7 Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies of November 2024
We found ASPCA offers the cheapest pet insurance plans, but we rated Lemonade as having the best overall value for its price.
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- Lemonade is our top pick for affordable pet insurance. We appreciate them for their comprehensive coverage at economical rates.
It’s possible to find worthwhile pet insurance coverage without breaking the bank. We researched pet plans and got quotes from 22 top pet insurance companies to see which offer the most value for the lowest prices. We found Lemonade, ASPCA, and Pets Best have the cheapest prices for standard accident-and-illness plans, though we chose Lemonade as our best overall choice for its comprehensive coverage for the price.
The average cost of a pet insurance policy is $57 per month for dogs and $26 for cats. Our list only includes providers who fall below the $50-per-month mark. See which companies offer cheap pet insurance without compromising coverage.
Key Takeaways
- We found that the average cost of pet insurance policies is $57 per month for dogs and $26 for cats.
- ASPCA has the cheapest pet insurance policies on our list, typically averaging around $20.76 per month for dogs and $18.47 for cats.
- Spot, ASPCA, and Pets Best offer accident-only plans, so you don’t have to pay for coverage you don’t want.
What Are the Top 7 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies?
Our research shows that these providers have the best coverage at the cheapest rates.
How Do the Top Cheap Pet Insurance Plans Compare?
| Company | Star Rating | Monthly Cost for Dogs* | Monthly Cost for Cats* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33.69 | $13.32 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $38.44 | $21.53 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $20.76 | $18.47 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $49.85 | $26.55 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $44.79 | $16.36 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $44.83 | $24.68 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $31.38 | $18.23 | VISIT SITE |
*Sample quotes are for a standard accident-and-illness plan for 4-year-old, mixed-breed male dogs in Raleigh, North Carolina using a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual limit, and 80% reimbursement rate.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
We found that the average cost of pet insurance was $57 for dogs and $26 for cats. This is for an accident-and-illness plan with a $5,000 coverage limit, $250 deductible, and 80% reimbursement level. We went through the quote process with eight of the most popular pet insurance providers to get a feel for the average costs of dog and cat pet insurance policies. We looked at 10 common breeds for each, such as relatively affordable Dachshunds and Ragdolls, as well as notoriously expensive French bulldogs and Maine coons.
Cheapest Pet Insurance for Dogs and Cats
The top three cheapest pet insurance providers are ASPCA, Pets Best, and Lemonade. They all cost $20–$35 range per month for dogs and $13–$19 for cats for an accident-and-illness plan. These companies are some of the best pet insurance providers in the industry and prove that you don’t have to sacrifice quality of coverage for price.
Reviews of the Most Affordable Pet Insurance Companies
Lemonade
Pros & Cons
- Offers customers a discount for paying annually
- Donates customers’ leftover premiums to charities
- Has a short waiting period of 48 hours for accidents
- Requires a medical report from the past 12 months before enrollment
- Charges higher prices for pets with a medical history
- Has a more complicated quote process than competitors
Why We Chose Lemonade
We were impressed with the company’s low prices, high coverage limits, and wellness and extra coverage add-ons. We also like that Lemonade has a user-friendly mobile app that features AI technology and helps you get a quote, sign up for a policy, and file claims.
Lemonade Pet Insurance Plans
Lemonade has an accident-and-illness plan plus six add-ons for wellness and additional coverage. Like many competitors, it excludes elective procedures, behavioral treatments, and preexisting conditions from its policies. It also requires a recent medical report from the last 12 months before initiating coverage.
Accident-and-illness plan: This plan offers comprehensive coverage for injections, prescription medications, outpatient care, specialty care, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, MRIs, lab work, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to accidents and injuries.
Available add-ons:
- Behavioral therapy
- Dental illness
- End-of-life care
- Preventive care
- Physical therapy
- Vet visit fees
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $34.57
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $33.69
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $13.93
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $13.32
Spot
Pros & Cons
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Covers exam fees and microchip implantation in standard plan
- Offers a 10% multipet discount
- Chargers higher prices for plans with the unlimited annual limit
- Has a 14-day waiting period for both accidents and illness
- Has itemized limits for wellness coverage
Why We Chose Spot
We like that it offers customizable coverage with six coverage limit options, three reimbursement options, and five annual deductibles. These options allow you to keep your premiums very low compared to competitors. We deducted points because Spot offers limited wellness and preventive care.
