Pet Insurance at a Glance
Average Monthly Cost (Dog)
$35 – $65 / mo
Average Monthly Cost (Cat)
$20 – $35 / mo
Typical Reimbursement
70% – 90%
Annual Deductible Range
$100 – $1,000
Annual Coverage Limit
$5K – Unlimited
Waiting Period (Illness)
14 days typical
Waiting Period (Accident)
2 – 5 days
Pre-existing Conditions
Not covered (most)
Our Top Picks for 2026
The best pet insurance plan depends on your pet's age, breed, and your budget. Here's where each company excels.
Best Overall
Trupanion
No payout limits, 90% reimbursement, pays vet directly
Best App & UX
Lemonade
Instant claims, AI-powered, lowest premiums for cats
Best Budget
Spot
Flexible deductibles, plans from $18/mo, accident-only option
Best Wellness Add-on
Embrace
Wellness rewards program, diminishing deductible
Best for Dogs
Nationwide
Whole pet coverage including wellness, largest network
Best for Cats
Lemonade
Cheapest cat plans, fast digital claims, transparent pricing
Best for Puppies
Pumpkin
No age minimum, preventive care included, high limits
Best for Senior Pets
Pets Best
No upper age limit, accident-only option for older pets
Full Pet Insurance Comparison 2026
Side-by-side comparison of the 12 best pet insurance companies on every key metric.
Prices shown are estimates for a 2-year-old mixed-breed medium
dog with $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Your rate will
vary.
| Company | Our Score | Monthly Cost | Reimbursement | Annual Limit | Deductible | Wellness | Direct Pay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrupanionTOP | 4.8/5 | $79 – $120 | 90% | Unlimited | $0 – $1,000 | ✗ | ✓ | Comprehensive |
| Lemonade | 4.7/5 | $25 – $55 | 70–90% | $10K – 100K | $100 – $500 | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | Tech / Budget |
| Spot | 4.6/5 | $22 – $50 | 70–90% | $2.5K – Unlim. | $100 – $1,000 | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | Budget / Flexible |
| Embrace | 4.5/5 | $35 – $65 | 70–90% | $5K – 30K | $200 – $1,000 | ✓ Included | ✗ | Wellness riders |
| Nationwide | 4.4/5 | $35 – $70 | 70–90% | $5K – Unlim. | $250 | ✓ Whole Pet | ✗ | Whole pet plan |
| Pets Best | 4.3/5 | $28 – $55 | 70–90% | $5K – Unlim. | $50 – $1,000 | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | Customization |
| ASPCA | 4.2/5 | $30 – $55 | 70–90% | $3K – Unlim. | $100 – $500 | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | Name trust |
| Fetch | 4.2/5 | $35 – $70 | 70–90% | $5K – 15K | $300 – $500 | ✗ | ✗ | Broad coverage |
| Healthy Paws | 4.1/5 | $40 – $80 | 70–90% | Unlimited | $100 – $500 | ✗ | ✗ | Simple / unlimited |
| Figo | 4.0/5 | $30 – $60 | 70–100% | $5K – Unlim. | $100 – $500 | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | 100% reimb. option |
| MetLife | 3.9/5 | $30 – $60 | 70–90% | $500 – Unlim. | $50 – $2,500 | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | Employer benefits |
| Pumpkin | 3.9/5 | $35 – $70 | 90% | $7K – 20K | $100 – $500 | ✓ Preventive | ✗ | Puppies / kittens |
Detailed Brand Reviews
In-depth scores for every company we tested, based on plan coverage, pricing, claim process and real customer feedback.
Editor's Choice
Trupanion
Accident + Illness
4.8
Coverage
4.9
Price Value
3.5
Claims Speed
4.5
Customer Service
4.6
Est. monthly (dog)$79 – $120
Get Trupanion Quote →
Best App
Lemonade Pet
Accident + Illness
4.7
Coverage
4.3
Price Value
4.8
Claims Speed
4.7
Customer Service
4.4
Est. monthly (cat)$12 – $30
Get Lemonade Quote →
Best Budget
Spot Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness / Accident Only
4.6
Coverage
4.2
Price Value
4.9
Claims Speed
4.2
Customer Service
4.3
Est. monthly (dog)$22 – $50
Get Spot Quote →
Embrace Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness + Wellness
4.5
Coverage
4.4
Price Value
4.1
Claims Speed
4.3
Customer Service
4.5
Est. monthly (dog)$35 – $65
Get Embrace Quote →
Nationwide Pet
Whole Pet Coverage
4.4
Coverage
4.5
Price Value
3.8
Claims Speed
4.1
Customer Service
4.4
Est. monthly (dog)$35 – $70
Get Nationwide Quote →
Pets Best
Accident + Illness
4.3
Coverage
4.3
Price Value
4.4
Claims Speed
4.0
Customer Service
4.1
Est. monthly (dog)$28 – $55
Get Pets Best Quote →
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness
4.2
Coverage
4.2
Price Value
4.2
Claims Speed
3.9
Customer Service
4.2
Est. monthly (dog)$30 – $55
Get ASPCA Quote →
Fetch Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness
4.2
Coverage
4.4
Price Value
3.8
Claims Speed
3.9
Customer Service
4.0
Est. monthly (dog)$35 – $70
Get Fetch Quote →
Healthy Paws
Accident + Illness
4.1
Coverage
4.3
Price Value
3.6
Claims Speed
4.1
Customer Service
4.0
Est. monthly (dog)$40 – $80
Get Healthy Paws Quote →
Figo Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness
4.0
Coverage
4.2
Price Value
4.0
Claims Speed
3.9
Customer Service
3.8
Est. monthly (dog)$30 – $60
Get Figo Quote →
MetLife Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness
3.9
Coverage
4.1
Price Value
3.9
Claims Speed
3.7
Customer Service
3.8
Est. monthly (dog)$30 – $60
Get MetLife Quote →
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Accident + Illness + Preventive
3.9
Coverage
4.3
Price Value
3.6
Claims Speed
3.8
Customer Service
3.9
Est. monthly (dog)$35 – $70
Get Pumpkin Quote →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
The most common comparisons pet owners search for — all in one place.
