Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
Jason Metz
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
Lead Editor, Insurance
Dr. Alison MasonPet Insurance Expert
Dr. Ali Mason serves as the Regional Director of Operations for Thrive Pet Healthcarehospitals in the New York City area. In addition to her operational role, she is an active member of Thrive’s Medical Excellence Team and leads its Team and Patient Safety Committee.
Dr. Mason’s veterinary experience began in New York City, where she excelled as a small animal general practice veterinarian and medical director. She also worked as an area medical director, during which she mentored numerous other veterinarians.
From her early days as an intern in an emergency and specialty hospital, Dr. Mason recognized the crucial role of pet insurance in veterinary care. Witnessing the emotional and financial strain when pet owners faced unexpected medical expenses, she became a staunch advocate for pet insurance. She believes firmly in preparing pet owners to manage unforeseen veterinary emergencies and illnesses. Dr. Mason is dedicated to mentoring her peers on the importance of advocating for pet insurance, which benefits not only the patients but also the pet owners and treating veterinarians.
Dr. Mason resides on Long Island, New York, with her family and two rescue dogs, Jackson, a hound mix, and Tate, a pit bull mix, both of whom have been insured since their adoption. Her personal and professional life is deeply intertwined with her commitment to veterinary excellence and pet care.
Expert Reviewed
Dr. Alison Mason
Dr. Alison MasonPet Insurance Expert
Dr. Ali Mason serves as the Regional Director of Operations for Thrive Pet Healthcarehospitals in the New York City area. In addition to her operational role, she is an active member of Thrive’s Medical Excellence Team and leads its Team and Patient Safety Committee.
Dr. Mason’s veterinary experience began in New York City, where she excelled as a small animal general practice veterinarian and medical director. She also worked as an area medical director, during which she mentored numerous other veterinarians.
From her early days as an intern in an emergency and specialty hospital, Dr. Mason recognized the crucial role of pet insurance in veterinary care. Witnessing the emotional and financial strain when pet owners faced unexpected medical expenses, she became a staunch advocate for pet insurance. She believes firmly in preparing pet owners to manage unforeseen veterinary emergencies and illnesses. Dr. Mason is dedicated to mentoring her peers on the importance of advocating for pet insurance, which benefits not only the patients but also the pet owners and treating veterinarians.
Dr. Mason resides on Long Island, New York, with her family and two rescue dogs, Jackson, a hound mix, and Tate, a pit bull mix, both of whom have been insured since their adoption. Her personal and professional life is deeply intertwined with her commitment to veterinary excellence and pet care.
Pet Insurance Expert
Expert Reviewed
Updated: Jun 2, 2024, 4:12pm
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
We evaluated 10 policies and found that Pets Best, Fetch and Lemonade offer the best cheap pet insurance.
You can find a good policy for a few hundred dollars per year that covers both accidents and illnesses. It’s a good way to help offset unexpected vet bills like cancer treatment or surgery to remove a swallowed object. Pet insurance can also pay for common pet health problems, like digestive issues and ear infections.
Read more
Summary: Best Cheap Pet Insurance
Our expert take | Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor rating for cheap pet insurance | Forbes Advisor Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best overall | Pets Best | 5.0 | ||
Good for boarding fees | Fetch | 4.9 | ||
Great prices for dogs and cats | Lemonade | 4.9 | ||
Great for unlimited annual coverage | Healthy Paws | 4.6 | ||
Great for short waiting period for accident coverage | Figo | 4.3 |
How We Chose the Best Cheap Pet Insurance
Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies
Best Overall
Pets Best
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $5,000 coverage
$38 per month for dogs; $24 per month for cats
Average cost for unlimited coverage
$44 per month for dogs; $26 per month for cats
Compare Plans
$38 per month for dogs; $24 per month for cats
$44 per month for dogs; $26 per month for cats
Editors’ Take
We picked Pets Best because it has the cheapest prices for unlimited annual coverage among the companies we analyzed. We like that it combines solid basic coverage with a wide range of deductible choices to help you budget for possible claims.
- Option to add a 24/7 pet telehealth line.
- Optional wellness plan.
- Accident coverage waiting period of only 3 days.
