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We analyzed pet insurance providers nationwide to identify those offering the most well-rounded coverage, strong financial stability, positive customer experiences, competitive pricing, efficient claims processing, and flexible plan options. Based on our assessment, here are the top pet insurance companies in the U.S.
Pets Best Review: Best Overall
5.0/5 
Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $24.66
Sample cat rate: $14.37
Pros
- Superior dental coverage
- No upper age limits
- Possible direct vet payments
- One of the most affordable options
Cons
- 6 month wait for cruciate ligament issues
- Exam fees & alternative therapy require upgrade
Summary
Pets Best stands out for its balance of affordability and extensive coverage, making it a top choice for pet owners seeking flexibility. Its plans are highly customizable, allowing policyholders to select coverage options that suit their needs, including exam fees, acupuncture, rehabilitation, and chiropractic care. With no upper age limits, even senior pets can receive full coverage without restrictions, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners at every stage of their pet’s life.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: 7+ weeks, no upper limit
- Waiting Periods: 3 days (accidents), 14 days (illnesses), 6 months (cruciate)
- Claim Processing: ~10 days
- Plans: Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-ons
- Reimbursements: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
- Payouts: $5K, $10K, unlimited
Fetch Review: Best For Puppies & Kittens
4.9/5 Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $29.15
Sample cat rate: $23.75*
Pros
- Alternative therapies, massage therapy, supplements & exam fees included
- Superior dental coverage
- Coverage starts at 6 weeks old
Cons
- 15-day accident waiting period
- 6-month wait for cruciate ligaments & hip dysplasia
Summary
Fetch offers comprehensive alternative therapy coverage, including acupuncture, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic care, massage, and laser therapy, benefits often excluded by other providers. It includes up to $1,000 annually for behavioral therapy and VirtualVet visits each. Coverage starts at six weeks old and includes exam fees at no extra cost. Unique perks like advertising and reward reimbursements for lost pets make Fetch a strong choice for extensive pet care starting at a young age.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: 6+ weeks, no upper limit
- Waiting Periods: 15 days (accidents & illnesses), 6 months (cruciate & hip dysplasia)
- Claim Processing: 10-15 days
- Plans: Accident & illness, wellness add-on
- Reimbursements: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $250, $300, $400, $500, $700
- Payouts: $5K, $10K, $15K
*$500 deductible unavailable; opted for $400
Healthy Paws Review: Best For Unlimited Coverage
3.5/5 Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $31.92*
Sample cat rate: $15.83*
Pros
- Unlimited claim payouts
- 50% of claims are paid in 2 days
- 15-day cruciate ligament wait (shorter than most)
- Possible direct vet payment
Cons
- 12-month wait for hip dysplasia (excluded if enrolled after 6)
- No wellness plan
- Limited coverage for older pets
Summary
Healthy Paws provides unlimited annual and lifetime coverage on all plans, ensuring pet owners never hit a payout cap and always receive reimbursement for eligible claims after meeting their deductible. This helps reduce economic euthanasia, allowing pets to receive life-saving treatments without financial constraints. Compared to other providers, Healthy Paws offers some of the most affordable unlimited payout plans. Its straightforward, all-inclusive coverage makes it a great choice for pets with serious or chronic conditions—as long as they’re enrolled before symptoms appear.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: 8+ weeks, no older than 14
- Waiting Periods: 15 days (accidents & illnesses), 12 months (hip dysplasia)
- Claim Processing: 2-15 days
- Plans: Accident & illness
- Reimbursements: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
- Payouts: Unlimited
*Max reimbursement available: 70% (dogs), 80% (cats), unlimited payouts
Figo Review: Best For 100% Reimbursement
4.8/5 Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $28.97
Sample cat rate: $20.96
Pros
- 1-day accident wait
- 100% reimbursement option
- Among the lowest prices
- Diminishing deductible
Cons
- Exam fee coverage requires add-on
- 6-month wait for orthopedic conditions
Summary
