Best pet insurance companies for May 2025

Choosing the right pet insurance can make all the difference when it comes to your pet's health and your financial peace of mind. With vet costs continuing to rise, having a solid insurance plan can help cover the costs of unexpected accidents, illnesses and even routine care. But with so many options available, how do you know which policy is the best fit for your pet?

To help you navigate the choices, the Bankrate team has compiled a list of the best pet insurance companies of 2025. Our research team compared insurance providers based on coverage options, affordability, customer satisfaction and unique features. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive accident and illness protection, wellness add-ons or budget-friendly plans, this list has something for every pet parent.

Best pet insurance companies

The best way to decide whether pet insurance is worth the cost is by shopping around for an insurance provider with a policy that suits your pet's needs (and your budget). To help you find the right policy, we've put in the legwork and reviewed the top pet insurance providers on the market. 

Do you need pet insurance?

Pet insurance isn’t mandatory, but it can provide peace of mind and financial security. If covering a major vet bill would be difficult, or you want to ensure your pet has access to the best care without financial stress, it may be a worthwhile investment. However, if your budget allows you to cover unexpected vet bills out of pocket or from a pet savings account, you may not need pet insurance. 

Here are a few situations when pet insurance may be the right choice:

• Your pet's breed is prone to hereditary conditions.
• You want access to comprehensive and ongoing care options. By covering both immediate and long-term healthcare needs, pet insurance empowers you to provide consistent, high-quality care throughout your pet’s life.
• You have concerns about your ability to cover emergency expenses.
• You prefer the idea of budgeting for your pet's care with manageable monthly premium payments.
• Your pet's lifestyle may be considered risky. Active pets, outdoor explorers and curious eaters may be more prone to accidents or injuries.

How do you pick a pet insurance company?

Choosing the right pet insurance company involves comparing policies, coverage options, costs and customer service to find the best fit for your pet’s needs and your budget. Consider the following points while doing your research:

• Customer service: Look at customer satisfaction ratings, reviews and complaince records. Finding a company with responsive customer service and a straightforward claims process is crucial.
• Exclusions: Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, some hereditary issues and certain treatments. Pet insurance companies typically do not cover breeding and pregnancy-related costs. Coverage for costs relating to complementary treatments also varies depending on the provider. Read the fine print to avoid surprises.
• Location: Confirm the insurer operates in your state to ensure coverage at nearby vets, specialists or emergency clinics. Regional availability often varies by the provider (and in some cases the underwriter).
• Pet age: Young puppies or kittens and furry senior citizens may have more healthcare needs.
• Pet breed: Certain breeds are prone to specific health conditions. Look for policies that address breed-related needs, such as genetic or congenital conditions. 
• Plan options and costs: Choose a plan that fits your budget. Options range from accident-only and comprehensive to wellness plan add-ons and optional riders. A good plan balances affordability with adequate coverage. Many insurers let you adjust deductibles, reimbursement rates and nnual coverage limits.
• Pre-existing conditions: Look into the insurer’s stance on pre-existing conditions. Some may cover "treatable" or "curable" pre-existing conditions after a specified symptom-free period.
• Special needs: If you are looking to insure an exotic pet or horse, verify that policies cover these types of pets, as most plans focus on cats and dogs. Breeding and pregnancy-related or complementary treatment costs are also not commonly covered by pet insurance companies.
• Waiting periods: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy's waiting periods so you know exactly when the coverage begins for specific conditions, injuries or illnesses.

In a nutshell, you need to shop around and compare providers to find a company and policy that fits. Look for flexible plan options, transparent terms and a solid reputation for customer service to ensure you're making the best choice for your wallet and your pets.

How to get the most out of pet insurance

There are numerous cheap pet insurance companies whose goal is to make pet insurance more accessible. However, apart from finding an affordable pet insurer, a few tricks of the trade can save you even more money on pet insurance:

• Annual vs. monthly payments: Paying annually often comes with a slight discount compared to monthly premium payments.
• Multi-pet discounts: These are commonly offered to families with more than one pet, lowering overall premiums.
• Military discounts: These may apply to veterans or those in active service.
• Veterinary or employer partnerships: Some insurers work with specific vets or through employer benefit programs to offer savings.

Shopping around and asking about available discounts can help you reduce costs and get the most value from your policy.

Consult your veterinarian for recommendations

Veterinarians and their staff deal with pet insurance claims regularly. They can give you valuable insight as to which insurers they find easier to work with, which are more likely to accept a claim and which companies offer a fair exchange in value. They may even know some loopholes that can help get procedures covered. 

Pro tip: Consider expert pet insurance reviews and customer experiences to understand how a company handles claims.

Pros and cons of pet insurance

Like any financial decision, investing in pet insurance comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Weighing the pros and cons of pet insurance and how they align with your needs and expectations will help you decide whether pet insurance is the right choice for your family. 

Why the right pet insurance is important

Choosing the right pet insurance helps ensure your pet receives the best possible care without placing you under financial strain. Veterinary treatments for accidents, illnesses and chronic conditions can be expensive, and unexpected bills can quickly add up. A well-chosen pet insurance policy helps cover these costs, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to make medical decisions based on what’s best for your pet rather than what you can afford.

Additionally, the right policy can help you pay for a broader range of treatments, including emergency care, specialist visits and even alternative therapies. Some plans also offer preventive care coverage, helping you keep your pet healthy before major issues arise. By choosing a plan that fits your pet’s needs and your budget, you’re investing in their long-term well-being while protecting yourself from financial stress.

That said, it’s crucial to carefully read and understand your policy to make the most of your coverage. Pay close attention to the fine print outlining terms and conditions, as small details can make a big difference.

When choosing the best pet insurance provider and policy, start by evaluating your pet’s potential healthcare needs and your budget. Take the time to compare options and find a plan that offers the best coverage at a price that works for you.