I’ve ranked thebest pet insurance companies in 2024according to what situation each is best suited for. Earning places in my best pet insurance companies for 2024 arePets Best,Fetch,Figo,Healthy Paws,Embrace,Lemonade, Trupanion, and AKC Pet Insurance. Rankings are earned based on Canine Journal’s evaluation and inspection of price, coverage, customer service and reputation, claim processing, plan customizations, and more.
| Pet Insurance Ranking | Company | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Read Review | |
| Best For Young Pets | Read Review | |
| Best No-Cap Payouts | Read Review | |
| Best Coverage | Read Review | |
| Best Value | Read Review | |
| Best Newcomer | Read Review | |
| Best Vet Direct Pay | Read Review | |
| Best For Pre-Existing Conditions | Read Review |
Table Of Contents
- What Is Pet Insurance?
- Best Pet Insurance Winners
- Best Pet Insurance Overall: Pets Best Review
- Best For Young Pets: Fetch Review
- Best No-Cap Payouts: Healthy Paws Review
- Best Coverage: Embrace Review
- Best Pet Insurance Value: Figo Review
- Best Newcomer: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
- Best For Vet Direct Pay: Trupanion Review
- Best For Pre-Existing Conditions: AKC Pet Insurance Review
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 5 Ways To Buy Pet Insurance
- Is Pet Insurance Tax Deductible?
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Only Dogs And Cats?
- How Do Pet Insurance Companies Know About Pre-Existing Conditions?
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental?
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying And Neutering?
- Pet Insurance Companies (All Of Your Options)
- Still Can't Decide?
- Why Trust Canine Journal?
What Is Pet Insurance?
There are many unknowns in owning a pet. Will Fido be diagnosed with a chronic condition? Will he tear his ACL during a game of fetch? Will he develop an appetite for eating shoes, wood chips, and other objects? All of these can result in unplanned trips to the veterinarian, which means unexpected costs and stress for you.
This is where pet insurance can ease your mind.Instead of facing hundreds or thousands of dollars in vet bills, you can focus on your pet’s health.
Pet insurance helps pay for covered veterinary treatment of the insured pet’s illnesses and/or injuries. Insuring your pet can help you save money on unexpected vet bills during a medical emergency.
But, pet insurance does not cover routine wellness exams, related lab work, or vaccinations. Further, it does not cover the deductible portion outlined in your policy, the remaining reimbursem*nt percentage, or anything beyond your annual payout limit.
Best Pet Insurance Winners
Who wins the top categories this year? Below, I highlight a brief snapshot of each company, including plan options, waiting periods*, age restrictions, discounts, pros and cons, and more. I encourage you to get a pet insurance quote and compare rates from at least three companies and read my in-depth reviews of those you are interested in.
*Waiting periods for California, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Washington are as follows:
- Accidents - 0 days
- Illnesses - 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions - 30 days
- Routine Care - 0 days
Best Pet Insurance Overall: Pets Best Review
Get A Pets Best Quote
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illness, 3 days for accident, 6 months for CCL injury |
| Average Claim Processing | 18-30 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 7 weeks old |
| Discounts | 5% offformultiple pets; 5% offformilitary membersand their families |
Why I Picked Pets Best
Pets Best is my pick for the best pet insurance because it hascomprehensive coverage at an affordable priceon average. Plans can be customized to fit your coverage needs and budget. Pets Best was one of the first insurers to offer an accident-only plan, which has helped advance the pet insurance industry and forced competitors to evolve. There are no upper age limits, and it covers curable pre-existing conditions once healed or cured.
Customer Experience
- Over 750,000 pets insured
- User-friendly app that’s highly rated
- Complaints of long reimbursem*nt timelines, around a month for some
- Positive reviews regarding thorough coverage
Our Personal Experience With Pets Best
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent & Canine Journal Graphic DesignerI enrolled my dog, Georgie, when he was 2 years old with Pets Best insurance because it offered the lowest rate for him and its reputation. Within the first year, he got kennel cough, which required a trip to the emergency room for bloodwork, tests, and prescription medications. After that condition, my annual deductible was reached.
The vet detected a heart murmur during his yearly checkup, resulting in a vet visit with a cardiologist and an echocardiogram. Fortunately, everything was covered and reimbursed by Pets Best.
