In this Article:
- Best Cheap Pet Insurance
- Compare Best Affordable Plans
- How We Evaluated Costs
- Cheapest Pet Insurance
- How To Make It Cheaper
- Cost
- What Impacts Your Pet Insurance Premium?
- How Much Can You Save?
- The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Reviewed
- Who Didn’t We Pick?
- Types
- How To Buy It
- Is Cheap Pet Insurance Worth It?
- FAQ
- Our Methodology
Written by
Elizabeth Kowalski, CVT, FFCP
Edited by
Kelly Larson
Edited by Kelly Larson Senior Editor
Kelly is an editorial leader and collaborator with over 14 years of experience creating and optimizing data-driven, reader-focused digital content. When he’s not helping readers make more informed financial decisions, Kelly enjoys running, taking on DIY projects, and trying to make his kids laugh.
Reviewed by
Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP
04/18/2024 08:11 AM
Pet insurance can save you from the financial burden of large or unexpected veterinary bills, but only if you find a plan that fits your monthly budget. According to our research and pricing data, the cheapest pet insurance plans are offered by ManyPets, Wagmo, and Lemonade.
The best pet insurance plans are not only comparatively cheap, but also offer quality coverage and value for your money. We collected sample quotes from top providers to determine which plans were the cheapest, then evaluated each plan to help pet owners choose one that meets their needs.
The Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies
According to our research and hundreds of sample quotes, the following pet insurance companies offer the cheapest monthly premiums:
- ManyPets: Cheapest full-coverage plans
- Wagmo: Best for immediate reimbursem*nt
- Lemonade: Most affordable
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Most experienced
- AKC: Best for breeders
- Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
- Figo: Most flexible reimbursem*nt rates
Compare The Best Affordable Pet Insurance Plans
Each affordable pet insurance provider on our list offers slightly different plan types, pricing, and coverages. We recommend pet owners obtain several quotes to compare and read the fine print before signing the dotted line. Our table details basic plan features and compares popular providers as a starting point for your search.
| Monthly Cost | BBB Rating | Annual Limits | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ManyPets |  | $16–$30 | B- | Unlimited | Compare Quotes |
| Wagmo |  | $18–$28 | D | $20k | Compare Quotes |
| Lemonade |  | $16–$30 | C- | $5,000–$100,000 | Compare Quotes |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance |  | $18–$44 | A+ | $2,500–$10,000 | Compare Quotes |
| AKC Pet Insurance |  | $27–$48 | A+ | $2,500–$20,000 | Compare Quotes |
| Healthy Paws |  | $24–$54 | A+ | Unlimited | Compare Quotes |
| Figo |  | $25-$54 | B | $5,000–unlimited | Compare Quotes |
ManyPets
Wagmo
Lemonade
ASPCA
AKC
Healthy Paws
Figo
| ManyPets | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| Annual Limits | Unlimited |
| Wagmo | |
|---|---|
| Logo | |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$28 |
| BBB Rating | D |
| Annual Limits | $20k |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| BBB Rating | C- |
| Annual Limits | $5,000–$100,000 |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $2,500–$10,000 |
| AKC Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $27–$48 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | $2,500–$20,000 |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Annual Limits | Unlimited |
| Figo | |
|---|---|
| Logo |  |
| Monthly Cost | $25-$54 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Annual Limits | $5,000–unlimited |
Company
Monthly Cost
BBB Rating
Annual Limits
Why Trust Quartz Advisor
Our editorial team follows a strict and comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing pet insurance providers. Our scores are not impacted by advertisers.
27
Companies rated
105
Hours researching
2,700
Quotes collected
How We Evaluated Pet Insurance Costs
We evaluated pet insurance costs by researching 14 top providers and obtaining sample quotes in each state to arrive at average figures. We used four sample pets, two dogs and two cats, to provide relevant data. Sample pets included a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog, a 2-year-old female golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed male cat, and a 2-year-old female Siamese cat.
What Is The Cheapest Pet Insurance?
The most affordable pet insurance provider for dogs is Wagmo, with an average cost of $28 per month for accident and illness coverage. Lemonade and ManyPets were close runners-up, each costing an average of $30 per month for our canine friends.
The most affordable pet insurance providers for cats are ManyPets and Lemonade, each costing an average of $16 per month for accident and illness coverage. Runners-up include Wagmo and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, each costing an average of $18 per month.
How To Make Pet Insurance Cheaper
Although some providers offer consistently lower pricing than others, the plan options you choose also influence monthly premiums. Here are a few ways you can lower your premiums regardless of the provider you choose.
Lower Your Reimbursem*nt Rate and Annual Limits
The reimbursem*nt rate is the percentage of covered claims a pet insurance provider will reimburse. The annual limit is the maximum amount a provider will reimburse in a given policy year. Lowering these parameters reduces the chances of the company having to offer you a large payout, so your premiums cost less.
Increase Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay each year before reimbursem*nts begin. Higher deductibles mean you’ll likely get less in reimbursem*nts each year, so the provider will lower your premiums.
Look for Discount Options
Discount options are a great way to lower your premiums. You can get discounts from various providers for keeping your pet healthy, participating in an employer benefit program, enrolling multiple pets, or being a current or former military member.
Compare Plans Between Companies
Comparing plans can be difficult because of variable features. To ensure you’re comparing apples to apples, get quotes from several companies using consistent parameters, including deductibles, reimbursem*nt rates, and annual limits. This will give you a baseline for pricing, then you can use the quote tool to see how adjusting parameters changes cost.
Opt for an Accident-Only Policy
Accident-only pet insurance policies cover accidental injuries but exclude coverage for illnesses and preventive care. Excluding coverage for expensive illnesses means you pay less for an accident-only plan, but you can use it only in limited situations.
Insure Your Pet At An Early Age
No pet insurance provider can cover pre-existing conditions, which are issues that occurred in your pet before you enrolled in a plan or during the plan’s waiting period. Pet insurance providers use symptoms, not only official diagnoses, to determine pre-existing conditions, and can use this information to exclude legitimate claims later. The earlier in life you insure your pet, the less likely you’ll have a long exclusion list.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
According to our extensive sample quote collection process, the average cost for an accident and illness pet insurance policy can range from $23 to $98 per month, depending on species and location. Overall, plans average around $49 per month.
The cost of veterinary care varies by region, state, and city, which causes variations in pet insurance costs. The table below shows the average cost of a pet insurance plan in each state.
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $43 |
| Alaska | $49 |
| Arizona | $58 |
| Arkansas | $38 |
| California | $63 |
| Colorado | $62 |
| Connecticut | $70 |
| Delaware | $61 |
| Florida | $46 |
| Georgia | $50 |
| Hawaii | $53 |
| Idaho | $50 |
| Illinois | $54 |
| Indiana | $43 |
| Iowa | $43 |
| Kansas | $49 |
| Kentucky | $46 |
| Louisiana | $42 |
| Maine | $61 |
| Maryland | $62 |
| Massachusetts | $75 |
| Michigan | $40 |
| Minnesota | $47 |
| Mississippi | $42 |
| Missouri | $41 |
| Montana | $40 |
| Nebraska | $44 |
| Nevada | $38 |
| New Hampshire | $52 |
| New Jersey | $58 |
| New Mexico | $51 |
| New York | $59 |
| North Carolina | $57 |
| North Dakota | $40 |
| Ohio | $49 |
| Oklahoma | $42 |
| Oregon | $50 |
| Pennsylvania | $48 |
| Rhode Island | $40 |
| South Carolina | $45 |
| South Dakota | $43 |
| Tennessee | $43 |
| Texas | $51 |
| Utah | $45 |
| Vermont | $43 |
| Virginia | $49 |
| Washington | $49 |
| West Virginia | $42 |
| Wisconsin | $44 |
| Wyoming | $41 |
What Impacts Your Pet Insurance Premium?
Pet insurance premiums are based on risk, which is assessed by each provider’s underwriter. Because each underwriter uses a different formula to assess a particular pet’s risk for health problems, similar plans are priced differently across providers. Some factors that may influence rates include:
- Species: Dogs cost more to insure than cats because they are more likely to suffer from accidental injuries and hereditary diseases. Most dogs are also larger than cats, which influences the cost of medications and treatments for illness.
- Breed: Purebred dogs and cats suffer from genetic health problems more frequently than mixed breeds. Notoriously unhealthy breeds, such as the French bulldog, are more expensive to insure. Breed size may also play a role in pricing.
- Age: Insurance premiums will go up over time because of a pet’s advancing age. The older the pet, the more likely they will develop serious health issues, regardless of their previous health history.
- Location: The cost of veterinary care in your zip code and region heavily influences premiums. The more expensive your area, the more you’ll pay.
- Reproductive status: Some providers consider sex and reproductive status when determining rates because intact pets are at greater risk for some cancers, infections, and accidents.
How Much Can You Save With Pet Insurance?
Owning a pet has many benefits, but veterinary care can be costly. Although costs vary depending on the state and city in which you live, our research shows pet owners spend an average of $855 per year at the vet, or up to $995 during a pet’s first year. Using our sample quotes, we determined the average pet insurance plan costs $579 annually, but pet owners can save around $276 per year by purchasing a pet insurance plan.
Pet insurance policyholders can save even more if—or more likely, when—their pet develops a major health issue. For example, say you took out an insurance policy on your puppy and paid the average of $579 in premiums for the year. Your plan has a $250 deductible, an 80% reimbursem*nt rate, and a $10,000 annual limit.
Now, say your puppy swallowed a sock and needed emergency surgery, sticking you with a $2,000* veterinary bill. After submitting the claim to insurance, you would be reimbursed 80% of the $2,000 bill, less your deductible. $2,000 – $250 = $1,750 in eligible expenses; 80% of $1,750 = $1,400. Assuming no other veterinary expenses for the year, having pet insurance saved you $821 on your puppy’s emergency.
*Listed prices are estimated and for demonstration purposes only.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Reviewed
Learn more about each of the cheapest pet insurance providers by reading our reviews below.
4.6
Dog Insurance$30Cat Insurance$16BBB ratingB-
Pros & Cons
Pros Unlimited annual coverage on all accident and illness plans Flexible wellness plan can save policyholders hundreds on routine care annually Has the lowest average pricing of the providers we reviewed Cons Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan Excludes coverage for behavioral treatments Plans offer only three deductible choices
ManyPets Cost Breakdown
According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a ManyPets accident and illness plan is $23 per month. Coverage includes exams, tests, medications, surgery, rehabilitation, acupuncture, chiropractic, and hospitalization for accidents and illnesses, including dental and genetic illnesses. Because of the broad coverage, low cost, and unlimited reimbursem*nts, ManyPets’ accident and illness plans provide excellent value for the cost.
Policyholders can also purchase an optional wellness plan that provides up to $600 in reimbursem*nts for $25 per month. The wellness plan covers $150 for wellness exams and vaccines, $150 for dental care, $150 for parasite testing and preventives, and $150 for supplements and alternative care. The ManyPets wellness plan provides more flexibility than other providers and can save policyholders up to $300 per year.
Why We Like ManyPets
ManyPets stands out for earning 4.5 out of 5 stars and offering the cheapest full-coverage plans. Add-ons aren’t required to fully protect your pet, and ManyPets also offers one of the best wellness plans we reviewed. All plans provide unlimited reimbursem*nts, and despite its young age, the company has strong customer reviews.
Wagmo
Best for immediate reimbursem*nt
4
Our Review
Dog Insurance$28Cat Insurance$18BBB ratingD
Pros & Cons
Pros Offers an optional 100% reimbursem*nt rate Costs around half of the average pet insurance policy Wellness plans offer industry-leading benefits and reimbursem*nt amounts Cons No spay or neuter coverage option Doesn’t cover prescription food or dental surgeries Imposes per-incident and lifetime limits
Wagmo Cost Breakdown
Wagmo advertises wellness plans as its flagship product, which can be purchased alone or together with an accident and illness plan—or what Wagmo calls an emergency plan. Wellness plans cost $25, $45, or $65 per month and offer $350, $650, or $1,100 in benefits, saving you from $50 to $320 a year.
According to our sample quotes, Wagmo accident and illness plans cost an average of $23 per month. Each plan offers a $20,000 annual limit and covers sick vet visits, virtual care, medications, hospital stays, surgeries, tests, cancer treatment, hereditary conditions, prosthetics, hip dysplasia, end-of-life care, and pet ambulance transportation. Wagmo pricing is well below average, offering good value but limiting coverage to $100,000 over a pet’s lifetime.
