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Pet insurance — today's pick

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Written byEditorial Team
Edited byReviews Editor
Reviewed byFinance Advisor
Expert verified Updated May 25, 2026

What to know first: Pet insurance pricing varies dramatically by breed, age, and reimbursement level. Our editorial team reviewed providers on annual cap policies, exclusionary vs. stated-component coverage, claims speed, and BBB complaint volume.

How HawkLend ranks Definitions FAQ

How pet insurance works

Three things to know before you buy.

1

Pay your vet first

Most pet plans are reimbursement-based — you pay the vet, then submit a claim for the covered portion.

2

Pre-existing exclusions

Conditions diagnosed before coverage starts are typically excluded. Earlier enrollment = broader coverage.

3

Deductible + reimbursement

Pick a deductible ($250–$1,000) and reimbursement % (70/80/90). Higher deductible + lower reimbursement = cheaper premium.

FAQs

Pet insurance — what people ask

Is pet insurance worth it?
It depends on your pet's breed risk and how you'd handle a $5,000-$10,000 emergency vet bill. For breeds prone to expensive conditions (large dogs, certain purebreds), it's usually worth it. For mixed-breed cats with low risk, the math is closer.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Almost never. Any condition diagnosed before your coverage start date is excluded. A few insurers (Embrace) cover "curable" pre-existing conditions if symptom-free for 12+ months. Enroll while pets are young and healthy for the broadest coverage.
How do reimbursement levels work?
After your deductible, the insurer reimburses a percentage of the eligible bill (typically 70%, 80%, or 90%). Higher reimbursement = higher monthly premium. Most pet owners pick 80% as a balance.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. Accidents are typically covered after 2-14 days. Illness waiting periods range from 14-30 days. Orthopedic conditions can have 6-12 month waits. Check the policy carefully — emergencies during the waiting period are not covered.
Does pet insurance cover routine care?
Standard plans cover accidents and illnesses only. Wellness add-ons (sold separately) cover routine items like vaccines, dental cleanings, and annual exams — usually $20-$40/month extra. Whether they're worth it depends on how much routine care you already plan to use.

How HawkLend ranked these picks

Our editorial team reviewed dozens of providers across rate transparency, application speed, credit reporting, BBB complaint volume, and consumer experience. Every provider on this list passes our minimum standards for licensing and disclosure.

We update this list quarterly, with mid-quarter updates when major providers change their rate structure or product mix. Compensation from partners does not affect ranking — only inclusion criteria.

Definition of terms

APR
Annual Percentage Rate — the total cost of borrowing expressed as a yearly rate, including interest and fees.
Soft inquiry
A credit check that does not affect your score. Used for pre-qualification.
Hard inquiry
A credit check that may temporarily lower your score. Used when you formally apply.
Pre-qualification
An estimate of what you'd qualify for, based on a soft inquiry. Not a guaranteed offer.