10 Best Pet Insurance for Dogs
From a torn ACL at midnight to sudden cancer at 6 years old, the average cost of a major vet emergency ranges from $2,000 to $10,000+. Most dog owners can’t afford this up front—and too many face a heartbreaking choice. Pet insurance offers a lifeline. But not all policies are created equal.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Ask These First
| ❓ Question | 💡 Fast Answer |
|---|---|
| Is pet insurance worth it? | ✅ For most owners, yes—especially for unexpected illness or injury. |
| What’s the average cost? | 💸 $30–$75/month for dogs (varies by breed, age, ZIP). |
| Does it cover pre-existing conditions? | ⚠️ Usually not—but a few cover curable ones (see tables). |
| Who has the fastest claims? | ⚡ Figo and Lemonade—claims in minutes to hours. |
| Which plans are most inclusive? | 🛡️ Pumpkin, ASPCA, and Spot—all include exam fees + Rx food. |
| Who offers unlimited coverage? | 🐾 Healthy Paws, Figo, Pumpkin, Embrace (optional), Spot (optional). |
| Who covers senior dogs? | 👴 Pets Best, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife—no upper age limits. |
| Best for multiple pets? | 👨👩👧👦 MetLife (shared deductible) + others with multi-pet discounts. |
🧬 “What’s REALLY Covered?” — Most Policies Skip This in the Ads
Here’s what they don’t advertise: “comprehensive” doesn’t always mean inclusive. Some plans exclude vet exam fees, dental illness, or even alternative therapies unless you pay extra. So we built the ultimate coverage matrix.
📊 Who Covers What (Without Add-Ons)
| Provider | 🦷 Dental Illness | 👩⚕️ Exam Fees | 🧘 Alt. Therapies | 🧠 Behavioral | 🍖 Rx Food | ♻️ Curable Pre-Ex Conditions? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ After 180 days |
| ASPCA | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ After 180 days |
| Embrace | ✅ (up to $1k) | ❌ Add-on | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ❌ Wellness Only | ✅ After 12 months |
| Spot | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ After 180 days |
| Pets Best (Elite) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ After 6–12 months |
| Figo | ✅ Included | ❌ Add-on | ❌ Add-on | ❌ Add-on | ❌ No | ✅ After 12 months |
| MetLife | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ (if switching from other plan) |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ (Injury Only) | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Included | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Lemonade | ✅ Included | ❌ Add-on | ❌ Add-on | ✅ Included | ❌ No | ❌ Not covered |
| AKC | ❌ (Injury Only) | ❌ Add-on | ❌ Add-on | ❌ Add-on | ❌ No | ✅ After 365 days |
📝 Translation: “Inclusive” base coverage = Pumpkin, ASPCA, Spot. Others require riders.
⏱️ “How Long Do I Wait Before I’m Really Covered?”
This is one of the most overlooked traps in pet insurance. Waiting periods mean you’re fully paying, but not yet covered. Here’s how they stack up.
📊 Waiting Periods (Accidents, Illnesses, Cruciate Injuries)
| Provider | 🚨 Accidents | 🤒 Illnesses | 🦵 CCL / Orthopedic |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | ✅ None | 14 days | ✅ None |
| Figo | ⚡ 1 day | 14 days | 6 months (waiver available) |
| Embrace | ⚡ 2 days | 14 days | 6 months (can waive to 14 days) |
| Lemonade | 2 days | 14 days | 6 months |
| Pets Best | 3 days | 14 days | 6 months |
| Pumpkin | 14 days | 14 days | ✅ 14 days (best-in-class) |
| ASPCA | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Spot | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Healthy Paws | 15 days | 15 days | 12 months |
| AKC | 2 days | 14 days | ❌ 180 days |
💡 Watch Out: 6–12 month orthopedic waits are standard. Only Pumpkin includes those injuries after just 14 days.
💰 “Which Plans Actually Save Me Money?”
Let’s talk price vs. value. These aren’t the cheapest plans—but they offer the best cost-to-benefit ratios for different needs.
