6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (2024)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (2)

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 mak...

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  • 6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (4)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (5)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (6)

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 mak...

See Full Bio

  • 6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (8)

Written By

Jason Metz

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (9)

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 mak...

See Full Bio

  • 6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (11)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (12)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (13)

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 mak...

See Full Bio

  • 6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (15)

Lead Editor, Insurance

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (17)

Dr. Alison MasonPet Insurance Expert

Dr. Ali Mason serves as the Regional Director of Operations for See Full Bio

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (19)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (20)

Dr. Alison MasonPet Insurance Expert

Dr. Ali Mason serves as the Regional Director of Operations for See Full Bio

Dr. Alison Mason

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (22)

Dr. Alison MasonPet Insurance Expert

Dr. Ali Mason serves as the Regional Director of Operations for See Full Bio

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (24)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (25)

Dr. Alison MasonPet Insurance Expert

Dr. Ali Mason serves as the Regional Director of Operations for See Full Bio

Expert Reviewed

|Pet Insurance Expert

& 1 other

Updated: Sep 1, 2024, 10:33am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

We evaluated 12 policies and found that Pets Best and ManyPets offer the best cheap pet insurance.

For just a couple hundred dollars per year, you can find good pet insurance that covers accidents and illnesses. It’s a smart way to help offset surprise vet bills, like if your pet needs cancer treatment or surgery to remove a swallowed object. Plus, it helps with common pet health issues like upset stomachs and ear infections.

Read more

Recommended Reading

  • Best Pet Insurance Companies
  • Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans For Routine Care
  • Best Emergency Pet Insurance
  • Compare Pet Insurance Quotes

Show Summary

  • Summary: Best Cheap Pet Insurance
  • Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies
  • What Is the Cheapest Pet Insurance?
  • How to Find Affordable Pet Insurance
  • How Much Does An Average Pet Insurance Policy Cost?
  • Case Study: Butter's Bloat Scare
  • What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Costs?
  • Is Cheap Pet Insurance Worth It?
  • Methodology
  • Other Pet Insurance Plans We Rated
  • Affordable Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Summary: Best Cheap Pet Insurance

How We Chose the Best Cheap Pet Insurance

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies

Best Overall

Pets Best

5.0

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (28)

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

$42 per month for dogs$24 per month for cats

Average cost for unlimited coverage

$48 per month for dogs$27 per month for cats

See Plans

$42 per month for dogs$24 per month for cats

$48 per month for dogs$27 per month for cats

Our Expert 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.

Our rating is based on Pets Best’s Plus plan. For broader coverage (at a higher price), consider the Best Pet Elite plan.

More: Pets Best Pet Insurance Review

Pros & Cons

  • 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.
  • 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

Age restrictions

Available for pets age 7 weeks and older; no upper age limits to buy a new policy

Vet exam fees

Only with Plus and Elite plans

Multipet discount

5%

Euthanasia or end of life expenses

Included

Coverage details may vary by state.

More Insight

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

Best For Reduced Waiting Periods

ManyPets

5.0

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (32)

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

$49 per month for dogs$30 per month for cats

See Plans

Not available

$49 per month for dogs$30 per month for cats

Our Expert Take

We like ManyPets’ approach to reducing its accident and illness waiting period to 24 hours if you’re switching over from another pet insurer. ManyPets also does not have a special waiting period for orthopedic conditions like cruciate ligament issues, which can range from six to 12 months at other insurers.

More: ManyPets Pet Insurance Review

Pros & Cons

  • Below average prices among the companies we evaluated.
  • 24/7 pet telehealth line.
  • Includes coverage for vet exam fees.
  • Optional wellness plan available.
  • No coverage for alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy or chiropractic care.
  • No coverage for behavioral therapy.
  • No multipet discount.

Plan Details

Coverage type Plan details

Maximum annual coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursem*nt choices

70%, 80%

Deductible choices

$500, $750

Waiting period

15 days for accident and illness (or 24 hours if you’re switching over from another insurer); no special waiting periods for specific conditions

Age restrictions

Available for pets age 8 weeks and older; upper age limit of 14 for new policies

Vet exam fees

Included

Multipet discount

None

Euthanasia or end of life expenses

Included

Coverage details may vary by state.

Great Prices for Dogs and Cats

Lemonade

4.8

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (36)

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

$34 per month for dogs$18 per month for cats

Average cost for unlimited coverage

$52 per month for dogs$28 per month for cats

See Plans

$34 per month for dogs$18 per month for cats

$52 per month for dogs$28 per month for cats

Our Expert 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.

