To find out if cheap pet insurance is worth it, we recommend looking at the pet insurance coverage benefits you want versus focusing solely on price. Our analysis found that the average price of a policy for dogs with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level is $66 per month. You can find several pet insurers that cost lower than the monthly average, but they don’t all offer the same benefits.
– Dr. Alison Mason, Advisory Board Member
For example, Lemonade pet insurance has the second cheapest rates ($46 per month) among the insurers we looked at, but you won’t find coverage for vet exam fees, or behavioral or alternative therapy included in its base coverage. That means you’ll have to pay out of pocket for these expenses. You also won’t find a 24/7 vet telehealth line with Lemonade.
If these coverage benefits are important to you, we’d recommend going with a more expensive company like Embrace pet insurance ($76 per month) that includes these benefits in its base coverage. Embrace also has a 24/7 vet telehealth line which can be invaluable if your pet gets sick in the middle of the night on a weekend.
We Answer Your Questions
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Is the entire cost of services covered under a pet wellness plan or just a percentage?
Linda P., Salem, Oregon
Most pet insurance wellness plans for routine care will only pay up to a certain amount. For example, the Pets Best Essential Wellness plan covers up to $50 for flea and tick prevention. If your pet’s flea and tick prevention exceeds $50, you would have to cover the rest.
My dog needs his tooth removed. Will pet insurance cover it?
Jason S., Marinette, Wisconsin
Pet insurers include pet dental insurance to cover tooth extraction if it’s related to an accident. For example, if your dog injured his tooth while chewing on a bone. Some pet insurers also include dental coverage for illnesses (such as gingivitis) or you can buy coverage as an add-on. Not all insurers offer coverage for pet dental illnesses.
Is it true that pet insurance pays for acupuncture?
Noah V., Chesapeake, Virginia
Yes, some pet insurance policies cover acupuncture and other types of holistic and alternative therapy, such as hydrotherapy and chiropractic care. Most pet insurers include alternative therapy in their coverage, but some companies such as ManyPets and Lemonade don’t. Other insurers offer coverage as an add-on, such as Trupanion’s Recovery and Complementary Care package.
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