Pet insurance costs have risen by more than 5% since last year. Dog owners now pay about $676 each year for coverage. This amount might look high, but it’s nowhere near what surprise vet bills could set you back.
My research into dog insurance plans with unlimited yearly coverage revealed some interesting options. Companies like Embrace, Trupanion, and Healthy Paws provide policies without lifetime payout limits, so your covered treatments will never hit a ceiling.
Dog insurance choices in 2024 differ substantially in their benefits. Pumpkin reimburses up to 90% of vet costs without age limits or breed restrictions. Figo takes it further and can cover all your bills. Budget-conscious pet owners can choose accident-only policies starting at $204 per year, though these plans provide less protection than complete coverage.
Lemonade: Most Affordable Unlimited Coverage
Lemonade stands out in the pet insurance market with dog plans that start at $10 per month. Their AI-powered platform makes pet insurance both accessible and affordable.
Lemonade’s AI-Powered Claims Process
Their AI system handles almost half of all claims within minutes. Pet owners can easily file claims through the mobile app. The process is simple – record a quick video about what happened and upload your documents. Most pet owners receive their money back within 48 hours after approval.
Coverage Details and Restrictions
The basic policy has coverage for diagnostics, procedures, medications, and hospital stays when accidents and illnesses occur. You can pick yearly coverage limits between $5,000 and $100,000. The policy also comes with five optional extras:
- Vet exam fees
- Dental care (up to $1,000 yearly)
- Behavioral conditions (up to $1,000 yearly)
- Physical therapy
- End-of-life and remembrance coverage
Premium Structure and Discounts
Dog owners pay an average of $47 monthly, while cat coverage costs around $28, depending on age, breed, and location. You can customize your policy by choosing:
- Co-insurance options: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, or $750
- Annual limits: $5,000 to $100,000
Pet owners can save money through several discounts:
- 5% off for insuring multiple pets
- 10% off when bundling with other Lemonade policies
- 5% off for paying annually
The policy works through reimbursement. You’ll need to pay the vet first and submit your claim afterward. You can visit any licensed vet in the United States, which gives you plenty of options for your pet’s care.
MetLife: Best for Military Families
Military families can get reliable pet coverage with MetLife’s customizable plans. The company won “Pet Insurance of the Year” in the 2024 Pet Independent Innovation Awards Program.
MetLife’s Coverage Features
MetLife provides detailed pet insurance without breed restrictions or upper age limits. The standard plan has coverage for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, and alternative therapies. Pet owners can customize their plans with:
- Reimbursement rates up to 90%
- Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
- Annual coverage limits from $500 to unlimited
Special Military Discounts
MetLife gives a 10% discount to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their immediate families. The discount applies to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and National Guard. Service members can verify their eligibility through SheerID or ID.me verification platform.
Claims Processing Experience
Claims processing is quick, with most claims completed within 5 days when you submit all required documents. Pet owners need to submit claims within 90 days of treatment. You can receive reimbursements through several payment options:
- Direct deposit (ACH)
- Zelle
- PayPal
- Paper checks
The policy has a special healthy pet incentive that automatically reduces deductibles by $25 or $50 for claim-free policy years. MetLife’s family plan lets multiple pets contribute to the same deductible, which helps households with several pets save money.
Prudent Pet: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Prudent Pet’s Ultimate plan sets a high standard with unlimited annual coverage for complete pet protection. Markel American Insurance Company underwrites the plan with an A rating for financial strength. The provider gives dog owners extensive coverage options.
Prudent Pet’s Ultimate Plan Features
The Ultimate plan has coverage for treatments, surgeries, and hospitalizations without annual limits. Pet owners can customize their policies by selecting:
- Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Deductible options from $100 to $1,000
- Unlimited annual benefits for eligible expenses
Additional Coverage Benefits
The plan goes beyond standard coverage with unique benefits up to $1,000 for behavioral disorders. Coverage extends to dental injuries and illnesses, hereditary conditions, and congenital birth defects. Pet owners also get:
- Up to $500 for lost pet advertising and rewards
- Up to $500 for medically necessary boarding
- Up to $1,000 for end-of-life expenses
Customer Service Quality
Prudent Pet boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating out of five on Trustpilot. Their claim processing is quick, with 75% of claims handled within 24 hours. Pet owners can file claims through their online portal and receive reimbursements within five days.
The company gives a 30-day money-back guarantee and has 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians through their Live Chat feature. Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada instead of being restricted to specific networks.
The plan has a simple waiting period: 5 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses. Military personnel get discounts whatever their active status. Pet owners with multiple pets receive a 10% discount when insuring more than one pet.
Fetch: Best for Behavioral Coverage
Fetch stands out from other pet insurance providers by offering extensive behavioral therapy coverage with up to USD 1,000 annually for diagnosed behavioral disorders.
Fetch’s Behavioral Therapy Coverage
We treated behavioral disorders through veterinary consultations that diagnose and treat conditions like anxiety, aggression, and phobias. The coverage has prescribed medications such as Trazodone, Clomipramine, and Fluoxetine to treat anxiety. Notwithstanding that, the behavioral therapy coverage does not apply to pre-existing conditions and treatments from non-veterinarians.
Plan Customization Options
Pet owners can customize their Fetch coverage through several options:
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual deductibles: USD 300, USD 500, or USD 700
- Yearly maximum payouts: USD 5,000, USD 10,000, or USD 15,000
The plan covers up to 90% of unexpected vet bills. Coverage extends to prescription medications, supplements, sick-visit exam fees, and emergency vet visits.
