Pet Insurance: Reviews

Any pet owner can tell you -- vet costs can add up in a hurry even when your pet is well. If illness strikes, the costs can easily push things to the point where heartbreaking decisions must be made. Does that make pet insurance a necessity? Maybe -- but only if you find the right coverage and read the fine print. ConsumerSearch looks at the options, and reports on the clear winners -- and clear losers -- when it comes to pet insurance. We also tell you what to look for when evaluating a policy, and even when is the right time to get coverage for your four-footed loved ones.

Petplan

Best Pet Insurance Overall

*Est. $14 per month dogs, $9 per month cats

Estimated Price

Petplan has some of the least expensive pet insurance plans, especially given the comprehensive coverage they provide. Under Petplan's Bronze plan, all accidents and illnesses are covered, including hereditary and congenital conditions, which many plans exclude. You can choose a deductible and co-payment to fit your budget. In addition to vet services and hospitalization, the plan covers non-routine dental procedures, prescriptions, and even alternative treatments like acupuncture. Only treatment for pre-existing conditions is excluded. However, the plan does not cover preventive care like yearly exams and vaccinations, nor does it pay for spaying or neutering. Claims are reimbursed based on actual charges.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review

Embrace

Customizable Pet Insurance

*Est. $23 per month dogs, $16 per month cats

Estimated Price

Embrace stands out among pet insurance companies for its customizable policies. You can select the annual deductable, policy limit and co-payment. You can also choose whether or not to add coverage for prescription drugs and dental illnesses (dental injuries are covered under the basic plan). Actual charges are reimbursed. Finally, you can choose an add-on Wellness Rewards program, under which you get $200 per year to apply to things like routine exams and vaccinations. You can choose different options for different pets, taking into account each pet's specific situation.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review

Pet Assure

Pet Health Care Discount Plan

*Est. $10 per month dogs, $6 per month cats

Estimated Price

Pet Assure is not really pet health insurance, but a discount plan under which you pay a certain amount per month or year and receive a discount on all veterinary services, provided, of course, you take your pet to a veterinarian who participates in the plan. Any type of pet can be enrolled, including exotic pets like snakes and birds. There are no age limits and no exclusions like pre-existing conditions. You're still responsible for the bulk of veterinary expenses, but you may save over the long term.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review

COMPARE PRODUCTS

See a side-by-side comparison of key features, product specs, and prices.

PurinaCare

2 picks by top review sites.

QuickCare

2 picks by top review sites.

How to Buy Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance: Reviews

Best Pet Insurance Overall

Customizable Pet Insurance

Pet Health Care Discount Plan

Pet Insurance Runners Up: