Best Pet Insurance Companies: We evaluated 13 pet insurance policies and found Pets Best the top choice. A good pet insurance plan should cover major medical emergencies, like accidents, cancer treatments, and surgeries for torn ligaments or ingested foreign objects, as well as common health issues like digestive problems and ear infections. When choosing pet insurance, consider factors such as discounts, premium benefits, and waiting periods to find the best fit for your needs.
7 Best Pet Insurance Companies in 2024
A solid pet insurance plan covers major medical emergencies, such as being hit by a vehicle, cancer treatment, torn ligaments, and ingestion of foreign objects. It also covers common health problems, such as digestive problems and ear infections. You’ll find that pet insurance companies (best travel insurance companies) offer a wide variety of coverage types and benefits.
To help you narrow down your options, we look at the best pet insurance for discounts, premium benefits, short waiting periods, and more.
Pets Best Pet Insurance
- Rating: 5.0
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $48 (Dogs), $27 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1000
Expert Review: Pets Best stands out for its flexible deductible options and competitive pricing. The company offers robust basic coverage with an optional wellness plan for routine care. For more extensive protection, the Elite plan is a great option to consider.
Pros & Cons
Pros: 3-day waiting period for accident coverage. 24/7 pet telehealth services. Direct vet payment option (when agreed upon by vet). Coverage for veterinary exam fees
Cons: 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament issues. The Plus plan does not cover alternative therapies (covered by the Elite plan).
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 3 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), 6 months (cruciate ligament)
- Age Limits: Pets aged 7 weeks or older; no upper age limit
- Multiple Pet Discount: 5%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Microchip: Included with a wellness plan
Additional Info: Pets Best provides comprehensive coverage, which is particularly beneficial for breeders and first-time pet owners. Its customizable plans offer options for congenital disease coverage.
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Encompass Pet Insurance
- Rating: 4.6
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $76 (Dogs), $37 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1000
Expert Review: Encompass is recognized for its Healthy Pet Discount Program, offering savings of up to 10% on accident and illness plans. Their unique discount system rewards pet owners for past claims.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Accident coverage starts at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after purchase. Covers veterinary exam fees. 24/7 pet telehealth services. Optional wellness plan. Direct vet payment option for large claims
Cons: Higher-than-average costs. 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an exam).
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 12:01 a.m. ET (accidents), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
- Age Limits: Pets aged 6 weeks or older; accident and illness plans for pets up to 15 years old; accident-only plans for pets 15+
- Multiple Pet Discount: 10%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Microchip: Included with a wellness plan
Additional Info: Encompass’s wellness rewards program helps cover routine care and encourages regular vet visits, promoting overall health and preventing serious issues.
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ManyPets Pet Insurance
- Rating: 4.6
- Maximum Annual Coverage: Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $49 (Dogs), $30 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $500, $750
Expert Review: ManyPets is an excellent choice for those who want quick coverage. It offers a reduced waiting period, especially if switching from another insurer. Additionally, there are no special waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, making it ideal for those concerned about issues like cruciate ligament problems.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Affordable pricing.24/7 pet telehealth services. Coverage for veterinary exam fees. Optional wellness plan
Cons: No coverage for alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic care). No coverage for behavioral therapy. No multi-pet discount
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%
- Waiting Periods: 15 days for accident and illness (or 24 hours if switching from another insurer); no special waiting periods for specific conditions
- Age Limits: Pets aged 8 weeks or older; upper age limit of 14 for new policies
- Multiple Pet Discounts: None
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Included
- Microchipping: Not included
Additional Info: ManyPets offers competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage, making it a great option for those seeking simple, no-frills plans with quick coverage.
Paw Protect Pet Insurance
- Rating: 4.5
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $77 (Dogs), $38 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
Expert Opinion: Paw Protect offers comprehensive coverage, including 24/7 telehealth support and coverage for exam fees. The plan mirrors Embrace Pet Insurance, making it an excellent option for pet owners looking for flexible coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Accident coverage begins the day after purchase at 12:01 a.m. ET. Covers behavioral and alternative therapies. Direct vet payment option for large claims.
