MoneyGeek’s pick for the best puppy insurance is Lemonade, which combines affordable rates with a great customer experience. Pets Best, Rainwalk, AKC and Figo are also excellent alternatives to consider.
Best Pet Insurance for Puppies
Updated: August 5, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
MoneyGeek's study found Lemonade as the best pet insurance company for puppies, earning a score of 4.50 out of 5.0.
Lemonade provides the cheapest puppy insurance, with premiums starting at $24 monthly on average.
Get the best puppy insurance that fits your budget by determining your pet’s coverage needs, comparing multiple quotes, reading reviews and understanding the fine print.
What Are the Best Puppy Pet Insurance Companies?
| Lemonade | 4.5 | $284 | 3 | 6 |
| Pets Best | 4.3 | $338 | 5 | 2 |
| Rainwalk | 4.1 | $438 | 1 | 4 |
| AKC | 4.05 | $475 | 3 | 1 |
| Figo | 3.95 | $345 | 7 | 5 |
Best Pet Insurance for Puppies by State
Lemonade wins for puppy coverage no matter which state you call home. Your annual premium will run anywhere from $190 in Arkansas to $366 in Massachusetts.
| Alabama | Lemonade | $209 |
| Alaska | Lemonade | $277 |
| Arizona | Lemonade | $346 |
| Arkansas | Lemonade | $190 |
| California | Lemonade | $360 |
| Colorado | Lemonade | $358 |
| Connecticut | Lemonade | $324 |
| Delaware | Lemonade | $286 |
| Florida | Lemonade | $322 |
| Georgia | Lemonade | $256 |
| Hawaii | Lemonade | $287 |
| Idaho | Lemonade | $284 |
| Illinois | Lemonade | $352 |
| Indiana | Lemonade | $257 |
| Iowa | Lemonade | $239 |
| Kansas | Lemonade | $258 |
| Kentucky | Lemonade | $225 |
| Louisiana | Lemonade | $229 |
| Maine | Lemonade | $345 |
| Maryland | Lemonade | $278 |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $366 |
| Michigan | Lemonade | $285 |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $295 |
| Mississippi | Lemonade | $242 |
| Missouri | Lemonade | $224 |
| Montana | Lemonade | $238 |
| Nebraska | Lemonade | $257 |
| Nevada | Lemonade | $295 |
| New Hampshire | Lemonade | $330 |
| New Jersey | Lemonade | $321 |
| New Mexico | Lemonade | $251 |
| New York | Lemonade | $309 |
| North Carolina | Lemonade | $253 |
| North Dakota | Lemonade | $218 |
| Ohio | Lemonade | $261 |
| Oklahoma | Lemonade | $237 |
| Oregon | Lemonade | $353 |
| Pennsylvania | Lemonade | $296 |
| Rhode Island | Lemonade | $247 |
| South Carolina | Lemonade | $304 |
| South Dakota | Lemonade | $251 |
| Tennessee | Lemonade | $262 |
| Texas | Lemonade | $301 |
| Utah | Lemonade | $271 |
| Vermont | Lemonade | $264 |
| Virginia | Lemonade | $303 |
| Washington | Lemonade | $327 |
| West Virginia | Lemonade | $246 |
| Wisconsin | Lemonade | $305 |
| Wyoming | Lemonade | $263 |
Lemonade
Best Overall
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
5/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
3.3/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$24Overall Sentiment
72% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
$100,000Most Unique Coverage Option
Fully customizable coverages
What Are the Cheapest Puppy Pet Insurance Companies?
MoneyGeek's analysis of companies we surveyed found that Lemonade offers the cheapest puppy insurance at $24 per month ($284 annually). These premiums reflect our standard comparison profile using a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever with $5,000 annual limits, $500 deductibles and 80% reimbursement rates. Pets Best, Figo, ASPCA and Pumpkin round out the top five most affordable options for puppy coverage.
| Lemonade | $24 | $284 | 37% |
| Pets Best | $28 | $338 | 25% |
| Figo | $29 | $345 | 23% |
| ASPCA | $30 | $356 | 21% |
| Pumpkin | $31 | $366 | 18% |
Cheapest Pet Insurance for Puppies by State
By state, Lemonade remains the cheapest pet insurance company for puppies in all 50 states. You can save from 18% to 58% in costs, depending on where you live.
