Home & lifestyle · Ranked by price to features
8 Best Pet Insurance of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 12, 2026 · Next review December 27, 2026
MetLife Pet is the best pet insurance for owners who want to tune their premium in 2026: plans start at $7 a month for cats and $16 for dogs, and deductibles run from $0 to $2,500. Lemonade suits app-first owners at $10 a month, and Pets Best has the cheapest entry point, an accident-only plan from $6 a month for cats, as of November 2026. Owners of older or high-risk pets who want broad cover without add-ons should look at Embrace or Pumpkin instead.
- Tools ranked
- 8
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- Pets Best, $6
- per month for cats, accident only ($9 for dogs)
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife Pet Insurance | 01 | 8.9 | 9.0 | $7per month for cats ($16 for dogs) | No |
| Lemonade Pet | 02 | 8.8 | 9.2 | $10per month per pet | No |
| Spot Pet Insurance | 03 | 8.7 | 8.7 | $9per month for cats ($15 for dogs) | No |
| Pets Best | 04 | 8.5 | 8.8 | $6per month for cats, accident only ($9 for dogs) | No |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | 05 | 8.4 | 8.0 | $17per month, low end of the typical cat range ($20 for dogs) | No |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | 06 | 8.3 | 7.8 | Check price | No |
| Figo Pet Insurance | 07 | 8.1 | 7.8 | Check price | No |
| Prudent Pet | 08 | 7.9 | 7.6 | Check price | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for dog and cat owners in the U.S. who are comparing monthly premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates and annual limits before they buy a policy. We compared documented features and published prices on each insurer's own pages in November 2026. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%, so insurers that publish a starting price and offer a wide range of deductibles score higher. Pet insurance is priced per pet, by species, breed, age and ZIP code, so the starting prices below are floors, not quotes. Trupanion, Healthy Paws, Nationwide, ASPCA and Fetch were not ranked because their sites blocked our checks, so we could not confirm their current terms from their own pages.
The verdict
MetLife Pet leads because it gives you the most control over the premium: published starting prices of $7 a month for cats and $16 for dogs, deductibles from $0 to $2,500, reimbursement from 50% to 90%, annual limits from $500 to unlimited, and a deductible that drops by $50 for each year without a claim. Lemonade is the simplest buy at $10 a month, with four deductible choices and limits up to $100,000, but it sells in 43 states and Washington, DC only. Spot publishes the most cost data, including average premiums by state, and has no upper age limit or lifetime caps. Pets Best has the lowest entry price through accident-only cover. Embrace and Pumpkin cover the most without add-ons, and Figo and Prudent Pet suit owners who care most about short waiting periods and quick claims.
- 01Top value
MetLife Pet Insurance
8.9/10Accident and illness pet insurance from MetLife with the widest deductible and annual limit ranges on this list.
Price
$7per month for cats ($16 for dogs)
Plans start at $7 a month for cats and $16 a month for dogs; your quote depends on pet, location and the options you choose
“MetLife Pet plans start at $7 per month for cats and $16 per month for dogs.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 9.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forowners who want to fine-tune the deductible to hit a target premium
MetLife Pet gives you more levers on the premium than any other insurer we compared. Its deductible options run from $0 to $750 in $50 steps and then up to $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500, reimbursement can be set at 50%, 70%, 80% or 90%, and annual limits go from $500 to $25,000 in $1,000 steps or unlimited. That range lets an owner trade a higher deductible for a lower monthly bill, or the reverse, without switching insurers. MetLife publishes its floor: plans start at $7 a month for cats and $16 a month for dogs. The deductible also falls by $50 for each policy year without a claim reimbursement, and up to three pets can share one policy and one deductible. Accident cover starts at midnight after you enroll and illness cover 14 days later. The main limits are that the diminishing deductible resets once you are paid on a claim, and pre-existing condition cover is only for certain employer group members.
- ✓Publishes starting prices for both cats ($7) and dogs ($16)
- ✓Accident coverage starts at midnight after you enroll
- ✓Pets do not lose accident and illness coverage as they get older
- ✕Illness coverage only begins 14 days after enrollment
- ✕Pre-existing condition coverage is limited to some employer group plans
- ✕The diminishing deductible reverts at renewal once you receive a claim payout
- Starting price:
- $7 a month for cats, $16 for dogs
- Deductibles:
- $0 to $2,500
- Reimbursement:
- 50%, 70%, 80% or 90%
- Annual limit:
- $500 to $25,000, or unlimited
Bottom line: MetLife Pet Insurance is the best choice for owners comparing premiums and deductibles because it offers deductibles from $0 to $2,500 and plans from $7 a month. Pick it if you want one insurer that can fit both a low-premium and a low-deductible budget.
