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Best Pet Insurance for Dogs for May 2024

Updated
David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
By: David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Our Insurance Expert

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

In total, Americans own nearly 90 million dogs, and those dogs are an important part of the family. What's more, 1 out of 3 pets will require emergency veterinary care each year, and this is where pet insurance can help you care for your dog. Our expert review will help you find the best pet insurance for dogs.

Logo for ASPCA
Best for pets with hereditary and health conditionsASPCA
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Bottom Line

Many pet insurance companies exclude pets with hereditary and congenital conditions or have age requirements for dogs to qualify. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans have coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions and cover dogs regardless of health conditions. ASPCA has no age limits for illness coverage enrollment and does not require an exam before pet owners get reimbursed for claims. ASPCA has a 14-day illness and accident waiting period. Pet owners can choose reimbursement from 70% to 90% of covered vet costs. ASPCA's plans have an annual deductible and an optional add-on for preventative care with no waiting period. ASPCA also offers a 10% multiple pet discount for each additional pet. ASPCA has been providing pet health insurance since 1997.

Logo for Embrace
Best for diminishing deductibles and short waiting periodEmbrace
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Bottom Line

Embrace has a feature called the "Healthy Pet Deductible." For every year a dog owner doesn't receive a claim reimbursement, the deductible is reduced the next year by $50. This means if you have a $200 deductible and do not have a claim for four years, then your deductible will be $0. Once you submit a claim, the Healthy Pet Deductible resets. Waiting periods for Embrace are just two days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses, compared to 14 to 30 days for others. Many insurers also do not cover the cost of a dog's exam fee, but Embrace covers the exam fee for all covered accidents and illnesses. The insurer even covers extra office visits for senior pets. With Embrace, dog owners can choose reimbursement from 70% to 90% of covered vet costs. Its plans have an annual deductible and an optional add-on for preventative care. Embrace also offers a 10% multiple pet discount for each additional pet and a 5% military discount. Embrace has been providing pet health insurance since 2003.

Logo for Lemonade
Best for fast claims processingLemonade
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Read Review

Bottom Line

Lemonade is a pet insurance company that uses AI to process claims quickly through its digital app. Lemonade can cover dog owners in seconds and states that claims will be approved in minutes. The insurer also offers renters, homeowners, and car insurance. Pet owners can receive a 10% bundle discount if they use Lemonade's other services and a 5% multi-pet discount. Lemonade is a public benefit corporation, a corporation created to generate social and public good. Its goal is to operate in a responsible manner while making a positive impact. Lemonade donates a portion of profits to meaningful causes customers choose, including animal welfare organizations.

Read our Lemonade review

Logo for Spot
Best for customizable coverage choicesSpot
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Bottom Line

Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable options for dog owners. Many pet insurance companies offer a limited selection of coverage options, but Spot allows dog owners to choose tailored policies, the reimbursement percentage they want, the annual limit, as well as the annual deductible. Spot offers an unlimited annual limit and there is no cap on the annual claim limit after the deductible is met. Spot is one of the few pet insurance companies that offer a 100% coverage option. It also offers low deductibles and a variety of preventive pet insurance options. Spot plans include coverage options for alternative therapy, behavioral training, vitamins, supplements, and even microchip implantation to help get dogs home when they're lost. Spot has a 14-day illness and accident waiting period and an optional add-on for preventive care with no waiting period. Spot also offers a 10% multiple pet discount for each additional pet. United States Fire Insurance Company underwrites all Spot Pet Insurance plans and has been providing pet insurance since 2006.