- Can pay your vet directly if your vet agrees.
More: Pets Best Pet Insurance Review
Our rating is based on Pets Best’s Essential plan. For broader coverage (at a higher price), consider the Pets Best Plus or Elite plan.
Expert’s Take
Pets Best offers fairly comprehensive plans at reasonable prices. My main clients have been happy with coverage for things like surgeries and medication.
– Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinarian and contributor to Hound Games
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t cover the vet exam fee. You’ll need to buy the Plus or Elite plan if you want that coverage.
- Does not cover alternative therapies or behavioral issues, but the Pets Best Elite plan will cover acupuncture and chiropractic care if your pet needs rehabilitation.
- 6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligament issues.
Plan Details
Coverage type | Plan details |
---|---|
Maximum annual coverage | $5,000, Unlimited |
Reimbursem*nt choices | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Deductible choices | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 |
Waiting period | 3 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions |
Multipet discount | 5% |
Euthanasia or end of life expenses | Included |
Vet exam fees | Only with Plus and Elite plans |
Microchipping | Yes, if you purchase the wellness plan |
Great for Boarding Fees
Fetch
4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $5,000 coverage
$36 per month for dogs; $32 per month for cats
Average cost for unlimited coverage
$47 per month for dogs; $62 per month for cats
Compare Plans
$36 per month for dogs; $32 per month for cats
$47 per month for dogs; $62 per month for cats
Editors’ Take
We like Fetch’s cheap monthly costs and also that it includes coverage for boarding/kennel fees if you are hospitalized for four or more days, up to $1,000. You won’t find this benefit at most other pet insurance companies.
- Covers vet exam fees.
- Pays advertising fees and a reward if your pet is stolen or lost, up to $1,000.
- Covers vacation cancellation fees if you have to skip a trip due to a sick pet.
- Optional wellness plan available.
More: Fetch Pet Insurance Review
Expert’s Take
Fetch is well-regarded for its comprehensive coverage, including accidents, illnesses and even hereditary and chronic conditions. One of the standout features of Fetch is its coverage for non-routine veterinary visits, which can be a lifesaver for unexpected health issues that arise.
– Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM and staff veterinary writer at WeLoveDoodles
Drawbacks
- 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses.
- 6-month waiting period for coverage for pre-existing hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament issues. (The problem may be covered if the issue occurs within 30 days of your policy purchase and there’s documentation that it’s a new condition.)
- No 24/7 vet telehealth line.
- No option to pay the vet directly.
Plan Details
Coverage type | Plan details |
---|---|
Maximum annual coverage | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 |
Reimbursem*nt choices | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Deductible choices | $300, $500, $700 |
Waiting period | 15 days for accidents and illnesses; 6 months for cruciate ligament issues and hip dysplasia |
Multipet discount | No |
Euthanasia or end of life expenses | Not included |
Vet exam fees | Included |
Microchipping | Not included |
Great Prices for Dogs and Cats
Lemonade
4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $5,000 coverage
$38 per month for dogs; $24 per month for cats
Average cost for unlimited coverage
$46 per month for dogs; $22 per month for cats
Compare Plans
$38 per month for dogs; $24 per month for cats
$46 per month for dogs; $22 per month for cats
Editors’ Take
We like Lemonade’s very competitive prices for dogs and cats. But you’ll give up some perks such as a 24/7 vet telehealth line and you’ll have to pay extra if you want coverage for the vet exam fee.
- Optional wellness plan available.
- 2-day waiting period for accident coverage.
- Has live chat for pet health questions seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET.
More: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
Expert’s Take
I’ve compared quotes and coverage from dozens of pet insurance companies and Lemonade offers the lowest rates I’ve seen. If you want to minimize monthly payments in exchange for slightly lower coverage, Lemonade is an attractive option.
– Daniel Caughill, Co-Founder of The Dog Tale
Drawbacks
- No coverage for alternative or behavioral therapy.
- No coverage for stem cell treatment, prescription food or microchipping.
- 6-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments.
- No option to pay the vet directly.
