Since many of us consider our animal companions family, it's no surprise that more than three million pets in the United States are covered by pet health insurance.1 We reviewed pet insurance companies on what matters to pet parents, such as coverage for preexisting conditions, waiting periods, and annual deductibles—pet insurance premiums are a bit harder to research since they vary so much.
Figo came out as top dog with three levels of insurance coverage that offer comprehensive pet insurance. Figo not only covers vet exam fees for injuries and accidents but also waives your copays for lifesaving treatments. Figo pet insurance plans also don’t exclude hip dysplasia, a common congenital condition for large breed dogs.
We also loved Figo’s cloud-based approach to storing your pet’s medical records and the way it uses the latest technology to coordinate reimbursing claims. All of these perks let pet owners stop worrying about the cost of vet bills and start focusing on helping pets enjoy a better quality of life.
Top pet insurance companies
- : Best overall
- : Best for dogs
- : Best for cats
- : Best for preventative care
- : Best for exotic pets
Compare the best pet insurance plans
|
Plan
|
Best for
|
Price
 |
Deductible
(term) |
Number of plans
|
Unlimited payout available
|
Learn more
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Best overall | Varies | $100–$750 (annual) |
3 |
 On top tier |
View on Figo |
 |
Best for dogs | Varies | $0–$1,000 (per condition, lifetime) |
1 |
Yes |
View on Trupanion |
 |
Best for cats | Varies | $100–$1,000 (annual) |
1 |
Yes |
View on Healthy Paws |
 |
Best for preventative care | Varies | $100–$1,000 (annual) |
1 |
On top tier |
View on Embrace |
 |
Best for exotic pets | Varies | $250 (per condition, annual) |
3 |
On top tier |
View on Nationwide |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1. Figo: Best overall
Figo Pet Insurance has a broad range of pet insurance plans and is one of the only pet insurance companies that offers up to 100% reimbursement based on the vet bill you receive.
Choose up to 100% reimbursement Exam fees covered (higher-tier plans) No copay for life-saving care Cloud-based pet healthcare management
Higher premiums for standard plan Up to 30 days for reimbursement No wellness care coverageFigo has three plans, each with a different annual deductible. No matter which plan you choose, Figo waives the copay in the event your pet needs life-saving treatment.
Figo also offers cloud-based, paperless medical records, with automatic reminders for immunizations and streamlined reimbursements. Figo’s pet cloud even has geolocation in case your microchipped furry friend goes missing.
Figo has a relatively short waiting period until coverage kicks in and a wide range of discounts available for service pets, military and veteran animals, and adopted shelter pets. And as long as your dog’s congenital or preexisting condition has been cured for 12 months, they won’t be excluded from coverage.
You’ll also be impressed with Figo’s exceptional customer service and stellar industry reputation. Figo does have higher priced premiums for basic coverage, a 30-day reimbursement turn around, and no wellness care coverage. But given all the perks your tail-wagger will receive, Figo premiums pack exceptional value.
2. Trupanion: Best for dogs
Lifetime deductible per condition Direct payments to your vet 90% reimbursement No lifetime or annual limits
No wellness or preventive care No coverage for exam fees Higher premiumsThis pet insurance company also has a unique deductible that lets you pay a lifetime amount per condition. Once your deductible is met, Trupanion coverage will kick in for the rest of your dog’s life. This can be particularly useful for dog breeds prone to chronic conditions like allergies or hip dysplasia.
Trupanion offers only one plan, but it pays 90% of eligible expenses with no lifetime or annual limits. However, exam fees and preventative care aren’t eligible for reimbursement.
While Trupanion has slightly higher premiums, you’ll save in the long run if you have a young pup or a purebred dog prone to certain conditions that require regular treatment.
3. Healthy Paws: Best for cats
Healthy Paws keeps it simple for furry friends of both the canine and feline persuasion with one unlimited plan. And Healthy Paws insurance plans do exactly what they state with unlimited lifetime benefits once you meet your annual deductible.
Unlimited lifetime benefits Top-rated cat insurance Great customer service Fast claims processing
Poor hip dysplasia coverage Longer waiting periodHealthy Paws boasts awards as the best-rated cat insurance for the past several years. However, the significant limitations on hip dysplasia make Healthy Paws an unattractive choice for dog owners, especially those with large breeds.