Shortly after, his anal glands ruptured, which meant another trip to the ER. Georgie has had anal gland issues in the past, but Pets Best considers them curable so it was included in coverage, thankfully.
Weeks later, Georgie had some tummy issues, sending him to the ER for the third time in less than a year. Again, Pets Best covered the appointment cost, fortunately.
Finally, he needed a 6-month follow-up for his heart murmur, which Pets Best covered the expense of the cardiologist and echocardiogram.
I’m so thankful I took the time to insure him. In the first policy period, Georgie had $4,588 worth of vet bills and Pets Best reimbursed $2,595 after the deductible was met.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customize your plan to fit your budget and needs with different deductible, reimbursem*nt, and payout options | Longer than average claim processing averages (18-30 days) |
| May have option for Pets Best to pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt | Excludes alternative/holistic therapies and C-sections |
| Accident-only plan available | |
| Optional wellness plans available as an add-on | |
| Shorter than average waiting periods (3 days for accidents and 14 days for hip dysplasia) | |
| Consistently among the lowest prices |
In-Depth Review Of Pets Best
Read my completereview of Pets Bestto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best For Young Pets: Fetch Review
Get Fetch Quote
| Plan Options | Accident & illness, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 |
| Deductibles | $300, $500, $700 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 15 days for illness and accident, 6 months for CCL injury and hip dysplasia |
| Average Claim Processing | 5-6 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 6 weeks old |
| Discounts | Up to10% offfor animal shelter adoptees and employees, corporate benefit plans, medical services pets, strategic partners, military, veterinary staff, and students; 10% off premiums for Walmart shoppers; Save $25 or more when you pay quarterly or annually; 10% off for AARP members for life |
Why I Picked Fetch
Fetch is the best pet insurance for young pets because itoffers coverage as young as six weeks, while you mustwait until eight weeks with most competitors. One unique feature is that up to $1,000 is covered for eligible virtual appointments through Fetch. Fetch also covers many conditions listed as exclusions by other insurers, such as behavioral therapies, alternative/holistic therapies, and exam fees, without requiring extra fees.
Customer Experience
- Over 390,000 pets insured
- User-friendly app that’s highly rated
- Complaints of Fetch adjusting policies at renewal, including the annual coverage limits, co-pay (out-of-pocket expense), deductible, and premium
- Positive reviews regarding prompt reimbursem*nt
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customize your plan to fit your budget and needs with different deductible, reimbursem*nt, and payout options | Can’t have Fetch pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt |
| Behavioral therapies, alternative/holistic therapies, C-sections, sick visit exam fees, and gum disease are included in coverage | No accident-only plan available |
| Optional wellness plans available as an add-on | Longer than average accident waiting period (15 days) |
In-Depth Review Of Fetch
Read my completereview of Fetchto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best No-Cap Payouts: Healthy Paws Review
Get Healthy Paws Quote
| Plan Options | Accident & illness |
| Payout Limits | Unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 15 days for illness and accident, 12 months for hip dysplasia |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 8 weeks old and no older than 14 years old* |
| Discounts | Usethis linkto take advantage of the best possible price |
Why I Picked Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws is the best pet insurance with no cap payouts because it has unlimited annual coverage for all plans. So, you never have to worry about hitting the maximum coverage limit, and you can always expect reimbursem*nt from eligible claims after you’ve hit your deductible. In turn, economic euthanasia is reduced because pet owners aren’t choosing between a life-saving procedure for their pet and their wallets. Healthy Paws also has some of the lowest prices for unlimited payout pet insurance plans compared to other providers.
