Reviews Report
- Independent 2025 roundups consistently highlight Embrace and Figo as balanced, top‑value picks, with Trupanion standing out for direct‑to‑vet payments and no annual payout limits; Nationwide’s 2024 pause of new pet policy sales changed the shopping landscape (Wirecutter; Forbes Advisor; AP).
- Average accident & illness premiums run roughly mid‑$50s/month for dogs and low‑$30s/month for cats, per industry data covering 2023 results published in 2024 (NAPHIA).
- Veterinary services inflation has outpaced overall CPI since 2021, pressuring premiums and driving more flexible plan designs (e.g., adjustable deductibles/reimbursement, optional exam‑fee riders) (BLS Veterinary Services CPI; J.D. Power).
Pet owners and experts agree: pet insurance is worth it. Industry benchmarks show typical accident & illness premiums around the mid‑$50s for dogs and low‑$30s for cats, with actual quotes varying by pet, location, and plan (NAPHIA). With veterinary prices rising faster than overall inflation, coverage can help prevent tough trade‑offs between care and cost (BLS Veterinary Services CPI).
To help you find the best pet insurance policy for your pet and budget, we emphasized 2025‑relevant factors: coverage breadth (dental illness, behavioral care, hereditary conditions), exam‑fee options, waiting periods (including orthopedic/ACL), claim speed and any direct‑to‑vet payments, digital tools, and price flexibility. We also considered recent satisfaction research on price and claims experience (J.D. Power).
Based on these findings, here are our top six pet insurance providers.
The 6 Best Pet Insurance Companies
- Figo: Best for Technology — Optional 100% reimbursement in many states, 24/7 Live Vet, modern app and unlimited annual limit options (Figo coverage; Wirecutter).
- Petplan®: Best for Boarding Emergencies — Now branded Fetch by The Dodo in many materials; known for strong dental‑illness and behavioral coverage options alongside core A&I benefits (Forbes Advisor).
- Nationwide®: Best for Birds and Exotic Pets — Broad species eligibility historically; note Nationwide paused new pet policy sales in 2024 (AP).
- Geico: Best for Pet Insurance Discounts — Coverage administered by Embrace, which includes exam fees and offers the $50 “Healthy Pet Deductible” credit each claim‑free year (Embrace).
- Healthy Paws®: Best for Fast Claims Processing — Simple plan with unlimited annual payout and a long track record of quick digital reimbursements (Consumer Reports).
- Pet Assure: Best for Pre-Existing Conditions — Not insurance; a 25% in‑network discount program with few exclusions.
Compare the Best Pet Insurance Companies
| Reviews.com Score | Vet Exam Fees Covered | Reimbursement Rate | Deductible | |
| Figo | — | Optional add-on (varies by state) | 70%–100% | $100–$750 |
| Petplan | — | Yes, for sick/injury exams and virtual exams | 70%–90% | $250–$500 |
| Nationwide | — | Varies by plan | 50%–90% | $250–$500 |
| Geico | — | Yes (through Embrace) | 70%–90% | $100–$1,000 |
| Healthy Paws | — | No | 70%–90% | $100–$1,000 |
| Pet Assure | N/A* | Yes | 25% discount | None |
Information current as of 2025. *Pet Assure is a discount plan, not insurance; Reviews.com score not applicable. Notes: Geico’s coverage is administered by Embrace (Embrace). Nationwide paused sales of new pet insurance policies in 2024; existing policyholders remain covered (AP). Trupanion is a 2025 standout for direct‑to‑vet payment, fixed 90% reimbursement, no annual caps, and per‑condition lifetime deductibles (Trupanion coverage).
Best for User Technology
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Optional 100% reimbursement (state-dependent)
- Intuitive app and 24/7 tele-vet
- Unlimited annual limit available
Cons
- Exam fees require add-on in many states
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Preventive care is separate (wellness add-ons)
What’s Covered
- Illness/accidents, diagnostics, surgery, rehab/PT
- Hereditary/congenital conditions (if not pre-existing)
- Emergency care/hospitalization
- Prescriptions
- Knee/hip conditions (waiting periods may apply)
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions
- Preventive care unless on wellness add-on
- Births/pregnancy
- Exam fees without optional rider (in many states)
Best for Boarding in Emergencies
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- No age limits
- Sick exam fees covered
- Dental-illness and behavioral coverage options
Cons
- Doesn’t cover preventive care under A&I
- Orthopedic waiting periods may apply
- Pre-existing conditions excluded
What’s Covered
- Illness/accidents
- Hereditary/congenital conditions
- Prescriptions
- Surgery/rehabilitation
- Diagnostics/imaging/ultrasounds
- Advertising/reward costs
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions
- Preventive care (unless on wellness add-on)
- Elective procedures
Best for Exotic Pets & Birds
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Exotic pets and bird coverage
- Covers preventative care (select plans)
- Multi-pet discount
Cons
- Lower reimbursement tiers possible
- Orthopedic waiting periods may apply
- New policy sales paused in 2024
What’s Covered
- Illness/accidents
- Hereditary/congenital conditions (varies by plan)
- Prescriptions and diagnostics
- Surgery/rehabilitation
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions
- Hip dysplasia or hereditary issues may have limits (by plan)
Best for Discounts
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Flexible, customizable coverage via Embrace
- Multiple discounts
Cons
- Service administered by a third-party (Embrace)
- State-specific waiting periods apply (orthopedic for dogs)
- Pre-existing conditions excluded
What’s Covered
- Accidents and illnesses (not pre-existing)
