10
Carriers Reviewed
3.9
Average Rating
90%
Recommended
Trupanion
Best for Direct Vet Pay$30-$70/month for cats, $40-$120/month for dogs depending on breed, age, and location
Claims: Minutes at participating vets via direct pay; 5-7 business days for manual claims
Trupanion Review: Pay Your Vet Directly and Skip the Reimbursement Hassle
Trupanion occupies a unique position in the pet insurance market as the only major carrier that pays veterinary hospitals directly at the time of service. Through its proprietary software integrated with thousands of veterinary practices across North America, Trupanion can process and approve claims within minutes while you are still at the vet's office. This eliminates the typical reimbursement cycle where pet owners pay upfront and wait days or weeks to be repaid. Founded in 2000, Trupanion offers a single, straightforward plan with 90% reimbursement after your deductible is met. There is no option to adjust the reimbursement percentage, which simplifies the decision but removes flexibility. The per-condition deductible, rather than annual, means you only pay the deductible once per new condition for the lifetime of your pet. There are no payout caps per condition, annually, or over your pet's lifetime, providing genuine peace of mind for expensive chronic conditions or major surgeries that can run $10,000 or more. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, supplements, and prosthetic devices. Monthly premiums typically range from $40 to $120 for dogs, placing Trupanion at the higher end of the market. However, the per-condition deductible structure can result in significant savings over time for pets with ongoing health issues. The biggest limitation is the lack of an accident-only plan or wellness coverage. If you want lower-cost basic coverage or routine care protection, you will need to look elsewhere. Verified for August 2026: the per-condition deductible is adjustable from $0 to $1,000, reimbursement is fixed at 90%, and there are no annual, lifetime or per-condition payout caps. Waiting periods are five days for injuries and 30 days for illnesses, and pets must be under 14 years old to enroll, though coverage then continues for life. Trupanion is best suited for pet owners who want robust, hassle-free coverage and who use a vet clinic that participates in the direct pay network.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Direct vet pay eliminates out-of-pocket costs at participating clinics
- + Per-condition lifetime deductible rather than annual, saving money on chronic conditions
- + No per-incident, annual, or lifetime payout limits
- + Claims can be processed and paid in minutes at participating vets
- + Covers hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, supplements, and prosthetics
Cons
- - Only one plan available with a fixed 90% reimbursement rate
- - No accident-only or wellness coverage options
- - Higher premiums than most competitors, especially for larger or older dogs
- - Direct pay only works at participating vet clinics, not universally available
Odie Pet Insurance
Best for Wellness & Routine CareAbout $28/month for a 3-year-old mixed-breed cat and $38/month for the equivalent dog, varying by breed, age, and location
Claims: Submitted online through the member portal, reimbursement typically 10-15 business days
Odie Pet Insurance Review: Wellness-First Coverage With No Vet Networks
Odie has taken a different route to most pet insurers since launching in 2019, building the brand around routine and preventive care rather than treating it as an afterthought. Coverage splits into two separate products. The Illness and Injury plan handles accidents, illnesses, emergency visits, surgery, cancer treatment, hospital stays, diagnostic imaging, dental issues and prescription medication. The Wellness plan is bought alongside it and covers wellness exams, vaccinations, routine testing, parasite prevention, dental care and supplements. Splitting them means you only pay for the preventive side if you actually want it, which suits owners of young, healthy pets who expect more routine visits than emergencies. There are no provider networks. You can use any licensed vet, specialist, emergency clinic or after-hours practice in the United States, which removes the geography problem that catches out owners who travel or relocate. Every policy includes unlimited 24/7 televet chat, genuinely useful for the three-in-the-morning question about whether something warrants an emergency visit. Pets can be enrolled from seven weeks old, and there is a 30-day money-back window in most states. On the numbers, Odie keeps the choices deliberately narrow. Reimbursement is 70% or 90%, deductibles are $250 or $500, and the annual limit on the accident and illness plan is $10,000. Average premiums run about $28 a month for a three-year-old mixed-breed cat and $38 for the equivalent dog. That simplicity is a real strength if you find endless sliders paralysing, and a real weakness if you want to fine-tune. The $10,000 annual cap is the number to watch: a single major orthopaedic surgery or a course of cancer treatment can approach or exceed it, where Trupanion and Healthy Paws pay without limit. The 15-day waiting period applies to accidents as well as illnesses in most states, notably longer than the two to five days most carriers apply to accidents. Odie also does not pay vets directly, so you front the bill and claim afterwards, with reimbursement typically landing 10 to 15 business days after a complete submission. Odie suits owners who want strong routine-care coverage, a simple set of choices and freedom to use any vet, and who are comfortable with a $10,000 annual ceiling.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Wellness and preventive care is a first-class product, not a thin add-on
- + No provider networks, use any licensed vet or emergency clinic in the US
- + Unlimited 24/7 televet chat included with every policy
- + Enrollment from seven weeks old, with a 30-day money-back window in most states
- + Simple choices, two deductibles and two reimbursement rates, no decision paralysis
Cons
- - $10,000 annual limit on the accident and illness plan, where several rivals pay without a cap
- - 15-day waiting period applies to accidents as well as illnesses in most states
- - No direct vet pay, you pay the bill upfront and wait for reimbursement
- - Reimbursement typically takes 10 to 15 business days, slower than the fastest carriers
- - Only two deductible and two reimbursement options, limited room to tune the policy
Lemonade Pet
Best for Budget & Tech-Savvy Pet Owners$10-$35/month for cats, $15-$60/month for dogs depending on breed, age, and location
Claims: 2 minutes to 10 business days (simple claims processed by AI are fastest)
Lemonade Pet Insurance: AI-Powered Coverage at Unbeatable Prices
Lemonade Pet has quickly become one of the most talked-about pet insurance providers since launching its pet vertical in 2020. Built on the same tech-first platform that disrupted renters and homeowners insurance, Lemonade brings a refreshingly modern approach to pet coverage. Policies start as low as $10/month for cats and $15/month for dogs, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. The base accident and illness plan covers diagnostics, procedures, medications, and hospitalizations, with optional add-ons for wellness visits, physical therapy, and end-of-life services. Where Lemonade truly stands out is its claims experience. The company uses AI-powered claims processing that can approve and pay out simple claims in as little as two minutes, though more complex claims still require human review and can take several days. Reimbursement options range from 70% to 90%, with annual deductible choices between $100 and $500. One notable limitation is the relative lack of plan customization compared to legacy carriers. You cannot mix and match deductibles and reimbursement percentages as freely as with some competitors. Lemonade also has a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 2-day waiting period for accidents, which is fairly standard. The company donates unused premiums to charities through its Giveback program, which resonates with younger pet owners. For tech-savvy pet parents who want a streamlined, app-first experience without paying a premium, Lemonade is hard to beat on value.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Some of the lowest premiums in the industry, starting around $10/month for cats
- + AI-powered claims can be processed and paid in as little as 2 minutes
- + Intuitive mobile app makes managing policies and filing claims effortless
- + Giveback program donates unused premiums to a charity of your choice
- + Optional wellness, physical therapy, and end-of-life add-on packages
Cons
- - Limited plan customization compared to more established competitors
- - Relatively newer to pet insurance, with a shorter track record than legacy carriers
- - Breed-specific exclusions and pre-existing condition limitations can be restrictive
- - Complex claims still require human review and can take 5-10 business days
Healthy Paws
Best Overall Pet Insurance$15-$40/month for kittens, $25-$75/month for puppies, increasing with age and breed
Claims: 2-3 business days for most claims, reimbursement typically within 5-7 days
Healthy Paws Review: The Gold Standard in Pet Insurance Coverage
Healthy Paws has earned its reputation as the top-rated pet insurance provider in the United States, consistently ranking first in customer satisfaction surveys since 2015. The reason is straightforward: unlimited lifetime benefits with no per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps on payouts. This is a genuine differentiator in a market where many competitors impose annual limits of $5,000 to $20,000. The single-plan structure covers accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic and hereditary conditions, and alternative treatments, all under one comprehensive policy. Pricing is competitive for younger pets, with monthly premiums starting around $25 for puppies and $15 for kittens, though costs increase notably as pets age. Deductible options range from $100 to $750 annually, with reimbursement rates of 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. Claims processing is impressively fast, with the majority of claims reviewed within 2-3 business days. The mobile app allows photo-based claim submission, and many pet owners report receiving reimbursement within a week of filing. The main drawback is the absence of a wellness or preventive care plan, meaning routine vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual exams are not covered. Premiums also tend to increase significantly as your pet ages, with some owners reporting 15-20% annual increases after their pet turns 8. Despite these caveats, the combination of unlimited payouts, fast claims, and broad coverage makes Healthy Paws the benchmark against which all other pet insurance providers are measured.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + No per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps on payouts, truly unlimited coverage
- + Consistently rated #1 in customer satisfaction across multiple review platforms
- + Fast claims processing, with most claims reviewed in 2-3 business days
