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When it comes to protecting your furry family members, two pet insurance companies stand out: Pets Best and Lemonade. Pets Best made waves with its affordable pricing and comprehensive coverage, while Lemonade grabbed attention by revolutionizing claims processing with cutting-edge AI technology. But with so much innovation on both sides, how do you know which one truly fits your needs?
In this article, we pit Pets Best and Lemonade against each other in a head-to-head comparison, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings. From coverage options to costs, we’ll help you make an informed decision based on what matters most to you and your pet.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how these two companies differ—so you can confidently choose the one that’s right for you.
  |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | 5.0/5.0 | 3.6/5.0 |
| Our Ranking | Best Overall | Most Affordable |
| Year Founded | 2005 | 2020 |
| Customer Support Options | Live Chat, Phone, Email, Mail, Fax | Live Chat, Phone, Email |
| Underwriter | Independence American Insurance Company American Pet Insurance Company (New York & Washington only) | Lemonade Insurance Agency LLC |
| A.M. Best Rating* | A- Unrated | Unrated |
| Demotech Rating* | A’ | A |
| Claim Processing Average | 10 Days | 2 Days |
| Can Reimburse Vets Directly | Yes | No |
| Payout Limits | $5,000 to Unlimited | $5,000 to $100,000 |
| Deductibles | $50 to $1,000 | $100-$750 |
| Reimbursement Rates | 70% to 90% | 60% to 90% |
| One-Time Fees | No | No |
| Accident Waiting Period | 14 Days | 2 Days |
| Illness Waiting Period | 3 Days | 14 Days |
| CCL Waiting Period | 6 Months | 6 Months |
| Other Waiting Periods | Hip Dysplasia – 14 Days | Orthopedic Conditions – 30 Days |
| Enrollment Ages | 7 Weeks or Older | 8 Weeks Or Older (Depends On Breed†) |
| Preventative Plan | Yes | Yes |
 | |
†Lemonade Plan Restrictions: Some breeds have specific age limitations for enrollment.
*States are gradually adopting a Model Law for pet insurance, aiming to standardize regulations, including uniform waiting periods. In California, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Washington, Rhode Island, and Maryland, waiting periods are:
- Accidents: 0 days
- Illnesses: 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions: 30 days
- Routine Care: 0 days
Coverage Comparison
Pets Best offers three accident and illness pet insurance policies, while Lemonade one. Pets Best is available in all 50 states, and Lemonade policies are available in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
The plans cover testing and treatment for newly diagnosed injuries and illnesses. They also include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, specialized exams, advanced diagnostics procedures like blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, as well as treatment for cancer, chronic conditions, congenital and hereditary conditions, non-routine dental procedures, prescription medications, and more. However, pre-existing conditions, breeding, pregnancy, and elective cosmetic procedures—such as ear cropping, dew claw removal, and tail docking—are excluded from coverage by both providers.
Both providers’ standard pet insurance policies cover conditions such as cancer, hip dysplasia, allergies, canine cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, chronic illnesses, hereditary conditions, and congenital disorders. However, any condition with symptoms that appeared before enrollment or during the waiting period will be excluded from coverage.
Pets Best requires a 3-day waiting period for accidents, while Lemonade’s is slightly shorter at 2 days. Both providers impose a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries. Additionally, Lemonade enforces a 30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions.
Pets Best offers three accident and illness packages, along with one optional rider (add-on). The Essential plan serves as the basic option, followed by the Plus and Elite plans. The Plus plan builds on the Essential plan by including coverage for exam fees, while the Elite plan goes a step further by adding coverage for chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitation services.
Pets Best provides wellness coverage as an optional add-on to its insurance policy. These wellness plans include coverage for routine veterinary visits and costs associated with annual exams, spaying, neutering, vaccinations, dental cleanings, microchipping, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, among other services. By adding a wellness plan, preventive care becomes eligible for reimbursement.
Lemonade offers six optional riders for an additional cost:
- Vet Visit Fees – Covers the cost of exam fees for accidents and illnesses, which is included in Pets Best’s Plus plan. With vet exams averaging $93, this can be a valuable add-on.
- Preventative Care – A wellness plan that includes routine services such as dental cleanings, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and heartworm prevention.
- Physical Therapy – Covers treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture, which are included in Pets Best’s Elite plan.
- Behavioral Conditions – Provides coverage for behavioral issues, a feature already included in Pets Best’s Essential plan.
- Dental Illness – Offers $1,000 in annual coverage for dental conditions like gum disease or stomatitis, which Pets Best’s Essential plan already covers.
