10 Best Vet Insurance for Dogs

Published on: July 19, 2025July 19, 2025Author: Bestie Paws

Key Takeaways:

Cheapest ≠ Best: “Cheap” pet insurance is a myth—real costs appear with renewal hikes and add-ons.
Coverage Isn’t Standard: One company’s “comprehensive” may be another’s bare bones. Read the fine print.
Direct Vet Pay = Stress-Free: Only two leaders let you skip paying the vet up front.
Don’t Delay for Seniors: Many plans limit or deny new coverage as dogs age—act early.
Claim Denials Happen: The most common reason? Anything “pre-existing,” even symptoms in old records.
Tech-first = Lightning Claims: AI-powered companies really do pay some claims in minutes, not weeks.
Customization = Homework: Lower premiums usually mean more work to choose and build coverage.
Unlimited Coverage = High Premiums: There’s a price for never hitting a cap.
Orthopedic Waits Hide Traps: Hip/knee coverage can be delayed up to a year!
Shop for your dog: A Great Dane and a Yorkie? Opposite risk, opposite plans.

🏆 Who’s REALLY the Best Vet Insurance for Dogs?

“Best” depends on your budget, dog’s age, health history, and appetite for risk. Let’s destroy the marketing spin:

Category	Top Pick(s)	What Makes Them Stand Out 🏅
Best Overall Value	Pets Best	High customizability, direct vet pay, strong Elite plan
Most Comprehensive Base Coverage	Spot	Everything but the kitchen sink—fewest add-ons needed
Fastest Claims	Lemonade, Spot	App-driven, AI-approved, cash in your account fast
Best for Senior Dogs	Pumpkin, MetLife	No age cap, real coverage for old pups
Most Budget-Friendly	Lemonade, Pets Best	Lowest monthly premium—if you build coverage carefully
Highest Customer Satisfaction	Embrace, Lemonade	Consistently top consumer ratings
Easiest for Chronic Conditions	Trupanion	Per-illness deductible, direct vet pay
Best for Multiple Pets/Family Plan	MetLife	One policy, shared deductible for up to three pets
Best for Curable Pre-Existing Issues	Embrace, Spot	Will re-cover after a symptom-free period
Best for Flexible Wellness Add-Ons	Embrace	Wellness “Rewards” can be used for almost anything

💡 “What’s the #1 Mistake Dog Owners Make When Buying Insurance?”

Answer: Falling for the lowest base premium.

It’s a trap—low monthly prices mean high deductibles, low payouts, or tons of exclusions. Don’t compare plans until you’ve built them to cover the same things. Spot and Pumpkin look expensive—until you see all their “extras” are standard, while Lemonade and Embrace make you build (and pay for) each one.

Myth 👎	Reality ✅	Tip 💡
$10/month covers all	Only if you want almost nothing covered	Match coverage line-by-line first
Pre-existing covers	Anything noted before signup is excluded	Enroll puppies ASAP, before issues
All dental included	Most exclude illness—accidents only	If dental matters, read the fine print

🧐 “How Do I Avoid Claim Denials?”

Top cause: “Pre-existing condition.”

If your vet ever mentioned, “Hmm, a little limp in that leg,” before your policy, any knee claim could be denied. Even a cough, itch, or minor tummy trouble can become a denied claim if it recurs after coverage starts.

Secret strategy:

Get a clean bill of health BEFORE you enroll.
Keep detailed records.
Ask about “curable” vs. “incurable” pre-existing definitions.

Denial Reason	How to Avoid It 🛡️
Vet notes from before	Ask for a “clean” pre-insurance exam
Claim during wait	Know your waiting periods for each issue
Wrong paperwork	Use company app/portal, follow their steps

📊 Insurance at a Glance: Essential Features of the Top 10 Providers

Provider	Deductible Type/Range	Reimbursement %	Annual Limit	Fastest Accident Coverage	Direct Vet Pay	Exam Fee Standard?	Curable Pre-Existing?
Pets Best	Annual ($50–$1,000)	70, 80, 90	$5k, Unlimited	3 days	✅ Yes	Elite Plan	Yes
Embrace	Annual ($100–$1,000)	70, 80, 90	$5k–Unlimited	2 days	No	Add-on	Yes (12 mo)
Lemonade	Annual ($100–$750)	70, 80, 90	$5k–$100k	2 days	No	Add-on	No
Spot	Annual ($100–$1,000)	70, 80, 90	$2.5k–Unlimited	14 days	No	✅ Yes	Yes (180 days)
Trupanion	Per-condition ($0–$1k)	90 (fixed)	Unlimited	5 days	✅ Yes	No	No
Figo	Annual ($100–$750)	70, 80, 90, 100	$5k–Unlimited	1 day	No	Add-on	No
ASPCA	Annual ($100–$500)	70, 80, 90	$2.5k–Unlimited	14 days	No	✅ Yes	Yes (180 days)
Pumpkin	Annual ($100–$1,000)	90 (std.)	$10k–Unlimited	14 days	No	✅ Yes	Yes (180 days)
MetLife	Annual ($0–$2,500)	50–90	$500–Unlimited	0 days	No	✅ Yes	Yes
HealthyPaws	Annual ($250–$1,000)	50–90 (age-based)	Unlimited	15 days	No (pre-appr.)	No	No