Spot Pet Insurance Plans
Spot offers two coverage plans: one for accidents only and one for accidents and illnesses. The accident-only plan is the cheapest, but it has limited coverage and may leave your pet vulnerable to illness-related emergencies. Here’s an overview of each plan.
Accident-only plan: This plan only covers procedures related to accidents such as injuries, swallowed objects, and toxic ingestions.
Accident-and-illness plan: This plan covers procedures related to accidents, excessive licking, tail chasing, destructive chewing, gingivitis, periodontitis, cancer, respiratory infection, diabetes, hip dysplasia, heart disease, and other illnesses. It also includes coverage for limited preventive services, such as annual exams and heartworm prevention. The customizable options for this plan are the same as the accident-only plan.
Note: Both plans exclude preexisting conditions your pet has before your policy’s effective start date or any time during the 14-day waiting period after enrollment.
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $36.82
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $38.44
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $19.16
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $21.53
ASPCA
Pros & Cons
- Covers the cost of vet visits and exam fees, which are often excluded by competitors
- Includes microchip implantation coverage in its standard policies
- Offers an accident-only plan option
- Doesn’t offer annual limit options above $10,000 per year
- Has a 14-day waiting period for accidents
Why We Chose ASPCA
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is one of the cheapest pet insurance providers available, offering customizable standard plans and wellness add-ons. We found it to be the best provider for new pet parents due to its many online resources with information about each pet breed and common health conditions.
ASPCA Pet Insurance Plans
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers a cheap accident-only plan for those who just want coverage for accidents or injuries and not illnesses. None of its plans cover preexisting conditions, elective surgeries, cosmetic procedures, or issues related to breeding or pregnancy.
Here’s more information about each coverage plan and wellness add-on and what they include.
- Accident-only coverage: The accident-only plan is the most affordable option and covers costs related to accidents, such as lacerations, broken bones, torn ligaments, and harmful ingestions. You’ll be reimbursed for vet bills related to procedures, treatments, exam fees, and diagnostics for covered accidents.
- Complete coverage: This is the most comprehensive choice, covering everything in the accident-only plan plus illnesses. This includes conditions such as cancer, arthritis, hip dysplasia, UTIs, heart disease, behavior disorders, and more.
- Basic preventive plan: You can add the basic preventive add-on for $9.95 per month to cover basic preventive care. This plan provides reimbursement for dental cleanings, wellness exams, deworming, certain vaccines, fecal tests, and heartworm tests.
- Prime preventive plan: You can opt for more comprehensive preventive care coverage with the Prime preventive add-on at $24.95 per month. The add-on includes all of the Basic preventive plan’s coverage plus flea and heartworm prevention, the Bordetella vaccine, urinalysis, and blood tests.
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $20.76
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $20.76
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $18.47
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $18.47
Fetch Pet Insurance
Pros & Cons
- Offers a 15% credit for policy renewals after a year of not filing a claim
- Has customizable pricing options with three coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Features an online chat
- Doesn’t offer wellness or preventive care coverage plans
- Doesn’t have a multipet discount
- Has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
Why We Chose Fetch
We like that it offers affordable pet insurance policies and comprehensive accident-and-illness coverage, including holistic care such as homeotherapy, hydrotherapy, stem cell therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and behavioral therapies up to $1,000.
Fetch Pet Insurance Plans
Fetch covers procedures and treatments related to covered accidents and illnesses. It also pays for a few items that other providers don’t typically cover, such as reward money for recovering a lost pet, exam fees, sick visit fees, and boarding fees when you’re hospitalized for more than four days. Fetch doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, elective procedures, or preventive care.
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $39.81
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $49.85
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $25.67
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $26.55
Figo
Pros & Cons
- Offers a Pet Cloud app to manage your policy, submit claims, and connect with local pet parents
- Has a one-day waiting period for injuries
- Provides 24/7 access to a live vet
- Doesn’t cover pets under 8 weeks old
- Has a six month waiting period for hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions
- Increases premiums as your pet ages
Why We Chose Figo
We like that it offers affordable pet insurance policies and comprehensive accident-and-illness coverage, including holistic care such as homeotherapy, hydrotherapy, stem cell therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and behavioral therapies up to $1,000.
Figo Pet Insurance Plans
Figo offers three accident-and-illness plans. The only difference between them is the coverage limit. Each plan covers veterinary care for injuries, illnesses, and other health conditions. This includes cancer, chronic conditions, hereditary conditions, and emergency services. Figo doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, cosmetic surgeries, or illnesses that could have been prevented with vaccination.
