Owning a pet brings happiness, companionship, and unconditional love — but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important is ensuring that your furry friend gets the medical care they need without overwhelming your finances. Pet insurance can help reduce the cost of unexpected veterinary bills, but prices and coverage options vary widely among providers.
This guide will help you understand how to find the cheapest pet insurance companies, what factors affect your premiums, and how to choose the right plan for your pet — all while maintaining reliable protection.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of health coverage designed to help pet owners pay for veterinary expenses. Similar to health insurance for humans, you pay a monthly or annual premium in exchange for reimbursement on covered medical treatments.
Most companies offer three types of plans:
- Accident-Only Coverage – Covers emergency treatments after accidents, such as broken bones or ingestion of foreign objects.
- Accident and Illness Coverage – Includes both accidents and common illnesses like infections, allergies, or digestive issues.
- Wellness or Preventive Care Add-Ons – Optional coverage for vaccinations, dental cleaning, and routine checkups.
Average Cost of Pet Insurance in 2025
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on your location, your pet’s age, breed, and the coverage level you choose. On average in 2025:
- Dogs: Around $35 to $60 per month for accident and illness coverage.
- Cats: Around $20 to $35 per month for similar coverage.
Accident-only plans can cost less, starting from $10 per month, but they provide limited protection. Premiums are generally higher for older pets or breeds prone to health issues.
Top 5 Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies in 2025
Figo Pet Insurance
Average monthly cost: Around $28 for dogs and $18 for cats.
Figo is known for offering flexible plans with adjustable deductibles and reimbursement levels. Its cloud-based claims system makes filing and tracking claims simple. Although prices are affordable, coverage remains comprehensive, including hereditary and chronic conditions.
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Average monthly cost: Around $30 for dogs and $20 for cats.
Lemonade stands out for its digital-first experience. The company’s quick quote system and transparent pricing appeal to tech-savvy pet owners. You can also bundle your pet insurance with renters or home insurance for convenience.
MetLife Pet Insurance
Average monthly cost: Around $32 for dogs and $22 for cats.
MetLife provides customizable plans and a variety of discounts — such as for multi-pet households or military families. Their policies include coverage for exam fees and chronic conditions, which is uncommon for many low-cost insurers.
Spot Pet Insurance
Average monthly cost: Around $35 for dogs and $25 for cats.
Spot offers strong accident and illness protection with options for preventive care. One of its best features is the ability to choose your own vet — any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. Spot also provides 24/7 pet telehealth support for non-emergency consultations.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Average monthly cost: Around $36 for dogs and $26 for cats.
Backed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA’s insurance plans offer broad coverage for accidents, illnesses, and behavioral issues. Its reputation for customer service and transparent claim handling makes it a trusted choice.
How to Find the Cheapest Pet Insurance for Your Needs
Finding affordable coverage doesn’t mean settling for less protection. Here are several ways to lower your premiums while keeping quality coverage:
1. Compare Multiple Quotes
Each company calculates premiums differently. Comparing at least three providers can help you find the best value for your budget and pet’s health profile.
2. Choose a Higher Deductible
Opting for a higher deductible — the amount you pay before coverage begins — can significantly reduce your monthly premium. Just make sure you can afford the deductible in case of an emergency.
3. Select the Right Reimbursement Level
Most insurers allow you to choose how much you’ll be reimbursed after paying a vet bill, typically 70%, 80%, or 90%. Lowering your reimbursement percentage can make your premium cheaper.
4. Consider Accident-Only Plans
If you have a young and healthy pet, an accident-only policy can be an affordable option for basic coverage against emergencies.
5. Ask About Discounts
Some companies offer discounts for insuring multiple pets, being a member of certain organizations, or paying annually instead of monthly. Always check for these when comparing options.
Factors That Affect Pet Insurance Costs
Pet insurance pricing is influenced by several factors, including:
- Pet type and breed: Certain breeds are more likely to develop hereditary conditions.
- Age: Older pets typically cost more to insure.
- Location: Vet costs differ by region, which affects premiums.
- Coverage level: Broader coverage and lower deductibles increase costs.
- Claims history: Filing frequent claims may affect renewal pricing.
By understanding these factors, you can make informed adjustments to your coverage to keep costs manageable.
When Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is particularly valuable if you want to avoid financial strain from sudden medical expenses. Treatments for serious conditions like cancer or surgery can cost thousands of dollars. With insurance, you can manage these costs more easily and ensure your pet receives the best possible care.
Even if your pet is healthy now, accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Many owners find peace of mind knowing that they can make healthcare decisions based on need — not budget.
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Company
When comparing companies, look beyond price alone. Consider:
- Customer satisfaction and claim speed
- Coverage for chronic and hereditary conditions
- Exclusions and waiting periods
- Reimbursement process and app usability
Read reviews and sample policy terms before committing. Reliable customer service and transparency are key signs of a trustworthy provider.
Bottom Line
The cheapest pet insurance companies — such as Figo, Lemonade, MetLife, Spot, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance — combine affordability with reliable protection. While costs differ based on your pet’s age, breed, and location, comparing quotes and customizing your policy can help you save significantly over time.
Pet insurance doesn’t just cover vet bills — it offers peace of mind. By choosing a plan that balances cost and coverage, you can ensure your pet stays healthy and protected without financial stress.
