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Life with a pet can be unpredictable. You never know when your furry friend will experience an illness or injury. But you can do your best to prepare with pet insurance. Pet insurance is a product that steps in to help pay for certain pet illnesses, injuries, and other emergencies.
Purchasing pet insurance can give you confidence you can pay for vet bills if your pet breaks a bone, swallows a toxic substance, or is diagnosed with a chronic condition. To find the right plan for you, compare pet insurance companies before making a decision.
Compare the best pet insurance companies
ASPCA: Best for multiple pets
Pets Best: Best for affordable rates
Fetch: Best for robust dental coverage
Figo: Best for pets with chronic conditions
Pumpkin: Best for pets with special dietary needs
How to compare pet insurance quotes
When shopping for pet insurance, comparing multiple companies can help you find the right coverage and save money.
1. Choose the type of coverage
Before you purchase pet insurance, think about the type of coverage you want for your pet. Consider your pet’s age, if it has a pre-existing health condition, or if it’s prone to hereditary conditions.
2. Consider the cost and the conditions each policy covers
In addition to the type of insurance you want, another important factor is cost. You’ll have to make decisions about the following variables:
Reimbursement limit
The reimbursement limit is the maximum amount your pet insurer will pay for a covered claim. For instance, you might have a plan with a $5,000 or $15,000 limit. You may also find plans without reimbursement limits. Policies with higher reimbursement limits also have higher premiums.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount you have to pay before your insurance kicks in and covers the rest. Common deductibles range from $100 to $1,000 per year. Policies with lower deductibles usually have higher premiums, while a high deductible can bring the cost of your monthly premium down.
Reimbursement percentage
The reimbursement percentage is the percentage the pet insurance company will pay after you pay your deductible. For instance, if you choose an 80% reimbursement percentage, your insurer will pay 80% of your claim after you pay your deductible. You’re responsible for paying the other 20%.
Common reimbursement levels range from 70% to 90%. And some companies offer 100% reimbursement. Pet insurance policies that reimburse for a higher percentage generally have more expensive premiums than those with a lower reimbursement rate.
3. Compare pet insurance quotes
You’re already thinking about coverage and average costs, so here’s more information to look for to find the right pet insurance company for your needs and budget.
Read pet insurance reviews to assess things like a company’s customer service and claims process.
Evaluate the monthly premium versus the deductible or reimbursement rate to ensure you choose a plan with out-of-pocket expenses you can afford.
Consider your pet’s age, breed, and size since premiums can vary based on these details.
Look for discounts. Your employer may offer a discounted rate, and some insurers offer discounts for multi-pet policies to help you save.
Weigh coverage details and waiting periods. Insuring your pet early will get you better rates and more coverage; waiting periods can last 10–30 days.
Using a quote-comparison site is the best way for pet parents to compare multiple insurers and find the best and most affordable pet insurance.
How pet insurance works
Pet insurance can provide pet owners with the peace of mind that they can cover their pet’s healthcare costs in case of an unexpected injury or illness.
You can usually choose to pay your pet insurance premium monthly or on a yearly basis. Often, companies will offer a discount if you pay annually.
With pet insurance, when your pet is sick or injured, you can take it to the vet to get treatment for a covered condition. Typically, you pay the vet bill and then submit your claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. The amount your pet insurance plan reimburses you depends on your reimbursement percentage, annual coverage limit, and deductible.
Compare pet insurance quotes in your state
Your location influences your pet insurance premium because the average cost of veterinary care varies by state. Use the map below to find the average cost in your state and compare pet insurance plans.