10+ Best Rated Pet Insurance for Dogs 🐶
Let’s cut through the marketing clutter and face a harsh reality: The “best” pet insurance doesn’t exist—only the best one for you and your dog.
🚩 Quick Answers: Key Takeaways to Save You Time (and Money)
| Critical Question | Short, Clear Answer |
|---|---|
| Best overall value? | 🥇 Spot & ASPCA—comprehensive with fewer add-ons. |
| Lowest budget picks? | 💸 Lemonade & Pets Best—lowest entry costs. |
| Best for older or sick dogs? | 👴 Pumpkin & Embrace—no upper age limit & curable pre-existing coverage. |
| Fastest claims process? | ⚡ Healthy Paws & Lemonade—often within days. |
| Shortest orthopedic waiting periods? | 🦴 MetLife & Spot—only 14 days. |
| Coverage for pre-existing conditions? | 🩺 AKC Pet Insurance—after 1 year wait. |
| Plans most likely to spike premiums? | ⚠️ Trupanion & Pets Best—pricey as pets age. |
❓ Why Does the Deductible Type Actually Matter?
Forget generic advice—deductible structure radically affects your wallet. Here’s what others won’t say clearly:
| Deductible Type | Good If Your Dog… | Avoid If Your Dog… | 📝 Who Offers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual 📅 | Frequently visits vet for various issues | Rarely has multiple vet visits per year | Spot, Embrace, Pets Best |
| Per-Condition 🩹 | Has one costly chronic condition | Has multiple minor health issues | Trupanion only |
💡 Expert Tip:
If your dog’s breed is prone to expensive lifelong conditions (e.g., allergies, diabetes), a per-condition deductible (Trupanion) could save thousands. But if your pup sees the vet often for different small issues, choose an annual deductible (Spot or Embrace).
🐶 Who Actually Covers Exam Fees Without Sneaky Add-ons?
Some insurers hide crucial vet-exam fees behind paywalls. Who’s straightforward?
| Provider | Exam Fees Included? | 👍 Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Spot | ✅ Included | No surprises—great overall coverage. |
| ASPCA | ✅ Included | Broad base coverage—no extra fees. |
| Pumpkin | ✅ Included | 90% reimbursement as standard. |
| MetLife | ✅ Included | Strong overall, no hidden exam charges. |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ Not Included | Frequent unexpected charges at vet visits. |
🦴 Who’s Secretly Best for Orthopedic Issues?
Owners of large breeds or active dogs, listen up—orthopedic waits can burn you later:
| Provider | Ortho Waiting Period | 🐾 Ideal For… |
|---|---|---|
| MetLife | ✅ 14 days | Large breeds prone to hip dysplasia. |
| Spot | ✅ 14 days | Active dogs likely to have joint injuries. |
| Pumpkin | ✅ 14 days | Senior dogs needing quick orthopedic coverage. |
| Pets Best | 🚫 6 months | Risky for joint-prone breeds. |
⚠️ Warning: Avoid providers with a 6+ month orthopedic waiting period (like Pets Best) if your dog’s breed is at high joint risk.
🚨 Who Quietly Has the Fastest Claims Processing?
You don’t want surprises when it comes to getting paid. Here’s who quietly leads:
| Provider | Claims Processing Time | 📱 How Easy Is It? |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Paws | ⚡ Often < 2 days | Easy, highly praised. |
| Lemonade | ⚡ Instant to a few minutes | Fully digital, instant AI payouts. |
| Figo | 🚀 Avg. 2-3 days | Great app, easy uploads. |
| Trupanion | ⏱️ Instant (Vet Direct Pay) | Best if vet participates. |
💸 Who’s the Worst Offender for Premium Spikes?
“Cheap today, expensive tomorrow” is a hidden industry standard. Here’s who’s riskiest:
| Provider | 🚨 Premium Hike Risk | 📈 Expert Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Trupanion | 🚨 Very High | Huge spikes after chronic diagnosis. |
| Pets Best | 🚨 High | Notorious for unexplained hikes. |
| Figo | ⚠️ Moderate | Zip-code based hikes reported. |
| Lemonade | ⚠️ Moderate | Algorithm-driven renewal spikes. |
💡 Smart Move: Ask insurers explicitly about their renewal pricing before signing.