Logo for Figo
Best for unlimited annual benefits and access to 24/7 live vetFigo
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Bottom Line

Figo has no lifetime maximum for care. There is also no per-incident cap, meaning there is no maximum for claim payments by condition type. While no plan covers pre-existing conditions, Figo may cover pre-existing conditions considered curable if your dog shows no signs or symptoms within 12 months of the last treatment. Figo also offers the Figo Pet Cloud app. Dog owners can use the app to connect with other pet owners, find pet parks, pet daycare centers, and more. Through the app, Figo offers free 24/7 access to a licensed veterinarian to help during emergencies. Figo has a 14-day illness and 1-day accident waiting period. Dog owners can choose reimbursement from 70% to 100% of covered vet costs. Its plans have an annual deductible and Figo offers a 10% multiple pet discount for each additional pet. Costco members can save 15% on a pet policy. Figo has been providing pet health insurance since 2015.

Logo for Fetch
Best for comprehensive coverageFetch
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Bottom Line

With Fetch by the Dodo, pet families can use any veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. Fetch offers one comprehensive plan that includes what other pet insurance companies charge extra for or don't cover at all. The plan includes comprehensive dental, breed-specific conditions, and holistic care. Fetch's holistic coverage includes physical therapy, acupuncture, homeopathic, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care all at no extra charge. One thing that sets Fetch apart is the fact that it covers injuries and disease in adult teeth, an often expensive issue that arises in older animals. Even supplements are covered as long as the pet's vet recommends them for a covered condition. Since Fetch has only one comprehensive plan that covers many services, the monthly premium might be higher than other pet insurers. It doesn't have a cheaper coverage option for accidents and illnesses only, and it also doesn't cover routine and preventive care. Fetch offers a patent-pending technology that provides tailored insights and recommendations on your dog's future health. It also sends a topical, monthly newsletter designed to help dog owners take action and improve their pet's happiness. Waiting periods vary state to state but they are no longer than 15 days. Fetch offers discounts up to 10% for members of the military, AARP members, support pets, and vets and its employees.

Logo for Trupanion
Best for direct payment to veterinariansTrupanion
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Bottom Line

Most pet insurance companies are on a reimbursement basis. Dog owners have to pay the vet bill out of pocket and wait to get reimbursed from the pet insurance company. Trupanion pays the veterinarian directly, which means dog owners pay less out of pocket. Trupanion's software technology allows the veterinarian to file the claim in-office. Dog owners do not have to submit claims themselves and wait for approval and disbursement. They just need to pay their portion of the vet bill and Trupanion deals directly with the vet. Trupanion states that it can work with every hospital across North America. Trupanion has no payout caps or limits, and unlike many other pet insurers, it does not automatically increase premiums every year due to the aging of your dog. Trupanion also has flexible deductibles and hundreds of pricing options, including a $0 deductible. As opposed to annual deductibles that pet owners have to pay every year with most pet insurers, Trupanion's deductible is a condition-based, lifetime deductible that pet owners pay only once per issue and all its complications. Trupanion has a five-day waiting period for injuries and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses. Trupanion reimburses 90% of covered veterinary costs that arise from a pet getting sick or injured. The insurer has been providing pet health insurance since 1998.

Logo for Healthy Paws
Best for alternative medicine for petsHealthy Paws
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Bottom Line

Healthy Paws offers a single pet insurance plan that covers new accidents and illnesses, including injuries, cancer, genetic conditions, alternative, and emergency care. Unlike some pet insurance plans, the Healthy Paws plan has no maximum limits on payouts; no per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps. Healthy Paws doesn't require claim forms. Dog owners need to just take a photo of their vet bill and submit it through the mobile app or the online Healthy Paws customer center. Healthy Paws pet insurance plan includes coverage for alternative medicine, like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, herbal, massage, laser therapy, chiropractic, and homeopathy. The plan covers a holistic approach to the treatment of illnesses, looking at all aspects of a pet's life, including diet and lifestyle, to find and effectively treat the root causes of a problem. Healthy Paws has a 15-day illness and accident waiting period. For dogs enrolled before the age of 6, there is a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia. Dog owners can be reimbursed up to 90% of their vet bills. Healthy Paws has been providing pet health insurance since 2009, and has been the Trustpilot No. 1 rated pet insurance company for the past seven years.

