9 Best Pet Insurance Companies in 2026 (High Payouts for Vet Costs)

Healthy Paws, Trupanion, and Nationwide are the best pet insurance companies. Healthy Paws leads with unlimited lifetime coverage, up to 90% back on vet bills, and quick two-day claim approvals.

Our Top 9 Picks: Best Pet Insurance Companies

Trupanion stands out for paying vets directly, covering congenital conditions, and offering recovery care through its add-on. Nationwide is the only one that covers exotic pets.

Plus, it includes dental cleanings and vaccines with wellness plans, and it gives a 5% discount when you bundle it with a home or auto. Each starts at just $20 per month, making it easier to get solid pet insurance without overspending.

Enter your ZIP code to compare plan features, reimbursement rates, and exclusions—ideal if you’re planning to switch insurance companies for better coverage and savings.

#1 – Healthy Paws: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Unlimited Lifetime Coverage: Healthy Paws offers pet insurance with no annual or per-incident caps. Learn what makes it a top pick in this Healthy Paws pet insurance review.
• Up to 90% Reimbursement: Choose 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement after a deductible as low as $100.
• 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Save 10% per pet when you insure multiple animals under the same account.

Cons

• No Wellness or Preventive Add-On: Healthy Paws pet insurance does not include options for dental cleanings or vaccinations.
• Enrollment Cutoff at Age 14: Pets must be under 14 years old to qualify for new coverage.

#2 – Trupanion: Best for Immediate Payouts

Pros

• Express Pay at Checkout: Trupanion pays the vet directly via Express Pay at over 7,000 clinics. See what makes it stand out in our Trupanion pet insurance review.
• 90% Fixed Reimbursement: All pet insurance plans cover 90% of eligible expenses, with no payout cap.
• Recovery & Complementary Add-On: Optional rider covers acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy.

Cons

• No Custom Reimbursement Levels: Trupanion doesn’t allow changing from the default 90% rate.
• Premiums Often Exceed $60: Monthly cost for large or older pets regularly tops $60 without discounts.FF

#3 – Nationwide: Best for Smooth Claims Process

Pros

• • Covers Exotic Pets: Only major pet insurance company that insures birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

• 5% Bundling Discount: Save 5% when you bundle pet insurance with auto or home coverage. Find out if it fits your needs by checking our Nationwide insurance review.
• Whole Pet with Wellness: Their top-tier plan covers hereditary issues, dental cleanings, and vaccinations.

Cons

• $1,000 Annual Cap: Most basic plans have an annual limit of $1,000, restricting claim totals.
• Slower Claims Reimbursement: Claims may take up to 30 days to process and be paid.

#4 – Pets Best: Best for Customizable Coverage

Pros

• $9 per Month Accident-Only Plan: Entry-level pet insurance starts at just $9 monthly, covering emergency accidents.
• Adjustable Deductibles: Customize your deductible from $50 to $1,000 to control premium costs.
• 5% Multi-Pet Discount: Enroll multiple pets to receive a 5% discount on monthly premiums. See how it handles orthopedic claims in this Pets Best insurance review.

Cons

• 6-Month Wait for Cruciate Ligaments: Conditions like ACL tears require a six-month waiting period.
• No Direct Pay Option: You must pay the vet upfront and file claims separately for pet insurance reimbursement.

#5 – Embrace: Best for Wellness Benefits

Pros

• Wellness Rewards Program: Offers reimbursement for grooming, spaying/neutering, and dental care up to $650 per year.
• 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Save 10% per pet when you add multiple animals to your plan. Uncover the key differences in our Embrace vs. Progressive pet insurance breakdown.
• Diminishing Deductible: Deductible drops by $50 each claim-free year, down to $0 minimum.

Cons

• Routine Care Requires Add-On: Wellness benefits are only available through the optional Rewards rider.
• Limited Options for Seniors: New pet insurance policies for pets over 14 are limited to accident-only.

#6 – Figo: Best for Digital Convenience

Pros

• Unlimited Coverage Option: Figo offers pet insurance plans with no annual caps, starting at $10,000 or unlimited.
• 70–100% Reimbursement: Choose from 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% reimbursement options. Learn why unlimited coverage options stand out in this Figo pet insurance review.
• Pet Cloud App: Includes 24/7 live vet chat, claims filing, and cloud document storage.

Cons

• No Wellness Plan in Base Policy: Preventive care coverage requires purchasing the Powerups add-on.
• Limited Phone Support: Figo provides mostly digital-only customer service for claims help.