- + Covers hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, cancer, and alternative therapies
- + Simple one-plan structure eliminates confusion and decision fatigue
Cons
- - No wellness or preventive care plan available, not even as an add-on
- - Premiums increase significantly with pet age, particularly after age 8
- - Not available in all states, with limited availability for older pets in some regions
- - No accident-only plan for owners who want basic, lower-cost coverage
Embrace
Best Wellness Coverage$20-$45/month for cats, $30-$70/month for dogs depending on breed, age, and location
Claims: 10-15 business days for standard claims
Embrace Pet Insurance: Rewarding Loyalty with a Diminishing Deductible
Embrace Pet Insurance stands out in a crowded market with its unique Diminishing Deductible feature and comprehensive Wellness Rewards program. Founded in 2003, the company has built a loyal following among pet owners who value thorough coverage that goes beyond basic accident and illness protection. The Diminishing Deductible is Embrace's signature benefit: for every year you do not receive a claim reimbursement, your annual deductible decreases by $50, down to a minimum of $0. This rewards healthy pets and responsible owners, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket costs over time. The Wellness Rewards program is an optional add-on ranging from $250 to $650 in annual allowances, covering routine care like vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea and tick prevention, grooming, and even training classes. This makes Embrace one of the most comprehensive options for pet owners who want a single policy covering both unexpected and preventive care. Base coverage includes accidents, illnesses, genetic conditions, behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments. Deductibles range from $200 to $1,000, and reimbursement options include 70%, 80%, and 90%. Monthly premiums are on the higher side, typically ranging from $30 to $70 for dogs, depending on breed and location. Claims are generally processed within 10-15 business days, which is slower than some competitors. There is also a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage, which is standard but worth noting. Embrace is an excellent choice for pet owners who want the most complete coverage available and are willing to pay a premium for features like the diminishing deductible and robust wellness options.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Diminishing Deductible reduces your annual deductible by $50 each claim-free year
- + Wellness Rewards program covers routine care including training and grooming
- + Covers behavioral therapy, prosthetics, and alternative treatments
- + Personalized coverage with flexible deductible and reimbursement options
- + Established company with over 20 years in the pet insurance market
Cons
- - Higher monthly premiums compared to budget carriers like Lemonade
- - 14-day illness waiting period before coverage kicks in
- - Claims processing averages 10-15 business days, slower than top competitors
- - Wellness Rewards is an additional cost on top of already higher base premiums
Spot
Best Customizable Plans$12-$40/month for cats, $20-$80/month for dogs depending on customization choices
Claims: 7-14 business days for standard claims processing
Spot Pet Insurance: Tailor Every Detail of Your Pet's Coverage
Spot Pet Insurance offers one of the most customizable pet insurance experiences on the market, allowing pet owners to fine-tune nearly every aspect of their policy. This level of flexibility is Spot's defining feature and sets it apart from carriers that offer only one or two fixed plan structures. With Spot, you can choose your annual deductible from $100 to $1,000, select reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%, and set annual coverage limits at $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. This means you can build a policy that precisely matches your budget and risk tolerance. The base accident and illness plan covers emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, diagnostic tests, and specialist visits. Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered with no waiting period for accidents, just a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Spot also offers a preventive care add-on at two tiers, covering vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing, dental cleanings, and wellness exams. Monthly premiums are competitive, starting around $12/month for cats and $20/month for dogs with higher deductibles, scaling up to $60-$80 for comprehensive coverage with lower deductibles and unlimited payouts. Spot provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving new customers a risk-free trial period to evaluate the coverage. Claims are typically processed within 7-14 business days. As a newer entrant in the market, having been founded in 2019, Spot does not yet have the extensive track record of legacy carriers like Healthy Paws or Trupanion. However, its policies are underwritten by established insurer United States Fire Insurance Company, providing financial stability behind the brand.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Highly customizable plans with multiple deductible, reimbursement, and limit options
- + 30-day money-back guarantee for new policyholders
- + Two-tier preventive care add-on covering wellness exams, vaccines, and dental
- + No age limit for enrollment, covering senior pets that other carriers may decline
- + Competitive pricing with plans starting as low as $12/month for cats
Cons