- End of Life & Remembrance – This covers cremation and memorial items, which are services that many other providers do not include.
Base pet insurance policies from Pets Best and Lemonade cover non-routine dental treatment, trauma to the teeth, face, and jaw, and tooth extractions (only due to accidents for Lemonade). Additionally, Pets Best covers gum disease and endodontic disease for canines and carnassials. With Lemonade’s Dental Illness rider, you can get gum and endodontic disease coverage.
Both companies cover curable pre-existing conditions in their base insurance policies. Pets Best states that it covers curable pre-existing conditions that are healed or are curable and require no further treatment (no duration is specified). Lemonade pet insurance covers curable pre-existing conditions considered cured after one year (chronic and knee-related conditions are exempt from this coverage).
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Therapy* | Base Plan | Add-On |
| Complementary Care* | Add-On | Add-On |
| Wellness Care For An Extra Fee | Add-On | Add-On |
| Exam Fees | Add-On | Add-On |
| Hip Dysplasia | After 14 Days | After 30 Days |
| Non-Routine Dental Treatment | Base Plan | Base Plan |
| Trauma To Teeth, Face, & Jaw | Base Plan | Base Plan |
| Gum (Periodontal) Disease | Base Plan | Add-On |
| Tooth Extractions | Base Plan | Due To Accident |
| Endodontic Disease | Canines & Carnassials | Add-On |
| Developmental Abnormalities | If Enrolled By 6 Months Old |  |
Premiums & Pricing
Insurance premiums for pets are influenced by several factors, including the level of coverage you choose and your pet’s specifics, such as age, breed, and location. In my analysis of numerous quotes, Pets Best and Lemonade frequently emerged as some of the most budget-friendly options. However, it’s worth noting that Pets Best’s basic policy provides more extensive coverage compared to Lemonade’s, which often necessitates additional riders to match that level of protection. When these add-ons were included to align Lemonade’s policy more closely with Pets Best’s, the premium costs varied, with Pets Best occasionally being the less expensive option. Conversely, Lemonade’s policy, despite needing extra add-ons for comparable coverage, provides greater flexibility in terms of coverage options and pricing.
Pets Best and Lemonade each implement annual deductibles. This means that if your pet experiences several accidents or health issues within a year, you’ll only need to cover the deductible once during that policy term. Additionally, both Pets Best and Lemonade charge a monthly transaction fee of $2, which can be waived if you choose to pay the full annual premium upfront.
The table below displays the monthly premiums for Pets Best and Lemonade based on sample quotes with different reimbursement rates and deductibles. I provided several examples for each pet from each provider to illustrate how pricing can vary depending on the specific plan coverage.
| Pet Details | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | $94.20* | $75.06* | $189.46** | $138.49** |
| Labrador Retriever | $32.82* | $37.38* | $66.00** | $67.16** |
| Golden Retriever | $41.07* | $39.41* | $78.41** | $54.39** |
| Ragdoll Cat | $20.90* | $14.90* | $42.03** | $19.34** |
*90% reimbursement and $500 deductible; **90% reimbursement and $100 deductible
To compare the costs of pet insurance, it is always best to obtain quotes for your particular dog. You can get fast quotes from several companies by using our pet insurance quote form below.
Discounts
Pet insurance providers sometimes offer discounts to pet owners who insure an additional pet, bundle other insurance policies, are military or veterans, work as a veterinarian, work at an animal shelter, pay yearly, and more. Pets Best offers 5% off to military personnel and their families, as well as pet owners insuring multiple pets. Lemonade offers 10% off when you bundle with your renters, homeowners, auto, condo, or co-op insurance through them. It also offers a 5% multi-pet discount and another 5% off if you pay your premium annually instead of monthly.
Customer Service & Reputation
When evaluating insurance options, it’s easy to overlook customer service and company reputation, especially when faced with an enticing quote. However, these elements are essential to consider. While I sincerely hope you never have to file a claim, I want that experience to be as effortless and stress-free as possible for you and your beloved pet.
The cost of your insurance plan is irrelevant if you struggle to get answers to your questions or resolutions to your issues when you reach out to the company. Both Pets Best and Lemonade provide a variety of support channels, including phone, email, and live chat, with Pets Best even offering fax support. Additionally, both insurers come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that if you find the selected plan isn’t the right fit, you can cancel for a refund, provided that no claims have been reported or paid, and no benefits have been utilized.