Customer Experience
- Over 560,000 pets insured
- Many Android app complaints regarding a clunky app, iOS version has many positive reviews
- Complaints of high premium increase as pets age
- Extremely responsive customer service
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| May have option for Healthy Paws to pay your vet directly and avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt | Limited customization options based on your pet’s age |
| Shorter than average CCL surgery waiting period (15 days) | No accident-only plan available |
| Shorter than average claim processing (2 days) | Not enrolling pets older than 14 years old |
| Unlimited payouts for all plans | Excludes behavioral therapies, alternative/holistic therapies, C-sections, exam fees, and gum disease |
| Longer hip dysplasia waiting periods than average (12 months) and pets enrolled after age 6 are ineligible for hip dysplasia coverage (MD doesn’t have this age limitation) | |
| Longer than average accident waiting period (15 days) |
In-Depth Review Of Healthy Paws
Read my completereview of Healthy Pawsto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best Coverage: Embrace Review
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| Plan Options | Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illness, 2 days for accident, 6 months for CCL injury, hip dysplasia, IVDD, and patellar luxation |
| Average Claim Processing | 5 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 6 weeks old and no older than 14 years old for illness coverage* |
| Discounts | 10% off(5% off in NY) formultiple pets; 5% offformilitary and veterans(NY and TN excluded); 10% offif yourcompany or clinic offers Embrace as an employee benefit(FL, ND, NY, and TN excluded); 5% off in NYif youpayannually; Up to 25% offforeligible USAA customers; Your deductible automaticallygoes down $50 each yearyou don’t receive a claim payment |
Why I Picked Embrace
Embrace has the best pet insurance coverage without adding extra fees. This includes $1,000 per policy period for dental illnesses and behavioral therapy and training coverage for anxious, aggressive, or destructive dogs. These are conditions often excluded from other insurer’s policies, but Embrace Pet Insurance maintains coverage for them.
Customer Experience
- User-friendly app that’s highly rated
- Complaints of high premiums and increases at policy renewal
- Positive reviews regarding reliable coverage
Our Personal Experience With Embrace
I signed up for Embrace because it offered a low rate for my Cavalier, Lexie. Sadly, it was needed within a year of adopting her. Her cancer diagnosis resulted in appointments with specialists, chemo treatment, and more. None of it would’ve been financially feasible without having her insured through Embrace. I’m glad I got her the best care without worrying about the cost of medical treatment. Unfortunately, she’s crossed over the rainbow bridge, but I’m so thankful for my time with her.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent & Canine Journal Graphic Designer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customize your plan to fit your budget and needs with different deductible, reimbursem*nt, and payout options | Restricted to accident-only coverage if you enroll your dog after their 15th birthday |
| May have option for Embrace to pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt | C-sections are excluded |
| Optional wellness plans available as add-on | |
| Shorter than average accident waiting period (2 days) and claim processing (5 days) | |
| Behavioral therapies, alternative/holistic therapies, exam fees, gum disease, and tooth extractions are included |
In-Depth Review Of Embrace
Read my completereview of Embraceto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best Pet Insurance Value: Figo Review
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| Plan Options | Accident & illness, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $10,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illness, 1 day for accident, 6 months for CCL injury, hip dysplasia, and orthopedic conditions |
| Average Claim Processing | 3 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 8 weeks old |
| Discounts | 5% off any new policy (exclusive for Canine Journal readers – usethis link); 5% offformultiple pets; Your deductible automaticallygoes down $50 each yearyou don’t receive a claim payment |
Why I Picked Figo
Figo offers excellent pet insurance value with its competitive pricing and extensive coverage. That, combined with their responsive customer service and speedy claim processing, makes Figo great value for what you pay and get. Many pet parents choose Figo to get the best bang for their buck.
Customer Experience
- User-friendly app that’s highly rated
- Complaints of Figo stating claims as pre-existing conditions when they aren’t
- Positive reviews regarding responsive customer support
My Personal Experience With Figo
I chose Figo to insure my Coonhound mix, Sally, because it offered competitive pricing without compromising coverage. I added optional power-ups for exam fee coverage and preventive care. My plan has an 80% reimbursem*nt, a $500 deductible, and a $5,000 payout limit. I had to file three claims within the first four months, hitting my annual deductible. Figo’s claim process through the app is seamless, taking less than 5 minutes. They keep me informed and promptly send explanations of benefits followed by quick reimbursem*nts. Figo has provided me with peace of mind and assurance for Sally’s health without financial worry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customize your plan to fit your budget and needs with different deductible, reimbursem*nt, and payout options | Can’t have Figo pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt |
| Optional wellness plans available as an add-on | No accident-only plan available |
| Shorter than average accident waiting period (1 day) | |
| Consistently among the lowest prices | |
| Shorter than average claim processing (3 days) | |
| Behavioral therapies, alternative/holistic therapies, and C-sections are included in coverage | |
| Diminishing deductible for each year a policyholder is claim free, decreasing by $50 until it is $0 |
In-Depth Review Of Figo
Read my completereview of Figoto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best Newcomer: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
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| Plan Options | Accident & illness, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illness, 2 days for accident, 6 months for CCL injury |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | At least 8 weeks old, other age restrictions based on breed |
| Discounts | 10% offif youbundlewith your renters, homeowners, auto, condo, or co-op insurance; 5% offformultiple pets; 5% offif you pay annually |
Why I Picked Lemonade
Lemonade is the best new pet insurance company. It began selling insurance in 2015 and entered the pet insurance industry in 2020. They quickly made a big name by offering low premiums with an AI-driven claim process. In these first few years of providing pet insurance, we’ve seen some increases in pricing, and they still don’t cover all 50 states, which shows the time it can take for a company to stabilize its offerings. However, their impressive coverage and technology make it an insurer to keep an eye on.