Pet insurance for dogs overview

Pet health insurance can help cover the veterinary costs for unexpected accidents and illnesses. Pet insurance reimburses you on your veterinary bills when your dog gets sick or injured. It can help you afford the best course of treatment for your dog while protecting you against financial setbacks. The right pet insurance policy can give you peace of mind that your dog is taken care of without being a financial burden.

What does pet insurance for dogs typically cost?

Pet owners spend more than $3,000 annually on their pets, according to the pet health insurance company Lemonade. Pet insurance can help to cut back on those out-of-pocket costs.

Average premiums costs range from $20 to $55 a month. The cost for pet health insurance is based primarily on four factors:

  • Your dog's age
  • Your dog's breed
  • Your location
  • Your plan's annual limit, annual deductible, and reimbursement level

The average cost of pet insurance is $45 per month for a dog for an accident and illness policy with $5,000 of annual coverage and $55 per month for an accident and illness policy with unlimited annual coverage. The monthly cost is roughly half this amount for an accident-only policy.

Wellness coverage typically costs $20-$25 per month and is rolled into comprehensive coverage policies. For most pet owners, the cost of a wellness policy is what they would pay out of pocket anyway, so it may not be worth getting a standalone wellness plan.

What is typically covered?

Different pet insurance companies offer different pet coverage options for dogs, so you may have to do some research to find the best pet health insurance for your dog. Depending on the plan, pet insurance policies can cover:

Accidents

Accident coverage covers injuries and emergencies related to accidents, like torn ligaments, bite wounds, cuts, broken bones, swallowed objects, and toxic ingestions. It can also include a wide variety of services related to accidents, such as X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, bloodwork, sutures, medications, hospitalization, and surgery.

Illnesses

Illness coverage reimburses for the costs of major and minor illnesses, such as cancer, arthritis, hypothyroidism, ear infections, digestive problems, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can also cover expenses from diagnosing the health condition to the treatments your dog needs to get better.

Prescriptions

Prescription medication can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, or fight off an infection. They can also cover medication to manage chronic conditions, such as thyroid problems. Many plans also cover prescription food and supplements to help your dog with certain health conditions.

Other common coverage services

Other common services a pet insurance plan for dogs can cover are hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, chronic conditions, emergency care, specialty care, alternative treatment, surgeries, wellness policies, and much more. Each pet insurance company will offer different coverage options.

What is not covered?

Even the best pet insurance companies have exclusions, which are things not included in your dog's coverage. It is important to understand what they are to avoid any surprises. Here are the most common pet insurance exclusions for dogs.

Pre-existing conditions

Any medical condition that a pet has before the policy starts is subject to exclusion. Some pet insurance companies review the past 24 months or a pet's entire life to establish pre-existing conditions. This also includes hereditary disorders. Some plans do not cover certain breeds due to the fact they are predisposed to certain medical conditions.

Wellness care and preventative diseases

Most plans have a rider that offers preventative care. If not included, however, pet owners will have to pay for routine veterinary care out of pocket. If pets get sick due to pet owners not vaccinating their pets, then treatments will likely not be covered.

Elective procedures

Most policies do not cover cosmetic surgeries or expenses not directly related to veterinary care. This typically covers tail docking, ear cropping, nail trimming, and cosmetic dental restoration for teeth such as veneers and crowns.

Bilateral conditions

A bilateral condition is a condition or disease that affects both sides of the body. If pets have a problem with parts of their knees, hips, and other conditions that can impact both sides of a pet's body, then they are not covered. Because a pet runs a higher risk of the same condition on the other side of the body, if a pet has a pre-existing instance of a bilateral condition, the other side is typically not covered. Certain policies restrict the condition to just the first year. So if the problems arise after 12 months, then they will be covered.

Pregnancy and/or birth

Pet owners typically have to pay for costs related to pregnancy, breeding, or whelping. 

Injuries that are deliberate or due to neglect

Insurance companies won’t cover deliberate injuries by a pet owner or anyone in the household. Injury and illnesses from fighting, racing, cruelty, or neglect are also not covered.