Trupanion vs Lemonade
| Feature | Trupanion | Lemonade |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (dog) | $79 – $120 | $25 – $55 ✓ |
| Annual limit | Unlimited ✓ | Up to $100,000 |
| Reimbursement | 90% | 70–90% |
| Direct vet payment | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Wellness add-on | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Claims process | Auto-paid at checkout | AI instant claim |
| Best for | High medical costs, peace of mind | Budget-conscious, tech users |
Spot vs Embrace
| Feature | Spot | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (dog) | $22 – $50 ✓ | $35 – $65 |
| Wellness coverage | Add-on | Built-in rewards |
| Deductible type | Annual | Annual + Diminishing |
| Accident-only plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Annual limit options | $2,500 – Unlimited | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Best for | Budget, flexibility | Wellness-focused owners |
Nationwide vs Pets Best
| Feature | Nationwide | Pets Best |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (dog) | $35 – $70 | $28 – $55 ✓ |
| Whole pet plan | ✓ Yes (Wellness incl.) | Add-on only |
| Upper age limit | Varies | None ✓ |
| Deductible options | $250 fixed | $50 – $1,000 |
| Network size | Largest in US | Any licensed vet |
| Best for | Full wellness + illness | Senior pets, customization |
Pet Insurance Cost Guide 2026
How much you'll actually pay — broken down by pet type, age, breed and plan tier.
Average Monthly Premiums by Pet
Small dog (<20 lbs, 2 yrs)$25 – $45/mo
Medium dog (20–60 lbs, 2 yrs)$35 – $65/mo
Large dog (>60 lbs, 2 yrs)$50 – $90/mo
Senior dog (8+ yrs)$80 – $150/mo
Young cat (1–3 yrs)$12 – $28/mo
Adult cat (4–7 yrs)$18 – $35/mo
Senior cat (8+ yrs)$30 – $55/mo
| Deductible | Reimbursement | Annual Limit | Est. Premium (Dog) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | 90% | Unlimited | $65 – $100/mo | Maximum protection |
| $250 | 80% | $10,000 | $35 – $60/mo | Best balance Popular |
| $500 | 70% | $5,000 | $22 – $40/mo | Budget-conscious |
| $1,000 | 70% | $5,000 | $15 – $28/mo | Catastrophic only |
High-risk breeds (French Bulldogs, Great Danes, Maine Coons) can
cost 30–60% more than average. Always get a personalized quote.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Coverage varies by plan type. Here's what's typically included and excluded.
Accidents
Broken bones, cuts, swallowing objects, poisoning, bite wounds
Illnesses
Cancer, infections, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease,
allergies
Diagnostics
X-rays, blood tests, MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, lab fees
Prescriptions
Medications prescribed by your vet for covered conditions
Surgery
Orthopedic procedures, tumor removal, emergency surgeries
Specialist Care
Dermatologist, cardiologist, oncologist, neurologist visits
Wellness (Add-on)
Vaccines, dental cleaning, flea/tick prevention, annual exams
Hereditary Conditions
Hip dysplasia, eye disorders, heart defects (if enrolled
young)
What's Typically NOT Covered
| Exclusion | Why | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-existing conditions | Risk was already present | Enroll young while healthy |
| Routine wellness | Predictable cost | Add wellness rider (Embrace, Spot) |
| Dental disease | Gradual condition | Add preventive dental coverage |
| Breeding / pregnancy | Elective | Not available on any standard plan |
| Cosmetic procedures | Non-medically necessary | N/A |
| Behavioral therapy | Excluded on most plans | Embrace and Nationwide cover it |
How Pet Insurance Works
Most pet insurance uses a reimbursement model — you pay the vet, then file a claim.