Figo also offers three powerups you can add to your base policy:
- Extra Care: This powerup covers unique situations such as vacation cancellation costs due to a pet emergency, lost pet advertising and reward, boarding fees, cremation and burial costs, and third-party property damage caused by your pet.
- Vet Visits: This add-on covers vet exams related to diagnosing or treating a covered illness or injury. It doesn’t cover wellness or routine care visits.
- Wellness: The Wellness powerup is offered at a basic and premium level. It covers routine services such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and spay/neuter surgery. The premium option offers roughly $15–$35 more of coverage per treatment type each year.
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $37.99
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $44.79
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $15.61
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $16.36
Healthy Paws
Pros & Cons
- Features a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Has a mobile app for policy management and claims
- Is the best value for mixed breeds
- Doesn’t have a wellness or preventive care plan
- Offers only one coverage limit option
- Doesn’t have a $100 deductible option
Why We Chose Healthy Paws
The company sets itself apart from competitors by offering an unlimited coverage limit at affordable rates with no per-incident, annual, or lifetime maximum payout. It will pay the amount you need no matter what. It also recommends other pet insurance providers if your quoted premium is higher than usual.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Plans
Healthy Paws has one plan that covers procedures related to illnesses, accidents, hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, congenital conditions, and cancer. Procedures can include diagnostic treatments, X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, specialty care, and alternative treatments.
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $40.45
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $44.83
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $18.89
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $24.68
Pets Best
Pros & Cons
- Has no upper age limit for pets
- Offers an accident-only plan option
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Has a 14-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses
- Includes exam fees and certain therapies only with more expensive plans
- Only has two annual limit options
Why We Chose Pets Best
Pets Best is a competitively priced pet insurer and one of the few leading providers that offer an accident-only coverage option. It also has no upper age limit, so it’s a good choice for those with older pets. You can choose from two tiers of wellness coverage, six deductibles, three reimbursement options, and unlimited or $5,000 worth of annual coverage.
Pets Best Plans
Pets Best is another one of the few providers that offers an accident-only plan in addition to its accident-and-illness plan. You can also add on routine wellness coverage.
- Accident-only plan: Accidents such as broken bones, swallowed objects, and lacerations are covered.
- Accident-and-illness plan: Both accidents and illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, are covered under this plan.
- Optional wellness coverage: Adding coverage for routine care covers vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying and neutering, wellness exams, and more with Pets Best. The Essential plan starts at $14 per month, and the BestWellness plan starts at $26.
Average Costs
Average monthly cost for puppies (6 weeks–1 year): $32.79
Average monthly cost for adult dogs (1 year–10 years): $31.38
Average monthly cost for kittens (6 weeks–1 year): $20
Average monthly cost for adult cats (1 year–10 years): $18.23
How Do Other Pet Insurance Providers Compare?
These providers didn’t make our list due to higher-than-average plan costs, but we gave them an honorable mention because of their industry reputation and comprehensive coverage options.
| Company | Star Rating | Monthly Cost for Dogs* | Monthly Cost for Cats* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65.15 | $53.43 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $60.77 | $37.93 | VISIT SITE | ||
| $114.73 | $57.19 | VISIT SITE |
*Sample quotes are for a standard accident-and-illness plan for 4-year-old, mixed-breed male dogs in Raleigh, North Carolina, using a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual limit, and 80% reimbursement rate.
5 Tips for How To Find Cheap Pet Insurance
According to our survey of 1,000 pet owners, 45% of pet parents expected pet insurance to cost less than $25 per month. It may be tricky to find a policy this cheap—at least for dogs—but there are a few ways to keep costs down.
Start by talking with your veterinarian about your pet’s needs, including conditions its breed may be susceptible to or any specific care it will require. There’s no need to pay for coverage if your vet doesn’t foresee your pet's needs. After that, consider the following ways to get the lowest pet insurance rate.
Pet insurance prices can vary drastically from one provider to the next, so do your research and get multiple quotes. Review how similar plans compare across companies to identify what’s being offered for the price. Look at what’s covered in some standard plans that aren’t in others, as well as how much add-ons cost. You can save a good deal of money by spotting where some providers upcharge for coverage that’s standard in other plans.
