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Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2025
Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2025

Wall Street Journal

time02-08-2025

  • Health
  • Wall Street Journal

Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2025

Factors in pet insurance costs Factors that influence how much you'll pay for pet insurance usually include: Age and breed of the pet Where you live Annual coverage limit Reimbursement level Amount of your deductible Any additional coverage you want, such as add-ons or a wellness plan You can generally lower the price of a pet insurance policy by choosing a lower annual coverage limit, a higher deductible or a lower reimbursement percentage. When you get a pet insurance quote, you can usually toggle the options to see how the monthly price changes. Is pet insurance worth it? While paying a monthly premium for pet insurance can feel like a drain on the budget, the risk of higher costs for procedures and chronic conditions might be more than you can afford without insurance. The ASPCA estimates that the first-year total for owning a dog is more than $3,000 and almost $2,000 for a cat. Once you get past the first year, though, there are ongoing costs, including routine medical costs and treatments for fleas and ticks, as well as heartworm. You have routine wellness visits and exams as well. Like other insurance policies, the biggest value comes in the event of large, unexpected emergencies. EmergencyVetsUSA offers these average cost examples: Emergency exam/consultation: $100 to $150 $100 to $150 3- to 5-day hospitalization: $1,500 to $3,500 $1,500 to $3,500 Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5,000 $1,500 to $5,000 Wound treatment and repair: $800 to $2,500 Additionally, if your pet needs special prescription pet food or supplements, the cost can add up over time. Getting a pet insurance policy that covers these ongoing costs, plus emergency situations, can help you save money in the long run, especially if you don't want to deplete your rainy day fund. What's not covered by pet insurance? What's covered depends on the policy, so review available benefits before deciding on a pet insurance company. Policies typically do not cover pre-existing conditions or non-veterinary expenses related to boarding your pet or grooming. You also won't receive reimbursement for accessories like toys, leashes and treats. Basic wellness, such as vaccinations and routine check-ups, won't be covered. Instead, you'll need to purchase an add-on wellness plan to receive these benefits. Many first-year costs, such as spaying and neutering, also aren't usually covered by base pet insurance policies but may be covered by a wellness plan. Costs related to breeding are generally not covered, and injuries related to activities like racing aren't covered. Methodology We evaluated 15 pet insurance policies, focusing on key coverage areas, such as cost, access to vet telehealth, microchipping, direct vet payments and therapies that pet owners might prefer to be included in coverage. Advertisers and partners don't influence our ratings, as our research and editorial team maintains independence in using data-driven methodologies. Learn more about how Buy Side rates pet insurance companies.

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