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All the pet lovers out there know the pain of taking their sick or injured furball to the vet. And it’s not only an emotionally draining experience but also equally expensive. Veterinary care can be very unfriendly to the pet lovers pockets and it’s primarily in those tough situations where having a perennial financial safety net to fall back upon can be most helpful. It’s also in those emotionally difficult circumstances where you shouldn’t be deciding between the health of your pet and your own financial well-being.
A relatively newer form of insurance, the first pet policy was issued in 1982. The concept of pet insurance coverage is still not as well understood as other stereotypical ones such as property, renters, or life insurance.
As a completely unbiased rating of the Best Pet Insurance Companies of March 2023, among the top well researched 24 pet insurance companies we have finally concluded at our final listing of the Top 10 companies.
This all per insurance guide can assist to choose the best policy for your pet by explaining in detail how pet insurance works, what it does and doesn’t include in its cover, as well as what factors or pre-requisites will affect the pricing of varied policies.
4.1 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $36.54
Sample Premium for Cats – $16.51
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Spot is currently No. 1 among pet companies in the US based on factors such as unlimited coverage and the varied availability of policies for cats and dogs that seamlessly covers for both accident and illnesses, alongside provision of accident-only policies. However, a potential downside is that when submitting for claims, filling out claimant forms is required to be online.
Policies are charged with annual deductibles before reimbursement for expenses is applicable. Annual coverage limits also apply, when building the per policy, one can choose for unlimited annual coverage.
Average monthly cost is approx. of $36.54 for dogs and $16.51 for cats with Spot Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices may vary based on various factors, including the coverage options.
Bonus:
Annual wellness exam coverage can also be purchased, at an additional fee, and a preventive care package that comes in both: Gold and Platinum.
4.0 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $19.44
Sample Premium for Cats – $11.00
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Lemonade provides both accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs only. The least expensive in the country , Lemonade’s two-day waiting period for accidents tied with Embrace is also the shortest waiting period in the country . The downsides however is that Lemonade coverage is not available in all States nationwide. (Approx Barring 15 States).
It offers a basic policy that can be modified with its packages and add-ons. The basic policy covers only medical treatments for pet illness, including cancer, or injuries.
Average monthly cost of $19.44 for dogs and $11 for cats applies with Lemonade Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Including three different wellness plans plus enhanced accident/illness plan with reimbursement for vet exams for covered medical conditions.
3.9 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $70.12*
Sample Premium for Cats – $30.88*
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Trupanion Pet Insurance offer noteworthy feature include unlimited coverage alongside a per-incident deductible. The five-day waiting period for injuries is relatively shorter than most, but Trupanion has a longer 30-day waiting period for illnesses on the other hand.
Their plans cover congenital and breed-specific conditions with no symptoms present before the coverage began or interim the policy’s waiting period. Unlimited coverage with no worries about hitting a limit for covered conditions. The policy’s downside is that it doesn’t reimburse veterinary checkup fees, even for covered conditions.
Average monthly cost of $70.12 for dogs and $30.88 for cats. Actual prices vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Available add-ons include Pet Owner Assistance, which can cover boarding fees if a pet owner is also hospitalized, unintentional property damage caused by a pet, and advertising fees or a reward if a pet is lost or stolen. With an additional Recovery Care coverage for therapeutic services like acupuncture, behavioral therapy, and chiropractic and rehabilitation.
3.9 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $29.71
Sample Premium for Cats – $12.22
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
The insurer’s two-day waiting period for accidents is the shortest waiting period. On the other hand, there is a very long six-month waiting period for orthopedic issues. Also, if you use the mobile app to file claims, no form submission is required.
This Insurance offers 2 plans, accident-only and an accident and illness plan. After a $100 annual deductible, the accident-only plan covers 90% of veterinary bills for applicable situations, up to $5,000 per year. The general plan covers accidents and medical illnesses, including congenital conditions, dental illnesses, cancer, chronic conditions such as allergies and arthritis.
Average monthly cost of $29.71 for dogs and $12.22 for cats with Embrace Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
There’s an extra-cost option called Wellness Rewards that provides up to $650 in reimbursements in preventive care, including dental cleaning, nail trimming, and vaccinations.
3.8 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $44.37**
Sample Premium for Cats – $16.54**
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Covers accident-only policies and those including both accidents and illnesses. Its three-day waiting period for accident coverage is among the shortest. The six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament coverage is rather on the longer side. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. If using the mobile app to file your claims, no form submission is necessary.
The plans address three different levels, the most expensive adding coverage for veterinary exams, rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Deductibles are annual opposed to per incident. Pay premiums monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Average monthly cost of $26.89 for dogs and $11.93 for cats with Pets Best Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Separate option to add coverage for preventative care, including teeth cleaning and wellness checkups.
