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The 13 best pet insurance plans: comparison July 2026

Louise Smith By Louise Smith 26 insurers analysed NAIC regulator verified Updated July 23, 2026

US pet insurance is a crowded market where the monthly price hides what actually matters: the payout cap, the reimbursement rate, the deductible structure and the waiting periods. We read every policy wording, priced a mid-tier plan for typical dogs and cats, and rated all 13 insurers on the same published scale.

The pet insurance comparison

Recommended offer
#1

Trupanion

3.5
  • Reimbursement 90 %
  • Annual limit n/a
  • Deductible $0
  • Illness waiting 30 days

The only US plan with no payout caps and a lifetime per-condition deductible

  • No annual or lifetime payout caps
  • Deductible applies once per condition, for life
  • Direct vet payment where clinics run its software
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Trupanion
Is Trupanion trustworthy?

Trupanion is an established player. The risk carrier is American Pet Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Trupanion?

The only US plan with no payout caps and a lifetime per-condition deductible. Reimbursement reaches 90 %. The everyday plus: Direct vet payment at checkout.

What are the waiting periods at Trupanion?

Accidents are covered after 5 days. Illness carries a 30 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Trupanion cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. The annual deductible ranges from $0 depending on the plan. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Trupanion for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#2

Healthy Paws

3.5
  • Reimbursement Flexible
  • Annual limit Flexible
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 15 days

One uncapped accident and illness plan with two day claims, owned and underwritten by Chubb.

  • One uncapped accident and illness plan
  • Most claims processed within two days
  • Underwritten by Chubb
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Healthy Paws
Is Healthy Paws trustworthy?

Healthy Paws is an established player. The risk carrier is Westchester Fire Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Healthy Paws?

One uncapped accident and illness plan with two day claims, owned and underwritten by Chubb..

What are the waiting periods at Healthy Paws?

Accidents are covered after 15 days. Illness carries a 15 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Healthy Paws cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Healthy Paws for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#3

MetLife

3.4
  • Reimbursement Flexible
  • Annual limit Flexible
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 14 days

The most granular plan builder on the US market, with a rare zero deductible option and no upper age limit.

  • Deductible options down to $0
  • Limits from $500 up to unlimited
  • No upper age limit at enrollment
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about MetLife
Is MetLife trustworthy?

MetLife is an established player. The risk carrier is Metropolitan General Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose MetLife?

The most granular plan builder on the US market, with a rare zero deductible option and no upper age limit.. The everyday plus: Preventive care included (MetLife covers wellness).

What are the waiting periods at MetLife?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does MetLife cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is MetLife for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#4

Fetch

3.2
  • Reimbursement Flexible
  • Annual limit Flexible
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Broad everyday cover with sick-visit exam fees, full adult dental and telehealth in the standard plan.

  • Sick-visit exam fees included
  • Full adult dental in the standard plan
  • Distributed with AARP and Walmart
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Fetch
Is Fetch trustworthy?

Fetch is an established player. The risk carrier is United States Fire Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Fetch?

Broad everyday cover with sick-visit exam fees, full adult dental and telehealth in the standard plan..

What are the waiting periods at Fetch?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Fetch cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Fetch for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#5

Lemonade

3.2
  • Reimbursement 80-90 %
  • Annual limit $20,000
  • Deductible 100-$250
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Digital-first insurer with the market's lowest entry prices and AI claims paid in minutes.

  • Entry prices from $10 per month
  • AI claims, some paid in minutes
  • Dental illness and physical therapy excluded
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Lemonade
Is Lemonade trustworthy?

Lemonade is an established player. The risk carrier is Lemonade Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Lemonade?

Digital-first insurer with the market's lowest entry prices and AI claims paid in minutes.. Reimbursement reaches 80 to 90 %, up to $20,000 a year.

What are the waiting periods at Lemonade?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Lemonade cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. The annual deductible ranges from $100 to $250 depending on the plan. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Lemonade for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#6

Pets Best

3.1
  • Reimbursement 80 %
  • Annual limit $10,000
  • Deductible $200
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Vet-founded budget insurer with an unlimited option and rare direct payment to clinics via Direct Vet Pay.

