The best pet insurance companies of May 2025

Pet insurance can help with the cost of owning a cat or dog, whether it's an illness or an injury.

There are also wellness plans for routine care like vaccines and dental checkups.

CNBC Select analyzed dozens of pet insurance companies and picked the providers with the best offerings in a variety of categories. (Read more about our methodology to see how we made our choices.)

Who’s this for? Pets Best has some of the lowest rates we've found for felines. You only have two choices for maximum annual coverage — a $5,000 option and an unlimited option — but there are several deductible and reimbursement levels.  

Standout benefits: Pets Best is one of a few companies that will pay your vet directly, saving you the trouble of having to file a claim and be reimbursed.

Who’s this for? Lemonade had affordable rates for accident and illness coverage. Owners of young dogs will like the puppy package, which includes spaying/neutering, microchipping and vaccines. 

Standout benefits: Lemonade offers a range of insurance products, so policyholders can get 10% off for bundling pet insurance with other Lemonade policies. There's also a 5% rate reduction if you pay your annual premium in full.

Who’s this for? Figo doesn't have an upper age limit for enrollment and, if your older dog doesn't have orthopedic issues, you can get the six-month waiting period for coverage waived.

Standout benefits: If you don't select unlimited annual coverage, Figo will reimburse you at a rate of 100%. Figo will also pay vets directly.

Who’s this for? Have a whole fur family? Pumpkin offers a 10% discount for each additional animal you cover after the first.

Standout benefits: While some insurers have waiting periods of six to twelve months for conditions like hip dysplasia, Pumpkin's is just 14 days, the same as with any illness. It also offers an uncommonly high 90% reimbursement level for senior pets.

Who’s this for? ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers pre-existing conditions if they are curable and your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 180 days.

Standout benefits: ASCPA's comprehensive accident and illness plan covers uncommon hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. It also reimburses payments for behavioral therapy, alternative treatments and stem cell therapy. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you haven't filed any claims.

Who's this for? AKC Pet Insurance is the only pet insurance company we've found that covers incurable pre-existing conditions. You'll need to have your policy for 12 months for the benefit to kick in.

Standout benefits: AKC also covers expenses relating to breeding, something most pet insurers won't.

Who’s this for? Healthy Paws only offers a single standard accident and illness policy, but there are no per-incident, annual or lifetime caps on payouts.

Standout benefits: Most claims are paid in two days and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if no claims have been filed.

Who’s this for?Spot's Gold plan comes with a $250 annual reimbursement for preventive treatment, including vaccinations, teeth cleaning and deworming, testing for heartworm (for dogs) and for feline leukemia (for cats)

Standout benefits: Spot's telehealth line is available 24/7 and there's no maximum age limit for enrollment. 

Who’s this for? Embrace offers a 5% monthly discount if you file claims for less than $300 in a year, with the reduction increasing to 10% after another year.

Standout benefits: Embrace's Wellness Rewards program works as a savings account for routine care like grooming and training. Members can also earn credits for treatments and discounts on popular pet brands.

Who’s this for? Nationwide is one of the only providers that covers animals other than dogs or cats — including birds, reptiles, rabbits, miniature pigs and ferrets.

Standout benefits: You cansee the vet you like, even specialists and emergency veterinarians. Customers with Nationwide home, auto, life or other coverage can save 5% on pet insurance.

Each policy and provider is different, but this is what is typically covered by the three types of insurance plans.

Accident-only: Basic plan covering expenses related to emergencies like broken bones, swallowed objects and traumatic dental fractures.

Accident and illness: Covers everything in an accident-only policy, as well as illnesses like cancer and diabetes, hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or glaucoma, and prescription medication.

Wellness plans: Covers checkups, vaccinations, microchipping, teeth cleaning and spaying/neutering

Exclusions vary by company, but pet insurance companies rarely cover pre-existing conditions your pet had before you enrolled. Some will cover conditions that have been cured for a certain amount of time, such as broken bones or respiratory infections.

Elective procedures, grooming and costs relating to breeding, pregnancy or birth are generally excluded. While many plans don't cover hereditary disorders or euthanasia and funeral expenses, both Pets Best and Embrace include them in certain accident and injury policies.

While many carriers cap the age of a pet can to enroll for a new policy, but some have no age limit.

The cost of pet insurance can vary greatly based on the kind of animal, its breed, size, gender and age — as well as the type of coverage you're getting and where you live.

In 2023, the monthly average for accident-only pet insurance in the U.S. was about $17 for dogs and $10 for cats, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. For accident and illness insurance, it was a little more than $56 for dogs and about $32 for cats.

First, you’ll need to decide what type of coverage is right. There are generally three tiers of coverage: 

• Accident-only coverage: Covers emergencies like broken bones, swallowed objects, bite wounds, poisoning and traumatic dental fractures. Services can include x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, bloodwork, medication and hospitalization.
• Accident and illness coverage: Also covers hospitalization, surgery, exams and prescription to treat chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and arthritis, hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, behavioral conditions and dental issues. May also cover euthanasia and burial.
• Wellness coverage: Generally an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy, a wellness plan often covers microchipping, routine exams and diagnostics, teeth cleaning and preventative medication. Some plans may cover spaying or neutering.