Cons: 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an exam). Higher-than-average premiums. Coverage is limited to pets under 5 years old.
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 12:01 a.m. ET (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic)
- Age Restrictions: Pets under 5 years old only.
- Multiple Pet Discount: 10%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Microchip: Yes, with a wellness plan
Additional Information: Paw Protect is a solid choice for pet owners seeking extensive coverage with a straightforward approach and high-level support.
Figo Pet Insurance
- Rating: 4.4
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $59 (Dogs), $32 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1000, $1500
Expert Opinion: Figo shines with its short 1-day waiting period for accident coverage, offering a range of reimbursement and deductible options to suit different budgets and needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Offers a 100% refund option. 24/7 pet telehealth support. Routine wellness plan available. Coverage for veterinary exam fees (additional cost).
Cons: 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (can be waived within 30 days). No direct vet payment option.
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
- Waiting Periods: 1 day (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic conditions, waivable)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 8 weeks or older; no upper age limit.
- Multiple Pet Discount: 5%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Yes, with Veterinary Exam Fees Powerup
- Microchip: Yes, with Preventive and Wellness Coverage Powerup
Additional Information: Figo provides flexible plans with additional features, including access to advanced tools for pet care management.
AKC Pet Insurance
- Rating: 4.0
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $60 (Dogs), $32 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $750, $1000
Expert Opinion: AKC Pet Insurance offers a variety of supplemental coverages, making it ideal for pet owners seeking comprehensive protection, including for breeding and final expenses.
Pros and Cons
Pros: 24/7 pet telehealth support. 2-day waiting period for accident coverage. Coverage for curable conditions like allergies and ear infections (after a 12-month waiting period).
Cons: No direct vet payment option. Long waiting period for orthopedic conditions and intervertebral disc disease (180 days). Exam costs are covered only with an additional supplement.
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 2 days (accident), 14 days (illness), 180 days (intervertebral disc disease and cruciate ligament conditions)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 8+ weeks (dogs), 10+ weeks (cats); accident-only for pets 9+ years.
- Multiple Pet Discount: 5%
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered with final expense coverage.
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Yes, with an additional supplement.
- Microchip: Yes, with a wellness plan.
Additional Information: AKC’s diverse supplemental coverage, including for breeding and final respects, makes it a strong contender for pet owners seeking extra protection.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
- Rating: 4.0
- Maximum Annual Coverage: Unlimited
- Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Coverage: $55 (Dogs), $22 (Cats)
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1000
Expert Opinion: Healthy Paws is well-regarded for its unlimited annual coverage at competitive rates. While it doesn’t cover veterinary exam fees, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking basic, no-fuss coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Unlimited annual coverage. 24/7 pet telehealth support. Direct vet payment option (with prior request).
Cons: No wellness or routine care coverage. Doesn’t cover veterinary exams for accidents or illnesses. 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia.
Plan Details:
- Refund Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
- Waiting Periods: 15 days (accident and illness), 12 months (hip dysplasia)
- Age Restrictions: Pets 8 weeks or older; maximum age limit of 14 years for new policies.
- Multiple Pet Discount: No
- Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses: Covered.
- Veterinary Exam Fees: Not included.
- Microchip: Not included.
Additional Information: Healthy Paws is known for its simplicity and focus on essential coverage, making it a popular option for pet owners looking for straightforward protection.
Comparing the Best Pet Insurance Companies
Choosing the right pet insurance can be challenging due to variations in pricing and coverage details. The best approach is to focus on the benefits that matter most to you and then compare the prices of policies that meet your needs. Here’s a guide to comparing the best pet insurance companies based on plan types, coverage, waiting periods, and discounts.