Figo is ideal for pet owners seeking a 100% reimbursement option and a short accident waiting period. It offers an intuitive mobile app, a unique social pet cloud, and fast claim processing (averaging three days). With customizable plans, competitive pricing, and coverage for alternative therapies, Figo stands out among providers. It also features a diminishing deductible, decreasing by $50 each claim-free year until it reaches $0.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: 8+ weeks, no upper limit
- Waiting Periods: 1 day (accidents), 14 days (illnesses), 6 months (orthopedic conditions)
- Claim Processing: 3 days
- Plans: Accident & illness, wellness add-ons
- Reimbursements: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750
- Payouts: $5K, $10K, unlimited
Embrace Review: Best Coverage
4.5/5 Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $44.73
Sample cat rate: $23.57
Pros
- Includes behavioral therapies, complementary care, gum disease & tooth extractions
- Diminishing deductible
- Short 2-day accident wait & 5-day claim processing
Cons
- Accident-only coverage if enrolled after 15th birthday
- Exam fees & prescription drugs require add-on
Summary
Embrace provides comprehensive accident and illness coverage, with extensive dental benefits, including tooth extractions for both accidents and illnesses and endodontic disease for all teeth. It also covers behavioral therapy and training for anxious, aggressive, or destructive dogs, a benefit many insurers exclude. Embrace stands out for its diminishing deductible and minimal exclusions, making it a top choice for thorough pet coverage.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: 6+ weeks, no older than 14 for illness coverage
- Waiting Periods: 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illnesses), 6 months (cruciate, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease [IVDD], patellar luxation)
- Average Claim Processing: 5 days
- Plans: Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-ons
- Reimbursements: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
- Payouts: $2K, $5K, $8K, $10K, $15K, unlimited
Lemonade Review: Most Affordable
3.5/5 Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $26.96
Sample cat rate: $16.13
Pros
- Affordable & highly customizable plans
- AI-driven claims for fast processing
- Bundling discounts with other Lemonade policies
- Donates to charities chosen by customers
Cons
- Limited state availability
- Newer to pet insurance than competitors
- Age-based breed restrictions
Summary
Lemonade entered the pet insurance market in 2020, quickly gaining attention for its low premiums and AI-driven claims processing, which can reimburse some claims in minutes. While it’s not yet available in all 50 states, its rapid growth and expanding coverage make it an insurer to watch. Lemonade is a strong option for budget-conscious pet owners who want customizable plans and fast reimbursements.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: 8+ weeks, breed-based maximums
- Waiting Periods: 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illnesses), 30 days (hip dysplasia & other orthopedic conditions), 6 months (cruciate)
- Claim Processing: 2 days
- Plans: Accident & illness, wellness add-ons
- Reimbursements: 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750
- Payouts: $5K, $10K, $20K, $50K, $100K
Trupanion Review: Best For Direct Vet Payments
3.8/5 Canine Journal Rating
Sample dog rate: $70.68*
Sample cat rate: $44.42*
Pros
- Unlimited payouts
- Vet Direct Pay—no reimbursement wait
- 30-day wait for cruciate ligaments & hip dysplasia
- Only insurer covering herbal therapy, naturopathy & homeopathy
Cons
- Higher premiums than competitors
- No enrollment for pets 14+
- No coverage for exam fees
Summary
Trupanion stands out for its Vet Direct Pay feature, which allows instant payment to veterinarians at checkout, eliminating the need for reimbursement. While some insurers offer direct pay options, Trupanion is the only one that processes payments at the time of service. It also has no payout limits, making it a solid choice for pet owners concerned about high medical costs. If your vet doesn’t accept Vet Direct Pay, you can ask them about setting it up or contact Trupanion for more information.
At A Glance
- Age Restrictions: Less than 14
- Waiting Periods: 5 days (accidents), 30 days (illnesses)
- Claim Processing: 2 days
- Plans: Accident & illness
- Reimbursements: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
- Deductibles: $0-$1,000 (in $5 increments)
- Payouts: Unlimited
*All Trupanion plans have unlimited payouts
Top Pet Insurance Providers Compared
Still unsure? Take a look at these comparison tables to see key differences.
Plans Options
The table below outlines each company’s plan options, including deductible, reimbursement rate, and payout limits. Availability may vary by pet and state.
