You might think $56 per month is what you need to pay for dog insurance, but that’s nowhere near the truth. The average pet parent pays $676 each year for detailed coverage, but we found a better way to protect your furry friend.
Good news – you can get affordable dog insurance with accident-only coverage starting at just $17 monthly. We looked into budget-friendly dog insurance plans that won’t empty your wallet. These low-cost pet insurance options are a great way to get protection without paying premium prices.
Take a look at these 9 dog insurance plans – all under $20 per month. Your four-legged family member can stay protected without straining your finances.
| Insurance Plan | Starting Monthly Premium | Annual Coverage Limit | Deductible Options | Reimbursement Rate | Key Coverage Features | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade Basic Plan | $10 | $5,000-$100,000 | $100-$750 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | Diagnostics, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications | 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illness) |
| Pets Best Accident-Only | $9 | $10,000 | $250 (fixed) | 90% | Broken bones, poisoning, bites, foreign object ingestion | Not mentioned |
| Spot Essential Plan | $17 | $2,500-Unlimited | $100-$1,000 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | Emergency care, surgeries, chronic diseases, behavioral problems | 14 days |
| Figo Value Package | $19 | $5,000 (Essential tier) | $100-$1,500 | 70%-100% | Orthopedic conditions, cancer treatments, emergency services | Not mentioned |
| MetLife Basic Coverage | $16 | $500-$25,000 | $0-$2,500 | 50%-90% | Accidents, hereditary conditions, cancer treatments | 0 days (accidents), 14 days (illness) |
| AKC Accident-Only | $14.67-$17.25 | $20,000 | $100 (fixed) | 90% | Broken bones, toxin ingestion, bite wounds, vehicle accidents | Not mentioned |
| Embrace Accident-Only | $16 | $5,000 | $100 (fixed) | 90% | Bloat, foreign body ingestion, vehicle injuries, dental trauma | Not mentioned |
| Hartville Basic Coverage | $11.55 | $2,500-$10,000 | $100, $250, or $500 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | Accidents, injuries, illness, hereditary conditions | Not mentioned |
| ASPCA Accident-Only | $18.74 (avg) | $3,000-$10,000 | $100-$1,000 | 70%, 80%, or 90% | Trauma, broken bones, toxic ingestion, emergency services | 14 days |
Lemonade Basic Plan
Lemonade’s simple pet insurance plan makes dog coverage straightforward. Their plan uses an open-peril policy that covers almost everything unless specifically excluded.
Lemonade Basic Plan Coverage Details
The simple accident and illness policy takes care of these essential vet services:
- Diagnostics: Blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans
- Procedures: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery
- Medications: Prescription drugs and injections
The plan protects your pet against unexpected conditions like cancer treatments, broken bones, allergies, and toxic food ingestion.
Lemonade Basic Plan Monthly Premiums
Dog owners can get coverage for as little as $10 per month. The monthly premium averages $47, which varies based on your dog’s age, breed, and location. You can customize your coverage with these options:
- Co-insurance choices of 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual deductibles from $100 to $750
- Annual limits between $5,000 and $100,000
Lemonade Basic Plan Eligibility Requirements
Your dog needs to be under 14 years old to qualify for enrollment. You’ll need to provide a complete medical exam record from the last 12 months. New policies come with different waiting periods:
- 2 days for accidents
- 14 days for illnesses
- 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Lemonade Basic Plan Claim Process
The mobile app makes claims quick and simple, with about 50% of claims processed right away and paid within 24 to 48 hours. Here’s what you need to do:
- Pay the vet bill upfront
- Submit receipts through the mobile app
- Include medical records from the visit
- Receive reimbursement via direct deposit or check
Pets Best Accident-Only Coverage
Pets Best has a budget-friendly accident-only insurance plan that helps you protect your pet from unexpected injuries and emergencies. The plan charges fixed rates and gives basic protection to dogs and cats, especially when you have sudden accidents and injuries.
Pets Best Accident Coverage Features
Your pet gets protection from many accident-related incidents such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Accidental poisoning
- Snake and animal bites
- Foreign object ingestion
- Lacerations and wounds
- Torn nails
- Hit by car injuries
The policy covers accident-related services like emergency care, surgeries, X-rays, hospitalization, and prescription medications. The plan doesn’t cover pre-existing injuries, cruciate ligament issues, or any illness-related conditions.