Why We Like Wagmo
We gave Wagmo 3.75 out of 5 stars and crowned them the best plan for immediate reimbursem*nts. Wagmo wellness plans provide nearly instant claims processing so you get your money back fast. In addition to extensive wellness offerings, Wagmo covers pets in case of emergency or illness at a rate well below average.
Lemonade
Most affordable
4.8
Our Review
Dog Insurance$30Cat Insurance$16BBB ratingC-
Pros & Cons
Pros Unfussy, low-cost base plans with only the essentials Discounts available for product bundles, multiple pets, and annual premium payments AI can provide instant approval and reimbursem*nt on simple claims Cons Not available in all states Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament tears Upper age limit for enrollment varies by breed
Lemonade Cost Breakdown
According to our sample quotes, Lemonade offers basic accident and illness coverage for an average of $23 per month. However, this price doesn’t include several key coverages, which are available only as add-ons that increase monthly premiums. Base plans cover tests, procedures, medications, surgeries, and hospitalization.
Because of the pricing structure, Lemonade plans offer slightly less value for the money compared to other cheap providers. Lemonade wellness plans average $18 per month and offer options for adults, puppies, and kittens to cover routine procedures, including vaccines, dental care, parasite prevention, and spay or neuter surgery according to a set fee schedule.
Lemonade’s available add-ons and associated average costs include:Exam fees: $5 per month
- Dental illness: $13 per month for dogs, not available for cats
- Behavioral conditions: $4 per month
- Physical therapy: $3 per month
- End-of-life: $3 per month
Why We Like Lemonade
We gave Lemonade 4.6 out of 5 stars as our pick for affordable rates. The provider offers low-cost plans and AI-assisted processes that streamline claims and reimbursem*nts. Plus, Lemonade customers can get discounts on pet insurance policies when they bundle with other offerings, such as home or auto insurance.
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Most experienced
5
Our Review
Dog Insurance$44Cat Insurance$18BBB ratingA+
Pros & Cons
Pros Oldest and most experienced pet insurance provider we reviewed Carries the trusted ASPCA brand name Provides cheap yet comprehensive coverage Cons Maximum annual limit is $10,000 Coverages for herbs and supplements are excluded Waiting period is two weeks for accidents and illnesses
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Cost Breakdown
According to our sample quotes, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance accident and illness plans cost an average of $31 per month. The company also provides an accident-only option, which averages around $23 per month. Each plan covers exam fees, diagnostics, treatments, medications, surgeries, chemotherapy, stem cell treatments, and acupuncture. Because the cost of the accident plan is only a few dollars less than the full coverage plan, we recommend purchasing the latter.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance also offers two wellness plans, which cost $10 or $25 per month, respectively. Each provides partial reimbursem*nts for preventive care services according to a set fee schedule for savings of up to $150 annually.
Why We Like ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
We gave ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, the most experienced provider on our list, 4.8 out of 5 stars. Although a separate company, the provider is aligned with the ASPCA’s mission to improve animal lives and offers reliable coverage at low prices. With plan options to suit all needs, most pet owners can find an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan that suits their needs and budget.
AKC Pet Insurance
Best for breeders
4.7
Dog Insurance$48Cat Insurance$27BBB ratingA+
Pros & Cons
Pros One of few providers to offer optional breeding pet coverage Optional upgraded wellness plan covers up to $150 for spay or neuter and $200 for preventive gastropexy Alternative and holistic care included in coverage Cons Pets over nine years old are not eligible for illness coverage Charges $3 per month in fees on premium installments Hereditary and chronic conditions and exam fees not covered without add-on
AKC Cost Breakdown
According to our sample quotes, the average cost for an AKC plan is $38 per month. Base plans are not all-inclusive, requiring add-ons to round out coverage. AKC accident and illness plans cover surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription medication, behavioral treatments, and holistic and alternative care.
AKC add-ons and associated average costs include:
- ExamPlus: Exam fee coverage—$6
- HereditaryPlus: Hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions—$1
- BreedingCoverage: Breeding, whelping, pregnancy, and nursing complication —$26
Wellness options include DefenderPlus for $27 per month and Defender for $16 per month. While each wellness plan covers typical preventive care services according to a fee schedule, DefenderPlus adds coverage for preventive gastropexy or stomach tacking, a unique benefit with high value for large-breed dogs.
