Owning a pet is expensive. From grooming and feeding to training and accessories, there’s a lot to budget for. Their healthcare costs are another important consideration — and the question of whether or not to purchase pet insurance looms heavily over pet owners.
On one hand, pet insurance is expensive. Monthly premiums may feel pointless when your pet is healthy and happy. However, insurance can be a lifesaver (maybe literally!) if your pet is diagnosed with cancer or some other treatable, but expensive-to-treat ailment.
Another dilemma for pet owners considering insurance for their furry friend is the plethora of options available. More choice is good, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to know what plan and provider is right for your situation. In this article we’ll break down 10 of the best pet insurance options on the market.
Use The Swiftest to Find the Right Pet Insurance
Even if you know that you want pet insurance, you may be lost when it comes to finding a provider. Best-of lists are certainly helpful, but being able to compare plans on one site makes buying insurance for your pet much more straightforward. Since 2020, The Swiftest has helped pet owners identify the right insurance carrier and plan for their beloved furry family members.
Top 10 Best Pet Insurance Policies 2025
1. Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace has been in the pet insurance business for over 20 years, keeping pet owners covered for routine care, emergencies and special treatments. The company was founded in 2003 and is underwritten by American Modern Insurance. It’s the provider for Geico, Allstate and USAA.
Pros
- 24/7 televet access
- Also offers pet dental insurance
- No annual coverage limit
- Offers special discounts including a generous “healthy pet” discount and multi-pet discount
- Wellness Plan enrollees get $25 for healthcare needs
- Has an app
Cons
- Doesn’t cover prescription food unless the pet is enrolled in a Wellness Plan
- Older pets (14+) can only be enrolled in accident-only coverage
- Military discount isn’t offered in all 50 states
- Higher than average costs compared with competitors
2. Pets Best
Pets Best was founded back in 2005 by Dr. Jack Stephens. Dr. Stephens founded his first pet insurance company in the 80s, making the company one of the more experienced insurance carriers. Pets Best is the provider for Nationwide and Farmers insurance
Pros
- Variety of deductible choices
- No age limits on accident and illness plans
- Offers no limit lifetime or annual plans
- Provides routine care coverage
- One of the only insurance companies that have optional vet-direct pay
- 24/7 pet helpline
- Has an app
Cons
- Lower-cost plans don’t cover exam fees and certain therapies
- Doesn’t cover food or supplements
- Coverage limits and availability varies by state
3. Spot Pet Insurance
Spot Pet Insurance is one of the United States’ fastest-growing pet insurance companies, competing with major players like Allstate and Nationwide. The goal of the company is to provide a high-end plan with broad coverage without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Available in all 50 states
- Two levels of wellness coverage available
- No upper age limit for enrolling
- Coverage includes microchip implantation
- 10% multipet discount
- Covers some preexisting conditions
- Also covers prescription food and behavioral modification
Cons
- Fewer discounts offered compared with competitors
- No option to directly pay the veterinarian
4. Lemonade
Lemonade is one of the most affordable pet insurance plans, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s one of the most popular as well. Its plans are highly customizable, making it easy to find the perfect coverage for your fur baby.
Pros
- Lower costs compared with other carriers
- Coverage starts within a day of enrolling
- Wellness plan is available
- Offers pet health chat support
- Easy-to-use interface
- Has an app available
Cons
- Special coverage perks are typically only offered at an extra cost as add ons
- No behavioral or alternative therapy coverage
- Doesn’t cover prescription food, stem cell treatment or microchip insertion
- No option to directly pay the veterinarian
- Only available in 37 states
5. FIGO
FIGO was founded by pet parents who were struggling to find affordable insurance that fit their needs. The company values simplicity, transparency, flexibility and inclusion, culminating in what they call “pet-forward” insurance.
Pros
- Only has a one-day waiting period
- Offers an option for 100% reimbursement
- 24/7 telehealth available
- You can enroll in a routine wellness plan
- Quick and helpful online live chat
Cons
- Doesn’t cover vet exam fees, but they can be added at a cost
- Six-month waiting period for orthopedic problems (which can be waived if your vet signs an orthopedic conditions waiver within 30 days of the policy beginning)
- No option to directly pay the veterinarian
- Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance isn’t all that different from most types of insurance. You pay a monthly premium to an insurer and when you need medical treatment, the insurance pays some or all of the costs. Treatment for our pets injuries or illnesses can be quite expensive and may come suddenly — it’s difficult to budget for pet healthcare without an insurance plan.
Unlike health insurance for humans, you typically pay for your pet’s treatment in full directly to the veterinarian. Then, you submit a claim for reimbursement from the insurance carrier. Once the claim is approved, you will receive payment for the insurance company’s portion of the treatment.
Most companies provide between 70% and 90% coverage, though there are some full-coverage plans available for a higher monthly premium. There are some insurance carriers that provide a vet direct-pay option, which streamlines the process.
Another element of a pet insurance plan is the deductible. Insurance companies won’t provide coverage until the deductible is met. Generally speaking, the higher the monthly premium, the lower the deductible and vice versa.
CitizenShipper is the leading pet transportation marketplace in the United States. Our drivers are caring, compassionate animal-lovers that will treat your pets like their own family members.