Cheapest pet insurance companies of April 2024
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 1:25 a.m. UTC April 30, 2024
Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
The cheapest pet insurance company of 2024 is Pets Best, according to our analysis of the top pet insurance companies.
Cheapest pet insurance of 2024
- Pets Best: Cheapest pet insurance.
- Lemonade: Excellent for fast claims processing.
- Fetch: Great for covering boarding fees.
- Healthy Paws: Great for cheap cat insurance.
- Figo: Excellent short waiting period for accident coverage.
Why trust our pet insurance experts
Our team of pet insurance experts evaluates hundreds of pet insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 4,000+ pet insurance rates reviewed.
- 500+ coverage details evaluated.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Summary: Cheapest pet insurance companies
| PET INSURANCE COMPANY | OUR RATING | AVERAGE MONTHLY DOG INSURANCE | AVERAGE MONTHLY CAT INSURANCE | LEARN MORE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44 | $25 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s website | ||||||||
| ||||||||||
 Figo | $59 | $32 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s website | |||||||
| ||||||||||
 Lemonade | $46 | $27 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s website | |||||||
| ||||||||||
 Embrace | $76 | $47 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s Website | |||||||
| ||||||||||
 Paw Protect | $77 | $47 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s Website | |||||||
| ||||||||||
 Fetch | $47 | $43 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s website | |||||||
| ||||||||||
 Healthy Paws | $52 | $23 | Compare Quotes Via Petted’s website | |||||||
|
Average monthly pet insurance cost assumes unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage for a dog insurance accident and illness plan. These average pet insurance company rates are based on dogs and cats of various ages, breeds and ZIP codes. Source: PetInsurer.com.
Methodology
We analyzed rates and coverage with data provided by PetInsurer.com to find the best pet insurance companies. From those top-scoring companies, insurers with below average rates make our rating of the cheapest pet insurance. Each factor was assigned a weight.
Cost: 50 points. We calculated average rates for accident and illness pet insurance plans for dogs with the highest level of coverage available, a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an annual reimbursement level of $100,000, or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.
24/7 vet line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer access to a 24/7 vet line earned points. Being able to call for medical advice might save you money on vet visits.
Routine wellness plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an optional wellness plan add-on scored full points. Wellness plans can reimburse you for preventative care for your pet.
Pays vet exam fees: 10 points. If a pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer received 10 points. If this is offered as a coverage add on, the insurer received 5 points.
Multipet discount: 5 points. Pet insurance companies that offer a discount for insuring more than one pet received full points.
Euthanasia or end of life expenses included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end of life expenses are covered in pet insurance plans, a pet insurance company scored in this category.
How to find the cheapest pet insurance
In a recent MetLife Pet Parent Study, 54% of owners said economic uncertainty makes them worry about affording their pet’s care. To help offset the rising cost of pet ownership, here are some ways to find the cheapest pet insurance coverage.
Ask your veterinarian
Talk with your current veterinarian to see if they have a recommendation or experience with any pet insurance companies, said Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with Pet Keen.
Asking friends, family and other pet owners about their experience with an insurance company’s customer service, the claims process and reimbursement can also help you narrow down your choices for an affordable pet insurance plan.
Look for discounts
Just like your auto insurance or home insurance, you can get more affordable pet insurance if you can apply discounts. Pet insurance discounts may include:
- Animal care and veterinarian discount for pet carers, including shelter workers.
- Annual pay discount for paying in full instead of monthly.
- Employee discount if pet insurance is part of your benefits package.
- Internet discount for buying pet insurance online.
- Military discount for current service members and veterans.
- Multi-pet discount if you insure more than one pet with the same insurer.
- Spay/neuter discount for spayed and neutered pets.
Buy coverage sooner than later
The best time to buy pet insurance is when your pet is young and healthy. Since any condition your pet shows symptoms for or is treated for can be considered a pre-existing condition, getting your pet insured before they get sick or hurt will mean fewer exclusions.
A pet with diabetes or hypothyroidism, for example, requires monthly prescription refills and frequent rechecks, said Dr. Bonk. Having coverage for lifelong conditions before they surface means you get the most out of your low-cost pet insurance plan.
Adjust coverage to meet your budget
The coverage choices you make directly affect your pet insurance costs. By adjusting the coverage when comparing cheap pet insurance plans, you can find the right plan to meet your budget.
For instance, increasing your deductible or lowering your reimbursement percentage lowers your pet insurance rates. But making these changes means you’ll pay more out of pocket for covered vet expenses, so make sure you can truly afford it.
“Ultimately, keeping costs low comes down to customizing your coverage so you are only paying for what you need and what you can afford,” said Brian Jorgensen, head of pet insurance at MetLife.
