Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies: Coverage, Cost & Savings 2025

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A $3,000 emergency vet bill doesn’t have to drain your savings. Most pet owners don’t realize that thorough pet insurance can cost less than a monthly streaming subscription—yet it covers everything from sudden injuries to chronic illnesses.

The gap between affordable premiums and financial protection is smaller than you think. Your pet’s age, breed, and where you live all shape what you’ll pay, but even budget-friendly plans can reimburse up to 90% of vet costs.

Smart policy choices and comparison shopping can cut premiums in half while maintaining solid coverage. Here’s how to find cheap pet insurance that actually protects your wallet when your dog swallows a toy or your cat develops diabetes.

Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies

Finding affordable pet insurance doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality coverage. Several top-rated companies offer competitive rates while still protecting your pet when accidents or illnesses strike.

Here’s a breakdown of the best cheap pet insurance options based on what matters most to you.

Lemonade – Cheapest for Dogs

If you’re looking for rock-bottom premiums without skimping on real protection, Lemonade delivers. This company averages just $19.44 monthly for dogs—well below what most competitors charge. Here’s what you get:

1. Reimbursement up to 90% on diagnostics, surgeries, medication, and hospital stays
2. Three preventive care tiers covering dental cleanings, spaying, and bloodwork
3. Multi-pet and annual payment discounts (10% off when you add another pet)
4. Excellent customer reviews—4.9 out of 5 stars from over 200,000 pet owners

Coverage customization lets you dial in exactly what your dog needs without paying for extras you won’t use.

The average dog insurance cost is about $46 per month.

Figo – Cheapest for Cats

Figo stands out with cat insurance averaging just $8.15 per month—about half what most pet insurance companies charge. You can choose reimbursement rates from 70% up to 100%, which gives you serious flexibility. Plans include unlimited annual coverage options, and deductibles start at $250.

Compared to competitors like Pumpkin ($29/month) or even Pets Best ($13/month), Figo’s mid-tier plans hit the sweet spot for affordable pet insurance options without sacrificing meaningful protection for your cat.

Figo’s plans also cover prescription medications, adding further value.

Pets Best – Best Vet Pay Options

Pets Best makes life easier at checkout with Vet Direct Pay, which sends claim reimbursement directly to your veterinarian—no need to float hundreds or thousands upfront. Plans average $22 monthly for dogs and $13 for cats, with flexible plan configuration options including deductibles from $50 to $1,000 and annual limits up to unlimited coverage.

About 88% of customers call it a worthwhile investment, and pet insurance companies rarely match that customer satisfaction rate for cheap pet insurance with veterinary care that’s this simple.

MetLife – Best for Older Pets

Most pet insurance companies turn away senior pets or charge sky-high premiums, but MetLife welcomes older dogs with no upper age limit—starting around $16 monthly for dogs and $7 for cats.

You’ll get up to 90% reimbursement on accidents, illnesses, and optional preventive care like teeth cleanings, with claim processing usually wrapped up within five days.

Policy customization lets you balance affordability and coverage depth, making MetLife a standout among cheap pet insurance options for aging companions.

AKC – Best for Pre-existing Conditions

AKC Pet Insurance stands alone as the only major provider covering pre-existing conditions—both curable and incurable—after 365 days of continuous coverage. That’s why chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease become eligible for reimbursement after your first policy renewal, giving your pet a second chance at affordable care.

AKC Pet Insurance is the only major provider that covers pre-existing conditions after one year, giving pets affordable care for chronic illnesses

Key renewal benefits include:

1. Coverage Duration: Condition eligibility begins after one year of continuous policy maintenance
2. Condition Eligibility: Chronic illnesses previously excluded qualify for claims processing post-renewal
3. Hereditary Coverage: HereditaryPlus add-on extends protection to genetic disorders like hip dysplasia
4. Policy Underwriter: Independence American Insurance Company backs all AKC policies nationwide

This makes AKC the top choice among cheap pet insurance companies when preexisting conditions matter most.

Spot, Pumpkin, and Other Top Affordable Providers

Beyond the big names, Spot and Pumpkin round out the best cheap pet insurance companies with competitive rates and solid benefits. Spot earns a 5-star rating with monthly premiums starting around $30 for dogs, offering unlimited annual coverage and 90% reimbursement options.