💬 “Is ‘Unlimited’ Coverage Worth It?”

If you never want to risk a $20,000 cancer bill or surprise surgery wiping your savings, yes. But for most young, healthy dogs? A $10,000 or $20,000 limit is almost always enough.

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Pro move: Compare the premium jump from $10k to Unlimited before upgrading.

Coverage Cap	Who Should Choose It?	Emoji Insight 🤑
$5k–$10k	Young, healthy, non-giant breeds	👍 Affordable, usually safe
$20k+ or Unlimited	Giant breeds, chronic illness, high risk	🛡️ True peace of mind

🐾 “What If My Dog Is Older—Can I Still Get Coverage?”

Yes—but read the fine print.

Pumpkin, MetLife, Pets Best, Figo, and Embrace all enroll senior dogs without age cutoffs.

Watch out: Healthy Paws and others drop coverage or cut reimbursement levels as your dog ages. Rates rise everywhere, but being denied altogether is much worse.

Provider	Enroll Seniors?	Reimbursement Drops With Age?
Pumpkin	✅ Yes	❌ No
MetLife	✅ Yes	❌ No
Pets Best	✅ Yes	❌ No
Healthy Paws	❌ Not after 14	✅ Yes
Trupanion	✅ Yes	❌ No

🏥 “Which Insurer Actually Pays the Vet Directly?”

Only Trupanion and Pets Best offer true Direct Vet Pay. That means you pay just your share—the insurer pays the clinic the rest right away. Everyone else? You pay up front, wait for reimbursement.

Provider	Direct Vet Pay?
Trupanion	✅ Yes
Pets Best	✅ Yes (if vet participates)
Everyone Else	❌ No

🤖 “How Fast Are Claims Paid?”

Lemonade: Minutes—if it’s a simple claim and their AI likes you.
Spot, Embrace: Usually under 2 days.
Trupanion: Instantly at vet if direct pay is set up.
Healthy Paws: Often under 2 days, but up to 10 for big claims.

🦷 “Is Dental Really Covered?”

Accidents: Yes, almost always. Illnesses (gum disease, abscess): Only if your plan says so!

Spot, Pumpkin, MetLife, ASPCA, and Embrace stand out.
Healthy Paws and Lemonade? Only accident, not illness, unless you add-on.

📅 “Waiting Periods: How Fast Can I Use My Insurance?”

Provider	Accidents	Illnesses	Orthopedic Issues
MetLife	0 days	14 days	14 days
Figo	1 day	14 days	6 months (can be waived)
Embrace	2 days	14 days	6 months (can be waived)
Pets Best	3 days	14 days	6 months
Spot, ASPCA, Pumpkin	14 days	14 days	14 days
Healthy Paws	15 days	15 days	12 months

📝 Final Tips for Picking the Best Insurance

1. Don’t shop by price—shop by payout.
2. Match your dog’s breed and risk to your plan: labs need ortho, pugs need respiratory, seniors need cancer.
3. Confirm your state’s fine print—sample policies vary.
4. Ask about renewal price increases, not just first-year cost.
5. Get a pre-enrollment exam, and keep your records!

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Still confused? Drop your dog’s age, breed, and your main concern below—our team will match you to the best plan, no jargon, no sales pitch, just honest guidance. 🐕💬

FAQs

❓“Why does my dog’s plan say ‘No coverage for bilateral conditions’? What does that actually mean?”

Bilateral exclusions are one of the most misunderstood traps in pet insurance—and they matter a lot for breeds prone to joint issues, like Labs, Bulldogs, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.

What it really means:
If your dog is diagnosed with a condition on one side of their body (like a torn ACL in the left leg), any future diagnosis of the same condition on the opposite side (right leg) may be automatically excluded—even if it happens years later.

