The 7 best pet insurance companies to protect your fur baby in 2024

Pet insurance: It’s like health insurance for your furry (or feathered, or scaly) family members, because vet bills can be a real tail-biter. With so many options out there, picking the best pet insurance can feel like navigating a labyrinth. 

Insurance might seem pricey, but it’s actually saved me and my dog (so just me) a lot of money.

Pets can be an expensive commitment, after all. With insurance, I never have to think twice about rushing my 55-pound “Mini” Sheepadoodle to an emergency appointment, whether it be when she lodged a stick down her throat or ate my underwear and socks when she only weighed 19 pounds.

RELATED: Top online pet pharmacies to consult vets, acquire meds, and save time

Pet ‘rents, I know you’ve got your hands full. So here’s the lowdown from the experts to help you find the best pet insurance companies along with all the pros and cons that come along with them.

We spoke with Dr. Jamie Richardson, Head of Veterinary Medicine at Small Door Vet, as well as Dr. Sara Bledsoe, DVM, CVA, CHPV, a veterinarian at Chewy to find out what makes a great insurance company and which ones are worth going for (check out our FAQs below).

Diving right in, here’s the scoop on who’s top dog (and cat, and lizard, and parrot…) in the world of pet insurance.

Best Pet Insurance Companies

Best Overall: Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws is like the golden retriever of pet insurance: friendly, reliable, and always there when you need it.

With Healthy Paws, you get a top-rated insurance plan with no maximum limits on claim payouts. That means no per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps on what they’ll cover as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition. You can adjust your premiums and deductibles to fit your budget, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all plan.

Here’s the best part: the claims process is so simple, even your pet could do it — if they had thumbs. Just visit any licensed vet or emergency clinic, snap a photo of the bill, and submit it through the app or website. Most claims are processed within two days, so you get your money back faster than your dog can fetch a ball (or maybe just faster than mine).

According to Dr. Richardson, Healthy Paws offers “solid comprehensive coverage, high reimbursement rates, and unlimited lifetime benefits.”

Price: Plans typically range from $25 to $45 per month for dogs and $15 to $25 per month for cats, depending on the age, breed, and location of your pet.

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Best Value: Embrace

Embrace is like the lovable mutt with a little bit of everything. Their customizable plans and wellness rewards are a hit with pet parents who like to tailor coverage to their pet’s unique needs.

The plan goes beyond the essentials, including wellness care, complementary treatments like acupuncture, and specialist consultations without hidden costs. With no per-condition limits and ongoing support as pets age, this insurance provides peace of mind and financial security for unexpected health concerns. Needless to say, this is one of the best pet insurance for older dogs, as well as cats.

If your pet’s condition is covered, so are all the prescriptions used to treat it. Embrace even covers exam fees, which many others don’t. Just be patient with the claims process — it’s worth it.

According to Dr. Richardson, “Embrace offers customizable plans and wellness rewards and helps balance coverage and cost.”

Price: Plans start around $13 per month for cats and $18 per month for dogs, with wellness rewards available for an additional fee.

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Best Pet Insurance for Dogs: Trupanion

Trupanion is the German shepherd of pet insurance: dependable, strong, and always on duty. Its standout feature is the real-time payment system, which eliminates waiting and paperwork by paying vet bills directly and instantly at checkout. Trusted by both veterinarians and pet owners, Trupanion removes the stress from expensive treatments and stands out as the top choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of waiting for reimbursements. Currently, according to the brand, it is the only pet insurance that pays instantly.

They offer a comprehensive plan that covers everything from hereditary and breed-specific conditions to unexpected injuries, diagnostic tests, advanced dentistry, allergies, hospital stays, medications, veterinary supplements, herbal therapy, and prescription food. Through VetDirect Pay, the provider guarantees immediate payment at the time of treatment, allowing pet owners to focus solely on their pets’ recovery instead of stressing over bills.

Your animal wants a tuck into bed with a cookie, not a crying owner shredding paper, Trupanion gives you that peace of mind.

According to Dr. Richardson, Trupanion is “known for its comprehensive coverage, no payout limits, and direct vet payments (unique in the space).”

Price: Plans typically range from $60 to $90 per month for dogs, varying based on breed, age, and location.

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Best Pet Insurance for Cats: Fetch (formerly Petplan)

Fetch is the (recently rebranded) wise old owl of pet insurance: knowledgeable and comprehensive. It stands out for its coverage of dental and alternative therapies and its inclusion of exam fees in sick visits. Plus, if you travel state lines often, pet owners can use any veterinarian across the U.S. or Canada — now that’s a game changer for those who live on the border, and it covers up to 90% of unexpected vet bills.

With fast claim processing and direct payments to vets, Fetch removes the hassle and delay often associated with pet insurance, ensuring pets receive the care they need without financial stress. So, if you’ve got a feline friend, Petplan’s extensive coverage and fast reimbursements will keep your cat purring.

