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|Written by Sarah Mitchell, CPCU · Pet Insurance Analyst
Our Top 8 Pet Insurance Companies for 2026
The best pet insurance companies in 2026 are Lemonade (best overall value), Healthy Paws (best claims experience), Embrace (best for comprehensive coverage), Pets Best (best for older pets), Trupanion (best for direct vet payment), ASPCA (best budget option), Figo (best app experience), and MetLife (best for multi-pet households). These rankings are based on coverage options, average monthly cost, reimbursement speed, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the pet insurance industry has seen substantial growth since 2023, and millions of pets are now insured in North America according to NAPHIA. As veterinary costs continue to rise -- the average emergency visit now costs $1,500 to $5,000 -- more pet owners are turning to insurance as a financial safety net. The total market premium volume has grown significantly year-over-year, according to NAPHIA's annual reports.
We evaluated over 20 providers across five weighted criteria: coverage breadth (25%), pricing competitiveness (25%), claims processing speed (20%), customer satisfaction scores (20%), and financial stability (10%). Only 8 companies met our threshold for recommendation. Whether you are looking for dog insurance or cat insurance, these providers represent the best options available in 2026.
Independently ranked
Average customer rating
Average claim processing
Pet Insurance Provider Comparison: Pricing, Coverage & Ratings
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of all 8 top-rated pet insurance providers. Monthly costs reflect average premiums for a healthy, 2-year-old mixed-breed pet with a $250 annual deductible and 80% reimbursement. According to our research, the average dog owner pays $35-$56 per month for a comprehensive accident-and-illness plan, while cat owners pay $18-$32 per month. Costs vary significantly based on breed, age, location, and selected deductible -- use our free calculator for personalized estimates.
| Provider | Monthly Cost (Dogs) | Monthly Cost (Cats) | Deductible Range | Reimbursement | Annual Limit | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $15-$45 | $10-$25 | $100-$500 | 70-90% | $5K-$100K | 4.7/5 |
| Healthy Paws | $25-$60 | $15-$35 | $100-$500 | 70-90% | Unlimited | 4.8/5 |
| Embrace | $25-$65 | $15-$40 | $200-$1,000 | 70-90% | $5K-$30K | 4.6/5 |
| Pets Best | $20-$55 | $12-$30 | $50-$1,000 | 70-90% | $5K-Unlimited | 4.5/5 |
| Trupanion | $30-$70 | $20-$40 | $0-$1,000 | 90% | Unlimited | 4.6/5 |
| ASPCA | $18-$45 | $10-$28 | $100-$500 | 70-90% | $5K-Unlimited | 4.3/5 |
| Figo | $22-$55 | $14-$32 | $100-$750 | 70-100% | $5K-Unlimited | 4.5/5 |
| MetLife | $20-$50 | $12-$30 | $50-$1,000 | 70-90% | $2.5K-Unlimited | 4.4/5 |
Detailed Provider Reviews
Below, we break down each of our top 8 providers with detailed analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal customer profile. Each review is informed by thousands of customer reviews, claims data, and our editorial team's hands-on evaluation. For a broader look at how plans stack up feature-by-feature, see our full pet insurance comparison guide.
1. Lemonade -- Best Overall Value
Lemonade earns the top spot in our 2026 rankings for delivering the best combination of affordability and modern claims technology. With dog insurance starting at just $15 per month and cat plans from $10 per month, Lemonade offers the lowest entry-level pricing of any top-rated provider. The company's AI-powered claims system processes 30% of claims instantly, with some payouts arriving in as little as 3 seconds. Their average claims processing time across all claim types is 5 days.
Lemonade covers accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalization, and prescription medications as standard. Optional wellness add-ons cover routine care, vaccinations, and dental cleaning for an additional $5-$15 per month. The main drawback is that annual coverage limits cap at $100,000, which may concern owners of breeds prone to chronic conditions. Lemonade is best for first-time pet insurance buyers, budget-conscious owners, and anyone who values a seamless digital experience. Their customer satisfaction score of 4.7/5 reflects strong performance across 12,000+ verified reviews.
