Best Pet Insurance in 2023 - Pet Insurance Reviews

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1 Best Pet Insurance

1st Place – HealthyPaws Pet Insurance

HealthyPaws Pet Insurance was founded in 2009 and maintains an A- rating with the BBB. They are also an accredited company with them. They provide coverage for everything that matters including all illnesses, accidents, and emergency care – all with one, simple and comprehensive plan.

Visit Embrace

Runner Up – Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance has excellent coverage plans and even includes coverage for breed-specific issues along with coverage for all dogs. They also cover both indoor and outdoor cats. They maintain an A+ rating with the BBB and are accredited with them.

Pet Insurance Buyer’s Guide

Pet owners are very serious about taking care of their pets and sometimes the costs can really skyrocket when providing them with the best veterinary care. Pet Insurance companies offer pet owners the chance to save money on health care without having to sacrifice the quality of that care. Pet insurance policies have become more popular over the years as pet owners discover that they fulfill a need that can increase their pet’s quality of life AND keep their wallets from being drained. Their pets are living longer, feeling better and staying healthier. It offers pet parents peace of mind to know that their pet’s medical needs are being taken care of.

There are a few things you need to know about pet insurance policies to make sure you choose the best company and best plan for your animals. Pet insurance is available for dogs and cats starting at the puppy/kitten stage and on into adulthood. If your pet is already elderly, some companies won’t be able to offer a policy but be sure to check with each individual company first.

There are a lot of pet insurance companies out there and it can get a little confusing trying to figure out which one is really the right one for your pets. Armed with the right information and the knowledge of how these policies work, you can make the best decision for your pets and your budget.

How Pet Insurance Policies Work

pet-insurance-policies When a pet owner has a pet insurance policy, their pets are covered when illness or injury occurs. Certain insurance policies only cover specific issues and have exclusions such as pre-existing conditions. Therefore, it is extremely important that pet owners know exactly what is covered and what is not to avoid any problems with reimbursement if their pet encounters an emergency.

One of the most important parts of purchasing pet insurance, and being sure it really saves you money, is to understand exactly what the plan covers and what it doesn’t. Most pet insurance policies don’t cover any kind of preventative care, but that isn’t the case for ALL of them, so be sure to thoroughly check into each plan and find out what they offer.

The process of purchasing a pet insurance policy is pretty simple but there will be some variations from company to company. Not all companies offer the same benefits or extras, so doing some homework ahead of time and researching a few can help you see which fits your needs the best. Overall, the steps are similar; when your pet gets injured or sick you take them to a licensed veterinarian or emergency pet hospital to be seen and taken care of. The vet checks your pet and fixes whatever might be wrong by administering medication, surgeries, etc. They will give the pet owner an invoice that outlines the procedure and the diagnosis. You will be responsible for paying the bill upfront. Next, you will turn in the invoice along with a claim form and you will be reimbursed by the pet insurance company according to the percentage amount you chose with your plan.

Most companies offer a choice of 70, 80 or 90 percent reimbursement of the bill. When you sign up for your policy, you will choose the reimbursement percentage you can afford and also choose a deductible. Once your deductible is satisfied, the company will reimburse you the amount of your chosen percentage. For example, a lower deductible with a higher percent reimbursement will be the most expensive policy you can choose.

The most common mistakes made by a policy holder that prevents reimbursement include: not submitting the claim within 90 days of the date of treatment (or whatever time period the company requires, this could vary from company to company), and not submitting the required medical records the company needs to process the claim. Incomplete claim forms are also detrimental and can cause a claim to be denied.

Another possible reason that a claim would not be paid is if the treatment was not covered under the policy. However, you will know this ahead of time by studying your policy and making sure you know what procedures are covered.