Why We Like AKC
The AKC is an organization dedicated to purebred pets and improving their health. As such, AKC pet insurance is one of the few companies to provide coverage for breeding-related health issues. Although geared toward breeders, any pet owner can sign up for AKC pet insurance to benefit from its low-cost plans.
Healthy Paws
Best for chronic conditions
4.3
Our Review
Dog Insurance$54Cat Insurance$24BBB ratingA+
Pros & Cons
Pros Affordable, truly unlimited coverage Experienced provider has an A+ BBB rating Fast claims processing via mobile app Cons Pets enrolling after age six aren’t eligible for hip dysplasia coverage Senior pet reimbursem*nt rate is reduced to 50% Exam fees, prescription food, and behavioral treatments excluded from coverage
Healthy Paws Cost Breakdown
According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a Healthy Paws plan is $39 per month. The provider offers only one accident and illness plan with no need or option for add-ons. Coverage includes diagnostic testing, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, hereditary conditions, and chronic conditions. Healthy Paws is not as inclusive as other providers on our list and may not be a good value for pets prone to hip dysplasia.
Why We Like Healthy Paws
We rated Healthy Paws 4 out of 5 stars because we appreciate its fast claims processing, easy-to-use mobile app, unlimited annual reimbursem*nt, and chronic condition coverage. Although the company places limits on coverage for seniors and restricts hip dysplasia care more than other providers, these measures keep costs low for consumers.
Figo
Most flexible reimbursem*nt rates
5
Our Review
Dog Insurance$54Cat Insurance$25BBB ratingB
Pros & Cons
Pros Most claims close within three days Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months symptom-free Optional 100% reimbursem*nt rate Cons Exam fees aren’t included in the base plan Wellness plan reimbursem*nts are minimal Must file claims within 180 days of service
Figo Cost Breakdown
According to our sample quotes, the average cost of a Figo accident and illness plan is $39 per month. This plan offers extensive coverage, including medications, tests, surgery, specialist care, dental illness, holistic treatments, cancer care, and chronic conditions. An exam fee add-on is available for an average of $8 per month.
Figo’s wellness plans provide minimal coverage but cost only $9.50 or $16.50 per month. Coverage includes partial reimbursem*nt for vaccines, wellness exams, parasite prevention, and dental cleanings. Although the Figo accident and illness plan provides quality coverage for the cost, we don’t recommend Figo’s wellness plans.
Why We Like Figo
We gave Figo 4.8 out of 5 stars for its flexible reimbursem*nt rates and competitively priced monthly premiums. The PetCloud app makes claims-filing a breeze and allows pet parents to store medical records for easy reference. We also appreciate Figo’s willingness to cover pre-existing conditions after 12 months symptom-free.
Who Didn’t We Pick?
We evaluated 14 total providers and included the seven cheapest in our review. The following seven providers aren’t on this list because of their higher average monthly premiums:
- Pets Best: $44 per month
- Spot: $54 per month
- Pumpkin: $55 per month
- Embrace: $56 per month
- Paw Protect: $56 per month
- Fetch: $67 per month
- Trupanion: $88 per month
Types of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance comes in several different varieties, each with variable coverage. The plan type you choose determines how much and how often you’ll be reimbursed for your pet’s veterinary care.
Accident-only Plan
Accident-only plans are generally the cheapest options available to pet owners, but they cost less because they provide coverage for accidental injuries only. All illnesses, from ear infections to cancer, are excluded from coverage. However, an accident policy is better than no coverage at all and can provide good protection against major catastrophic events starting for less than $10 per month.
Accident-and-illness Plan
Accident and illness plans are the most common insurance types. They cover diagnostics and treatments for accidents and illnesses, including acute ailments, chronic diseases, orthopedic issues, hereditary diseases, and more. Accident and illness plans are more expensive than accident-only plans, but the providers in this review offer good value for the money.
Preventive Care Plan
Most preventive care plans are offered as add-ons to base accident or accident and illness plans, although a select few can be purchased as standalone products. Preventive care plans provide partial reimbursem*nt for routine care, such as wellness examinations, screening diagnostic tests, parasite control, dental care, and spay or neuter. The cost of a preventive care plan may not be worth the added benefits unless you plan to use all listed services each year.