#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Plans

Pros

• Adjustable Reimbursement Rates: Choose 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement based on your pet’s needs and your budget.
• Annual Limits Up to $10,000: Set annual payout max between $2,500 and $10,000. Learn which features make it unique in the Liberty Mutual insurance review.
• 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Receive a 10% discount when covering multiple pets under one account.

Cons

• Routine Care Not Included: Preventive care like flea control and wellness exams requires an added rider.
• Limited Online Tools: Liberty Mutual lacks a dedicated app for filing or managing pet insurance claims.

#8 – ASPCA: Best for Family Protection

Pros

• Flexible Coverage Options: Choose between $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited annual limits. Explore plan options and discounts in this ASPCA pet health insurance review.
• Microchip Coverage Included: All plans cover the cost of microchip implantation, saving up to $50.
• 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Save 10% on premiums by insuring more than one pet.

Cons

• 3–4 Week Reimbursement Time: Claims may take up to 28 days for payout, depending on plan type.
• Manual Customization Required: You must adjust the deductible, limit, and reimbursement during signup for full control.

#9 – Pumpkin: Best for Preventive Care

Pros

• 90% Reimbursement Standard: All plans reimburse 90% of covered vet bills after the deductible. See how wellness coverage and pricing compare in our Pumpkin pet insurance review.
• Includes Preventive Essentials: Wellness add-on covers annual vaccines, parasite screening, and exams.
• 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Get a 10% discount on each pet when enrolled under one Pumpkin plan.

Cons

• No Accident-Only Option: All policies include full coverage starting at $30–$50 per month, limiting flexibility.
• Average 14–28 Day Reimbursement: Claims often take 2–4 weeks to process and pay out.

Best Pet Insurance Rates for Cats and Dogs

Cat insurance usually costs less, and there’s a reason for it. The best pet insurance companies price dogs higher because they’re more likely to need costly treatments, especially as they age.

Pet Insurance Monthly Rates for Cats vs. Dogs

Trupanion charges $55 a month for dogs, partly because it covers big-ticket items with no payout limits. Pumpkin’s $48 dog plan includes preventive care, but if you’re insuring a cat, you’ll likely pay closer to $30.

Embrace bumps rates for dogs to $45 to cover things like joint and hip issues. ASPCA and Pets Best offer budget-friendly options—$20 monthly for cats and $35 for dogs. That $15 difference can add up to $180 per year, which matters when budgeting for multiple pets.

Learn more: Pets Best Insurance vs. Pumpkin Pet Insurance

Cost of Dog Insurance

Dog insurance rates aren’t one-size-fits-all—they shift as your pet ages. Most providers raise premiums steadily over time, especially after age four, when long-term health risks begin to show up. That means the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay for coverage.

Pet Insurance Monthly Rates for Dogs by Age

At age two, you’re looking at around $30 a month, which is manageable for most budgets. By four, it climbs to $35, a small bump but a sign of what’s coming. At six, rates reach $40 as long-term issues like arthritis or allergies become more common. Choosing pet insurance that covers spaying at this stage can also help manage early-care costs before complications arise.

By eight, you’re paying $55 each month — almost double the starting rate. That’s an extra $300 a year if you wait too long to enroll. Starting sooner can help lock in a lower rate before your dog hits those higher-risk years.

Pet Insurance Rates for Dogs by Breed

Your dog’s breed plays a big role in how much you’ll pay each month. The best pet insurance companies set rates based on breed-specific health risks, which helps explain the big pricing gaps.

Dog Insurance Rates by Breed

Rottweilers average $65 monthly because of frequent ACL injuries and joint issues. Bulldogs at $60 reflect the cost of treating chronic skin and breathing conditions. German Shepherds at $58 are often priced higher due to early-onset hip dysplasia.

Beagles may seem affordable at $45, but recurring ear infections can lead to more claims than expected. Chihuahuas sit at $40, but even small injuries can get expensive fast. Choosing pet insurance with no waiting period can be especially valuable if your breed is known for sudden or early health issues.

Cost of Cat Insurance

Cat insurance might seem cheap at first, especially if you’re enrolling a young, healthy pet. But over time, premiums rise as health risks increase, making early enrollment one of the smartest ways to save on long-term costs.

Pet insurance for cats starts out affordable, but like vet bills, it doesn’t stay that way forever. As your cat gets older, you’ll see those monthly rates start to climb — and it’s not by accident.

Pet Insurance Monthly Rates for Cats by Age

At age two, $15 a month is easy to manage and covers the basics. By four, the price bumps to $18 to account for things like routine blood tests or dental work. At six, $22 reflects more frequent checkups and the start of age-related issues like thyroid or kidney concerns.

