How to compare pet insurance quotes

Buying pet insurance isn’t something you want to rush into as a pet parent. Plan costs and coverage run the gamut, and the cheapest plan isn’t always a clear winner. Skip the fine print, and you could end up paying more for less.

Comparing pet insurance quotes is less about finding the cheapest policy and more about finding the right fit for your pet’s needs and your budget. Here’s how to compare quotes for pet insurance.

Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide.

In general, there are three types of pet insurance:

Accident and illness. This is the most common type of pet insurance. It covers accidents, plus illnesses like cancer, infections, allergies, digestive issues, and more. It’s more comprehensive than just accident-only insurance.
Accident-only. This type of pet insurance covers sudden injuries like broken bones, swallowed toys, or snake bites. It’s usually the cheapest option, but it doesn’t cover illnesses like ear infections or cancer.
Wellness/preventive care add-ons. This is optional coverage you can tack on to your base pet insurance plan. It reimburses for routine expenses like checkups, vaccines, dental cleanings, flea meds, and more, up to your plan limits.

Not all pet insurance covers the same things (even if you’re comparing accident and illness plans across the board). As you compare, make note of what’s included by default versus what costs extra (like add-on coverage). For instance, some pet insurance plans exclude coverage for:

Congenital and hereditary conditions, like hip dysplasia or cherry eye
Chronic conditions, like diabetes or epilepsy
Behavioral issues, like separation anxiety or aggression

Insurers use several factors to price pet insurance policies. You’ll often see different rates from different companies, even with the same info. Here’s what companies typically consider:

Species. Cat insurance tends to cost less than dog insurance.
Breed. Some breeds are more prone to health issues (think French bulldogs or golden retrievers), which could raise premiums.
Age. Premiums often go up as your pet gets older. Some companies won’t even issue new policies to pets over a certain age. For example, Trupanion’s limit is age 14 and Healthy Paws is age 13 for buying a new policy.
Gender. Male pets can sometimes cost more to insure in some breeds if they’re more prone to certain diseases.
Veterinary service costs. If vet services cost more in your area, you could pay higher premiums. Even inflation and other economic factors could influence the pet insurance quotes you receive.
Preexisting conditions. Most insurers won’t cover anything your pet was diagnosed with before the policy started. Some (like Figo or Fetch) will cover curable preexisting conditions if there haven’t been symptoms or treatment for a certain amount of time.

Before you start plugging details into quote tools, it helps to have a few things handy. Most pet insurance providers will ask for:

Your pet’s age. You usually need their birth date or your best estimate. Puppies and kittens often cost less to insure if you enroll them young.
Breed or mix. Be as accurate as possible. If your pet is a mix, you may need to select the closest breed combo or “mixed breed” option.
ZIP code. Insurance rates are localized, so you’ll receive a quote for pet insurance based on your area.
Medical history. You don’t need to upload records during the quote process, but insurers may request them later for claims or preexisting condition reviews.
Any known health issues. If your pet has a prior diagnosis, it’s good to know how long it’s been since symptoms or treatment. Some companies will cover certain conditions if they’ve been resolved for a certain number of months.

Quick tip: Keep all this info in a Google doc or a notes app so you can copy and paste as you compare across sites. It’ll save you time and help keep your pet insurance quotes consistent.

Once you know what kind of pet insurance coverage you want and have your pet’s info ready, it’s time to start comparing quotes. There are three main ways to do that:

Insurance provider websites. This gives you the most accurate quote and allows you to see exactly what each company offers. Try getting quotes from at least three to five top pet insurance companies for a fair comparison.
Pet insurance marketplaces. Sites like Pawlicy Advisor or PetInsuranceQuotes.com let you compare multiple companies side-by-side with one form. These are great for quick overviews, but may not show all available options.
Independent agents or brokers. If you’re overwhelmed or want help understanding your options, an agent who specializes in pet insurance can walk you through it. Just make sure they’re not biased toward one company.

Start while your pet is young if you can. Premiums are lower for younger, healthier pets.
Adjust your deductible and reimbursement settings. A higher deductible or lower reimbursement rate can shrink your premium, but always aim to choose a deductible and reimbursement rate you could comfortably afford in an emergency.
Ask about discounts. Some providers offer savings for spaying/neutering, multi-pet discounts, military discounts, or savings for paying annually.

Once you’ve compared quotes and narrowed down your options, take one last look at the fine print. Double-check the exclusions, waiting periods, and any reimbursement limits that might affect your pet’s care.

If you’re deciding between two similar plans, consider the following:

How the claim process is handled
Whether or not you can pay your vet directly
How long the window is to submit claims
Whether or not a mobile app is offered

These small details can make a big difference if and when you use the policy. When you’re ready, you can usually buy your policy online. Most companies let you enroll in just a few minutes.

The best way to compare pet insurance is to do your homework. Get quotes from at least three pet insurance companies. Look closely at what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how much you’ll actually pay out of pocket. And don’t forget to factor in your pet’s unique needs — like breed-specific conditions, age, or a history of health issues.

Lastly, keep your own situation in mind as you shop. Many of the best pet insurance companies stand out for different reasons, and not all of those reasons will apply to you. For instance, Yahoo Finance found that Pets Best is the top provider overall, but MetLife is best for insuring multiple pets, Spot offers the broadest range of included coverage, and Embrace rewards healthy pets with shrinking deductibles.

Learn more: How insuring a pet may save money in the long run

No, you don’t technically need pet insurance. But if your pet is relatively healthy and doesn’t really have much that can constitute a preexisting condition, it can be a financial safety net if your pet ever gets sick or injured. Vet bills for emergency care, surgeries, or chronic conditions can easily run into the thousands.

Pet insurance costs vary based on your pet’s species, breed, age, location, and the coverage you choose. On average, accident and illness plans cost around $62.44 per month for dogs and $32.21 for cats, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. But your premium could be higher or lower depending on your pet details, deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit.

Yahoo Finance found that Lemonade pet insurance has excellent costs. That said, there isn’t one company that’s the cheapest for every pet and every situation across the board. It’s still smart to grab pet insurance quotes from at least three companies to know which has the right combo of price and value for you.

Yep, most pet insurance plans reimburse you for eligible vet bills related to accidents and illnesses. Some pet insurance companies will even cover things like exam fees, prescription drugs, and behavioral therapy. You’ll usually need a wellness add-on for routine care like vaccines, routine blood work, flea meds, or dental cleanings.