Pets Best Monthly Cost Breakdown
You’ll find these accident-only plans quite affordable with fixed rates:
- Dogs: $9 per month
- Cats: $6 per month
The plan has a set annual benefit limit of $10,000, with a fixed deductible of $250 and a 90% reimbursement rate. Pet owners can predict their monthly costs easily since prices don’t change based on breed or age.
Pets Best Claims and Reimbursement
Submitting claims is quick and simple. You can send your claims through:
- Online portal
- Mobile device
- Fax
- Standard mail
You can get your reimbursements through direct deposit within two days after processing. Pets Best gives you three payment options:
- Direct bank account deposit
- CareCredit Credit Card payment
- Direct veterinarian payment
You must file claims within 180 days of treatment and include original paid invoices with proof of payment. The quickest way to process claims is to have your vet’s staff help complete the diagnosis section of claim forms.
Spot Insurance Essential Plan
Spot Insurance has customizable accident-and-illness and accident-only plans. Monthly premiums start at just $17.
Spot Essential Plan Benefits
The accident-and-illness plan covers emergency care, surgeries, treatments, and prescription medications. The policy protects against chronic diseases, hereditary conditions, and cancer treatments. You’ll also get coverage for behavioral issues and alternative therapies. Your pet’s exam fees are reimbursed for covered conditions, which helps with unexpected vet bills.
Spot Essential Plan Pricing Structure
You can customize the plan based on your budget:
- Deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000
- Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual limits from $2,500 to unlimited coverage
Dog owners pay an average monthly premium of $49.33. You can save money with these discounts:
- 10% multi-pet discount
- 20% AAA member discount
- 10% employee discount for partner employers
Spot Essential Plan Waiting Periods
The plan’s waiting periods are straightforward:
- 14 days for accidents and illnesses
- 14 days for hip dysplasia
- 14 days for cruciate ligament injuries
Your pet can get coverage for curable pre-existing conditions after being symptom-free for 180 days. This doesn’t apply to knee and ligament conditions.
Spot Essential Plan Exclusions
The plan won’t cover:
- Breeding-related expenses
- Cosmetic and elective procedures
- Non-prescription food products
- End-of-life care expenses
- Administrative and travel fees
- Grooming services
- Training devices and toys
Figo Value Package
Figo sets itself apart from other value-focused pet insurance providers with its tech-driven approach and coverage options you can customize. The Value Package gives you three coverage tiers to choose from: Essential with $5,000 annual limit, Preferred with $10,000 limit, and Ultimate with unlimited coverage.
Figo Value Package Coverage Options
The Value Package has detailed protection for:
- Orthopedic conditions and mobility devices
- Hereditary and chronic conditions
- Cancer treatments and specialist visits
- Emergency services and hospitalization
- Holistic and alternative treatments
- Behavioral training and medication
The plan covers curable pre-existing conditions that show no symptoms within 12 months of the last treatment. Pet owners can improve their coverage through optional Powerups that include wellness care for preventative services and veterinary exam fee coverage.
Figo Value Package Cost Analysis
You can customize the Value Package with:
- Annual deductibles from $100 to $1,500
- Reimbursement rates from 70% to 100%
- 5% discount when you enroll two or more pets
Figo processes claims in 2.6 working days on average, making it one of the fastest providers. They apply the reimbursement rate to eligible expenses before subtracting the deductible.
Figo Value Package Mobile App Features
The Pet Cloud app revolutionizes pet insurance management through:
- Licensed veterinary professionals available 24/7 for emergency consultations
- AI-powered claims assistant for quick submission and tracking
- Digital storage for pet medical records
- Pet-friendly location finder for restaurants and hotels
- Immediate push notifications for appointments and medications
The app lets you video chat with licensed vets and uses Evie, an AI virtual chat assistant, to streamline claims. Your pet’s tag syncs with the platform, which helps track them if they get lost.
MetLife Basic Coverage
MetLife provides simple pet insurance coverage that starts at just $16 monthly for dogs. This makes it a great choice for pet parents who want to watch their budget.