Plan Details
Coverage type | Plan details |
---|---|
Maximum annual coverage | $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 |
Reimbursem*nt choices | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Deductible choices | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
Waiting period | 2 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 6 months for cruciate ligament issues |
Multipet discount | No |
Euthanasia or end of life expenses | Yes, if you buy the End-of-life and Remembrance add-on |
Vet exam fees | Yes, if you buy the Vet Visit Fee add-on |
Microchipping | Yes, if you buy the Preventative Package for Puppies and Kittens |
Great for Unlimited Annual Coverage
Healthy Paws
4.6
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $5,000 coverage
Not available
Average cost for unlimited coverage
$52 per month for dogs; $25 per month for cats
Compare Plans
Not available
$52 per month for dogs; $25 per month for cats
Editors’ Take
We like Healthy Paws for its low prices for unlimited annual coverage. But vet exam fees are not covered and pets enrolled at age 6 and older will not be covered for hip dysplasia.
- 24/7 pet telehealth line.
- Pays vet directly if you make a request to Healthy Paws in advance of treatment.
More: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
Expert’s Take
Healthy Paws can pay directly to the clinic, which speeds up the process for claims. Their claim turnaround is probably the fastest I have experienced. They provide good customer service as well.
– Jonathan Gonzalez, advisory board member
Drawbacks
- No optional wellness plan.
- Does not cover vet exam fees.
- Choices for deductibles and reimbursem*nt levels are related to the pet’s age and other factors, but Healthy Paws does not disclose the exact deductible schedule. You have to get a quote to find out your choices.
Plan Details
Coverage type | Plan details |
---|---|
Maximum annual coverage | Unlimited |
Reimbursem*nt choices | 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
Deductible choices | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 |
Waiting period | 15 days for accidents and illnesses; 12 months for hip dysplasia |
Multipet discount | No |
Euthanasia or end of life expenses | Included |
Vet exam fees | Not included |
Microchipping | Not included |
Great for Short Waiting Period for Accident Coverage
Figo
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $5,000 coverage
$38 per month for dogs; $21 per month for cats
Average cost for unlimited coverage
$59 per month for dogs; $33 per month for cats
Compare Plans
$38 per month for dogs; $21 per month for cats
$59 per month for dogs; $33 per month for cats
Editors’ Take
Figo did well in our ratings because it has low prices and only a 1-day waiting period for accident coverage—the shortest accident waiting period among the companies we analyzed.
- Offers a 100% reimbursem*nt option.
- Optional wellness plan available.
- 24/7 pet telehealth line.
- Has the option to pay the vet directly if you make a request to Figo.
More: Figo Pet Insurance Review
Expert’s Take
Figo provides solid coverage while being simple and straightforward to use. Getting reimbursem*nts is smooth and hassle-free.
– Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinarian and contributor to Hound Games
Drawbacks
- You’ll have to pay extra if you want coverage for vet exam fees.
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic problems, but can be waived if your vet signs an orthopedic conditions waiver within the first 30 days of the policy.
Plan Details
Coverage type | Plan details |
---|---|
Maximum annual coverage | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited |
Reimbursem*nt choices | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% |
Deductible choices | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500 |
Waiting period | 1 day for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 6 months for orthopedic conditions (can be waived with an orthopedic waiver within the first 30 days of the policy) |
Multipet discount | 5% |
Euthanasia or end of life expenses | Included |
Vet exam fees | Yes, if you purchase the Veterinary Exam Fees Powerup |
Microchipping | Yes, if you purchase the Wellness and Preventative Coverage Powerup |
What Is the Cheapest Pet Insurance?
For affordable dog insurance:
- Fetch has the cheapest dog insurance policies at $36 monthly on average for $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level for dogs, based on our analysis.
- Pets Best has the cheapest pet insurance for dogs with an average monthly cost of $44 for unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
For affordable cat insurance:
- Fetch has the cheapest cat insurance at $21 monthly on average for $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level for cats, based on our analysis.
- Lemonade has the cheapest cat insurance at $22 monthly on average for unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
Case Study: Butter's Bloat Scare
I came home from work one day and noticed Butter was in a lot of pain and screaming when he tried to relieve himself, so I rushed him to our nearest emergency vet. They diagnosed him with bloat (GDV), a life-threatening condition causing his stomach to expand to three times its normal size. I was terrified and would’ve done anything for him to get better. The total cost was around $3,000, but my pet insurance reimbursed about $2,800. I pay about $50 per month for the insurance—worth every penny!
