10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of February 2022 – Arizona Daily Star

To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe.
We have not been able to find your subscription.
Current Subscriber?
Log in
Current Subscriber?
Activate now
Or
Don’t have a subscription?
Subscribe now
Subscribe today for unlimited access
Subscribe today for unlimited access

No co-payment
$100-$1,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$2,500 – $20,000, Unlimited
Multi-pet discount
Learn More

No per-incident, annual or lifetime benefit caps
$100, $200, $500
70%, 80% or 90% for pets up to 7 years
Unlimited
N/A
Learn More

Preventative care packs
$100, $250, $500
90%
$7-15k for cats, $10-20k for dogs
Multi-pet discount
Learn More

Covers stem cell therapy
$100-$500
70%, 80%, 90%
$3,000-$7,000
Multi-pet discount, Employee benefit discount
Learn More

Covers pets 15 years or over
$100-$1k
70%, 80%, 90%
Up to Unlimited
Diminishing deductible, Multi-pet discount, Military discount, Employee benefits discount
Learn More

40 years in the insurance industry
$50-$1k
70%, 80%, 90%
$5k-Unlimited
Multi-pet discount
Learn More

Donates unused premiums to customer-chosen nonprofits
$100, $250, $500
70%, 80%, 90%
$5k-$100k
Policy bundle discount
Learn More
Pet insurance helps pay for your pet’s medical care, with many policies covering up to 90 percent of your vet bills. However, that proportion varies by insurer and by your preferences. In addition, some procedures and care are excluded from coverage. With some policies, you also can hit annual or lifetime caps on payments, which can mean some bills aren’t covered at all.
It can be challenging, too, to find comprehensive coverage for your dog or cat at an affordable monthly premium. To help you shorten the process, here’s our list of best pet insurance companies, tailored to particular needs and priorities.
Honorable Mentions: TrustedPals, Petplan, Metlife Pet Insurance, PetFirst, 24PetWatch, Hartville, Pet Assure, USAA Pet Insurance and GEICO Pet Insurance
View Rates
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Healthy Paws offers just one accident and illness policy for cats and dogs. It has no per-incident, annual or lifetime benefit caps, and you can choose a deductible between $100 and $500.
Healthy Paws provides quick claim processing through its mobile app, and most claims are processed in just two days. It also offers a direct payment option instead of reimbursement if you can’t afford the upfront veterinary bill.
Healthy Paws is best for pets that are enrolled while they’re young, as coverage options and reimbursement rates are more limited for senior pets.
Why we chose Healthy Paws: Most insurers exclude alternative therapies from their policies, but Healthy Paws policies cover treatments like acupuncture chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy and massage therapy as long as it’s prescribed and performed by a licensed veterinarian.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers accident-only, accident and illness and preventive care for cats and dogs. Riding enthusiasts can also insure their horses, but only in certain states.
ASPCA’s premium rates are some of the most affordable and the company is also more flexible on certain policy terms than its industry counterparts.
While other policies set an age limit on coverage for hereditary or congenital conditions, ASPCA guarantees coverage no matter your pet’s age at enrollment, as long as the conditions aren’t pre-diagnosed. Additionally, curable pre-existing conditions are covered, provided your pet is symptom-free for at last 180 days. Other companies may make you wait up to a year.
This insurer also falls short with its lengthy claims processing time. Pet care is expensive, and waiting 30 days for insurance reimbursement isn’t a good selling point, considering some competitors process claims in a matter of days.
Why we chose ASPCA: We picked ASPCA as the best pet insurance for congenital or hereditary conditions because it doesn’t withhold coverage for these illnesses if you enroll your pet past a certain age. Your pet will be fully insured relatively fast, too, thanks to the short 14-day waiting period.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Spot readily allows you to maximize coverage of your pet. It’s among a relatively few companies that provide policies with a full (100%) coverage option, meaning you are not responsible for any co-payment of bills. In addition, the company offers a very low ($100) deductible option, which further reduces your out-of-pocket payments for care.
That said, choosing one or both of a low co-payment and a low deductible will lead to higher premiums for the policy. And Spot’s prices are already higher than the norm for young pets, although the company has no upper age limit for insuring new animals — which may make it a good choice if your furry companions are elderly.
Why we chose Spot: We picked Spot for how well it caters to pet parents who want coverage that maximizes peace of mind for their pet’s health — even if opting for low or no co-payments and a small deductible do tend to drive up the cost of any policy, regardless of the company. Spot is also a fine choice for older pets, since there is no age limit to its coverage.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Pumpkin offers affordable plans with an option to add preventative care packs for young cats and dogs that aren’t included in standard coverage. For example, the company’s puppy preventive care packs include one annual wellness exam fee, four puppy vaccines and one yearly fecal test.
Pumpkin will also refund the cost of up to four vaccines your puppy may have received prior to being insured under the preventive pack, as well as covering lab tests for parasites. However, these add-ons — known as Pumpkin Preventive Essentials — are not available in all states.
