When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
They say cats have nine lives, but if you love your little purr-baby, it’s probably not best to test that theory. I’ve researched and ranked the top pet insurance companies in 2024 based on price, coverage, customer service, claim processing, plan customizations, financial strength, and innovation.
The Best Cat Insurance Companies Of 2024
| Pet Insurance Ranking | Company | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  | Read Review |
| Best For Kittens |  | Read Review |
| Best Unlimited Payouts |  | Read Review |
| Best Value |  | Read Review |
| Best Dental Coverage |  | Read Review |
| Most Affordable |  | Read Review |
| Best Vet Direct Pay |  | Read Review |
Best Pet Insurance Companies
I’ve included a quick overview of each cat insurance company below, complete with plan options, waiting periods, age limits, discounts, advantages and disadvantages, and more.
Best Overall: Pets Best Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 |
| Reimbursement Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illnesses, 3 days for accidents, 6 months for CCL injuries |
| Average Claim Processing | 18-30 days |
| Age Restrictions | At least 7 weeks old |
| Discounts | 5% off for multiple pets; 5% off for military members and their families |
Pets Best is consistently among the least expensive options for cat insurance. It offers multiple customer support options and detailed pet insurance coverage. A big perk is that Pets Best covers gum disease (periodontal disease), which is especially important for cat owners since 80% of felines over three have periodontal disease. Many pet insurance companies exclude this from coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can adapt your plan to your needs and budget by selecting from a variety of deductible, reimbursement, and payout options | Longer than average claim processing averages (18-30 days) |
| Pets Best may be able to pay your vet directly | Excludes massage therapy |
| Accident-only plan is available | |
| Optional wellness plans are available | |
| Only a 3-day waiting period for accidents | |
| Competitively priced | |
| Able to expand coverage to include exam expenses, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitation |
Best For Kittens: Fetch Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 |
| Deductibles | $250, $300, $400, $500, $700 |
| Reimbursement Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 15 days for illnesses and accidents, 6 months for CCL injuries and hip dysplasia |
| Average Claim Processing | 5-6 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 6 weeks old |
| Discounts | Up to 10% off for animal shelter adoptees and employees, corporate benefit plans, medical services pets, strategic partners, military, veterinary staff, and students; 10% off premiums for Walmart shoppers; Save $25 or more when you pay quarterly or annually; 10% off for AARP members for life |
Fetch begins enrollment earlier than competitors at just six weeks old. Most insurers require the cat to be at least eight weeks old. Fetch also covers many conditions listed as exclusions by other insurers, such as massage therapy, supplements, and exam fees, without requiring extra fees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You choose the deductible, reimbursement, and payout to fit your budget | No accident-only plan is available |
| Behavioral therapies, complementary care*, C-sections, supplements, sick visit exam fees, and gum disease are covered | Accident waiting period is 15 days, which is longer than others |
| Optional wellness plans are available as riders | Excludes tooth extractions and endodontic disease |
Best Unlimited Payouts: Healthy Paws Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness |
| Payout Limits | Unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| Reimbursement Levels | 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 15 days for illnesses and accidents, 12 months for hip dysplasia |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 8 weeks old and no older than 14 years old* |
| Discounts | Use this link to take advantage of the best possible price |
Healthy Paws has an annual deductible, reimburses up to 90% of the actual vet bill post-deductible, covers all accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions (so long as they weren’t pre-existing), and offers unlimited lifetime benefits for your cat with no cap. It also has a reputation for excellent customer service.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Healthy Paws may be able to pay your vet directly | Limited customization options based on your pet’s age |
| Fast claim processing (averaging 2 days) | No accident-only plan is available |
| Unlimited payouts for all plans | Upper age limits |
| Covers massage therapy | Excludes behavioral therapies, exam fees, gum disease, and endodontic disease |
| Accident waiting period is longer at 15 days |
Best Value: Figo Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $10,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
| Reimbursement Levels | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illnesses, 1 day for accidents, 6 months for CCL injuries, hip dysplasia, and orthopedic conditions |
| Average Claim Processing | 3 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 8 weeks old |
| Discounts | 5% off any new policy (exclusive for Canine Journal readers – use this link); 5% off for multiple pets; Your deductible automatically goes down $50 each year you don’t receive a claim payment |
We love that Figo offers some of the lowest prices in the industry without sacrificing coverage. Customers can customize their policy based on deductible, reimbursement percentage, and payout amount, allowing you to choose an accident and illness plan that meets your budget. It’s one of the only companies that offers a 100% reimbursement option, which may be enticing for some of you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable pet insurance plans | No accident-only plan is available |
