By Mel Lee-Smith
Published: 09/08/2021, edited: 12/30/2021
Save on pet insurance for your pet
You don't have to choose between your pet and your wallet when it comes to expensive vet visits. Prepare ahead of time for unexpected vet bills by finding the pawfect pet insurance.
Overview
Applying for pet insurance quotes and reading the fine print of sample policies is enough to drive any pet parent barking mad. With virtually every pet insurance company promising their plans are the best of the bunch, how do you choose the right one?
Don't fret. We've done the hard work for you and sniffed out the top pet insurance providers for 2022 (and beyond). Every provider on our list offers extra perks, like 24/7 veterinary hotlines and direct payments to your vet. Let's dig in!
Pets Best
With annual deductibles as low as $50 and the option to choose your reimbursement rate and policy limit, Pets Best is the "ultimutt" option for pet parents seeking a customizable policy.
Multi-pet discounts, wellness add-ons, and a convenient mobile app are just a few perks you'll enjoy when you choose Pets Best. Some plans even cover exam fees and prescriptions, and pets of all ages are eligible for coverage.
Read our full Pets Best review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Embrace
If you're looking for an all-inclusive pet insurance plan, look no further than Embrace. Dental illnesses, parasitic infections, and alternative therapies like acupuncture are just a few conditions and treatments eligible for coverage.
Unlike many pet insurance companies, Embrace only reviews the last 12 months of your pet's medical history to determine what counts as a pre-existing condition. If your dog doesn't show symptoms or require treatment for a previously diagnosed condition for 12 months, that condition will become eligible for coverage again.
Embrace also offers one of the most comprehensive wellness plans on the market. It covers grooming, anal gland expression, preventative dental cleanings, and so much more.
Read our full Embrace review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Lemonade
The cool thing about Lemonade is that it offers so much more than just pet insurance for your doggie. This one-stop provider has got pet parents covered with home, rental, and life insurance policies.
In addition to the standard accident and illness coverage, Lemonade's pet health insurance policies include live-chat access to trusted veterinary professionals.
Plus, when you enroll, you can rest easy knowing you're supporting a good cause. Lemonade donates to The Humane Society and other animal rights organizations. Talk about lending a helping paw!
Read our full Lemonade review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
ManyPets
ManyPets is a "furrific" choice for pet parents looking for a plan that covers 100% of vet costs. Low annual deductibles also mean you'll pay less for your pet's care out of pocket. ManyPets will even cover pre-existing conditions, as long as they haven't caused symptoms or required treatment for 18 months.
ManyPets' wellness plan is worth a look for pet parents who want coverage for supplements and other holistic care. Just note that ManyPets is currently only available in select US states.
Read our full ManyPets review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Spot
Spot's flexible plans let you choose from different deductibles, coverage limits, and reimbursement rates. If you're not satisfied with your policy, you can cancel within 30 days to get your money back.
Spot also lets you submit claims with 270 days of treatment — a much longer window than most other providers. Payout limits don't apply, which means you don't have to stress about exceeding your eligible vet costs.
If your pet is at risk of developing a pre-existing condition, Spot's plans might be worth a look. Although a 14-day waiting period applies, Spot is more flexible than other providers. Conditions and symptoms that are diagnosed during the waiting period won't count as pre-existing after 180 days as long as they've been fully cured and symptoms don't reappear. (This doesn't apply to conditions that affect the knees or ligaments.)
Read our full Spot Pet Insurance review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Healthy Paws
A close second to Trupanion is Healthy Paws, which covers up to 90% of vet bills. Healthy Paws keeps things simple with 3 annual deductible amounts and 3 reimbursement rates to choose from. Like Trupanion, Healthy Paws doesn't enforce any coverage limits.
The Healthy Paws app makes it quick and easy to submit a claim. Healthy Paws says 99% of claims are processed within 2 days — a promise that's backed up by hundreds of reviews from happy pet parents.
Some wellness treatments are also covered under Healthy Paws' policies, including acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and physical therapy. No add-ons needed!
Read our full HealthyPaws review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
TrustedPals
TrustedPals is a "grrreat" choice for pet parents searching for a comprehensive accident and illness policy with the option to add on wellness coverage.
Everybody loves a good discount, and TrustedPals offers more than most pet insurance providers. If you're insuring multiple pets, are a veteran or active in the military, or work in the veterinary or first-response fields, you're eligible for 5% off your monthly premium.
Like Lemonade, TrustedPals also supports worthy causes, donating 1% of all profits to caring for pets after a natural disaster. The TrustedSpotter program also offers pet tags that help reunite lost pets with their families.
Read our full TrustedPals review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Figo
Are you the proud parent of a senior pet? Consider taking out a pet insurance policy with Figo. This insurer doesn't impose maximum age limits, which means pets of all ages are eligible.
As well as covering accidents, illnesses, and preventative care, Figo offers a feature-packed app that pet parents will love. With the Pet Cloud app, you can live chat with a vet 24/7 and even access your pet's medical records.
Read our full Figo review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Toto
With 3 policy options and 2 wellness add-ons, Toto provides a range of coverage options for pet parents on a budget. Unlike some providers, Toto covers exam fees associated with accidents and illnesses as well as a portion of end-of-life costs. The handy Breed Cost Calculator makes it easy to predict the amount you'll pay in vet care costs throughout your pet's life.
Read our full Toto review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Trupanion
Trupanion is currently the only pet insurance provider in the US that will pay your veterinarian directly. With Trupanion's Express software, your vet can submit your claim and get paid before you even leave the office!