Also, don’t hesitate to call providers to ask how they compare to their competition. Though it’s ideal to get a low monthly rate, remember that cost isn’t everything. The point of getting pet insurance is to provide good care to your pet and help your wallet in the long run. Focus on getting the best pet insurance plan for your pet’s needs.
Most providers allow you to adjust your pet insurance deductible, reimbursement rate, and coverage limit to customize your cost. Selecting a high deductible and a low coverage limit and reimbursement rate will keep your monthly premium low. Your monthly premium will be higher if you choose a low deductible and higher coverage limit and reimbursement rate.
- Employer-Provided Discounts: Some employers include pet insurance in their benefits. If your employer offers insurance through a certain pet insurer, you may be able to get a discounted rate.
- Military Discounts: Military discounts of 5%–10% are common across pet insurance providers.
- Multipet Discounts: Discounts for insuring multiple pets with the same provider are also common.
- Policy-Bundling Discounts: Insurers that offer other insurance types, such as homeowners or auto, may provide a discount for bundling pet insurance with one of these other categories. Lemonade is one provider on this list that does this.
- Vet Employee Discounts: Some veterinarian offices offer discounts for pet insurance to qualifying employees.
- Wholesale Retailer Membership Discounts: Large retailers, such as Costco, often partner with insurers to provide savings to members.
Most providers don’t cover preexisting conditions, so it’s important to get a pet insurance policy while your pet is still healthy. Most providers also have a waiting period, often 14 days, from the day you enroll to the day coverage begins. This means that if your pet gets into an accident or shows signs of illness the day after you enroll, you may not be able to get coverage. Buying pet insurance sooner rather than later will ensure the majority of issues your pet faces are covered.
How Can You Save Money on Pet Insurance?
The primary way to save money on pet insurance is by comparing providers’ pricing and taking advantage of discounts, but there are a few other things you can do to lower your premium.
What Is Pet Insurance and What Does it Cover?
Pet insurance is a health insurance policy that protects your pet during accidents and unexpected illnesses and prevents you from paying for expensive vet costs. Since it operates very differently than a typical health insurance policy for humans, we created this short video that further defines and explains pet insurance coverage.
What’s covered under your pet insurance policy depends on your plan. There are three main coverage types:
- Accident-only: This covers accidental injuries such as lacerations, broken bones, and torn ligaments.
- Accident-and-illness: This covers accident-related treatments as well as illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, congenital issues, and hereditary illnesses.
- Add-ons: Many standard plans don’t cover routine wellness care, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea/tick prevention. You’ll need to purchase a preventive care add-on to get this coverage. Certain providers have other exclusions in their standard accident-and-illness plans that you may be able to get covered through add-ons.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Most pet insurance works by using a claim and reimbursement process. You’ll pay out-of-pocket when taking your pet to the vet for covered care. Then you can file a claim for the amount you paid, and your provider will reimburse you.
Here are a few terms to know to better understand how pet insurance works:
- Premium: This is what you’ll pay monthly for your policy. Your location and your pet’s age, breed, gender, and possibly health issues affect your premium.
- Annual coverage limit: This is how much your provider will reimburse you in a policy year. You’ll have to pay for any other vet care out of pocket after the provider reimburses you for this amount. Most providers’ options start at $5,000 and go up to around $30,000, but some offer unlimited coverage.
- Annual deductible: Your deductible is how much you must pay out of pocket before your plan kicks in. Options are usually $100–$1,000.
- Reimbursement rate: This is how much of each vet bill your provider will reimburse you for. Most companies offer between 70% and 90%.
How Are Pet Insurance Costs Determined?
There are a few variables that determine your pet insurance premium.
The older your pet is, the more likely it is to develop an illness or have an accident requiring treatment, making it more expensive to insure.
Insurers charge more for breeds that are predisposed to illnesses and issues because their vet bills are likely to be higher, costing more for the insurer.
The lower your deductible and higher your coverage limit and reimbursement rate, the higher your premium will be.
Veterinary costs are higher in areas where the cost of living is high, so your rate will reflect that.
How Much Are Pet Owners Spending on Insurance?
Even with the cheapest insurance, pets are still an investment. You’ll need to buy a long list of items, including food, toys, vaccinations, and crates, so you’ll need to factor in these expenses when considering if your budget allows for pet ownership. Also, keep in mind that some breeds have higher vet costs than others due to their tendency toward certain conditions and needs. See some of the financial expectations pet parents should be aware of below.