| Optional wellness plans | |
| Accident waiting period is only 1 day | |
| Consistently among the lowest prices | |
| Claim processing averages only 3 days | |
| Complementary care and massage therapy are included in coverage | |
| Diminishing deductible for each claim-free year, decreasing by $50 until it is $0 |
Best Dental Coverage: Embrace Pet Insurance Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| Reimbursement Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illnesses, 2 days for accidents, 6 months for CCL injuries, hip dysplasia, IVDD, and patellar luxation |
| Average Claim Processing | 5 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 6 weeks old and no older than 14 years old for illness coverage* |
| Discounts | 10% off (5% off in NY) for multiple pets; 5% off for military and veterans (NY and TN excluded); 10% off if your company or clinic offers Embrace as an employee benefit (FL, ND, NY, and TN excluded); 5% off in NY if you pay annually; Up to 25% off for eligible USAA customers; Your deductible automatically goes down $50 each year you don’t receive a claim payment |
Embrace offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage, has a stable reputation, timely claim processing, and many options for plan customizations. Its dental coverage is the most extensive, including coverage for gum disease, tooth extractions, and endodontic disease for all teeth. Additionally, its base plan includes $1,000 yearly for dental illness coverage. Dental issues are prevalent in cats, so Embrace’s policy could ease your mind about vet bills related to these conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable plans with different deductible, reimbursement, and payout options | Restricted to accident-only coverage if you enroll your cat after their 15th birthday |
| Optional wellness plans are available | Must pay an additional fee for exam fee coverage and prescription medications |
| Accident waiting period is only 2 days | Excludes massage therapy |
| Claim processing averages only 5 days | |
| Behavioral therapies, complementary care, gum disease, and tooth extractions are included |
Most Affordable: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500 |
| Reimbursement Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illnesses, 2 days for accidents, 6 months for CCL injuries, 30 days for hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 8 weeks old, other age restrictions based on breed |
| Discounts | 10% off if you bundle with your renters, homeowners, auto, condo, or co-op insurance; 5% off for multiple pets; 5% off if you pay annually |
Lemonade is stirring the pot with its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven claims processing, allowing them to get to you within seconds of hitting the submit button in some instances. Its pricing is often among the lowest, but its base plan is more limited than the competition, requiring more add-ons, which can increase the cost. However, the flexibility in price and coverage allows pet owners to find a plan that fits their needs and budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable coverage options | Requires an add-on for dental illness coverage |
| Optional routine care plans are available as an add-on | No accident-only plan is available |
| Only a 2-day waiting period for accidents | Only available in 37 states and Washington DC |
| Claim processing averages 2 days | Breed restrictions based on age |
| Optional rider for euthanasia, cremation, and commemorative items coverage | Excludes massage therapy |
Lemonade pet insurance is only available in 37 states and the District of Columbia: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI.
Best Vet Direct Pay: Trupanion Review
| Plan Options | Accident & illness |
| Payout Limits | Unlimited |
| Deductibles | $0-$1,000 (in $5 increments) |
| Reimbursement Levels | 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% |
| Waiting Periods | 30 days for illnesses, 5 days for accidents |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | 14 years old or younger |
| Discounts | Use this link to take advantage of the best possible price |
Trupanion’s Vet Direct Pay feature, which eliminates the waiting period for claim processing, is one of the company’s most talked-about offerings. Veterinarians can choose to be paid directly by other pet insurance providers. However, the only option that accepts payments at checkout is Trupanion’s Vet Direct Pay. If your veterinarian’s office does not offer Trupanion’s Vet Direct Pay, you can call them to inquire about it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited payouts for all plans | No accident-only plan is available |
| Can pay your vet directly at checkout | Pets older than 14 can’t sign up |
| Claim processing average is only 2 days | Illness waiting period is 30 days |
| Behavioral therapies, C-sections, supplements, and tooth extractions are included in coverage | Exam fees and massage therapy are excluded |
| Breeder Support Program lets breeders provide buyers with an offer for Trupanion enrollment without waiting periods | Higher pricing on average |
| The only company to cover holistic treatment such as herbal therapy, naturopathy, and homeopathy | |
| Covers 50% of prescription food |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? (Comparison Table)
According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness cat insurance policy in the U.S. is $31.94.
Below are monthly premiums for Ragdoll cats for each insurer’s base accident and illness policy. Sample pets have varying ages and locations to help show how premium pricing can change. Unless otherwise noted, plans have a $500 deductible, $5,000 annual coverage limits, and 90% reimbursement.
How Does Cat Insurance Work?
Most pet insurance companies require you to pay your pet’s vet costs upfront. After paying your vet bill, you’ll send the insurance company an itemized receipt and all the necessary claim forms.
