Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. That’s precisely what you’re doing when buying pet insurance. No one wants to cash in on their pet’s insurance policy, but you’ll be glad you have it if an emergency arises.
Our article compares more than a dozen pet insurance companies. See what type of plan you can get through each provider. What deductible, reimbursement, and payout options do each offer?
Then see how they compare in terms of exclusions. Find out if one company excels in policy coverage or is lacking in a certain area. You can also compare waiting periods to see when coverage will take effect. We have comparison tables to help you examine apples to apples, without feeling overwhelmed by the options.
Article Overview
What You Need To Know About Pet Insurance
Want to understand pet insurance before you dive into the comparison tables below? We’ve put together a checklist for you:
- Learn the essentials (along with some surprising statistics) by finding out how pet insurance works and whether it’s worth it.
- Learn who our experts chose as our top three picks overall this year in our best pet insurance reviews.
- Choose the best pet insurance provider for your pet’s specific need as our experts pick winners based on categories including older dogs, dental benefits, wellness, value, and more.
Pet Insurance Quote Comparison
The cost of each pet insurance policy is unique to your pet. It’s calculated based on a vast number of variables, including but not limited to your pet’s age, breed, location (i.e., where you live), health conditions, etc.
We calculate our “price of policy” ratings based on quotes we run in addition to reader and consumer feedback. Since the price for your pet may vary significantly from that of others for any given provider, we encourage you to get quotes from multiple companies. You can also examine our pet insurance quotes below to see examples of pricing.*
*You should expect annual increases in your premiums from most pet insurance companies. These rates and increases will vary based on your location, changes in vet costs, and more.
Top 3 Best Pet Insurance Companies
In this table you’ll find our top three picks for pet insurance providers this year. You can visit the providers’ websites to check them out and read our experts’ reviews and rankings (the review links take you to our pet insurance reviews article). Below the table you’ll find our pet insurance comparison tables, sorted alphabetically by provider.
 |  |  |
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| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | |
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Total Score | 4.55 | 4.30 | 4.25 |
| Policy Coverage | 4.90 | 4.30 | 5.00 |
| Customer Service & Reputation | 4.40 | 4.90 | 4.30 |
| Claim Repayment | 4.50 | 4.70 | 2.60 |
| Price Of Policy | 4.00 | 3.90 | 4.40 |
| Plan Customization | 5.00 | 3.80 | 5.00 |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Pet Insurance Comparison Charts
Our experts have found that the most useful pet insurance comparison charts compare plans, coverage details (by company), waiting periods, and sample quotes. You’ll find all three tables below, with providers sorted in order of popularity with our top three picks for best pet insurance at the top of each table.
Pet Insurance Plans Comparison Chart
The table below shows some of the deductible, reimbursement, and payout options for each company. Please know that not all deductibles, reimbursement levels, and payout limits are available for every dog in every state.
| Company | Review | Deductible* | Reimbursement** | Payout Options*** | Limit Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Read Review | $100, $200, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500 | 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, Unlimited | Annual |
 | Read Review | $100, $250, $500, $750 | 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% | Unlimited | Annual |
 | Read Review | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $5,000, Unlimited | Annual |
 | Read Review | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000, Unlimited | Annual |
 | Read Review | $250, $300, $500 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $5,000, $15,000, Unlimited | Annual |
 | Read Review | $100, $250, $500 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $3,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 | Annual |
 | Read Review | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $2,500, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Annual |
 | Read Review | $100, $250, $500 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 | Annual |
 | Read Review | $250 | 50%, 70%, 90% | Limited Per Condition, Unlimited | Annual & Per Condition Annually |
 | Read Review | $0-$1,000 (in $5 increments) | 90% | Unlimited | Lifetime |
*Deductible: The amount of money you must pay for vet treatment before your policy begins to reimburse you and after coinsurance has been applied. You must pay this deductible annually for most companies rather than per incident for coverage to kick in. Be sure to understand your policy, as the annual vs per-incident deductible can vary greatly.
**Reimbursement: The percentage of a claim that you’re eligible for repayment by the pet insurance company after you’ve paid the coinsurance.
***Payout Options: The highest amount a pet insurance company will reimburse during the policy period. A lower payout limit means you may be responsible for more costs if your pet experiences expensive vet treatment(s).
Coverage Details (By Company) Comparison Chart
Want to know if pet insurance will cover what you need and which are better suited for your unique needs? The table below helps you see which company will best protect your pet and your wallet during the darkest times.
