Whether your dog is your hiking partner, loyal cuddle buddy, or vigilant protector, protecting them with a good pet insurance plan is essential. With so many dog insurance providers on the market, finding the right one for your furry family member can be a challenge, especially if your dog is older or has pre-existing health conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore the top dog insurance companies of 2024, giving you insights into the best options based on coverage, customer satisfaction, affordability, and special features.
Why Pet Insurance is Important for Your Dog
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of veterinary care in the event of accidents, illness, and sometimes even routine care, depending on the plan. Dog owners, on average, visit the vet multiple times a year, and emergency care can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on caring for your pet rather than worrying about the financial stress of an unexpected illness or injury.
Key Considerations When Choosing Dog Insurance
Before diving into the list of best providers, it’s important to understand the factors to look for when choosing the right policy for your dog:
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions – Many insurance providers do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some offer coverage for curable conditions after a waiting period.
- Bilateral conditions – Some companies consider conditions on one side of the body (like a torn ligament) as a pre-existing condition if it has already occurred on the other side.
- Age limitations – Some insurers do not cover older dogs, or they may impose higher premiums for senior pets.
- Claims process and payout – How fast an insurer processes claims and whether they pay the vet directly or require reimbursement can affect your decision.
Let’s now explore the best dog insurance companies for 2024.
Top Dog Insurance Providers
1. Figo Pet Insurance – Best Overall
Figo Pet Insurance stands out for offering comprehensive coverage with minimal exclusions. One of its key strengths is covering curable pre-existing conditions after a waiting period of 12 months. It also has no bilateral exclusion clause, meaning if your dog experiences an injury on one side of its body, a similar injury on the opposite side will still be covered.
- Annual Deductible Options: $100 to $1,500
- Reimbursement Percentage: 70% to 100%
- Claim Turnaround Time: 9 to 12 days
- Enrollment Age: 8 weeks and up, no maximum age
Pros:
- Covers dental illness, alternative treatments, and curable pre-existing conditions
- No lifetime benefit limit
- Fast claims processing with average turnaround of just a few days
- 15% discount for Costco members
Cons:
- Maximum deductible is $750, which may not appeal to those looking for higher deductibles
- No accident-only plan
- Does not offer direct vet payments
2. Pets Best – Best for Vet-Direct Payments
If you’re concerned about paying large vet bills upfront, Pets Best offers a direct payment option, so the insurer pays the vet directly. This can save pet owners from having to wait for reimbursement. They also offer a budget-friendly accident-only plan starting at $9 per month.
- Annual Deductible Options: $50 to $1,000
- Reimbursement Percentage: 70% to 90%
- Claim Turnaround Time: 20 to 25 days
- Enrollment Age: 7 weeks and up, no maximum age
Pros:
- Direct vet payment option available
- Accident-only plan for budget-conscious pet owners
- Customizable plans with add-ons for exams, medications, and rehab
- No lifetime benefit cap
Cons:
- Does not cover holistic and alternative therapies
- Bilateral conditions considered pre-existing
- Limited wellness plan
3. ASPCA Pet Insurance – Best for “Cured” Pre-Existing Conditions
ASPCA Pet Insurance offers excellent coverage for dogs that have been cured of a pre-existing condition, as long as the pet has been symptom-free for the last six months. However, ligament and knee conditions are excluded from this.
- Annual Deductible Options: $100 to $500
- Reimbursement Percentage: 70% to 90%
- Claim Turnaround Time: 14 to 30 days
- Enrollment Age: 8 weeks and up, no maximum age
Pros:
- Covers behavioral conditions, hereditary conditions, and dental disease
- Alternative treatments like acupuncture are covered
- No extended waiting period for certain conditions
- Multi-pet discount (10%)
Cons:
- Does not cover “cured” ligament or knee conditions
- Wellness plan offers limited benefits
4. Lemonade Pet Insurance – Cheapest Premiums
Lemonade is known for its budget-friendly policies, with premiums starting as low as $10 per month. While not as comprehensive as some other providers, Lemonade covers the basics and offers a variety of add-ons for things like preventative care and vet visit fees.
- Annual Deductible Options: $100 to $750
- Reimbursement Percentage: 60% to 90%
- Claim Turnaround Time: 12 to 18 days
- Enrollment Age: 8 weeks to 14 years
Pros:
- Lowest premiums on the market
- Discounts available for multi-pet and annual payment
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
Cons:
- Not available in all states
- No coverage for bilateral conditions if pre-existing on one side
- Basic policy lacks some coverage found in other providers
5. MetLife Pet Insurance – Best for Older Pets and Discounts
With no age limits and a wide range of deductible options, MetLife Pet Insurance is ideal for older pets. The company offers a diminishing deductible each year you don’t file a claim, which can save you money over time.
- Annual Deductible Options: $0 to $500
- Reimbursement Percentage: 70% to 90%
- Claim Turnaround Time: 10 days
- Enrollment Age: No age limit
Pros:
- No age limits or breed restrictions
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions and bilateral conditions
- Wide range of discount options, including a healthcare worker discount
- Diminishing deductible for claim-free years
Cons:
- Premiums are about average
- No accident-only plan
- No direct vet payment option
How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?
Dog insurance can range from as low as $9 per month for accident-only plans to over $100 per month for more comprehensive coverage, especially for older dogs or those with pre-existing conditions. For example, Lemonade offers plans starting at $10 per month, while more comprehensive providers like Figo and MetLife may cost more depending on your dog’s age, breed, and health history.
Is Dog Insurance Worth It?
Yes, dog insurance is worth it. Veterinary care can be costly, especially in emergencies, where costs can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. Having insurance ensures you can focus on your dog’s health without worrying about the financial burden. Dog insurance typically covers diagnostics, treatments, medications, and surgeries related to accidents and illnesses, making it a valuable investment for many pet owners.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best dog insurance for 2024, it ultimately comes down to your dog’s needs, health condition, and your budget. Figo offers the most comprehensive coverage overall, while MetLife is a great choice for older pets or those needing discounts. If cost is your primary concern, Lemonade provides the cheapest premiums, and Pets Best allows for direct payments to vets. For dogs with curable pre-existing conditions, ASPCA provides excellent options.
No matter what provider you choose, pet insurance can offer invaluable peace of mind as you navigate the unexpected challenges of dog ownership.
So that was all about this article. If you have any further questions feel free to comment down below. We are always here to help you!