Term	Real Definition
Bilateral Exclusion	Any condition that affects both sides of the body can be denied once it’s diagnosed on one side.
Example	Left hip dysplasia is diagnosed in 2023. Right hip dysplasia in 2025 may be denied.
Affected Areas	ACLs, hips, eyes, ears, knees, elbows—anything with a “left” and “right.”
Plans With This Clause	Healthy Paws, Trupanion, and some others (check your fine print!).

💡 Pro Tip: Spot, Embrace, and Pumpkin do not apply bilateral exclusions, making them far safer bets for breeds prone to symmetrical joint or eye issues.

❓“What’s the difference between annual vs. per-condition deductibles—and which is better?”

This is one of the most crucial yet confusing design features in pet insurance. Understanding it helps you avoid long-term overpaying.

Deductible Type	How It Works	Best For	Drawbacks
Annual Deductible	You pay once per year, then claims are reimbursed until the policy resets.	Dogs with multiple or recurring conditions in a year.	May pay more upfront in first claim.
Per-Condition Deductible	You pay a new deductible for each issue (e.g., ear infection vs. torn ACL).	Dogs with one major chronic issue (like diabetes).	Multiple small conditions = more $$$

🎯 TL;DR:

If you want predictable costs and your dog gets different minor things often → Annual is better.
If your dog has one big issue that you’ll manage for years → Per-condition saves money.

Trupanion is the best-known provider with per-condition deductibles.
Embrace, Lemonade, and Spot use annual deductibles.

❓“Does insurance really cover prescription food? My vet keeps recommending it!”

Only a few insurers offer any coverage for vet-recommended diets—and it’s almost always part of a wellness add-on, not the core plan.

Brand	Prescription Food Covered?	Details
Embrace	✅ Yes (with add-on)	Annual dollar limit—usually ~$250–$650 max.
Pumpkin	✅ Yes	Included in base plan, no add-on needed.
Healthy Paws	❌ No	Not covered at all.
Trupanion	✅ Yes (with Recovery & Care rider)	Must be for specific covered condition.

⚠️ Important caveat: The food must be prescribed for a covered illness, not just general wellness.
For example, a renal diet for chronic kidney disease = ✅ covered. A sensitive stomach formula = ❌ not covered.

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❓“How do I file a claim so it doesn’t get rejected?”

Most claim rejections are not because of what happened—they’re about how you submitted it. Here’s the veterinary-insider’s checklist for a bulletproof claim submission:

Must Include 📝	Why It Matters
Full itemized invoice	Proves treatment happened and how much it cost.
Detailed vet notes	Shows medical necessity; flags pre-existing concerns.
Medical history	Verifies onset dates and rules out pre-existing symptoms.
Correct claim form	Every insurer has their own—download from the portal!

🛡️ Extra Tip:
Always keep digital backups. Use the app or portal to upload directly. Rejected? Appeal with a letter from your vet explaining why the condition is new, not pre-existing.

❓“Why are premiums rising even though I haven’t filed claims?”

This is not your fault—and it’s happening everywhere.

Cause	What’s Actually Happening
Age-Based Inflation	Dogs over 6–7 are in higher risk tiers; premiums go up annually.
Regional Vet Costs	Living in a high-cost city? Your rates are adjusted accordingly.
Industry-Wide Inflation	Vet costs (especially surgeries, diagnostics) rose ~18%+ since 2022.

🧠 Insider Fact: Companies like Lemonade and MetLife use AI to re-calculate risk tiers based on ZIP code, breed, and age trends.

💡 How to fight back:

Raise your deductible if premiums get too high.
Lower your annual limit slightly to reduce cost.
Re-quote with competitors annually—especially if your dog’s had zero claims.

❓“My vet says wellness plans are a waste. Are they?”

That depends on how disciplined you are without a wellness plan.

Covered in Wellness? 🦴	Embrace	Pumpkin	Lemonade	Trupanion
Routine check-ups	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Vaccines	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Flea/Tick/Heartworm meds	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Grooming/dental cleanings	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No

Wellness plans don’t save you money directly, but they do help you budget proactively—which means fewer skipped checkups and better long-term health.

❓“What about dogs with behavioral issues—can I insure training or treatment?”

Only a few insurers offer coverage for behavioral therapy—and only if it’s diagnosed as a medical condition by a licensed vet.

Provider	Behavioral Therapy Coverage?	Conditions Apply?
Embrace	✅ Yes	Vet must diagnose (e.g., anxiety, phobia)
Spot	✅ Yes	Covered up to policy limit
Pumpkin	✅ Yes	Part of standard accident & illness plan
Healthy Paws	❌ No	Not covered at all

💬 Examples of covered issues: separation anxiety, aggression linked to fear response, compulsive tail-chasing.