By eight, it’s $28 a month—nearly double what you’d pay if you signed up early. That extra $13 a month adds up fast and doesn’t even include unexpected care. This matters even more if you’re looking for pet insurance for purebred cats since they’re often more prone to genetic conditions that drive up costs over time.

Pet Insurance Rates for Cats by Breed

Some cats are more expensive to insure, and it usually comes down to health history. The best pet insurance companies set rates based on how likely your cat is to need treatment down the road.

Cat Insurance Rates by Breed

Sphynx cats cost about $38 a month because they often need care for skin issues and heart conditions. Bengals at $35 tend to develop joint problems and digestive issues that lead to frequent claims. Maine Coons average $30 due to size-related heart risks that worsen with age, making pet insurance for senior cats especially important.

Siamese cats run $24 but often need dental procedures throughout their life. British Shorthairs sit at $20 with fewer major risks, offering a more affordable option unless issues appear later in life.

Best Pet Insurance Companies for Claim Speed

Waiting weeks to get your money back after a vet visit isn’t ideal—especially when costs hit fast. Claim speed varies a lot, and it can shape how smoothly you handle surprise bills.

Trupanion is the fastest, averaging 6 days, and it often pays vets directly, so you’re not stuck paying first. Healthy Paws takes about 7 days, which helps when you’ve just dropped $800 on an emergency exam. Figo averages 8 days and works well for pet parents who like managing everything through an app.

Pets Best is slower at 15 days, which can be tough if you need reimbursement quickly. Liberty Mutual takes 14 days, so it might not be the best option for urgent cases. Pumpkin and ASPCA both hover around 10–11 days, which works if you don’t mind a short wait and value wellness add-ons more.

Read more: Liberty Mutual vs. Spot Pet Insurance

Ways to Save on Pet Insurance Costs

Pet insurance can get expensive, especially if you’re covering more than one pet. The best pet insurance companies offer meaningful discounts that can help cut those costs if you know where to look.

Pet Insurance Discounts

Embrace gives 10% off both preventive care and multi-pet plans, which can knock over $100 a year off your bill per animal. If you’re shopping for pet insurance for multiple pets, Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Pumpkin all offer 10% multi-pet discounts that really pay off in two- or three-pet households.

Figo’s 10% break on wellness plans helps reduce costs for shots, checkups, and flea prevention early on. Veterans save the most with Nationwide and Pets Best, which offer a 10% military discount—double what others give.

ASPCA’s 5% bundling discount means if you already use them for renters or auto, you’ll cut your pet insurance premium automatically. Even small 5% savings from bundling or spay/neutering can stack up to a few hundred dollars each year.

Pet Insurance Coverage Options

Knowing what’s actually covered can save you a lot of stress and money when your pet gets sick or injured. The best pet insurance companies break their coverage into different parts, and each one plays a role when you’re faced with unexpected vet bills.

Pet Insurance Coverage Options

Accident coverage helps when your pet breaks a bone, swallows a toy, or ends up at the ER—situations that can cost thousands fast. Illness coverage is key if your pet develops chronic conditions like allergies, thyroid disease, or cancer, where long-term meds and tests add up quickly.

Hereditary and genetic disorder coverage matters most if you’ve got a breed prone to hip dysplasia or heart issues—common claims that get denied without this included. Emergency care covers those late-night visits and urgent procedures, so you’re not stuck paying everything upfront.

Surgery coverage handles both routine and emergency operations, which can run $1,500 or more depending on the issue. Some pet owners even combine multiple policies to get enough coverage, especially when adding options like diagnostic testing, behavioral therapy, or cancer care that aren’t always included in base plans.

Get Top-Rated Pet Insurance Coverage Now

Healthy Paws, Trupanion, and Nationwide are among the best pet insurance companies because each offers standout features that meet different needs. Healthy Paws is known for unlimited lifetime coverage and fast two-day claims, making it ideal for pets with recurring health issues.

Trupanion stands out for its vet-direct pay system and 90% reimbursement with no payout limits, which helps reduce out-of-pocket surprises. Nationwide provides coverage for exotic pets and includes wellness benefits like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual exams.

Since monthly dog premiums can climb to $65 and cat rates nearly double by age eight, enrolling early helps lock in lower rates before age-related conditions appear.

Some plans also offer pet insurance with no waiting period, giving you immediate access to care if your pet needs treatment now. To find the right match for your budget and pet’s needs, use our free comparison tool to explore the best pet insurance companies, compare quotes by ZIP code, and review coverage details side by side.