🩺 Is Any Provider Brave Enough to Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Most say “no way,” but one brave provider does:
- AKC Pet Insurance 🐕 — offers coverage after 365 days of continuous coverage.
Why this matters:
- If your dog had an illness before coverage, AKC might still cover it after a year—unmatched in the industry!
📅 Who Has No Age Limits—Great for Your Senior Pup?
Many insurers shy away from senior dogs, but these providers won’t leave your grey-muzzled friend behind:
| Provider | 👴 No Upper Age Limit? | 📌 Special Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | ✅ Yes | Affordable for older pets, 90% standard. |
| ASPCA | ✅ Yes | Solid coverage for aging dogs. |
| MetLife | ✅ Yes | Immediate accident coverage even for seniors. |
🌟 Insider’s Strategic Picks: Matching Your Needs Perfectly
There’s no “best” plan, only what’s best for you:
| 🧑 Owner Type | 🥇 Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| 💸 Budget-Conscious | Lemonade, Pets Best |
| 🩺 Senior Dog Parent | Pumpkin, MetLife |
| 🦴 Breed-specific Issues | Spot, MetLife |
| 📱 Tech-Savvy Owner | Lemonade, Figo |
| 🚑 Immediate Emergencies | Trupanion (Vet Direct Pay) |
🎯 Final Expert Advice: Avoid Regret with This Checklist
- ✅ Short Waiting Periods: Don’t overlook orthopedic waits!
- ✅ Transparent Pricing: Clarify renewal increases upfront.
- ✅ Inclusive Coverage: Watch out for sneaky exclusions like exam fees.
- ✅ Direct-to-Vet Pay: Crucial if you can’t front large bills.
- ✅ Claims Processing Speed: Faster payments ease emergency stress.
- ✅ Realistic Limits: “Unlimited” might not always be necessary—evaluate realistically.
Still unsure? Share your questions below—we’re here to help! 🐶🤝
FAQs
🗨️ Comment 1: “Is pet insurance actually worth it, or should I just save the money each month?”
It depends on your financial risk tolerance and your dog’s health profile—but here’s what the math says:
| Scenario | Annual Vet Costs (No Insurance) | Insurance Premiums (Est.) | 🧮 Cost If Emergency Occurs |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Major Illness | $400–$700 | $600–$1,000 | 💸 ~$200–$400 more w/insurance |
| One ER Visit (e.g., ACL tear) | $3,500–$6,000 | $600–$1,000 | 💰 ~$4,000 saved w/insurance |
| Cancer Diagnosis | $8,000–$20,000+ | $600–$1,000 | 🏥 Up to $18,000 saved |
💡 Expert Tip:
Unless you’re ready to immediately pay $5K–$15K out-of-pocket for trauma, tumors, or genetic disorders, insurance is the smarter long-term hedge—especially if you enroll early, before any “pre-existing” issues can disqualify coverage.
🗨️ Comment 2: “Can I switch pet insurance providers later if I’m unhappy?”
Yes, but here’s the costly catch: anything your dog was treated for—no matter how minor—will be considered pre-existing by the new insurer.
| What Happens When You Switch | Impact on Coverage | 🧠 Real-World Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Old claims become pre-existing | ❌ New provider won’t cover them | That ear infection 3 months ago? New plan won’t touch future ear issues. |
| Waiting periods reset | ⏳ Even if you’ve had insurance for years | Your dog could be uninsured during a new waiting period. |
| No carryover on deductibles | 💵 You start from $0 again | If you paid $450 toward an old deductible, it’s lost. |
💡 Caution:
Switching pet insurance after a diagnosis often results in less coverage and higher long-term costs. Only switch while your dog is still healthy and claim-free.
🗨️ Comment 3: “Is it better to get wellness coverage or just pay for routine care out-of-pocket?”