-Casey D., California
How to Find Affordable Pet Insurance
Take these steps to find the cheapest pet insurance that’s right for you.
Review the Pet Insurance Policy With Your Vet
| |
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
| |
Adjust Your Deductible, Reimbursem*nt and Coverage Levels
| |
Ask About Discounts
|
Some breeds are more susceptible to certain hereditary conditions than others. Because of this, your veterinarian can identify some health concerns worth covering before your pet becomes affected.
– Dr. Randy Aroson, vet advisor at Betterpet
EXPERT TIPS
How to Find Affordable Pet Insurance
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Buy When Pet Is Young
I recommend buying a pet insurance policy as soon as possible. If your pet develops a condition like arthritis or heart disease before you buy pet insurance, those conditions won’t be covered and you’ll have to foot the vet bill yourself.
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Get Coverage for Vet Exam Fees
I would look for pet insurers that include coverage for vet exam fees in the base coverage. Not all insurers include this coverage. Without it, you’ll have to pay the vet exam fee for visits for accidents and illnesses.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Look for a 24/7 Helpline
I would consider choosing a pet insurer that offers a 24/7 vet telehealth line. If your pet gets sick in the middle of the night, the ability to talk with a vet could save you an expensive trip to the emergency room.
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
How Much Does An Average Pet Insurance Policy Cost?
Pet insurance for a dog costs an average of $48 per month for $5,000 of annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt, based on our analysis of pet insurance rates. Unlimited coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level costs an average of $68 per month.
The average pet insurance cost for cats is $28 per month for $5,000 of annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% deductible. Unlimited coverage with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level costs an average of $40 per month.
Your own pet insurance cost will depend on the type of plan you select, the annual coverage limit, deductible amount, reimbursem*nt level and other factors, such as your pet’s breed and age.
How Much Is Dog Insurance Per Month?
Dog’s age | Pet insurance cost per month for $5,000 annual coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | Pet insurance cost per month cost for unlimited annual coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt |
---|---|---|
Puppy (3 months) | $37 | $56 |
2 years | $35 | $55 |
5 years | $45 | $70 |
7 years | $59 | $91 |
Average | $44 | $68 |
Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 annual coverage and unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $750 for dogs over age seven in several states for Healthy Paws) and 80% reimbursem*nt level for mixed breed dogs.
How Much Is Cat Insurance Per Month?
Cat’s age | Pet insurance cost per month cost for $5,000 coverage $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | Pet insurance cost per month cost for unlimited coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt |
---|---|---|
Kitten (3 months) | $22 | $30 |
2 years | $22 | $31 |
5 years | $26 | $38 |
7 years | $34 | $49 |
Average | $26 | $37 |
Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 annual coverage and unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $750 for cats over age seven in several states for Healthy Paws) and 80% reimbursem*nt level for mixed breed cats.
How Are Pet Insurance Costs Determined?
Pet insurance companies use a variety of pricing factors when setting rates, such as the factors below.
Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats. | |
Certain breeds that are predisposed to hereditary problems (such as a French bulldog) will typically mean higher vet costs. Also, larger dogs are generally more expensive to insure. | |
The cost of vet care where you live will impact your pet insurance costs. | |
Your coverage selections, such as annual coverage limit, deductible amount and reimbursem*nt level will affect your cost. For example, a lower deductible will result in a higher cost. |
.
Is Cheap Pet Insurance Worth It?
To find out if cheap pet insurance is worth it, we recommend looking at the pet insurance coverage benefits you want versus focusing solely on price. Our analysis found that the average price of a policy for dogs with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level is $66 per month. You can find several pet insurers that cost lower than the monthly average, but they don’t all offer the same benefits.
I recommend pet parents understand how coverage works when it comes to the pet insurance deductible. Does the plan have an annual deductible that is reset every year or is there a deductible per medical issue for life? Both have benefits, though I prefer the latter for my own pets. But most importantly, it’s best to have a plan that has unlimited illness and emergency coverage after your deductible is hit.