The company will send you a reimbursement check (or direct deposit) minus your pre-arranged deductibles. Companies base their claim reimbursement on:
- Your policy details and exclusions
- Type and cost of procedure performed
- The allowance per procedure on your policy
Claim processing times vary by each insurance company, but most reimburse you within a week or two.
Common Cat Health Issues
There are about 250 hereditary diseases identified among cats so far. Some of the common hereditary feline diseases are polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), diabetes mellitus (DM), feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and others. These conditions are broadly known, and a lot of research is continuously conducted to improve their recognition and treatment.
Consider getting cat insurance while your cat is young. As your cat ages, it is more likely they may contract one of these common illnesses, which would then be characterized as a pre-existing condition for an uninsured pet.
Free Cat Insurance Quotes
Rather than taking our word for it, run price quotes with a handful of highly recommended companies by completing one short form. It will give you a better understanding of the costs and reasons to consider pet insurance as a good investment for your cat.
If you aren’t sure whether you need pet insurance, read our is pet insurance worth it overview. To learn about the other carriers (beyond our top pet insurance providers), be sure to read our pet insurance reviews.
Methodology
We review each U.S. pet insurance company to provide an unbiased breakdown of providers’ performance in real claim situations. We use a 100-point scale for each pet insurance company to rank them. Our in-depth research includes:
- Coverage & Exclusions (30%) – We scrutinize every policy from top to bottom and read all the fine print, carefully noting each exclusion. We factor in any age restrictions, required add-ons for basic coverage, and whether a company is available nationwide. Insurers with fewer exclusions receive more points in this category than those with less coverage.
- Pricing (15%) – We evaluate pricing by running thousands of sample quotes for dogs and cats of various breeds, sizes, locations, and ages. We analyze which companies charge extra fees and discounts and consider which companies nick and dime pet owners with add-on coverage. Providers with the lowest premiums, fewest extra fees, most discounts, and fewer add-ons receive more points in this category.
- Customer Service & Reputation (12%) – We assess hundreds of customer reviews, scope out the sign-up process, speak with representatives, and factor in company history and years in the pet insurance marketplace to determine the points in this category. Companies with an easy sign-up process, highly rated mobile apps, multiple ways to reach customer service, positive consumer feedback, and a seamless claim filing process score high in this category.
- Financial Strength (10%) – Insurance is only beneficial if you can count on reimbursed claims. Companies with at least five years of nationwide experience and high A.M. Best and Demotech ratings receive high remarks in this category.
- Customization Options (10%) – We consider customizations available to adjust your coverage to fit your budget. Companies with fewer restrictions based on breed, age, location, etc., multiple plan options, and more reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits earn the highest scores.
- Waiting Periods (5%) – Providers with the shortest illness and accident waiting periods and fewer additional waiting periods for other conditions merit high remarks.
- Claim Processing (5%) – We share our firsthand experience submitting claims with companies and examine how long it takes to be reimbursed. Insurers with a vet direct pay option and short claim processing averages earn the most points.
- Innovation (3%) – We meet with company representatives to discuss changes related to the industry, their company, and their offerings. Providers offering unique, comprehensive coverage and utilizing advanced technology receive more points.
Unlike many other review sites, we refuse to let pet insurance companies pay for the top spot in our rankings. Companies must earn their position in our comparisons by performing well in the marketplace. We also highlight each company’s pros and cons in light of their competitor’s strengths. In doing so for over a decade, we’ve helped pet parents make more educated decisions among the top pet insurance options. Pet insurance providers read our reviews, regularly check them for accuracy, and value our input to help create positive industry changes and better protect your pets. We only recommend the best of the best because it’s what our readers deserve.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Our reviews are conducted in an unbiased fashion by independent researchers who do rigorous analysis and gather consumer feedback from across the internet. Check out our review process for details.
Since 2012, Canine Journal has covered pet insurance long before other media outlets realized how popular pet health care was becoming. Many of our writers possess firsthand knowledge of pet insurance, such as Kimberly Alt, who has been Canine Journal’s pet insurance expert for more than ten years, having covered almost every aspect of pet insurance. Kimberly is so knowledgeable about the topic that she can provide prompt answers to a wide range of inquiries about pet insurance. And thanks to her vast list of resources, in the rare instance that she is unable to find the answer immediately, she can locate it in a matter of minutes.
To guarantee accuracy and provide Canine Journal with the authority to write about and help readers purchase pet insurance policies that are accurately represented, Kimberly also conferred with Michelle Schenker, the publication’s in-house licensed insurance agent, for additional expertise.