Most wellness plans are glorified payment plans, not cost savers. You pay monthly, and they reimburse up to a fixed limit.
| Wellness Plan Cost (Annual) | Reimbursement Cap | 🐶 Common Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| $240 – $400 | $250 – $400 | Exams, vaccines, flea/tick meds, deworming |
| Scenario | Real Value |
|---|---|
| You use every benefit annually | 💰 Break-even or slight savings |
| You miss 1–2 services (e.g., no dental) | ❌ You lose money |
| You prefer specific supplements/brands | 🤷 May not be reimbursable |
💡 Verdict:
If you’re financially disciplined, pay for routine care yourself. But if budgeting is hard or you like the convenience of spreading out costs, wellness plans offer predictable outflows—even if they rarely offer true savings.
🗨️ Comment 4: “Why is orthopedic coverage such a big deal for Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds?”
These breeds are genetically predisposed to joint conditions like hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, and elbow dysplasia.
| Breed | Ortho Risk | ⚠️ Typical Cost of Surgery (No Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Retriever | Very High | $3,500 – $6,000 per hip |
| German Shepherd | Very High | $3,000 – $7,000 (ACL + rehab) |
| Labrador Retriever | High | $4,500 average per ACL injury |
💡 Insider Insight:
Providers like Spot and Pumpkin shine here—only 14-day orthopedic wait and no breed-based exclusions. Avoid insurers with 6+ month waits unless you can afford sudden $5K surprises.
🗨️ Comment 5: “Do any pet insurance companies cover dental cleanings or dental disease?”
Most policies exclude routine cleanings—but dental illness (like infected teeth or gingivitis) is covered by select providers.
| Covered by Provider? | Dental Cleanings 🪥 | Dental Disease (e.g. abscess) 😬 |
|---|---|---|
| Spot | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Pumpkin | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Embrace | ❌ (Wellness only) | ✅ Yes |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ | ❌ No |
| Trupanion | ❌ | ✅ Yes (conditions apply) |
💡 Smart Strategy:
Choose a wellness plan only if it specifically reimburses cleanings. Otherwise, budget ~$300–$800/year for professional dental work—or risk tooth extractions costing over $2,000.
🗨️ Comment 6: “What about dogs with anxiety or behavior issues—are those covered?”
Behavioral therapy is one of the most inconsistently covered categories.
| Provider | Behavioral Therapy Included? | 🧠 Includes Medication/Training? |
|---|---|---|
| Spot | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Rx & training) |
| ASPCA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ No | ❌ Not covered |
| Figo (with rider) | ✅ Optional | ✅ Yes |
| Pumpkin | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💡 Clinical Context:
Conditions like separation anxiety, aggression, or OCD often require prescription meds (like fluoxetine) and professional intervention. Spot, ASPCA, and Pumpkin cover these under illness, which can be a game changer for rescued or reactive dogs.
🗨️ Comment 7: “Will getting pet insurance cover me if I already know my dog has allergies?”
Not exactly—most insurers define “pre-existing” as any prior sign, not just diagnosis.
| Scenario | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Dog sneezed a few times in vet record (2023) | ❌ Most will exclude ALL allergy claims |
| No mention in records, but owner suspects it | ✅ Might be covered |
| Condition resolved >180 days ago | ✅ Possibly covered if plan allows (e.g., Embrace, ASPCA) |
💡 Decode This:
To have allergy meds or skin treatments covered, you’ll need a provider that acknowledges curable conditions. Embrace and ASPCA lead here, especially if the symptoms disappeared over time.
🗨️ Comment 8: “Can I get insurance if my dog is 11 years old?”
Yes, but only with certain providers. And some won’t offer illness coverage—just accident-only.
| Provider | Upper Age Limit for New Enrollment | 🧓 Covers Illnesses at 11+? |
|---|---|---|
| MetLife | ❌ No age limit | ✅ Yes |
| Pumpkin | ❌ No age limit | ✅ Yes |
| ASPCA | ❌ No age limit | ✅ Yes |
| Healthy Paws | ✅ Yes—age limit is 14 | ❌ Limited |
💡 Golden Years Rule:
Older dogs are more expensive to insure, but MetLife, Pumpkin, and ASPCA offer full plans. For dogs 13+, expect limited choices—so act before they hit that age cutoff.