| Arkansas | Lemonade | $16 | 58% |
| Alabama | Lemonade | $17 | 53% |
| North Dakota | Lemonade | $18 | 51% |
| Missouri | Lemonade | $19 | 50% |
| Kentucky | Lemonade | $19 | 50% |
| Louisiana | Lemonade | $19 | 49% |
| Montana | Lemonade | $20 | 47% |
| Oklahoma | Lemonade | $20 | 47% |
| Iowa | Lemonade | $20 | 47% |
| Mississippi | Lemonade | $20 | 46% |
| West Virginia | Lemonade | $20 | 45% |
| Rhode Island | Lemonade | $21 | 45% |
| New Mexico | Lemonade | $21 | 44% |
| South Dakota | Lemonade | $21 | 44% |
| North Carolina | Lemonade | $21 | 44% |
| Georgia | Lemonade | $21 | 43% |
| Nebraska | Lemonade | $21 | 43% |
| Indiana | Lemonade | $21 | 43% |
| Kansas | Lemonade | $21 | 43% |
| Ohio | Lemonade | $22 | 42% |
| Tennessee | Lemonade | $22 | 42% |
| Wyoming | Lemonade | $22 | 41% |
| Vermont | Lemonade | $22 | 41% |
| Utah | Lemonade | $23 | 40% |
| Alaska | Lemonade | $23 | 38% |
| Maryland | Lemonade | $23 | 38% |
| Idaho | Lemonade | $24 | 37% |
| Michigan | Lemonade | $24 | 37% |
| Delaware | Lemonade | $24 | 36% |
| Hawaii | Lemonade | $24 | 36% |
| Nevada | Lemonade | $25 | 34% |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $25 | 34% |
| Pennsylvania | Lemonade | $25 | 34% |
| Texas | Lemonade | $25 | 33% |
| Virginia | Lemonade | $25 | 32% |
| South Carolina | Lemonade | $25 | 32% |
| Wisconsin | Lemonade | $25 | 32% |
| New York | Lemonade | $26 | 31% |
| New Jersey | Lemonade | $27 | 28% |
| Florida | Lemonade | $27 | 28% |
| Connecticut | Lemonade | $27 | 28% |
| Washington | Lemonade | $27 | 27% |
| New Hampshire | Lemonade | $27 | 27% |
| Maine | Lemonade | $29 | 23% |
| Arizona | Lemonade | $29 | 23% |
| Illinois | Lemonade | $29 | 22% |
| Oregon | Lemonade | $29 | 21% |
| Colorado | Lemonade | $30 | 20% |
| California | Lemonade | $30 | 20% |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $31 | 18% |
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Puppies?
Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, the average cost of pet insurance for 1-year-old puppies is $36 per month. However, this varies based on your puppy's age. Puppies under 1 year old have slightly lower premiums at $33 per month on average.
| Under 1 | $33 | $392 |
| 1 | $36 | $427 |
| 2 | $39 | $471 |
*Rates are based on our standard Labrador Retriever profile with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement rate.
What Factors Affect Puppy Insurance Costs?
Puppies are generally cheaper to insure than older dogs because they have fewer pre-existing health conditions and lower claim frequencies. How much you’ll pay for pet insurance depends on several factors, including:
Age
Puppy insurance rates increase as your dog grows, even within the first year of life. A 3-month-old puppy typically costs less to insure than a 10-month-old puppy because younger animals have had less time to develop health issues.
Breed
Your puppy's breed affects insurance costs from day one due to known hereditary conditions that can appear early in life. For instance, French Bulldog puppies face higher premiums because of potential breathing issues. Mixed-breed puppies, on the other hand, have lower rates since they're less likely to inherit breed-specific health conditions.
Location
Veterinary costs in your area directly impact puppy insurance premiums, with urban areas typically costing more than rural locations. Some regions have higher rates of certain puppy diseases or parasites, which can affect local pricing.
Behavioral or activity risks
Puppies are naturally curious and active, leading to more accident claims. Some insurers consider certain activities risky, such as agility training or hiking with young puppies whose bones are still developing.
Coverage options
The coverage options you choose for your puppy affect how much you’ll pay for puppy insurance, with higher limits and lower deductibles increasing costs. Adding a wellness plan also increases your premium but can provide value for puppies who need multiple vaccinations and spaying or neutering during their first year.
How to Get the Best Cheap Pet Insurance for Puppies
Getting pet insurance for your puppy that provides enough financial protection without straining your budget doesn't have to be hard. Here's how to start:
- 1
Know what coverage you need
Start by deciding between a basic accident-only policy or comprehensive accident-and-illness coverage, keeping in mind that puppies are prone to both types of claims. Also consider your coverage options carefully: higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but require more out-of-pocket spending, while lower reimbursement rates cost less but mean you'll receive less money back after paying the full vet bill upfront. Choose annual limits based on your comfort level, with $10,000 to $20,000 providing solid financial protection for most puppy emergencies without paying for excessive coverage.