Please know that none of the pet insurance providers in our comparison cover pre-existing conditions, cremation and burial costs, pregnancy and breeding, or unnecessary cosmetic procedures. All of them cover the following items when deemed medically necessary: emergency care, surgery and hospitalization, specialized exams and specialty care, x-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, cat scans, MRIs, rehabilitation, cancer, chronic conditions, euthanasia, hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, and non-routine dental treatment. However, there may be limitations to this coverage, so please check your policy.
| Company | Review | Behavioral Therapies | Alternative/Holistic Therapies | Exam Fees | Wellness Care Available For An Extra Fee | Average Claim Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review |  | | Extra Fee | | 4 Days |
| Read Review |  | | | | 2 Days |
| Read Review | | | Extra Fee | | 25-40 Days |
| Read Review | | | | | 8-9 Days (5 Days Wellness) |
| Read Review | | | | | 12-22 Days |
| Read Review | | | | | Unknown |
| Read Review | | | | | 10-14 Days |
| Read Review | | | Extra Fee | | Unknown |
| Read Review | | | | | 4 Days |
| Read Review | | | | | Allows 60 Days |
Waiting Periods Comparison Chart
The table below lists any waiting period requirements before your pet insurance policy coverage takes effect.
| Company | Review | Illness | Accident | CCL Surgery | Hip Dysplasia | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review | 14 Days | 1 Day | 6 Months | 6 Months | Orthopedic Conditions - 6 Months |
| Read Review | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | 12 Months | |
| Read Review | 14 Days | 3 Days | 6 Months | 14 Days | |
| Read Review | 14 Days | 2 Days | 6 Months | 6 Months | Orthopedic Conditions - 6 Months |
| Read Review | 15 Days | 15 Days | 6 Months | 6 Months | |
| Read Review | 14 Days | 14 Days | 14 Days | 14 Days | |
| Read Review | 14 Days | 14 Days | 14 Days | 14 Days | |
| Read Review | 14 Days | 2 Days | 6 Months | 14 Days | |
| Read Review | 14 Days | 14 Days | 12 Months | 14 Days | |
| Read Review | 30 Days | 5 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | |
Age Limitations Comparison Chart
Is there an age limit on pet insurance? The table below shows pet insurance age restrictions for some of the top pet insurance companies. Please know that once you’ve purchased and maintained a pet insurance policy from one of these companies, they will not end coverage as your pet ages.
| Company | Review | Minimum Age At Enrollment | Maximum Age At Enrollment | Other Age Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review | 8 Weeks Old | | |
| Read Review | 8 Weeks Old | 14 Years Old | Must Be Enrolled Before 4 Years Old In NY Enrollment After 6 Years Old Has Plan Restrictions & No Hip Dysplasia Coverage* |
| Read Review | 7 Weeks Old | | |
| Read Review | 6 Weeks Old | 14 Years Old For Illness | |
| Read Review | 6 Weeks Old | | |
| Read Review | 8 Weeks Old | | |
| Read Review | 8 Weeks Old | | |
| Read Review | 8 Weeks Old | Depends On Breed | No Enrollment For Some Breeds Beyond Specific Ages |
| Read Review | | 10 Years Old | |
| Read Review | | 14 Years Old | |
*Maryland doesn’t have this age limitation for hip dysplasia coverage.
Quote (Price) Comparison Charts
We’ve created some tables below to help show how pricing for pet insurance can vary by provider. We tried to compare apples-to-apples, but sometimes it’s just not possible since not everyone offers the same payouts, reimbursement percentages, and deductibles.
We chose these locations and breeds based on the most popular locations to own a pet insurance policy and the most popular breeds in those locations. All limit terms for the companies are annual except for Trupanion (lifetime) and Nationwide (per condition annually).
Labrador Retriever In Texas Quote
- 6-month-old
- Female (not spayed)
- No pre-existing conditions
- Houston, Texas (77005)
- Quotes are from June 2021
| Company | Review | Payout | Reimbursement Percentage | Deductible | Monthly Price w/ Exam Fee Coverage | Monthly Price w/o Exam Fee Coverage | Monthly Transaction Fee | One-Time Fee | Optional Wellness Plan Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $250 | $49.15 | $41.95 | $2.00 | $15.00 | $9.50 or $16.50 |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 80% | $250 | | $57.89 | | $25.00 | |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $250 | $48.00 | $45.87 | $2.00 | | $16 or $26 |
| Read Review | $30,000 | 90% | $200 | $126.26 | | $1.00 | $25.00 | $18.75, $35.42, or $52.09 |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $250 | $132.93 | | | | |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 90% | $250 | $67.35 | | $2.00 | | $9.95 or $24.95 |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $250 | $91.84 | | $2.00 | | $9.95 or $24.95 |
| Read Review | $100,000 | 90% | $250 | $40.67 | $31.83 | | | $18.00 |
| Read Review | Defined Per Condition | Benefit Schedule | $250 | | $34.91 | $2.00 | | $19.80 |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $250 | | $79.92 | | $35.00 | |
French Bulldog In California Quote
- 1-year-old
- Male (neutered)
- No pre-existing conditions
- Los Angeles, California (90016)
- Quotes are from June 2021
| Company | Review | Payout | Reimbursement Percentage | Deductible | Monthly Price w/ Exam Fee Coverage | Monthly Price w/o Exam Fee Coverage | Monthly Transaction Fee | One-Time Fee | Optional Wellness Plan Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review | $10,000 | 80% | $500 | $91.38 | $75.89 | $2.00 | $15.00 | $5.50 or $9.50 |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 70% | $500 | | $67.47 | | $25.00 | |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 80% | $500 | $106.15 | $101.44 | $2.00 | | $16 or $26 |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 80% | $500 | $67.50 | | $1.00 | $25.00 | $18.75, $35.42, or $52.09 |