Why we chose Pumpkin: We picked Pumpkin as the best pet insurance for puppies and kittens because it offers both extensive insurance and non-insurance preventive care options tailored to junior animals, and at an affordable price point.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
FIGO offers pet owners the option to reduce their copayment to 0%, thanks to its 100% reimbursement option. (As a rule, the lowest copayment offered by other providers is 10%.) Figo doesn’t enforce annual limits, either, but the company does apply a lifetime maximum – that is, how much it will reimburse over the lifetime of your pet.
Be prepared to pay higher than average premiums for a policy with 0% copay, unlimited payout benefits or both. Other notable drawbacks include Figo’s coverage limitations on hereditary conditions and lack of rider options. Pet owners can purchase additional coverage for vet exam fees, but not for preventative care or wellness.
Figo’s Pet Cloud app features comprehensive mobile support. With the app, you can contact a licensed veterinarian 24/7, manage your pet’s insurance documents and make payments, among other transactions.
Why we chose Figo: Most competitors only offer up to 90% reimbursement. Figo stands out as the best pet insurance for reimbursement options because pet owners can choose up to 100% reimbursement and avoid copayments entirely.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Embrace is willing to provide accident and illness coverage to pets of up to 15 years. After that age, you can still purchase coverage, albeit only for accidents. That’s somewhat of a rarity, as companies generally won’t insure pets of 10 or older in any way.
Embrace doesn’t offer wellness benefits as a separate policy. Instead, pet owners can sign up for the Wellness Rewards plan and contribute a specific amount to cover preventive care expenses. Make sure your annual contributions match the expected level of preventative care, as unused funds don’t rollover for the following year.
Another benefit of Embrace pet insurance is its shrinking deductibles. Every year you don’t receive a claim reimbursement, Embrace will reduce your annual deductible by $50.
All policies come with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a pro-rated refund — if you’ve already filed a claim within that time frame.
Why we chose Embrace: Aging pets shouldn’t be spared insurance coverage when they need it most. We picked Embrace as the best pet insurance for older pets because it extends comprehensive coverage to pets under 14 years and accident-only coverage to pets 15 years or older.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Pets Best offers accident and illness policies and also sells multiple wellness plans to cover your pet’s routine care.
Most insurers require pets to be at least eight weeks old to enroll, but Pets Best will insure pets at seven weeks. There is no upper age limit, either, so you can get coverage for senior pets.
Insurers don’t always cover treatments for mobility issues, but Pets Best provides coverage for wheelchairs and prosthetic devices when prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness.
However, Pets Best does have bilateral exclusions. If your pet was previously diagnosed with a condition on one side of its body — such as cataracts in one eye, hip dysplasia or luxating patellas — Pets Best won’t cover the condition if it later affects the other side; it’s considered a pre-existing condition.
Why we chose Pets Best: Pets Best has a wide range of coverage options and deductibles, and it offers coverage for pets as young as seven weeks. And, it’s one of the few insurers that cover prosthetic devices and wheelchairs.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Lemonade offers a comprehensive accident and illness policy, and you can further enhance coverage with a preventative care rider for annual checkups, vaccines, and heartworm and parasite screening. A separate rider is also available to cover vet exam fees and alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Lemonade also donates excess premium payments to nonprofits selected by policyholders. Lemonade is currently available in 36 states, but you can sign up for updates on its website.
Why we chose Lemonade: We picked Lemonade in part for its novel AI-powered processing, which promises to deliver claims very quickly via the app. The ability to direct a part of the company’s profit to a charity of your choice may also appeal to many pet owners.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Trupanion offers a single insurance plan for cats and dogs. Aside from standard benefits, like diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization and prescription medications, coverage also extends to alternative treatments, dental illnesses, prosthetic devices and prescription food.
If your veterinarian uses Trupanion’s direct payment software, you don’t need to file a claim; Trupanion pays the vet directly. Policyholders, then, need not worry about making costly upfront payments or submitting reimbursement claims, which are standard for most of the pet insurance industry.
Trupanion lacks affordability and flexibility – premiums are high and there’s only a single policy option. However, its coverage is comprehensive. If you can afford higher than average premiums, your pet will benefit from 90% reimbursement on all eligible claims and no payout limits per incident, year or lifetime.
Why we chose Trupanion: Usually, pet owners have to pay the vet bill in full before receiving reimbursement. With Trupanion’s direct payment software, your vet can file a claim in-office and receive payment almost immediately. You don’t have to pay a cent out of pocket.