Waiting period

Most pet insurance policies have a traditional waiting period of two weeks. Some injuries, like bilateral problems, have other specific time periods.

How to choose the right insurance for your dog

There are many different companies offering different pet insurance plans for your dog. As you research them, here are some important things to keep in mind.

Types of coverage

There are three types of pet insurance coverage: accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness coverages. Each level determines the type of care your dog is covered for as well as the cost.

  • Accident-only (AO) policies offer limited coverage. It does not cover most illnesses. It is cheaper than comprehensive coverage and is typically best for emergencies:
    • Accidents such as car accidents
    • Foreign body ingestion (swallowed objects)
    • Lacerations
    • Poisoning
    • Ligament tears
  • Accident and illness (A&I) policies are also known as "comprehensive policies" since they cover accidents plus minor and major illnesses:
    • Accidents
    • Injuries
    • Chronic illnesses (such as cancer, infection, and digestive problems)
    • Infections
    • Diagnostic testing
    • Prescription drugs
    • Emergency care
  • Wellness policies cover routine and preventative care, such as annual check-ups, vaccinations, and teeth cleaning. These policies tend to be riders to A&I policies. If embedded with an A&I policy, they may include:
    • Vaccinations
    • Early screening diagnostics
    • Dental care
    • Consultations for proper nutrition

Pet insurance plan customizations

The cost of a plan will depend on a variety of factors. Different pet insurance companies will offer additional endorsements that you can add to the policy. Here are other ways you can customize your pet insurance plan for your dog.

  • Annual coverage limits -- Plans typically have an annual limit ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Some plans offer even higher amounts, including unlimited coverage limits. These policies cost significantly more, however.
  • Reimbursement percentage -- Pet owners can customize how much reimbursement they receive for covered veterinary costs. The most common reimbursement amounts range from 70% to 90%. Some insurers will cover up to 100% at a higher premium amount.
  • Annual deductible amounts -- Pet owners can choose the annual deductible amounts. They can range from $100 to $1,000. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium amount.
  • Types of illness and accidents -- Many pet insurance companies allow pet owners to choose certain types of care. Common ones include:
    • Diagnostics: Blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and lab work
    • Procedures: Outpatient, specialty and emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery
    • Medication: Injections or prescription meds

When shopping around for the best pet insurance for your dog, you should look at the different costs and coverage. You should choose an insurer that has experience and knows what it is doing when it comes to providing pet insurance. Read reviews and research how long an insurer has been in business. Also research the insurer's claims process to ensure it is easy to submit a claim. The goal is to find an insurer that offers affordable options that provide the best level of coverage to fit your needs.

The Picks
Offer Best For Next Steps
Graphic of ASPCA
ASPCA
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5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for pets with hereditary and health conditions
Graphic of Embrace
Embrace
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for diminishing deductibles and short waiting period
Graphic of Lemonade
Lemonade
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for fast claims processing
Graphic of Spot
Spot
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for customizable coverage choices
Graphic of Figo
Figo
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for unlimited annual benefits and access to 24/7 live vet
Graphic of Fetch
Fetch
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for comprehensive coverage
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Trupanion
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for direct payment to veterinarians
Graphic of Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Great For: Best for alternative medicine for pets

FAQs

  • Yes, some breeds of dogs cost more to care for than others. As a result, dog insurance policies take into account your dog's breed, age, location, and other factors such as annual limit, reimbursement amount, deductible, and coverage options when determining the cost for pet insurance.

  • Yes, older dogs require more care so insurance companies charge higher premiums. Premiums are typically lowest for younger dogs since they tend to be healthier.

Our Insurance Expert

David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
By: David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Writer, Consultant

David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and consultant. He has over two decades of experience in the wealth management space and has been featured in dozens of news, radio, and podcast programs nationwide. He currently works as Head of IoT for the West Region of a Fortune 200 company. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the California Army National Guard. He is an East-West Graduate Degree Fellow and has an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.