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Lemonade pet insurance review
Lemonade, founded in 2015, has completely reshaped the way consumers think about insurance with its fresh, tech-driven and customer-first approach. Starting with homeowners and renters insurance, Lemonade expanded into pet insurance in 2020, bringing its signature AI and machine learning tools to simplify life for pet owners.
For pet owers, Lemonade delivers affordable, customizable plans designed to soften the financial blow of unexpected vet bills. Embracing a digital-first mindset, the company stands out for its commitment to transparency and positive social impact — qualities that set it apart from the usual insurance crowd.
Lemonade
Summary
Annual deductible options: $100, $250 or $500
Reimbursement percentage: 70, 80 or 90 percent
Max payout: $5,000–$100,000
Claim turnaround time: 2-4 days
Enrollment age: If you opt for the puppy/kitten preventive care package, puppies and kittens can be enrolled as soon as they are under your care. For other policies, puppies and kittens may be enrolled from eight weeks of age.
Direct vet pay: No
Why Lemonade is the best pet insurance company for digital experience
One of Lemonade's standout features is its tech-forward approach to policy management and the claims process. Many insurers offer apps, but Lemonade has streamlined all things pet insurance with its user-friendly app.
The company leverages AI technology to speed up processes such as filing claims, with almost 50 percent of claims being processed within mere minutes. This means less wait time and faster reimbursements for eligible claims. This pet insurance company is great for tech-savvy pet parents who love the convenience of being able to manage their policies and submit claims on their mobile devices.
Lemonade coverage options
Lemonade offers customizable, comprehensive coverage at competitive prices. There's the option of the base plan that covers veterinary bills for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Plus, there are preventive care add-ons and riders you can purchase for broader protection to close any gaps in the coverage.
What Lemonade covers
- Diagnostics: Blood tests, CT scans, lab work, MRIs, ultrasounds, urinalysis and X-rays
- Medications: Injections and prescription medications
- Procedures: Emergency care, hospitalization, outpatient, surgery and specialty
- Recurring conditions
What Lemonade does not cover
- Bilateral conditions: Issues affecting both sides of the body (e.g., elbow dysplasia, cataracts or cherry eye) may not be covered if diagnosed on one side before policy initiation.
- Non-traditional therapies: Alternative therapies (a.k.a "complementary therapies) or treatments like aromatherapy and CBD products aren't covered.
- Pre-existing conditions: Conditions existing before the policy start date are not covered, except for curable issues without symptoms for over a year.
- Preventable conditions: Injuries or illnesses that could have been avoided with proper care are not included.
Lemonade plans and customizations
Lemonade pet insurance offers a variety of coverage options designed to cater to a range of pet owners.
The base plan covers essential diagnostics, procedures and medications for accidents and illness. Preventive care add-ons allow policyholders to customize and extend their coverage based on specific needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
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Charitable contributions: Unused premiums are donated to charities chosen by policyholders.
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Comprehensive coverage: Includes essential diagnostics, procedures and medications.
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Customizable plans: Multiple add-ons allow tailored coverage to fit your pet's needs.
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Innovative technology: AI-driven claims processing is often completed within minutes.
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User-friendly mobile app: Easily manage policies and claims from the app.
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Transparent pricing: Clear and straightforward pricing model.
Cons
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Age restrictions: Coverage for older pets may be limited.
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Limited availability: Lemonade pet insurance is offered in select states only.
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Additional vet exam coverage: You'll need to add coverage for vet exam fees separately.
Additional features of Lemonade
Lemonade offers a few additional features that enhance the overall pet insurance experience.
Mobile app
Lemonade’s app is a game changer, offering a one-stop shop for policy management and quick claim filing. The app’s AI guides you through filing a claim, making it fast and intuitive.
Discounts
- A 10 percent discount for bundling insurance policies.
- A 5 percent discount for annual premium payments.
- A 5 percent multi-pet discount.
Mid-term coverage adjustments
Lemonade allows policyholders to adjust their coverage mid-term, with underwriting approval, offering flexibility that many competitors do not. This is not available in New Hampshire or California.
Exclusions and restrictions
To avoid frustration or disappointment, be aware of the following important limitations of all Lemonade pet insurance plans and policies.