- - Newer company founded in 2019 with a limited track record compared to legacy carriers
- - Claims processing at 7-14 business days is slower than industry leaders
- - Lower annual limit options ($2,500 and $5,000) may be insufficient for major surgeries
- - Customer service reviews are mixed, with some reports of slow response times
Nationwide
Best for Exotic Pets$35-$100/month for dogs, $20-$50/month for cats, exotic pets vary by species
Claims: 15-30 business days, one of the slower processors in the industry
Nationwide Pet Insurance: The Only Major Carrier Covering Exotic Animals
Nationwide holds a unique position in the pet insurance market as the only major carrier that covers exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals like rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. If you own an exotic pet, Nationwide is essentially your only mainstream insurance option, which is both its greatest strength and a factor that limits competitive pressure on its pricing and service quality. For dogs and cats, Nationwide offers two primary plan types. The Major Medical plan covers accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations at a more affordable price point, typically $35-$60/month for dogs. The Whole Pet with Wellness plan is their premium option, covering everything in the Major Medical plan plus routine care, vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea prevention, and behavioral treatment, usually running $60-$100/month for dogs. The Whole Pet plan is one of the few all-inclusive policies on the market that bundles wellness care into the base plan rather than offering it as an add-on. However, Nationwide's claims process has been a persistent source of criticism. Processing times average 15-30 business days, significantly slower than competitors like Healthy Paws or Lemonade. The claims submission process itself can feel dated, and reimbursement amounts sometimes fall short of expectations due to benefit schedules that cap payouts for specific procedures. Premium pricing is also on the higher end, particularly for the Whole Pet plan, and some customers have reported difficulty understanding their coverage details and benefit limits. For exotic pet owners, Nationwide remains the clear choice by default. For dog and cat owners, the Whole Pet plan is genuinely comprehensive but comes at a premium with slower service than newer, tech-forward competitors.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Only major carrier covering exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals
- + Whole Pet with Wellness plan offers true all-inclusive coverage
- + Backed by Nationwide's financial strength as a Fortune 100 company
- + Wellness coverage included in the Whole Pet plan, not a separate add-on
- + Available in all 50 states with a large network of participating veterinarians
Cons
- - Claims processing is slow, averaging 15-30 business days
- - Higher premiums than most competitors, especially for the Whole Pet plan
- - Benefit schedules can cap reimbursement on specific procedures
- - Plan details and coverage limits can be confusing and lack transparency
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Best Budget Option$12-$35/month for cats, $18-$55/month for dogs depending on breed, age, and location
Claims: 7-14 business days for standard claims
ASPCA Pet Insurance Review: Affordable Coverage from a Trusted Name
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance leverages one of the most recognized names in animal welfare to offer budget-friendly pet insurance policies administered by Crum & Forster, a well-established insurance underwriter. It is important to note that while the ASPCA brand lends credibility, the policies are managed and underwritten entirely by Crum & Forster, with the ASPCA receiving a royalty for the use of its name. That said, the coverage itself is solid for the price point. The Complete Coverage plan handles accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies. Monthly premiums start as low as $12/month for cats and $18/month for dogs, making it one of the most accessible options for pet owners on a tight budget. Deductible options range from $100 to $500, and reimbursement rates are available at 70%, 80%, or 90%, with annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. A 10% multi-pet discount makes it even more affordable for households with multiple animals. The optional Preventive Care add-on covers vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing, and annual wellness exams at two coverage tiers. Claims are processed in approximately 7-14 business days, which is average for the industry. The claims portal and mobile app are functional but not as polished as tech-first competitors like Lemonade. The main limitation is the relative lack of plan customization and the somewhat generic coverage structure. You will not find standout features like Embrace's Diminishing Deductible or Trupanion's direct vet pay. ASPCA Pet Insurance delivers reliable, no-frills coverage at an attractive price, making it a sensible choice for cost-conscious pet owners who want basic protection without premium pricing.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Affordable premiums starting as low as $12/month for cats
- + 10% multi-pet discount for insuring multiple animals
- + Backed by Crum & Forster, a financially strong and established underwriter
- + Optional preventive care add-on at two coverage tiers
- + Covers hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies
Cons
- - Limited plan customization and lack of standout features
- - Claims processing is average at 7-14 business days
