CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Americans love their pets. Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that 66% of US households -- roughly 86.9 million families -- own a pet. Yet only 5.7 million pets are enrolled in a pet insurance plan, a pet healthcare package designed to help you better afford vet costs.
"As a veterinary surgeon and pet owner, I urge all my clients, friends, and family to insure their pets, just like I do," said Dr. Karyn Kanowski, a veterinarian at PangoVet in Roseville, California. "My own dog had both hips replaced several years ago and without pet insurance, there is no way I could have afforded $8,000 per hip."
I learned this lesson firsthand when my wife and I spent over $12,000 to extend the life of Alfie, our Shih Tzu-Poodle mix who passed away in 2020. We didn't have pet insurance, so we ended up draining a lot of valuable savings. While we didn't have to turn to credit cards, it's easy to see how quickly vet bills can spiral into debt. Dog owners may pay up to $55,000 for care over the lifespan of a canine, while cat owners may pay up to $45,000, according to a Synchrony study.
If you want to steer clear of tens of thousands in vet bills, pet insurance can help. We reviewed some of the top national pet insurance companies for price, coverage options, deductibles and other perks to help you find the best fit. The price you pay will depend on your pet's breed, age, health and gender, and could vary depending on where you live. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare multiple quotes to get the best deal to protect your family's pet.
Hide our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 Lemonade/CNET See at Lemonade Most affordable pet insurance Lemonade Photo Gallery 1/1 Lemonade/CNET See at Lemonade Coverage type: Accident, illness, wellness
Maximum annual coverage: $5,000 – $100,000
Deductibles: $100 – $750
Pets covered: Dogs and cats If you want to protect your pet, but don't have much wiggle room in your budget, we recommend Lemonade's pet insurance. Its $10-a-month price tag will get you coverage for major accidents, and its everyday illness and wellness coverage averages $28 a month for cats and $47 per month for dogs, according to the company's website. Lemonade's plans include accident and illness coverage, but if you're hoping to get reimbursed for preventative measures like annual exams, vaccines, routine dental cleaning and heartworm medication, you'll pay more for a preventative add-on policy. With plenty of options to customize your coverage, you'll likely be able to find a mix of deductible, coinsurance and max annual reimbursements that works for your budget. The only downside: Where you live can impact your eligibility. Currently, Lemonade offers pet insurance in 38 states and Washington, DC. Like most pet insurance, you'll pay upfront and receive a reimbursement. Lemonade leverages AI to process and approve claims, which means you'll receive your money fast. Users also love the company's app: It earns a 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Apple Store and a respectable 4.2 from Android users. Waiting period and eligibility requirements: 2 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses; 6 months for cruciate ligament events Discounts: 5% for paying annually; 5% multipet discount; 10% bundle discount (Lemonade offers other types of insurance including renters, homeowners, car and life coverage.) Hide our expert take
Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 Trupanion/CNET See at Trupanion Best direct payment option Trupanion Photo Gallery 1/1 Trupanion/CNET See at Trupanion Coverage type: Accident and illness
... continue reading