Pet Insurance Comparison

COSTS
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Reimbursement Amount	70-90%	65-90%	70-100%	90%	70-90%	Determined by benefit schedule	80%	90%	70-90%	70-90%
Deductible Type	Annual	Annual	Annual	Per Condition	Per Incident	Per Incident	Annual	Annual	Annual	Per Condition
Deductible Amount	$50-$500 /Yr	$100-$1000 /Yr	$0-$1000 /Yr	$0-$1000 /Yr/Condition	$50-$500 /Incident	$100-$1000 /Incident/Year	$100-$1000 /Yr	$100, $250, or $500 /Yr	$100, $250 or $500 /Yr	$50-$200 /Yr/Condition
Monthly Payment Estimate	$15-$90	$8 – $60	$5 – $90	$12- $90	$16- $68	$12 – $60	$5 – $100	$8 – $80	$10 – $80	$13 – $100
POLICIES
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Age Limits to Enroll	Over 8 weeks and less than 14 Years old	Over 6 weeks/Over 14 can get accident insurance only	Over 7 weeks	Over 8 weeks	Over 8 weeks	Over 6 weeks and less than 10 years old	Over 8 weeks (dogs) and 10 weeks (cats) and Under 9 years for illness coverage. Accident coverage for over 9 available	Over 8 weeks and less than 13 years old (dogs) and 15 years old (cats)	Over 8 weeks and less than 12 years (dogs) and 14 years old (cats) for levels 2, 3, 4.	Over 6 weeks
Waiting Period	15 days after policy starts/12 months for hip dysplasia	14 days after starting the policy	3 days after starting the policy for accidents/14 days after for illnesses	30 days after starting the policy	1 day after starting the policy for accidents/14 days after for illnesses	14 days after starting policy/12 month wait for cruciate ligament injuries and any hereditary conditions	1 day after for accidents and preventative care (if applicable) 30 days after for illnesses	30 days after starting the policy	1 day after starting policy for accidents and wellness care/30 days after for illnesses	24 hours after starting the policy for accidents/14 days for illnesses
Exclusions	Pre-Existing Conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions/ Hereditary and Congenital conditions if it is suspected that they started before coverage was in place	Pre-Existing Conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions and Some Hereditary and Congenital conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions and Congenital Conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions/ Congenital Conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions/ Hereditary and Congenital not covered on all plans	Pre-Existing Conditions/ Congenital and Hereditary Conditions	Pre-Existing Conditions
Cancel Anytime
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
QUALIFICATION
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Choose Own Veterinarian
Physical Exam Needed for Enrollment (restrictions apply)
COVERAGE
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Alternative Medicine
Medication
Dental Accident Care
Unlimited Lifetime Benefits with No Limits on Claims
No Restrictions on Hereditary Conditions
No Restrictions on Congenital Conditions
BUSINESS RATINGS
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Insurance Carrier Rating	A+	A+	A-	Unrated	A+	A+	A+	A	A+	Unrated
BBB Rating	A-	A+	A+	A+	A+	A+	A+	A+	A-	A
BBB Accredited	Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes	Yes				Yes
# Years in Business	5	12	35	11	11	33	2		30	12
HELP & SUPPORT
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
All Accidents and Illnesses Covered
Free Online Quotes
Online Signup
Email Support
Telephone Support
Social Media
FAQs Section
CLAIMS
	Healthy Paws Pet Insurance	Embrace Pet Insurance	Pets Best Insurance	TruPanion Pet Medical Insurance	PetFirst	VPI Pet Insurance	PetPartners	ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Pet Premium Pet Health Insurance	Pet Plan Pet Insurance
	VISIT	VISIT	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Easy Claims Process
Company Reimburses You
Extra Coverage Options (Routine Care, Breeding, Elective care, etc)	No	Yes with an extra fee charged	Yes with an extra fee charged	No	Yes with an extra fee charged	Yes with an extra fee charged	Yes with an extra fee charged	Yes with an extra fee charged	Yes with an extra fee charged	No

A Glossary of Common Pet Insurance Terminology

pet-insurance-glossary The terms used in many pet insurance policies may be unfamiliar to many people. Outlined below is a list of the most commonly used terms used and their definitions. Having this knowledge can help pet owners to fully understand their policies so there is no confusion when you are shopping for your policy or filing a claim.

Accident – An unexpected event that causes injury to your pet
Alternative Care – Typically includes treatments such as acupuncture, Chiropractic care and Hydrotherapy, among others.
Behavioral Modification – Anything that works to change the behavior of your pet. This may involve training and medication
Benefits – Term used to include the coverage that your plan offers plus anything additional such as reimbursement of boarding fees, etc. (not all plans cover this, so check with the individual company’s policies for exclusions)
Boarding – Paying someone else to care for your pet while you are away; this can be in a kennel, in someone else’s licensed boarding home, or in your own home.
Breeding – Mating a male and a female to produce puppies or kittens
Chronic Conditions – This includes illnesses such as allergies, diabetes, cancer, obesity, dry eyes, arthritis, respiratory issues, and more that may plague your pet. As long as the condition is not pre-existing, these items will likely be covered.
Claim – The form that is turned in to the insurance company that asks for reimbursement of a bill.
Clinical Examination – A complete physical examination performed by a licensed veterinarian that covers all body systems of your pet. Another way to describe this would be a physical, veterinary exam.
Clinical Symptoms – Any deviation from what is considered normal health in your pet. Symptoms could include anything discovered during an examination that isn’t “right” or normal for your pet.
Coinsurance – This is the term used to describe your portion of the bill before any deductible is applied. The coinsurance amount can be different from company to company.
Condition – Any symptoms that are consistent with a diagnosis of illness or injury; the overall status of your pet in terms of how they are feeling.
Congenital Conditions– Problems that develop in utero before the puppy or kitten is born
Coverage – The insurance protection that is covered by the policy; the procedures, illnesses and injuries that are eligible for reimbursement.
Coverage Term – The length of time the policy is in effect
Declarations Page – A single page within a policy that provides a summary of all that is covered, along with the policy number and other relevant information
Deductible – The amount of the bill that you are responsible for paying AFTER your coinsurance is applied.
Dental Health Care – Routine care that is required to maintain healthy teeth and gums in your pets’ mouths. This will include brushing, scaling, polishing, extractions, and reconstructions. Routine care is not always covered (and will vary by company) but in most cases, damage to the teeth caused by an injury will be covered. Check with your policy to be sure.
Diagnostic Tests – Tests used to determine the overall condition and health of your pet. These tests can also be used to detect specific abnormalities or to discover the cause of an unknown illness.
Elective Procedures – Procedures that are not needed to cure an illness or fix an injury. These would include things such as nail trims, flea baths, anal gland expression, grooming, teeth cleaning, etc.
Emergency Hospital– An animal hospital that is typically open overnight in the event something happens and your pet requires immediate intervention and care rather than waiting for office hours.
Enrollment – Signing up for a policy and paying to get it started.
Exclusions – Procedures, illnesses and injuries that are not covered under the policy
Hereditary Conditions – Any illnesses that are passed down from a parent to its offspring. This is most often seen in purebred dogs but can be present with cats and mixed breeds as well.
Hip Dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is one of the most common diseases seen in dogs and is a malformation of the hip joint at the ball and socket. It most commonly affects larger breeds.
Hospitalization – Any overnight stay that is required to treat your pet. Sometimes hospitalization may be needed after surgery or when trying to determine what is wrong with a pet.
Illness – Any condition that is different from your pet’s normal, happy, healthy state
Injury – Physical harm that comes to your pet through normal activity or an accident
Lifetime Coverage – Your pet will be covered for life, from the time your policy is instated until they die – as long as you pay the premium.
Limitations – Specific things the policy may restrict such as age, or how a certain procedure is covered
Medically Necessary – Services, medicines, or treatments that your pet receives because of their illness or injury
Medication – Any medicine recommended and prescribed by your licensed veterinarian that has been approved by the FDA
Neutering – Removal of the testicles, a sterilization surgery to prevent the animal from being able to father offspring
Parasites – An organism that lives in or on another organism, called its host, and does so at the expense of the host’s health. Examples are internal worms and external fleas
Policy Effective Date – The date your policy becomes effective. In other words, this is when you can file claims if needed. Most plans have a waiting period before they become effective.
Policy – The terms of coverage and all the information that describes what is covered and what isn’t in your plan. The policy will have ALL the information on what you purchased.
Pre-existing – Any condition or illness that was present before the policy was purchased.
Premium – A word used that refers to the monthly payment you will pay for your policy.
Preventative Care – Care given to the pet to PREVENT certain illnesses such as vaccinations, worming, etc.
Reimbursement – Being paid back for costs that you paid out for services
Spaying – Removing the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat to eliminate their ability to become pregnant.
Surgery – An operation that is required to fix a problem (injury or illness) that a pet may have.
Vaccination – Shots that are given to a dog or cat that are meant to prevent certain deadly illnesses from being contracted. These are only administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Veterinarian – A licensed and registered doctor for animals.
Veterinary Treatment – Includes such things as X-rays, lab tests and diagnostic tests, medication, surgeries, supplies that are used on the pet, hospitalization, nursing care and euthanasia. Any treatment administered to your pet by your licensed veterinary office is considered veterinary treatment.
Veterinary Exam– The office visit when your pet is seen by the doctor to determine health
Veterinary Exam Fees – The cost of the office visit
Waiting Period – A designated term stating that an illness or injury is not immediately covered when the policy is started. This can vary from provider to provider.
Whelping – A term used in breeding that means the dog is giving birth to the puppies.
Working Animals – Animals that work for people in the fields of law enforcement, guarding, racing and more.

Coverage Options for Pet Insurance Companies

pet-insurance-coverage-options Depending on the pet insurance company, there can potentially be many different types of coverage available. Some have only one plan that simplifies everything. Others have choices based on yearly deductibles or payment amounts and so on. Each company will have their own differences in coverage. They’ll also have similarities, but in general all of them will have an all-over pet coverage plan that protects pets from illness and injury that could affect them for life.

Since there can be so many differences in coverage options, the best way to find out about the choices you have is to do some comparison shopping and research several companies. It’s not hard to do this and since most pet insurance companies offer you instant quotes right on the page, it will be relatively simple to do some great company comparisons. You can also look for comparison charts such as those above, that compare companies on their basic, yet most important, facets.

Just because a company offers multiple choices doesn’t mean it’s the company to choose. Look at all the benefits the company offers as well as their exclusions to see which best fits your needs and budget. There are several factors that make up a great coverage plan and company.

Comparing Multiple Pet Insurance Providers

comparing-pet-insurance With a little bit of research you can find the perfect pet insurance company and plan for your pet family. There are several things that should be compared when you’re checking one company against another. Don’t ONLY look at premium costs because a cheaper premium may cost less but the benefits you forgo can be significant. You may find it’s worth it to pay a little more to have more extensive coverage. Following the outlined steps below will help you find a company that you will be happy with and that meets your needs.

You’ll need to be online to do these comparisons and since most have very detailed online explanations of their plans and exclusions, you may not need to call them – although you can if you’re looking for more detailed answers. Put together a list of the companies that you want to compare. You don’t have to get a lot of them together, three to five is sufficient to make a decision. Once you have the list, grab a pen and notebook to make some notes as you go over each website.

Questions to Ask Prospective Pet Insurance Companies

pet-insurance-questions There are some specific questions you want to ask yourself about each company. Have your notebook ready and write down the answers to these questions about each company. You can choose to compare as many different companies as you need in order for you to find one that you really like and that fits what you’re looking for. A good company will make you feel like you’re getting a great price for great coverage. If you’re hesitant or not sure about a company, try to do more research or move on to another one. The right company will not give you hesitation.

You will need to know your dog’s breed, age, pre-existing conditions and also know what you are looking to have covered before you get started. The quotes will require this information to give you an accurate premium cost. Also know ahead of time how much of a deductible you want to pay and the amount of reimbursement you want. This will also determine your monthly premium. Most policies are paid on a monthly basis and yearly in terms of coverage amounts and deductibles.