💵 Best Budget Options (Still with Solid Coverage)
| Provider | Starting Cost | Why It Works | 💡 Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | ~$10/mo | Low premiums + fast claims + wellness for puppies | ⚠️ Only available in 39 states |
| Pets Best | ~$15–$25/mo | Great tiering options, direct vet pay, very customizable | ✅ Excellent for older dogs too |
| Figo | ~$20–$30/mo | 1-day accident wait, tech-savvy, optional 100% coverage | ✅ Choose 70% + higher deductible for best savings |
🛡️ Most Inclusive Plans (Less Nickel-and-Diming)
| Provider | Average Cost | Why It’s Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | $50–$70/mo | Everything included, even orthopedic injuries after 14 days |
| ASPCA | $40–$65/mo | All-in-one plan with few exclusions or add-ons |
| Spot | $35–$55/mo | Mirrors ASPCA but with more customization |
💼 Best for Multi-Pet Households
| Provider | Unique Perk | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| MetLife | Shared deductible across pets | 📉 Huge savings if one pet hits deductible early |
| Embrace, Spot, Pumpkin | 10% discount per pet | ✅ Stackable and reliable |
🧠 “I Have a Senior Dog—Am I Too Late?”
No. Some of the best insurers have no upper age limit—but you must act before a diagnosis becomes pre-existing.
🐕🦳 Best for Senior Dogs
| Provider | Age Limit | Why It’s Senior-Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | ❌ None | Covers pets enrolled at any age |
| Pumpkin | ❌ None | No reductions in coverage as dogs age |
| Spot | ❌ None | Broad coverage, flexible limits |
| Embrace | ✔️ Age 14+ = accident-only only | ✅ Still a good option if enrolled early |
⚠️ Warning: Healthy Paws, for example, won’t cover hip dysplasia at all if enrolled after age 6. Read the fine print!
💥 “What If I Want Total Protection—No Limits, No Guessing?”
This is for owners who say: “I don’t care what it costs—I want to say YES to treatment, not check my bank account.”
🧱 Plans With Unlimited Coverage & Fewest Surprises
| Provider | Unlimited Coverage? | Special Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Paws | ✅ Always | Flat structure, lifetime caps gone |
| Figo | ✅ Ultimate plan | 🧾 Optional 100% reimbursement too |
| Pumpkin | ✅ Option | 🦴 Includes dental, behavior, exam fees |
| Embrace | ✅ Option | 🧠 Includes advanced therapy & wellness |
| Spot | ✅ Option | 💡 Most customizable plan in the industry |
🧭 Final Words: Avoid the Top 3 Mistakes in Choosing Dog Insurance
- Waiting too long to enroll: That little limp today becomes an excluded “pre-existing condition” tomorrow. Enroll before symptoms start.
- Only looking at premium cost: Cheap plans often exclude key items like exam fees, dental illness, or hip dysplasia.
- Not reading the sample policy: This is the legal document that matters—not the brochure. Read the exclusions, definitions, and waiting periods for your state.
📝 Expert Quick Recap
| Profile | Top Providers | 🐾 Why |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Owners | Lemonade, Pumpkin, Embrace | Fast coverage + wellness add-ons |
| Senior Dogs | Pets Best, Spot, Pumpkin | No age limits, chronic condition protection |
| Budget-Conscious | Lemonade, Pets Best, Figo | Low cost + strong base plans |
| Multi-Pet Homes | MetLife, Embrace | Shared deductible = big savings |
| Maximum Coverage | Healthy Paws, Figo, Pumpkin | Unlimited + broadest benefits |
FAQs
💬 Comment: “Is pet insurance still worth it if my dog is young and healthy?”
Absolutely—insuring a young, healthy dog is the most strategic and cost-effective move you can make. When a dog is in peak health, insurers categorize them as low risk, which results in significantly lower premiums, broader eligibility, and fewer exclusions. Most importantly, this is the only time you can lock in coverage before any pre-existing condition appears.
Why It’s Smart to Start Early:
| 📈 Factor | 🔍 Why It Matters | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Premiums | Insurance is priced by age. Starting young keeps monthly costs low over time. | ✅ Enroll before your dog’s first major vet visit. |
| No Health Exclusions Yet | Diagnosed conditions become uninsurable later. | 🩺 Even minor notes like “intermittent cough” can trigger exclusions. |
| Lifetime Coverage | You lock in long-term protection that adapts as your dog ages. | 📋 Choose providers with no age-based coverage downgrades. |
💡 Expert Insight: The average dog develops its first chronic health issue between ages 3–5, and by then, insurance won’t cover it if you’ve waited to enroll. Think of insurance as a preventive investment in financial predictability, not a reactive response.
💬 Comment: “What happens if my dog already has a condition like allergies or hip dysplasia?”
Once a condition is diagnosed or even noted in the medical record, it’s typically considered pre-existing and excluded from all future coverage—permanently. However, not all hope is lost.
