How to find the best pet insurance

Key points

• Accident and illness, accident-only and wellness plans are the three types of pet insurance you can buy. Wellness is typically only available as an add-on to your policy. 
• Your pet’s age, breed, size, species and gender factor into your pet insurance rate.
• You can customize pet insurance to meet your budget and your pet’s needs by adjusting coverage choices, policy limits, reimbursement amounts and deductibles.
• The average cost of pet insurance for a dog is $66 per month, or $796 per year. 

Keeping pets happy and healthy can come at a high price. The annual cost of owning a dog is around $4,500 per year, according to our survey of dog owners.

Cats are less expensive to own, averaging around $1,150 after the first year of ownership. That doesn’t include grooming, training or emergency veterinary care. 

Pet insurance can offset the costs of veterinary care, and some plans offer a wellness upgrade that reimburses for routine care like grooming and training. Understanding what pet insurance covers, what it doesn’t and how to compare pet insurance quotes — can help you find the best pet insurance at the lowest price.

Pet insurance plan types

When you buy pet insurance, you’ll choose from these plans: a comprehensive accident and illness plan, cheaper accident-only coverage and an optional wellness add-on.

Accident and illness plan

An accident and illness plan is sometimes called comprehensive pet insurance because it provides the broadest range of coverage. Accident and illness coverage is the most common plan pet owners buy. 

Accident and illness pet plans typically provide coverage for:

• Allergies.
• Cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Digestive issues.
• Breed-specific health problems.
• Hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.
• UTIs.
• Prescription medications.
• Emergency vet visits.
• Hospitalization.
• CT scans, X-rays and MRIs.
• Ultrasounds.
• Laboratory testing and analysis.
• Specialty veterinarian care.

Accident-only plan

An accident-only plan will cover veterinary care for your pet’s accidents. This includes broken bones, lacerations, bites, ingesting poisons or objects and eye injuries. Since this policy is limited to only accident-related emergencies, excluding illnesses, it’s a cheaper option.

Wellness plan

Pet insurance plans do not cover routine and preventive care, such as vaccinations, routine vet exam fees, dental cleanings and spaying and neutering. But most pet insurance companies offer a wellness plan add-on to supplement your accident and illness pet insurance. 

Preventive and routine care can help your pet stay healthy and identify early warning signs of disease or sickness. According to the American Pet Product Association, the average pet owner pays $178 for cats and $242 for dogs annually for routine veterinary care. Adding a wellness plan to your policy can help cover some of these routine costs.

Comparing pet insurance companies

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), there are about 25 pet insurance companies in the United States and Canada. 

Here’s how the best pet insurance companies compare.

Available plans

Average rates

^{Average monthly pet insurance cost assumes unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $250 deductible and a 80% reimbursement percentage for a dog insurance accident and illness plan. These top-rated pet insurance company rates are based on the average cost to insure dogs and cats of various ages, breeds and ZIP codes. Source: PetInsurer.com.}

Accident and illness plan options

^{*100% reimbursement is only available with Figo if you choose $10,000 in annual coverage with a $500 or $750 deductible.} 

^{** Options may vary by state and by pet age.}

Waiting periods

What’s covered

^{*Vet exam fee coverage is an optional upgrade when you buy a pet insurance plan.}

Pet insurer support

^{*May vary by state.}

Although pet insurance policies have similar coverages, you may find one company meets your needs better than others.

For instance, Nationwide offers pet insurance for exotic animals and pets such as gerbils, chinchillas, amphibians, potbellied pigs, rabbits and birds. Figo includes holistic and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, magnetic field therapy and hydrotherapy. ASPCA is one carrier that provides coverage for those seeking care for their pet’s behavioral issues.

These are just some differences you’ll find when comparing pet insurance companies. Getting quotes from several providers can help you identify which company best fits your pet’s needs and meets your budget.

What factors affect pet insurance quotes?

Several factors will affect your cost when shopping for pet insurance. Policy details, like the annual coverage limit, reimbursement level, deductible and the type of plan you choose, will all impact your rate. 

These factors also impact your pet insurance cost:

• Pet age. Most pet insurers will provide coverage for pets as young as 7 or 8 weeks old. You’ll usually get the best rates when you insure a pet that’s young and healthy. The older your pet is, the more your pet insurance will cost.
• Breed and species. Dogs cost more to insure than cats because they usually get seen more often by the vet. Mixed breeds are generally more healthy than purebreds, and if you have a purebred with known health issues, you could pay more for pet insurance.
• Pet gender. Since owners file a larger number of claims for male pets than for female pets, insurers may charge higher rates for male pets.
• Pet size. How much your pet weighs and its adult size can also impact pet insurance rates. Large dog breeds are more prone to have health problems like hip dysplasia and heart issues. The more health risks your pet could face, the higher your pet insurance premiums might be.

Are there requirements to get a pet insurance policy?

There are typically few requirements to get a pet insurance policy. The most common requirement is age. Most insurers want pets to be at least 7 or eight 8 weeks old before they’re insurable. 

Although most pet insurance companies don’t have upper age limits, some do for enrollment. Healthy Paws and Trupanion, for example, will only enroll new cats and dogs up to age 14. Once enrolled, your pet will be covered as long as you decide to keep the policy, but your rates may increase at renewal time. 

With Pets Best, if your pet has a severe chronic condition, you may only be able to buy an accident only plan. Similarly, some insurers will not sell you an accident and illness plan if your pet is above a certain age. 

Although Figo doesn’t have an upper age requirement, it recommends following your veterinarian’s advice on senior wellness testing for dogs 8 and older and cats 10 and older. Pet insurers may require your pet to have a physical exam prior to approving coverage. They might also request your pet’s medical records to review before issuing the policy.

