Pet insurance can be a game-changer when it comes to unexpected vet bills, ensuring your pet gets the best care without draining your bank account. With a variety of options available, we’ve rounded up the best pet insurance companies of 2025, analyzing coverage, affordability, customer satisfaction, and unique perks.
Top Pet Insurance Providers at a Glance
- ASPCA – Best for comprehensive coverage
- Embrace – Best for flexible wellness plans
- Hartville – Best for clear waiting periods
- MetLife – Best for discounts
- Pets Best – Best for dogs
- Spot – Best for cats
Let’s break down why these providers stand out and how to pick the best one for your furry friend.
1. ASPCA: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
ASPCA pet insurance casts a wide net with coverage that includes dental illnesses, behavioral therapy, alternative treatments, prescription food, and even microchipping. Unlike some competitors, ASPCA also provides coverage for horses alongside dogs and cats.
Pros: ✔ Covers alternative therapies and congenital conditions
✔ Includes accident and illness exam fees
✔ Shorter waiting period for cruciate injuries (14 days)
Cons:
✖ Must call for a quote if you want unlimited annual coverage
💰 Sample Monthly Rates (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible)
- Dogs: 2 years old – $31 | 8 years old – $73
- Cats: 2 years old – $17 | 8 years old – $31
2. Embrace: Best for Flexible Wellness Plans
Embrace offers one of the most customizable wellness plans on the market, covering everything from nutritional supplements and grooming to acupuncture and physiotherapy.
Pros:
✔ Covers curable pre-existing conditions
✔ Adjustable deductibles and annual coverage limits
✔ Vet exam reduces orthopedic waiting period
Cons:
✖ Prescription food and supplements not covered without a wellness plan
💰 Sample Monthly Rates
- Dogs: 2 years old – $44 | 8 years old – $80
- Cats: 2 years old – $24 | 8 years old – $42
3. Hartville: Best for Straightforward Waiting Periods
Hartville keeps things simple with a flat 14-day waiting period for all illnesses and accidents, plus coverage for most curable pre-existing conditions if symptom-free for 180 days.
Pros:
✔ Unlimited annual coverage available
✔ 24/7 vet helpline
✔ Covers alternative and behavioral therapies
Cons:
✖ Doesn’t cover herbal supplements
💰 Sample Monthly Rates
- Dogs: 2 years old – $32 | 8 years old – $77
- Cats: 2 years old – $18 | 8 years old – $33
4. MetLife: Best for Discounts
MetLife goes the extra mile by offering discounts for first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and employees of animal care facilities. It also boasts no age restrictions for enrollment.
Pros:
✔ Deductibles decrease yearly if no claims are made (in some states)
✔ Immediate accident coverage (no waiting period)
✔ Includes holistic and alternative treatments
Cons:
✖ Doesn’t offer direct payments to vets
💰 Sample Monthly Rates
- Dogs: 2 years old – $42 | 8 years old – $78
- Cats: 2 years old – $23 | 8 years old – $37
5. Pets Best: Best for Dogs
Pets Best caters well to dog owners with budget-friendly plans and the option to reimburse your vet directly for large expenses.
Pros:
✔ Lots of customization options
✔ Unlimited annual coverage available
✔ No upper age limit
Cons:
✖ Some therapies and exam fees only covered in premium plans
💰 Sample Monthly Rates
- Dogs: 2 years old – $32 | 8 years old – $71
- Cats: 2 years old – $20 | 8 years old – $41
6. Spot: Best for Cats
If you have a feline friend, Spot consistently offers some of the most affordable and comprehensive cat insurance policies.
Pros:
✔ Covers prescription food and behavioral therapy
✔ Covers some pre-existing conditions if symptom-free for 180 days
✔ Unlimited coverage available
Cons:
✖ No direct payment option to vets
💰 Sample Monthly Rates
- Dogs: 2 years old – $32 | 8 years old – $75
- Cats: 2 years old – $18 | 8 years old – $32
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA):
- Average cost for dogs: $56/month ($676/year)
- Average cost for cats: $32/month ($383/year)
💡 Accident-only plans are significantly cheaper, averaging $17/month for dogs and $10/month for cats, but won’t cover illnesses.
Learn More About Pet Insurance Costs
Key Considerations When Choosing Pet Insurance
🐶 Breed-Specific Conditions: Some breeds are prone to health issues, so check if your plan covers hereditary conditions.
💰 Reimbursement & Deductibles: Most plans let you choose between 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement, and deductibles range from $100 to $1,000.
⏳ Waiting Periods: Most insurers have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, but MetLife offers instant accident coverage.
🚑 Wellness Add-Ons: If you want coverage for vaccinations, checkups, and flea prevention, look for plans that include wellness coverage.
🔎 Pre-Existing Conditions: Some insurers cover curable conditions after a symptom-free period, but most exclude chronic issues diagnosed before enrollment.
More on Pet Insurance Coverage
Final Thoughts: Which Pet Insurance Is Right for You?
The best pet insurance depends on your pet’s age, breed, health history, and lifestyle. ASPCA and Embrace are great for broad coverage, MetLife offers unbeatable discounts, and Pets Best is a solid choice for dog owners. Spot is the most cost-effective for cat owners.
🛑 Before making a decision, get multiple quotes and compare coverage, exclusions, and reimbursement options. Your pet’s health is priceless—make sure their insurance plan is worth it!
🚀 Ready to protect your furry friend? Get a free quote today from your top pick and rest easy knowing you’ve got their back.