Providers With Exceptions for “Curable” Conditions:
| 🏥 Insurer | 🩹 Curable Condition Policy | 🧠 What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Embrace | Covers if symptom-free for 12 months | ✅ Allergies, ear infections, UTIs may qualify |
| ASPCA | Covers after 180 days without treatment | ⚠️ Knees/ligaments excluded from this rule |
| Figo | Covers curable issues after 12 months | 🧾 Must be fully resolved with no recurrence |
| Pumpkin / Spot | 180-day recovery rule | 🔍 Requires clean vet record post-diagnosis |
| AKC Pet Insurance | May cover even incurable conditions after 365 days | 🛑 Rare exception—verify state rules |
⚠️ Important Detail: Hip dysplasia is almost never considered curable, and most insurers will permanently exclude it if present at enrollment. That’s why providers like Pumpkin, with a 14-day waiting period for hips, are ideal if you suspect breed risk (e.g., Labs, Goldens, Shepherds).
💬 Comment: “Do I really need unlimited coverage? Isn’t a $5,000 cap enough?”
It depends—but the average claim for a major illness or surgery often exceeds $4,000, and multi-event years can easily surpass $10,000. While a $5,000 cap seems generous, it can fall short quickly in real-world emergencies.
Example Scenarios:
| 🐶 Condition | 💸 Avg. Cost | 🛑 Risk With $5K Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat surgery (GDV) | $6,000–$8,000 | ❌ Cap exceeded by initial surgery |
| Cancer treatment | $4,500–$10,000+ | ⚠️ Radiation/chemo can exceed annual cap |
| Torn cruciate ligament (CCL) | $3,000–$5,000 per leg | 🐾 Double tears = $6K–$10K |
| Immune diseases (e.g. ITP) | $3,500–$7,500/year | 🔄 Requires ongoing, repeat treatment |
🎯 Expert Strategy: Choose unlimited coverage if:
- You own a breed prone to orthopedic, cardiac, or cancer risks
- You prefer peace of mind over cost juggling
- You can afford a slightly higher monthly premium, but not a $10K emergency bill
💬 Comment: “Can pet insurance really pay the vet directly, or is it always reimbursement?”
Most pet insurance operates on a reimbursement model—you pay upfront, then get repaid. However, a few standout providers now offer direct-to-vet payments for approved claims, eliminating the burden of fronting thousands in emergency care.
Who Offers Direct Payment?
| 🏥 Provider | 💳 Direct-to-Vet Available? | 🔍 Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | ✅ Yes | 📝 Vet must agree and sign authorization |
| Trupanion | ✅ Yes (real-time) | 🔧 Must use Trupanion-integrated vet software |
| Healthy Paws, Pumpkin, Figo | ❌ No | 💸 Reimbursement only |
| Embrace, Lemonade, ASPCA | ❌ No | 📄 Pay first, file claim later |
🔐 Reality Check: Direct pay isn’t automatic. You still need:
- A vet willing to participate
- A claim that’s pre-approved (or pre-verified eligibility)
- Patience—setup time and provider cooperation vary
If you’re concerned about emergency affordability, choose Pets Best or Trupanion, and discuss the direct pay form with your vet in advance—don’t wait until your dog’s on the table.
💬 Comment: “What if I move to another state or change vets—does my policy still work?”
Yes—pet insurance is tied to your dog, not your location or specific veterinarian. Coverage follows you across state lines, and most plans let you see any licensed vet in the U.S. Some even cover international emergencies under specific terms.
Relocation Flexibility:
| 📦 Event | ✅ What Happens | ⚠️ What To Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Moving states | Policy stays active | 💲 Premium may adjust to new ZIP code |
| Changing vets | No issue—coverage remains | 📝 New vet records may be requested |
| International travel | Some cover emergency treatment abroad | 🌎 Only select plans like Figo, Trupanion offer this—read fine print |
🧭 Pro Tip: Notify your insurer if you move—they may recalculate premium based on local vet cost averages (e.g., NYC = higher rates than rural Wyoming).
💬 Comment: “How do I compare sample policies? I’m not a lawyer.”