2. Healthy Paws -- Best Claims Experience
Healthy Paws has maintained its reputation as the gold standard for claims handling since its founding in 2009. The company is widely recognized for its high claim approval rate and an industry-leading 2-day average claims processing time. Unlike many competitors, Healthy Paws offers truly unlimited annual and lifetime benefits with no per-incident caps, meaning your coverage never runs out regardless of the condition.
Monthly premiums range from $25-$60 for dogs and $15-$35 for cats, placing Healthy Paws in the mid-range for pricing. Deductible options span $100 to $500, and reimbursement levels are available at 70%, 80%, and 90%. Healthy Paws covers hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, chronic illnesses, emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, and alternative therapies. The primary limitation is the absence of wellness or preventive care coverage -- there is no add-on option for routine vet visits. This provider is ideal for owners who prioritize hassle-free claims and unlimited coverage over wellness perks. Healthy Paws has donated over $2.5 million to homeless pet organizations through their foundation.
3. Embrace -- Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Embrace stands out for offering the broadest standard coverage package among all providers in our rankings. Their signature feature is the Healthy Pet Deductible, which reduces your annual deductible by $50 for each year you do not file a claim. After just 4 claim-free years, a $200 deductible drops to $0, effectively giving loyal customers free coverage. Embrace is also one of the few providers that includes dental illness coverage -- such as root canals and extractions -- as a standard benefit, not an add-on.
Embrace covers accidents, illnesses, genetic conditions, behavioral therapy, prosthetics, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care. Monthly costs range from $25-$65 for dogs and $15-$40 for cats. The Wellness Rewards program reimburses up to $650 per year for routine care including vaccinations, heartworm testing, and grooming. The downside is that annual limits cap at $30,000, which is lower than some competitors. Embrace processes claims in an average of 10-15 days, which is slower than Healthy Paws or Lemonade. Best for owners who want extensive coverage including dental and behavioral therapy, and those who value being rewarded for healthy pets.
4. Pets Best -- Best for Older Pets
Pets Best is the premier choice for owners of senior dogs and cats because it has no upper age limit for enrollment. While most providers stop accepting new enrollments for pets over 10-14 years old, Pets Best welcomes pets of any age. This makes it the only top-tier provider where you can insure a 12-year-old Golden Retriever or a 15-year-old domestic shorthair without restrictions. Their premiums for older pets are also more competitive than rivals, averaging 15-20% less than comparable quotes from providers that do accept older animals.
Monthly premiums for dogs range from $20-$55, and cat plans cost $12-$30. Deductible options are among the most flexible available, ranging from just $50 to $1,000, allowing owners to fine-tune their premium-to-deductible ratio. Pets Best offers a BestBenefit accident-and-illness plan with optional wellness add-ons covering routine exams, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention. Claims are processed within 5-9 days on average. The main limitation is that their customer service response times can be slower than competitors during peak seasons. Pets Best is ideal for owners of senior pets, budget-conscious shoppers, and those who want granular deductible control.
5. Trupanion -- Best for Direct Vet Payment
Trupanion is the only major pet insurance provider that pays veterinary hospitals directly at the time of service. Through their patented software integrated with over 10,000 veterinary practices across North America, Trupanion can process and approve claims in under 5 minutes while you are still at the vet's office. This eliminates the need to pay large vet bills upfront and wait weeks for reimbursement -- a significant advantage during expensive emergency situations where bills can exceed $5,000.
Trupanion's coverage is straightforward: 90% reimbursement on all covered conditions with no annual or lifetime payout limits. They use a per-condition deductible rather than an annual deductible, which means once you meet the deductible for a specific condition, it is covered at 90% for the life of the policy. Monthly premiums are higher than average at $30-$70 for dogs and $20-$40 for cats, reflecting their generous benefits. Trupanion does not offer wellness coverage, and they only provide one reimbursement level (90%). Best for owners who want predictable coverage with no surprise out-of-pocket costs at the vet and those with pets that have ongoing chronic conditions. Trupanion covers pets in both the United States and Canada.
6. ASPCA -- Best Budget Option
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers some of the most affordable plans on the market, with cat insurance starting at just $10 per month and dog insurance from $18 per month. Despite the low starting price, ASPCA does not cut corners on coverage. Their Complete Coverage plan includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies. For owners focused exclusively on finding the cheapest pet insurance, ASPCA consistently delivers the most value per dollar spent.
