Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for 2025

Based on average rates, Figo and Embrace have the lowest pet insurance premiums. Actual rates and cheapest options may vary depending on several factors. The sections below show the best pet insurance rates by company, pet type, pet age and location.

*To compare rates, MoneyGeek gathered premiums for cats and dogs from multiple insurers. All policies in our analysis had a $10,000 coverage limit with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.

Figo offers the lowest average monthly premiums for dog insurance, but you can also find low-cost pet insurance from other companies. The table below highlights average monthly insurance costs from major insurers.

Embrace has the most affordable pet insurance for cats, but you may also find low-cost options from other insurance providers. Check the table below to see how insurance premiums vary by insurer.

Pet insurance costs rise as your pet ages and can double or triple between ages six and 12 as health risks increase. We recommend getting affordable pet insurance when your pet is as young as possible to lock in lower rates and avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Healthy Paws offers the cheapest pet insurance for six-year-old dogs at $40 per month. Embrace provides the most affordable coverage for nine-year-old dogs at $58 monthly. Embrace remains the cheapest pet insurance provider for 12-year-old dogs at $94 per month.

Healthy Paws has the cheapest cat insurance for six-year-olds at $22 monthly and nine-year-olds at $34 per month. For 12-year-old cats, Embrace provides the most affordable coverage at $45 per month.

Our analysis shows Embrace consistently offers the most affordable pet insurance for older dogs and cats. It has the lowest rates for nine-year-old dogs at $58 per month and 12-year-old dogs at $94 per month. While these premiums are higher than those for younger pets, they represent significant savings compared to competitors' rates for senior animals.

When comparing pet insurance rates, you'll notice costs change depending on where you live. In 39 states, the same company offers the cheapest coverage for both dogs and cats. This is good news if you have multiple pets since you can bundle everything with one insurer and potentially save on multi-pet discounts.

Pet insurance rates vary from state to state, often due to differences in veterinary costs between urban and rural areas. In most states, Figo is the cheapest option for dogs. For pet insurance for cats, Figo is the most affordable provider in 26 states, while Embrace is cheapest in 25 states.

Figo offers the cheapest dog insurance rates in 27 states, with premiums as low as $24 in Wyoming. Embrace follows with the cheapest rates in 17 states. Find your state below and see which company offers the most affordable dog insurance policy.

For cats, Figo offers the lowest cat insurance rates in 26 states, with premiums starting at $12 in Wyoming. Embrace provides the most affordable coverage for cats in 25 states. The table below shows the cheapest cat insurance provider for each state.

The cost of pet insurance also varies between cities. While urban areas often have higher vet costs, these don't always translate to higher insurance premiums.

In our study of 269 cities, Figo offers the most affordable dog insurance in 45% of these (121 cities). Its rates start at $24 per month. Embrace provides the cheapest coverage in 88 cities. Find your city below to see the cheapest rate in your area.

For cat owners, Embrace is the most affordable option in 132 of cities studied (49%), with premiums as low as $11. Figo offers the lowest rates in 110 cities (41%). The table below shows the cheapest cat insurance company in each city.

When choosing the right pet insurance policy, there are various factors to consider. For many, affordability is a significant consideration. Explore the sections below to learn more about getting affordable coverage for your pet and understanding pet insurance coverage.

The lowest-priced policy isn't always the best choice for every pet owner. Here are situations when you might want to consider paying a bit more: 

• For Breeds With Known Health Issues
  If your pet is a breed predisposed to specific health conditions (like hip dysplasia in German Shepherds or heart issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels), you may benefit from a more comprehensive policy that specifically covers these conditions without exclusions. A slightly more expensive policy that includes better coverage for breed-specific issues could save you thousands in the long run.

• For Older Pets Needing More Coverage
  As pets age, they typically need more veterinary care. Consider a slightly more expensive policy with higher coverage limits or lower deductibles if your senior pet has begun developing health issues. The additional premium might be offset by greater reimbursements for ongoing care.

• When Special Features Matter More Than Price
  Some pet owners value specific features over the lowest cost. For instance:

  • If you travel frequently with your pet, Figo's coverage in Canada and Puerto Rico may be worth a slightly higher premium.
  • If you want alternative treatments covered (acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc.), Healthy Paws includes these in its standard policy.
  • If you prefer not paying vet bills upfront, Nationwide's direct payment option might justify a higher monthly cost.

• When Customer Service Is a Priority
  Responsive customer service and quick claims processing can be invaluable in emergencies. Companies with strong reputations for customer service might cost a bit more each month, but that extra expense often pays off when you're stressed about a sick pet and need help navigating a claim.

