When cover starts, what's excluded, how each plan treats conditions your pet already has, and what real customers say.
Sorted by our score. How we score
Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
What customers say
“Great customer service”
Karen G. · Trustpilot review
“Submitted my first claim with Spot Pet insurance. It was approved and paid within 4 days. This claim was for dental check for my cat for any missing teeth.”
J B. · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company
What customers say
“Once we submitted the claim we were issue payment quickly with no hassles or back and forth”
Trustpilot reviewer · Trustpilot review
“I am deeply grateful for the ins. I have with MetLife for they have stood by their name in providing outstanding services and quick claim payments.”
Sue C. · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
What customers say
“They make filing claims really easy! I have been very happy!”
Leslie M. · Trustpilot review
“Quick decision and prompt payment when needed. Claim super easy to submit.”
Fabio · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company
What customers say
“Submitting claims is so simple. I love the convenience of the mobile app. and how quickly claims get turned around.”
Holly · Trustpilot review
“When I called the representative was very helpful in telling me how to submit a claim. My dog's claim was handled promptly.”
Trustpilot reviewer · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
What customers say
“...I’ve never had a problem with claims, but mistakenly sent some claims in by mistake that had already been filed due to Allie had been diagnosed back in March 2026 with crystal bladder stones....”
Linda P. · Trustpilot review
“Easy process to submit a claim.”
D T. · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group
What customers say
“Embrace Pet Insurance is super affordable. Thanks to USAA recommending them to us. We use our wellness coverage for grooming to meds. Very easy to summit a claim. Thanks Embrace!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!!”
Eduardo R. · Trustpilot review
“My 3 year old dog has lymphoma and is undergoing chemotherapy. The care has been expensive but thankfully Embrace Pet Insurance has approved and paid claims very quickly. They have exceeded my expectations!”
Paula · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
What customers say
“Best insurance for pets. Super fast reimbursement. The day I submitted the claim, next day the money was in my account.”
Sean · Trustpilot review
“...Almost every claim I've submitted has been approved and paid, with quick processing, fast reimbursements, and absolutely no hassle. The claims process is simple, straightforward, and stress-free....”
rogue o. · Trustpilot review
Underwritten by Trisura Insurance Company
What customers say
“While I felt frustrated trying to send claim today, I called customer support at Odie and glad I did....”
Kaeko S. · Trustpilot review
“It used to take months and months for the claims to be processed. Now, they’re processed the claim on time 👏👏👏”
Melissa M. · Trustpilot review
Is pet insurance worth it? Run the numbers
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Best pet insurance for cats
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Costco pet insurance: who provides it
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Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
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How long are pet insurance waiting periods?
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Can I insure an older dog?
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Does pet insurance cover dental?
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Spot vs Pumpkin: which covers more?
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All insurer-vs-insurer comparisons
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Torn cruciate ligaments and hip dysplasia are among the costliest dog claims. Some policies wait months before covering them, and a few exclude any knee or hip problem that shows up early, for good.
| Insurer | Accident waiting period | Illness waiting period | Knee & hip (orthopedic) wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCAPet Health Insurance | |||
| Dogs: lifetime exclusion risk 180-day window for dogs (cruciate ligament disease, IVDD, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia): signs in the first 180 days = excluded for life. Kansas and South Carolina (v5 terms): 6-month wait for dogs instead Policy | ||
| Day one None for accidents from an unexpected event; injuries from 'normal activity' fall under the 15-day wait Policy, p. 6 | Lifetime exclusion risk 180 days, lifetime exclusion if the condition occurs in that window (knee exception with vet exam; accidents exempt) Policy, p. 11 | |
| 1 day 1 day (dogs: orthopedic injuries, including fractures, fall under the 6-month orthopedic wait) Policy, p. 3 | Dogs: 6 months 6 months (dogs only; waivable with an orthopedic exam and waiver form within 30 days) Policy, p. 4 | |
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| 3 days 3 days (0 days in CA, DE, LA, MD, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, OH, PA and WA per Odie's state table) Policy, p. 5 | 6 months 6 months (cruciate ligament events); 30 days in CA, DE, LA, MD, ME, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, OH, OR, PA and WA, and 120 days in VT, per Odie's state table Policy, p. 5 | |
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180-day window for dogs (cruciate ligament disease, IVDD, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia): signs in the first 180 days = excluded for life. Kansas and South Carolina (v5 terms): 6-month wait for dogs instead
PolicyNone for accidents from an unexpected event; injuries from 'normal activity' fall under the 15-day wait
Policy, p. 6180 days, lifetime exclusion if the condition occurs in that window (knee exception with vet exam; accidents exempt)
Policy, p. 111 day (dogs: orthopedic injuries, including fractures, fall under the 6-month orthopedic wait)
Policy, p. 36 months (dogs only; waivable with an orthopedic exam and waiver form within 30 days)
Policy, p. 43 days (0 days in CA, DE, LA, MD, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, OH, PA and WA per Odie's state table)
Policy, p. 56 months (cruciate ligament events); 30 days in CA, DE, LA, MD, ME, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, OH, OR, PA and WA, and 120 days in VT, per Odie's state table
Policy, p. 5Dental disease is one of the most common reasons cats see a vet. Policies treat it very differently, and the rule for conditions your pet had before you bought the policy matters just as much.