ASPCA offers deductible options of $100, $250, and $500, with reimbursement levels of 70%, 80%, and 90%. Annual limits range from $5,000 to unlimited, and there is no upper age limit for enrollment. Their optional preventive care add-on covers vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, heartworm testing, and annual wellness exams for an additional $10-$25 per month. Claims are processed within 10-14 days, which is slower than premium competitors. Customer ratings average 4.3/5, with the most common complaints relating to claims processing speed and occasional premium increases. ASPCA is best for cost-conscious pet owners, multi-pet households on a budget, and first-time insurance buyers who want basic but solid coverage.
7. Figo -- Best App Experience
Figo has built its brand around a 100% cloud-based insurance experience, and their mobile app is widely regarded as the best in the pet insurance industry. The Figo Pet Cloud app allows real-time claim tracking, instant document uploads, direct messaging with claims adjusters, digital ID cards, and access to a 24/7 veterinary telehealth hotline. Over 85% of Figo customers manage their entire policy exclusively through the app, and the company reports that app-submitted claims are processed 40% faster than paper submissions.
Monthly premiums range from $22-$55 for dogs and $14-$32 for cats. Figo is the only provider in our top 8 that offers a 100% reimbursement option, meaning you can elect to have every dollar of covered expenses returned after your deductible is met. Annual limit options include $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, cancer, hereditary conditions, emergency boarding, and lost-pet advertising. Deductibles range from $100 to $750. Claims processing averages 7-10 days. The main downside is that Figo's unlimited plan premiums are 10-15% higher than Healthy Paws for comparable coverage. Figo is best for tech-savvy pet owners, those who want 100% reimbursement, and anyone who values transparent, real-time claims visibility.
8. MetLife -- Best for Multi-Pet Households
MetLife Pet Insurance (formerly Petfirst) leverages the financial strength and brand recognition of MetLife, one of the world's largest insurance companies with over $700 billion in total assets. For multi-pet households, MetLife offers a 10% multi-pet discount that applies to each additional pet on the policy -- families with 3 or more pets can save $15-$40 per month combined. MetLife also partners with many major employers to offer group pet insurance plans at discounted rates, with over 4,000 companies currently participating.
Monthly premiums range from $20-$50 for dogs and $12-$30 for cats, making MetLife competitively priced even before multi-pet discounts. Deductible options are highly flexible at $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1,000. Annual limits range from $2,500 to unlimited. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, dental disease, and behavioral therapy. Their optional wellness plan covers preventive care at three tiers. Claims processing averages 10-14 days, and their customer satisfaction rating is 4.4/5. The primary limitations are a 14-day illness waiting period (standard in the industry) and a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions. MetLife is best for households with multiple pets, employees with group plan access, and those who value the stability of a Fortune 500 insurer.
Best Pet Insurance by Category
Different pet owners have different priorities. The table below shows our top pick in each major category so you can quickly identify the best provider for your specific situation. Each pick was determined by weighting the category's defining metric most heavily -- for example, "Best Claims Experience" prioritizes claims speed and approval rate over pricing.
| Category | Top Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Lemonade | Lowest starting premiums, fast AI-powered claims, strong ratings |
| Best Claims Experience | Healthy Paws | High claim approval rate, 2-day avg processing |
| Best Comprehensive | Embrace | Diminishing deductible, dental coverage included |
| Best for Older Pets | Pets Best | No upper age limit for enrollment |
| Best Direct-Pay | Trupanion | Only provider that pays vets directly |
| Best Budget | ASPCA | Plans starting at $10/month for cats |
| Best App | Figo | 100% cloud-based, real-time claim tracking |
| Best Multi-Pet | MetLife | 10% multi-pet discount, group plans available |
How We Evaluated These Providers
Transparency matters when ranking financial products. Our editorial team thoroughly researched, tested, and compared pet insurance providers for this 2026 ranking. We started with a pool of 22 providers operating in the United States and narrowed the field using five weighted criteria. No provider paid for placement or influenced their ranking in any way. Here is exactly how we scored each company.
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1
Coverage Breadth (25% weight)
We evaluated the range of conditions covered under standard plans, including accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, dental disease, behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments. Providers that include more coverage as standard (rather than costly add-ons) scored higher. We also assessed whether coverage extends to prescription medications, diagnostic imaging, specialist referrals, and rehabilitation.
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2
Pricing Competitiveness (25% weight)
We collected actual quotes for 10 pet profiles (5 dogs, 5 cats) across different breeds, ages, and ZIP codes. We compared monthly premiums, deductible flexibility, reimbursement options, and annual limit ranges. Providers offering lower premiums relative to their coverage quality scored higher. We also factored in multi-pet discounts, annual premium increase history, and available deductible options.
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3
Claims Processing Speed (20% weight)
We analyzed self-reported and third-party-verified claims data including average days to reimbursement, claim approval rates, and the percentage of claims processed digitally. Providers with faster turnaround times and higher approval rates earned better scores. We also considered whether providers offer direct vet payment or require traditional reimbursement.
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4
Customer Satisfaction (20% weight)
We aggregated ratings from Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and the App Store/Play Store. We also reviewed complaint patterns filed with state insurance departments. A minimum of 1,000 verified reviews was required for a provider to qualify for our rankings. We weighted recent reviews (2025-2026) more heavily than older ones to reflect current service quality.
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5
Financial Stability (10% weight)
We verified each provider's underwriting partner's AM Best rating and financial reserves. Providers backed by A-rated or higher insurers scored the highest. We also reviewed each company's years in operation, market share growth, and whether they have a history of abrupt policy cancellations or market exits. Financial stability ensures your provider will be around to pay claims years from now.
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance
Selecting the right pet insurance policy involves more than comparing prices. A 2025 survey by the Insurance Information Institute found that 62% of pet owners who switched providers did so because their original policy did not cover a condition they assumed was included. To avoid this, consider these five critical factors before enrolling.
Coverage Type
Decide between accident-only, accident-and-illness, or comprehensive plans. Accident-only plans cost 50-70% less but leave you exposed to the most expensive vet bills -- illness treatments and surgeries. For most pet owners, an accident-and-illness plan provides the best balance of cost and protection. To understand whether coverage is worth the investment, read our detailed breakdown of whether pet insurance is worth it.
Deductible Preference
Your deductible directly affects your monthly premium. A $500 annual deductible typically costs 15-25% less per month than a $100 deductible. Choose a higher deductible if you can comfortably cover $500 out of pocket for an unexpected vet bill, or a lower deductible if you want maximum financial predictability. Learn more about how pet insurance deductibles work and which amount is right for your budget.
Reimbursement Level
Most providers offer 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement. On a $3,000 surgery with a $250 deductible, the difference between 70% and 90% reimbursement is $550 in your pocket. Choosing 90% reimbursement increases your monthly premium by approximately 20-30% compared to 70%, but significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs during expensive claims.
Age of Your Pet
Enrolling a puppy or kitten under 1 year old locks in the lowest possible premiums -- often 40-60% less than insuring the same pet at age 8. For older pets, providers like Pets Best (no age limit) and ASPCA remain accessible. Senior pets cost more to insure, but coverage is still valuable given that pets over 8 years face a 30% higher risk of emergency vet visits annually. See our guide on pet insurance for older dogs for specific strategies.
Breed-Specific Needs
Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to expensive conditions. French Bulldogs face average lifetime respiratory treatment costs of $4,000-$8,000. German Shepherds have a 20% incidence rate for hip dysplasia, with surgery costing $3,500-$7,000 per hip. Golden Retrievers have a 60% lifetime cancer risk. For these breeds, comprehensive plans with unlimited annual limits and hereditary condition coverage are essential. Ensure any policy you consider explicitly covers breed-specific hereditary conditions without extended waiting periods. Our dog insurance guide has breed-by-breed cost breakdowns, and our cat insurance guide covers feline-specific considerations.
No matter which provider you choose, the most important step is to enroll sooner rather than later. Every day without coverage is a day where a sudden accident or illness diagnosis could become a pre-existing condition, permanently excluded from future policies. Use our free pet insurance calculator to get personalized estimates from top providers in under 30 seconds.