Best Pet Insurance Providers for 2022
Find out which pet insurance providers offer the best services, rates, and customer satisfaction with our guide.Our content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our and how we make money.
| Provider | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA | Reimbursement | |
| Spot | Older Pets | |
| Healthy Paws | Total Coverage | |
| Trupanion | Customer Satisfaction | |
| Lemonade Pet | N/A |
Whether your dog is always chasing balls or your cat loves to snuggle, making sure their health is protected is a priority for most pet owners. Like any other member of your family, you want to make sure they're taken care of in case something happens to them.
However, when it comes to finding the best pet insurance providers, there are a lot of things to consider. What's the coverage like? How much will it cost me each month? Thankfully, there are a lot of great options out there for pet insurance.
In this article, we'll compare the best pet insurance providers for 2022 to help you decide which one is right for you.
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See if you qualify for better ratesWhat Is Pet Insurance?
Many pet owners are surprised to learn that there is such a thing as pet insurance. Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance is a way to help offset the cost of unexpected veterinary bills.
Coverage can vary widely, but typically includes things like accidents, illnesses, and routine care. Some policies also cover preventive care, such as vaccinations and routine checkups.
Pet insurance can be a great way to budget for your pet's care, as it can help you to avoid unexpected expenses.
Most plans require a monthly premium, and then you pay a deductible when you use the coverage. Some policies also have co-pays for certain services.
Types of Pet Insurance You Can Buy
There are a variety of pet insurance policies available, and the type of coverage you choose will depend on your pet's needs and your budget.
The most basic policies cover only unexpected expenses, such as veterinary bills for accidents or illnesses. These policies typically have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before the insurance company starts to cover the expenses.
More comprehensive policies may also cover routine pet care, such as annual vaccinations, and may even provide some coverage for preexisting conditions. There are also policies designed specifically for certain breeds’ allergies or illnesses.
When shopping for pet insurance, be sure to compare the coverage and deductibles of various policies to find the best plan. You should also consider whether you want to pay for the policy in monthly installments or in one annual lump sum.
Best for Reimbursement
Pros
Offers pet insurance for dogs, cats, and horses.
Multipet discounts are available.
No maximum enrollment age.
24/7 telehealth line.
Covers pet microchipping.
Provides coverage for illness and injury.
Cons
Has an annual coverage limit of $10,000.
Doesn’t offer a diminishing deductible option.
14-day waiting period for accident coverage.
Claims can take up to 30 days to process.
The ASPCA is a well-known pet insurance brand that offers a variety of plans for dogs, cats, and horses. Their high maximum enrollment age limit and comprehensive benefits make them one of the best pet insurance providers around.
Since its inception in 1997, ASPCA has insured over 600,000 pets across the U.S. Members can visit any vet of their choosing throughout the country, and their coverage extends to certain services and treatments that aren’t covered by other insurers, like microchipping costs.
To learn more about the ASPCA’s various plans and coverage options, read our full review.
What Are Reimbursement Levels?
The reimbursement level is the percentage of the veterinary bill that your pet insurance company will pay once you've met your deductible.
For example, if you have a $500 vet bill and your reimbursement level is 80%, you would be reimbursed $400 (minus any co-payment), leaving you with a $100 out-of-pocket expense.
When it comes to pet insurance, coverage and reimbursement levels can vary greatly from one policy to the next. Reimbursement levels typically range from 70% to 90%. Some pet insurance companies also offer accident-only plans with a 100% reimbursement level.
In general, the amount you'll be reimbursed for covered expenses will depend on your policy's coverage limit and deductible.
For example, if your coverage limit is $1,000 and you have a $500 deductible, you'll be reimbursed up to $500 for covered expenses.
It's important to read the fine print of your policy carefully to understand exactly how coverage and reimbursement work.
Best for Customer Satisfaction
Pros
24/7 telehealth line for pet owners.
Offers plans with unlimited coverage.
Covers pets from birth.
Coverage for prescription food and supplements.
Pays partner vets directly for treatment.
Cons
Doesn’t cover pets older than 14 years old.
Exam fees and routine care costs aren’t covered.
Premiums are higher than other competitors.
Doesn’t offer wellness plans.
Trupanion is a well-known pet insurance provider that offers coverage in all fifty states and Puerto Rico. Their extensive list of covered expenses and efficient claims processes make them the top choice for thousands of pet owners. They offer a wide range of plans with some unique benefits that you won’t find with other pet insurance companies. One standout feature is that they don’t automatically raise premiums for pets as they age.
If you value customer service and fast processing times, then Trupanion is a great choice for pet insurance.
Learn more about Trupanion’s coverage and plans by reading our latest guide.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
One of the most common questions pet owners ask is whether or not pet insurance is worth the cost. There are a few things to consider when making this decision:
What kind of coverage does the policy offer? Does it cover accidents, illnesses, routine care, or only one of these?
What are your expected veterinary expenses? If you have a healthy pet with no history of medical problems, you may not need coverage for much more than routine care. However, if your pet is prone to accidents or illnesses, insurance can help to offset the costs of treatment.
How much are you willing to pay for coverage? Premiums can vary widely, so be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.
Ultimately, whether or not pet insurance is worth the cost is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances.
Best for Total Coverage
Pros
Fast claims process and payouts.
Pays vets directly for claims.
No annual coverage limits for members.
Operates a 24/7 telehealth line for pet owners.
30-day money back guarantee on policies.
Cons
Doesn’t cover exam fees, prescription diets, or behavior modification costs.
No multipet discounts.
No coverage for wellness.
Healthy Paws offers pet owners a simplified insurance product for accident and illness coverage. Their straightforward approach to insurance and generous payout limits make them the number one choice for pet owners in all states.
The company allows you to set your deductible rate before you sign up and offers transparent pricing to help you decide what kind of coverage is best for you and your pet.
While Healthy Paws doesn’t provide wellness insurance, they do cover a wide range of diseases, conditions, and routine pet care costs. And, if you’re not satisfied after you sign up, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more about Healthy Paws by reading our review.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance coverage helps you pay for the cost of veterinary care. Most pet insurance policies cover accidents and illnesses, but there may be exclusions or limits on coverage for certain conditions.
Some policies also offer preventive care coverage, which can help offset the cost of routine vaccinations, checkups, and other preventive treatments.
Most policies reimburse you a percentage of your veterinary bill after you’ve paid the bill in full, although some companies will pay your veterinarian directly.
However, coverage levels and premiums can vary significantly from one insurer to the next, so it pays to do your research.
Best for Older Pets
Pros
Multipet discount of 10%.
24/7 telehealth line.
Coverage for prescription food and behavioral modification.
Unlimited coverage options.
Covers microchipping.
Covers preexisting conditions in certain cases.
Offers a low $100 deductible option.
Cons
Doesn’t pay vets directly.
14-day waiting period for accident coverage.
No customer support on the weekends.
Spot offers accident-only, accident and injury, and preventative care plans for dogs and cats of all ages. The company is a new player in the pet insurance space that is leading the way with its affordable plans and comprehensive coverage terms.
Their plans are designed to put your pet's health first and offer coverage for a range of illnesses and routine care needs.
Besides this, they also offer competitive rates for their various pet insurance plans and have no limit on how much you can claim each year. This makes them the ideal choice for anyone with older dogs or cats who wants to get coverage.
If you’d like to learn more about Spot’s plans and coverage, speak to one of our agents.
What Are Coverage Limits?
The coverage limit is the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay out for a covered incident or medical expenses related to an illness or injury. In some cases, it may also cover other costs such as boarding or grooming.
It is usually based on the age and breed of your pet, as well as the type of coverage you have.
In general, the higher the coverage limit, the higher the cost of coverage. However, this is not always the case, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies before deciding on a policy.
Best for Price
Pros
Quick claims processing and payouts.
Short waiting periods on accident coverage claims.
Affordable prices compared to other providers.
Offers applicants the ability to customize their coverage.