Why You Should Be Cautious
I recommend choosing a company with at least five years of national experience in the industry.Why?
Too often, new companies, like Lemonade, enter the pet insurance space with astonishingly low prices. After some time paying claims, these companies increase premiums to improve profitability.Some customers feel trapped because their pet now has pre-existing conditions, making it harder to find coverage with other companies.
Is this something you can expect from Lemonade? It’s hard to say. Lemonade has been selling other insurance products (renters, homeowners, cars, and life) since 2015. So we’re hopeful that this related experience makes Lemonade less likely to spike customer premiums. However, after four years of selling pet insurance, I can say that Lemonade’s premiums aren’t among the lowest any longer, falling more in the middle. I can’t guarantee anything, so I urge caution when choosing a company with fewer than five years of experience or a rocky history.
Customer Experience
- User-friendly app that’s highly rated
- Complaints of being unable to reach an actual person at the company and not just AI
- Positive reviews regarding fast claim processing
Our Personal Experience
– Michelle Schenker, Lifetime Dog Owner & Canine Journal Co-FounderI got quotes from several of the companies that offer the best coverage for mixed-breed dogs and Lemonade came in with the best/lowest price. Pets Best and Spot were close in price but Lemonade’s coverage was the best for our crazy 5-year-old pup! Our policy covers 80% of diagnoses or treatments, has a $500 annual deductible, and a $5,000 annual limit.
We have had Lemonade pet insurance for three months now, so Barley is clear of all the waiting periods except Cruciate Ligament Events (6 months). But, luckily, we have not had any incidents or filed any claims yet.
Lemonade pet insurance is only available in 37 states and the District of Columbia: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customize your plan to fit your budget and needs with different deductible, reimbursem*nt, and payout options | Can’t have Lemonade pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt |
| Optional wellness plans available as an add-on | No accident-only plan available |
| Shorter than average waiting periods (2 days for accidents and 14 days for hip dysplasia) | Only available in 37 states and Washington DC |
| Shorter than average claim processing (2 days) | Breed restrictions based on age |
| Behavioral therapies, alternative/holistic therapies, exam fees, and gum disease coverage are available for an extra fee |
In-Depth Review Of Lemonade
Read my completereview of Lemonadeto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best For Vet Direct Pay: Trupanion Review
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| Plan Options | Accident & illness |
| Payout Limits | Unlimited |
| Deductibles | $0-$1,000 (in $5 increments) |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 30 days for illness, CCL injury, and hip dysplasia, 5 days for accident |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | 14 years old or younger |
| Discounts | Usethis linkto take advantage of the best possible price |
Why I Picked Trupanion
Trupanion has the best pet insurance with a vet direct pay option. Trupanion’s Vet Direct Pay eliminates the claim processing wait time. This is the only technology like this in the pet insurance industry because it takes place during checkout. If your vet’s office doesn’t have Trupanion’s Vet Direct Pay, you can talk to your vet about them setting it up.
