customer experience indicates that if you regularly make claims, you may find yourself with reduced coverage at higher prices,

Volume of positive reviews may not be representative of customer experience

Fetch has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot from 3,000 reviews, but we'd approach this with a healthy dose of skepticism. Many 5-star reviews seem to have been solicited from customers after speaking with sales representatives - when the company is eager to make a good impression to get you in the door. These reviews often don't reflect experiences with the actual insurance quality, such as claim rejections or unexpected rate increases. The most common complaints we saw were about the company requiring paperwork that doesn't exist, the 90-day window to submit claims being too restrictive, and price increases. Customers whose pets needed dental procedures are happy, though - Fetch's coverage in this area is one of the best on the market.

Worth a try

Fetch thinks they're your best option for pet insurance. No upper age limit? Check. Coverage across the US and most of Canada? You bet. They'll even help cover costs if you're hospitalized and need to board your cat or dog. They embrace alternative treatments and will chip in if your pet goes missing. Sounds pretty good, right? But hold on, there are still a few things to consider. Some of Fetch's competitors point out that you'll need to get an annual dental exam for your pet, and you'll have to visit the vet within 6 months before enrolling. As we mentioned earlier, they've got a 6-month waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions. There's also no multi-pet discount, which could be a bummer if you've got a full house. There's also some doubt as to whether or not filing a claim will increase your premium. If none of these things sound like a dealbreaker to you, Fetch could be a good option for pet insurance.

ASPCA

• Pricing: Plans start at $16/month for young pets; $98.89/month for an 8-year-old large mixed-breed dog
• Accident-only and Complete Coverage plans available
• Coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions
• Preventive care add-ons offered
• No upper age limit for enrollment
• 14-day waiting period for all conditions
• 10% multi-pet discount
• Exam fees covered in Complete Coverage plan
• Mobile app for easy claim submission
• Coverage available in the US and Canada

ASPCA Pet Insurance has been providing coverage for cats and dogs since 1997 through PTZ Insurance Agency. They do not have upper age limits for new enrollments, and you can visit any licensed vet, specialist, or emergency clinic in the US or Canada. Their annual limit options range from $2.5k to $10k, while reimbursement options are set at 70%, 80%, and 90%. Your annual deductible options are $500, $250, or $100.

Accident and illness coverage includes hereditary and congenital conditions

With ASPCA's Complete Coverage plan, your pet will be covered for the following:

• Accidents
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Illnesses
• Behavioral issues
• Dental diseases
• Alternative therapies

Accident coverage available separately

Our research indicates that ASPCA plans start at $16 a month for young cats and dogs. For an 8-year-old large mixed-breed dog in Illinois, the Complete Coverage plan would cost us $98.89 per month. (When possible, the quotes in our review use a $5,000 annual limit, 80% reimbursement, and $500 annual deductible.) If we only wanted Accident Coverage, we could purchase it separately for $26.25. In addition to Complete Coverage and Accident Coverage, ASPCA offers add-ons for preventive care.

Two preventive care add-on plans available

Responsible pet owners are proactive about the health of their pets, but costs for preventive care (dental cleaning, spaying and neutering, vaccines, and flea and heartworm prevention) can add up quickly. If you've run the numbers and balked at your results, you might want to consider ASPCA's Basic Preventive Care add-on ($9.95/month, annual coverage up to $250) or their Prime Preventive Care add-on ($24.95/month, annual coverage up to $450). There is no deductible or waiting period for either of these plans. Be sure to make sure the benefits schedule works for you - each type of care is only covered up to a certain amount, and unused amounts cannot be rolled over from other types of care.

14-day waiting period, no medical history required to enroll

ASPCA Pet Insurance goes into effect 14 days after enrollment for all conditions, which is great. They say you do not need to provide proof of your pet's past exams or other medical history to enroll. You can get a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets, whether they're cats or dogs.

30 days for claims to be reimbursed

ASPCA's claims process can be completed right from the vet's office. Just open the app, answer a few questions about the reason for your visit, upload a photo of your invoice, and hit "submit”. If you're a bit of a Luddite, don't despair - you can also complete this process by filling out a claim form and sending it with email, fax, or paper mail. Unfortunately, getting your claim reimbursed takes a bit longer than submitting it - you'll be waiting up to 30 days before the money hits your account.

Rates will increase

As with every pet insurance company, your premium will increase as your pet ages. ASPCA says they will not increase your premium based on your claims, which is something. The earlier you enroll your pet, the lower your prices will stay.