More: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review

Pros & Cons

  • 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.
  • 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, $100,00

Reimbursem*nt choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $500, $750

Waiting period

Accident coverage begins 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase your policy; 14 days for illnesses; 30 days for cruciate ligament issues

Age restrictions

Lemonade may have upper age limits to buy a new policy depending on your pet’s breed.

Vet exam fees

Yes, if you buy the Vet Visit Fee add-on

Multipet discount

5%

Euthanasia or end of life expenses

Yes, if you buy the End-of-life and Remembrance add-on

Coverage details may vary by state.

More Insight

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

Great for Unlimited Annual Coverage

Healthy Paws

4.7

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (40)

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

See Plans

Not available

$52 per month for dogs$25 per month for cats

Our Expert 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.

More: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

Pros & Cons

  • 24/7 pet telehealth line.
  • Pays vet directly if you make a request to Healthy Paws in advance of treatment.
  • 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

Age restrictions

Available for pets age 8 weeks and older; upper age limit of 14 for new policies

Vet exam fees

Not included

Multipet discount

No

Euthanasia or end of life expenses

Included

Coverage details may vary by state.

More Insight

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

BEST FOR ADD-ON COVERAGE

AKC

4.6

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (44)

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

$48 per month for dogs$26 per month for cats

Average cost for unlimited coverage

$56 per month for dogs$33 per month for cats

See Plans

$48 per month for dogs$26 per month for cats

$56 per month for dogs$33 per month for cats

Our Expert Take

We picked AKC because you can beef up your policy with a good number of add-on coverage options, including coverage for vet fees, a wellness plan, breeding coverage for dog breeders and final respects coverage for cremation, burial and memorial expenses for your pet.

More: AKC Pet Insurance Review

Pros & Cons

  • Covers curable conditions like allergies and ear infections after a 12-month waiting period.
  • 2-day waiting period for accident coverage.
  • 24/7 pet telehealth line.
  • You’ll need to purchase an add-on for exam fee coverage. Some top competitors include this with base coverage.
  • No option to pay the vet directly.
  • 180-day waiting period for intervertebral disc disease and cruciate ligament conditions.

Plan Details

Coverage type Plan details

Maximum annual coverage

$2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited

Reimbursem*nt choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $750, $1,000

Waiting period

2 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 180 days months for intervertebral disc disease and cruciate ligament conditions

Age restrictions

Some states require dogs be 8 weeks of age and kittens be 10 weeks of age for eligibility; newly enrolled pets age 9 and older only qualify for an accident-only plan

Vet exam fees

Yes, if you purchase exam coverage for vet fees

Multipet discount

5%

Euthanasia or end of life expenses

Yes, if you purchase final respects coverage

Coverage details may vary by state.

Great for Short Waiting Period for Accident Coverage

Figo

4.4

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (48)

Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards 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$16 per month for cats

Average cost for unlimited coverage

$60 per month for dogs$26 per month for cats

See Plans

$38 per month for dogs$16 per month for cats

$60 per month for dogs$26 per month for cats

Our Expert 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.

More: Figo Pet Insurance Review

Pros & Cons

  • 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.
  • 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)

Age restrictions

Available for pets 8 weeks and older; no upper age limit to buy a new policy

Vet exam fees

Yes, if you purchase the Veterinary Exam Fees Powerup

Multipet discount

5%

Euthanasia or end of life expenses

Included

Coverage details may vary by state.

More Insight

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

What Is the Cheapest Pet Insurance?

For affordable dog insurance:

  • ASPCA has cheap dog insurance at $25 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 cheap pet insurance for dogs with an average monthly cost of $48 for unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.

For affordable cat insurance:

  • ASPCA has cheap cat insurance at $14 monthly on average for $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level for cats, based on our analysis.
  • Healthy Paws has the cheapest cat insurance at $22 monthly on average for unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

Lemonade

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (51)

Get the coverage your pet needs

Save big on tests, vaccines and essential care

Maximum annual coverage

$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000

Reimbursem*nt choices

70%, 80%, 90%

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (52)

Learn More 6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (53)

On Lemonade's Website

Save big on tests, vaccines and essential care

$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000

70%, 80%, 90%

How to Find Affordable Pet Insurance

Take these steps to find affordable pet insurance that’s right for you.

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (54)

Review the Pet Insurance Policy With Your Vet

Discuss the breed’s potential health issues before you buy a policy. It’s a good idea to also discuss common pet emergencies and illnesses in which a pet insurance plan can be helpful.

