Takeaways
- A pet wellness plan is an optional add-on designed to reimburse you for routine preventative care.
- When selecting a pet wellness plan, it’s important to consider the coverage level, the cost versus the value, any exclusions or limitations in the coverage, and the provider’s reputation.
- Wellness plans range in cost, from around $9.95 per month to upwards of $70 per month.
- The best pet wellness plan for you depends on the coverage you’re looking for and your overall budget.
Each pet insurance provider will offer something slightly different, which makes comparing quotes side-by-side a bit tricky. Plus, a higher price doesn’t always mean more value, so it’s important to dive into the details of each insurance provider to find the best pet insurance policy for you.
Best Pet Insurance Quotes
Pet insurance quotes will vary depending on the age, breed, and location of your pet, along with the level of coverage you choose. Here are a few pet insurance quotes for the most common dog breeds from top providers for an Accident and Illness policy in Dallas, Texas:
8-Week Old Labrador Retriever | 5-Year-Old French Bulldog | Senior Golden Retriever | |
---|---|---|---|
Lemonade | $85.27 | $136.55 | $148.50 |
Trupanion | $102.60 | $266.90 | $228.88 |
Nationwide | $33.59 | $78.00 | $104.12 |
ASPCA | $54.44 | $95.88 | $120.94 |
Pets Best | $65.00 | $144.00 | $157.00 |
Figo | $47.41 | $84.57 | $91.85 |
Healthy Paws | $50.69 | $88.80 | $78.39 |
Embrace | $69.53 | $116.30 | $96.65 |
Fetch by the Dodo | $23.96 | $63.90 | $85.19 |
Spot | $40.95 | $72.12 | $90.97 |
In terms of affordability, Fetch by the Dodo is most affordable for both Labrador retrievers and french bulldogs. However, Healthy Paws offers a slightly more competitive rate for golden retrievers — based on our sample rates, at least.
However, because each pet insurance company offers different deductible amounts, reimbursement rates, and discounts, it’s nearly impossible to secure sample rates for exactly the same plan. So, know that these sample rates are as close to one another as possible, but not 100% the same.
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Comparison of Top Pet Insurance Companies
Because each plan is slightly different, let’s compare the finer details to see what you get for the price.
Lemonade (A Popular Provider with Average Pricing)
Lemonade offers one of the most highly-rated pet insurance policies on the market. They have one standard policy that covers accidents and illnesses, along with five optional add-ons that cover:
- Vet visit fees
- Physical therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy
- Dental illnesses, cleanings, extractions, and other treatment
- Behavioral conditions (eg. anxiety and aggression)
- End of life and remembrance (eg. vet-recommended euthanasia)
These add-ons also cover costs such as wellness exams, spaying and neutering, and blood tests, but don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Their standard policy also doesn’t cover:
- Dental care
- Elective surgeries
- Experimental treatment
- Wellness exams
- Expenses that occur as a result of your neglect
Lemonade is also only available in 37 U.S. states.
Pricing
Here’s how Lemonade policies would be priced for a male pet in Dallas, Texas with a $20,000 annual limit, 80% reimbursement rate, and $250 annual deductible:
Breed | Accident & Illness Policy | Accident & Illness Policy + Wellness Add-On |
8-week-old german shepherd | $83.79 | $114.62 |
5-year-old poodle | $84.96 | $94.09 |
Senior exotic shorthair cat | Does not offer coverage. | Does not offer coverage. |
Lemonade’s premiums tend to be middle-of-the-road — not the cheapest, but not the most expensive option either.
Get a quoteTrupanion (More Costly Option)
Trupanion offers one pet insurance plan that covers all unexpected injuries and illnesses, with two optional add-ons:
- Recovery and Complementary Care Rider: Covers non-clinical procedures and care such as acupuncture, behavioral therapy, chiropractic care, and physical therapy.
- Pet Owner Assistance Package: Covers care outside the vet, ranging from the costs incurred to find a lost pet, to boarding fees if you become hospitalized, to cremation and burial.
All Trupanion policies come with a 90% reimbursement rate and unlimited payout. Plus, you can use the insurance in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Pricing
Here’s how Trupanion policies would be priced for a male pet in Dallas, Texas with a $250 annual deductible:
Breed | Accident & Illness Policy | Accident & Illness Policy + Wellness Add-On |
8-week-old german shepherd | $107.27 | $125.96 |
5-year-old poodle | $108.79 | $127.69 |
Senior exotic shorthair cat | $183.89 | $213.08 |
While Trupanion is the most costly option we found in our sample rates, the coverage isn’t that much greater than some of its competitors.