Most customers have no issues

ASPCA Pet Insurance has a 4-star average on Trustpilot from over 6,000 reviews. For the most part, people are happy with payment turnaround time, helpful customer service, and comprehensive coverage. As with any pet insurance provider, we encountered a few complaints about claims being denied. Also, despite not needing to provide your pet's medical history to enroll, you will need to in order to be reimbursed.

Exam fees are covered with Complete Coverage

Why should you choose ASPCA's pet insurance over another provider's? According to them, what makes them stand out is that they offer coverage of exam fees for covered conditions with Complete Coverage, which can save you money on regular check-ups. There's no age limit for pets to join, so even older pets can get coverage. ASPCA also offers extra support as an add-on for when a pet passes away, which can be helpful during such a tough time.

May require notice to cancel

Before you commit to ASPCA Pet Insurance, you should know that they may consider bilateral conditions pre-existing if they affected one side of your pet's body before being insured (like a ligament tear in one knee). It also seems as though ASPCA requires 60 days notice for policy cancellations, which could be hard to budget for if you don't plan in advance. We did find a few reports from customers that canceling was difficult. Despite emailing and calling, they couldn't get in touch with anyone.

A decent choice

ASPCA's pricing is comparable to their competitors, with no significant gaps in the coverage they offer. We do recommend them, with the caveat that you may have difficulty canceling your policy if you're not happy with it.

Pet Assure

• Pricing: Four discount plans ranging from $9.95 to $21.95 per month, with annual billing options available
• 25% discount on all in-house medical services at participating veterinarians
• Covers pre-existing conditions with no exclusions based on age, type of pet, or breed
• Network of over 5,600 participating veterinarians across the United States and Puerto Rico
• No claims process for discount plan - discount applied at checkout
• Secondary wellness plan (Mint Wellness) available with additional benefits
• Covers all types of pets
• No waiting periods for coverage
• Positive customer satisfaction ratings (4-star average on Trustpilot)
• "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau

In business since 1995, Pet Assure markets itself as a "pet insurance alternative". They offer a veterinary discount plan rather than a traditional insurance plan with premiums and deductibles - which may appeal to those disillusioned with conventional insurance companies. Pet Assure's discount plan works with a network of over 5,600 participating veterinarians across the United States and Puerto Rico. All types of pets - whether furry, feathered, or scaled - are eligible. They also offer a secondary wellness plan.

Four discount plans ranging from $9.95 to $21.95 a month

When you visit Pet Assure, click "check my pricing” and enter your email and zip code. For our Illinois zip code, they had four Veterinary Discount plans:

• Single cat: covers 1 cat or small animal
• Single dog: covers 1 dog or large animal
• Family: covers 2-4 animals of any size
• Unlimited: covers every pet in your household

You can choose between monthly or annual billing. Our monthly billing ranged from $9.95 to $21.95, while annual billing ranged from $79 to $199. (For a single dog, it was $11.95 a month.) Opting for annual billing saves you a few dollars per month.

Only 25% off services, but no exclusions

Pet Assure is the only pet healthcare service in our review that covers pre-existing conditions. Their discount plan also covers hereditary conditions, wellness visits, sick visits, dental issues, emergency care, spays and neuters, and much more. It's a relief to click the "What's not covered?” link and see the phrase, "Every in-house medical service is covered, even pre-existing conditions.” They don't have exclusions based on age, type of pet, or breed. So, what's the catch? You'll only get 25% off any of the covered services, where other pet insurance companies offer 70%-100% coverage after you've met your deductible. And if your vet offers any other discounts, they can't be combined with Pet Assure.

May only be available through employee benefits

While we were checking out Pet Assure's other offerings, we noticed something odd: when visiting the link with "/home” as the web address path, we landed on what appeared to be an older version of the website advertising their veterinary discount plan as open to all pet owners. We were able to go through all the steps of selecting a plan and going to checkout. However, visiting Pet Assure's website without "/home” in the web address takes you to a newer version of the webpage that states you can only enroll in the veterinary discount plan through your employer's benefits program. Does that mean that if you bought a plan through the "/home” link, you wouldn't actually be allowed to use it? We're not sure.

Wellness plan available via new webpages

On the older version of Pet Assure's website, all links (such as "About" and "FAQ") direct you to outdated pages. The newer wellness plan, Mint Wellness, which is open to anyone, isn't mentioned there - you'll only find information about it on the updated version of their website (sans "/home”).