Once you know the policy type you want, you can start shopping for a pet insurance company. Look at what they offer:

• Deductible: Your deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before the insurer kicks in. A $500 deductible means you'll have to spend $500 before getting reimbursed for anything. 
• Exclusions and limitations: Coverage of pre-existing conditions is limited, and some companies put a limit on how old a pet can be to enroll
• Coverage gaps: What procedures or treatmentsyour policy will and won't cover.
• Waiting period: Coverage for your pet begins after a predetermined waiting period. It's normally two weeks but varies depending on the carrier and the condition. Some providers have a yearlong qualifying period

• Claims process: In most cases, policyholders pay for treatment out of pocket and submit for reimbursement, minus the deductible. Some plans allow providers to pay vets directly, but arrangements must be made in advance.

Founded in 2019, Miami-based Spot Pet Insurance is available in all 50 states, with policies underwritten by the Independence American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. Accident and illness plans include vet exam fees, microchipping, prescription pet food and end-of-life expenses.

Ages: The minimum enrollment age with Spot is eight weeks, but there is no maximum age.

Policies: Accident and illness, accident only and preventative care options

Waiting period: 14 days for all coverage

Multiple pet discount: 10%

Pets Best has insured over 750,000 animals since 2005, with policies underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company and Independence American Insurance Company. Annual deductibles run as low as $50 and owners can choose between a $5,000 or unlimited annual coverage limit.

Ages: Pets Best's minimum enrollment age is seven weeks but there is maximum age for accident and illness plans

Policies: Accident and illness, accident-only and wellness 

Waiting period: Varies based on the type of coverage and state

Multiple pet discount: 5%

Lemonade underwrites its own pet insurance policies, allowing customers to bundle their policies with auto, renters, homeowners and other types of insurance and save. Availability is limited, however, and older dogs may be excluded depending on their breed.

Ages: The minimum enrollment age with Lemonade is two months and the maximum is typically 14 years old, although some higher-risk breeds have lower age limits.

Policies: Accident and illness, wellness

Waiting period: Two days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate ligaments. 

Multiple pet discount: 5%

Figo has an unlimited coverage option and generous reimbursement rates that can cover up to 100% of the bill. Costco members can get 15% off their Figo premiums and Costco Executive members get the $15 enrollment fee waived. Policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Ages: Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll but there is no upper age limit.

Policies: Accident and illness, wellness

Waiting period: One day for accidents, 14 days for most illnesses.

Multiple pet discount: 5%

Pumpkin policies provide benefits that other providers charge for, including prescription food, alternative therapies, microchip implantation and behavioral issues. However, the Better Business Bureau gave Pumpkin a B-, citing the length of time taken to reply to complaints.

Ages: Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll but there is no upper age limit.

Policies: Accident and illness, wellness

Waiting period: 14 days for all covered conditions

Multiple pet discount: 10%

Underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company,, ASPCA Pet Insurance policies have no upper age or breed restrictions. In addition to dogs and cats, coverage is available for horses. 

Ages: Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll but there is no upper age limit.

Policies: Accident-only, accident and illness, preventative care

Waiting period: No waiting period for preventative care and 14 days for accidents and illnesses

Multiple pet discount: 10%

AKC Pet Insurance is a standout for covering incurable pre-existing conditions, although that doesn't include some illnesses like Cushing's Disease, FIV or diabetes. Unlike many providers, it offers a breeding benefit and covers pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.

Ages: Dogs over 9 are only eligible for accident-only policies

Policies: Accident-only, accident and illness, wellness

Waiting period: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for most illnesses, 180 days for intervertebral disc and cruciate ligament claims, 365 days for incurable pre-existing conditions 

Multiple pet discount: 5%

Healthy Paws keeps things simple with one standard accident and illness policy, unlimited coverage and no annual or lifetime cap. It earns high marks for its speedy claims processing and donations to animal shelters with every quote and referral.

Age: Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll, while the maximum age is 14.

Policies: Accident and illness

Waiting period: 15 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia.

Multiple pet discount: No

Embrace's accident and illness policies have an annual unlimited coverage option, while accident-only coverage has predetermined deductibles, coverage limits and reimbursement rates. Embrace also underwrites pet policies for Allstate, Geico and USAA.

Ages: Dogs and cats under 15 can enroll in accident-only or accident and illness coverage. Pets 15 or older are only eligible for accident-only policies.

Policies: Accident and illness, accident-only and wellness plan

Waiting period: 48 hours for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage and six months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived)

Multiple pet discount: 10%

Nationwide is still a standout for coveraing birds, lizards and other exotic pets. It also offers prescription discounts at Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies. In June 2024, Nationwide announced it would not renew approximately 100,000 policies over the following 12 months, citing the rising cost of veterinary care.

Ages: Pets between 8 weeks and 10 years old are accepted for enrollment with Nationwide

Policies: Accident and illness, wellness plan

Waiting period: 14 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament injuries

Multiple pet discount: 5%

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every pet insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insuranceproducts. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

To determine the best pet insurance, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of providers based on the types of coverage offered, the maximum annual coverage limits, reimbursement and deductible choices, waiting periods, rates, availability and discounts.

Sample premium data was based on a dog and a cat. The sample dog we gathered data for was: 

• Mixed breed
• 55 pounds
• Male 
• One year old
• Lives in the 80123 zip code

The sample cat was: 

• Domestic shorthair 
• 8 pounds
• Male
• One year old
• Lives in the 80123 zip code

We collected data for these sample policies with the following qualities (or as close to them as possible): 

• $500 deductible 
• 90% reimbursement rate 
• $15,000 annual limit 

From there, we sorted our recommendations by the best for preventative care, for cars, for dogs, for senior pets, for multiple pets, for accident-only coverage, for accident and illness coverage, for low deductibles and for coverage of exotic pets.

We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

Premiums and policy structures listed for pet insurance companies are may change in accordance with company policy.

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