🗨️ Comment 9: “My dog is a purebred (like a French Bulldog). Are breed-specific conditions covered?”
Yes—but many insurers include exclusions or waiting periods for breed-linked conditions, especially for high-risk breeds like Bulldogs, Dachshunds, or Great Danes. Insurers assess risk based on national claim data, and some limit reimbursements for hereditary and congenital issues.
| Breed | 🧬 Common Conditions | 🔍 Insurer Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | Brachycephalic syndrome, IVDD | Requires documentation; some plans deny all respiratory surgeries |
| Dachshund | Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Long spinal issues → watch for exclusions on orthopedic care |
| Golden Retriever | Hip dysplasia, cancer | Covered by most—but only if diagnosed after the waiting period |
| German Shepherd | Degenerative myelopathy, elbow dysplasia | Look for plans that reduce 6-month orthopedic wait (e.g., Embrace) |
💡 Critical Strategy:
For purebreds, avoid accident-only policies. You need full illness protection, ideally with orthopedic wait waivers. Spot, Embrace, and Pumpkin are preferred for hereditary coverage without genetic-based limitations.
🗨️ Comment 10: “Do any pet insurers cover holistic treatments like acupuncture, CBD, or chiropractic care?”
Yes—but only certain companies recognize alternative therapies as valid medical treatments. These services often require a licensed veterinarian to administer or prescribe the therapy.
| Therapy Type | 🪷 Covered By | ❗ Conditions Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Healthy Paws, Embrace, Figo, Spot | Must be prescribed for a covered illness/injury |
| Chiropractic Care | Embrace, Spot, Pumpkin | Usually part of rehab or orthopedic support |
| CBD (prescription) | Figo (with vet documentation) | Must come from a licensed vet and for a specific issue |
| Hydrotherapy/Physical Rehab | Spot, Pumpkin, Embrace | Typically under post-op or mobility-related claims |
💡 Policy Hack:
Make sure your vet writes “medically necessary” on your dog’s treatment plan. That phrase is often the key to unlocking reimbursement for alternative therapies.
🗨️ Comment 11: “What happens if I move to a different state—does my coverage follow me?”
Most national insurers maintain coverage if you move, but your premiums may change dramatically due to regional vet cost differences.
| Scenario | 🚚 Impact on Your Policy |
|---|---|
| Moving from California to Texas | 🌟 Premiums often decrease |
| Moving from Florida to New York City | 💸 Expect a sharp increase |
| Staying in same state, new ZIP | 🧾 Premium may still change |
| Changing vets? | ✅ Covered, but direct pay setup may reset |
💡 Relocation Tip:
Notify your insurer at least 30 days before your move. Ask if they can re-rate your plan before your next renewal. Figo and Embrace offer smoother transitions across states.
🗨️ Comment 12: “Can I use pet insurance during travel or if I’m temporarily out of state?”
Yes—most U.S.-based insurers offer nationwide coverage for licensed vets. Some even extend limited reimbursement while abroad.
| 🧳 Use Case | ✅ Covered? | 🧠 Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vet visit during U.S. road trip | ✅ Yes | Must be a licensed vet—urgent care included |
| Temporary relocation (e.g., snowbirds) | ✅ Yes | Update billing ZIP to avoid claim delays |
| Emergency vet visit in Canada/Mexico | 🟡 Sometimes (e.g., Trupanion) | Requires English invoice & currency conversion |
| Long-term stay abroad (6+ months) | ❌ Not typically covered | Consider local insurance if relocating fully |
💡 Documentation Trick:
Keep a digital copy of your pet’s medical history and vet receipts in your phone. This will speed up claims, especially when you’re away from your primary clinic.
🗨️ Comment 13: “What’s the difference between per-condition and annual deductibles?”