- - The ASPCA brand is licensed, not directly involved in policy management
- - Mobile app and claims portal feel less modern than tech-forward competitors
Fetch
Best for Comprehensive Coverage$15-$40/month for cats, $25-$65/month for dogs depending on breed, age, and location
Claims: 5-10 business days for standard claims processing
Fetch Pet Insurance Review: Thorough Coverage with a Proven Pedigree
Fetch, formerly known as Petplan, rebranded in 2022 but brought along more than two decades of experience in the pet insurance industry. The name change came with a refreshed digital experience, but the core product remains one of the most comprehensive pet insurance policies available. Fetch covers accidents, illnesses, cancer, hereditary and congenital conditions, behavioral therapy, and notably dental illness, which many competitors exclude or limit. The coverage of hereditary conditions from day one, with no additional waiting period beyond the standard 15-day illness waiting period, is a meaningful advantage for owners of breeds predisposed to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, heart disease, or certain cancers. Deductible options range from $250 to $500 annually, and reimbursement levels are set at 70%, 80%, or 90%, with an annual maximum benefit of $10,000 per year on the standard plan. Monthly premiums typically range from $25 to $65 for dogs, positioning Fetch in the mid-range of the market. Claims are generally processed within 5-10 business days, and the company's mobile app allows for straightforward claim submissions with receipt uploads. One notable gap is the absence of a wellness or preventive care add-on, meaning routine vet visits, vaccinations, and dental cleanings are out-of-pocket expenses. The 15-day waiting period for illness coverage is slightly longer than some competitors' 14-day period, though the practical difference is minimal. Fetch also covers exam fees, which many competitors exclude, adding real value to each claim. For pet owners who prioritize breadth of coverage for unexpected health issues over preventive care benefits, Fetch delivers one of the most robust policies on the market, backed by a long history in the industry.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + Covers hereditary and congenital conditions from day one of coverage
- + Dental illness coverage included, which many competitors exclude
- + Over 20 years in the pet insurance industry under the former Petplan brand
- + Exam fees covered as part of claims, adding meaningful value
- + Covers alternative therapies, behavioral treatment, and prescription medications
Cons
- - No wellness or preventive care add-on available
- - 15-day illness waiting period is slightly longer than some competitors
- - Annual maximum benefit caps at $10,000 on the standard plan
- - Deductible options are limited to $250 and $500, less flexibility than some rivals
Pumpkin
Best for Preventive Care$20-$45/month for cats, $30-$80/month for dogs depending on breed, age, and location
Claims: 5-10 business days for standard claims processing
Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Premium Preventive Care Meets Solid Coverage
Pumpkin Pet Insurance has carved out a strong niche since its founding in 2020 by offering a standard 90% reimbursement rate across all policies, paired with one of the best preventive care packages in the industry. While most competitors default to 80% reimbursement and charge more for 90%, Pumpkin builds the higher rate into every plan, simplifying the decision and ensuring pet owners retain more of their claim reimbursements. The Pumpkin Insurance plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, diagnostic testing, surgeries, hospitalizations, emergency care, specialist visits, and prescription medications. Annual deductible options include $100, $250, and $500, with annual limits of $10,000, $20,000, or unlimited. The Preventive Essentials package, available as an add-on for approximately $10-$20/month, covers annual wellness exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and testing, dental cleaning, spay/neuter procedures, and microchipping. This is one of the most thorough preventive care packages available, covering items that many competitors limit or exclude. Pumpkin also covers exam fees within claims, which is a meaningful benefit that compounds with the 90% reimbursement rate. Claims are typically processed in 5-10 business days, and the mobile app provides a clean submission experience. Monthly premiums start around $20 for cats and $30 for dogs, though the combination of high reimbursement and comprehensive coverage means base premiums skew higher than budget carriers. Adding the Preventive Essentials package further increases the monthly cost. As a newer company, Pumpkin lacks the decades-long track record of carriers like Trupanion or Fetch, but its policies are underwritten by established insurers, providing financial reliability behind the brand.
Coverage Highlights
Pros
- + 90% reimbursement rate is standard on all plans, no need to pay extra for it
- + One of the most comprehensive preventive care add-ons on the market
- + Covers exam fees, adding real value to every eligible claim
- + Unlimited annual limit option available for maximum protection
- + Clean mobile app experience with straightforward claims submission
Cons
- - Higher base premiums than budget carriers due to the standard 90% reimbursement
- - Newer company founded in 2020 with a limited track record
- - Preventive Essentials add-on increases monthly costs by $10-$20
- - 14-day illness waiting period is standard but present