Plan Types
Comprehensive Pet Insurance Plan
- Accident and Illness Plan: Covers expenses related to accidents (e.g., fractures) and illnesses (e.g., cancer, allergies).
- Accident-Only Plan: Covers expenses related to accidents but not illnesses.
- Pet Wellness Plan: Typically a supplemental policy covering routine care like wellness exams, flea prevention, and vaccinations.
- Integral Plan: Combines an accident and illness plan with an optional wellness plan.
Compare Available Plans by Company
| Company | Covers Medical Exams for Accidents & Illnesses | 24/7 Veterinary Telehealth Line | Optional Wellness Plan | Direct Vet Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Encompass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A Lot of Pets | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Leg Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kidney | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes | Yes | No |
| AKC | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Healthy Legs | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Coverage Levels
Pet insurance policies offer various annual maximums, deductibles, and reimbursement levels. Opt for coverage levels that you’re comfortable with rather than focusing solely on price. Adequate coverage can be crucial in the event of costly incidents.
- Maximum Annual Coverage: $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
- Deductible: $100, $250, or $500.
- Refund Percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Compare Coverage Benefits by Company
| Company | Covers Behavioral Therapy | Covers Alternative Therapy | Covers Microchip | Covers Euthanasia/End-of-Life Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | No | No | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| Encompass | Yes | Yes | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| A Lot of Pets | No | No | No | Yes |
| Leg Protection | Yes | Yes | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| Kidney | No | Yes | No (additional coverage is available) | Yes |
| AKC | Yes (not in all states) | Yes (not in all states) | No (additional coverage is available) | No (additional coverage is available) |
| Healthy Legs | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Waiting Periods
Understanding waiting periods is crucial. This is the time between purchasing the policy and when coverage starts. Pay attention to special waiting periods, especially for conditions like cruciate ligament issues.
| Company | Accident Waiting Period | Illness Waiting Period | Special Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | 3 days | 14 days | 6 months (cruciate ligament) |
| Encompass | 12:01 am ET | 14 days | 6 months (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
| A Lot of Pets | 15 days (24 hours if switching) | 15 days (24 hours if switching) | None |
| Leg Protection | 12:01 am ET | 14 days | 6 months (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
| Kidney | 1 day | 14 days | 6 months (can be waived with an orthopedic exam) |
| AKC | 2 days | 14 days | 180 days (cruciate ligament and intervertebral disc disease) |
| Healthy Legs | 15 days | 15 days | 12 months (hip dysplasia) |
Pet Insurance Discounts
Discounts can help you save on premiums. These vary by company but may include:
- Multiple Pet Discount
- Sterilization Discount
- Annual Payment Discount
- Military Discount
- Group Discount at Work
- Package Discount
| Company | Multiple Pet Discount | Military Member Discount | Discount for Annual Payment | Other Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Pets | 5% | No | No | No |
| Encompass | 10% | 5% (not in NY or TN) | No | No |
| A Lot of Pets | No | No | No | No |
| Leg Protection | 10% | 5% | No | No |
| Kidney | 5% | 5% (not in FL, NY, TN, WA) | No | No |
| AKC | 5% | No | No | 10% discount for breeders |
| Healthy Legs | No | No | No | No |
Other Factors to Consider
- Exam Fees: Verify if the policy covers exam fees, as these can be significant.
- Additional Benefits: Look for extra perks such as a 24-hour veterinary helpline or preferential pricing on prescriptions.
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Methodology
To evaluate the best pet insurance, we assessed each company based on several criteria:
- Pet Insurance Rates (40% of score)
- Special Waiting Period (10% of score)
- Direct Payment to Vet (10% of score)
- 24/7 Veterinary Health Line (10% of score)
- Routine Wellness Plans (10% of score)
- Pay Veterinary Exam Fees (10% of score)
- Multiple Pet Discount (5% of score)
- Euthanasia or End-of-Life Expenses (5% of score)
This method ensures a fair comparison between companies offering maximum annual coverage of $100,000 or unlimited.