These two models determine how you reach reimbursement—and the wrong one for your dog’s health style can cost you hundreds.
| 📊 Deductible Type | 💡 How It Works | 📉 Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Deductible | Once per year, no matter how many conditions | ✅ Best for pets with multiple small issues |
| Per-Condition Deductible | Reset for every new illness or injury | ❌ Expensive if your dog has diverse issues |
💡 Case in Point:
Trupanion uses per-condition deductibles, which can be helpful for chronic single conditions (e.g., lifelong arthritis). But for dogs with varied needs (e.g., GI one year, allergy the next), an annual deductible plan like Pumpkin or Embrace is often more cost-effective.
🗨️ Comment 14: “Do providers cover therapy or emotional support dogs differently?”
No—they’re treated as companion animals unless the dog is officially trained and registered as a working service animal.
| 🐕🦺 Type of Animal | 🏥 Covered for Medical Bills? | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family Pet / ESA | ✅ Yes | Covered like any pet, but no special perks |
| Service Dog (e.g., Guide Dog) | ✅ Yes | May receive priority or expanded coverage by some plans |
| Therapy Dog (volunteer work) | ✅ Yes | Covered as a regular pet—not work-related injuries |
💡 Pro Insight:
No insurer covers the training or certification of emotional support or service animals. However, injuries sustained while the dog is “working” (e.g., during a seizure alert) may be covered if documented as a standard medical issue.
🗨️ Comment 15: “Can I cancel my plan anytime—and do I get a refund?”
Yes, you can cancel anytime—but refunds depend on whether you’ve submitted claims.
| 📅 Timing of Cancellation | 💵 Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Within 30-day free look period | ✅ Full refund, even if unused |
| After 30 days, no claims filed | 🟡 Pro-rated refund (minus admin fees) |
| After claims filed | ❌ No refund for used coverage |
💡 Cancellation Caveat:
Be aware—once you cancel a plan, any new insurer will treat your dog’s ENTIRE past medical record as a basis for pre-existing exclusions. Even minor issues will follow your pet into the next policy unless explicitly waived.
🗨️ Comment 16: “Are there pet insurance plans that let me insure multiple dogs under one policy?”
Yes, but the structure varies. Some companies offer a multi-pet discount without shared deductibles, while others allow true bundled coverage, combining limits or out-of-pocket caps.
| 🐾 Insurer | 🔗 Multi-Pet Discount | 🧾 Shared Deductible or Limit? | 💰 Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | ✅ Up to 10% | ✅ Optional shared annual limit | 🟢 Ideal for large households |
| Figo | ✅ 5–10% | ❌ Individual policies only | 🔵 Lower savings but good app UX |
| Embrace | ✅ Up to 10% | ❌ Separate limits per pet | 🟡 Useful for unrelated breeds |
| ASPCA / Spot | ✅ ~10% | ❌ Separate coverage | ⚪ Best for diverse risk profiles |
💡 Unique Use Case:
Shared limits make the most sense when all dogs are low-risk or genetically similar (e.g., a pack of pugs). For dogs of different sizes or medical profiles, individual plans with discounts provide better predictability and coverage alignment.
🗨️ Comment 17: “Do any pet insurance companies offer coverage for breeding dogs or litters?”
Virtually all mainstream pet insurers exclude breeding-related care. Fertility issues, C-sections, neonatal illness, and congenital defects in litters are not covered under personal pet plans.
| 🧬 Service | 🚫 Covered by Standard Insurance? |
|---|---|
| Artificial Insemination | ❌ No |
| Pregnancy or Delivery | ❌ No |
| Whelping Complications | ❌ No |
| Illness in Offspring | ❌ Not unless insured separately |
💡 Insider Workaround:
If breeding is your profession, consider commercial pet insurance or business rider coverage. Companies like PetCare or NationWide Business Lines may underwrite kennel and breeder risks. You’ll need a business tax ID and veterinary inspection to qualify.
🗨️ Comment 18: “Are there specific plans that work well for high-activity dogs like agility or working dogs?”