Wellness plans include 25% discount plan

Pet Assure offers three wellness plans - and each appears to include the Veterinary Discount Plan after all. Here's what to expect in terms of pricing and coverage:

• Basic ($18/month)
• 1 office/wellness visit per year (up to $100)
• 2 vaccinations per year (up to $100)
• 1 routine blood work test per year (up to $100)
• 1 fecal test/urinalysis per year (up to $50)
• Veterinary Discount Plan
• ThePetTag (a scannable ID tag)
• Essential ($34/month) includes everything in Basic, plus:
• 1 additional vaccination per year (up to $150 total)
• Separate fecal test and urinalysis (up to $50 each)
• $100 per year for grooming
• $100 per year for preventatives
• Premium ($57/month) includes everything in Essential, plus:
• 1 additional office/wellness visit (2 total, up to $200)
• 1 additional vaccination (4 total, up to $200)
• Additional $100 for grooming ($200 total)
• Additional $100 for preventatives ($200 total)
• 1 dental cleaning per year (up to $100)

No claims process, no wait for reimbursement on discount plan

Pet Assure's discount program is one of the only pet healthcare options in our review that doesn't require you to submit a claim for its primary service. Why? Because it's taken care of at checkout at the vet. Just show a participating veterinarian your Pet Assure ID card, and a discount will be automatically applied to your bill. However, if you're using the Mint Wellness plan coverage for something like a vaccine, you will need to submit a claim. Processing and reimbursement takes 5 days.

Customers are happy

Pet Assure has a "great” 4-star average rating on Trustpilot, but fewer than 100 reviews, and none more recent than 2 years old at the time of this evaluation. However, people are "very, very happy with Pet Assure,” to quote one longtime customer. Customer service agents are helpful and kind, and getting the promised 25% discount is as simple as advertised. The company also holds an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau.

Recommended for pets with pre-existing conditions

Although Pet Assure could benefit from streamlining their advertising about their offerings (is the discount plan available a-la-carte, or do you have to purchase the Wellness Plan?), we find few other faults with this alternative to traditional pet insurance. No claims, no waiting periods, and no exclusions make for a pretty good deal for the price. If you have an older pet with pre-existing conditions, Pet Assure could be a great way to give your savings account some buffer.

Figo

• Pricing: $95.92/month for our example dog
• No upper age limit for pets
• Flexible options for deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual coverage limits
• Coverage for accidents, illnesses, cancer treatments, and chronic conditions
• Fast claims processing (average 2.6 business days)
• AI claims assistant for faster processing
• 100% reimbursement option available
• No per-incident caps on claim payments
• Free 24/7 access to licensed veterinary professionals
• Usable with any licensed vet worldwide

Figo is a pet insurance company that started in Chicago in 2013. They cover dogs and cats of at least 8 weeks old with no upper age limit. You can use any licensed vet worldwide. Figo offers different options for deductibles ($100 to $1,000), reimbursement rates (70% to 100%), and annual coverage limits ($5,000, $10,000, or unlimited). Their policies are backed by Independence American Insurance.

$95.92/month for our example dog

Figo doesn't offer an estimate for the average cost of their pet insurance, but our research indicates it's around $60 a month for dogs and $26 a month for cats. For our example dog Magnus, an 8-year-old large mixed breed in Illinois, we received a quote of $95.92/month from Figo with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible, and 80% reimbursement. Here's what's covered:

• Accidents and illnesses
• Cancer treatments
• Chronic conditions
• Non-routine dental
• Alternative treatments
• Emergency care
• Surgeries
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic tests (like X-rays and blood work)
• Live vet telehealth visits

Wellness plan with per-expense limits

The plan doesn't include routine care or exam fees, which you can add for extra cost - $9.50 to $16.50/month for the Wellness plan, and $19.58/month for the Exam Fees plan. One customer writes that although they purchased the Wellness plan, they find the per-expense annual limits make the plan less useful. For example, the $30 allotment towards vaccines might not cover all the vaccines your pet needs, leaving you to pay out of pocket for the remainder. Meanwhile, the $40 allotment for spaying, neutering, and dental cleanings that you pay towards annually may sit mostly unused, as spaying and neutering are one-time procedures.