| Insurer | Pre-existing conditions | Dental illness |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCAPet Health Insurance | Cured: covered after 6 mo Excluded. Curable conditions cured and free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days become a new occurrence (not ligament/knee) (from a 2020 sample form; newer forms may be stricter on chronic conditions). Policy, p. 4 | As general illness Dental disease is not named as its own benefit; covered under general illness. Tooth extractions are a listed benefit; cleanings excluded unless treating a covered illness; aesthetic, endodontic and orthodontic work and root planing excluded. Policy, p. 5 |
| Cured: covered after 12 mo Excluded. Temporary (curable) conditions free of signs and treatment for 12 consecutive months are no longer pre-existing. Policy | Covered, with conditions Covered, conditional: $1,000 annual sub-limit; pre-existing dental signs (tartar, plaque, gingivitis) block cover until treated; dental prophylaxis never covered Policy |
| Cured: covered after 12 mo Excluded. Curable conditions seen in the 365 days before enrollment or during the wait: 365-day exclusion, then coverable with an annual vet exam; if it recurs, a second 365-day period; recurrence in the second period = excluded for life. The policy's wording is unclear on the second year; check with Fetch. Policy, p. 10 | Covered, with conditions Covered as illness unless clinical signs appeared before enrollment or during the waiting period; preventive cleanings excluded Policy, p. 11 |
| Cured: covered after 12 mo Excluded. Curable conditions become coverable after 365 consecutive days without symptoms or treatment; genetic, ligament/knee, orthopedic and chronic conditions are never curable. Policy, p. 5 | Covered, with conditions Covered, conditional on an annual dental exam and following vet advice; excluded if periodontal signs existed before start or during the wait Policy, p. 5 |
| No cure clause Excluded. The 2021 sample policy we read has no cured-condition clause; MetLife's website says curable conditions are typically covered. Policy, p. 7 | As general illness Dental disease is not named as its own benefit; covered under general illness. The sample lists 'emergency dental Treatment' only as an example and has no dental exclusion or sub-limit Policy, p. 4 |
| 18-month look-back, no cure clause Excluded. 18-month look-back: anything Present in the 18 months before the effective date (or during the wait) is excluded. No cure clause. Chronic, bilateral and IVDD conditions are excluded if Present at any time before. Policy, p. 16 | Covered, with conditions Covered, conditional: periodontal disease (endodontics on canine/carnassial teeth, extractions) if no prior signs; from age 3 requires an anesthetic cleaning and exam within the prior 13 months; cleanings and root planing never covered Policy, p. 14 |
| Cured: covered after 6 mo Excluded. Curable conditions free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days become a new occurrence (not chronic or ligament/knee). Policy, p. 6 | As general illness Dental disease is not named in the policy; covered under general illness. Tooth extractions are listed; cleanings excluded unless treating a covered illness; aesthetic, endodontic and orthodontic work and root planing excluded. Policy, p. 7 |
| Cured: covered after 6 mo Excluded. Curable conditions free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days become a new occurrence (not chronic or ligament/knee). Policy, p. 5 | As general illness Dental disease is not named in the policy; covered under general illness. Tooth extractions are listed; cleanings excluded unless treating a covered illness (Gold/Platinum preventive add-ons pay toward cleanings); aesthetic, endodontic and orthodontic work and root planing excluded. Policy, p. 6 |
Excluded. Curable conditions cured and free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days become a new occurrence (not ligament/knee) (from a 2020 sample form; newer forms may be stricter on chronic conditions).
Policy, p. 4Dental disease is not named as its own benefit; covered under general illness. Tooth extractions are a listed benefit; cleanings excluded unless treating a covered illness; aesthetic, endodontic and orthodontic work and root planing excluded.
Policy, p. 5Excluded. Temporary (curable) conditions free of signs and treatment for 12 consecutive months are no longer pre-existing.
PolicyCovered, conditional: $1,000 annual sub-limit; pre-existing dental signs (tartar, plaque, gingivitis) block cover until treated; dental prophylaxis never covered
PolicyExcluded. Curable conditions seen in the 365 days before enrollment or during the wait: 365-day exclusion, then coverable with an annual vet exam; if it recurs, a second 365-day period; recurrence in the second period = excluded for life. The policy's wording is unclear on the second year; check with Fetch.
Policy, p. 10Covered as illness unless clinical signs appeared before enrollment or during the waiting period; preventive cleanings excluded
Policy, p. 11Excluded. Curable conditions become coverable after 365 consecutive days without symptoms or treatment; genetic, ligament/knee, orthopedic and chronic conditions are never curable.
Policy, p. 5Covered, conditional on an annual dental exam and following vet advice; excluded if periodontal signs existed before start or during the wait
Policy, p. 5Excluded. The 2021 sample policy we read has no cured-condition clause; MetLife's website says curable conditions are typically covered.
Policy, p. 7Dental disease is not named as its own benefit; covered under general illness. The sample lists 'emergency dental Treatment' only as an example and has no dental exclusion or sub-limit
Policy, p. 4Excluded. 18-month look-back: anything Present in the 18 months before the effective date (or during the wait) is excluded. No cure clause. Chronic, bilateral and IVDD conditions are excluded if Present at any time before.
Policy, p. 16Covered, conditional: periodontal disease (endodontics on canine/carnassial teeth, extractions) if no prior signs; from age 3 requires an anesthetic cleaning and exam within the prior 13 months; cleanings and root planing never covered
Policy, p. 14Excluded. Curable conditions free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days become a new occurrence (not chronic or ligament/knee).
Policy, p. 6Dental disease is not named in the policy; covered under general illness. Tooth extractions are listed; cleanings excluded unless treating a covered illness; aesthetic, endodontic and orthodontic work and root planing excluded.
Policy, p. 7Excluded. Curable conditions free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days become a new occurrence (not chronic or ligament/knee).
Policy, p. 5Dental disease is not named in the policy; covered under general illness. Tooth extractions are listed; cleanings excluded unless treating a covered illness (Gold/Platinum preventive add-ons pay toward cleanings); aesthetic, endodontic and orthodontic work and root planing excluded.
Policy, p. 6No policy we read lists its limit or deductible menu, or a maximum enrollment age. They point to the page you get when you buy. These values come from the insurers' websites, so check your quote.
| Insurer | Annual limit options | Deductible | Maximum enrollment age |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCAPet Health Insurance | Not stated | Not stated | |
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| Annual + per-incident copay Annual deductible that drops $50 per claim-free renewal to $0, plus an optional Per Incident Copay (per condition, per vet). Options not in policy. Policy, p. 3 | ||
| Annual, shrinks each year Annual (once per policy period); reduces by $50 per claim-free year down to $0 Policy, p. 6 | ||
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Annual deductible that drops $50 per claim-free renewal to $0, plus an optional Per Incident Copay (per condition, per vet). Options not in policy.
Policy, p. 3Annual (once per policy period); reduces by $50 per claim-free year down to $0
Policy, p. 6From the policy documents of the 8 insurers above.
Quick picks from the same clauses as the tables. Each list is filtered on one rule, then sorted by our score.
No lifetime knee or hip exclusion, and the shortest orthopedic wait.
Names dental disease in the policy and brings cured conditions back.
Dental illness is a named benefit, not only part of general illness.
Accidents covered on day one or within 3 days, ranked by our score.
Shortest symptom-free period before a cured condition is covered again.
