Top 10 Best Pet Insurance Plans for Dogs and Cats
When choosing the best pet insurance, consider a company’s deductible and reimbursement rate, as well as whether its coverage limits are annual or per-condition. Annual coverage limits have one deductible that resets each year, while per-condition policies have a deductible for each individual incident.
Also, check for a labyrinth of exclusions (e.g., hip dysplasia for pets enrolled after age six) and long waiting periods.
- ASPCA
The ASPCA is one of the best pet insurance providers, offering comprehensive policies at reasonable prices. Its insurance plans cover all types of veterinarian visits, including alternative therapies such as physical therapy and herbal remedies. Its plans also include specialized pet food and prescription medication. And unlike many pet insurers, it doesn’t place age restrictions on its coverage.
The company’s deductible, reimbursement level and annual coverage limit are all competitive with those of its peers. But it stands out for its ability to quickly pay vet bills directly, which saves pet owners money and reduces the stress of waiting on reimbursement checks. This is a feature that only some insurers offer.
Other pet insurance companies require you to pay for veterinary expenses until they reach your deductible and then reimburse you a percentage of the bill. This can be especially stressful for pet owners when it comes to large or emergency veterinary expenses. But the ASPCA offers its policyholders a $0 deductible option, which makes it easier for pet owners to get coverage for their pets’ veterinary expenses.
Another advantage of the ASPCA’s policies is that it covers all breeds, sizes and ages of cats and dogs, as well as exotic pets such as reptiles. The other top companies typically limit their policies to only common breeds and age ranges, which can make them less appealing to some pet owners.
Unlike some pet insurers, the ASPCA does not exclude illnesses that are a result of owner neglect, such as failure to provide routine vaccinations. However, it does exclude illness or injuries caused by organized fighting, racing and guarding.
Most pet insurance companies work via reimbursement, which means you have to submit a claim and wait for the insurer to review it before sending you a check. This process can take days or weeks, and can be stressful if you’re dealing with an expensive emergency vet visit. But Lemonade’s unique direct pay model allows you to submit a claim within minutes and receive your reimbursement within hours, which is much more efficient than the typical process.
- Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws is a well-established pet insurance provider that has been around for more than a decade. It offers a simple accident and illness policy with unlimited annual and lifetime payouts and no limits on claims. It also provides a fairly easy claim filing experience, with most reimbursements processed in less than 48 hours. Additionally, the company operates a foundation that helps sick and homeless pets, which is something we look for in our top picks for best pet insurance providers.
All new Healthy Paws policyholders are required to submit a clinical exam conducted by their veterinarian. The policy will not be activated until the exam is complete. This is a common requirement among pet insurance providers, but it may be a concern for those looking for pet insurance that can start working as soon as their pet’s first veterinary visit.
Additionally, Healthy Paws does not offer wellness coverage, which can help cover preventative care like annual exams, vaccines, and heartworm medications. While it is an option that many people seek out in their search for the best pet insurance, we don’t consider it essential to a good pet insurance plan and so we did not include it in our rankings.
Healthy Paws offers a few customization options for your policy, such as changing your deductible or the amount of the annual maximum per incident. However, it doesn’t offer the discounts that you will find in our top picks for best pet insurance companies, such as multi-pet, military, and breeder discounts.
While Healthy Paws covers most new accidents and illnesses without a waiting period, it does require a 14-day wait for hip dysplasia coverage on policies that start before your pet’s sixth birthday. This is a common waiting period for hip and knee conditions, but it is not the shortest that you will find with any pet insurance provider.
While Healthy Paws is a great choice for those looking for basic accident and illness coverage, it didn’t make our top five because of its lack of options for plan customization and an inability to differentiate between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. In addition, its yearly and lifetime caps on payouts are higher than those of our top picks.
- Trupanion
Trupanion is a pet insurance company founded and run by pet lovers. Their commitment to caring for pets and excellent customer service has helped them become one of the fastest growing pet insurance companies in North America. With over 500,000 insured pets and nearly $1 billion paid out in claims, they are one of the best choices for comprehensive accident and illness coverage.