Remember that the true value of pet insurance comes when you need to make significant claims. At that point, comprehensive coverage and reliable service often outweigh small differences in monthly premiums.

Deductibles refer to the amount you pay before your insurance starts covering costs. Pet insurance deductibles typically work in one of two ways:

• Annual deductibles: You pay this amount once per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make. Most affordable plans offer options between $100 and $1,000.
• Per-incident deductibles: You pay the deductible for each new condition or incident. This might save money if your pet has just one major issue but costs more with multiple smaller problems.

After you've met your deductible, your insurance company covers a percentage of eligible expenses — usually 70%, 80% or 90%. Choosing a higher reimbursement rate means you'll pay more each month, but you'll owe less when your pet actually needs treatment.

Reimbursement Calculation Example:

• Your vet bill: $1,000
• Your annual deductible: $250
• Your reimbursement rate: 80%
• Calculation: ($1,000 - $250) × 0.8 = $600 reimbursement

Unlike human health insurance, most pet insurance works on a reimbursement model:

1. You pay the full vet bill upfront.
2. You submit a claim to your insurance company.
3. The company reviews your claim and applies your deductible and reimbursement rate.
4. You receive reimbursement for the covered portion.

Most affordable pet insurance plans don't provide immediate coverage after enrollment. Waiting periods are the time between when you purchase a policy and when your coverage actually begins. These periods vary by company and condition type: 

• Accident coverage: Typically one to three days (Figo offers just a one-day waiting period for accidents)
• Illness coverage: Usually 14 to 30 days (most companies require at least two weeks)
• Orthopedic conditions: Often six months for issues like hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament problems (Embrace offers an option to reduce this with a vet exam)

These waiting periods prevent people from signing up only after their pet shows symptoms or gets injured. When comparing cheap pet insurance options, consider these time frames, especially if you have a breed prone to specific conditions. Some companies offer shorter waiting periods as a competitive advantage, which can be valuable for active pets at higher risk of accidents.

While affordable pet insurance helps with many veterinary costs, most policies won't cover: 

• Pre-existing conditions: Any health problem or injury your pet had before you signed up or during the waiting period after enrollment
• Routine or preventive care: Annual checkups, vaccinations and flea/tick prevention (unless you purchase a wellness add-on)
• Cosmetic procedures: Tail docking, ear cropping, declawing or other non-medically necessary surgeries
• Breeding or pregnancy costs: Expenses related to breeding, whelping or pregnancy complications
• Behavioral training: Most basic policies exclude non-medical behavioral training or therapy
• Experimental treatments: Procedures or therapies considered experimental or not approved by veterinary standards

Sophie's Emergency Surgery: A Pet Parent's Story

When Mike Thompson's three-year-old Labrador Sophie suddenly became lethargic and started whimpering in pain late on a Friday night, he knew something was seriously wrong. At the emergency vet clinic, an ultrasound revealed Sophie had swallowed a small rubber toy that was causing an intestinal blockage, requiring immediate surgery.

"The estimate was $4,800 for the emergency surgery, overnight monitoring and follow-up care," Mike recalls. “I remember feeling panicked about the cost, but so grateful I had enrolled Sophie in Embrace pet insurance when she was a puppy.”

After paying the vet bill upfront, Mike submitted his claim through Embrace's app. With his $500 annual deductible already met earlier that year and 80% reimbursement level, he received $3,840 back within a week.

"Without insurance, I would have had to put that entire amount on credit cards or dip into emergency savings," Mike says. “My monthly premium of $45 has more than paid for itself with just this one incident.”

Sophie made a full recovery, and Mike continues to maintain his pet insurance policy, knowing that young, active dogs like Sophie are prone to accidents and unexpected illnesses. His story illustrates why many pet owners consider affordable pet insurance an essential part of responsible pet ownership, particularly for accident-prone breeds.

The right pet insurance policy balances comprehensive protection and affordability. Comparing cheap offers and providers can help you find the best pet insurance. MoneyGeek ranked the cheapest pet insurance companies for dogs and cats. Compare the most affordable pet insurance plans and get your pet covered today.

We answer frequently asked questions about pet insurance to help you find the best and cheapest options based on your pet's needs.

To obtain cost data, MoneyGeek collected quotes from 13 companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Average pet insurance premiums were calculated based on rates for a policy with $10,000 coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Cost data for cats was obtained through extrapolation.