How To Buy Pet Insurance
Purchasing pet insurance is easy in today’s digital age. Most providers have clear explanations of their plans listed on their websites and can provide you with an instant quote. We recommend pet insurance shoppers read up on how pet insurance works and decide which features are most important to them to narrow down their choices.
Once you have a short list of providers, do your due diligence by reading customer reviews and checking the BBB website to see how the provider handles serious complaints. All providers will have some negative reviews, but the company’s response can tell you a lot about its values. Get quotes from your top choices for comparison and don’t forget to account for the effect of add-ons and discounts during your search. You can also call the company if you have questions or concerns during the signup process.
Is Cheap Pet Insurance Worth It?
When provided by a reputable company like those listed in this review, purchasing a cheap pet insurance policy is a good investment for the average pet owner. Veterinary expenses can add up quickly and some bills reach into the thousands, while cheap insurance plans start at less than $20 per month.
When shopping for a cheap pet insurance plan, try to avoid choosing the lowest annual limits or highest deductibles. These options result in lower monthly premiums, but you may find they don’t offer good value when the time comes to use them if your reimbursem*nts total less than you paid in premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth shopping around for pet insurance?
Each provider has different pricing strategies dictated by their underwriter. The same or similar coverage will have variable pricing across providers, so plan to shop around to find the lowest prices. Keep in mind that price shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision—you should thoroughly evaluate each company to determine if their cheap plans meet your pet’s needs.
Can you negotiate with pet insurance?
Insurance policy pricing is determined using a strict, non-negotiable formula that evaluates your pet’s individual risks. You can’t haggle for a lower insurance price unless you’re willing to reduce or eliminate certain coverages. The best way to get a good deal on insurance is to shop around and look for providers that offer discounts and incentives.
What is the cheapest cat breed to insure?
Mixed breed cats, also called domestic short hair, medium hair, or long hair cats, are the cheapest to insure. This is because mixed cats are less likely than purebred cats to develop expensive genetic health issues, such as heart disease, eye disorders, or orthopedic problems.
What is the shortest waiting period for pet insurance?
Pet insurance providers usually stipulate different waiting periods for different conditions, including one for accidents, one for illnesses, and another for orthopedic conditions. The shortest waiting periods are usually for accidents, starting at only one day and ranging up to two weeks. A handful of states have strict pet insurance laws in place that eliminate waiting periods for accidents and limit other waiting periods to 30 days.
Our Methodology
Here at Quartz, our research team looks to examine all pet insurance policies and comes up with reviews based on:
- Coverage
- Plan options
- Cost
- Reputation
- Customer service
- Species available
- Wellness benefits
We’ve created a 5-star rating system to score pet insurance brands based on a 100-point scale. To develop a list of the best pet insurance plans, we looked into plans, rating coverage, claims handling, reimbursem*nts, deductibles, and limitations.Each factor is weighted differently based on the following factors:
- Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process of the customer. Affordable rates and comprehensive coverage are the defining characteristics of providing the best pet insurance.
- Coverage (20 points): We scored companies based on the treatments and procedures they cover. Providers offering broader coverage and more unique treatments received more points. Pet insurance policies are not offered by all companies for older pets. Providers who have an age limit on the pets they cover were deducted points.
- Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, wellness add-ons, and pet preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. We also factored in costs to achieve the most comprehensible review for your pet’s needs.
- Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet only gets what they need by customizing your policy. A higher score was earned by providers who offered a greater range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursem*nt rates.
- Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website accessibility and usability, mobile apps, and grating points to companies with the most customer experience options.
- Industry Reputation (10 points): We assessed each company’s industry reputation by reviewing up-to-date BBB ratings and accreditation information, as well as their years of experience in the industry.
- Waiting Periods (10 points): Companies with shorter accident and illness waiting periods scored higher than companies with longer waiting periods.
Our team revisits each company’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.
Kelly Larson Senior Editor
Kelly is an editorial leader and collaborator with over 14 years of experience creating and optimizing data-driven, reader-focused digital content. When he’s not helping readers make more informed financial decisions, Kelly enjoys running, taking on DIY projects, and trying to make his kids laugh.