If your vet clinic doesn't use Trupanion's software, it's quick and easy to install. And if, for some reason, your vet isn't able to use it, you can still submit your claim online, or via email or fax. Trupanion will direct-deposit your reimbursement or send you a check in the mail.
In addition to adjustable deductibles and customizable plans, Trupanion also offers 2 pet insurance add-ons. One covers alternative wellness treatments like hydrotherapy and rehabilitation, while the other offers pet liability insurance.
Trupanion's policies also don't impose coverage limits, which means you don't have to worry about exceeding your payout amount. Instead of paying an annual deductible, you'll pay a deductible per condition. Once you've met that deductible, Trupanion will cover 90% of vet care costs for that condition for the rest of your fur-baby's life.
Read our full Trupanion review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Prudent Pet
Prudent Pet's 3 insurance plans provide different levels of coverage, giving you more flexibility in financing your pet's care. The Ultimate plan is the most comprehensive, covering extra pet care costs like boarding fees and the reward for a lost pet.
You can also choose from 2 wellness add-ons that cover preventative treatments and veterinary exam fees associated with eligible accidents and illnesses. All 3 plans come with 24/7 access to a veterinarian via live chat.
Read our full Prudent Pet review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Petplan
Petplan is a good option for pet parents looking for a simple plan without fancy add-ons. With average monthly premiums of just $35 for dogs and $35 for cats, Petplan is super affordable.
Like most pet insurance companies, Petplan's policies cover the usual accidents and illnesses and also provide extra perks. Behavioral therapy, alternative treatments, and even virtual vet care are covered. The Petplan app also makes it easy to file a claim and update your pet's information.
Read our full Petplan review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Nationwide
A "furrific" choice for households with furry, feathery, and scaly family members alike, Nationwide is one of few providers that covers "exotic" pets like rabbits, snakes, and ferrets.
Five plans are available with Nationwide, offering various levels of coverage. The Whole Pet plan is the most comprehensive, covering most congenital and hereditary conditions. Nationwide's wellness add-on also covers vaccinations, microchipping, and diagnostic tests.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nationwide launched vethelpline®, a 24/7 service that connects pet parents with licensed veterinarians. Nationwide pet insurance policyholders can contact a vet anytime via email, phone, or live chat with general questions and urgent care concerns.
Read our full Nationwide review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
AKC Pet Insurance
AKC isn't operated by the American Kennel Club, but it's "pawfect" for purebred pups!
Pedigree dogs that register with the American Kennel Club are eligible for a 30-day insurance package with AKC Pet Insurance. This plan comes with a $100 deductible and $500 incident limit — making it a "grrreat" option for pet parents who are still hesitant about investing in pet insurance.
Policyholders whose dogs are AKC Canine Good Citizens or purchased from AKC Breeders of Merit also qualify for exclusive discounts.
Offering a range of deductible amounts, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits, AKC lets you create a policy that fits your budget. In addition to the standard accident and illness plan, AKC Pet Insurance also offers valuable add-ons that cover exam fees, wellness treatments, and hereditary conditions.
Read our full AKC Pet Insurance review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Honorable mentions
The brands featured in this section are technically pet insurance alternatives. While they provide financial assistance with accidents and illnesses just like other pet insurers, they operate a little differently.
Pawp
Pawp is a telehealth pet care service that gives pet parents 24/7 access to veterinary advice. For just $19 a month, pet parents get unlimited texts and video calls they can use to ask questions about everything from bad behavior to dietary concerns.
One membership perk is the $3,000 emergency fund. Unlike most pet insurance providers, Pawp's emergency fund covers pets with pre-existing conditions and doesn't require you to pay a dime out of pocket.
All you need to do is video chat with a Pawp vet to confirm your emergency and activate your funds. Then, visit your vet within 4 hours of the call and get treatment. After the appointment, ask your vet's receptionist to call Pawp's emergency fund hotline, and Pawp will pay your bill before you leave the office.
You can use the emergency fund once per year, but only for emergencies. Up to 6 pets are covered under one subscription. Read our full Pawp review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Eusoh
Eusoh is a cost-sharing platform that lets you lend a helping paw to other pet parents. Unlike traditional pet insurance, Eusoh's members "only pay for costs after they happen." Here's how it works:
- After signing up for Eusoh, you'll pay a $48 deposit and $17 monthly subscription fee.
- You'll join an expense-sharing group and maintain your deposit to help cover other members' expenses.
- Each time a group member submits an expense, small portions of your deposit are deducted to help cover it.
- You'll top up your deposit each month to keep your balance at $48.
Every group member must pay a 20% member share toward their own vet bills, plus an annual deductible. Read our full Eusoh review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Pet Assure
Pet Assure is a monthly subscription service that provides discounts on qualifying services at participating veterinary clinics. You can use Pet Assure alongside your insurance plan to ease the financial burden of out-of-pocket vet costs.
Your vet will apply your Pet Assure discount at the time of the service — no deductibles, claims, or reimbursements involved. You can save up to 25% on everything from vaccinations and lab work to surgery and cancer treatment.
Some restrictions apply. Read our full Pet Assure review for more information on how much it costs, how to apply, and more.
Still on the fence about pet insurance?
Not sure which policy is right for your budget and your pet's needs? Compare leading pet insurance companies with Wag! Wellness. In partnership with Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets you compare best pet insurance plans from leading companies like Embrace and Lemonade. Find the right match for your companions in just a few clicks!