1
Enroll your pet
Choose a provider, select your deductible, reimbursement % and
annual limit. Coverage starts after a waiting period
(typically 2–14 days).
2
Visit any licensed vet
Pet insurance works at virtually any licensed veterinarian in
the US — no restricted networks (except Trupanion, which pays
the vet directly).
3
Pay your vet bill
You pay the full bill upfront, then submit a claim to your
insurer with the invoice and treatment notes.
4
File a claim online or in app
Upload your invoice via the mobile app or website. Most
companies process claims within 5–10 business days. Lemonade
can approve in under 2 minutes.
5
Get reimbursed
After your deductible is met, you receive your reimbursement
percentage (70–90%) of the eligible costs via direct deposit
or check.
Cost by Breed
High-risk and large breeds cost significantly more to insure. Here are common breed estimates at 80% reimbursement, $250 deductible.
| Breed | Risk Level | Est. Monthly Premium | Common Health Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | High | $90 – $180/mo | Breathing (BOAS), spinal, allergies |
| German Shepherd | Medium-High | $65 – $110/mo | Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy |
| Labrador Retriever | Medium | $50 – $85/mo | Joint issues, obesity, cancer |
| Golden Retriever | Medium-High | $60 – $100/mo | Cancer (high rate), hip dysplasia |
| Beagle | Low-Medium | $35 – $55/mo | Epilepsy, hypothyroidism |
| Mixed Breed (med.) | Low | $30 – $50/mo | Generally healthier |
| Maine Coon (cat) | Medium-High | $35 – $65/mo | Heart disease (HCM) |
| Domestic Shorthair (cat) | Low | $12 – $25/mo | Urinary, dental |
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about pet insurance — answered clearly.
How much does pet insurance cost per month?
The average pet insurance cost is
$35 – $55/month for dogs and
$20 – $35/month for cats. Your exact premium
depends on your pet's age, breed, size, your ZIP code, and the
deductible and reimbursement level you choose. Puppies and kittens
are cheapest to insure; senior pets and high-risk breeds cost the
most.
What is the best pet insurance in 2026?
Trupanion ranks #1 for comprehensive coverage
with no payout limits and 90% reimbursement.
Lemonade is best for tech users who want low
premiums and instant digital claims. Spot is the
top budget pick. Embrace is best for pet owners
who want wellness coverage built in. The "best" plan depends on
your specific needs and budget.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No — virtually all pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing
conditions. A condition is "pre-existing" if your pet showed
symptoms or was diagnosed before your policy's effective date.
Embrace is one exception: it may cover
curable pre-existing conditions (like a UTI) after a
symptom-free waiting period of 12 months.
When is the best time to get pet insurance?
The best time to enroll is
when your pet is young and healthy — ideally
under 2 years old. Enrolling early ensures no existing health
issues are classified as pre-existing conditions, and premiums are
lower for younger pets. Don't wait until after your first vet
visit for a health concern.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet insurance is worth it if an unexpected major illness or
accident would cause you financial hardship. A single emergency
surgery can cost $3,000 – $10,000+. With
insurance, you'd pay only your deductible plus 10–30% of the
covered costs. If you have a high-risk breed or just want peace of
mind, it's typically a smart investment. If your pet is very old
or already sick, it may be harder to justify the cost.
What is a pet insurance deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your
insurance kicks in. Most pet insurers use an
annual deductible (you pay it once per year,
regardless of how many claims). Some use a per-incident
deductible. Higher deductibles = lower monthly premiums. Common
deductible options: $100, $250, $500, $1,000.
Can I use any vet with pet insurance?
Yes — unlike human health insurance, pet insurance works at
any licensed veterinarian in the US, including
specialists and emergency clinics. You don't need an in-network
vet. The only exception is Trupanion, which has a
direct-pay system where the vet is paid directly at checkout,
requiring the clinic to be enrolled in their system.
How do pet insurance claims work?
The typical process: (1) Visit any vet and pay your bill in full.
(2) Submit a claim online or via app, uploading your invoice and
vet notes. (3) The insurer reviews your claim, typically within
5–10 business days. (4) You receive reimbursement via direct
deposit or check for the covered percentage of your bill, minus
your deductible. Lemonade uses AI to process some
claims in under 2 minutes.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
Standard accident and illness plans typically cover
dental injuries and accidents (like a broken
tooth from trauma) but
NOT routine dental disease like periodontal
disease. Wellness add-ons from Embrace, Spot, and Nationwide can
help cover routine dental cleanings and preventive care.
Can I get pet insurance for an old dog or cat?
Yes, but your options narrow as your pet ages and premiums rise
significantly. Pets Best and
Figo have no upper age limits.
Healthy Paws requires enrollment before age 14.
Most insurers increase premiums substantially for pets over 7–8
years. Senior pet coverage often makes sense only if your pet is
currently healthy.