  • Founded by a veterinarian in 2005
  • Unlimited option and Direct Vet Pay
  • Claims currently slower than the market
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Pets Best
Is Pets Best trustworthy?

Pets Best is an established player. The risk carrier is American Pet Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Pets Best?

Vet-founded budget insurer with an unlimited option and rare direct payment to clinics via Direct Vet Pay.. Reimbursement reaches 80 %, up to $10,000 a year.

What are the waiting periods at Pets Best?

Accidents are covered after 3 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Pets Best cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. The annual deductible ranges from $200 depending on the plan. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Pets Best for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#7

Spot

3.1
  • Reimbursement n/a
  • Annual limit n/a
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Fully adjustable plans up to unlimited coverage, with no upper age limit at enrollment.

  • Limits adjustable up to unlimited
  • No upper age limit at enrollment
  • 24/7 VetAccess telehealth included
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Spot
Is Spot trustworthy?

Spot is an established player. The risk carrier is Independence American Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Spot?

Fully adjustable plans up to unlimited coverage, with no upper age limit at enrollment..

What are the waiting periods at Spot?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Spot cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Spot for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#8

Progressive

3.1
  • Reimbursement 80 %
  • Annual limit $10,000
  • Deductible $200
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Pets Best coverage under the Progressive brand since 2009, plus a brand new in-house policy since January 2026.

  • Pets Best product under the Progressive brand
  • New in-house policy since January 2026
  • Vet Direct Pay available
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Progressive
Is Progressive trustworthy?

Progressive is an established player. The risk carrier is Independence American Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Progressive?

Pets Best coverage under the Progressive brand since 2009, plus a brand new in-house policy since January 2026.. Reimbursement reaches 80 %, up to $10,000 a year.

What are the waiting periods at Progressive?

Accidents are covered after 3 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Progressive cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. The annual deductible ranges from $200 depending on the plan. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Progressive for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#9

Costco

3.1
  • Reimbursement 70-100 %
  • Annual limit $14,000
  • Deductible 100-$250
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Figo's full product at a 15 percent discount as a Costco member benefit.

  • Figo's product with a 15% member discount
  • Executive members get 24PetWatch included
  • New policies suspended in Washington state
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Costco
Is Costco trustworthy?

Costco is an established player. The risk carrier is Independence American Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Costco?

Figo's full product at a 15 percent discount as a Costco member benefit.. Reimbursement reaches 70 to 100 %, up to $14,000 a year. The everyday plus: Figo Pet Cloud app (pet management).

What are the waiting periods at Costco?

Accidents are covered after 1 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Costco cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. The annual deductible ranges from $100 to $250 depending on the plan. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Costco for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#10

Pumpkin

3.1
  • Reimbursement 90 %
  • Annual limit n/a
  • Deductible $100
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Exam fees included and 90 percent standard, with the best Trustpilot profile in US pet insurance.

  • Exam fees included in the core plan
  • 90% reimbursement standard
  • Best Trustpilot profile of the US panel
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Pumpkin
Is Pumpkin trustworthy?

Pumpkin is an established player. The risk carrier is United States Fire Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Pumpkin?

Exam fees included and 90 percent standard, with the best Trustpilot profile in US pet insurance.. Reimbursement reaches 90 %. The everyday plus: Pumpkin Preventive Essentials (routine care add-on).

What are the waiting periods at Pumpkin?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Pumpkin cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. The annual deductible ranges from $100 depending on the plan. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Pumpkin for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#11

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

2.7
  • Reimbursement Flexible
  • Annual limit Flexible
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 14 days

ASPCA-licensed affinity program on the USFIC platform, the only brand in our US panel that insures horses.

  • The only panel brand insuring horses
  • Same policy form as Spot, same underwriter
  • Announced claim time around 30 days
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Is ASPCA Pet Health Insurance trustworthy?

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is an established player. The risk carrier is United States Fire Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose ASPCA Pet Health Insurance?

ASPCA-licensed affinity program on the USFIC platform, the only brand in our US panel that insures horses..

What are the waiting periods at ASPCA Pet Health Insurance?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does ASPCA Pet Health Insurance cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#12

Embrace

2.7
  • Reimbursement Flexible
  • Annual limit Flexible
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 14 days

Diminishing deductible specialist: 50 dollars off per claim-free year, plus a flexible wellness budget.

  • Deductible shrinks $50 per claim-free year
  • Flexible wellness budget add-on
  • Slowest announced payout of the panel
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about Embrace
Is Embrace trustworthy?

Embrace is an established player. The risk carrier is American Modern Home Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose Embrace?

Diminishing deductible specialist: 50 dollars off per claim-free year, plus a flexible wellness budget.. The everyday plus: Healthy Pet Deductible Reduction ($50/year reduction for claim-free years).

What are the waiting periods at Embrace?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does Embrace cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is Embrace for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →
#13

AKC Pet Insurance

2.5
  • Reimbursement Flexible
  • Annual limit Flexible
  • Deductible n/a
  • Illness waiting 14 days

The only US brand covering pre-existing conditions after 365 days, built for breeders and purebred buyers.

  • Pre-existing conditions covered after 365 days
  • Perks for AKC-registered breeders
  • Recent reviews sharply negative
Our full take Full review →
5 things to know about AKC Pet Insurance
Is AKC Pet Insurance trustworthy?

AKC Pet Insurance is an established player. The risk carrier is Independence American Insurance Company. As always, read the policy wording and exclusions before signing.

Why choose AKC Pet Insurance?

The only US brand covering pre-existing conditions after 365 days, built for breeders and purebred buyers..

What are the waiting periods at AKC Pet Insurance?

Accidents are covered after 0 days. Illness carries a 14 days waiting period. Also check condition-specific waiting periods before committing.

How much does AKC Pet Insurance cost?

Pricing depends on species, breed and age, via a personalised quote. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly premium.

Who is AKC Pet Insurance for?

Dog and cat owners whose pet profile matches this plan. Our review shows when a competitor does better.

Our full take →

How to choose your pet insurance

Criterion What we check
Start with the reimbursement rate The share the insurer pays back on an eligible bill, usually 70, 80 or 90 percent, is the single biggest lever on what you actually recover. A 90 percent plan can be worth a higher premium on a large surgery.
Read the annual limit, capped or unlimited Most plans cap what they pay each year, from a few thousand dollars to unlimited. A low cap is fine for minor care but can run out fast on a chronic illness or a major operation, which is exactly when you need it.
Understand how the deductible works The deductible is what you pay before reimbursement starts. Check whether it resets every year or applies once per condition, because the structure changes your real out-of-pocket cost more than the headline number does.
Check the waiting periods before you enroll Every policy delays cover after you sign up: a few days for accidents, often 14 to 30 days for illness, sometimes months for orthopedic conditions. Anything with symptoms during the wait is treated as pre-existing and excluded for good.
Find the exclusions, especially pre-existing and exam fees Pre-existing conditions are excluded almost everywhere, and some insurers also leave exam fees on your side of the bill, which quietly lowers the real reimbursement rate. The exclusions live in the policy wording, not the marketing.
01

Trupanion: uncapped cover and a deductible that resets by condition, not by year

Trupanion is the structural benchmark of the panel: one plan, no annual or lifetime payout caps, and a deductible that applies once per condition for the life of the pet rather than resetting each year. It can pay some clinics directly at checkout. The premium climbs with age and exam fees stay on your side of the bill, but for worst-case protection nothing else here matches the structure.

02

Healthy Paws: one uncapped plan, two-day claims, backed by Chubb

Healthy Paws keeps it deliberately simple: a single accident and illness plan with no annual payout cap, underwritten by Chubb, with most claims processed in about two days. There is no wellness add-on and no menu of options, which suits owners who want broad medical cover and fast reimbursement over configurability.

03

MetLife: the most granular plan builder, with a rare zero-deductible option

MetLife runs the most granular plan builder on the market, with annual limits from a few hundred dollars up to unlimited, a rare zero-deductible option and no upper age limit at enrollment. That flexibility is its edge; read the schedule closely, because the cheapest configuration can leave real gaps.

04

Fetch: exam fees, adult dental and telehealth in the standard plan

Fetch bundles in what many insurers charge extra for: sick-visit exam fees, full adult dental and vet telehealth all sit in the standard plan. Distributed with AARP and Walmart, it is a strong everyday choice, though the premium reflects the broader cover.

05

Lemonade: the lowest entry prices and AI claims paid in minutes

Lemonade is the digital-first, budget entry point, with prices from around 10 dollars a month and AI claims that can pay in minutes. The trade-off is a narrower contract: dental illness and physical therapy are excluded, so it fits a healthy young pet more than a complex case.

06

Pets Best: vet-founded, unlimited option, direct pay to the clinic

Founded by a veterinarian in 2005, Pets Best offers an unlimited option and direct payment to clinics through Vet Direct Pay. It is a solid budget pick, but recent claims have run slower than the market, which weighs on its service score.

07

Spot: adjustable limits up to unlimited, no upper age at enrollment

Spot gives you seven annual limits up to unlimited, no upper age limit at enrollment and 24/7 VetAccess telehealth. It shares Independence American as its underwriter with several panel brands; the flexibility and a strong Trustpilot profile are what set it apart.

08

Progressive: a Pets Best heritage and a brand-new in-house policy

Progressive sold a Pets Best product under its brand for years and launched its own in-house policy in January 2026, with Vet Direct Pay available. It is new enough that the service track record is still thin, so treat it as one to watch rather than a proven choice.

09

Costco: Figo's full product at a 15 percent member discount

Costco Pet Insurance is Figo's full product with a 15 percent member discount, and Executive members get 24PetWatch included. The value is real for members; note that new policies are currently suspended in Washington state.

10

Pumpkin: exam fees included and the best Trustpilot profile of the panel

Pumpkin puts exam fees in the core plan and reimburses at 90 percent as standard, and it carries the best Trustpilot profile of the US panel. It is a clean, well-liked product; the main question is price against the leaner competitors.

11

ASPCA: an affinity program that also insures horses

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is an affinity program on the USFIC platform, and the only brand in our panel that also insures horses. It shares its policy form with Spot, but a longer announced claim time, around 30 days, holds its service score back.

12

Embrace: a deductible that shrinks with every claim-free year

Embrace's signature is the diminishing deductible, which drops 50 dollars for every claim-free year, alongside a flexible wellness budget. The structure rewards healthy pets over time, but it posts the slowest announced payout of the panel.

13

AKC: pre-existing cover after 365 days, built for breeders

AKC Pet Insurance is unusual in covering pre-existing conditions after 365 claim-free days, and it carries perks for registered breeders. Recent reviews are sharply negative, which is why it sits at the bottom of the panel despite that rare pre-existing clause.

Frequently asked questions

How much does pet insurance cost in the US?
Accident and illness plans typically run from about 10 to 60 dollars a month for cats and 25 to 100 for dogs, depending on breed, age, location, and the limit, deductible and reimbursement rate you pick.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Almost never. Any condition with symptoms before your policy starts, or during the waiting period, is treated as pre-existing and excluded. A few brands cover curable conditions after a claim-free period, but chronic ones stay out.
What is a per-condition deductible?
A deductible you pay once for each condition, for the life of the policy, instead of once every year. On a chronic illness it is paid a single time, after which eligible bills reimburse at the full rate.
How long are pet insurance waiting periods?
Accident cover often starts within a few days, illness cover after 14 to 30 days, and some orthopedic conditions after up to six months. Enrolling a young, healthy pet early avoids most waiting-period exclusions.
Can I use any veterinarian?
Yes. US pet insurance reimburses you after a visit to any licensed vet, so there is no network. A few insurers can also pay the clinic directly at checkout where the practice supports it.
Is pet insurance worth it?
It depends on your pet and your budget. Insurance turns a rare, large vet bill into a predictable monthly cost, which matters most for accident-prone or higher-risk breeds; for a healthy pet it is a hedge rather than a guaranteed saving.

Explore the comparison

OUR METHODOLOGY

Our pet-insurance analyst reads every official policy wording, checks waiting periods and reimbursement terms, and reviews customer feedback for each insurer, every year. No commercial influence on the scores we award.

See the full methodology →