❓**“Can I get coverage after something happens?” (e.g., knee injury last week)**

Short answer: No. Insurance is not retroactive—think of it like auto insurance. You can’t crash, then buy a policy and expect coverage.

BUT… there are two exceptions:

Some insurers will cover “curable” conditions if your dog stays symptom-free for a period (e.g., Embrace allows re-coverage after 12 months of no signs).
Some wellness plans may still help offset the cost of rehab or monitoring—even if the condition isn’t covered by core insurance.

🛑 Red Flag: Watch out for companies that ask few medical history questions at signup. These often do aggressive claim denials once you file.

🧐 “Are breed restrictions real, and how do they affect my coverage?”

Breed exclusions and restrictions are very much alive in the dog insurance world—sometimes buried in the small print. Certain breeds with well-documented health risks or expensive, recurrent issues may see either higher premiums, longer orthopedic waiting periods, or outright exclusions for some conditions.

Breed	Common Restrictions 🐾	Best Providers For This Breed
French Bulldog	High rates, shorter annual limits	Pumpkin, Embrace
German Shepherd	Hip/elbow dysplasia exclusions/waiting	Spot, MetLife
Great Dane	Cardiac, orthopedic coverage scrutiny	Trupanion, Pets Best
Dachshund	IVDD (disc disease) limitations	Pumpkin, ASPCA

Why it matters:
Providers price policies using actuarial data for breed-related claims. That’s why a Bulldog’s coverage might be double a Spaniel’s, and why insurers may “exclude” certain procedures from the start.

How to work around:
If you own a breed on the restricted list, compare not just price, but covered conditions, reimbursement, and fine-print exclusions for your specific breed. Always ask for a breed-specific sample policy!

🚑 “Is cancer covered by all insurance plans—and are there hidden gaps?”

Virtually every major accident & illness policy covers cancer diagnosis and treatment—but the extent of coverage varies widely.

Cancer Treatment Component	Covered By Most Plans?	Exceptions or Limits
Diagnostics (biopsy, imaging)	✅ Yes	Not in accident-only plans
Chemotherapy/radiation	✅ Yes	Some annual/lifetime limits
Surgery	✅ Yes	Waiting periods may apply
Prescription meds	🔸 Sometimes	Add-ons required (Lemonade, Embrace)
Experimental therapies	❌ Rarely	Not covered by most providers

Hidden gaps:

Pre-existing lumps/tumors: Anything noted before the policy starts is excluded—forever.
Prescription drug caps: Some insurers only pay up to a capped amount per year.
End-of-life care: Euthanasia may be covered, but cremation or burial rarely is.

Best approach:
If your dog’s breed is cancer-prone (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Boxers), seek unlimited annual limits and clarify drug coverage before enrolling.

🩺 “How do insurance companies define ‘curable’ pre-existing conditions?”

The definition of curable vs. incurable pre-existing conditions is critical, and policies differ sharply.

Type	Curable (Covered After Waiting Period)?	Typical Waiting Period 🕒	Examples
Minor UTI	✅ Yes (with Spot, Embrace, Pumpkin)	6–12 months symptom-free	Bladder infection, ear infection
Allergies	❌ No	N/A	Chronic allergies, diabetes
Gastroenteritis	✅ Yes (with documentation)	6–12 months symptom-free	One-time vomiting/diarrhea episode
Cancer	❌ No	N/A	Any cancerous mass/tumor
Fractures	✅ Yes (if fully healed)	12 months	Broken bone, as long as no lasting issue

Key difference:
Spot, Embrace, and Pumpkin are notably progressive about “curable” coverage—after a vet confirms your dog is symptom-free for the waiting period, future issues are covered. Chronic conditions like arthritis, epilepsy, or diabetes are never covered if diagnosed before insurance begins.

🏥 “What is ‘direct pay to vet’—and how do I use it?”

Direct vet pay means the insurer pays your veterinarian directly at the time of visit, so you don’t need to front a large sum and wait for reimbursement.

Insurer	Direct Pay Offered?	How To Set Up	Caveats
Trupanion	✅ Yes	Vet must use Trupanion’s payment portal	Not available at all clinics
Pets Best	✅ Sometimes	Must request and vet must agree/sign up	Some vets decline participation
Others	❌ No	Not available	Reimbursement only

How to use:

Confirm your vet accepts direct pay with your provider.
Notify insurer before/during your appointment.
Bring insurance info and have vet submit bill directly.
Pay only your portion (deductible/copay) at the desk.

Pro insight: If you live in a region where Trupanion’s system is common (large urban centers), this feature can be life-changing for emergencies and high-cost care.

