Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for 2025


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Key Takeaways

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Based on average rates, Figo offers the lowest premiums for dogs at $43 monthly, while Embrace provides the cheapest cat coverage at $20 monthly. These two companies consistently offer the most affordable pet insurance options.

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Pet insurance costs vary by location, pet age, breed and gender. Insurance rates increase as pets age from six to 12.

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You can get cheaper pet insurance by insuring pets when they're young, choosing higher deductibles, selecting lower coverage limits, taking advantage of discounts, and paying annually.

Compare Pet Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your pet insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Who Has the Cheapest Pet Insurance?

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.

The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies: Basic Features and Costs

Feature
Figo
Embrace
Healthy Paws
Spot
Nationwide

Monthly Cost (Dogs)

$43

$45

$50

$51

$74

Monthly Cost (Cats)

$22

$20

$22

$27

$26

Accident Waiting Period

1 day

2 days

15 days

14 days

14 days

Illness Waiting Period

14 days

14 days

15 days

14 days

14 days

Orthopedic Waiting Period

6 months

6 months (can be reduced)

12 months (hip dysplasia)

14 days

12 months

*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.

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Dogs

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.

Cheapest Dog Insurance: Figo

Figo

Figo's low rates come with flexibility — you can choose from three coverage levels depending on what you want to spend. You're not locked into a network of vets, and its Pet Cloud app connects you with veterinarians around the clock. For dog owners who want affordable coverage without giving up quality, Figo balances cost and features well.

Company
Monthly Premium

1.

Figo

$43

2.

Embrace

$45

3.

GEICO

$45

4.

Healthy Paws

$50

5.

Spot

$51

6.

ASPCA

$51

7.

Hartville

$51

8.

24 Pet Watch

$54

9.

Pumpkin

$60

10.

Nationwide

$74

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Cats

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.

Cheapest Cat Insurance: Embrace

Embrace

Embrace provides the cheapest pet insurance policy for your cat at an average monthly premium of $20. The company's standout Healthy Pet Deductible feature, which reduces your annual deductible by $50 for each year without claims, makes its already cheap pet insurance an even better value over time. With additional discounts for multiple pets and military members, Embrace offers cat owners an affordable insurance option without compromising on quality coverage.

Company
Monthly Premium

1.

Embrace

$20

2.

GEICO

$20

3.

Figo

$22

4.

Healthy Paws

$22

5.

Nationwide

$26

6.

ASPCA

$27

7.

24 Pet Watch

$27

8.

Spot

$27

9.

Hartville

$28

10.

Pumpkin

$35

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies by Pet Age

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.

Cheapest Dog Insurance by Age

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.

Dog Age
Cheapest Company
Average Monthly Premium

6

Healthy Paws

$40

9

Embrace

$58

12

Embrace

$94

Cheapest Cat Insurance by Age

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.

Cat Age
Company
Average Monthly Premium

6

Healthy Paws

$22

9

Healthy Paws

$34

12

Embrace

$45

Cheapest Pet Insurance for Older Pets

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.

Cheapest Insurance Company for Older Pets: Embrace

Embrace

Although premiums will be higher for older pets (a reality across all insurance providers), Embrace provides the most cost-effective option for continuing coverage throughout your pet's golden years. The company is suitable for older pets for several key reasons: 

  1. No Upper Age Limit: Unlike many affordable pet insurance providers that won't accept new enrollments for pets over 10 or 14 years old, Embrace will insure pets of any age for accident and illness coverage.
  2. Diminishing Deductible Benefit: Its unique Healthy Pet Deductible reduces your annual deductible by $50 for each year you don't file a claim. This feature becomes especially valuable for older pets who have been insured with Embrace for several years.
  3. Comprehensive Coverage for Age-Related Conditions: Embrace covers many conditions common in older pets, including arthritis, heart disease and kidney issues (as long as they weren't pre-existing before enrollment).
  4. Customizable Coverage Options: Older pets often have different needs than younger ones. Embrace allows you to adjust coverage limits, deductibles and reimbursement percentages to create a more affordable plan that still protects against major expenses.
  5. Dental Illness Coverage: Dental problems become more common as pets age. Embrace includes this coverage in its standard plans, while many competitors charge extra or don't cover it at all.