3.8 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $26.89
Sample Premium for Cats – $11.93
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Healthy Paws cover accidents and illnesses, not covering wellness and preventive-care plans. If accessing the website or mobile app, no claims forms needed. Upload a photo of your veterinary bill and submit for claim.
Comparatively limited coverage options. Its comprehensive coverage includes treatment for new accidents and illnesses, with hereditary and congenital conditions (following a waiting period) and chronic conditions. This Insurance has no caps on payouts, per-incident caps, annual caps, or lifetime caps.
Average monthly cost of $44.37 for dogs and $16.54 for cats with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on a number of factors, including coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Healthy Paws doesn’t have optional features but one can however customize the premium by changing the reimbursement rate and deductible.
3.7 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $56.74***
Sample Premium for Cats – $28.15***
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Nationwide offers accident and illness policies for cats and dogs including birds and other exotic pets, like reptiles, potbellied pigs, goats, and small mammals, like ferrets, rabbits, rats, and guinea pigs. Wellness policies are also available with insurance discounts to its current home or auto policy holders.
Nationwide does offer a few exceptions in covering preexisting conditions. If considered cured with no relapse symptoms in six months, they may become eligible for coverage again. A couple of downsides, however, are Nationwide’s policy has a maximum age limit of 10 years for enrollment, with higher rates.
Average monthly cost of $56.74 for dogs and $28.15 for cats with Nationwide Pet Insurance coverage ($250 annual deductible; $10,000 annual benefit limit). Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Whole Pet Wellness, Major Medical, Basic Wellness, and Avian and Exotic Pet — add-ons available to its plans. Customization further depends on the plan selected.
3.7 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $36.54
Sample Premium for Cats – $20.17
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance provides accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs including horses. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance licenses from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) but is not directly affiliated to it. One downside is that average claims processing is on the longer end, with upto 30 days of processing timeframe.
Policies for cats and dogs include accident and illness, including hereditary and congenital issues, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies (not all pet insurance companies cover this). Pet insurance also covers prescription medications and microchipping. Complete Coverage and Accident Only policies have annual deductibles and coverage limits, rather than per incident. Limits will automatically reset at the start of a new policy year.
Average monthly cost of $36.54 for dogs and $20.17 for cats with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Add extra pets for a 10% discount on each additional premium. It can be a cost-effective option on having multiple pets.
3.4 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $31.34
Sample Premium for Cats – $18.18
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Coverage includes for accidents and illnesses and may cover pre-existing conditions considered curable. Claims are settled in less than three business days.
Select coverage, customize the reimbursement and deductible, alongside additions and enhancements. Policyholders can select $5,000 or $10,000 in coverage limits or opt for unlimited annual benefits.
Average monthly cost of $31.34 for dogs and $18.18 for cats with Figo Pet Health Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus: Vet exams aren’t part of standard policies, only available as an option.
3.4 Rating
Info
Sample Premium for Dogs – $35.25
Sample Premium for Cats – $20.16
App Available: Yes
Pros:
Caveats:
Review Synopsis:
Fetch provides accident and illness policies with discounts available, including for members of AARP, active-duty and military veterans, as well as veterinarians and employees. Claims-free options for adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization. An annual wellness exam is mandatory for policy renewal.
Policies include both behavioral and physical therapy and vet exams for covered conditions, but no options available for wellness or preventative-care coverage. Save on premiums and avoid installment fees by paying quarterly or annually.
Average monthly cost of $35.25 for dogs and $20.16 for cats with Fetch by The Dodo Pet Health Insurance coverage. Actual prices will vary based on coverage options chosen.
Bonus:
Fetch does not offer cover any add-ons.
The value addition of a pet insurance is largely based on your personal needs and expectations. If your pet is undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, then it’s probably not for you as no company or agency covers medically treating pre-existing acute conditions.
But, when understanding your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and also that fits your budget and needs, be sure enough to consider the policy worth it.
Having years where you didn’t have to take your pet to the vet for anything other than an annual check-up and vaccinations, but if an unforeseen accident or illness occurs, a well thought over pet insurance will surely be worth the expense.
1) How many pets are insured in the US?
The number of insured pets in the US is continually growing. As of my last update, millions of pets were covered by pet insurance policies.
2) When did pet insurance start in the US?
Pet insurance in the US started gaining popularity in the early 1980s. However, it has seen significant growth in recent years as more pet owners recognize the value of coverage.
3) What is the most owned pet in the US?
Dogs are the most owned pets in the US, followed by cats. Other popular pets include fish, birds, and small mammals.
4) What are the advantages of pet insurance?
Pet insurance provides financial protection for veterinary expenses, ensuring that pet owners can afford necessary medical care for their pets in case of illness or injury.
5) Who created pet insurance?
The concept of pet insurance dates back to Sweden in the 1920s. The first official pet insurance policy was created by Claes Virgin, who founded Länsförsäkrings Alliance