Their veterinary policies include coverage for diagnostic testing, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, supplements, and more. In addition to offering a range of benefits, they also have low deductibles and no payout limits per condition, year or lifetime. They also pay veterinarians directly, so pet owners don’t have to come up with the cash and wait for reimbursement.
While their premiums are on the higher end of the spectrum compared to other insurers, they offer some features that make them worth the cost. For example, their deductible policy is unique in the industry, and they don’t have any payout limits for chronic conditions like arthritis. Additionally, they have a money-back guarantee in eligible states and are the only pet insurer to reimburse vets for services before submitting a claim.
The only drawbacks to using Trupanion are the long waiting periods—five days for accidents and 30 days for illnesses—and the exclusions, which include preexisting conditions or diseases that showed symptoms before the start of the coverage period. They also exclude some routine care like wellness exams, dental cleanings and vaccines.
Another benefit to using Trupanion is their customer support, which includes a live chat feature, email, phone and even an app. Their representatives are knowledgeable about the products they sell and can answer any questions you might have. They can also help you decide which plan is the best fit for your pet’s needs and budget.
Unlike most pet insurance companies, Trupanion offers a free trial period for new customers. This gives you the opportunity to try out their insurance with a participating veterinarian or shelter and see how it works for your pet. Then, if you’re not satisfied with the results, you can cancel your policy with no fees or charges.
- Figo
Figo is an option for pet parents who want unique technological benefits and a 100% reimbursement. However, its relatively high premiums can make it more expensive than some other providers. Figo’s customizable plans allow you to adjust coverage limits and deductibles. You can also add optional riders to cover wellness, veterinary exam fees and prescription medication.
Like many other pet insurance providers, Figo covers accidents, illnesses, emergency care, X-rays, cat scans, MRIs, rehabilitation and dental treatment. It doesn’t, however, offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, euthanasia or cremation services. It does, however, provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out and see if it works for your family.
The Figo app lets you manage your policy and submit claims. It includes an AI claims assistant, which can answer basic questions and help you navigate the process. You can also use the app to store digital records and connect with a licensed veterinarian at any time. Figo’s Pet Cloud offers additional tech-forward features, from telehealth to networking with fellow pet parents.
Figo’s wellness coverage, which is an optional add-on, covers annual exams, vaccines and spaying/neutering. It also reimburses for teeth cleaning and dietary dental supplements. But, it does require an annual dental exam at the owner’s expense.
To get a quote, you’ll need to enter your pet’s name, age, sex and breed. You’ll also need to choose your annual benefit and deductible. You can also add optional coverages, such as veterinary exam fee reimbursement and physical therapy. Like most other pet insurance companies, Figo offers no upper age limit. However, it does have a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage and a six-month waiting period for orthopedic coverage. Lastly, you’ll need to fill out an online application. Depending on the state and situation, Figo may ask you to provide medical records or other information before approving your pet for coverage. Some states have a maximum pet insurance limit, so check your state’s regulations before applying for Figo.
Conclusion:
Pet insurance can be a great investment for pet owners who want to ensure that their furry friends receive the best possible medical care without breaking the bank. After researching various pet insurance plans for dogs and cats, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best pet insurance plans based on coverage options, customer reviews, and affordability.
- Healthy Paws
- Petplan
- Trupanion
- Nationwide
- Embrace
- ASPCA
- Figo
- Pets Best
- Lemonade
- AKC Pet Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of health insurance for pets that helps cover the cost of unexpected veterinary care. Pet insurance plans typically cover things like accidents, illnesses, and routine care.
- Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet insurance can be a worthwhile investment for pet owners who want to ensure that their pets receive the best possible medical care without breaking the bank. The cost of pet insurance is generally less expensive than paying for unexpected veterinary bills out of pocket.
- What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance plans vary in coverage options, but typically cover things like accidents, illnesses, and routine care. Some plans may also cover things like alternative therapies and prescription medications.
- How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on factors like the pet’s age, breed, and overall health, as well as the coverage options selected. On average, pet insurance plans can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per month.
- How do I choose the right pet insurance plan?
When choosing a pet insurance plan, it’s important to consider factors like coverage options, customer reviews, and affordability. Look for plans that offer comprehensive coverage, have a good reputation among customers, and fit within your budget.
