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Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2025 (Expert Reviews & Real Costs)
Last updated: November 2025
Finding the Best Pet Insurance for Your Furry Family Member
Choosing the right pet insurance can feel overwhelming. Between different coverage options, exclusions, and fine print, it’s hard to know which plan truly offers the best protection — and value — for your pet. That’s where we come in.
Our team reviews and compares leading U.S. pet insurance providers based on real coverage details, customer satisfaction, claim speed, and cost transparency. Whether you’re insuring a playful puppy, a curious cat, or a senior companion, this guide breaks down which companies deliver the most reliable coverage for your needs and budget.
Average premiums run about $46 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats, but prices can vary widely depending on your pet’s age, breed, and location. We’ve done the research so you can skip the guesswork and find the best fit — fast.
Our top picks for November 2025
9.9
9.9
Visit any licensed vet
Pet insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. A plan that’s perfect for a young indoor cat might not suit a large, active dog. Keep reading to learn what coverage actually includes, what it doesn’t, and how to compare plans the smart way.
Our Methodology
We compare pet insurance providers using a detailed and transparent rating system designed to help you make confident, informed decisions about protecting your pet’s health.
Our evaluation process considers multiple factors, including pricing, features, customer service, and ease of use. We aim to highlight how each company performs in real-world scenarios — from routine vet visits to unexpected emergencies — so you can choose a plan that fits your pet and your budget.
While we work with some brand partners and may earn commissions from purchases made through our site, this does not influence our reviews or rankings. Every recommendation is based on independent research, verified policy details, and genuine customer experiences.
Our editorial team continuously reviews and updates this data to reflect the most accurate, up-to-date information available in 2025. We feature only reputable, licensed U.S. pet insurance providers that meet our standards for reliability, transparency, and customer care.
See Our Pet Insurance Reviews To See Our Top Picks
What Pet Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Before choosing a policy, it’s crucial to understand what you’re actually paying for. Pet insurance doesn’t cover every vet visit — but it can save you thousands when unexpected illnesses or injuries happen.
What’s Typically Covered
| Category | Examples of Covered Care |
| Accidents & Injuries | Broken bones, swallowed objects, cuts, poisoning, or bite wounds. |
| Illnesses | Cancer, allergies, infections, digestive issues, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease. |
| Diagnostic Tests | X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, blood work. |
| Surgeries & Hospitalization | Emergency operations, hospitalization, prescription medications. |
| Chronic & Hereditary Conditions | Hip dysplasia, thyroid disorders, epilepsy (if not pre-existing). |
| Alternative Therapies (Add-ons) | Acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy (available with some plans). |
| Wellness & Preventive Care (Optional) | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea/tick prevention — usually via add-on or separate plan. |
What’s Usually Not Covered
| Category | Common Exclusions |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Illnesses or injuries that occurred before coverage started or during the waiting period. |
| Routine Care (Without Add-on) | Spay/neuter, microchipping, annual checkups, grooming. |
| Cosmetic or Elective Procedures | Tail docking, ear cropping, declawing. |
| Breeding or Pregnancy Costs | Complications related to breeding or birth. |
| Waiting Period Coverage | Issues arising before the waiting period ends. |
Why This Matters
- Accidents happen: Emergency vet visits can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,500 for dogs and $600 to $1,200 for cats.
- Chronic illnesses add up: Managing long-term conditions like diabetes can exceed $1,000 per year.
- Insurance bridges the gap: Even mid-tier plans often reimburse 70–90 % of eligible expenses, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Example Scenario
Your 4-year-old dog tears an ACL. Surgery costs $3,500.
With an 80 % reimbursement plan and a $500 deductible, you’d pay $1,200 instead of the full amount — saving over $2,000 on one incident.
Pro Tip:
Enroll while your pet is healthy. Once a condition appears, it’s considered pre-existing and won’t be covered by most insurers.