MetLife Basic Coverage Details
The standard plan protects your pet against many medical needs:
- Accidents and emergency care
- Hereditary and chronic conditions
- Cancer treatments and medications
- Diagnostic tests and exam fees
- Alternative therapies and comprehensive care
- Burial and cremation services
The plan distinguishes itself with a zero-day waiting period for accidents. Your pet gets immediate coverage for unexpected injuries. You’ll need to wait 14 days for illness coverage to begin.
MetLife Basic Coverage Pricing
The basic coverage plan lets you customize options to match your budget. You can choose:
- Annual benefits ranging from $500 to $25,000
- Deductibles from $0 to $2,500
- Reimbursement rates between 50% and 90%
Your monthly premium depends on your pet’s age, breed, and location. The plan uses an annual deductible system. Once you meet it, all covered expenses are reimbursed up to your policy limits.
MetLife Basic Coverage Discounts
MetLife helps you save on premium costs:
- 10% discount for healthcare workers, first responders, and military members
- 10% discount for animal care facility staff and volunteers
- Online purchase discount for the first policy year
- Healthy pet incentive that cuts your deductible by $50 when you’re claim-free for a policy year
The plan gives you access to 24/7 telehealth concierge services. You’ll get support whenever you need it. MetLife also stands out by offering family plans that cover multiple pets under one policy. This makes it simple to manage coverage for all your furry family members.
AKC Accident-Only Insurance
AKC has built a solid reputation in dog insurance. Their accident-only plan covers unexpected injuries and emergencies. Pet owners looking for simple protection without expensive full coverage will find this plan a practical choice.
AKC Accident Coverage Features
The accident-only plan protects your pet in many emergency situations:
- Broken bones and sprains
- Toxin ingestion
- Bite wounds and lacerations
- Foreign body ingestion
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Head trauma
- Snake bites and allergic reactions
The plan reimburses up to 90% of allowable costs after you pay a $75 per-incident deductible. Your pet gets coverage for surgical procedures, prescription medications, diagnostic tests, hospitalization, and specialist visits.
AKC Monthly Premium Structure
Monthly costs stay affordable at $14.67 to $17.25, based on where you live. The yearly cost runs between $128 and $159. Budget-conscious pet owners will find this an economical option.
The plan includes:
- Fixed $100 deductible
- $20,000 annual coverage limit
- 10% coinsurance
You can save 5% by insuring multiple pets. This discount isn’t available to pet owners in AK, FL, TN, and WA.
AKC Claim Processing Time
Getting your claim processed takes three easy steps:
- Pay the veterinary bill upfront
- Complete and submit the claim form
- Receive reimbursement via check or direct deposit
Most simple claims take three business days to process. Complex cases might need up to 30 days. You can visit any licensed vet in the United States, which helps in emergencies.
Older pets benefit from this plan since there’s no age limit to enroll. Your pet’s pre-existing conditions might get coverage after a year of continuous enrollment.
Embrace Accident-Only Plan
Embrace’s accident-only coverage provides a practical solution for senior pets and those with health conditions. Budget-conscious dog owners will find this specialized plan valuable since it covers unexpected injuries and emergencies. This makes it perfect for older pets.
Embrace Accident Plan Benefits
The accident-only coverage protects your pet in many emergency situations:
- Bloat
- Foreign body ingestion
- Vehicle-related injuries
- Torn cruciate ligaments
- Poisoning incidents
- Cuts and lacerations
- Dental trauma from accidents
This plan works best for dogs 15 years and older who can’t get detailed coverage. Your pet will be covered for accident-related treatments, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, and prescription medications under covered conditions.
Embrace Plan Cost Details
The accident-only policy gives you $5,000 in annual coverage with a simple structure:
- Annual deductible of $100
- Reimbursement rate of $90% for veterinary bills
Your premium amount depends on several factors:
- Pet’s current age
- Species or breed type
- Geographic location
The coverage terms stay the same throughout the policy period. Your premiums might change based on your pet’s age when you renew.
