Pet Insurance in the USA

Pet insurance can be a lifesaver for pet owners, helping you manage the costs of veterinary care so you can focus on keeping your furry friends healthy and happy. Below, I’ll walk you through what pet insurance is, how it works, and which companies stand out for their coverage and service quality, with all the details you need to make an informed choice.

Understanding Pet Insurance in the USA

Pet insurance is designed to ease the financial burden of vet bills, covering everything from accidents to illnesses and sometimes even routine care. Most plans work on a reimbursement model—you pay the vet upfront and then file a claim to get a portion of the costs back, depending on your policy. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

How Pet Insurance Works

• Types of Coverage:
  • Accident-Only Plans: These cover injuries like broken bones, bite wounds, or swallowed objects, including diagnostics (think X-rays or MRIs), hospital stays, and medications.
  • Accident and Illness Plans: The most popular option, these cover accidents plus illnesses like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or hereditary conditions. They often include dental illnesses, surgeries, and prescriptions.
  • Wellness Plans: Optional add-ons for routine care, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, or annual checkups.
• Key Terms to Know:
  • Premium: The monthly or yearly cost of your policy.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before reimbursement kicks in.
  • Reimbursement Rate: The percentage of eligible costs you get back, usually 70–90%, though some plans offer up to 100%.
  • Annual Coverage Limit: The maximum amount your insurer will pay in a year, ranging from $5,000 to unlimited.
  • Waiting Periods: The time you wait before coverage starts, typically 3–14 days for accidents and illnesses, or longer for specific conditions like knee injuries.
• What’s Not Covered: Most plans exclude pre-existing conditions, elective procedures (like spaying/neutering unless medically necessary), grooming, or breeding-related costs. Some cover curable pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period, often 12 months.
• Costs: On average, dog owners pay about $51/month for $5,000 in coverage or $71 for unlimited coverage. For cats, it’s around $26 for $5,000 or $37 for unlimited coverage. Costs depend on your pet’s age, breed, and where you live.

What to Look for in a Pet Insurance Plan

Choosing the right plan means balancing coverage, cost, and service quality. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Coverage Scope: Does the plan cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, or alternative therapies like acupuncture? Is routine care an option?
• Flexibility: Can you tweak deductibles, reimbursement rates, or annual limits to fit your budget?
• Waiting Periods: Shorter is better, especially for accidents or specific conditions like cruciate ligament issues.
• Customer Service: Look for 24/7 support, quick claims processing, and easy-to-use tools like mobile apps.
• Exclusions: Check what’s not covered, especially for breed-specific or pre-existing conditions.
• Discounts: Many companies offer savings for multiple pets, annual payments, or affiliations (e.g., military or employer discounts).

Top Pet Insurance Companies for 2025

Here’s a detailed look at some of the best pet insurance providers in the USA, focusing on their coverage options and service quality, based on recent reviews from trusted sources like U.S. News, Forbes, and Consumer Reports.

Pet Insurance Comparison

Pet Insurance Comparison

1. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

• Overview: A trusted name offering flexible plans for dogs, cats, and even horses, ASPCA is backed by Crum & Forster and has insured over 600,000 pets.
• What’s Covered:
  • Accident and Illness: Includes diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, prescriptions, hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, and dental illnesses like gingivitis.
  • Accident-Only: Covers injuries like broken bones or poisoning.
  • Wellness Add-Ons: Two tiers for routine care, such as vaccinations or dental cleanings.
  • Standout Feature: Covers horses in 12 states and has no upper age limit for enrollment.
• Service Quality:
  • File claims through a mobile app, though reimbursement can take up to 30 days.
  • 14-day waiting period for all conditions (sometimes waivable).
  • 24/7 customer support and an easy online quote system.
• Costs: Middle-of-the-road premiums, based on a $250 deductible, 90% reimbursement, and $10,000 or unlimited limits.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Super customizable with no age restrictions.
  • Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture.
  • Reliable and well-regarded by pet owners.
• Drawbacks:
  • Claims can take longer to process than some competitors.
  • Wellness coverage requires an extra fee.

2. Pets Best

• Overview: Often rated the best overall for its affordable rates, comprehensive coverage, and stellar customer service. Available in all 50 states, D.C., and Canada.
• What’s Covered:
  • Accident and Illness: Three plan levels (Essential, Plus, Elite) covering diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and hereditary conditions.
  • Accident-Only: A budget-friendly choice for emergencies.
  • Wellness Add-Ons: Two tiers for routine care like vaccinations.
  • Standout Feature: Offers direct vet payments in some cases and a 24/7 vet helpline.
• Service Quality:
  • Claims process in about 2 days via a mobile app.
  • Waiting periods: 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament issues.
  • No upper age limit; pets can enroll as young as 7 weeks.
• Costs: Very competitive, especially for cats (around $26/month for $5,000 coverage).
• Why It’s Great:
  • Lots of plan options with deductibles from $50–$1,000.
  • Super-fast claims and great customer reviews.
  • Unlimited coverage available.
• Drawbacks:
  • Chronic conditions like diabetes may not be covered unless enrolled early.
  • Wellness plans are an add-on.

3. Trupanion

• Overview: Loved for its direct vet payment option and unlimited coverage, Trupanion makes vet visits less stressful by reducing upfront costs.
• What’s Covered:
  • Accident and Illness: Covers diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and alternative therapies.
  • Optional Add-Ons: Recovery care for rehab and alternative treatments.
  • Standout Feature: No annual or lifetime payout limits; covers pets up to age 14.
• Service Quality:
  • Direct vet payments through Trupanion Express for quick reimbursement.
  • 24/7 support and fast claims (often within days).
  • Waiting periods: 5 days for accidents, 30 days for illnesses.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Direct payments mean less out-of-pocket stress.
  • Unlimited coverage for big vet bills.
  • High customer satisfaction (98% renewal rate).
• Drawbacks:
  • Premiums are pricier than some competitors.
  • No wellness plan included.