There are financial assistance programs that can help you cover some or all of the costs if paying for your pet’s vet care or everyday needs becomes overwhelming. The U.S. Humane Society and American Veterinary Medical Association have lists of resources that may address pet expenses you’re struggling with.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
You can find several providers with plans less than $50 per month, so if that’s in your budget, it’s wise to have some level of coverage. You never know what could happen to your pet. It could fall and break a bone, get a nasty cut while playing in the yard, or show signs of illness at any point. The costs of examinations, procedures, medication, and other needed medical care to treat these issues can quickly rack up. Just one surgery can cost thousands of dollars.
“As a person working in the veterinary field, it’s always challenging having to see owners [who aren’t] able to afford treatment for their pet,” says licensed veterinarian Megan Conrad, BVMS. “Pet insurance allows pet parents to feel more confident knowing [their pets] are protected so they don’t have to worry about putting a price limit on their pet’s care.”
If you’re prepared to shell out a big lump sum if and when an issue arises, you may be comfortable taking the risk and skipping pet insurance. However, we recommend getting pet insurance for peace of mind and financial protection.
Is Affordable Pet Insurance Right for You?
If you find coverage that keeps your pet healthy at a price within your budget, that’s a win-win. Don’t pay for coverage that doesn’t benefit your pet. Evaluate the preventive care and treatments that will keep your dog or cat thriving, and get quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing.
Our top choices for affordable pet insurers are Lemonade, ASPCA, and Pets Best. They have comprehensive coverage options and are well below the average pet insurance plan cost. Our research shows they have good online reputations and BBB scores, as well as good customer feedback on review sites.
FAQs About Cheap Pet Insurance
Is pet insurance cheap?
Pet insurance is generally affordable, and there are several cheap policies to choose from. Vet bills can be expensive for emergency and diagnostic procedures, and having a trustworthy pet insurance policy can protect you from paying excessive out-of-pocket costs. It’s also a great way to ensure that your animal will be treated as quickly as possible.
What does cheap pet insurance cover?
Most pet insurance policies cover procedures such as cancer treatments, hospitalizations, X-rays, and surgery but exclude preexisting conditions that your pet may have at the time of the policy start date. Many providers also exclude cosmetic procedures.
Some pet insurance companies offer additional coverage for wellness and routine care, such as annual exams, vaccinations, blood tests, and heartworm tests.
Who has the cheapest pet insurance?
We went through the online quote process with several pet insurance companies and found that Lemonade, ASPCA, and Pets Best have the cheapest pet insurance plans. They average $20–$35 for dogs and $13–$19 for cats per month.
Is pet insurance cheaper for cats or dogs?
Pet insurance is cheaper for cats, often by at least $10 per month than dogs.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. We aim to be transparent about our review standards and research process. We’ve broken down our rating methodology for pet insurance providers below.
Factors Evaluated to Compare Pet Insurance
The This Old House Reviews Team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Our rating system is a weighted, 100-point scale based on the following factors:
Coverage (25)
Does the pet insurance provider offer standard accident-and-illness and accident-only coverage? How limiting is its preexisting condition policy?
Plan Options (20)
Does the pet insurance provider offer premium and deductible customizations? What about wellness plan add-ons?
Company Reputation (15)
Does the pet insurance provider have high customer satisfaction on websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews? Do they reimburse claims quickly and communicate policies clearly?
Customer Service (10)
Does the pet insurance provider have easily reachable, helpful customer service? Is there an app that makes filing claims and receiving support easier?
Species Eligibility (10)
Does the pet insurance provider offer coverage for older pets or exotic animals?
Our researchers keep all data in each company’s score up to date, making any changes to our content when necessary to provide our readers with the most accurate information on relevant metrics, such as plan options, customer service, reputation, and monthly cost.
Other Resources for Pet Owners
You may be able to find answers to other pet questions in these articles:
- Best Pet Insurance in California
- Best Pet Insurance in Florida
- Best Pet Insurance in Indiana
- Best Pet Insurance in Texas
- 5 Best Pet Wellness Plans
About the This Old House Reviews Team
The This Old House Review Team is an independent editorial team of subject matter experts who champion the categories and home services we recommend. From the beginning stages of research to the published review articles, our team works diligently to center the reader’s interests by identifying common pain points, connecting with people with first-hand knowledge and experience, and crafting content that meets the needs of our audience. We aim to help first-time pet owners, potential pet owners, and budget-conscious pet owners streamline their decision-making process for selecting their home services.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
