Best Pet Insurance Companies: We evaluated 13 pet insurance policies and found Pets Best to be the top choice. A good pet insurance plan should cover major medical emergencies, like accidents, cancer treatments, and surgeries for torn ligaments or ingested foreign objects, as well as common health issues like digestive problems and ear infections. When choosing pet insurance, consider factors such as discounts, premium benefits, and waiting periods to find the best fit for your needs.
7 Best Pet Insurance Companies in 2024
A solid pet insurance plan covers major medical emergencies, such as being hit by a vehicle, cancer treatment, torn ligaments, and ingestion of foreign objects. It also covers common health problems, such as digestive problems and ear infections. You’ll find that pet insurance companies (best travel insurance companies) offer a wide variety of coverage types and benefits.
To help you narrow down your options, we look at the best pet insurance for discounts, premium benefits, short waiting periods, and more.
Also Read: Best Car Insurance Companies
01. Pets Best Pet Insurance
Rating: 5.0
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $48 (Dogs), $27 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1000
Expert Opinion: Pets Best impresses with its wide range of deductible options and below-average costs compared to other companies. It provides solid basic coverage and offers an optional wellness plan for routine care. For more extensive coverage, consider the Elite plan.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- # 3-day waiting period for accident coverage
- # 24/7 pet telehealth line
- # Direct vet payment option (if the vet agrees)
- # Covers veterinary exam fees
Cons:
- # 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament issues
- # Plus plan doesn’t cover alternative therapies; Elite plan does
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 3 days (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (cruciate ligament)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 7 weeks or older; no upper age limit
- Multiple Pet Discount: 5%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Microchip: Yes, with a wellness plan
Additional Information: Comprehensive coverage, especially beneficial for breeders and new pet owners. Customizable plans with options for congenital disease coverage.
02. Encompass Pet Insurance
Rating: 4.6
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $76 (Dogs), $37 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1000
Expert Opinion: Embrace stands out with its Healthy Pet Discount Program, offering up to 10% savings on accident and illness plans. It features a unique discount system based on past claims.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accident coverage starts at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after purchase
- Covers veterinary exam fees
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Optional wellness plan
- Direct vet payment option for large claims
Cons:
- Above-average costs
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an exam)
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 12:01 a.m. ET (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 6 weeks or older; accident and illness plans for up to 15 years; accident-only for pets 15 years+
- Multiple Pet Discount: 10%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Microchip: Yes, with a wellness plan
Additional Information: The wellness rewards program reimburses for routine care, encourages regular vet visits, and prevents serious health issues.
03. ManyPets Pet Insurance
Rating: 4.6
- Maximum Annual Coverage: Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $49 (Dogs), $30 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $500, $750
Expert Opinion: ManyPets excels with its reduced waiting period, offering coverage that starts within 24 hours if you’re switching from another insurer. It also eliminates special waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, making it a strong choice for those concerned about coverage for issues like cruciate ligament problems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Below-average prices
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Coverage for veterinary exam fees
- Optional wellness plan available
Cons:
- No coverage for alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, hydrotherapy, chiropractic care)
- No coverage for behavioral therapy
- No multi-pet discount
Plan Details:
- Reimbursement Choices: 70%, 80%
- Waiting Periods: 15 days for accident and illness (or 24 hours if switching from another insurer); no special waiting periods for specific conditions
- Age Restrictions: Pets 8 weeks and older; upper age limit of 14 for new policies
- Multipet Discount: None
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Included
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Included
- Microchipping: Not included
Additional Information: ManyPets is noted for its competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage, making it a suitable option for those looking for quick coverage and straightforward plans.
04. Paw Protect Pet Insurance
Rating: 4.5
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $77 (Dogs), $38 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
Expert Opinion: Paw Protect offers excellent coverage benefits, including a 24/7 veterinary telehealth line, wellness plan options, and coverage for exam fees. Note that this is the same plan as Embrace.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accident coverage starts at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after purchase
- Covers behavioral and alternative therapies
- Direct vet payment option for large claims
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an exam)
- Above-average costs
- Accident and illness plans are limited to pets under 5 years old
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 12:01 a.m. ET (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
- Age Restrictions: Limited to pets under 5 years
- Multiple Pet Discount: 10%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Microchip: Yes, with a wellness plan
05. Figo Pet Insurance
Rating: 4.4
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $59 (Dogs), $32 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1000, $1500
Expert Opinion: Figo stands out for its short 1-day waiting period for accident coverage. It offers a range of coverage, reimbursement, and deductible options, making it flexible and budget-friendly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 100% refund option available
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- A routine wellness plan is available
- Coverage for veterinary examination expenses (additional cost)
- No direct vet payment option
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (waivable with an orthopedic conditions waiver within 30 days)
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
- Waiting Periods: 1 day (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic conditions, waivable)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 8 weeks or older; no upper age limit
- Multiple Pet Discount: 5%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Yes, with Veterinary Exam Fees Powerup
- Microchip: Yes, with Preventive and Wellness Coverage Powerup
Additional Information: Figo’s comprehensive approach includes various solutions and tools for pet care, beyond basic insurance.