Digital Claims Experience
Fetch’s mobile app makes the claims process quick and simple. Pet owners must submit claims within 90 days of their vet visit. The digital platform lets users:
- Scan and upload vet documents
- Track claim status live
- Access claim history
- Monitor remaining deductible amounts
The company processes claims within 15 days after receiving complete documentation. Reimbursements reach your account via direct deposit within two days of claim approval. A 24/7 chatbot provides immediate assistance through the app.
ManyPets: Best for Pre-existing Conditions
ManyPets is going through major changes and brings a fresh take on dog insurance with a focus on pre-existing conditions coverage. Starting January 1, 2025, all current policyholders will move to Odie, which will keep ManyPets’ coverage terms.
ManyPets’ Unique Coverage Approach
The company stands out with its “nose-to-tail” coverage model that protects against accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions. Their best feature is the unlimited annual payout for eligible claims, which gives complete protection for unexpected vet expenses.
Pre-existing Condition Policies
ManyPets takes a different approach to pre-existing conditions and covers them after an 18-month symptom-free period. Some conditions don’t qualify for this coverage:
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- Hip dysplasia in dogs diagnosed at age six or older
This policy is different from other insurers who typically exclude all pre-existing conditions. ManyPets becomes a great choice for dogs that have had health issues before.
Waiting Period Details
Each state has its own waiting period rules:
- Illnesses need a 15-day wait in all active states
- Most states require a 15-day wait for accidents
- Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Washington have no waiting period for accidents
ManyPets gives waiting period waivers to pet owners who switch from other insurance companies. Their previous policy must be active for at least 24 hours before the ManyPets policy starts. This makes switching insurance providers easier.
The switch to Odie insurance will keep covering pre-existing conditions that ManyPets covers now. Current policyholders will keep their coverage terms and claims processing the same way.
AKC Pet Insurance: Best for Breed-Specific Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance, the American Kennel Club’s official insurance partner, provides coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions that affect purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike.
AKC’s Inherited Condition Coverage
Dogs under age 2 can get coverage through the HereditaryPlus add-on. This plan will give you protection against several conditions:
- Heart disease and cardiac conditions
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Hereditary eye disorders
- Diabetes and arthritis
Breed-Specific Benefits
AKC Pet Insurance stands out from other providers. They follow a strict no-discrimination policy and give equal coverage terms to all breeds. Your dog will get consistent coverage regardless of breed-specific health issues. The company gives new AKC registrants a 30-day Certificate of Pet Insurance that covers up to USD 1,500 for unexpected accidents and illnesses.
Policy Customization Options
Pet insurance plans start at USD 10 monthly for accident and illness coverage. You can customize your plan through:
- Annual limits up to USD 10,000
- Flexible coinsurance rates
- Choice of deductible amounts
Families with multiple pets can save with a 5% multi-pet discount. Pet owners can add optional coverage to their base policy for exams, hereditary conditions, and wellness care.
The company runs claims through a dedicated breeder support program. A Breeder Support Specialist helps process claims quickly and provides expert guidance for breed-specific health concerns.
Hartville: Best for Senior Dogs
Hartville Pet Insurance protects senior dogs throughout their lives without canceling or downgrading coverage due to age.
Hartville’s Senior Dog Coverage
The Complete Coverage plan is a great way to get protection for various medical needs that senior dogs face. The plan has:
- Coverage for digestive problems and diabetes
- Protection against heart disease and eye disorders
- Treatment for hip dysplasia and arthritis
- Support for cancer treatments and surgeries
- Coverage for advanced therapies like stem-cell treatment
Age-Related Condition Benefits
Hartville provides complete coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions. The base plan covers behavioral issues that often appear in aging dogs. Your dog’s excessive licking, destructive chewing, and anxiety-related behaviors get full coverage under the plan.
Pet owners can enhance their coverage with Preventive Care benefits for routine wellness services. Senior dogs need regular health monitoring and preventive treatments, making this add-on particularly valuable.
Premium Structure for Older Pets
Monthly premiums start at USD 12.00 for dogs. Your rate depends on:
- Your pet’s age and breed
- Where you live
- The coverage options you pick
Pet owners can customize their coverage with reimbursement levels of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Annual deductibles range from USD 100 to USD 750. Annual coverage limits start at USD 5,000 and go up to unlimited coverage.
The company processes claims within 30 days and sends reimbursements through direct deposit or check. Pet owners can visit any licensed vet clinic in the U.S. and Canada, including emergency facilities and specialists.
Wagmo: Best for Wellness Benefits
Wagmo stands out in the pet care world with its fresh take on pet care expenses. Their standalone wellness plans provide complete coverage for routine and preventive care.
Wagmo’s Wellness Coverage
You can choose from three wellness tiers that match different pet care needs. The Value plan costs USD 20 per month, the Classic plan USD 26 per month, and the Deluxe plan USD 59 per month. These plans cover everything you need:
| Coverage Type | Value | Classic | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Visits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vaccines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blood Work | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flea/Tick/Heartworm | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dental Care | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grooming | – | – | ✓ |
Reimbursement Speed
Wagmo processes wellness claims within 24 hours. Getting reimbursed is simple:
- Pay the vet bill upfront
- Upload receipt photo through mobile app or website
- Receive reimbursement via Venmo, PayPal, or bank transfer
Plan Combinations and Costs
You can mix wellness plans with insurance coverage that starts at USD 13 per month for insurance plans. Every cat and dog qualifies for wellness plans, whatever their age, breed, or pre-existing conditions.
These wellness plans work separately from insurance coverage, so you can buy either one on its own. Coverage starts right after you sign up, with no waiting periods or deductibles. The plans include access to licensed vet technicians through virtual consultations that help you avoid visits that can get pricey.