Get a quoteHealthy Paws (Popular Provider with Average Pricing)
Healthy Paws is another middle-of-the-road option — fair pricing in comparison to its competitors and standard coverage. They offer one standard plan intended to cover accidents and illnesses like:
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Hospitalization
- Dental care (related to a traumatic incident)
- Hereditary conditions
- Diagnostic testing (eg. x-rays and blood tests)
- Euthanasia (if medically necessary for a covered condition)
They do not, however, offer wellness add-ons, which is a limitation of the policy.
Pricing
Here’s how Healthy Paws policies would look for a male pet in Dallas, Texas with a 70-80% reimbursement rate, a $250-$1,000 deductible, and no maximum payout:
Breed | Accident & Illness Policy |
8-week-old german shepherd | $50.69 |
5-year-old poodle | $60.71 |
Senior exotic shorthair cat | $84.44 |
So, while the price may be right, you are limited in the coverage you receive.
Get a quoteFetch by the Dodo (Most Affordable Option)
Fetch was by far the most affordable option for our sample pet. They offer one insurance plan that covers standard accidents and illnesses, along with other expenses such as:
- Chiropractic care
- Dental injuries
- Sick exam fees
- Ultrasounds
- Cancer treatment
- Holistic and specialty health treatments
- Physical therapy
- Hospital stays
- Diagnostic testing
So, despite having just one plan, their coverage is fairly comprehensive. They do not, however, offer optional preventative care add-ons.
Pricing
Here’s how Fetch would price policies for a male pet in Dallas, Texas with a $5,000 reimbursement limit, $300 annual deductible, and 80% reimbursement rate:
Breed | Accident & Illness Policy |
8-week-old german shepherd | $27.55 |
5-year-old poodle | $29.25 |
Senior exotic shorthair cat | $50.50 |
With low prices and comprehensive coverage, there must be a catch right? Eh, maybe not. While Fetch doesn’t offer the option to pay the vet directly, takes 15 days to pay out claims, and doesn’t cover the cost to spay or neuter your pet, its competitors offer the same for far higher prices. Plus, customers seem to love Fetch, rating them 4.4 stars out of 5 on sites like Trustpilot.
Get a quoteThe Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can provide coverage for unexpected injuries and illnesses your pet faces. While it isn’t technically necessary, it can provide both peace of mind and an extra layer of protection for your wallet if something happens to your pet.
If you remain uninsured, you run the risk of not being able to afford the care your pet needs or having to fork over lump sums to cover emergency vet visits. So, in most cases, investing in pet insurance will be well worth it.
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance
Before exploring pet insurance options, make sure you understand the difference between the types of pet insurance. Consider how accident-only policies differ from more comprehensive options like accident and illness plans with wellness add-ons. This will give you the foundation necessary to understand your options.
Then, consider elements like:
- Your price range. How much are you able to afford?
- The needs of your pet. Is your pet’s breed predisposed to certain medical conditions they’ll likely need care for? If so, opting for more comprehensive coverage might be best.
- Your pet’s age. If your pet is especially young or old, they’re likely to need more medical attention. More comprehensive plans are better options at these ages.
- Your pet’s medical history. Does your pet frequent the vet clinic? If so, more preventative care would likely be better.
- Your needs as a pet owner. Pet insurance often gives owners peace of mind. If you know you’re an anxious pet parent or would prefer a certain level of coverage, take that into consideration when purchasing a policy.
FAQs About Pet Insurance
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about pet insurance:
What Is Typically Covered and Not Covered By Pet Insurance?
Standard accident and illness pet insurance policies cover all unexpected injuries or illnesses. No pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
The price of pet insurance ranges based on a variety of factors. In 2021, the average monthly price for an accident and illness plan was $48.66 for a dog and $28.57 for a cat. For an accident-only plan, it cost $19.93 for a dog and $10.85 for a cat.
How Do I File A Claim And How Long Does It Take To Get Reimbursed?
The claims process will depend on the insurance provider you select. Typically, you’ll need to submit a claims form through an online portal. It can take anywhere from 24 hours to 15 days to get reimbursed.
Are There Any Exclusions Or Limitations To Pet Insurance Coverage?
No pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions. This means that anything your pet develops before they’re insured will not be covered by your pet insurance.
Are There Any Discounts Available For Pet Insurance?
Some pet insurance companies offer discounts for:
- Insuring multiple pets
- Pet parents in the military, or those who previously served
- Employer-sponsored plans
- Pets that are already spayed or neutered
- Senior citizens, or those using AARP
- Club memberships, like Costco
- Microchipping your pet
- Adopted dogs
- People working in the animal industry, like veterinarians and healthcare professionals
Can I Change My Pet Insurance Policy Or Provider?
Yes, you can change your pet insurance policy or provider, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- In some cases, you’ll only be able to switch policies at a specific time of year. Make sure to check in with your insurance provider to learn about any restrictions.
- If you choose to switch insurance providers, keep in mind that any illnesses developed while insured with your last provider may be considered a pre-existing condition with your new provider, which isn’t covered.
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts