For pet owners on a tight budget, affordable pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care. However, it’s important to remember that cost isn’t the only factor in selecting a policy. You also need to consider other factors, such as coverage options, monthly rates and the scope of what is included in the policy. Fortunately, the best pet insurance providers offer a wide range of plans to meet the needs of any budget.
To determine the top affordable pet insurance providers, we compared the cost of policies for a 2-year-old Golden Retriever and a 2-year-old male house cat with similar animal profiles from 10 different providers. Our comparisons focused on policies that had a $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement and $5,000 annual limits. The cost of each policy varied, but Figo stood out for providing the cheapest comprehensive coverage. The provider’s plan includes alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and physiotherapy, and can be further customized with add-ons that reimburse veterinary exam fees and cover preventive care. It also offers a variety of additional benefits, including $250 toward funeral or cremation expenses and money for advertising or reward money for lost pets.
Aside from comparing prices, we evaluated the extent of each company’s covered treatments, including gastrointestinal conditions, neurological issues and dental problems. We also considered whether each provider offered a 24/7 vet helpline and how many claims they processed per year. The companies with the most extensive coverage and the lowest average monthly rate were named our best overall picks.
Most pet insurance providers exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, so it’s crucial to read the fine print to make sure you know what’s covered and not covered. If you have a breed that’s prone to certain illnesses, it might be worth paying extra for a more thorough policy that includes these conditions.
Embrace is one of the few affordable pet insurance providers to offer coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, which can cause serious health issues down the road. The company also distinguishes between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions and doesn’t require a waiting period for these types of conditions.
Spot is a great choice for pet parents who want to customize their policy and save money. Its perks include access to a 24/7 vet helpline and the option to choose an accident-only or accident and illness policy. The provider also has relatively short 14-day waiting periods for cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia compared to other providers. You can also adjust your deductible and reimbursement options and add on wellness coverage to save even more. This allows you to build a policy that fits your budget while still getting the most comprehensive coverage possible for your pet. affordable pet insurance