The Top 10 Pet Insurance Carriers
Vet bills aren't getting cheaper. We evaluated the leading U.S. carriers on coverage, claims speed, customization, and value — here's how they stack up for pet parents shopping today.
MetLife Pet Insurance
Best for Multi-Pet Families · Exotic Pet CoverageMetLife brings the financial strength of a Fortune 100 insurer to pet coverage, and it shows in the breadth of its plans. Families can enroll up to three pets under a single policy with a shared deductible, which adds up to real savings for households with more than one animal. A diminishing-deductible feature rewards claim-free years, and MetLife is one of the few major carriers that will write coverage for exotic species like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Reimbursement runs up to 90%, exam fees, prescription food, and alternative therapies are included, and customer service is available around the clock. For most pet parents, MetLife hits the rare combination of comprehensive coverage, fair pricing, and institutional reliability.
Get a QuoteHealthy Paws Pet Insurance
Best Unlimited Coverage · Backed by ChubbIf you want the maximum possible safety net, Healthy Paws is hard to beat. Its single accident-and-illness plan comes with no annual maximum, no per-incident cap, and no lifetime payout limit — a structure most competitors only offer as an optional upgrade. Holistic and alternative therapies like acupuncture and hydrotherapy are included in the standard policy rather than locked behind a rider. Claims are typically reimbursed within two business days through the company's mobile app, which is one of the highest-rated in the category. Underwriting by Chubb adds an extra layer of financial confidence for owners enrolling pets in long-term coverage.
Get a QuoteSpot Pet Insurance
Best for CustomizationSpot offers one of the most flexible plan structures in the industry, with deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000 and annual limits from $2,500 all the way to unlimited. There's no upper age limit for enrollment, so older pets aren't automatically priced out, and the carrier provides a 24/7 telehealth helpline for non-emergency questions. Optional preventive care add-ons cover routine items like vaccines and dental cleanings. Endorsed by celebrities and built on the same underwriting platform as ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Spot is a strong pick for owners who want to dial coverage in precisely to their budget.
Get a QuoteEmbrace Pet Insurance
Best for Military · Best Wellness RewardsEmbrace stands out for its Healthy Pet Deductible, which reduces your deductible by $50 each year you don't file a claim — a structural reward for healthy pets that almost no competitor matches. The carrier covers curable pre-existing conditions after a 12-month symptom-free window, an unusually generous policy. Military members, veterans, and eligible family members can stack discounts up to 25% through Embrace's USAA partnership. Optional Wellness Rewards function more like a flexible spending account than a traditional rider, reimbursing routine costs like grooming, training, and dental cleanings.
Get a QuotePets Best
Best Value · Best for Mobility CoverageFounded by a veterinarian in 2005 and now part of Synchrony's portfolio, Pets Best has built a reputation for affordable plans without obvious compromises. A $50 deductible option, available on its Elite tier, is the lowest in the industry and helps keep out-of-pocket costs predictable. The carrier is one of the few to explicitly cover prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, and orthotic equipment when prescribed for a covered condition. Direct vet pay is available on request, and there's no upper age limit for new enrollments. Coverage starts as early as seven weeks old, making it equally well-suited to puppies and senior pets.
Get a QuoteFigo Pet Insurance
Best for 100% ReimbursementFigo is the rare carrier that lets you choose 100% reimbursement, eliminating the copay entirely — most competitors cap reimbursement at 90%. Annual payout options range from $5,000 to unlimited, and accidents are covered after just a one-day waiting period, the fastest in the category. The Figo Pet Cloud app centralizes claims, vet records, and 24/7 live vet chat in one place. Optional endorsements cover unusual perks like pet boarding if you're hospitalized, lost-pet advertising costs, and third-party liability coverage. It's a strong fit for owners who want premium coverage and don't want to do math on copays at the vet.
Get a QuotePumpkin Pet Insurance
Best for Puppies & KittensPumpkin is engineered around the needs of young pets, with optional preventive care packs tailored separately for puppies and kittens that cover wellness exams, vaccines, and parasite screenings. The main insurance plan includes some unexpected extras at no upcharge — microchip implantation, stem cell therapy, and pet poison control consultation fees are all covered. Reimbursement runs at a generous flat 90%, with no upper age limit on enrollment. Backed by Zoetis, one of the world's largest animal health companies, Pumpkin pairs comprehensive coverage with a polished, modern customer experience.
Get a QuoteAKC Pet Insurance
Best for Pre-Existing ConditionsAKC Pet Insurance is the only major carrier with a clear pathway to coverage for pre-existing conditions: keep a policy active for 365 continuous days, and previously excluded conditions become eligible at renewal. The plan also offers something rare in the category — supplemental accident and illness coverage for breeding-related issues, which matters for owners of working or show dogs. Direct vet payments are available under certain conditions, and a 24/7 vet hotline is included with every policy. Optional endorsements add coverage for preventive care, end-of-life expenses, and behavioral therapy.
Get a QuoteNationwide Pet Insurance
Best for Exotic PetsNationwide pioneered the pet insurance category in the United States in 1982 — originally as VPI — and remains one of the few carriers willing to write policies for exotic animals. Birds, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets, and small mammals including goats and pot-bellied pigs are all eligible under the Avian & Exotic Pet Plan. Coverage for cats and dogs is comprehensive, with optional preventive care riders and direct vet payments available under certain conditions. With more than 1.1 million pets currently insured, Nationwide brings the deepest underwriting experience in the industry to every policy it writes.
Get a QuoteLemonade Pet Insurance
Best Budget Pick · Fastest ClaimsLemonade leverages AI-driven underwriting and claims processing to deliver some of the lowest premiums in the industry, with policies starting at around $10 per month. The mobile-first experience lets you submit a claim by recording a short video, and straightforward claims can be approved in minutes rather than days. Bundle and multi-pet discounts can shave up to 10% off the premium, and any unclaimed premium is donated to charity through Lemonade's Giveback program. Coverage is currently available in 37 states plus DC; the carrier is best suited to owners of younger, healthy pets who want simple, affordable accident and illness protection.
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