Discounts available for multiple pets and once-off premium payments.
Cons
No 24/7 telehealth line for pet owners.
Only available in 35 states and Washington DC.
Doesn’t cover exotic pets.
Base coverage doesn’t include exam fees.
Lemonade is another new pet insurance company that offers very affordable plans to cover your cat or dog. In the past five years, they have built a strong reputation for delivering excellent customer service, fast claims processing, and competitive prices.
They offer three base plans and depending on your pet’s needs, you can also get additional coverage through their Extended Accident and Illness package, and Preventative and Wellness package.
An added bonus is that a percentage of their profits is donated to an animal welfare organization of your choice each year.
Speak to one of our pet insurance agents to find out more about Lemonade’s pet coverage options.
What Won't Pet Insurance Cover?
In general, pet insurance will help to cover the cost of veterinary care caused by an accident or illness.
However, there are a number of exclusions that are common among policies. For example, most basic pet insurance policies will not cover preventive care, such as routine checkups.
Additionally, many policies will not cover preexisting conditions or genetic defects.
It is important to read the fine print of any policy before purchase to be sure that it meets your needs.
Choosing a Pet Insurance Plan
Finding a great pet insurance plan can be easy to do if you have the right approach. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you get the best deal and coverage for your pet.
Go over your budget and pet’s health care needs: Work out how much you’re happy to spend on coverage for your pet and calculate what their treatments have cost in the past. If you’ve recently moved, then you’ll also need to figure out what the local veterinary care costs are before you start looking for plans.
Get all of your documentation ready before you start looking for a plan: Put together all the documents that you’ll need to be approved for pet insurance, including your pet’s vaccination cards, previous veterinary bills, and ownership papers. Having these documents on hand can help you apply faster and answer any questions an agent may have.
Choose the type of coverage you want for your pet: Decide on the level of insurance you want to buy and make sure it’s within your budget. Once you have an idea of the insurance plan you want to get, start finding out what deals providers are offering in your area.
Read reviews and do your research: Search for different insurance providers online and see what other pet owners have been saying about their coverage, level of service, and overall experience. Use this information to start narrowing down your list of potential pet insurers.
Get quotes from different providers: Once you’ve got your list of potential pet insurers, you’ll want to start finding out what they offer and what they charge. Fill out applications online and compare prices and benefits to find a plan that fits your needs.
Use experienced help: If you’re struggling to find top pet insurance plans in your area, working with an insurance agent or marketplace like PolicyScout can save you a lot of time. Be sure to ask them questions about coverage and costs to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign your pet insurance contract: Once you’re happy with your plan and provider, ask them to send through an application for you to fill out. Pay your initial premium and other fees and your pet will be covered.
Pet Insurance Terms You Should Know
Premiums are monthly, annual, or once-off fees you’ll need to pay to get insurance coverage for your pet.
Deductibles are the amount of money that pet insurance payors must pay before their insurance will cover treatment and veterinary bills.
Maximum annual coverage limits are an annual limit on how much you can claim back from your insurance provider over one year of coverage.
Pet Insurance FAQs
Yes, by shopping around, you can find the policy that provides the best value for your money. Getting multiple quotes for pet insurance is the best way to see if you are getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Most pet insurance policies typically don't cover vaccinations or checkups. This means that you'll still be responsible for the full cost of your pet's regular care. Some pet insurance policies also have coverage exclusions, including preexisting conditions and hereditary disorders. For some people, pet insurance can be expensive, and it's important to weigh the cost of the premium against the potential benefits of having coverage.
Most pet insurance companies won’t cover any conditions that your pet has been diagnosed with before you take out a policy. This is because they class these as preexisting conditions. Some companies may make an exception for certain chronic conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period of time, but this is rare.
Pet insurance can be an invaluable way to maintain your cat’s health and well-being as they enter their golden years. While some issues can be resolved with a simple visit to the vet, others may require more extensive and expensive treatments. This is where pet insurance comes in. By enrolling your senior cat, you can offset the cost of unexpected veterinary bills.
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