Expert tip: Unlike human health insurance, which usually has network restrictions, your pet can see any licensed veterinarian in the country. You’ll pay their bill in full and then submit a claim to the insurer for reimbursement.

How to choose the right pet insurance

The pet insurance industry is not standardized like human health insurance. Understanding coverage options and exclusions can help you find the right pet insurance company for you. 

When purchasing a pet insurance policy, here are some other factors to consider:

1. Your annual limit. Some policies only cover up to $5,000 or $10,000 per year after you’ve met your deductible and paid your copay. Others offer unlimited annual coverage for all covered veterinary expenses.
2. Your deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay before the pet insurance provider starts paying its share. The lower the deductible, the higher your premium because the pet insurer pays a larger share. Also, look out for per-incident deductibles and annual deductibles, which is a flat deductible you pay for all covered accidents and illnesses.
3. Claim filing process. Pet insurers usually offer multiple ways to file claims, either online, through the mobile app, email, fax or mail. Familiarize yourself with the process and submission deadline to get the most from your policy.
4. Exclusions. All pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions, though some will cover curable conditions, like diarrhea or vomiting. There might also be other exclusions such as cosmetic treatments, breeding and pregnancy.
5. Waiting period. The waiting period is the time between your policy start date and when coverage begins. Waiting periods vary by company and are generally up to 15 days for accidents and illnesses, and six months for cruciate ligaments and orthopedic conditions.
6. Other features. Some pet insurers include extras that others don’t, such as coverage for boarding fees, advertising for lost or stolen pets, vacation cancellation for pet emergencies or third-party property damage liability. 

Picking pet insurance for dogs vs. cats

Though pet insurance plans are similar for dogs and cats, you might have different needs depending on the type of pet you own and its age. 

If you have a puppy or kitten or plan to get one soon, look for a plan that offers the most robust preventive care coverage, which will reimburse you for vaccinations, wellness checkups, bloodwork and spaying or neutering.

Young dogs and cats often spend their days exploring and playing, which can sometimes lead to unexpected situations. In addition to a comprehensive wellness plan, consider a pet insurance policy that includes a 24/7 vet helpline. A licensed veterinary professional can provide you with the guidance and support you need, whether it’s a question about your kitten coughing up a hairball or your puppy’s adventurous leap off your deck. It can help you make informed decisions and save you from unnecessary vet visits and expenses.

Understanding your pet’s breed and potential health issues is a crucial step in choosing the right pet insurance company that offers the best coverage, tailored to your pet’s needs, both now and in the future. 

For instance, look for a short orthopedic waiting period if you have a large dog breed like a Labrador retriever, prone to hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions. With a smaller breed, consider an insurer with prescription food and medication coverage to help manage chronic health conditions. 

Cats often have chronic health conditions too, like vomiting, diarrhea and eye problems, so pay close attention to pre-existing condition exclusions, especially for curable issues. Most insurers require your pet to be symptom- and treatment-free for at least six months before a condition it deems curable is no longer considered pre-existing.

Senior cats and dogs may see the vet more as they age than they did throughout their life. Hereditary conditions may pop up during your pet’s golden years, and not all pet insurers cover them. So, be sure to buy a pet insurance plan that will cover your Siamese cat’s progressive retinal atrophy or your Bengal’s patellar luxation. You might also be visiting the vet more often, so consider a plan that covers exam fees.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The average cost of pet insurance for a dog is $66 per month or $796 per year. This is for an accident and illness policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement percentage.

How much you’ll pay for pet insurance depends on the plan you choose, the coverage limits you select, your ZIP code and your pet’s details like age, breed, species and size.

Average cost of dog insurance

• $47 per month for $5,000 of annual coverage.
• $66 per month for a policy with unlimited annual coverage. 

Average cost of cat insurance

• $27 per month for $5,000 of annual coverage.
• $38 per month for unlimited coverage. 

How to get free pet insurance quotes

Pet insurance quotes are free no matter how you get them. The quickest and easiest way to get a free pet insurance quote is to visit the pet insurance provider’s website, enter your pet’s details and select coverage options. 

You can also use comparison websites to enter your pet’s information and coverage requests to compare several companies at once.

If you prefer to speak with a person, you can request a quote over the phone or in person. Nationwide has in-person agents ready to provide quotes, and you can also work with insurers like Progressive, which partners with Pets Best. These companies may offer a bundling discount on pet insurance if you also insure your own personal policies, like auto and home insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it worth shopping around for pet insurance?

Yes, it’s worth shopping around for pet insurance. Just like auto and home insurance, pet insurance companies may offer different coverage options and have varying price points. Shopping around can help you get the best price on the pet insurance policy that meets your pet’s needs.

What is the best level of pet insurance?

A comprehensive pet insurance policy that covers both accidents and illnesses is the best level of pet health insurance. You can also include a wellness plan add-on to cover routine and preventive care costs. 

If you want the pet insurance company to pay more toward your pet’s health care costs, get a higher reimbursement percentage and annual limit with a low deductible. The premium will be higher, but the insurance company will shoulder more of your pet’s covered health expenses.

Does pet insurance get more expensive with age?

Yes, pet insurance gets more expensive as your pet ages. The older your pet gets, the more likely it is to see the vet for health problems like arthritis, cancer, heart conditions or gum disease. 

Some companies have age limits for enrolling new, older pets, ranging from 10 to 14 years. Healthy Paws, for example, has a maximum enrollment age limit of 14.