- Exam fees included (A&I)
- Dental illness, behavioral and alternative therapies (per policy terms)
- Optional wellness add-ons
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cosmetic procedures and breeding/pregnancy
- Prescription diets under medical plan
Best for Claims Processing
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Fast claims processing and payments
- Unlimited annual payout
- Online quote and comparisons
Cons
- Doesn’t cover exam fees
- Hip dysplasia coverage may be limited by age at enrollment
- No wellness add-ons
What’s Covered
- Illness/accidents
- Hereditary/congenital conditions (if not pre-existing)
- Emergency care/hospitalization
- Surgery and diagnostics
Exclusions
- Preventive treatment
- Examination fee
- Pre-existing conditions
Best for Pre-Existing Conditions
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- All animals covered
- No deductibles or usage limits
- Money-back guarantee
- No waiting
Cons
- Not full pet insurance
- No medication or prescription discounts at some clinics
What’s Covered
- Pre-existing conditions (discount applies)
- Medical procedures and sick visits (in-network)
Exclusions
Out-of-network providers (no discount)
Pet Insurance: What You Need to Know
Pet insurance works like health insurance for people: after you meet your deductible, the insurer reimburses a set percentage of covered costs. In 2025, most plans offer 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement, with some as low as 50% or up to 100% (Figo). Typical annual deductibles span about $100–$1,000, though some carriers offer $0 to $2,500 options; Trupanion uses a per‑condition lifetime deductible with a fixed 90% payout and no annual caps (Figo; MetLife; Trupanion).
Many of the best pet insurance providers we reviewed have deductibles — similar to other types of insurance like car insurance, homeowners insurance, or health insurance — that pet owners must reach before insurance kicks in. Typical reimbursement choices are 70%–90%, and common annual deductibles range from about $100 to $1,000; one major carrier (Trupanion) uses a per‑condition lifetime deductible with a fixed 90% payout and no annual caps (Trupanion).
For example, if you have a $500 deductible plan and a 90% reimbursement rate when you discover your dog is sick. After a trip to the vet, your bill is $1,000. After paying your $500 deductible, your insurance will cover 90% of the last $500 — or $450 — so you only end up paying $550.
What pet insurance covers
Accident & illness policies generally cover diagnostics (X‑rays, MRIs, bloodwork), treatments/surgeries, hospitalization, and prescriptions. Most leading plans also cover hereditary/congenital conditions if not pre‑existing; many now include or offer add‑ons for dental illness, behavioral therapy, rehab/alternative therapies, and even end‑of‑life benefits depending on the carrier (Embrace; Lemonade coverage; ASPCA coverage).
Some carriers support direct‑to‑vet payments to reduce upfront costs (notably Trupanion’s Vet Direct Pay), and most now provide mobile‑first claim tools with fast digital reimbursements. Optional vet exam‑fee coverage is common, but inclusion varies by brand and state (Trupanion Express; Wirecutter).
- Prescriptions
- Ultrasounds
- Bloodwork
- Emergency vet visits
- Illnesses except pre-existing conditions
- Dental issues
- Congenital or hereditary conditions
- Medical procedures and surgery
- X-rays
- Accidents and injuries
- Rehabilitation after surgery
Common pet insurance exclusions
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded industry‑wide. Many brands distinguish curable vs. incurable pre‑existing conditions; for example, ASPCA may cover certain curable conditions after 180 symptom‑ and treatment‑free days (knees/hips typically excepted). Exam fees are not universally covered (some include them, others require an add‑on or exclude), and prescription diets/supplements are commonly excluded under medical coverage (ASPCA pre‑existing conditions; Embrace; Lemonade).
Orthopedic waiting periods for dogs (e.g., cruciate ligament issues) are common and often around six months unless you complete a qualifying orthopedic exam/waiver where available (Embrace). Trupanion excludes exam fees and uses a 5‑day accident/30‑day illness waiting period; wellness and preventive care (vaccinations, spay/neuter) are typically available only via separate add‑ons or plans (Embrace; Trupanion).
Further Reading
Pet Insurance FAQ
Pet Insurance Methodology
We evaluated pet insurers on coverage (including hereditary/behavioral/dental illness), exclusions and waiting periods (especially orthopedic/ACL and bilateral rules), deductibles and reimbursement flexibility, payout limits (including unlimited options), digital claims experience and direct‑to‑vet payment availability, price benchmarks, and customer satisfaction signals. We incorporated current industry data and independent evaluations, including NAPHIA, J.D. Power, Wirecutter, and Forbes Advisor.
- Coverage and exclusions: Priority on broad A&I coverage (chronic/hereditary), clear pre‑existing rules (including curable condition look‑backs), and options for exam‑fee, dental‑illness, behavioral, and alternative therapies.
- Deductibles and reimbursement: Favorable for wider, flexible options (e.g., 70%–90% or up to 100% reimbursement; $100–$1,000 deductibles; per‑condition lifetime deductibles where relevant).
- Payout limits: Higher caps or unlimited options scored better.
- Claims experience: Preference for fast digital claims and, where available, direct‑to‑vet payment to reduce out‑of‑pocket strain.
- Price and satisfaction: Benchmarked against recent averages and considered satisfaction drivers identified in independent studies.