Age restrictions
Enrollment typically begins at eight weeks, but Lemonade imposes an upper age limit for insuring older pets. These ages, typically around 10 to 14 years in the industry, appear to vary depending on your furry friend's breed.
Waiting periods
Claims cannot be reimbursed for incidents that occur before the waiting period is over. There are different waiting periods for different situations:
- No waiting period for accidents
- 14 days for illnesses*
- 30 days for orthopedic conditions*
- Six months for cruciate ligament injuries*
- Preventive care claims can be submitted immediately after policy approval
*Note that waiting periods may be different depending on where you live.
Location restrictions
Coverage and availability may vary by location. Confirm Lemonade Pet Insurance is available in your state and understand any location-specific restrictions that may apply. The insurer will reimburse eligible claims from any licensed veterinarian in the United States. However, pet insurance by Lemonade is currently available to pet owners living in one of the following 37 states (or DOC):
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
If the state you live in isn't listed above, keep an eye on Lemonade's website because the company will be rolling out insurance products in additional states in the coming year.
Lemonade pet insurance costs
Policyholders can select the deductible and reimbursement rate to best suit their budget and needs. Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums, while higher reimbursement rates provide more financial coverage during claims.
We gathered sample quotes to give you an idea of pricing. Note that your quote will vary based on your location, pet's age, coverage selections and other factors. Get a quote from Lemonade to better understand how much a Lemonade policy would cost you.
| Breed | 2 years old | 5 years old | 8 years old | 10 years old |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sample policies were for a female dog with excellent health in Arizona with the ZIP code 85251. The choices for customization selected were for an accident and illness plan with a $250 deductible, 90 percent reimbursement limit and $5,000 annual benefit limit. The rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the company directly for applicable quotes. * Lemonade does not start policies for pets of this age and breed, so we were not able to get a quote. Your pet may still be able to be insured if they are insured when they are younger. |
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| French bulldog | $76 | $102 | $181 | N/A* |
| Labrador retriever | $50 | $67 | $118 | N/A* |
| Golden retriever | $49 | $65 | $115 | N/A* |
| German shepherd | $49 | $65 | $114 | N/A* |
| Poodle | $40 | $50 | $84 | $120 |
| Dachshund | $35 | $43 | $73 | $104 |
| Breed | 2 years old | 5 years old | 8 years old | 10 years old |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sample policies were for a male cat with excellent health in Arizona with the ZIP code 85251. The choices for customization selected were for an accident and illness plan with a $500 deductible, 80 percent reimbursement limit and $50,000 annual benefit limit. Other companies were quoted at a $250 deductible and $5,000 annual benefit limit. The quotes for Lemonade were adjusted to what the company offers. The rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the company directly for applicable quotes. * Lemonade does not start policies for pets of this age and breed, so we were not able to get a quote. Your pet may still be able to be insured if they are insured when they are younger. Quotes were last checked December 18, 2024. |
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| Ragdoll | $26 | $35 | $60 | N/A* |
| Maine coon | $23 | $28 | $47 | $67 |
| Persian | $22 | $22 | $34 | $45 |
| Exotic | $21 | $26 | $44 | $63 |
| Devon rex | $23 | $31 | $53 | N/A* |
| British shorthair | $22 | $22 | $33 | $44 |
How to file a claim with Lemonade
Filing a claim with Lemonade is designed to be quick and straightforward. Policyholders can use the company's advanced technology to streamline the process. Here's a step-by-step guide to filling a claim with Lemonade:
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Pay your bill. Lemonade works on a reimbursement basis. You have to pay the vet bill first, and then start the claim process.
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Open the Lemonade app: Then navigate to your pet policy.
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Fill out claim information: Answer a few questions guided by AI Jim.
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Provide documentation: Upload necessary documents, including vet bills and invoices.
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Receive approval: About half of all claims are approved in minutes, while others can take longer.
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Reimbursement: Once approved, your deductible will be subtracted and your co-insurance applied. Lemonade will deposit the remaining amount into your bank account.
Thanks to Lemonade's AI-driven process, about half of claims are approved within minutes. Depending on the claim, you would wait up to a few weeks for it to be approved and the funds to be in your account.
How long do you have to file a claim?
To ensure coverage, make sure to file within the specified timeframe — generally 180 days post-treatment (90 days for Texas residents).
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
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