Yes—dogs in performance sports or service roles require policies with zero wiggle room around orthopedic injuries, cruciate tears, and muscle trauma. Not all plans are built for this level of demand.
| 🏃♂️ Plan Feature | ✅ Ideal For Agility/Working Dogs | 💡 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 14-day Ortho Wait | ✅ Spot, MetLife, Pumpkin | Shorter wait = quicker access to ACL surgery |
| Rehab & Mobility Care | ✅ Embrace, Figo | Covers PT, hydrotherapy, TENS, cold laser, etc. |
| No Per-Condition Limits | ✅ Embrace, Pumpkin | Avoids maxing out coverage after one ligament injury |
| Alternative Therapy | ✅ Figo, Embrace | Many athletes need acupuncture or chiro post-event |
💡 Overlooked Detail:
For working breeds like Belgian Malinois, Border Collies, or Retrievers, choose a plan that covers “repetitive motion injuries” — a category insurers may exclude unless explicitly listed under soft-tissue or ligament clauses.
🗨️ Comment 19: “Is there coverage for end-of-life care like euthanasia, cremation, or hospice?”
Only a few insurers offer structured reimbursement for end-of-life services—yet these are some of the most emotionally and financially impactful moments for pet owners.
| 🌅 Service | 💵 Coverage Status by Provider |
|---|---|
| Euthanasia (medical reason) | ✅ Covered by Embrace, Pumpkin, Spot |
| Cremation or Burial | 🟡 Only covered by Embrace (up to $250) |
| Hospice/Palliative Care | 🟡 Sometimes covered if tied to illness |
| Grief Counseling | ❌ No traditional pet plans cover this |
💡 Professional Tip:
Document the medical necessity for euthanasia (pain management, organ failure, etc.) in vet records. Insurers like Embrace require clinical justification—not just emotional grounds—for end-of-life reimbursements.
🗨️ Comment 20: “What if I adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue? Can I get coverage right away?”
Yes—and timing is everything. The ideal moment to activate coverage is before the first post-adoption exam, especially if the dog appears healthy.
| 🐶 Adoption Scenario | 📈 Best Insurance Move |
|---|---|
| Dog has no known history | ✅ Start insurance before first vet visit |
| Has documented pre-existing issue | 🟡 Choose Embrace or ASPCA—curable conditions may be covered |
| Dog is 6+ years old | 🟢 Try MetLife or Pumpkin—no age enrollment cap |
| Vaccines/deworming not updated | 🟡 Consider wellness add-on for first year only |
💡 Pro Tactic:
Ask the shelter to date the adoption papers a day or two before your first vet exam—this gives you enough lead time to activate your policy and avoid having common issues flagged as pre-existing.
🗨️ Comment 21: “Are genetic test results (like Embark or Wisdom Panel) used against me by insurance companies?”
Not currently—but this may change. Today, pet insurers don’t access or consider DNA test results when determining eligibility or pricing.
| 🧬 Genetic Info Source | 🛡️ Used by Insurers? | 🚫 Affects Coverage? |
|---|---|---|
| Embark DNA Test | ❌ Not reviewed | ❌ No impact |
| Wisdom Panel | ❌ Not linked | ❌ Doesn’t affect pricing |
| Vet records referencing breed risks | ✅ Sometimes noted in exclusions | ⚠️ May affect claims related to hereditary disease |
💡 Cautionary Note:
Avoid voluntarily sending DNA test results to your insurer. While they can’t request or require them, once provided, they could inform future exclusion decisions—especially as underwriting algorithms evolve.
🗨️ Comment 22: “Can I pay my pet insurance premium with my HSA or FSA card?”
No—pet insurance is not an IRS-qualified medical expense. HSA/FSA funds are restricted to human healthcare.
| 💳 Payment Source | 💡 Can Be Used for Pet Insurance? |
|---|---|
| Credit or Debit Card | ✅ Yes |
| HSA (Health Savings Account) | ❌ No |
| FSA (Flexible Spending Account) | ❌ No |
| CareCredit Card | 🟡 Only for vet bills—not premiums |
💡 Bonus Hack:
If your vet accepts CareCredit, use it for the full cost of care and submit your itemized receipt for reimbursement from your insurer. This gives you interest-free financing on emergency vet bills, then you recoup the cost when your claim is paid.