Embrace Wellness Rewards Program
Pet owners can boost their coverage with the Wellness Rewards program. This non-insurance membership plan comes with three yearly allowance options:
- $300 per policy year
- $500 per policy year
- $700 per policy year
The program takes care of preventive services like:
- Wellness exams and vaccinations
- Spay/neuter procedures
- Dental cleanings
- Grooming services
- Training classes
- Nutritional supplements
You’ll get immediate access to your chosen yearly limit plus an extra $25 for preventive care services. The membership comes with exclusive deals from pet care brands. You’ll also receive quarterly pet health newsletters that help you take better care of your pet.
Hartville Basic Coverage
Hartville has been in the pet insurance business for decades and provides complete coverage at budget-friendly rates through its Complete Coverage plan. The policy fits pets’ needs and keeps monthly premiums affordable.
Hartville Basic Coverage Features
The Complete Coverage plan covers many medical services:
- Accidents and injuries
- Illness treatments
- Hereditary conditions
- Behavioral issues
- Dental disease
- Alternative therapies
- Diagnostic testing
The plan handles everything from simple care to advanced procedures like chemotherapy and stem-cell therapy. Hartville stands out from other providers because it reimburses veterinary exam fees for covered conditions.
Hartville Monthly Premium Details
Accident-only coverage starts at $11.55 monthly. Complete Coverage plan rates range from $21.04 to $82.69 based on your choices. Pet owners can pick annual coverage limits between:
- $2,500 to $10,000
Your final premium depends on:
- Pet’s age and breed
- Geographic location
- Selected coverage options
Hartville Deductible Options
You can choose from three annual deductibles:
- $100
- $250
- $500
Pet owners can also select reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Claims take about 30 days to process, and you can get reimbursed through direct deposit or check. This flexibility lets you tailor coverage to your budget while protecting your pet.
Two optional wellness packages help with routine care costs. The Basic package costs $9.95 monthly with $250 annual benefits, while the Prime package is $24.95 monthly with $450 annual benefits.
ASPCA Accident-Only Protection
ASPCA’s accident-only protection goes beyond simple coverage options. It provides targeted coverage for unexpected injuries at budget-friendly rates. The plan specifically covers accident-related veterinary care.
ASPCA Accident Protection Features
The accident-only protection covers a complete range of emergency situations and treatments:
- Musculoskeletal trauma and broken bones
- Animal attacks and bite wounds
- Toxic ingestion incidents
- Non-food item ingestion
- Deep lacerations
- Emergency diagnostic services
- Prescribed medications
- Surgery and hospitalization
We waited 14 days to start accident coverage. The plan reimburses eligible expenses based on your selected coverage options after this period ends.
ASPCA Monthly Cost Structure
The accident-only plan lets you customize your coverage with:
- Annual deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000
- Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual coverage limits from $3,000 to $10,000
Dog owners pay an average monthly premium of $32.74 across all breeds and ages. Cat owners pay less at $17.84 monthly. ASPCA uses an annual deductible system instead of requiring payment during treatment.
ASPCA Coverage Limitations
The accident-only plan doesn’t cover:
- Illness-related treatments
- Hereditary conditions
- Behavioral issues
- Dental illness
- Preventive care
The plan excludes non-essential operations like cosmetic procedures, claw removal, ear and tail docking. Pre-existing conditions become eligible after staying symptom-free for 180 days. Services related to breeding, birthing, lactation, and cremation aren’t covered.
Emergency vet care costs usually run two to three times higher than regular visits. Pet owners can manage these surprise expenses without emptying their savings or adding credit card debt through this accident-only coverage.
Conclusion
Quality dog insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Our research of nine top providers revealed monthly premiums that start at just $9. This shows you can protect your pet without expensive commitments.
Different plans come with their own perks. Lemonade processes claims quickly, and Pets Best provides steady rates for accident coverage. ASPCA and MetLife give you detailed protection at reasonable premiums.
Your dog’s age, breed, and location will determine the best plan for you. Starting with accident-only coverage makes sense if you’re watching your budget. As your finances improve, most providers let you upgrade to more detailed plans.
Take time to look at waiting periods, coverage limits, and reimbursement rates before you sign up. The right plan should match your budget and your pet’s medical needs. Your furry family member’s protection can be affordable.