How long has the company been in business? – This is a good thing to know because it shows stability when a company has been around for awhile. If the company is relatively new it doesn’t mean it’s not a good choice, you will just need to look at additional factors to see if you can ensure it’s a reliable company.
What types of coverage does the company offer for your pet? – Coverage will vary from company to company so be sure to check what each offers and what is included as well as extras you can add if you choose.
What are the limitations on the coverage plans? – Determining the limitations on the coverage is important so you don’t think something is covered when it isn’t. Sometimes there may be limitations on the pet’s age, types of surgeries and other circumstances. Get all the information you can on each company’s limitations and you will not have any unpleasant surprises.
What exclusions does the coverage include? – Exclusions are procedures that are not covered. Each company will have a detailed list of exclusions that are not covered. These will usually include most elective procedures and all pre-existing conditions. Some companies have elective procedure add-ons that you can purchase for an additional amount each month.
How long are the coverage terms? – Most pet insurance companies charge monthly premiums and your coverage can last as long as you pay the premiums. These are called lifetime benefits and it means that as long as you pay each month, your pets are covered for their entire lives.
How long does it normally take to get claims authorized for reimbursement?- It’s a good idea to know the process of getting claims approved so you can quickly get your money back for any covered procedures and treatment your pet receives. Normally, most companies will try to process the claims in an expeditious manner and as long as you have done your part and properly submitted the claim, everything should go smoothly and at a good speed so your money is back in your wallet soon.
What kind of payment terms does the company have for their plans? – Since most pet insurance companies calculated their premium on a monthly basis, you will have monthly payments that cover the cost of your premium. This could be affected by how many pets you’re covering, their ages and breeds, the deductible you choose, and the percentage of reimbursement you want. They don’t offer lower monthly payment plans so you will be paying your premium amount plus any add-ons will be included as well.
What deductibles are required? – Most of the plans have deductibles that you will be responsible for. Most companies offer $100, $250 and $500 deductible amounts, but if there are additional choices they will list them. Deductibles are the amount you are responsible to pay before your coinsurance comes out. (Coinsurance is your percentage of the invoice based on the amount you want to be reimbursed for.)
Can you take your pets to any veterinarian you choose? – As long as the veterinarian you choose is licensed and registered your visits qualify if you are going for issues that fall under the coverage plan. You can also take your pets to any specialist or emergency animal hospital as well, just be certain they are licensed.
Does the company offer any extras or add-ons that you can include in your coverage? – Some pet insurance companies have additional benefits that you can elect to include in your plan. These may be boarding fees, elective procedures, and breeding benefits. The additional add-ons and choices will be listed online or you can speak to a representative to ask them.
Are the policies transferable to another pet? – Because of the nature of pet insurance, the policies are not transferable at all. Premiums and coverage is based on the individual pet so there is no way to transfer the same coverage to a different pet. They may have different pre-existing conditions and other factors that will give them a different premium.
Are they members of the BBB? The BBB usually has information about most companies, especially those registered with them. They can give you their “grade” as well as explain why they were given that grade. You will also find out whether there are any complaints filed with the company and if they have been resolved. Don’t forget to check and see if they have any other consumer or business ratings as well. Awards don’t make the entire company but they definitely show that they are being recognized for their service.

While this is not an all-inclusive list of questions, it covers a lot of the major areas that will help you make a direct comparison of the companies. This will enable you to make a decision with all the facts rather than having to use guesswork. The most important piece of information to find out is what is covered. This is where your reimbursements will come from, so knowing what each company covers will give you a better idea of the plan and help you to decide which company will fit your needs the best. This information should be known before you purchase the coverage.

Costs and Payment Plans of Your Pet Insurance Policy

Because there are so many factors involved with each individual pet, there is no way to guess what your monthly premium will be. This is why you will need to input the animal’s information into the “get a quote” section. This is where you will add your pet’s information including:

Breed
Age
Size
Pre-existing Conditions

You will also input the deductible you want to pay and the amount of reimbursement you want from the choices offered. Once this is input your monthly premium will be displayed. If there are any add-ons available you can add them at this time to determine a final, monthly premium that will give your pet the coverage you have chosen.

Different companies will have different choices and rates so this is one of the things you can compare when doing your research. Some companies have a limit on claims, such as a dollar amount per year that can be spent, others have unlimited claims. Make sure you jot down all the information you can about each company so you can easily compare them and narrow down the choices.

If you find a company that has a lower rate there is nothing wrong with asking other companies if they can match it. Some companies may offer price match guarantees so it doesn’t hurt to ask. You never know what could save you a few extra dollars on your monthly premium. Some companies may even offer discounts on some of the add-ons that they offer.

How the Claim Reimbursement Process Works

Most companies make the claims filing process very simple so you can get reimbursed in a timely manner. Each should have a form available to fill out when you want to submit an invoice and be reimbursed. Once the information is filled out (which will include information such as the date the animal was seen, what were they seen for, what veterinarian you went to as well as a few other things. You may be required to submit the medical records or at the very least the record for the visit that includes the diagnosis, the treatment given, and any doctor’s notes that are written down.

Once this is turned in, as long as the company has the medical records and form they need, nothing else should stand in the way of getting the claim processed. Turnaround times on getting your reimbursement check may vary but the insurance company doesn’t want to have unpaid claims, so as long as you have done your part correctly and paid the required deductible and coinsurance payment, they should get your check to you within a few weeks.

Pet Insurance Provides Peace of Mind

When it comes to taking care of your pets, pet insurance companies offer the pet owner a way to care for their pets and save money at the same time. There are some great companies out there and the common thread among all of them is that they have a love and compassion for helping animals live their best and healthiest lives.

The peace of mind you get having a pet insurance policy in place is hard to beat. Now, more than ever, people treat their pets like members of the family. What better way to show that than to provide the best health care possible for them whenever they need it?

With all of the information you are now armed with you will be able to choose the perfect pet insurance company to help take care of all of your pet’s health needs – even in the event of an emergency, illness, or injury.