See full review >>
Get a Free Quote
Our Partner
Nationwide is the only pet insurance company of its size that offers an Avian and Exotic Pet plan. Most birds, reptiles and small mammals can be covered, including goats and pot-bellied pigs. (However, any animal not explicitly listed on the Nationwide website isn’t eligible, including those listed under venomous or endangered species.)
Exotic pet owners need to call 844-244-3691 to get a quote or to sign up, but dog and cat insurance is easy to get directly on Nationwide’s website. For these pets, Nationwide offers three accident and illness policy options, along with two wellness care packages.
Why we chose Nationwide: We picked Nationwide as the best pet insurance for exotic pets because it offers comprehensive insurance for various unconventional animals. Pet owners can relax knowing up to 90% of their expenses for such animals are covered by a reputable insurer.
See full review >>
In narrowing down our list, these companies stood out in some respects but didn’t quite match the strengths of our ten top picks.
TrustedPals’ policies are issued by Zurich, a global insurance company. TrustedPals issues policies to owners of dogs and cats with no upper age limit, and 1% of the company’s profits are donated to pet-related charities.
It offers both accident and illness plans and wellness policies, and there are several discount programs available. In addition to a multiple pet discount, you may also qualify for a discount if you are a military service member or veteran, first responder, veterinary student or if your pet is a service animal.
Bottom line: TrustedPals has a wide range of customization options, allowing you to choose deductibles as low as $0 and annual benefits ranging from $4,000 to unlimited. But the company has a 12-month waiting period before covering treatments for hip dysplasia or ligament conditions and charges fees if you opt to pay your premiums monthly.
Petplan is one of the few insurers that will enroll pets as young as six weeks, making it a good option for owners of young kittens who often go to their new homes at that age. The company has no upper age limit, and it has multiple deductibles and annual benefit options.
Bottom line: Petplan has the lowest age limit for enrollment of all the companies we looked at, and it has some additional perks and features that can be appealing to pet owners. However, the company doesn’t have a wellness care plan, and there are some strict rules policyholders have to follow to get claims reimbursed.
MetLife Pet Insurance, previously known as Pet First, offers an easy online application and multiple coverage options. You can select your maximum benefit amount, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Deductibles are as low as $50, and you can take advantage of one or more of the discount programs MetLife provides:
Bottom line: MetLife Pet Insurance policies allow you to adjust your reimbursement amount, reimbursement percentage and deductible to meet your budget, and you can add wellness coverage to your plan to offset routine care expenses. But the company limits certain coverage and takes longer to reimburse expenses than do some of its competitors.
PetFirst offers several discounts for healthcare workers, military, veterans and first responders. Employers that provide pet insurance also qualify for a discounted rate, as well as affinity groups and those that work in animal care.
Its accident and illness insurance for cats and dogs is comprehensive, including benefits for holistic treatments and alternative benefits.
There’s also a preventive care add-on that appears to define such treatment broadly. However, the company explicitly excludes standard wellness benefits like parasite prevention and treatment, and elective surgeries (which include spaying and neutering).
Even when you get a final quote, details about wellness benefits are not clearly listed, which leaves you wondering what you’re actually paying for.
Bottom line: PetFirst has some appealing attributes, including a lot of discounts and deductibles that diminish with each year you don’t file a claim. However, its wellness care coverage lags behind that of many other pet insurers.
24PetWatch offers policies and wellness plans with short waiting periods and low deductibles, but the company didn’t make the cut due to certain policy limitations. There’s only a single (80%) reimbursement option. Also, dogs age out of coverage at ten years and cats at 12. At those ages, it’s difficult to find another company willing to begin coverage, effectively leaving aging pets uninsured. Further, a lack of discounts makes their plans slightly more expensive than the competition.
Bottom line: 24PetWatch covers veterinary fees, and offers a $500 per incident benefit for expenses like boarding kennel fees, lost pet reward, additional living expenses and travel cancellation fees. But its lack of choice in reimbursement level, shortage of discounts and age limitations meant it didn’t quite match our picks.
Hartville’s policies offer excellent coverage, but it comes at a price — expect to pay around $40 per month for a mixed-breed puppy and $22 per month for a mixed kitten. Accident-only coverage seems to be an affordable alternative, and even then, premiums start around $30 for a puppy. Once your dog is over five years old, illness benefit premiums go up considerably, as well.
Hartville also advertises an unlimited annual benefit payout, but the option is not available through online enrollment. You’ll have to call 1-800-799-5852 for further information.
Bottom line: Hartville’s Complete Coverage plan covers behavioral issues and microchip implantation on top of standard accident and illness benefits. Also, full coverage is effective after 14 days, without any additional pre-condition waiting periods. But the company’s policies are pricey.