Check Out Our In-Depth Pet Insurance Reviews
Real Costs: What You’ll Likely Pay for Pet Insurance in 2025
Pet insurance premiums can vary widely depending on your pet’s species, age, breed, and where you live — but here’s what you can generally expect across the U.S. in 2025.
| Type of Pet | Average Monthly Cost | Typical Annual Cost Range | Example Breeds / Notes |
| Dogs | $46 / month | $300–$1,200 | Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers typically cost more. |
| Cats | $23 / month | $180–$600 | Mixed-breed cats often have lower premiums than purebreds. |
| Senior Pets (8+ yrs) | $60+ / month | $700–$1,500 | Higher premiums due to increased health risks and pre-existing conditions. |
| Puppies / Kittens | $30–$40 / month | $360–$800 | Lower rates, but enrolling early locks in lifetime coverage. |
(Sources: NAPHIA 2025 Industry Report; average U.S. quotes across major carriers including Healthy Paws, Figo, and Lemonade.)
Our top picks for November 2025
What Affects Pet Insurance Prices
- Pet Age – Younger pets cost less to insure; rates rise with age.
- Breed – Some breeds (like French Bulldogs or Maine Coons) are more prone to costly conditions.
- Location – Vet costs vary by region; cities like New York or Los Angeles are higher than national averages.
- Coverage Level – Higher annual limits and lower deductibles mean higher premiums.
- Reimbursement Rate – 90% reimbursement costs more than 70%, but provides greater protection.
- Add-ons – Wellness or dental coverage adds $10–$25/month on average.
Sample Cost Comparison
| Coverage Option | Reimbursement Rate | Deductible | Monthly Premium | Your Out-of-Pocket (per $1,000 claim) |
| Basic Accident Plan | 70% | $500 | $25 | $550 |
| Standard Accident & Illness | 80% | $250 | $40 | $450 |
| Premium Plan w/ Wellness | 90% | $100 | $55 | $310 |
💡 Pro tip: If you can afford a slightly higher deductible, you can often lower your monthly premium without losing meaningful protection.
Why Buying Early Saves You Money
Locking in a policy while your pet is young (and healthy) can help you:
- Avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions later.
- Maintain lower lifetime rates as your pet ages.
- Ensure coverage before any issues arise.
Even if your pet rarely visits the vet now, one emergency surgery could cost more than several years of premiums.
Is pet insurance worth it?
For most pet owners, yes — pet insurance can save thousands over a pet’s lifetime. Emergency surgeries or chronic illnesses can easily exceed $3,000–$5,000 in vet bills. A good policy reimburses 70–90% of covered expenses, turning large, unexpected costs into manageable monthly payments. It’s especially valuable for breeds prone to hereditary conditions or households without an emergency fund.
How much does pet insurance cost in 2025?
The national average is about $46 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats, based on 2025 data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Prices depend on your pet’s age, breed, location, and coverage level. Younger, mixed-breed pets typically cost less to insure than older or purebred animals.
What doesn't pet insurance cover?
Most providers exclude pre-existing conditions, routine checkups (without a wellness add-on), breeding or pregnancy care, and elective procedures like ear cropping or declawing. Each company defines “pre-existing” slightly differently, so always read your policy terms carefully before enrolling.
When should I get pet insurance?
The best time to buy is when your pet is young and healthy. Once a condition appears — even something minor like allergies or hip stiffness — it’s often considered pre-existing and won’t be covered by new policies. Buying early also helps lock in lower lifetime premiums.
Can I use my pet insurance at any vet?
Yes. Most pet insurance in the U.S. works on a reimbursement model, meaning you can visit any licensed vet, pay your bill, and then file a claim. Reimbursements are typically processed in 2–5 business days, and some providers like Lemonade even offer instant digital payouts.
What’s a waiting period, and why does it matter?
A waiting period is the time between when you buy your policy and when coverage begins. It’s usually 1–2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses. Claims during this time won’t be covered, so it’s best not to delay enrollment — the sooner you’re insured, the sooner coverage starts.
Are there discounts for multiple pets?
Yes. Many companies, offer multi-pet discounts (around 10%) when you insure two or more animals under the same account.
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