Despite the limitations on common dog conditions, this pet insurance company has a excellent industry reputation and solid customer service ratings. Healthy Paws also provides fast claims processing with about a two-day turnaround for most reimbursements.
While there is a longer initial waiting period after enrollment compared to other pet insurance providers, we think you’ll find the comprehensive coverage from Healthy Paws worth the wait.
More pet insurance plans we considered
If you’ve got a special situation, we’ve got you covered with more options for pets of all different sizes and species.
4. Embrace Pet Insurance: Best for preventative care
When it comes to healthcare, prevention is half the battle and our furry companions are no different. Embrace is a great option for preventative health insurance.
And if you want pet healthcare coverage that includes a wellness plan, Embrace should top your list. Embrace even offers wellness rewards accounts that are like flex spending for your pet with perks you can put toward nail trims and dental cleanings.
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Best for exotic pets
If it slithers, flies, or creeps, Nationwide probably has a pet insurance plan to cover it. Nationwide has the best breed variety coverage on this list, offering plans specifically designed for exotic pets like birds, lizards, snakes, and even potbellied pigs.
Nationwide Pet Insurance covers examinations, lab fees, prescriptions, X-rays, and hospitalizations for 23 different kinds of animals, including dogs and cats.
Things to consider before buying pet health insurance
Age and breed
The cost of your pet insurance policy is going to depend on a few variables, but the most significant will be the age and breed of your pet. Just like people, older animals are prone to more serious health problems and cost more to insure. Certain dog breeds can also have high incidents of chronic conditions that mean a lifetime of prescription medications and recurring surgeries. Shop around to find the best rate, but be aware that some pets are more expensive to insure than others.
Preexisting and congenital conditions
If your dog or cat has a preexisting condition, they can probably still get coverage, but any costs associated with that condition will not be covered by pet insurance. Look for policies that have exceptions for congenital conditions that have been cured for a certain time period and dig into what you’ll have to provide to prove your pet is in good health.
Deductibles and premiums
As with most pet insurance costs, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium and vice versa. Look to strike a balance between a monthly payment you can afford and an annual deductible that won’t break the bank when an accident or illness occurs. Monthly premiums and deductibles can also vary considerably depending on the rate of reimbursement you select.
Wellness and preventive care
While it’s not standard in most pet insurance policies, wellness and preventative care is a key factor in controlling costs and keeping your pet healthy. If you’re caring for a young dog or cat you expect to be a lifetime companion, paying a bit more for wellness coverage from an insurance provider may reap dividends through a longer and better quality of life for your pet.
FAQ
When it comes to whether you’ll pay more with or without pet insurance in the long run, the short answer is that it depends. For certain pets, you’ll pay more in monthly premiums than you’ll incur in medical costs and vet bills.
Younger, healthier pets tend to be relatively inexpensive to insure and if they end up with chronic conditions later in life, insurance will have been a fabulous investment.
No pet insurance plans cover costs associated with preexisting conditions. However, many insurance plans will agree to cover your pet for other health costs and concerns if a congenital condition has been cured for at least a year.
If your pet has a preexisting condition like allergies or hip dysplasia, it pays to shop around.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip bone doesn’t sit fully within the hip socket, leading it to become dislocated more easily. This is a condition that is common in dogs and is usually a birth defect, specifically in larger dog breeds like mastiffs, retrievers, and St. Bernards.
Pet Assure is not a pet insurance plan but a discount plan for pet owners who sign up and go to network providers to receive discounted veterinary care. It includes a wide variety of services such as dental cleanings, spay and neutering, and even vaccinations.
How we reviewed the best pet insurance plans
As pet parents, we appreciate that pets are family, so we approached finding the best pet insurance plans with that in mind. We screened for the best pet insurance companies that were widely available across the United States with solid reputations via Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
Using expert advice about coverage and deductibles, we worked to find not just the best value but the best care for your animal companion. Want to bite off more than you can chew? You can find our full methodology here.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of The Industry Report 2021,
"Section #2: Total Pets Insured," May 2021. Accessed on April 7, 2022. - North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of The Industry Report 2021,
"Section #3: Average Premiums," May 2021. Accessed on April 7, 2022.
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