- 02
Lemonade Pet
8.8/10App-based pet insurance from Lemonade with optional preventive packages and claims filed in the Lemonade app.
Price
$10per month per pet
A policy for a dog or a cat starts at $10 a month; Lemonade says its cat parents pay around $27 a month and dog parents around $48 a month on average
“At Lemonade, a policy for a dog or a cat starts at $10/month.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.2
Best forapp-first owners who want a low starting price and simple choices
Lemonade keeps pet insurance short and app-driven. A policy for a dog or a cat starts at $10 a month, and Lemonade says its customers pay around $27 a month for cats and $48 a month for dogs on average. The choices are easy to compare: a deductible of $100, $250, $500 or $750, co-insurance of 70%, 80% or 90%, and an annual limit anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000. The base accident and illness policy covers diagnostics, procedures, medication and hospitalization, including hereditary and chronic conditions that start after enrollment. Preventive packages for wellness exams, vaccines and dental cleaning carry no deductible and no waiting period. Lemonade stacks a 10% bundle discount, a 5% multi-pet discount and a 5% discount for paying annually. Waiting periods are 14 days for illnesses and 30 days for orthopedic conditions. The catch is reach: Lemonade Pet is sold in 43 states plus Washington, DC, so some owners cannot buy it.
- ✓Same $10 a month starting price for dogs and cats
- ✓Claims are filed and tracked in the Lemonade app
- ✓Policies can be cancelled at any time in the app
- ✕Sold in 43 states and Washington, DC, not nationwide
- ✕30-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- ✕Only four deductible options, the highest being $750
- Starting price:
- $10 a month for a dog or cat
- Deductibles:
- $100, $250, $500 or $750
- Annual limit:
- $5,000 to $100,000
- Availability:
- 43 states plus Washington, DC
Bottom line: Lemonade Pet is the best choice for owners who want to buy and claim from an app because policies start at $10 a month for dogs and cats. Check first that it is sold in your state.
- 03
Spot Pet Insurance
8.7/10Accident-only and accident and illness plans with no upper age limit and published average premiums by state.
Price
$9per month for cats ($15 for dogs)
Cat plans start as low as $9 a month and dog plans from $15 a month; Spot reports average premiums of $22 a month for cats and $40 for dogs
“Cat insurance plans start as low as $9^^ per month, and premiums average $22 per month.*” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.7
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.5
Best forowners of senior pets who want no age cutoff and clear average costs
Spot is the most open about what customers actually pay. Its cost page lists the average premium in every state, from $27.16 in Mississippi to $47.57 in North Dakota, and states that dog insurance averages $40 a month and cat insurance $22, with cat plans from $9 and dog plans from $15. The dog starting price is based on an 80% reimbursement, $500 deductible and $2,500 annual limit plan for a small mixed-breed dog, so a higher limit costs more. Spot sells an accident-only plan and an accident and illness plan, with no upper age limit, no lifetime caps and no vet exam to enroll. The accident and illness plan covers dental illness, hereditary and chronic conditions, behavioral treatment and microchipping, and reimburses up to 90%. A wellness add-on pays back up to $450 a year on routine care. Spot says claims are reimbursed in 48 hours or less, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10% multi-pet discount.
- ✓Publishes average premiums for every state, from $27.16 in Mississippi to $47.57 in North Dakota
- ✓No vet exam needed to enroll
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
- ✕The $15 dog price is based on a $2,500 annual limit and $500 deductible
- ✕Prescription food is covered only when prescribed for an eligible condition
- ✕Wellness care costs extra as an add-on
- Starting price:
- $9 a month for cats, $15 for dogs
- Average premium:
- $22 a month for cats, $40 for dogs
- Reimbursement:
- Up to 90%
- Age limit:
- None
Bottom line: Spot Pet Insurance is the best choice for owners of older pets because it has no upper age limit and publishes average premiums for every state. The low starting prices apply to modest annual limits, so price a higher limit too.
- 04
Pets Best
8.5/10Pet insurer with fixed-rate accident-only plans, accident and illness plans and a 24/7 pet helpline on every plan.
Price
$6per month for cats, accident only ($9 for dogs)
Accident-only plans start at $6 a month for cats and $9 a month for dogs ($7 and $10 in WA); accident and illness plans averaged $22 to $34 a month for cats and $36 to $58 for dogs in Pets Best sales data
“Accident Only plans start at just $6 per month for cats and $9 per month for dogs, regardless of your pet’s age and breed.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.3
Best forowners who want the cheapest accident-only cover
Pets Best has the lowest published price we found. Its accident-only plans start at $6 a month for cats and $9 a month for dogs, regardless of age and breed, with Washington residents paying $7 and $10. Those plans cover injuries such as swallowed objects and bite wounds, not illnesses. For full cover, the BestBenefit accident and illness plans let you choose the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit, with reimbursement up to 90%; Pets Best's own sales data put average premiums at $36 to $58 a month for dogs and $22 to $34 for cats, though that data covers October 2022 to September 2023. Every plan includes a 24/7 Pet Helpline staffed by veterinary experts, vet direct pay is available, and there is no upper age limit. You can visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada. Pets Best says more than 1 million pets have been enrolled. The trade-off is that its cheapest plan leaves illness costs uncovered.
- ✓Lowest published entry price on this list at $6 a month
- ✓No upper age limits for coverage
- ✓Use any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
- ✕Accident-only plans do not cover illnesses such as cancer or diabetes
- ✕Published averages for accident and illness plans come from 2022 to 2023 sales data
- ✕Accident-only prices are $1 higher in Washington state
- Accident only:
- $6 a month for cats, $9 for dogs
- Accident and illness:
- $22 to $34 cats, $36 to $58 dogs (average)
- Reimbursement:
- Up to 90%
- Pets enrolled:
- 1 million+
Bottom line: Pets Best is the best choice for owners who want the cheapest possible cover because its accident-only plans start at $6 a month for cats and $9 for dogs. Choose an accident and illness plan if cancer or chronic disease is your main worry.
- 05
Embrace Pet Insurance
8.4/10Accident and illness pet insurance that includes rehab and behavioral therapies and may cover curable pre-existing conditions.
Price
$17per month, low end of the typical cat range ($20 for dogs)
Most Embrace cat parents pay $17 to $42 a month and most dog parents $20 to $70 a month; your price depends on age, breed, location and coverage
“Most Embrace cat parents pay $17-$42/month.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.0
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forowners who want broad cover, including dental illness and therapies
Embrace covers more of the less obvious vet bills than most rivals. Its standard accident and illness policy includes rehab therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy and laser therapy at no extra charge, plus vet-supervised behavioral therapy and dental illness up to $1,000 a year. A curable pre-existing condition may be covered once a pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for 12 consecutive months, which few insurers offer. Embrace says most cat parents pay $17 to $42 a month and most dog parents $20 to $70 a month, and you can lower that with a higher deductible, a 10% multi-pet discount or a 5% military discount. Kittens can join from 6 weeks old; cats up to 14 get accident and illness cover, while cats 15 and older can enroll in accident-only cover. Embrace says more than 90% of claims are paid in under 10 days. The trade-off is price: its typical dog range is higher than the budget plans on this list, and prescription cover costs extra.
- ✓More than 90% of claims paid in under 10 days
- ✓No upper age limit; cats 15 and older can enroll in accident-only cover
- ✓10% multi-pet discount (5% in NY and WA) and 5% military discount
- ✕Typical premiums of $20 to $70 a month for dogs are higher than budget rivals
- ✕Prescription medication coverage is an add-on
- ✕Routine dental cleanings are not covered
- Typical premium:
- $17 to $42 cats, $20 to $70 dogs
- Claims speed:
- 90%+ paid within 10 days
- Dental illness:
- Up to $1,000 a year
- Money-back guarantee:
- 30 days, if no claims filed
Bottom line: Embrace Pet Insurance is the best choice for owners who want therapies and dental illness covered because rehab and behavioral therapies are included and dental illness is covered up to $1,000 a year. Budget shoppers will find lower starting prices elsewhere.
- 06
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
8.3/10Accident and illness pet insurance with a 90% reimbursement option for every pet and few add-on fees.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forowners who want 90% reimbursement for a senior pet
Pumpkin builds most of the extras into its base plan. Every accident and illness policy covers dental illness, behavioral problems, hereditary conditions, alternative therapies, microchip implantation and exam fees for accidents and illnesses, and Pumpkin says there are no extra add-on fees for these. A 90% reimbursement option is open to every pet from 8 weeks old, including seniors, and annual limits run from $5,000 to unlimited. The waiting period is 14 days or less for all covered conditions, even knee injuries and hip dysplasia, which is shorter than the 6-month orthopedic waits some insurers use. A curable condition that has been free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days can be covered if it comes back, except knee and hind leg ligament conditions. There is no upper age limit or breed restriction and a 10% discount for each additional pet. Pumpkin does not publish a starting price, so we could not verify one; you need a quote to compare it with the others.
- ✓No upper age limit or breed restrictions
- ✓Curable conditions can be covered again after 180 days free of symptoms and treatment
- ✓10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet
- ✕Does not publish a starting price; you need a quote
- ✕Knee and hind leg ligament conditions that occur before or during the waiting period are excluded for good
- ✕Preventive Essentials is not available in CA, ME, MO, MT, RI, VT or WA
- Reimbursement:
- 90% option for all pets
- Annual limit:
- $5,000 to unlimited
- Waiting period:
- 14 days or less, all conditions
- Minimum age:
- 8 weeks
Bottom line: Pumpkin Pet Insurance is the best choice for owners of senior pets who want high reimbursement because it offers a 90% option to every pet from 8 weeks old with no upper age limit. You will need a quote to see the premium.
- 07
Figo Pet Insurance
8.1/10Pet insurance with up to 100% reimbursement, three annual limit tiers and a one-day waiting period for accidents.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.5
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forowners who want up to 100% reimbursement and fast accident cover
Figo is built around flexibility on the claim side. It is one of the few insurers that lets you choose reimbursement of up to 100% of eligible vet bills, which means no co-pay after the deductible. Its three plans differ mainly by annual limit: Essential reimburses up to $5,000 a year, Preferred, its most popular plan, up to $10,000, and Ultimate has no annual cap. Accident cover starts after a one-day waiting period, and an Orthopedic Conditions waiver, completed in the Pet Cloud app within the first 30 days, removes the usual 6-month wait for orthopedic conditions. Every policyholder gets free 24/7 Live Vet access, and you can visit a licensed vet anywhere in the world. Puppies and kittens can enroll from 8 weeks and there is no upper age limit. Figo does not show a starting price without a quote, so its value score is conservative; 100% reimbursement typically raises the premium.
- ✓Highest reimbursement option on this list
- ✓No upper age limit; puppies and kittens from 8 weeks
- ✓Use any licensed vet, worldwide
- ✕Does not publish a starting price; you need a quote
- ✕6-month orthopedic waiting period applies unless you complete the waiver
- ✕Group discount of up to 10% is not available in every state
- Reimbursement:
- Up to 100%
- Annual limits:
- $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited
- Accident waiting period:
- 1 day
- Minimum age:
- 8 weeks
Bottom line: Figo Pet Insurance is the best choice for owners who want no co-pay because it offers reimbursement of up to 100% and accident cover after one day. Expect a higher premium for that 100% option.
- 08
Prudent Pet
7.9/10Pet insurer with accident-only and accident and illness plans, unlimited 24/7 vet chat and AI-assisted claims processing.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.6
- Features (35%)
- 7.9
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.3
Best forowners who want fast claim decisions and vet chat on every plan
Prudent Pet keeps its range small and leans on fast service. It sells three plans: Accident Only and Essential, each with a $10,000 annual benefit, and Ultimate with an unlimited annual benefit, and you can adjust the deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual limit, or add wellness cover. Every policy includes unlimited 24/7 vet chat. Prudent Pet says 75% of claims are processed within 24 hours, using AI-assisted processing, and it states that it will not drop coverage because you file claims. Waiting periods are 5 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses, with a 6-month wait for all knee and ligament issues, which is longer than Pumpkin or Figo with its waiver. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies if no claims have been filed. Prudent Pet does not publish a starting price, so we could not verify what a typical policy costs, and its value score reflects that.
- ✓Prudent Pet says 75% of claims are processed in 24 hours
- ✓Coverage is not dropped because you file claims
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee if no claims have been filed
- ✕Does not publish a starting price; you need a quote
- ✕6-month waiting period for all knee and ligament issues
- ✕Only three plan tiers, two of them capped at $10,000 a year
- Plans:
- Accident Only, Essential, Ultimate
- Waiting periods:
- 5 days accident, 14 days illness
- Claims speed:
- 75% processed in 24 hours
- Vet chat:
- Unlimited, 24/7, all policies
Bottom line: Prudent Pet is the best choice for owners who want quick claim decisions because it says 75% of claims are processed in 24 hours and every policy includes 24/7 vet chat. Owners of large dogs prone to knee injuries should weigh its 6-month ligament wait.
What to check before you pay
Pick the deductible first, then compare premiums
The deductible is the amount you pay each policy year before the insurer starts reimbursing. A higher deductible lowers the monthly premium. Lemonade offers $100, $250, $500 or $750, while MetLife Pet goes from $0 up to $2,500. Quote every insurer with the same deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit, or the prices are not comparable.
Reimbursement rate and annual limit change the real cost
Reimbursement is the share of a covered bill the insurer pays after the deductible, usually 70%, 80% or 90%; Figo offers up to 100%. The annual limit caps what you can get back in a year. Lemonade's own example: on a $6,000 surgery with 80% reimbursement and a $250 deductible, the insurer pays $4,550 and you pay $1,450.
Accident-only cover is cheaper but narrower
Accident-only plans pay for injuries such as broken bones, bite wounds and swallowed objects, but not illnesses such as cancer or diabetes. Pets Best sells accident-only cover from $6 a month for cats and $9 for dogs regardless of age and breed. It suits tight budgets and senior pets that no longer qualify for full cover.
Check waiting periods and pre-existing condition rules
No insurer on this list covers pre-existing conditions, and coverage for illnesses usually starts about 14 days after you enroll. Lemonade adds a 30-day wait for orthopedic conditions and Prudent Pet a 6-month wait for knee and ligament issues. Embrace and Pumpkin may cover a curable condition again after it has been symptom-free for 12 months and 180 days respectively.
Enroll young to keep premiums and exclusions down
Premiums rise with your pet's age, and any condition that shows signs before coverage starts is excluded for good. Most insurers here accept puppies and kittens from 6 to 8 weeks old. Enrolling early means hereditary problems that appear later, such as hip dysplasia, can still be covered.
FAQ
What is the best pet insurance in 2026?
MetLife Pet Insurance is the best pet insurance for most owners in 2026 on our value-weighted scoring. Plans start at $7 a month for cats and $16 for dogs, and you can set the deductible anywhere from $0 to $2,500. Lemonade and Spot are close behind.
What is the cheapest pet insurance?
Pets Best has the lowest published price: accident-only plans start at $6 a month for cats and $9 a month for dogs, regardless of age and breed. For accident and illness cover, MetLife Pet starts at $7 a month for cats and Spot at $9, as of November 2026.
How much does pet insurance cost per month?
Average premiums published by insurers run from about $22 to $48 a month, with dogs costing more than cats. Spot reports average premiums of $40 a month for dogs and $22 for cats, and Lemonade says its customers pay around $48 for dogs and $27 for cats.
What deductible should I choose for pet insurance?
Choose the highest deductible you could pay in cash after an emergency, because a higher deductible lowers your premium. Lemonade offers $100 to $750 and MetLife Pet $0 to $2,500. The deductible is annual, so you pay it once per policy year, not per claim.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, none of the insurers on this list covers pre-existing conditions. Embrace may cover a curable condition after 12 months free of symptoms and treatment, and Pumpkin after 180 days, but chronic conditions diagnosed before enrollment stay excluded.
Is there an age limit for pet insurance?
Most insurers on this list have no upper age limit, including Spot, Pets Best, Pumpkin and Figo. Embrace accepts cats up to 14 for accident and illness cover and offers accident-only cover to cats 15 and older. Premiums rise as pets age, so enrolling young costs less.
Is accident-only pet insurance worth it?
Yes, if your budget is tight or your pet is too old for full cover. Pets Best accident-only plans cost $6 a month for cats and $9 for dogs, but they do not pay for illnesses such as cancer or diabetes.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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