Compare pet insurance quotes
The cost of pet insurance can vary widely from company to company. Your pet’s age, species, breed and location will determine how much your pet insurance costs. So will the deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual coverage limit you choose.
When you compare pet insurance quotes, try to compare the same coverage amounts and limits across all carriers. This way, you’ll get a clear picture of which company offers the cheapest pet insurance for your beloved pet.
Consider accident-only coverage
Accident-only plans are a budget-friendly option, although they won’t cover sickness like an accident and illness plan does.
Keep in mind, while your pet’s broken bones, lacerations, bite wounds, dental and eye injuries or animal bites are covered, there is no sickness coverage with an accident-only plan.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of insurance policy you can buy to help pay for your pet’s accidents and illnesses. Pet insurance will reimburse you a certain amount for your pet’s eligible veterinary costs, depending on the policy coverage and limits.
There are three types of pet insurance.
- Accident and illness: This is the most popular type of pet insurance, as it covers both accidents and illnesses.
- Accident-only: A cheaper option to comprehensive pet insurance, accident-only coverage excludes illnesses. If your pet ingests a foreign object, treatment is covered, but not if your pet develops a respiratory infection.
- Wellness plan: An optional add-on to some plans, wellness plans will pay for preventive and routine care that your pet insurance plan won’t automatically cover. Expenses for dental cleanings, vaccinations, wellness visits and other preventive care are a few coverages typically available with a wellness plan.
Uncover the facts about vaccination expenses: Dog vaccinations cost
How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance works as a reimbursement.
- First, you take your pet to the vet. Your pet can usually see any licensed veterinarian in the state, depending on your insurer.
- After your pet receives care, you pay the bill in full.
- Then, you submit a claim for reimbursement.
- The pet insurer will reimburse you for eligible expenses according to your policy coverage, deductible and reimbursement percentage. A few pet insurance companies pay the vet directly, but this is rare.
There are multiple ways to submit claims, including by mail, fax, email, online or using the insurer’s mobile app if the company has one.
Once the claim is approved, you’ll get reimbursed by direct deposit or a paper check in the mail.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance covers different medical expenses for your pet, depending on what plan you buy. If you buy accident-only pet insurance, it will cover accidents but not sickness. Accident and illness plans cover treatment for accidents and illnesses.
Although pet insurance plans vary by company, most major insurers cover:
- Chronic, common and serious illness.
- Unexpected accidents.
- Breed-specific, congenital and hereditary conditions.
- Prescription medication for problems like infections, chronic conditions, pain and inflammation.
- Diagnostics, like X-rays, CT scan and MRI.
- Blood and urine testing.
- Hospitalization.
- Surgery.
- Pet ambulance.
- Emergency care.
- Cancer treatment.
What doesn't pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance doesn’t cover incurable, pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance also typically excludes coverage for:
- Experimental treatments.
- Grooming.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Non-veterinary expenses like licensing.
- Routine care, unless you buy a wellness plan.
Is pet insurance worth it?
It’s important to consider your financial situation — if you would struggle to pay for emergency, unexpected vet expenses, the cost of pet insurance may be worth it.
Comparing quotes from pet insurance companies before buying can help you find low-cost coverage that would offset your pet’s veterinary care.
How to get pet insurance
Once you decide on a pet insurance plan and company, it’s time to get pet insurance.
- By phone: Call your chosen pet insurance company or insurance agent to purchase a plan.
- Online: Not only can you get free pet insurance quotes online, you can buy pet insurance online, too.
Cheapest pet insurance FAQs
Pet insurance does not cover wellness visits unless you add a wellness plan rider. This add-on coverage will pay toward wellness visits and other routine and preventive care that pet insurance doesn’t cover. Vaccinations, microchipping, flea and tick preventatives and spay or neuter surgery are a few examples of vet expenses a wellness plan can cover.
The lowest deductible for pet insurance is $0. With a $0 deductible, the pet insurance company will pay toward eligible vet expenses at your pet’s first vet visit and no deductible will be subtracted from your claim reimbursement. ManyPets is the only pet insurance company on our best cheap pet insurance list offering a $0 deductible pet insurance plan.
ManyPets has the cheapest pet insurance on average, according to our analysis of rates. This is based on a pet insurance plan for dogs with unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.
To save money on pet insurance, you can adjust your coverage to meet your budget. Increasing your deductible or lowering your reimbursement percentage will lower the cost of pet insurance.
Keep in mind, however, that the less you pay up front for pet insurance, the more you will have to pay out of pocket for covered vet expenses. So having a higher deductible and lower reimbursement percentage may end up costing you more in the long run.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