You’re not alone—pet insurance policy language can be dense, but some sections matter more than others. Here’s where to focus:
How to Read a Sample Policy Like a Pro:
| 📄 Section | 🔍 What to Look For | 🛑 Why It’s Crucial |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | Terms like “pre-existing”, “curable”, and “bilateral condition” | 🧠 Insurers interpret these differently—impacts claims! |
| Exclusions | List of what’s NEVER covered | ❌ Dental illness, breeding, hip dysplasia—look here |
| Waiting Periods | Time delays before coverage starts | ⏳ Missed this? You’ll be paying out-of-pocket early on |
| Coverage Details | Are exam fees, Rx food, or rehab included? | 💸 These add up—ensure they’re in base plan or noted as riders |
| Claims Process | Deadlines, documentation, and submission rules | ⏰ Some give 90 days to submit; others allow 270 days (like Spot) |
📂 Hot Tip: Don’t rely on “summary brochures.” Always request the full legal policy for your state, and use Ctrl+F to find key terms like “exclusions,” “waiting period,” or “dental.”
💬 Comment: “My dog has behavior issues—can insurance cover training or therapy?”
It depends on how your insurer defines “behavioral therapy.” Many now recognize behavioral health as medically necessary—especially for anxiety, aggression, or compulsive disorders.
What’s Usually Covered:
| 🧠 Behavior Issue | 📋 Typically Covered? | 🐶 What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Severe separation anxiety | ✅ Yes | Vet-diagnosed + prescribed therapy |
| Obsessive licking / tail chasing | ✅ Yes | Considered medical (OCD-like) |
| Aggression / biting | ⚠️ Maybe | Must be diagnosed + documented |
| General obedience training | ❌ No | Considered non-medical |
✅ Top Plans That Cover Behavior Therapy (Vet-Directed Only):
- Pumpkin
- ASPCA
- Embrace
- Spot
- Pets Best (Elite plan only)
📢 Caution: Training classes, puppy socialization, or “naughty dog” fixes aren’t eligible. You need a licensed vet or veterinary behaviorist involved in the diagnosis and treatment plan.
💬 Comment: “Why are hereditary conditions not covered by every pet insurance company?”
Hereditary conditions are genetically programmed risks, and that’s precisely why some providers exclude them outright—especially if your dog belongs to a breed notorious for those issues. Insurers calculate risk based on actuarial data, and hereditary issues (like hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers or collapsing trachea in Yorkies) carry a predictably high cost burden over the lifetime of the pet.
Insurers that DO cover inherited disorders typically charge more or require specific plan tiers, while others apply restrictions based on age, breed, or waiting periods.
Coverage Breakdown: Hereditary Conditions
| 🧬 Hereditary Condition | 🛡️ Coverage Status | 📋 Requirements or Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | ✅ Covered by Embrace, Trupanion, Pumpkin | ⏳ Usually requires early enrollment and 6–12 month waiting period |
| Cherry Eye / Entropion | ⚠️ Sometimes covered | 🐶 Breeds like Bulldogs, Boxers may face exclusions |
| Luxating Patella | ✅ Some plans cover with proof of no pre-existing issues | 📆 Documented healthy exam within past 12 months often required |
| Von Willebrand’s Disease | ❌ Rarely covered unless genetic testing is negative | 🔬 Specialty insurers or genetic add-ons only |
💡 Insider Tip: Enroll before your pup reaches 6 months old and submit a full vet exam showing clean orthopedic and ocular health. This creates a verifiable baseline and strengthens future claims.
💬 Comment: “Is dental care really that important for dogs, and will insurance cover it?”
Dental disease is one of the most under-addressed but critically important health issues in dogs. Over 80% of dogs over three years of age have some form of periodontal disease, and untreated infections can spread to the liver, kidneys, and even heart valves. Yet, many insurers separate dental coverage into two confusing categories: “preventive” and “illness.”
What Pet Insurance Covers: Dental Breakdown 🦷
| 🦴 Dental Issue | ✅ Covered? | 💡 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Cleanings | ❌ Not included in most base plans | 🦷 Usually part of a wellness rider or dental add-on |
| Tooth Extractions (due to disease) | ✅ Yes, if illness-related and not pre-existing | 🩺 Must have recent dental exams for eligibility |
| Gingivitis, abscesses, broken teeth | ✅ Illness-related treatments are often covered | 🐾 Claims denied if no dental exam within the past 12 months |
| Cosmetic / Routine cleaning | ❌ Not covered | ✂️ Consider budgeting for annual out-of-pocket cleanings |
📌 Critical Note: Embrace and Figo are leaders in dental illness coverage, offering up to $1,000–$1,500 annually, while Trupanion separates dental by tooth and limits extraction coverage to accidents unless you purchase a specific dental rider.