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies by Location

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.

Cheapest Pet Insurance by State

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.

Cheapest Pet Insurance by State for Dogs

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.

State
Company
Monthly Premium

Alabama

Figo

$35

Alaska

Embrace

$34

Arizona

Figo

$45

Arkansas

Figo

$27

California

Embrace

$40

Colorado

24 Pet Watch

$51

Connecticut

24 Pet Watch

$55

Delaware

Figo

$39

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies by State for Cats

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.

State
Company
Monthly Premium

Alabama

Embrace

$16

Alaska

Embrace

$16

Arizona

Figo

$22

Arkansas

Figo

$13

California

Embrace

$18

Colorado

Figo

$25

Connecticut

Embrace

$28

Delaware

Figo

$19

Cheapest Pet Insurance by City

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.

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies by City for Dogs

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.

City
Company
Monthly Premium

1.

AK-Anchorage

Embrace

$34

2.

AK-Anchorage

GEICO

$34

3.

AK-Fairbanks

Embrace

$34

4.

AK-Juneau

Embrace

$34

5.

AL-Birmingham

Embrace

$33

6.

AL-Huntsville

Figo

$35

7.

AL-Mobile

Embrace

$33

8.

AL-Montgomery

Figo

$35

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies by City for Cats

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.

City
Company
Monthly Premium

AK-Anchorage

Embrace

$16

AK-Fairbanks

Embrace

$16

AK-Juneau

Embrace

$16

AL-Birmingham

Embrace

$15

AL-Huntsville

Embrace

$16

AL-Mobile

Embrace

$15

AL-Montgomery

Figo

$17

AR-Fayetteville

Embrace

$13

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

When searching for the cheapest pet insurance in your city, comparing quotes from Figo and Embrace is a good starting point, as these two companies consistently offer the most affordable rates nationwide.

Cheap Pet Insurance: Buying Guide

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.

How to Get Cheaper Pet Insurance

The following steps can help lower your pet insurance premiums while maintaining good coverage for your pet.

  1. 1

    Insure while your pet is young

    Rates are lower for younger pets, and you'll avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions that develop later.

  2. 2

    Choose a higher deductible

    You can reduce your monthly premiums by selecting a higher deductible before coverage begins. However, make sure you can afford that amount if something happens to your pet.

  3. 3

    Select a lower coverage limit

    While good financial protection is important, a more modest coverage limit can reduce your costs. This can make sense if you are financially secure and can pay if you go over your coverage level during a certain period.

  4. 4

    Pay annually instead of monthly

    Many pet insurance companies give you a discount if you pay your full annual premium upfront.

  5. 5

    Spay or neuter your pet

    Spayed and neutered pets don't wander off as much. There’s also a lower probability of a health complication. Both these factors result in cheaper rates.

  6. 6

    Microchip your pet

    Insurance companies often offer discounts for microchipped pets since they're easier to recover if lost.

  7. 7

    Ask about multi-pet discounts

    Insuring multiple pets with the same company saves around 10% on costs.

  8. 8

    Compare quotes from multiple providers

    Costs vary between companies, so shop around to ensure you get the most affordable pet insurance for your pet.

What Affects the Cost of Pet Insurance?