Parasites not covered

Figo has some uncommon exclusions, such as cloned pets or cloning procedures, and most parasites (preventable or not). They have a one-day waiting period for accidents, which is shorter than some of their competitors. For illnesses, there's a standard 14-day waiting period, and a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (which can be waived under certain conditions). Regarding medical history, Figo doesn't require a veterinary exam to enroll. However, they do ask for medical records showing your pet's annual health exam within the 12 months prior to the policy's effective date (which could mean fewer surprises about conditions not covered when it comes time to file a claim). If these aren't available, the first documented exam after the policy starts may be used to determine pre-existing conditions.

2-3 day claims processing

To file a claim with Figo, they'll need your pet's medical records, a list of all the vets they've seen, and your paid invoice. You can upload these through the app or submit them via email, fax, or paper mail. They say that on average, it takes about 2.6 business days for claims to be processed. Speedy!

They won't increase your premiums based on claims, but they'll still go up

Your premiums with Figo will go up over time. This is mainly because of two things: vet care costs more as time goes on, and your pet gets older. As pets age, they're more likely to have health issues, which usually means higher premiums. Figo, like other pet insurance companies, changes rates to keep up with these rising costs. They say your premiums won't go up just because you file claims, but some customers have seen enormous price increases. For example, one customer said their beagle's policy started at about $600 a year in 2018, but by 2024 it had jumped to $1,600 - that's a 166% increase. This happened even though their dog was healthy and rarely used more than the deductible. These experiences have made some customers wonder if pricing that doesn't take claims into consideration is actually a draw if it penalizes people with well-cared-for pets who don't use the insurance much.

More good experiences than bad according to reviews

Figo has a 4-star average rating on Trustpilot from 2,000 reviews. In general, customers are happy with Figo. One customer recounted how, due to a mistake by the veterinarian on paperwork, her claim for a torn ACL was denied. After an appeal, Figo was willing to approve the claim and honor the policy, which not every company is known to do. On the other hand, some customers have had issues with premiums increasing without proper notification and difficulty navigating the website. Figo has a "B” grade from the Better Business Bureau for 56 complaints filed against them.

No major red flags

Figo is a good option if you need to enroll an older pet, want fast claims processing (thanks to their AI assistance), may need to use your coverage internationally, or want a 100% reimbursement option. They also don't cap claim payments by the type of condition (except on Wellness plans). Plus, they give you free online access to a vet for questions. Other companies point out that Figo charges extra for things that some other insurers include. You have to pay more to cover vet exam fees, pet boarding, and behavioral therapy. Also, you have to wait six months before Figo will cover some bone and joint problems, which is longer than some other insurers. You'll need to weigh these pros and cons against your individual situation, but overall, we think Figo is a decent choice.

Pets Best

• Accident and Illness coverage starting at $36 to $58/month for dogs and $22 to $34/month for cats
• $82.55 to $92.09 per month for our example dog
• Three tiers of coverage with varying levels of protection
• No upper age limit for pets (7 weeks minimum)
• Flexible coverage options with annual payout limits up to unlimited
• Deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000
• Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%
• Accepted at any licensed veterinary office in the US and Canada
• Optional wellness plans available
• Vet Direct Pay feature for large bills
• Premiums do not increase due to claims

Pets Best, founded in 2005 by Dr. Jack Stephens, the "father" of pet insurance in North America, has been providing coverage for cats and dogs for the better part of two decades. Pets Best covers cats and dogs of any age over 7 weeks old, with no upper age limit. They offer flexible coverage options, including annual payout limits of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited; deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000; and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Pets Best's insurance is accepted at any licensed veterinary office in the US and Canada, including specialty and emergency clinics. The company's policies are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company.

Accident and Illness coverage starting at $22/$36 per month

Pets Best says, on average, their Accident and Illness pet insurance costs $36 to $58/month for dogs and $22 to $34/month for cats. When you complete the quote process, you will see three tiers with varying levels of coverage, plus additional wellness add-on options. Our example quote (an 8-year-old mixed-breed large dog in Illinois) yielded a range of $82.55 to $92.09. The lowest tier includes accidents, illnesses, cancer, hereditary conditions, emergency care, surgeries, and prescription medications. The middle tier expands on this to cover exam fees related to accidents and illnesses. The highest tier covers all of these plus acupuncture, chiropractic, and rehabilitative therapies. None of the tiers cover pre-existing conditions or preventative care items (such as vaccinations or deworming).

Check your eligibility before purchasing Illness plan

Pets Best doesn't require an examination of your pet to enroll them, but you will need to provide the insurer with medical records upon filing a claim. You should also know that if your pet has ever been diagnosed with or displayed symptoms of Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, diabetes, cancer, feline leukemia, or feline immunodeficiency virus, they won't be eligible for the Illness plan - just Accident-Only.