Pumpkin brings preventive care into base plans, covering vaccinations and wellness exams without extra add-ons. Both providers let you customize deductibles and coverage limits, giving you control over what fits your budget without sacrificing protection.

What Does Cheap Pet Insurance Cover?

Not all pet insurance plans cover the same things, and cheaper policies often come with trade-offs. Understanding what’s included—and what’s not—helps you pick a plan that fits your budget without leaving gaps in protection.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common coverage types you’ll find in affordable pet insurance.

Accident-Only Policies

Accident-only plans are the cheapest pet insurance option, covering emergencies like broken bones, bite wounds, or toxic ingestion—but not illnesses or chronic conditions. Average monthly premiums run around $16 for dogs and $9 for cats.

These policies generally offer up to $10,000 in annual coverage with a $250 deductible and 10% copay. They’re ideal for budget-conscious owners who want protection against sudden injuries without paying for extensive illness coverage.

Accident and Illness Policies

Most cheap pet insurance plans cover both accidents and illnesses, protecting you against injuries and conditions like cancer, infections, or orthopedic problems. You’ll generally pay $56 monthly for dogs and $32 for cats, with reimbursement rates between 70–90% after meeting your deductible.

Policy customization lets you adjust coverage limits and copays to fit your budget.

Expect waiting periods of 14–21 days for illness coverage, while the claims process averages 3–14 days depending on your provider.

Wellness and Preventive Care Add-Ons

Wellness plans cover routine care like annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and parasite prevention—services that standard policies exclude. You’ll pay around $23 monthly for dogs and $20 for cats, with two common tiers offering $305–$735 in annual reimbursement.

These preventive care add-ons increase vet visits by 20%, helping catch problems early while spreading out costs for predictable services your pet needs anyway.

Common Exclusions in Basic Plans

Did you know most pet insurance policies won’t touch Pre-existing Conditions, Routine Care, or Elective Procedures? Age Restrictions kick in for older pets, and End-of-Life services are rarely covered.

That means cheap pet insurance often excludes dental cleanings, grooming, or chronic illnesses—leaving you to handle these costs yourself.

It’s important to read every policy’s exclusions before signing up.

Factors That Affect Pet Insurance Cost

Pet insurance premiums aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your monthly rate depends on several key factors that insurance companies weigh when calculating your quote.

Let’s look at what drives the cost up or down.

Pet’s Age, Breed, and Species

Your pet’s age, breed, and species are the biggest drivers of what you’ll pay each month. Younger pets start cheap, but premiums climb as birthdays pile up—senior dogs can cost 326% more than puppies.

• Dogs cost roughly double what cats do: $62 monthly versus $32 on average in 2025
• French bulldogs hit $92/month due to breed-specific premiums from respiratory issues
• Chihuahuas run just $11–$12, showing how breed-specific health risks shape costs
• Mixed breed savings reach 30–45% compared to purebreds with hereditary conditions
• Age-based costs spike after age 6, with annual increases of 8–12% for dogs

Species comparison matters too—dogs file claims 1.8 times more often than cats, which explains the gap.

Location and ZIP Code

Where you live matters as much as what breed you have. Your ZIP code directly shapes pet insurance costs because insurers price policies based on local vet economics and claim patterns.

Urban premiums run 40–50% higher than rural discounts—Manhattan dog owners pay $50–$70 monthly while rural Texas rates drop 35% lower. State averages tell the story too: Massachusetts hits $825 yearly for dogs versus California’s $166.

ZIP determinants include specialist density, cost-of-living indices, and treatment price gaps reaching 93% between regions.

Coverage Type and Plan Level

Beyond geography, your coverage choice directly drives monthly premiums. Accident-only coverage starts at just $16 monthly for dogs—but excludes illness claims responsible for 60% of vet bills. Accident and illness coverage jumps to $60 for dogs, while unlimited plans hit $76 monthly. Wellness add-ons tack on another $10–$25.

Tier selection alone accounts for 40% of premium differences across comparable pet insurance plans, making this your biggest cost lever.

Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates

Once you pick coverage, deductibles and reimbursement rates reshape your bottom line. Most deductibles span $0 to $1,000, with $250 as the sweet spot—balancing premium savings against out-of-pocket risk. Reimbursement options generally run 70% to 90%, though some providers offer 100%.

An 80% reimbursement rate paired with a $250 deductible averages $44 monthly for dogs. Higher deductibles slash premiums but increase claim payouts you’ll cover yourself, so weigh your pet’s health history and your budget carefully.

Annual and Lifetime Coverage Limits

Coverage limits set the ceiling on your annual or lifetime reimbursement, with most 2025 plans offering $2,500 to unlimited options. Pet insurance costs climb when you raise annual coverage limits—moving from $5,000 to unlimited increases premiums roughly 23% for dogs and 36% for cats.

• Coverage Variability: Providers like Pets Best and Spot offer tiers from $5,000 to unlimited, letting you customize based on budget and risk tolerance.
• Market Adoption: About 35% of new buyers choose $10,000 annual limits as a balanced middle ground, while lifetime benefits plans now represent 27% of U.S. policies.
• Cost Implications: Unlimited coverage averages $56 monthly for dogs versus $44 for $5,000 limits, though only 19% of policyholders file claims exceeding $10,000 yearly.

Limit customization at renewal is now standard with 72% of insurers, reflecting growing demand for flexible pet insurance.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Pet insurance costs vary based on several factors, but knowing the typical price range helps you budget and compare plans. Dogs average around $56 to $62 per month, while cats run closer to $32 monthly.

Let’s break down what you can expect to pay based on your pet’s profile and where you live.

Average Dog Insurance Premiums

Your dog’s insurance rates will range quite a bit based on breed cost, age impact, and location pricing. The average dog premium nationally sits at $62.44 per month, or about $749 annually.

Younger pups generally start around $42 monthly, while older dogs can reach $71 or more as they age.

Policy types matter too—unlimited annual coverage averages $81, while a $5,000 cap brings it down to $52.

Average Cat Insurance Premiums

Cat insurance costs less than you’d think. The average cat premium runs $32.21 monthly, or roughly $386 yearly. Your actual rate depends on age premiums, breed impact, geographic costs, and coverage types—with provider variance creating significant price gaps.

1. Kittens start cheapest – Three-month-old cats average $23 monthly, climbing to $35 by age seven
2. Unlimited coverage costs more – Expect $37 monthly versus $27 for capped plans
3. Location matters – Indiana and Texas offer $23 rates while Connecticut hits $33
4. Provider prices vary widely – ASPCA starts at $14, while Trupanion reaches $65 for comparable plans

Cheapest Plans by State and Region

Where you live impacts your premiums more than most pet owners realize. Arkansas offers the cheapest dog insurance at $34 monthly and cat coverage at just $19—well below the national average of $43 for dogs and $23 for cats. Meanwhile, Alaska’s rates hit $58 for dogs and $60 for cats due to limited vet availability and higher regional cost factors.

Northeastern states like New York ($71 dogs, $39 cats) and Connecticut ($69 dogs, $37 cats) maintain expensive state analysis territory, while Midwest options like Iowa ($38 dogs, $20 cats) deliver affordable pet insurance.

These premium fluctuation causes stem from veterinary costs, urban versus rural differences, and state-specific risks—making affordable state options worth hunting for when comparing pet insurance companies.

State	Monthly Dog Premium	Monthly Cat Premium	Cost Tier
Arkansas	$34	$19	Lowest
Alaska	$58	$60	Highest
Iowa	$38	$20	Low
New York	$71	$39	High

Premium Range by Breed and Age

Your pet’s breed and age drive insurance costs more than any other factor. French Bulldogs pay $1,035 yearly, while Chihuahuas average just $636—breed-specific conditions explain this premium escalation.

Age-related premiums climb sharply too: a three-month puppy costs $42 monthly, but that same dog at age ten hits $114. Sample rates for senior pets show costs nearly tripling.

Cats follow similar patterns, with kittens starting at $25 and fourteen-year-olds exceeding $100 monthly.

Ways to Save on Pet Insurance

Pet insurance doesn’t have to break the bank if you know where to look. Small adjustments to your policy and taking advantage of available discounts can make a real difference in your monthly premium.

Here’s how you can keep costs down without sacrificing the coverage your pet needs.

Comparing Quotes From Multiple Providers

You won’t believe how much the same coverage can differ between pet insurance companies—sometimes by over $12,000 for identical pets. Comparing pet insurance rates from multiple providers is one of the smartest ways to find cheap pet insurance without sacrificing quality care. Here’s why comparison outcomes matter:

• Quote variations reveal huge savings: For the same breed and age, premiums can range from around $4,800 to over $17,500 depending on the insurer you choose.
• Consumer comparison uncovers hidden details: Evaluating factors like reimbursement rates, coverage limits, and exclusions helps you spot the best value.
• Cost savings add up fast: Comparing pet insurance plans can cut your annual cost of pet insurance by 5% to 25%, plus reveal multi-pet or payment discounts you might otherwise miss.

Adjusting Coverage, Deductibles, and Limits

Once you’ve compared quotes, adjusting your policy details can yield even bigger premium savings. Raising your annual deductible from $250 to $1,000 can slash premiums by 15–38%, while lowering your reimbursement options from 90% to 70% saves up to 25% monthly. Adjusting coverage limits—say, choosing a $5,000 annual max coverage instead of unlimited—cuts costs by 12–27%.

These customization trends let you control expenses without dropping protection entirely.

Multi-Pet, Annual Payment, and Military Discounts

Beyond adjusting coverage levels, discount stacking can drive major savings. Multi-pet discounts—usually 5–10% per additional pet—combine with annual payment options to cut premiums by 12–18% per cycle.

MetLife and Fetch offer 10% military discounts for active-duty members and veterans, reducing costs by around $72 annually.

Eligibility criteria vary, so provider comparison helps you get the most out of policy optimization and pocket real savings.

Considering Accident-Only or Basic Plans

If you want the lowest premiums—averaging $15.71 monthly for dogs and $10.93 for cats—accident-only plans deliver serious cost savings. These policies cover fractures, foreign object ingestion, and emergency care, but policy exclusions leave out illnesses and hereditary issues. You’ll handle routine checkups yourself.

Limited coverage works if your pet’s young and healthy, and most providers let you explore upgrade options later.

Compare claim scenarios before you buy: accident-only cheap pet insurance means lower deductibles, but you’re on your own when sickness strikes.

Comparing Cheap Pet Insurance Plans

Not all cheap pet insurance plans are built the same, even when the price tags look similar. You’ll want to look past the monthly premium and compare what you’re actually getting for your money.

Here’s what to focus on when weighing your options.

Coverage and Reimbursement Differences

Most plans reimburse 70% to 90% of eligible vet expenses after you meet your deductible. Providers like Pets Best and Lemonade generally offer 80% reimbursement as standard, while AKC and MetLife let you choose between 70%, 80%, or 90% tiers.

Higher reimbursement rates boost premiums by 15% to 30%, but lower your out-of-pocket costs when claims come through.

Speed of Claims Processing and Customer Service

Speedy claims processing separates top providers from the rest. Lemonade processes simple pet insurance claims in 2 business days, while Healthy Paws usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. The average claims processing time dropped to 5 days in 2023, but automation impact varies widely—some insurers still rely on manual data entry that delays your reimbursement.

Customer satisfaction suffers when 60% cite settlement delays as their main complaint. Customer service ratings climb when companies offer digital features like live chat or 24-hour vet helplines.

Customization Options and Add-Ons

Most affordable pet insurance coverage options let you adjust deductibles from $50 to $1,000 and pick reimbursement rates at 70%, 80%, or 90%. Modular coverage plans separate accident and illness limits—Nationwide and MetLife offer flexible annual caps starting at $2,000 or unlimited tiers.

Wellness add-ons covering routine exams and vaccines generally add $15–$20 monthly. Some plans now include therapy options like acupuncture or behavioral care as elective riders.

Multi-pet and military discounts slash premiums by 5%–15%.

Reviews and Ratings From Pet Owners

Customer satisfaction scores tell you where cheap pet insurance providers really shine. Lemonade, Trupanion, and Healthy Paws each earned 4.9 out of 5 stars from pet owners, driven by fast claims experience and strong value perception.

In a 2025 MarketWatch survey, 74% of insured pet owners felt satisfied with their cheapest pet insurance companies. Provider reputation matters—40% of buyers say online pet insurance reviews directly influence their choice. Review influence is real when comparing customer service and reimbursement speed across pet insurance providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)