Your pet's characteristics impact your insurance cost. To get the most affordable pet insurance, consider these factors:

    dog10 icon

    Age

    Younger pets cost less to insure. For example, insuring a puppy might cost $40 monthly, while coverage for a 12-year-old dog could reach $94 per month. This happens because older pets have higher risks of developing health issues.

    pet icon

    Species

    Insuring dogs usually costs more than insuring cats. Our data shows dogs average $43 monthly while cats average $20 monthly for similar coverage.

    dog4 icon

    Breed

    Some breeds have higher genetic risks for certain conditions. Purebreds often cost more to insure than mixed breeds because they're more likely to develop breed-specific health problems. Large dog breeds generally cost more to insure than smaller breeds.

    usMap icon

    Location

    Where you live affects your premiums. Urban areas with higher veterinary costs typically have higher pet insurance rates. That's why we see significant variations in the cheapest pet insurance options across different states and cities.

    petMedicalCheckup icon

    Health Status

    Pets with pre-existing conditions may have those conditions excluded from coverage or face higher premiums. Most affordable pet insurance plans won't cover conditions that developed before enrollment.

When the Cheapest Pet Insurance Option Might Not Be Best

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.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance companies offer different coverage levels, so what you get varies widely depending on your insurer. Here's what to look for when you want affordable coverage that still meets your needs:

    injuredPet icon

    Accident-Only Coverage

    This is the most basic and cheapest pet insurance option, covering injuries from accidents but not illnesses. Monthly premiums start around $10 to $15 for cats and $15 to $25 for dogs.

    petInsurance icon

    Accident and Illness Coverage

    This is the most common type, covering injuries and illnesses, including cancer, infections and digestive problems. This comprehensive coverage has a monthly cost of $20 to $45 for cats and $30 to $70 for dogs.

    firstAidKit icon

    Wellness Coverage

    Wellness coverage, often available as an add-on to other plans, covers routine care like vaccinations, annual exams and preventative treatments. It typically adds $10 to $30 monthly to your premium.

    checkList icon

    Coverage Limits

    Companies offer different annual limits:

    • Per-incident limits (capping payouts for each condition)
    • Annual limits (ranging from $2,500 to unlimited)
    • Lifetime limits (maximum the policy will pay over your pet's life)
    hospital icon

    Covered Treatments

    Basic plans typically cover surgery, hospitalization and prescription medications. More comprehensive plans might include:

    • Dental illness coverage
    • Behavioral therapy
    • Alternative treatments (acupuncture, hydrotherapy)
    • Prescription food (for specific conditions)
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

When comparing affordable pet insurance options, check what's actually covered rather than just looking at the price. Some companies include more services in their standard plans, while others require additional payment for add-ons.

How Do Pet Insurance Deductibles Work?

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.

How Do Pet Insurance Reimbursements Work?

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
How Payments Work

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.
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Certain pet insurance companies like Pets Best offer direct vet payment options, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses at the time of treatment. Policies with a diminishing deductible feature (like Embrace offers) reduce your deductible by $50 for each year you don't file a claim, potentially saving you money over time.

How Do Pet Insurance Waiting Periods Work?

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.

Common Pet Insurance Policy Exclusions

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
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Some companies may cover "curable" pre-existing conditions after a certain period without symptoms (typically 12 months). Always read the policy details carefully before purchasing to understand exactly what's covered and what's excluded. Even the most affordable pet insurance won't help with expenses for conditions specifically listed as exclusions in your policy.

Why Pet Insurance Matters: Real Life Example

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 NUMBERS BEHIND PET EMERGENCIES

According to veterinary statistics, one in three pets will experience an emergency situation each year. Average costs for common emergencies include:

  • Intestinal blockage surgery: $3,000 to $7,000
  • Cruciate ligament tear repair: $3,500 to $5,500
  • Treatment for ingested toxins: $1,000 to $4,000
  • Emergency treatment for bloat (GDV): $2,500 to $5,000

Most Affordable Pet Insurance: Bottom Line

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.

Compare Pet Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your pet insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Cheap Pet Insurance Plans: FAQ

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

Which company provides the cheapest pet insurance for dogs?

Which company provides the cheapest pet insurance for cats?

How do you get cheaper pet insurance?

Is pet insurance cheaper for neutered pets?

Is pet insurance cheaper for mixed-breed pets?

Is pet insurance cheaper for emotional support animals?

Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies: Our Ratings Methodology

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.

Cheapest Pet Insurance: Related Pages

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


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