- 2
Compare multiple providers
Get quotes from at least three pet insurance companies for puppies using the same coverage parameters to ensure accurate comparisons. Look for available discounts such as multi-pet discounts, annual payment discounts or special puppy promotions that can reduce your costs.
- 3
Look out for reviews and recommendations
Research customer reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot to understand real experiences with claims processing and customer service. You can also ask your veterinarian for recommendations, as they often see which insurers pay claims quickly and work well with their practice.
- 4
Read the fine print
Carefully review waiting periods, exclusions and coverage limitations before signing up for any policy. Pay special attention to how each insurer defines pre-existing conditions and what happens if your puppy develops health issues during waiting periods. Understand exactly what's covered and not, including breed-specific exclusions that might affect your puppy.
- 5
Review annually
Reassess your puppy's coverage yearly, as pet insurance rates typically increase with age. Compare your current policy against new options on the market, as you might find better deals or improved coverage from other providers.
What Is the Best Pet Insurance for Puppies: Bottom Line
Lemonade stands out as the best overall company for puppy insurance in MoneyGeek’s study, earning a score of 4.50 out of 5.0, while offering the most affordable coverage starting at $24 monthly. Still, shop around by comparing quotes from multiple insurers, reading customer reviews and analyzing policy details to ensure you get the best coverage for your puppy.
Best Pet Insurance for Puppies 2025: FAQ
When searching for the best pet insurance for puppies, many pet owners have similar concerns about coverage and costs. We've addressed these frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision:
What is the best pet insurance company for puppies?
MoneyGeek's study ranked Lemonade as the best pet insurance company for puppies, with a score of 4.50 out of 5.0. It provides affordable rates with solid customer service and fully customizable policies.
What is the cheapest pet insurance for puppies?
Lemonade offers the cheapest puppy insurance at $24 monthly, based on MoneyGeek's analysis.
When should I get pet insurance for my puppy?
Enroll your puppy within the first few weeks of bringing it home. Early enrollment prevents pre-existing conditions and secures lower rates. Puppies under 1 year cost an average of $33 monthly to insure versus $36 for 1-year-olds.
What factors affect puppy insurance costs?
How much you’ll pay for puppy insurance depends on factors including your pet’s coverage needs, age, breed and behavioral or activity risks. The coverage options you choose also directly impact premiums.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions in puppies?
No, pet insurance doesn't usually cover pre-existing conditions in puppies or other pets. Health issues before coverage begins will be excluded, making early enrollment crucial.
What should I look for when comparing puppy insurance providers?
When shopping around for puppy insurance, get quotes from at least three companies using identical parameters. Compare annual limits, deductibles, reimbursement rates and carefully review waiting periods and exclusions.
Is accident-only or accident-and-illness coverage better for puppies?
Accident-and-illness coverage is generally better for puppies since they face both types of claims. Puppies commonly experience illnesses like parasites and infections alongside accidents from rough play. While accident-only costs less, comprehensive coverage provides broader financial protection for your puppy's varied health risks during their active early months.
Are wellness plans worth it for puppies?
Wellness plans can provide value for puppies needing extensive first-year care like multiple vaccinations, spaying or neutering and frequent check-ups. However, wellness add-ons significantly increase premiums. Skip them if your veterinarian offers affordable puppy packages or you prefer budgeting separately.
How We Found the Best and Cheapest Puppy Insurance
We analyzed 20 major pet insurance companies in the United States to identify the best and cheapest puppy insurance options. Our research focused on three core ratings: affordability, customer experience and coverage options to give our top recommendations.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we used standardized policy parameters for all quotes:
- $5,000 annual coverage limit
- 80% reimbursement rate
- $500 deductible
- 1-year-old Labrador Retriever
How We Score Each Provider
Affordability (50% of overall score): We gathered insurance quotes for puppies and compared them across all states. We also took discounts into consideration, though they're a minor component as there's only slight variation between companies.
Customer Experience (30% of overall score): We gathered customer feedback from multiple online sources, particularly Trustpilot and Reddit, to calculate satisfaction scores based on real user experiences.
Coverage Options (20% of overall score): We examined complete contract terms for each provider across all states, evaluating add-on options, covered benefits, exclusions and policy restrictions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.