4. Lemonade

• Overview: A tech-savvy choice with budget-friendly premiums and a smooth digital experience, available in 39 states and D.C.
• What’s Covered:
  • Accident and Illness: Covers diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hereditary conditions, and behavioral therapy. Add-ons include dental illnesses and end-of-life care.
  • Wellness Add-Ons: Covers routine care like vaccinations.
  • Standout Feature: Donates unused premiums to charities you choose.
• Service Quality:
  • Claims processed in 1–3 days via a mobile app.
  • Waiting periods: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament issues.
  • 24/7 support via chat or app.
• Costs: Starts at $12/month, with discounts for bundling (10%), multi-pet (5%), or annual payments (5%).
• Why It’s Great:
  • Affordable and easy to use with a great app.
  • Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months symptom-free.
• Drawbacks:
  • Only available in 39 states.
  • No direct vet payments.

5. Embrace

• Overview: Offers flexible plans and a unique “Healthy Pet Deductible” that lowers your deductible by $50 each claim-free year. It’s also the provider for USAA’s pet insurance, great for military families.
• What’s Covered:
  • Accident and Illness: Covers diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, hereditary conditions, behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments.
  • Wellness Add-Ons: Wellness Rewards for routine care.
  • Standout Feature: Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months symptom-free; offers 25% discounts for USAA members.
• Service Quality:
  • Fast claims via mobile app or website.
  • Waiting periods: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic issues (reducible to 14 days with an exam).
  • 24/7 telehealth support.
• Costs: Competitive, with extra savings for healthy pets or multi-pet households.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Flexible plans with deductibles from $100–$1,000.
  • Great for military families with USAA discounts.
• Drawbacks:
  • Exam fees not always covered.
  • Premiums may rise with frequent claims.

Tips for Choosing the Right Plan

• Get Quotes: Premiums vary by your pet’s age, breed, and location, so compare quotes from a few providers.
• Enroll Early: Signing up when your pet is young avoids pre-existing condition issues and locks in lower rates.
• Read the Fine Print: Check exclusions, especially for hereditary or chronic conditions.
• Weigh Wellness Add-Ons: Make sure the cost of routine care coverage makes sense for your needs.
• Check Reviews: Look at user feedback on sites like Reddit or Consumer Reports for real-world insights, like Lemonade’s quick claims or Trupanion’s reliability.

If you have questions about a specific provider or need help comparing plans for your pet, just let me know!

What does pet insurance typically cover?

Pet insurance usually covers accidents (e.g., broken bones, swallowed objects) and illnesses (e.g., cancer, diabetes, hereditary conditions). Many plans include diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Some offer wellness add-ons for routine care like vaccinations or dental cleanings, but pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, and grooming are typically excluded.

How much does pet insurance cost?

On average, dog owners pay about $51/month for $5,000 in coverage or $71 for unlimited coverage. For cats, it’s around $26 for $5,000 or $37 for unlimited coverage. Costs depend on your pet’s age, breed, location, and plan details like deductibles and reimbursement rates.

Can I get pet insurance for an older pet?

Yes, many providers like ASPCA, Pets Best, and Embrace have no upper age limit for enrollment, though premiums may be higher. Trupanion covers pets up to age 14. Enrolling older pets may mean pre-existing conditions are excluded, so check policy details.

What are pre-existing conditions, and are they ever covered?

Pre-existing conditions are health issues your pet had before enrolling, like chronic illnesses or past injuries. Most plans don’t cover them, but providers like Lemonade and Embrace may cover curable pre-existing conditions (e.g., ear infections) if your pet is symptom-free for 12 months.

How do I file a claim, and how long does reimbursement take?

You typically pay the vet upfront, then submit a claim (often via a mobile app or website) with receipts and medical records. Reimbursement times vary: Pets Best and Lemonade process claims in 1–3 days, Trupanion often within days, while ASPCA may take up to 30 days. Trupanion and Pets Best also offer direct vet payments in some cases.

Is wellness coverage worth it?

Wellness add-ons cover routine care like vaccinations or dental cleanings but come at an extra cost. They’re worth it if you want predictable costs for preventative care, but compare the add-on’s cost to your expected expenses to ensure it makes financial sense.

Can I use any veterinarian with pet insurance?

Yes, most pet insurance plans let you visit any licensed veterinarian in the USA, including specialists. Some, like Trupanion, even offer direct payments to vets, so you don’t have to pay as much upfront.

Are there discounts available for pet insurance?

Many providers offer discounts, such as 5–10% for multiple pets (ASPCA, Lemonade), annual payments (Lemonade), or affiliations like military discounts (Embrace offers 25% for USAA members). Check with providers for specific offers.

How do waiting periods work?

Waiting periods are the time before coverage starts. For example, accidents may have a 2–5 day wait (Lemonade, Pets Best), illnesses 14–30 days (ASPCA, Trupanion), and specific conditions like cruciate ligament issues up to 6 months (Pets Best, Lemonade). Some, like Embrace, allow shorter periods with vet exams.

Which pet insurance is best for my pet?

It depends on your needs! Pets Best is great for affordability and fast claims, Trupanion for direct vet payments and unlimited coverage, Lemonade for low costs and tech-savvy service, ASPCA for flexibility and horse coverage, and Embrace for military families or customizable plans. Get quotes tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and location to decide.