Finding the Right Pet Insurance for Your Needs in 2025
Owning a pet is a joy, but unexpected veterinary bills can be a major financial burden. Pet insurance can help manage these costs, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your pet’s well-being. This guide explores the top pet insurance companies of 2025.
Americans adore their pets. Data from the Insurance Information Institute reveals that 66% of U.S. households – approximately 86.9 million families – have a pet. However, only 5.7 million pets are currently covered by a pet insurance plan. This is a healthcare package designed to help people afford the often-significant costs associated with veterinary care.
“As a veterinary surgeon and pet owner, I always encourage those I know to insure their pets, just like I do,” says Dr. Karyn Kanowski, a veterinarian at PangoVet in Roseville, California. “My own dog had both hips replaced several years ago. Without pet insurance, there would be no way I could have afforded $8,000 per hip.”
I learned this lesson firsthand when my wife and I paid over $12,000 to extend the life of our Shih Tzu-Poodle mix, Alfie, who sadly passed away in 2020. We didn’t have pet insurance, leading to a significant dent in our savings. While we didn’t need to resort to credit cards, it was easy to see how quickly vet bills can escalate into debt.
Dog owners may spend up to $55,000 on care throughout their dog’s lifetime. Cat owners may pay up to $45,000, according to a Synchrony study. Pet insurance can offer protection against these expenses.
We’ve reviewed some of the top national pet insurance companies, evaluating them on price, coverage options, deductibles, and additional benefits. Your monthly premium can vary. It considers factors like your pet’s breed, age, health and gender, and your location. It’s always wise to obtain and compare multiple quotes to secure the best deal for your family’s pet.
Top Pet Insurance Providers
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top pet insurance providers, along with their key features:
Lemonade
- Best for: Budget-conscious owners
- Coverage: Accident, illness, wellness
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – $100,000
- Deductibles: $100 – $750
- Pets covered: Dogs and cats
Lemonade is a solid choice if you’re aiming to protect your pet without breaking the bank. Expect to pay around $10 a month for coverage for major accidents. Everyday illness and wellness coverage averages around $28 a month for cats and $47 per month for dogs. Lemonade’s plans cover accident and illness. Additional add-on policies offer coverage for preventive measures. The company uses AI to approve claims, ensuring quick reimbursements. Users love the company’s app; it earns a 4.9 rating in the Apple Store and 4.2 from Android users. It is currently available in 38 states and Washington, DC.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 2 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Discounts: 5% for paying annually; 5% multipet discount; 10% bundle discount (Lemonade offers other types of insurance including renters, homeowners, car and life coverage.)
Trupanion
- Best for: Direct payment options
- Coverage: Accident and illness
- Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
- Deductibles: $0 – $1,000 per condition
- Pets covered: Dogs and cats
Trupanion has a unique VetDirect Pay option that allows the company to pay your vet directly, minimizing or eliminating upfront costs. However, be aware that not all vet offices accept this. Check the company’s website for participating vets near you. Trupanion also offers a lifetime deductible per condition. For example, if your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, you will pay the deductible once. Additional visits related to that condition won’t require another deductible. Trupanion also claims its price increases are lower than competitors, and won’t raise rates on your pet’s birthday. Trupanion does not offer a discount for multiple pets.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 5 days for accidents; 30 days for illnesses
Discounts: None
Pumpkin
- Best for: Frequent vet visits
- Coverage: Accident, illness, wellness
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – Unlimited
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500 and $1,000
- Pets covered: Dogs and cats
Pumpkin provides comprehensive coverage, including things other pet insurance companies may deny, e.g., dental disease or behavioral issues. You may pay slightly higher premiums in exchange. Pumpkin’s pet insurance has a higher maximum annual coverage than most. You will then receive between 80% and 90% reimbursement for dogs and cats, with a deductible that ranges from $100 to $1,000. Pumpkin also offers a Wellness Club with optional add-ons like checkups. Pre-existing, curable conditions are covered if your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for six months The waiting period of 14 days applies to accidents.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 14-day period for accidents and illnesses
Discounts: 10% for multiple pets
Figo
- Best for: Full reimbursement options
- Coverage: Accident, illness, wellness
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 to unlimited
- Deductibles: $100 to $750
- Pets covered: Dogs, cats
Figo offers a chance to receive 100% reimbursement of veterinary expenses, with annual benefits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited. It doesn’t have any upper-age limits to take out a new policy. Pre-existing conditions, preventative dental care, and wellness are not covered unless added to the policy as a rider. You can customize your plan for veterinary exam fees and other wellness needs. Figo offers an extra care pack that covers lost pet advertising, vacation cancellation for pet emergencies, boarding fees, pet theft or loss, and cremation expenses. You pay the vet upfront. A reimbursement is issued within 10 business days; most are closed within 2.6 days.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: One day for accident coverage; 14 days for illnesses; ability to waive the six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Discounts: 15% discount for Costco members; 5% multiple pet discount
Embrace
- Best for: Dental coverage options
- Coverage: Accident, illness, wellness
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – Unlimited
- Deductibles: Up to $1,000
- Pets covered: Dogs and cats
Embrace is unique, since it covers up to $1,000 of dental illnesses. There is also no waiting period for most accidents. Embrace also offers wellness coverage for routine dental cleanings, plus the typical accident and illness protection.