Customer Experience
- Over 1,700,000 insured pets
- Lower-rated app compared to other insurers
- Complaints of high premiums and annual premium increases
- Positive reviews regarding coverage and filing claims
Pet Insurance That Pays Veterinarians Directly
Learn about more pet insurance providers that offer a vet direct pay option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 90% reimbursem*nt with unlimited payouts for all plans | No accident-only plan available |
| May have option for Trupanion to pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursem*nt | Pets older than 14 are ineligible for enrollment |
| Shorter than average CCL surgery and hip dysplasia waiting periods (30 days) | Longer than average illness waiting period (30 days) |
| Shorter than average claim processing averages (2 days) | Consistently among the most expensive |
| Behavioral therapies, C-sections, and tooth extractions are included in coverage | Exam fees are excluded |
In-Depth Review Of Trupanion
Read my completereview of Trupanionto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Best For Pre-Existing Conditions: AKC Pet Insurance Review
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| Plan Options | Accident & illness, accident-only, wellness add-on |
| Payout Limits | $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, unlimited |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000 |
| Reimbursem*nt Levels | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for illness, 2 days for accident, 30 days for hip dysplasia and alternative therapies coverage, 180 days for IVDD and CCL injuries |
| Average Claim Processing | 2 days |
| Age Limitations | 14 years old or younger |
| Discounts | 5% offformultiple pets; 5% offfor dogs who pass theAKC Canine Good Citizen test; 10% offfor puppies coming from breeders who participate in theAKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T or AKC Breeder of Merit programs |
Why I Picked AKC Pet Insurance
AKC Pet Insurance is the best dog insurance for pre-existing conditions. AKC Pet Insurance is the only company to offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous pet insurance coverage. Other companies provide coverage for curable conditions, but AKC Pet Insurance offers complete coverage after one year. FL and WA are excluded from this.
Customer Experience
- Over 32,000 insured pets
- User-friendly app
- Complaints of claims being incorrectly denied
- Positive reviews regarding an easy claims process and communicative customer service
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No vet records or exam required to enroll | No illness coverage option for dogs enrolled after age 9 |
| Optional wellness plans available as add-on | Must purchase coverage or congenital and hereditary conditions separately |
| Claims are typically paid within 7 days | Exam fee coverage is available for an additional fee |
| Your pet is covered when they travel with you in the U.S. or Canada | $3 – $4 monthly transaction fee (depending on the state) – highest in the pet insurance space, waived if paid annually |
| Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous pet insurance coverage (not in FL and WA) |
In-Depth Review Of AKC Pet Insurance
Read my completereview of AKC Pet Insuranceto learn more about this provider and its coverage, reimbursem*nt process, pros, cons, FAQs, and more.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
According to Canine Journal’s Economic Euthanasia Study, 36% of respondents are willing to spend up to $1,000 on their dog’s medical needs to avoid euthanasia. Unfortunately, the cost of veterinary care is only increasing, and it’s not difficult for an unexpected accident or illness to quickly exceed $1,000. However, pet insurance can help reduce the burden.
What would you do if you encountered a $1,500 pet-related emergency tomorrow? Would it crush your budget and leave you in a difficult place financially? Would you hesitate to move forward with an expensive vet treatment?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then pet insurance is worth it if you can afford the monthly premium for your dog. Having your dog insured can help you prepare financially and benefit your dog with more well-rounded health coverage. It also provides peace of mind during already stressful times.
I have an entire article dedicated to helping you decide if pet insurance is worth it. It can help you understand how pet insurance works and how it can benefit your pet’s life and your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we’ve received from our readers regarding the best pet insurance. Don’t see yours? Ask us in thecomments.
5 Ways To Buy Pet Insurance
There are five ways to buy the best pet insurance policy to fit your needs.
- Use our free pet insurance comparison form to answer a few quick questions about your dog and compare quotes from multiple providers.
- Go directly to insurers’ websites and fill out their free quote forms.
- Call or email pet insurance providers to speak with them directly and get all of your questions answered.
- Ask your employer if pet insurance is offered as an employee benefit.
- If you feel overwhelmed, contact an independent insurance agent for guidance.
Is Pet Insurance Tax Deductible?
No, pet insurance isnot tax deductible.
According toIRS publication 502, if you have a guide dog or service animal, you may be able to deduct expenses related to the cost of buying, training, and maintaining the animal. This can include any costs, including food, grooming, and veterinary care.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Only Dogs And Cats?
Most insurers limit pet insurance policies to dogs and cats. However,Nationwidealso offers pet insurance for exotic pets, including reptiles, birds, rabbits, ferrets, miniature pigs, guinea pigs, goats, sugar gliders, chinchillas, and other small mammals. Nationwide’s exotic pet insurance policy has 90% reimbursem*nt rate, and average cost is $11 per month for reptiles, $13 per month for birds, and $19 for rabbits.
You can also purchasehorse insuranceif you have a passion for horses but it is a different type of policy so be sure to do your homework before registering.
How Do Pet Insurance Companies Know About Pre-Existing Conditions?
Insurersmay require a vet exam or your pet’s medical records upon enrollment.If a vet exam is required for enrollment, the insurer typically requests it be within 30 days of the policy’s effective date. During this appointment, your vet will assess your dog’s overall health and note any abnormalities. Some providers require a detailed exam of your dog’s legs and hips for orthopedic issues.
Additionally, providers may collect this information by analyzing your dog’s past vet records. If your dog hasn’t had a recent vet exam, the insurer may ask you to have your dog assessed.
Generally speaking,pre-existing conditions are determined as accidents and illnesses that have manifested before the policy’s effective date or during the waiting period. For example, suppose your dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in June, and you bought pet insurance in the following month of the same year. In that case, the condition won’t be covered.
However, a few insurers offer coverage forcurable pre-existing conditionsif they are free from treatment and symptoms for a set period. Conditions that may be covered include ear infections, urinary tract infections, kennel cough, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Furthermore,AKC Pet Insuranceis entering new territory for the industry and offering coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous pet insurance coverage.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental?
Pet insurance companies generally cover a portion of non-routine dental-related claims. However, the extent of coverage varies by provider. Embrace and Pets Best offer some of the best dental coverage for pet insurance.
Pet insurance doesn’t cover dental cleanings, but if you have a wellness plan (as a standalone product or added to your pet insurance policy), it may include coverage for a portion or all dental cleanings.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying And Neutering?
No, accident and illness plans don’t cover spaying and neutering. However, you can purchase a wellness plan as a standalone product or add it to your pet insurance policy, which may cover a portion of your dog’s spaying/neutering procedure. I cover this in more detail in my article.
Should I Get Pet Insurance & A Wellness Plan Or Use A Savings Account Instead?
We get asked this a lot by our readers, so I thought going through a scenario could be helpful.
Let’s say you save $55 each month (the average pet insurance premium) for 5 years, totaling $3,300 in your vet bill savings account. What if your dog experiences an emergency, such as a life threatening condition like cancer? The average cancer treatment plan can cost $6,000-$10,000. Unfortunately, your savings account with $3,300 won’t cover the high vet bills that are piling up.
Meanwhile, investing that $55 monthly into a pet insurance policy could ensure your dog has more coverage for any unexpected vet visits, even a cancer diagnosis. So if your dog’s cancer treatment cost $6,000, a pet insurance policy would cover beyond the $3,300 you saved.
Pet Insurance Companies (All Of Your Options)
Didn’t see the company you were looking for? Wondering what happened to AKC Pet Insurance, Animalia, Bivvy, CarePlus, Companion Protect, Doggo, Hartville, ManyPets, MetLife, Odie, Paw Protect, Petco, PetPartners, PetPremium, Physicians Mutual Pet, Prudent Pet, Pumpkin, Spokk, Toto, TrustedPals, Wagmo, 24Petprotect, or policies offered by Allstate, American Family, Farmers Insurance, Geico, PEMCO, Progressive, State Farm, Travelers, USAA,Waffle, Costco, or Wishbone? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. I have stats and full reviews on all of these companies on my complete pet insurance companies list.
Still Can’t Decide?
My team has spent countless hours researching and comparing pet insurance. You can benefit from exploring our site to read our pet insurance reviews, compare specific companies in our head-to-head showdowns, learn all the ins and outs of what is and what is not covered by pet insurance, and more. And if you’d like to get some free quotes for your four-pawed friend right now, you can do so via our quote form.
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, includingKimberly 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 withMichelle 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 policies legally.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.
Disclaimer: Information regarding insurance company offerings, pricing, availability, and other contract details are subject to change by the insurance company at any time and are not under the control of this website. Information published on this website is intended for reference use only. Please review your policy carefully before signing up for a new insurance contract or any other contract as your unique circ*mstances will differ from those of others who may be used for example purposes in this article.