| Read Review | $15,000 | 80% | $500 | $83.84 | | | | |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 80% | $500 | $83.50 | | $2.00 | | $9.95 or $24.95 |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 80% | $500 | $83.50 | | $2.00 | | $9.95 or $24.95 |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 80% | $500 | $78.58 | $61.50 | | | $18.00 |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 70% | $250 | $60.80 | | $2.00 | | |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $500 | | $161.99 | | $35.00 | |
French Bulldog In New York Quote
- 3-year-old
- Female (spayed)
- No pre-existing conditions
- New York, New York (10005)
- Quotes are from June 2021
| Company | Review | Payout | Reimbursement Percentage | Deductible | Monthly Price w/ Exam Fee Coverage | Monthly Price w/o Exam Fee Coverage | Monthly Transaction Fee | One-Time Fee | Optional Wellness Plan Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $250 | $86.08 | $73.47 | $2.00 | $15.00 | |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 70% | $500 | | $67.47 | | $25.00 | |
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $250 | $107.99 | $103.20 | $2.00 | | $16 or $26 |
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $200 | $133.52 | | $1.00 | $25.00 | $18.75, $35.42, or $52.09 |
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $250 | $76.54 | | | | |
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $250 | $67.69 | | $2.00 | | $9.95 or $24.95 |
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $250 | $67.69 | | $2.00 | | $9.95 or $24.95 |
| Read Review | $5,000 | 70% | $250 | $95.00 | $74.85 | | | $15.00 |
| Read Review | $10,000 | 70% | $250 | $114.46 | | $2.00 | | |
| Read Review | Unlimited | 90% | $250 | | $343.35 | | $35.00 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we get asked frequently by our readers regarding our pet insurance comparisons.
Which Pet Insurers Are Not Reviewed?
Are any pet insurance providers excluded from your comparison? The pet insurance market is growing rapidly, and new providers are continually entering. We don’t rank companies until they have a five-year history in the pet insurance industry due to frequent price fluctuations, and we want to ensure that they will still be around. However, we do review them.
Visit our alphabetical company catalog for a comprehensive listing of all the pet insurance companies we cover, along with basic stats, including their founding year, headquarters location, underwriter, customer service options, and support hours. We also list deductible, payout limit, and reimbursement options for each company so you can make a quick side-by-side comparison.
Can I See Insurers Sorted By Average Policy Cost?
The cost of each pet insurance policy is unique to your pet. It’s calculated based on a vast number of variables, including but not limited to your pet’s age, breed, location (i.e., where you live), health conditions, etc.
We calculate our “price of policy” ratings based on quotes we run in addition to reader and consumer feedback. Since the price for your pet may vary significantly from that of others for any given provider, we encourage you to get quotes from multiple companies with one form.
Do You Offer A Comparison Of Exotic Pet Insurance?
It’s nice to get quotes for dogs and cats, but we have a pet boa constrictor we would like to insure. Can you help us out?
Sure! We don’t want any pet to feel left out. Currently, there is only one company that offers pet insurance for exotic pets in the U.S. Find out who it is and what’s covered in our exotic pet insurance comparison.
Do You Have A Pet Insurance Comparison For Owners Of Multiple Pets?
Coverage of more than one pet (in the same household) varies by the provider, but you can get a multi-pet discount in many instances. Our experts have done the research for you. Find out which provider wins our best pet insurance for multiple pets award.
Can I See A Pet Insurance Comparison For Rabbits?
Sure thing! We have a pet insurance rabbit comparison that explains how rabbit insurance works, your options, how it’s different from dog insurance, how much it costs, and more.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
For those of you still on the fence, you’re probably wondering what kind of common scenarios your pup might get into when pet insurance would apply. Check out our list of common dog health issues to get an idea. For example, removing lumps and bumps is one of the most common surgeries for dogs and can cost more than $1,000 each time (per incident).
That’s a lot of money that you weren’t planning to spend, and many people don’t have that much cash lying around. Getting pet insurance can lift that weight so you can focus on caring for and enjoying your time with your pets instead of worrying about the financial risk of paying for unexpected medical bills. Our experts choose the best companies in our regularly updated pet insurance reviews.
But don’t take our word for it, our experts break down the costs of pet insurance, including deductibles, reimbursements, premiums, extra fees, payout options, benefit schedules, and more. They also take you through the process of how (and how quickly) reimbursement works.
Can you share your good (or bad) experience with pet insurance?