– Dr. Alison Mason, Advisory Board Member
For example, Lemonade pet insurance has the second cheapest rates ($46 per month) among the insurers we looked at, but you won’t find coverage for vet exam fees, or behavioral or alternative therapy included in its base coverage. That means you’ll have to pay out of pocket for these expenses. You also won’t find a 24/7 vet telehealth line with Lemonade.
If these coverage benefits are important to you, we’d recommend going with a more expensive company like Embrace pet insurance ($76 per month) that includes these benefits in its base coverage. Embrace also has a 24/7 vet telehealth line which can be invaluable if your pet gets sick in the middle of the night on a weekend.
Ask an expert
We Answer Your Questions
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Does pet insurance cover cremation?
Wilson P., Fremont, Ohio
Yes, some pet insurers include coverage for cremation and other end-of-life expenses, such as euthanasia, burial, urns and keepsakes. But not all insurers include end-of-life expenses as part of their base policies. Some insurers offer this as add-on coverage, such as Lemonade and AKC pet insurance.
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Can I keep my vet if I buy pet insurance?
Emily S., Long Beach, California
Yes, pet insurance works with any licensed veterinarian in the U.S., as well as emergency clinics and specialists. Some insurers like Pets Best will also pay claims for bills from licensed vets in Canada.
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Is it true that pet insurance pays for acupuncture?
Noah V., Chesapeake, Virginia
Yes, some pet insurance policies cover acupuncture and other types of holistic and alternative therapy, such as hydrotherapy and chiropractic care. Most pet insurers include alternative therapy in their coverage, but some companies such as ManyPets and Lemonade don’t. Other insurers offer coverage as an add-on, such as Trupanion’s Recovery and Complementary Care package.
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Methodology
We used data provided by PetInsurer.com to score each pet insurance company based on the following.
Average costs: 40% of score. We calculated average rates for medium sized mixed breed dogs age 3 months, 2 years, 5 years and 7 years for policies with unlimited coverage, a $250 deductible and a 80% reimbursem*nt level, or the closest options available.
Plan benefits: 60% of score. We scored policies based on the following important features: Annual coverage choices, whether the plan can pay a veterinarian directly, access to a 24/7 vet line, availability of routine wellness coverage, whether the plan pays the vet exam fee, dental illness coverage, end of life coverage and multipet discount.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
Get a free quote from the top pet insurance companies in the U.S.
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Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Pet Insurance Companies
Other Pet Insurance Plans We Rated
Company | Forbes Advisor rating for cheap pet insurance |
---|---|
Embrace | |
Paw Protect | |
Spot | |
Pumpkin |
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Compare 10+ Leading Pet Insurers In Minutes
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Affordable Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do cheap pet insurance companies cover routine care?
Pets Best, Lemonade, Fetch and Figo are among the cheap pet insurance companies we evaluated that offer optional wellness plans for routine care. This includes wellness exams, vaccinations, and flea and heartworm prevention.
Not all pet insurers sell wellness plans as an add-on.
Is there a disadvantage to buying cheap pet insurance?
Some cheap pet insurance policies do not offer valuable coverage benefits such as a 24/7 vet telehealth line, coverage for vet exam fees or optional wellness plans.
We don’t recommend focusing solely on a pet insurance company’s price. We suggest identifying pet insurance companies that offer the coverage benefits that you want. Then you can compare pet insurance quotes among multiple companies to find the best price.
Should I buy wellness care add-ons?
If you want coverage for routine and preventative pet care, you should buy a wellness care add-on. The best pet insurance wellness plans for routine care cover expenses such as blood and fecal exams, dental cleanings, flea and tick prevention, routine wellness exams and vaccinations.
A pet insurance wellness plan is usually an added cost on top of your pet insurance plan. The average monthly cost for a pet insurance wellness plan is $24 per month for a dog and $22 for cats. For instance, if your monthly pet insurance cost for a dog is $44 per month and you buy a wellness plan for $24 per month, your total pet insurance premium will be $68 per month.
Next Up In Pet Insurance
- Best Pet Insurance Companies Of June 2024
- Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans For Routine Care In 2024
- Best Pet Insurance For French Bull Dogs 2024
- Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs Of 2024
- Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
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