Plain answers to the questions owners ask before they buy, built from the same policy documents as the tables above.
You pay the vet, send the bill to your insurer, and get money back. The insurer first takes off your deductible, then pays its reimbursement rate (often 70%, 80% or 90%) of what is left, up to your annual limit. Most US pet insurance works this way, so you can use any licensed vet.
Here is the math on a $2,000 bill with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement: $2,000 minus $250 is $1,750, and 80% of $1,750 is $1,400. The insurer pays $1,400 and you pay $600. The next bill that year skips the deductible, because an annual deductible is only paid once a year.
Want to try your own numbers? The calculator in is pet insurance worth it does this for a full year, premiums included.
An accident and illness plan covers new injuries and new illnesses after the waiting period: tests, surgery, hospital stays and prescriptions. It does not cover conditions your pet showed before the policy started, and routine care like vaccines and cleanings needs a separate wellness add-on.
The three kinds of plan
There is no single best policy for every pet. By our score, which combines coverage terms, customer satisfaction and popularity, Spot, MetLife and Pumpkin rank highest of the 8 insurers we compare. The right pick depends on your pet's age, breed and history, so check the clauses below that matter most for you.
For a large or active dog, the knee and hip clause matters most. For a cat or a small breed, look at dental. For an older pet, look at the age limit and the pre-existing rule. The match tool sorts all 8 insurers by your answers in under a minute.
Illness cover starts 14 to 15 days after you buy with every insurer we compare. Accident cover starts on day one or within 3 days with five of them (Embrace, Fetch, Figo, MetLife and Odie). Knee and hip problems can have a much longer wait, so read that clause before you buy a policy for a dog.
The clause to watch is the orthopedic one. Embrace and Fetch have a window in the first months where signs of a knee or hip problem mean that condition is excluded for the life of the policy. Figo and Odie use a separate wait of several months for these conditions.
Buying before your pet shows any symptoms is the single best way to avoid a gap. The waiting-period planner shows the exact date each policy starts paying.
No insurer we compare covers a condition your pet had before the policy started. Most will cover a curable condition again once it has been free of symptoms and treatment for a set time, from 6 to 12 months. Chronic conditions like diabetes or allergies stay excluded.
MetLife and Odie are stricter here: the policies we read have no clause that brings a cured condition back. Insurers decide what is pre-existing from your pet's vet records, so a note about limping or itching a year ago can count. See the full breakdown in pre-existing conditions.
Dental illness like gum disease and tooth extractions is usually covered, but not routine cleanings. Embrace, Fetch, Figo and Odie name dental disease in the policy, with conditions. ASPCA, MetLife, Pumpkin and Spot treat it as a general illness.
Almost every dental clause excludes problems that showed up before the start date, so a tartar note on a recent vet visit can block cover. Some also need a yearly dental exam. Read does pet insurance cover dental for each insurer's rule.
Six of the 8 insurers we compare have no upper age limit for new pets. Embrace limits full accident and illness cover to younger pets. Premiums rise with age, and an older pet is more likely to have a pre-existing condition, so the earlier you enroll, the more gets covered.
More in can I insure an older dog.
The price depends on species, breed, age and ZIP code, plus three choices you make: the deductible, the reimbursement rate and the annual limit. Dogs usually cost more than cats, and large breeds more than small ones. The only reliable number is a quote for your pet.
How the three dials move your premium
A common middle setting is a $250 to $500 deductible with 80% back. Some plans also shrink the deductible each year you don't claim, which you can see in the limits table above.
Start with the clauses that fit your pet, not the price. Check the waiting periods, the knee and hip rule if you have a dog, the pre-existing rule, dental cover and the age limit. Then compare quotes from two or three insurers at the same deductible and reimbursement.
Policies vary by state and change over time. This is a reading of sample documents, not insurance advice, and we are not an insurance agent.
The three ways owners plan for vet bills, side by side.
Pet insurance
Savings account
Wellness plan
We read the sample policy documents and official pages of eight US pet insurers and pulled 62 facts from them: waiting periods, the knee and hip clause, pre-existing conditions, dental cover, limits, deductibles and age rules. Each fact links to the page it came from. Scores combine coverage terms, customer satisfaction and popularity. Last updated November 9, 2026.