06. AKC Pet Insurance
Rating: 4.0
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $60 (Dogs), $32 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $750, $1000
Expert Opinion: AKC provides extensive supplemental coverage options, including wellness plans, exam coverage, breeding coverage, and final respects coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- 2-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Covers curable conditions like allergies and ear infections (after a 12-month waiting period)
Cons:
- No direct vet payment option
- 180-day waiting period for intervertebral disc disease and cruciate ligament conditions
- Exam costs are covered only with an additional supplement
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 2 days (accident), 14 days (illness), 180 days (intervertebral disc disease and cruciate ligament conditions)
- Age Restrictions: Some states require pets to be 8 weeks old (dogs) or 10 weeks old (cats); pets aged 9+ qualify for accident-only plans
- Multiple Pet Discount: 5%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered with final expense coverage
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Yes, with exam coverage
- Microchip: Yes, with a wellness plan
Additional Information: AKC is notable for its diverse supplemental coverage options, including final respects and breeding coverage.
07. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Rating: 4.0
- Maximum Annual Coverage: Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $55 (Dogs), $22 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1000
Expert Opinion: Healthy Paws is praised for its unlimited annual coverage at a competitive cost. However, it lacks coverage for veterinary examination expenses and has limitations for older pets with hip dysplasia.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No annual coverage limit
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Direct vet payment option (with prior request)
Cons:
- No wellness or routine care coverage
- Does not cover veterinary examinations due to accidents or illnesses
- 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 15 days (accident and illness), 12 months (hip dysplasia)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 8 weeks or older; maximum age limit of 14 years for new policies
- Multiple Pet Discount: No
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Not included
- Microchip: Not included
Additional Information: Known for its simplicity and unlimited benefits, Healthy Paws is highly regarded for its straightforward coverage and quick reimbursement process.
Comparing the Best Pet Insurance Companies
Choosing the right pet insurance can be challenging due to variations in pricing and coverage details. The best approach is to focus on the benefits that matter most to you and then compare the prices of policies that meet your needs. Here’s a guide to comparing the best pet insurance companies based on plan types, coverage, waiting periods, and discounts.
Plan Types
Comprehensive Pet Insurance Plan
- Accident and Illness Plan: Covers expenses related to accidents (e.g., fractures) and illnesses (e.g., cancer, allergies).
- Accident-Only Plan: Covers expenses related to accidents but not illnesses.
- Pet Wellness Plan: Typically a supplemental policy covering routine care like wellness exams, flea prevention, and vaccinations.
- Integral Plan: Combines an accident and illness plan with an optional wellness plan.
Compare Available Plans by Company
| Company | Covers Medical Exams for Accidents & Illnesses | 24/7 Veterinary Telehealth Line | Optional Wellness Plan | Direct Vet Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Encompass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A Lot of Pets | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Leg Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kidney | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes | Yes | No |
| AKC | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Healthy Legs | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Coverage Levels
Pet insurance policies offer various annual maximums, deductibles, and reimbursement levels. Opt for coverage levels that you’re comfortable with rather than focusing solely on price. Adequate coverage can be crucial in the event of costly incidents.
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
- Deductible: $100, $250, or $500.
- Refund Percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Compare Coverage Benefits by Company
| Company | Covers Behavioral Therapy | Covers Alternative Therapy | Covers Microchip | Covers Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | No | No | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| Encompass | Yes | Yes | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| A Lot of Pets | No | No | No | Yes |
| Leg Protection | Yes | Yes | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| Kidney | No | Yes | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| AKC | Yes (not in all states) | Yes (not in all states) | No (additional coverage is available) | No (additional coverage is available) |
| Healthy Legs | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Waiting Periods
Understanding waiting periods is crucial. This is the time between purchasing the policy and when coverage starts. Pay attention to special waiting periods, especially for conditions like cruciate ligament issues.
| Company | Accident Waiting Period | Illness Waiting Period | Special Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | 3 days | 14 days | 6 months (cruciate ligament) |
| Encompass | 12:01 am ET | 14 days | 6 months (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
| A Lot of Pets | 15 days (24 hours if switching) | 15 days (24 hours if switching) | None |
| Leg Protection | 12:01 am ET | 14 days | 6 months (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
| Kidney | 1 day | 14 days | 6 months (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
| AKC | 2 days | 14 days | 180 days (cruciate ligament and intervertebral disc disease) |
| Healthy Legs | 15 days | 15 days | 12 months (hip dysplasia) |
Pet Insurance Discounts
Discounts can help you save on premiums. These vary by company but may include:
- Multiple Pet Discount
- Sterilization Discount
- Annual Payment Discount
- Military Discount
- Group Discount at Work
- Package Discount
| Company | Multiple Pet Discount | Military Member Discount | Discount for Annual Payment | Other Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | 5% | No | No | No |
| Encompass | 10% | 5% (not in NY or TN) | No | No |
| A Lot of Pets | No | No | No | No |
| Leg Protection | 10% | 5% | No | No |
| Kidney | 5% | 5% (not in FL, NY, TN, WA) | No | No |
| AKC | 5% | No | No | 10% discount for breeders |
| Healthy Legs | No | No | No | No |
Other Factors to Consider
- Exam Fees: Verify if the policy covers exam fees, as these can be significant.
- Additional Benefits: Look for extra perks such as a 24-hour veterinary helpline or preferential pricing on prescriptions.
Methodology
To evaluate the best pet insurance, we assessed each company based on several criteria:
- Pet Insurance Rates (40% of score)
- Special Waiting Period (10% of score)
- Direct Payment to Vet (10% of score)
- 24/7 Veterinary Health Line (10% of score)
- Routine Wellness Plans (10% of score)
- Pay Veterinary Exam Fees (10% of score)
- Multiple Pet Discount (5% of score)
- Euthanasia or End-of-Life Expenses (5% of score)
This method ensures a fair comparison between companies offering maximum annual coverage of $100,000 or unlimited.
