Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Cheap pet insurance can be a lifesaver when your beloved furry companion requires emergency surgery or costly medical treatments.
Cheap pet insurance for dogs and cheap pet insurance for cats can be found from providers like Lemonade, Healthy Paws, or Embrace, offering basic coverage options. However, the premiums associated with it can strain your budget. Whittenburg Says,
“Cheap pet insurance may seem like a bargain upfront, but it’s essential to ensure it offers adequate coverage for your furry friend’s needs in the long run.”
Cheap pet insurance that covers everything may be difficult to find, as comprehensive coverage often comes at a higher price. Explore options for cheap pet insurance Australia to safeguard their health without breaking the bank.
We conducted our search for accident and illness plans in five major cities across the United States. Sample pets included a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair cat aged 2 and 8.
Each plan had a $250 deductible, a $5,000 annual coverage limit, and an 80% reimbursement rate. It’s important to note that the actual affordability of insurance rates can vary depending on factors such as your location, desired coverage level, and your pet’s breed and age.
The insurers that emerged as offering the most budget-friendly rates in our assessments may not necessarily be the optimal choice for your specific circumstances.
The Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies
Following are the top cheap pet insurance
1: Figo: Cheapest Option for Cats
Figo is the cheapest option for many cats we looked at. It costs less compared to other companies we checked. Figo also discounts if you insure more than one pet or serve in the military.
Figo has a unique feature where they give you all your money back for vet bills once you pay a certain amount each year. Most other pet insurance companies only give back 70% to 90% of the bills.
We also like Figo’s Pet Cloud app. It helps you keep your pet’s medical records safe digitally, and you can call a vet anytime, day or night.
Monthly rates for dogs: $54.
Monthly rates for cats: $23.
2: Lemonade Pet Insurance
Lemonade offers the cheapest dog insurance according to our tests. They have consistently low prices for dog insurance. You can get even more affordable rates if you pay your bill yearly instead of monthly. Plus, you can get discounts if you insure more than one pet. You can save even more money if you already have Lemonade insurance for your home, rental, or life.
Lemonade is different because they have a unique program called “Giveback.” This program donates some of the company’s profits to charities chosen by people with Lemonade insurance. Lemonade is also quick with processing claims. When you submit a claim using their app, they use artificial intelligence to review and pay some claims quickly.
Monthly rates for dogs: $49.
Monthly rates for cats: $28.
3: Metlife: Best for Older Pets
MetLife is a good choice for older pets because it has reasonable prices and doesn’t have an age limit for enrollment. So, even if your pet is more senior, you can still get them insured.
Depending on where you live, MetLife might give discounts to certain people, like those in the military, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, or those who work with animals. If you buy your plan online, you can also save money in the first year.
MetLife’s plans cover treatment for common issues in older pets like arthritis, diabetes, gum disease, and other problems they might face. They offer different deductible options so you can pick the best for you and your pet.
Monthly rates for dogs: $49.
Monthly rates for cats: $29.
4; ASPCA: Ideal for Young Pets
ASPCA is an excellent choice if you have young pets. They offer competitive rates for dogs and cats around two years old. Your puppy or kitten just needs to be over eight weeks old to get covered. Plus, if you insure more than one pet, you can get a 10% discount.
ASPCA provides some of the most thorough plans available. They cover many things like dental issues, behavior problems, alternative treatments, exceptional food prescribed by the vet, and even microchip implantation.
If you want extra coverage for your new pet’s spaying or neutering surgery, you can add the Prime preventive care package to your policy.
Monthly rates for dogs: $61.
Monthly rates for cats: $29.
5: AKC: Best for Pets With Pre-Existing Conditions
Although not the cheapest, AKC stands out because it offers something that could be improved: coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Most pet insurance companies won’t cover conditions that existed before you bought the policy, especially if they’re chronic or incurable. But AKC is different. After your pet has been insured for a year, they might cover pre-existing conditions, which is uncommon among other companies.
This perk may vary depending on where you live. Additionally, AKC offers discounts for insuring multiple pets and provides access to a 24/7 vet helpline. AKC could be a good option if you’re looking for affordable pet insurance covering pre-existing conditions.
Monthly rates for dogs: $60.
Monthly rates for cats: $38.
6: Spot Pet Insurance
Spot Pet Insurance is a new company that helps care for your pets. They offer different plans to cover accidents and illnesses or just accidents.
They started offering insurance in 2019, and even the famous Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan supports them. The monthly cost for dogs is $15, and for cats, it’s $9. Spot Pet Insurance might be a good choice if you want to keep your pets safe without spending too much money.
Monthly rates for dogs: $15
Monthly rates for cats: $9.
Free Pet Insurance for Low-Income Families
You have a few options if you’re a low-income pet owner needing free veterinarian treatment for your animal companion.
One approach is via government initiatives that offer support to low-income families only. These programs frequently provide free or heavily discounted veterinarian care, such as immunizations, spaying/neutering, and even emergency care.
Cheap Pet Insurance No Waiting Period
Some pet insurance companies have no waiting period before you can claim. Companion Protect is one of them. Once your pet is enrolled, you can ask for help immediately if they get sick or hurt.
But before joining, they’ll look at your pet’s medical history, which could take a few days. Also, specific treatments like hip dysplasia need approval first. You might have to wait up to a year for coverage for other things like intervertebral disc disease.
What Affects the Price of Your Pet Insurance?
The cost of pet insurance depends on several factors:
Where You Live: If you’re in an area with high living costs, vet care is likely to be pricey too. It means your premium (the amount you pay for insurance) will be higher.
Your Pet’s Age: Like humans, pets tend to have more health issues as they age. So, insurance for older pets is usually more expensive than that for puppies or kittens.
Your Pet’s Species and Breed: Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats. Also, certain breeds may cost more to insure because they are prone to specific health problems, like breathing or joint issues.
The Coverage You Choose: The more comprehensive your insurance plan, the higher the cost. Plans that offer unlimited payouts and reimburse you for a more significant percentage of vet expenses will be pricier.
Additionally, adding coverage for annual checkups and vaccinations will increase your costs. Some insurers may charge extra to cover specific expenses, like exam fees or physical therapy.
How to Get Affordable Pet Insurance?
Here are some easy-to-understand tips to help you find affordable pet insurance:
Compare Prices: Look at what different insurance companies offer. Remember, the cheapest option might not give you the best coverage.
Adjust Your Coverage: Many insurers let you customize your plan. You can change things like your deductible (the amount you pay before the insurance kicks in) or the percentage of vet expenses you get reimbursed.
For instance, you might pay less if you’re okay with getting back only 70% of your vet bills instead of 80% or 90%.
Understand Trade-offs: If you go for a cheaper plan, you might have to pay more out of pocket when your pet needs medical care.
Ask About Deals: Some companies offer discounts if you have more than one pet, are in the military, or bundle your pet insurance with other types. You might also save money by paying your premium all at once instead of in monthly payments.
Check Employer Benefits: Your job might offer pet insurance at a lower cost. Just make sure you can keep the coverage if you change jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Cheap Pet Insurance Typically Cover?
Basic cheap pet insurance usually covers accidents and illnesses, with optional add-ons for additional coverage.
Are Pre-Existing Conditions Covered Under Cheap Pet Insurance?
No, most cheap pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, but they cover new conditions after the waiting period.
Can I Choose My Vet With Cheap Pet Insurance?
Many cheap pet insurance policies allow you to choose your veterinarian, but some may have a preferred network.
Source
Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies
Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