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (55)

Compare Pet Insurance Plans

The best way to find the most affordable pet insurance to compare pet insurance quotes among multiple insurers. Make sure you compare coverage details (such as annual maximum limit, and deductible type and amount) so you’re comparing plans in an apples-to-apples way.

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (56)

Adjust Your Deductible, Reimbursem*nt and Coverage Levels

The details of your policy will affect your cost. For example, unlimited annual coverage costs more than a plan that provides only $5,000 of annual coverage. You can also lower costs by choosing higher deductibles and lower reimbursem*nt levels.

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (57)

Ask About Discounts

The most common type of pet insurance discount is a multipet discount, which is generally between 5% to 10%. You can also find other types of pet insurance discounts such as annual pay discount, military discount and spay/neuter discount.

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

Ways to Save With Pet Insurance

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (58)

Jason Metz

Insurance Lead Editor

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (59)

Amy Danise

Insurance Managing Editor

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (60)

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 $51 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 $76 per month.

The average pet insurance cost for cats is $27 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 $37 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)

$42

$58

2 years

$40

$58

5 years

$52

$80

7 years

$71

$108

Average

$51

$76

Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 annual coverage and unlimited annual coverage ($100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($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)

$23

$30

2 years

$22

$30

5 years

$27

$38

7 years

$35

$50

Average

$27

$37

Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 annual coverage and unlimited annual coverage ($100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($750 for cats over age seven in several states for Healthy Paws) and 80% reimbursem*nt level for mixed breed cats.

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

What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Costs?

Pet insurance companies use a variety of pricing factors when setting rates, such as the factors below.

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (64)
Type of pet: Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats.
6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (65)
Pet breed: 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.
6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (66)
Age of pet: Older pets are more likely to require veterinary care than younger pets and are more expensive to insure.
6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (67)
Your location: The cost of vet care where you live will impact your pet insurance costs.
6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (68)
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 $76 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 third cheapest rates ($52 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 THE EXPERT

We Answer Your Questions

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (69)

Jason Metz

Insurance Lead Editor

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (70)

Ashlee Valentine

Insurance Editor

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (71)

Penny Gusner

Insurance Senior Writer

Should I still buy pet insurance if I have an indoor cat?

Rey G., Loveland, Colorado

Pet insurance can be a smart buy for indoor cats. While indoor cats may face less risks than outdoor cats, they can still suffer from serious illnesses (like cancer and diabetes) or accidents (like swallowing an object) that could require an expensive trip to the vet.

Jason Metz

Insurance Lead Editor

Will my pet insurance policy start immediately?

Rita M., Sterling Heights, Michigan

No, a pet insurance plan will not start immediately. All pet insurers have waiting periods. But some pet insurance waiting periods are shorter than others. For example, Embrace’s accident waiting period kicks in at 12:01 a.m. ET the day after you purchase a plan. And some insurers, such as ASPCA, do not have a special waiting period for orthopedic conditions (such as cruciate ligament issues), which can range from six to 12 months at some pet insurance companies.

Ashlee Valentine

Insurance Editor

Is it true that pet insurance pays for chiropractic care?

Noah V., Chesapeake, Virginia

Yes, some pet insurance policies cover chiropractic care and other types of holistic and alternative therapy, such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture. 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 for extra cost, such as Trupanion’s Recovery and Complementary Care package.

Penny Gusner

Insurance Senior Writer

Methodology

To find the best pet insurance, we collected data and scored each pet insurance company for several categories. Only pet insurers offering annual maximum coverage of $100,000 or Unlimited were scored, so that comparisons were fair among companies.

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:Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Pet Insurance Companies

Other Pet Insurance Plans We Rated

Company Forbes Advisor rating for cheap pet insurance

Embrace

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (75)

3.6 stars

Prudent (Ultimate plan)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (76)

3.3 stars

Spot

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (77)

2.6 stars

Chewy (Essential plan)

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (78)

1.7 stars

Pumpkin

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (79)

1.2 stars

Trupanion

6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (80)

1.0 stars

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Affordable Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At what age is pet insurance the cheapest?

We’ve found that the best price for pet insurance is around your pet’s first birthday until around age six, according to our analysis of pet insurance costs.

For example, a policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level costs $58 per month for a dog age 2. A similar policy costs $108 per month for a dog age 7.

Do cheap pet insurance companies cover routine care?

Pets Best and ManyPets 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.

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6 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024 (2024)

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