Wellness plans available

Pets Best offers two add-on wellness plans: EssentialWellness and BestWellness. The EssentialWellness plan costs $14 to $21.75 per month and provides up to $305 in annual benefits, while the BestWellness plan costs $26 to $32.58 per month with up to $535 in annual benefits. Both plans cover routine care items such as wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventative medications. The BestWellness plan offers higher coverage limits and includes spay/neuter/teeth cleaning, which is not covered in the EssentialWellness plan. However, these plans have set annual limits for each type of care, and any unused funds are lost at the end of the year.

Accident-only plan doesn't cover cruciate events

If you're on a tight budget but still want protection for your pet, you might consider Pets Best's Accident-Only plans. These plans offer you coverage for unexpected incidents like snake bites, broken legs, or swallowing foreign objects. However, this plan won't cover any cruciate events (like a torn ligament while playing fetch). Accident Only coverage is pretty affordable: you'll pay just $6 per month for cats and $9 per month for dogs, regardless of their age or breed.

Waiting periods for all coverage types

Pets Best claims to have "some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry”, but to find out specifics, you'll have to get a quote or visit the relevant question on their FAQ page to find a dropdown menu and select the state you live in. In Illinois (the state we used for all of our sample quotes) accidents had a 3-day waiting period, illnesses 14 days, and cruciate ligament conditions were 6 months (with no mention of an exam to get this waived like some pet insurance companies offer). Routine care can be used on the policy effective date.

They don't say how long it takes to review your claim

Pets Best allows you to submit your claim via their app, online portal, email, fax, or paper mail. You'll need your paid invoice and proof of payment, like a credit card receipt. Oddly, they don't offer an estimate of the length of time it will take for them to process your claim. Customer reports vary, but you can likely expect reimbursement within the month.

Vet Direct Pay for large bills

Pets Best offers a feature called Vet Direct Pay that can make paying for expensive, unexpected vet bills easier. With this option, the company can send your claim reimbursement directly to your vet's office instead of to you. This means you won't have to pay the full bill upfront and wait for reimbursement. To use Vet Direct Pay, you'll need to send in a signed form with your claim. Once your claim is processed, Pets Best will pay your vet directly for the covered amount. Remember, you'll still need to pay your deductible, co-insurance, and any non-covered items to your vet yourself.

Premiums increase over time, but not because of claims

Pets Best, like most pet insurance companies, may increase premiums periodically. These increases are typically due to rising veterinary costs, advancements in medical technology, and the overall risk associated with insuring pets as they age. However, Pets Best emphasizes that they do not raise individual premiums based on claim history. This means that filing a claim for your pet's treatment won't directly cause your premium to go up, but you may still see increases over time due to industry-wide factors and your pet's advancing age.

Reputation seems stable

Pets Best holds a 3.8 "Great" rating average on Trustpilot from 5,000 reviews and an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau. While there are several reports of long hold times when calling customer service, anecdotally the company seems to receive fewer angry reviews about premium increases compared to other insurers. The ratio of complaints about denied claims is typical for the industry. We also didn't find any information about lawsuits against the company.

Not your best bet

Pets Best offers some appealing features for pet owners looking for insurance. They have low-cost plans, with accident-only starting under $10 a month for young pets, and they can pay your vet directly instead of making you wait for reimbursement. However, there are some downsides to consider. Their wellness coverage has limits on specific items, and unused funds don't roll over. They don't cover common pet issues like fleas or heartworms, even if your pet is on preventative medicine. Pets with certain pre-existing conditions can only get accident coverage, not illness coverage. Their dental coverage is limited, and their 5% multi-pet discount is lower than some competitors. We think you have better options than Pets Best.

Trupanion

• Monthly premium of $378.15 for an 8-year-old mixed-breed large dog in Illinois
• Deductible options from $0 to $1,000 in $50 increments
• Coverage for hereditary & congenital conditions
• Advanced dentistry coverage included
• Pet Owner Assistance package available for additional fee
• Direct pay option with participating vets
• 5-day waiting period for injury coverage
• Operates in the US, Puerto Rico, and Australia

Based in Seattle and operating in the US, Puerto Rico, and even Australia, Trupanion has been providing pet insurance since 1998. Cats and dogs under 14 years old are eligible for enrollment, and you can visit any licensed vet in any of the countries in which they operate. Trupanion is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company in the US.

Fixed reimbursement rate and uncapped payout hikes premium cost

Trupanion offers a fixed reimbursement rate of 90% (as opposed to options for 70% or 80%), no annual payout limits, and deductible options of $0 to $1,000 in $50 increments. It might sound nice to get 90% of your vet bill paid, but keep in mind that means your monthly premium will be high. We requested a quote for our use case of an 8-year-old mixed-breed large dog in Illinois and were quoted $378.15 a month - more than 3 times the cost of some competitors. You should still request your own quote (since no two scenarios are the same), but brace yourself for a higher price tag.

Good dental coverage

Trupanion's accident and illness plan includes:

• Hereditary & congenital conditions
• Unidentified issues
• Unexpected injuries and illnesses
• Diagnostic tests
• Hospital stays & surgeries
• Medications
• Advanced dentistry

There is no coverage for preventive care, pre-existing conditions, or exam visits. Trupanion does not offer extras like virtual vet visits or discounts for insuring multiple pets.

Complementary Care plan was an extra $80/month, no Wellness add-on

If you want to add coverage for complementary care like physical therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, behavioral modification, rehabilitative therapy, and more, you can pay an extra amount each month ($80 according to our quote) for the Recovery and Complementary Care Plan. They don't offer a wellness plan, which would include things like parasite screening, vaccinations, comprehensive oral hygiene, and annual exams. Instead, they recommend asking your vet if they provide a wellness plan.

Peace of mind for unexpected scenarios

Something Trupanion offers that most other pet insurance providers don't is their Pet Owner Assistance package. For around $5 a month, you can get some peace of mind in unexpected situations. In the case that your adventurous pet decides to go on a solo expedition in the neighborhood, you'd be covered for advertising and reward costs to help bring them home safely. Or, let's say you end up in the hospital - don't worry about your four-legged companion, as their boarding fees will be covered. The package even covers holiday vacation cancellation costs and liability coverage for property damage.

5-day wait for injuries, 30 days for illnesses and orthopedic conditions

With Trupanion, you'll have a 5-day waiting period for injury coverage and a 30-day waiting period for illness coverage, which is longer than some competitors. However, the latter waiting period seems to include orthopedic conditions, like hip dysplasia, upon which other competitors often impose a heftier 6-month waiting period.

No claim (typically) necessary

Trupanion is one of only two pet insurance providers in our review that pays your vet bills directly. At checkout, just tell your vet that you're covered by Trupanion, and they'll be able to process your payment at the adjusted rate in just seconds with VetDirect Pay. If your veterinarian doesn't accept VetDirect Pay, you can still file your claim on Trupanion's website. They don't mention how long this will take, though.

Despite promise of no increase of price by age, your premium will still rise

If you're questioning why you should choose Trupanion over other providers with more coverage (like exam fees) at lower costs, you wouldn't be alone. They counter that their coverage is worth it because they are the only pet insurers who promise not to increase premiums based on your pet's age. They will rise about 2.5x in the duration of your policy, but not just because your pet gets older - unlike some estimated competitor rate increases of 11-15x. They also say they won't increase your premium based on how many claims you file. However, a quick survey of customer reviews reveals that Trupanion still hikes their rates about as much as their competitors do. One poodle owner says their dog's premium started at $86 per month, and less than 3 years later, it's $240 - without any claims filed.

Trupanion breaks the law to edge out competition

You might have heard about Trupanion after your most recent vet visit from a promotional email advertising 30 days of free coverage, no credit card information required. Trupanion says there's no catch, but they don't mention their 30-day waiting period for illnesses, which makes this "freebie” a bit less exciting. You might also like to know that Trupanion was fined $100,000 for giving gifts to providers who referred new customers to Trupanion. So if you feel like you're seeing Trupanion's name everywhere, know that it might be because they've broken laws other pet insurance companies abide by, and not necessarily because they're better. That raises questions about the other areas in which this company is willing to cut corners. However, they maintain an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau and a 4-star rating average on Trustpilot from over 7,000 reviews.

Negatives outweigh positives

Trupanion thinks you should choose them to be your pet's insurer because they offer direct pay, they don't raise prices based on age or claims filed, and they don't limit your payout. However, their competitors point out that there's no possibility for exam fee coverage, dental coverage excludes protection for some teeth, and there's no multi-pet discount. Trupanion also does not offer add-on wellness or preventive care plans. Given that Trupanion's prices start out high (and will only go up, despite a sneaky attempt to convince you otherwise) and their legal issues, we would recommend looking at another pet insurance provider first.

Healthy Paws

• Monthly premiums start at $20 for dogs and $15 for cats
• $113.24 per month for our example dog
• No limits on payouts per claim, per year, or lifetime
• Fast claims processing, typically within 2 days
• Coverage for visits to all licensed veterinarians
• Covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions
• Includes coverage for alternative treatments
• No per-condition or lifetime caps on payouts
• Mobile app available for easy claim submission
• 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses

Healthy Paws offers pet insurance for cats and dogs aged 8 weeks to 14 years. Their plans cover visits to all licensed veterinarians. The company is underwritten by various Chubb group companies, listed on Healthy Paws' website - your specific underwriter depends on individual factors like your location.

Limited customization

Healthy Paws only offers one pet health insurance plan, and you can't customize the deductible or coverage amount to save on your monthly premium. They don't limit your payouts per incident or any period of time, but they only offer 50% reimbursement with a $1,000 annual deductible. Our test case for an 8-year-old large mixed-breed dog resulted in a rate of $113.24 per month. Healthy Paws doesn't advertise the average cost of their plans for young pets, but our research suggests it's $20/month for dogs and $15/month for cats.

No coverage for dental disease

Healthy Paws offers coverage for the typical range of conditions covered by pet insurance, including illnesses, accidents, hereditary and congenital conditions, chronic conditions, and cancer. They also cover diagnostic treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, and even alternative treatments. They do not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Preventative or routine care
• Spay/neuter procedures
• Office visit or examination fees
• Dental disease (only broken teeth from accidents are covered)
• Hip dysplasia for pets enrolled at 6 years or older

We recommend requesting a quote, because you may have more exclusions depending on the state you live in.

No wellness plans or add-ons

Healthy Paws does not offer a wellness plan. They say this is because, unlike accidents, routine wellness and preventive care can be planned and budgeted for. They suggest checking with your veterinarian to see if they offer their own wellness plan.

Exam required for enrollment

Healthy Paws has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, and a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia. (Some pet insurance providers will allow you to bypass waiting periods for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia with an exam and waiver process, but not Healthy Paws.) For enrollment, pets under 6 years need to have a vet exam within 12 months before or 15 days after the policy start date. Pets 6 years old and up need an exam within 30 days before or 15 days after. Without this exam, your policy might be voided or claims denied until you provide it.

No per-condition or lifetime caps

Unlike some competitors, Healthy Paws has no per-condition caps, annual caps, or lifetime caps on payouts. This means they will cover eligible expenses without limiting the amount they'll pay you, regardless of how costly or frequent the treatments might be. For example, if your dog develops a chronic condition like diabetes that requires ongoing medication and regular check-ups, Healthy Paws will continue to cover these expenses year after year without reaching a maximum limit. That can give you some peace of mind, especially if you own a breed prone to health issues.

Claims processing takes 2 days

Healthy Paws will pay your claims fast and without hassle. Just take a photo of your vet bill from any licensed veterinarian or emergency clinic in the US, upload via the app or their website, and voila: your claim should be processed in just 2 days. (It will take a little longer for the money to reach your account.)

Healthy Paws was accused of breaching their policy with age-based premium increase

A 2022 class action lawsuit alleged that Healthy Paws breached its policy contract by increasing premiums based on pets' age, contrary to what their policy said at the time. In Washington state, regulators fined Healthy Paws' underwriters for unfair rate increases and age-based pricing not approved by the state. Healthy Paws withdrew from Washington and has since updated their website to say that they will raise premiums based on age, as well as other factors like breed, gender, and where you live. While that's a step in the right direction, it demonstrates that this company is willing to breach their own contract to raise your prices if they think they can get away with it.

Your policy may be unexpectedly canceled

Healthy Paws has a good rating on Trustpilot, but there are some issues you need to be aware of. A common complaint is that policies are often canceled due to outdated payment information. The company claims they contacted these customers, but the customers insist they never received any form of communication. One such customer reported paying over $3,000 over six years without receiving any reimbursement due to the high deductible and eventual policy cancellation. If you're considering this pet insurance company, you'll need to be diligent about keeping your information up to date.

Premiums skyrocket at 8 years; claims processing has slowed

Another long-time customer reported that their premiums have increased significantly over 12 years, from $80 per month for two dogs to over $500 per month. They acknowledge that Healthy Paws covered expensive treatments like chemotherapy, blood tests, and imaging, but warn others that prices skyrocket when your pet reaches 8 years old. Another customer who had been with the company for 14 years mentioned that while claims were previously processed quickly, they are now experiencing delays. This customer is facing difficulties with unresolved claims and inconsistent communication from the company, even after their dog has passed away. These reviews suggest that while Healthy Paws provided valuable coverage in the past, recent changes may have led to increased premiums and slower claim processing.