💬 Comment: “My dog has anxiety—will insurance cover meds like fluoxetine or trazodone?”
Yes, but only under specific clinical circumstances. Most insurers distinguish between “behavioral modification therapy” (which often includes medications) and “general behavioral concerns.” If anxiety is diagnosed as a medical disorder by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist, then treatment—including prescriptions like fluoxetine (Prozac) or trazodone—is typically eligible.
Behavioral Health Coverage for Medications 🧠💊
| 💊 Medication | 🐶 Common Use | ✅ Insurance Coverage? |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoxetine | Long-term anxiety, OCD, aggression | ✅ Covered under behavioral health benefit |
| Trazodone | Acute situational anxiety (vet visits, fireworks) | ✅ Often covered if prescribed for medical need |
| Clomipramine | Separation anxiety | ✅ Covered by Embrace, Pumpkin, ASPCA, Spot |
| Gabapentin | Pain + anxiety combo | ✅ Dual-use makes it broadly insurable |
🔍 Be aware: To be eligible, insurers often require:
- Behavioral diagnosis noted in medical records
- A formal treatment plan from a licensed vet
- Proof that the behavior is not simply “training-related”
💡 Pro Tip: Choose plans with explicit behavioral therapy inclusion (e.g., Pumpkin, ASPCA, Embrace). Others may limit to consultations only—not meds.
💬 Comment: “Will pet insurance cover natural disasters or emergency boarding?”
Natural disasters are a gray area in most policies, but emergency boarding is often covered under specific conditions. If you are hospitalized or displaced due to a covered reason (e.g., wildfire, flood, personal injury), certain plans will reimburse the cost of boarding your pet.
Emergency Boarding Coverage 🌪️🏨
| 🏠 Situation | 📋 Coverage Status | 🧾 Important Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Owner Hospitalization (3+ days) | ✅ Covered by ASPCA, Embrace, and Figo | 🏥 Must provide proof of admission + boarding invoices |
| Evacuation Due to Disaster | ⚠️ May be covered under “emergency circumstances” clause | 🌊 Coverage varies widely by provider—read fine print |
| Routine Travel Boarding | ❌ Not covered | ✈️ Seen as elective and outside medical need |
🎯 Most policies cap this benefit at $500–$1,000 annually and require advance notification if the event is ongoing (like hurricanes). Always keep boarding receipts and vet contact info accessible during crises.
💬 Comment: “If my dog is hit by a car, how much would insurance really cover?”
If you have a comprehensive accident & illness plan, a vehicle-related trauma is exactly what it’s designed to protect against. These scenarios involve high-cost treatments like emergency surgery, blood transfusions, imaging (CT/MRI), and follow-up care. Without insurance, you could easily face a $6,000–$10,000 vet bill.
Car Accident Treatment Costs vs. Insurance Coverage 🚗🐶
| 🚨 Treatment | 💸 Avg. Cost | ✅ Insurance Reimbursement (after deductible) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Surgery (internal bleeding) | $4,000–$6,500 | 80–90% if covered |
| Hospitalization (3–5 days) | $1,500–$3,000 | Typically covered |
| X-rays / CT / Ultrasound | $600–$1,800 | Diagnostic imaging is eligible |
| Pain Meds, IV Fluids, Anesthesia | $400–$1,000 | Included in most comprehensive plans |
📌 Most accident plans kick in after the waiting period (usually 2–5 days). Ensure your plan is active well before any incident occurs—you can’t backdate coverage once the event has happened.
💬 Comment: “Can I cancel pet insurance anytime, and will I get a refund?”
Yes—but what happens next depends on timing and your provider’s cancellation policy. Most insurers allow you to cancel at any time, but refund eligibility varies based on whether you’ve filed a claim and how much of the policy term remains.
Pet Insurance Cancellation Rules 💼❌
| 📅 Cancellation Timing | 💰 Refund Eligible? | 📋 Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Within 30-day trial | ✅ Full refund (if no claims filed) | Called “free look” period |
| After trial but no claims | ⚠️ Partial refund may apply | Based on unused premium |
| After submitting claims | ❌ No refund for the period | Even if only one claim was filed |
| Mid-billing cycle | ⚠️ Some providers pro-rate | Others do not refund mid-month fees |
💡 Important Tip: Always submit cancellation in writing, and ask for confirmation. If switching providers, make sure your new plan is active before canceling the old one to avoid gaps in coverage.