“Embrace’s average individual claim cost was $445 in 2024, but pet emergencies are unpredictable and can cost tens of thousands of dollars,” says Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: Immediate coverage for accidents; 14-day period for illnesses; orthopedic conditions vary by state
Discounts: 10% for multiple pets; 5% for military members (excluding those who live in TN or NY)
Nationwide
- Best for: Exotic pets
- Coverage: Accident, illness, wellness
- Maximum annual coverage: $7,500 – $10,000 depending on your plan
- Deductibles: $250
- Pets covered: Dogs, cats, birds, exotic pets
Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance companies that offers coverage for exotic pets, such as birds. Coverage can be purchased for dogs and cats online. Nationwide’s wellness features include annual exams, vaccinations, blood work, etc. There are also plans that offer a cap of $10,000 in annual benefits, where options include a 50% or 70% reimbursement level.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: Most plans have a 14-day waiting period before coverage kicks in.
Discounts: You get a 5% discount for enrolling more than one pet and a 10% discount if you enroll four or more pets. You may also be eligible for a 5% discount if you’re an existing Nationwide policyholder.
Pet Assure
- Best for: Workplace benefits for pre-existing conditions
- Coverage: Discount plan
- Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
- Deductibles: None
- Pets covered: All: dogs, cats, birds, exotic animals, farm animals, small animals
Pet Assure is a little bit different, since it is a discount plan that offers discounts off all in-house medical care at participating vets with no claims required. There are few restrictions and no waiting periods. It also covers pets beyond cats and dogs.
Waiting period and eligibility requirements: Pet Assure does not have waiting periods or eligibility requirements
Discounts: Check with your employer’s benefits plan for specific discounts.
Key Considerations When Choosing Pet Insurance
- Coverage: Understand what each policy covers, including accidents, illnesses, and wellness care.
- Deductibles: Consider how much you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Reimbursement Rates: Most pet insurance has a reimbursement rate attached. You will need to select a corresponding rate when you sign up for a plan.
- Maximum Annual Coverage: Determine the maximum amount the insurance will pay per year.
- Exclusions: Be aware of any conditions or treatments not covered by the policy, such as pre-existing conditions.
- Waiting Periods: Note how long you have to wait before coverage begins (e.g., for accidents, illnesses).
- Discounts: Inquire about any available discounts, like those for multiple pets or paying annually.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Deciding on pet insurance is personal. The peace of mind regarding potential wellness and illness protection may be worth the cost. It’s tempting to hold off on insurance while your pet is young and healthy. But remember that the older your pet gets, the more expensive they will be to insure, and this may not be good for them. Get pet insurance early to take advantage of more affordable premiums. You may need to have an emergency fund for those visits (like the Lemonade program) or consider not getting insurance.
When comparing pet insurance plans, always read the fine print. Policies can change and premiums may increase. “Some policies will significantly increase their premium after initially attracting you with a low-priced premium,” says Dr. Kanowski. “Many companies will increase their premium once a claim has been made.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet insurance is a crucial decision that will impact your ability to care for your pet financially. Carefully analyze your pet’s needs, your budget, and the coverage offered by different providers. By taking the time to research and compare options, you can find a plan that offers both peace of mind and financial protection, allowing you to enjoy many happy and healthy years with your beloved companion.