Exclusions and waiting periods make them less attractive

Healthy Paws has a few issues that may be deal breakers. These include the lack of coverage for dental issues (except for accidents), no hip dysplasia coverage for pets enrolled at 6 years or older, and the absence of coverage for exam fees, behavioral therapy, and preventive care. Their waiting periods mean you won't have full coverage for the first year. Also, Healthy Paws doesn't offer an accident-only plan or multi-pet discounts, which may make other insurance providers more attractive for some pet owners.

Nationwide

• Pricing: Starts at $7/month for cats, $13/month for dogs, and $9/month for exotic pets
• $10.36 per month for our example dog
• Covers cats, dogs, and exotic pets
• Flexible deductible options: $250, $500, or $1,000
• Multiple reimbursement rate options: 50%, 70%, or 80%
• Annual maximum payout options of $2,500 or $5,000 for accident coverage
• Ability to use any veterinarian
• Offers separate Wellness coverage add-on
• 14-day waiting period after policy's effective date

Nationwide is one of the largest insurers in the world, mainly focusing on property, casualty, and life insurance. While they offer pet insurance, it's only a small part of their portfolio, and they do not prioritize pet wellbeing the way some smaller companies do: they're facing controversy for canceling 100,000 policies, mainly affecting senior pets. This is the only insurance company in our review that insures exotic pets (birds, reptiles, amphibians) but it might not be worth the risk of non-renewal. There are plenty of complaints about denied claims, too. If you have a cat or dog, you should check out one of our higher rated pet insurance companies first.

No illness coverage until second term

Nationwide's pet insurance includes an Accident coverage plan and a separate Wellness coverage add-on. There appears to be an add-on for illness coverage, but it's only available after completing your first policy term. Nationwide says their coverage for cats starts at $7 a month, $13 a month for dogs, and $9 a month for exotic pets. For Nationwide's accident coverage plan, our total for our dog test case came out to just $10.36 per month (compared to $90+ from other providers). Including wellness coverage set at the $800 payout maximum brought our total to $33.82, which sounds like a steal. However, even with the add-on, coverage for illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions, behavioral issues, and more were excluded. Nationwide does not cover pre-existing conditions, which is expected.

14-day waiting period

Nationwide imposes a 14-day waiting period after your policy's effective date, which sounds better than some competitors - until you remember all of Nationwide's exclusions. Their website doesn't clearly specify the documentation required for pet enrollment, but it's likely they'll request notes from a recent veterinary exam.

30-day wait to receive reimbursement

You can submit your claim to Nationwide via email, physical mail, fax, or their online form. You'll need to enter a few details manually and the form must be easily legible. Nationwide takes quite a bit longer than some other companies to reimburse you - 30 days compared to just 2. You can check your claim's status from your account 48 hours after you submit it.

Poor reviews

Nationwide Pet Insurance has a mediocre 3-star rating on Trustpilot, with fewer reviews than its competitors. Recent years have seen a scarcity of positive feedback. Customers express frustration over denied claims - often due to disputed pre-existing condition labels - lengthy processing times, and the company's practice of dropping coverage for senior pets.

Nationwide may cancel your policy when your pet reaches senior years

Nationwide Pet Insurance came under fire in June 2024 after announcing the cancellation of 100,000 policies due to rising veterinary care costs. This decision primarily affected owners of older pets, who are typically more expensive to insure. Such actions leave customers in a precarious position. As pets age, premiums typically increase, yet pet owners continue paying these higher amounts. They do so hoping for a safety net to maintain their pet's quality of life in later years. However, if an insurance company cancels policies when pets reach this critical age, customers may find they've invested thousands of dollars into a service they can't utilize when they need it most. Moreover, since pet insurance companies don't cover pre-existing conditions, switching to a new insurer wouldn't provide the same level of coverage these pet owners had previously enjoyed.

Not worth your money

Nationwide's decision to cancel policies protecting older pets reflects the massive scale of their business and their corporate approach, and we would be hesitant to place our trust in them over a smaller pet insurance company run by pet owners who love animals as much as you love yours. Taking this into consideration along with atypical exclusions, we can't recommend Nationwide's pet insurance.