| Company | Limits | Reimbursements | Deductibles | Accident & Illness | Accident-Only | Wellness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000-unlimited | 70-90% | $50-$1,000 |  | | |
| $5,000-$15,000 | 70-90% | $250-$700 | | | |
| Unlimited | 50-90% | $100-$1,000 | | ||
| $5,000-unlimited | 70-100% | $100-$750 | | | |
| $2,000-Unlimited | 70-90% | $100-$1,000 | | | |
| $5,000-$100,000 | 60-90% | $100-$750 | | | |
| Unlimited | 50-100% | $0-$1000 | |
Coverage
| Company | Hereditary & Chronic | Dental Disease | Tooth Extractions | Alternative Therapy* | Behavioral Therapy | Exam Fees | Prescription Food | Supplements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | Extra Fee | | Extra Fee | ||
| | | | | | | | |
| | Due To Accident | | |||||
| | | Due To Accident | | | Extra Fee | ||
| | | | | | Extra Fee | ||
| | Extra Fee | Due To Accident | Extra Fee | Extra Fee | Extra Fee | ||
| | Canines & Carnassials | | Extra Fee | | 50% | |
Waiting Periods
| Company | Illness | Accident | CCL Surgery | Hip Dysplasia | Wellness | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Days | 3 Days | 6 Months | 14 Days | 0 Days | |
| 15 Days | 15 Days | 6 Months | 6 Months | 0 Days | |
| 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | 12 Months | ||
| 14 Days | 1 Day | 6 Months | 6 Months | 0 Days | Orthopedic Conditions – 6 Months |
| 14 Days | 2 Days | 6 Months | 6 Months | 0 Days | IVDD, Patellar Luxation – 6 Months |
| 14 Days | 2 Days | 6 Months | 30 Days | 0 Days | Orthopedic Conditions – 30 Days |
| 30 Days | 5 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days |
Sample Rates For Accident & Illness Coverage
*$400 deductible; *70% (dogs), 80% (cats), unlimited payouts; †Unlimited payouts; ‡80% deductible, §$0 deductible
Finding The Right Pet Insurance For Your Needs
Pet insurance can provide crucial financial support when unexpected vet bills arise. Whether you want a budget-friendly option like Lemonade, extensive coverage with Embrace, or a balanced plan like Pets Best, there’s a policy to fit your needs. Comparing providers, reading reviews, and understanding coverage details will help you find the best protection for your pet.
Get Free Quotes Now
Click below to compare quotes from top-rated providers and ensure your pet is protected:
The insurance rates in our study are based on sample rates for a 1-year-old Dachshund dog and 1-year-old Ragdoll cat in New York (14211 zip code). The rates were obtained for a pet insurance policy with a $5,000 annual benefit limit, a $500 deductible, and a 90% reimbursement rate, unless otherwise noted.
Methodology
My team and I conduct extensive research on the most reputable pet insurance companies, analyzing customer feedback, policy changes, and industry trends. Our licensed insurance agent fact-checks everything, and we update our reviews year-round as insurers adjust premiums, coverage, exclusions, and customer service.
We rank each U.S. pet insurance provider using a 100-point scale, ensuring an unbiased breakdown of how companies perform in real-world claims.
Our Ranking Criteria
- Coverage & Exclusions (30%) – We analyze policies, exclusions, and age restrictions, rewarding companies with fewer coverage limitations.
- Pricing (15%) – We run thousands of sample quotes and factor in extra fees, discounts, and add-ons.
- Customer Service & Reputation (12%) – We review hundreds of customer experiences, assess the sign-up process, and evaluate claim support.
- Financial Strength (10%) – We examine A.M. Best & Demotech ratings to ensure companies can pay claims reliably.
- Customization Options (10%) – Providers with more deductible, reimbursement, and payout flexibility rank higher.
- Waiting Periods (5%) – Shorter illness & accident waiting periods result in a better score.
- Claim Processing (5%) – Companies offering fast reimbursements and direct vet pay score higher.
- Innovation (3%) – We recognize unique offerings and advanced technology in the industry.
Unbiased Pet Insurance Rankings: Putting Pets First
Unlike many review sites, we don’t sell rankings—every provider earns its spot based on real performance. Our in-depth comparisons help pet parents make informed decisions, while insurers use our reviews to improve their policies. We only recommend the best because that’s what our readers deserve.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance since 2012, well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Many of our authors have personal experience with pet insurance, including Kimberly Alt, who has been Canine Journal’s go-to author for pet insurance for over a decade, having written about nearly every possible facet related to pet insurance. Kimberly knows the subject so well that she can answer a breadth and depth of pet insurance questions immediately. And on the rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer off the top of her head, she can find it within minutes due to her extensive list of resources.
Kimberly also consulted with Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent, for additional expertise, to ensure accuracy, and give Canine Journal the authority to write about and assist readers in purchasing policies that are accurately represented.