According to Dr. Richardson, Fetch “offers comprehensive coverage tailored to the needs of cats, including dental and behavioral therapy, which are important for feline health.”

Price: Plans start at around $20 per month for cats, with premiums varying based on age, breed, and location.

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Best for Healthy Pet Discounts: Nationwide

Nationwide is the all-inclusive resort of pet insurance: they cover just about everything, including exotic pets. If you’ve got a menagerie at home, Nationwide’s multi-pet discounts and wellness plans can save you a bundle. They also offer a healthy pet discount, rewarding you for keeping your pet in top shape.

The process is simple: visit any licensed veterinarian, submit claims online for quick processing, and then receive reimbursements for eligible costs. Whether it’s for dogs or cats, this insurance makes managing pet health straightforward.

But make sure you plan ahead. Coverage for most plans begins 14 days after your application is approved and payment is processed. For those enrolling through a group or organization, the start date may be different.

According to Dr. Richardson, “The discounts they offer for healthy pets make this a unique way to save on more routine care.”

Price: Plans range from $35 to $60 per month for dogs and $18 to $35 per month for cats, with discounts available for multiple pets.

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Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions: Pet Assure

Forget traditional insurance — this discount plan delivers immediate savings on vet visits, making it perfect for pets with pre-existing conditions. Picture this: instant savings at thousands of participating veterinarians, no claim submissions needed, and coverage for both routine check-ups and unexpected emergencies.

Meanwhile, the wellness plan refunds for routine wellness care, lets you visit any vet you fancy, and has a user-friendly online claim process. Pet Assure knows that a healthy pet is a happy pet who visits the doctor a lot, whether it’s a casual checkup or making an emergency dash to the vet with a hyperventilating owner in tow. Visit the site to find the right plan for you (and to keep those tear ducts dry and your peace of mind in check).

Price: Plans start at $9.95 per month for a single cat and $11.95 per month for a single dog. Family plans covering 2-4 pets are $16.95 per month.

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The verdict

Picking the right pet insurance is like finding the perfect leash: it needs to fit just right and keep your pet safe and secure. Whether you’re drawn to the comprehensive coverage of Healthy Paws, the value-packed plans of Embrace, the dog-centric policies of Trupanion, the cat-friendly options of Petplan, or the multi-pet focus of Chewy, there’s a perfect fit out there for every pet parent. So, go ahead, make the choice, and give your pet the gift of health and happiness!

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FAQs

What makes great pet insurance?

A great pet insurance policy is one that is right for your financial needs and the health needs of your pet,” stated Dr. Bledsoe. “If you decide that pet insurance is right for you and your pet, don’t wait to purchase a policy. Pet insurance can benefit your pet at every life stage. Start researching policies once you have an idea of what type of coverage you need for your pet and how much you would like to pay.

“Speaking to a licensed representative who can have a conversation about pet insurance is the best way to answer all your questions along with reviewing the information provided online from the company’s website.

“There are many options out there, but when it comes to CarePlus by Chewy, pet parents have the option to select wellness and insurance plans provided by Trupanion or Lemonade. The most important thing is to review the various options carefully and consider what’s right for you and your pet!

“The first step to buying pet insurance is to know what you need. A great place to start is by asking yourself the following questions:

• Is my pet young and healthy, or getting to an age where health problems start to develop?
• Has my pet been diagnosed with any underlying health conditions? Do they take any current medications? Is my pet’s breed prone to certain health conditions? 
• What’s my budget for pet insurance? How much can I afford each month?
• How much can I afford to spend out of pocket in a health emergency if you had to meet a higher deductible?”

According to Dr. Richardson, who “would define ‘great’ pet insurance as including comprehensive coverage, flexible plans, and a solid record of excellent customer service,” some key features to look for are…

• “Comprehensive Coverage: Covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions (important if you have a pure breed!), chronic conditions, and emergency care.
• High Reimbursement Rates: A higher percentage of vet bills covered, ideally 80-90%.
• No or Low Deductibles: Lower out-of-pocket costs before insurance kicks in.
• Fast Claims Processing: Quick, low-stress claim reimbursement process with minimal bartering. Some insurance companies will even pay your vet directly (Trupanion).
• Lifetime Coverage: No limits on payouts over the pet’s lifetime. This is an important one if you have a pet that suffers from any chronic illness!
• No Exclusions for Breed-Specific Conditions: Covers conditions that are common in specific breeds.”

Why is having pet insurance important?