I analyzed hundreds of customer reviews for both Pets Best and Lemonade on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. Overall, Lemonade received roughly twice the number of reviews compared to Pets Best and had a slightly higher rating.
Many customers of Pets Best expressed frustrations regarding claims that were either denied or took weeks to process. A significant number of negative reviews pointed to confusion surrounding wellness-related expenses, which aren’t included in any insurers’ accident and illness policy. This indicates a possible misunderstanding among policyholders regarding their coverage.
On the other hand, Lemonade users reported dissatisfaction with how strictly pre-existing conditions were handled, with some congenital conditions deemed pre-existing even after waiting periods had passed, despite lacking any documented history in veterinary records. Moreover, clients mentioned concerns regarding the limited human interaction, as many processes are managed through artificial intelligence (AI).
Claim Processing
Pet owners’ choices regarding insurance providers can be swayed by the time it takes for reimbursement on claims. While some individuals need prompt payments and cannot afford to wait weeks, others may be more patient. Lemonade, for instance, processes claims in an average of two days, significantly faster than many of its competitors. A key aspect of Lemonade’s appeal is its AI-driven claims process, which enables quick payments for simple claims, often in just seconds after submission. This innovation has shaken up the pet insurance market and prompted other companies to enhance their services.
On the other hand, Pets Best has improved its claims processing time to approximately 10 days. Additionally, Pets Best offers a feature that allows for direct payments to veterinarians, which can be convenient for those who prefer not to wait for a reimbursement. It’s essential, however, to verify with your vet that they can accommodate this payment method before assuming it’s available.
Plan Coverage Options
Pets Best and Lemonade offer flexibility in choosing deductibles, annual payouts, and reimbursement rates. Pets Best allows deductible options from $50 to $1,000, with annual limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited, and reimbursement choices of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Lemonade offers deductibles from $100 to $750, annual payouts between $5,000 and $100,000, and reimbursement rates from 60% to 90%.
Pets Best also provides an accident-only pet insurance policy that covers injuries like broken bones and poisoning, though it excludes torn ligaments, which are typically covered in accident-only plans. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness policies.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Payout Options | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 |
| Deductible Options | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
| Reimbursement Options | 70%, 80%, 90% | 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Optional Wellness Plan |  | |
| Accident-Only Plan | |
Frequently Asked Questions
This Pets Best and Lemonade FAQ is designed to address common questions. If you don’t find your question, please reach out in the comments.
Is Lemonade Pet Insurance Good?
Lemonade’s pet insurance policies are on par with other providers, covering similar conditions. While it’s a newer player in the industry (since 2020), Lemonade’s background in selling other insurance products since 2015 gives it industry knowledge.
Why Won’t Lemonade Insure My Dog?
Lemonade has age restrictions for enrollment. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, with the maximum enrollment age varying by breed. In some cases, older dogs, like my 10-year-old Coonhound mix, may not be eligible.
How Does Pets Best Pay Out?
Pets Best pays claims via direct deposit if your bank info is on file; otherwise, a check will be mailed.
Do Pets Best Require An Exam?
No, Pets Best doesn’t require an exam to enroll your pet.
Does Lemonade Increase Rates?
Like all pet insurance companies, Lemonade typically adjusts its rates over time. In early 2025, the company requested a 14.7% rate increase in Nevada, with a 20% rise in accident and illness premiums and a 10% decrease for preventive coverage. If approved, these changes will take effect in April 2025 for new policies and May 2025 for renewals. It’s likely that similar adjustments are being made in other states as well.
Is Pets Best Or Lemonade Better For Your Pet?
When comparing Lemonade and Pets Best, both offer affordable options with different strengths. Lemonade is great for those seeking flexibility with customizable pet insurance plans and lower premiums, but its basic coverage might leave gaps unless additional riders are added. Pets Best, while also budget-friendly, provides a more comprehensive base policy that covers many conditions—including dental—without needing extra add-ons. Both providers offer valuable options for pet owners, but the best choice depends on the level of coverage you’re looking for and how much flexibility you need.
To assist with your comparison, I’ve conducted an in-depth review of Lemonade and Pets Best. You can also explore my comprehensive guide to the best pet insurance plan, including top recommendations and essential details about popular providers. If you’re curious about how different insurers stack up, these comparison tables can provide valuable insights for your search for the right pet health insurance to help with your vet bills.
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 writer 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 insurance policies legally. Kimberly has spent over 100 hours researching Lemonade and Pets Best, reading every line in their policies, speaking with their operation teams, and gathering quotes to bring you the most accurate information.