📅 “What’s the trick to avoiding long waiting periods for orthopedic issues?”

Orthopedic waiting periods—especially for ACL/CCL tears or hip dysplasia—can last up to 6-12 months. But there’s an insider workaround:

Provider	Ortho Waiting Period	Can You Waive?	How?
Embrace	6 months	✅ Yes	Have your vet do an ortho exam (form) within 2 weeks of policy start
Figo	6 months	✅ Yes	Vet exam showing no prior ortho issues
Spot, Pumpkin	14 days	❌ No	Standard across all conditions
Healthy Paws	12 months	❌ No	No waiver option

Best move:
Schedule a thorough orthopedic screening and submit the results when you buy your policy—this can cut wait times drastically or waive them altogether with Embrace and Figo.

🧾 “How do I maximize reimbursement on big bills?”

For expensive surgeries, emergencies, or cancer treatments, the difference between what your plan pays and what you pay out-of-pocket can be huge. Here’s how to get the highest possible payout:

Step	Expert Strategy
Use a vet in-network	Some plans (rare in pet insurance) offer better rates in-network
Meet deductible early	If possible, batch procedures/tests after deductible is met
Confirm annual cap status	Track total claims—don’t let a big bill exceed your annual max
Submit full documentation	Always include itemized bills, detailed diagnoses, drug receipts
Request pre-approval	For planned major surgeries, get insurer’s OK in writing first

💡 Bonus: If your provider allows direct vet pay, coordinate in advance—some clinics require 24h notice.

🏡 “Can I transfer insurance if I move states?”

Moving to a new state can affect both your premium and your coverage—sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

State Move Impact	What Changes?
Premiums	Adjusted for new region’s vet costs
Coverage Options	Some riders/add-ons unavailable in some states
Provider Availability	A few plans (esp. regional brands) may not transfer
Waiting Periods	Typically do NOT restart

What to do:
Contact your insurer before moving, and request an updated quote. Always confirm all your riders and add-ons still apply, especially wellness and alternative therapy benefits.

🕵️ “Is it better to self-insure for minor stuff and only use insurance for catastrophes?”

Many experienced owners do a hybrid strategy—paying out of pocket for small visits and reserving insurance for high-dollar emergencies.

Approach	Pros	Cons
High-deductible	Low monthly premium	More out-of-pocket for minor problems
Accident-only	Cheapest insurance possible	Illnesses, cancer, chronic issues not covered
Full coverage	Peace of mind, large bills covered	Highest premium
Self-insure minor	Maximum flexibility, less hassle	Must have emergency fund; no reimbursement for wellness

Insider advice:
For breeds prone to catastrophic illness (big dogs, flat-faced breeds), do not rely on accident-only. For “iron dog” mutts, high deductible or self-insure minor works well.

🌟 “Do any plans cover holistic/alternative therapies?”

Coverage for acupuncture, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and chiropractic is increasingly common, but still not universal.

Provider	Alternative Therapy Coverage?	Typical Limits/Conditions
Pets Best	✅ Elite plan or rider required	Must be vet-prescribed
Embrace	✅ With add-on	Covered if part of illness/injury
Spot	✅ Included in standard plan	Up to policy limit
Healthy Paws	✅ Included	If prescribed for covered issue
Lemonade	🔸 Add-on only	Specific therapies may vary

How to get it paid:
Always have your vet document the medical need and supervise treatment. Keep receipts and detailed notes.

📊 Which provider offers the fastest digital experience for millennial owners?

If you want Uber-level digital speed (sign up, file claims, track everything on your phone), three brands are a cut above:

Provider	Mobile App Features 🚀	Claim Speed
Lemonade	Instant signup, claim upload, AI chatbot	Seconds–hours
Figo	Pet Cloud app, live vet chat, full tracking	1–2 days
Spot	Easy upload, fast status notifications	1–2 days

Added bonus: Lemonade’s Giveback program lets you direct unused premium to animal charities—unique in the industry.

🧬 “Do genetic or congenital conditions get covered?”

These are high-dollar risks for many purebreds—so pay close attention.

Provider	Genetic/Congenital Conditions Covered?	Exclusions?
Embrace	✅ Yes	Only if not pre-existing
Trupanion	✅ Yes	Must not be noted pre-policy
Healthy Paws	✅ Yes	Must not be diagnosed/treated pre-policy
Lemonade	✅ Yes (add-on may be needed)	No pre-policy symptoms
ASPCA	✅ Yes	Must not be pre-existing

Bottom line: If your dog is a breed with known high-risk genetic issues, always enroll as a puppy before issues emerge—and clarify this point with your insurer’s documentation.