• Peace of mind: According to Dr. Bledsoe, “When surveying Chewy customers about why they choose pet insurance, those who have a wellness or insurance plan cite the top reason is peace of mind — almost half (48%) of survey respondents agreed that is the primary reason for purchasing pet insurance is knowing they can take care of their pets if something happens to them.
• Financial stability: “People who opt for pet insurance have weighed the risks of waiting for a multi-thousand-dollar medical event against the average monthly cost for pet insurance (which is around $30 for cats and $50 for dogs), and budgeted accordingly. With CarePlus by Chewy, there are options that work for everyone’s budget and give pet parents the confidence that the coverage is there if and when they need it. According to Dr. Richardson, “Having insurance reduces the financial stress on pet owners when having to make treatment options, especially for unexpected emergencies or major surgeries. It can provide peace of mind knowing that your pet is covered and allows you to focus on their health.”
• Highest quality care: “When a pet parent already has insurance, veterinarians can deliver necessary care without compromises or having to worry about the customer’s ability to afford it,” says Dr. Bledsoe. “When veterinarians are working with people in financial distress, they run many risks including less preventative care upfront, not to mention debt, competing client loads, and the emotional challenges that come with that territory.” According to Dr. Richardson, “insurance can enable you to opt for more advanced or extensive treatment options.”

“It’s a great idea for puppy and kitten owners to look into pet insurance, continued Dr. Bledsoe. “After all, the first year of a pet’s life can be quite expensive with vaccinations, check-ups, spay/neuter procedures, fecal testing, etc. — and that’s just for wellness! If anything were to go wrong — for example, orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia, overzealous chewers swallowing toys, kittens chewing on electrical cords — then at least you can be covered for any diagnostics, treatments or surgeries that may be required.

“In adulthood, different breeds age at different paces. Large breed dogs age much faster than smaller breeds, so a two-year-old Irish Wolfhound may have significantly different needs than a two-year-old Chihuahua. Getting pet insurance early on in your pet’s life allows you to provide the highest quality care possible for your young pet, which may just help them age more gracefully.

“Many pet parents have a pet savings account, and others rely on credit lines such as CareCredit or ScratchPay in more expensive situations. However, pet insurance may be much more affordable than many pet parents think (especially when compared with human health policies), so make sure you check out different policies before you decide against insurance.” 

What is the difference between wellness and insurance plans?

“Most providers offer a unique selection of pet wellness and insurance plans, which you can buy standalone or together (coverage by state may vary),” commented Dr. Bledsoe.

“Insurance plans are designed to help in the event of accidents and illnesses. These plans cover new, unexpected healthcare needs from accidents to illnesses. Coverage can include surgeries, X-rays, medications, fees related to hospitalizations, and more. To make sure you get the most out of your coverage, it’s best to enroll in a pet insurance plan when your pet is young and healthy. If they get injured or sick before they are covered, treatments related to these issues would not be covered, since those conditions would be considered pre-existing.

“Wellness plans are affordable, annual packages designed to cover preventative care for your pet. These plans can help you cover your pet’s annual veterinary exam fee, vaccines, lab tests (e.g., annual heartworm test), dental cleaning, spay neutering, and flea, tick, and heartworm medications.”

Can you provide a brief description of CarePlus and how it works with Trupanion and Lemonade? 

“We partnered with Trupanion and Lemonade to offer leading pet insurance and wellness plans on the market exclusively for Chewy customers,” said Dr. Bledsoe. “We want you to understand the parties involved in offering these plans for you and your pet.”

Here’s a breakdown of CarePlus’s partnerships and how they work together:

• “Chewy is us.” Dr. Bledsoe stated. “We are offering these wellness and insurance plans through Chewy Insurance Services, LLC., our licensed insurance agency. CarePlus is Chewy’s pet wellness and insurance brand that has curated these plans for you.
• Trupanion is one of our program partners and an affiliate of the American Pet Insurance Company. Trupanion administers the policy and manages claims on APIC’s behalf. Once you enroll in an insurance or wellness plan, you will begin to receive communications from Trupanion regarding your plan(s).
• Lemonade is one of our program partners, and a certified B Corp and Public Benefit Corporation. Lemonade administers the policy and manages claims. Once you enroll in an insurance plan, you will begin to receive communications from Lemonade regarding your plan(s).
• American Pet Insurance Company or ZPIC Insurance Company are the underwriters for Trupanion that issue the wellness and insurance plans and are responsible for collecting your monthly premium and paying customer claims.
• Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company are the underwriters for Lemonade that issue the wellness and insurance plans and are responsible for collecting your monthly premium and paying customer claims.”

Are there any discounts available if you bundle Wellness and Insurance plans with CarePlus? 

According to Dr. Bledsoe, the answer is “yes, which partner you choose determines the type of discounts available for your eligible pet.” For example:

• Trupanion multipet: if you insure 2 or more pets with a Trupanion plan, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your monthly premium for all pets (inclusive of wellness and Insurance plans).
• Lemonade multipet: if you insure 2 or more pets with a Lemonade plan, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your monthly premium for all pets (the discount only applies to the Accident & Illness portion of your policy).
• Lemonade bundling discount: If you’re also covered with Lemonade homeowners, renters, term life, or car insurance, you’ll receive a 10% discount on each policy.
• Lemonade annual discount: if you choose to pay for a whole year of Lemonade pet insurance upfront, you will receive a 5% discount.”

Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer,” for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma’s byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more. 

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