Choosing a pet insurance plan shouldn't require a law degree. We reviewed the five most widely available providers in the U.S. — evaluating each on what actually matters when something goes wrong: what's covered, how much you'll pay out of pocket, and how straightforward the claims process really is. Whether you have a young, healthy Lab or a senior Persian with a history of health issues, there's a plan on this list worth a serious look.
2026 Pet Insurance Comparison
Monthly cost estimates are based on a 2-year-old, medium-sized dog in a mid-cost zip code with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.
| Provider | Est. Monthly Cost | Coverage Type | Best For | Our Rating | Get Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $25–$40 | Accident & Illness | Fast digital claims, low entry cost | Get Quote | |
| Pets Best | $22–$38 | Accident & Illness | No annual payout caps, direct vet pay | Get Quote | |
| Embrace | $28–$45 | Accident & Illness | Curable pre-existing conditions, diminishing deductible | Get Quote | |
| Spot | $20–$36 | Accident & Illness | Flexible annual limits, strong breed coverage | Get Quote | |
| Pumpkin | $30–$50 | Accident & Illness | 90% reimbursement on all plans, strong preventive care add-on | Get Quote |
Provider Breakdown
Lemonade — Best Overall
Lemonade built its pet insurance product on the same app-first, low-friction model that made its renters insurance famous. Claims are filed through the app and many are approved within minutes using AI review. Coverage is straightforward: accident and illness with optional add-ons for dental illness, physical therapy, and a behavioral conditions rider. Monthly premiums start low, especially for young dogs and cats, making it a strong first-time choice. The trade-off is that Lemonade is newer to the pet space than some competitors, and some customers report more friction with complex claims that require human review.
Pets Best — Best Value
Pets Best earns its value designation by offering unlimited annual payout limits on its top-tier plan — a significant advantage for owners of larger breeds prone to orthopedic issues or pets who develop chronic conditions. The direct vet pay feature is genuinely useful: instead of paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement, Pets Best can pay your vet directly (vet participation required). Deductibles and reimbursement percentages are fully customizable, letting you tune the monthly premium to match your budget.
Embrace — Most Comprehensive
Embrace stands out for two policies that most insurers don't offer: coverage for curable pre-existing conditions (after a 12-month symptom-free period) and a diminishing deductible that reduces your annual deductible by $50 for every claim-free year. For owners who are bringing a pet with a health history into a new policy, or who want to be rewarded for having a healthy pet, these features can mean real savings over time. Embrace has been in business since 2003 and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Spot — Best Flexibility
Spot offers one of the widest ranges of annual coverage limits available — from $2,500 up to unlimited — which lets you precisely calibrate cost versus risk. The policy covers microchip implantation and behavioral therapy, which some competitors exclude. Spot tends to perform well for mixed-breed and less common breeds that can face restricted coverage elsewhere.
Pumpkin — Best Preventive Care
Pumpkin's standard reimbursement rate of 90% is higher than the 70–80% that most providers default to, which means you keep more money when you file a claim. The optional Preventive Essentials add-on covers annual wellness exams, vaccines, and flea/tick prevention — a genuine value for owners who want a single monthly payment covering both routine and emergency care. Pumpkin tends to run slightly more expensive, but the higher reimbursement rate narrows that gap for active claimers.
How We Evaluate Pet Insurance Plans
Our ratings reflect four factors we believe matter most when a real claim is on the line.
- Coverage scope What conditions, treatments, and situations are actually covered — including hereditary conditions, chronic illness, and alternative therapies. We look beyond the headline and read the exclusions list carefully.
- Real cost of ownership Premium, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limits together determine what you actually pay when something goes wrong. We model several claim scenarios to compare true out-of-pocket costs.
- Claims experience How easy is it to file? How long does reimbursement take? We review customer satisfaction data, BBB ratings, and NAIC complaint ratios to assess the claims process.
- Policy transparency Are the exclusions written in plain language? Are waiting periods clearly disclosed? We penalize policies that bury important limitations in dense legalese or marketing copy.