To be clear, Pet Assure is not pet insurance but rather a discount plan that offers 25% off on all in-office medical procedures. While the program has participating veterinarians in all states, Puerto Rico and Canada, the number of providers by location is limited.
Bottom line: Pet Assure is an affordable alternative that bridges potential gaps in your existing policy, provided your vet accepts it. But the company’s offering didn’t make the cut because it’s not pet insurance.
USAA offers accident-only or accident and illness policies through Embrace, with an optional wellness rider. Claims and customer service are also handled through Embrace. By purchasing through USAA, members can access up to a 25% discount on pet insurance.
We didn’t like how sparse USAA’s pet insurance page was, with very little information on policies. If you want more information, it’s best to go directly to Embrace’s webpage.
Bottom line: USAA might be worth considering for military families. But it didn’t make it to our shortlist because you must be a military member or family to buy coverage.
Pet owners that apply for insurance through GEICO will be redirected to Embrace’s webpage. However, GEICO’s policy doesn’t include options for unlimited annual benefits, full reimbursement, or a $0 deductible.
Bottom line: Although GEICO offers more discounts than other insurers – including multi-pet, spaying/neutering, and annual pay – it falls short of other companies in other ways.
In this section, we go into the particulars of pet insurance, so you know what to expect from most policies. We explain what it is, how much it costs, plan types and tips to choose the right insurer.
You’ll also find updated information about pet care during COVID-19.
Pet insurance is a type of indemnity insurance that covers pet medical expenses related to accidents and illnesses. Most companies primarily offer dog and cat insurance – some providers do extend coverage to exotic pets like birds and reptiles, but it accounts for less than 1% of U.S policies, according to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association).
A significant difference between pet insurance coverage and your own health insurance is that preventive pet care is sold separately. This includes expenses like vaccines, parasite prevention, dental cleanings and microchipping.
Generally, there are no network restrictions with pet insurance – coverage applies to any licensed vet or specialist nationwide. Some providers extend coverage to Canada and overseas territories like Puerto Rico, as well.
When you’re looking to insure your pet, the first thing to do is take a good look at your finances — and how much you’re able and willing to spend in case of an emergency. Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage and, of course, premiums. Understanding the various types of policy, and what each offers, is crucial for understanding how to buy pet insurance.
If you want to evaluate whether an insurer is right for you, it’s a good idea to download its sample policy, which is usually available on the company website.
Read all its inclusions, exclusions, and restrictions thoroughly. If you’re comfortable with them, and they’re competitive with those of other companies, move on to enroll your pet.
Pet insurance essentially works by reimbursing your pet’s eligible medical expenses. However, there are additional limitations fleshed out in the policy’s fine print:
The average monthly cost of pet insurance with accident and illness coverage is $49.51 for dogs and $28.48 for cats. But the exact amount you’ll spend to insure your pet will vary, and not only by the insurer you choose.
Pet insurance costs vary widely based on several factors, including the pet’s breed, gender, age, location, and your chosen coverage options and deductible.
If you’re on a tight budget and need a policy with more affordable premiums, take a look at our best cheap pet insurance page.
The price of pet insurance is not limited to premium payments and it’s likely you’ll have to cover out-of-pocket expenses, even after insurance coverage kicks in. Consider the following when budgeting for your pet’s insurance coverage:
Pet insurance coverage varies per state and policy terms may change annually. As policies are not a one-size-fits-all, NAPHIA’s guidelines to choose the best policy suggest that you:
Don’t forget to apply any available discounts to reduce your monthly payment. Common discounts include:
The majority of companies honor a money-back guarantee in eligible states – also called a “cooling off” or “free look” period. Pet owners are entitled to cancellation with a full refund up to 30 days after enrollment, provided they haven’t received payment or submitted a claim.
Pet insurance is worth the cost if:
Older pets with multiple pre-existing conditions won’t reap the benefits of insurance. Premiums will be very expensive, and any condition or illness prior to enrollment won’t be covered. This is why enrolling your companion at a young age is key.
The rise in pet ownership during the coronavirus pandemic is placing veterinary services in especially high demand. That makes it more important than usual to choose the medical issues that really require taking your pet to the vet. Before running out to visit your pet care provider, consider the following:
Keep in mind that depending on the hospital, staff may be operating in-person or with curbside service, and many health providers are offering alternatives for non-urgent yet essential procedures (e.g., booster shots, vaccinations, physical therapy).
Aside from the aforementioned veterinary care, there are other measures you can take as a pet owner to keep your furry family member healthy and happy:
More vets than ever are incorporating telemedicine alternatives to their practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. An example of telemedicine is having the vet advise you on care via video chat, which can allow sufficient observation of a pet patient to provide advice on some medical issues. .
Telehealth can also be useful for postoperative follow-ups, or simply to determine whether a case is urgent or non-urgent. More importantly, it reduces the chance of spreading COVID-19 by reducing physical contact with others and their pets.
According to the CDC, animal-to-human transmission is highly unlikely, since there is no evidence that pets can significantly spread the virus. As of date, the majority of diagnosed pets were mild or asymptomatic cases, even with highly transmissible variants such as Omicron.
However, though extremely rare, there have been cases of serious illness, and even death, in pets who have contracted COVID-19. So, while the chances of spreading the virus are extremely low, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Take extra precautions if you have either received a positive test or suspect you have been infected. As a general rule, treat your pet as you would a person by maintaining distance whenever possible, and wearing a face-covering to avoid transmission.
You may be interested in pet life insurance if you wish to cover your pet’s economic value or burial costs in the unfortunate event that they pass away from Coronavirus-related complications.
Currently, there’s no vaccine available for domestic pets and researchers and vets agree that it’s unnecessary – studies still conclude that transmission risk amongst dogs and cats is negligible and most cases caused by human-to-animal transmission are mild or asymptomatic.
The situation is a bit different for other members of the animal kingdom, as zoo animals across the country have been vaccinated with an experimental COVID-19 vaccine. This decision was prompted by an abundance of caution. Zoo mammals– many of them endangered – come into contact with hundreds of people daily, and certain species may be at a higher risk of catching the disease.
To learn more about pet insurance, we’ve come up with a handy step-by-step guide on how to buy pet insurance, including coverage costs and the decisions and complications you might face during the purchase process.
You can also read all about why selecting a high deductible might be the best option for you in our article on Choosing a High Pet Insurance Deductible Can Pay Off. Here we break down deductible types and options per pet insurance provider.
And if you are looking to expand on the coverage options that make up your pet’s policy, read our guide on What Does Pet Insurance Cover to find a list of pros and cons for each and specific illnesses and incidents that may or may not be covered.
Pricing your pet insurance premium will depend on many factors: 1) your pet’s type, gender, and breed; 2) your pet’s age; 3) your location; 4) coverage types; 5) deductible and reimbursement level. The more expensive it is where you live, whether it’s California or New York City, the more expensive your pet insurance will be.
Knowing whether pet insurance will pay off for you depends on your needs and your pet’s health care needs. Before trying to enroll your pet in a plan, consider its costs vs. its potential benefits. Any pet insurance cover provides a service that’s not measured as a dollar amount — giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t be facing expensive vet bills all on your own.
It depends on the specific plan. Standard pet health insurance will cover most accidents and injuries. Still, you can also buy a policy that covers only routine vet visits for checkups and vaccinations, usually called wellness plans. “Things like ultrasounds, blood tests, or procedures such as MRIs or CAT scans — they’re now available [for pets],” said Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club.
Pet insurance is a policy that comes with a monthly premium. With pet insurance, if your pet is sick or injured, you pay the bill up front and submit a claim for reimbursement. You can take your pet to a licensed veterinarian and then submit a claim to get reimbursed for issues that are covered under your pet insurance plan.
The best pet insurance for you will depend on a combination of different elements, mainly your budget and your pet’s needs.
We evaluated each pet insurer by looking at:
© Copyright 2021 Ad Practitioners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author’s alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer.
Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion
Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.

Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

With the new government program aimed at combatting COVID-19, everyone can pick up three free high-quality masks.

The 2021 housing market was booming, but that doesn’t mean buying a house was a breeze. Here are some takeaways, plus more of the week’s best tips from financial experts.

The tax giant cut ties with the IRS Free File program for 2022.

We compared prescription drug prices from a range of services.

While many wouldn’t go on vacation without a plan, that’s exactly how most people begin their investing journey.

You may not have to wait for the federal program’s launch to get your free masks.

It’s supposed to be an amazing time if you’re looking for a job.

Renters insurance covers personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses. Here’s how to find the perfect policy for you.

I’ve come to accept the fact that a simpler portfolio is not only easier but more profitable in the long run.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.

source