Best pet insurance for dogs
There's no single best dog insurance for every dog, because the right policy depends on what you want it to cover. So we read the policies of 9 US insurers and picked the best for each need, based only on what the policies actually say, never on prices or commissions. Start with what matters most to you below.
Which dog insurance is best for you?
There's no single best policy for every dog. Find the need that matters most to you below, and we'll show you which insurers stand out and why.
If you want no limit on what it pays out
Our pick Trupanion
Trupanion has no annual or lifetime limit on what it pays. Pets Best also offers a plan with no annual limit.
If you'd rather pay one deductible per condition
Our pick Trupanion
You pay the deductible once for each illness or injury, not again every year, which helps if your dog has a long-term condition.
They cover a curable pre-existing condition again once your dog has gone 180 days without symptoms or treatment, the shortest wait we found.
If you want accident cover from the first day
Our pick Embrace
Embrace has no waiting period for accidents, so injuries are covered from the day your policy starts.
They cover treatment for behaviour problems as standard, from a vet or a behaviourist your vet refers you to, without paying for an add-on.
Knee problems are covered after the standard 14-day wait. Several other insurers make you wait 6 months.
How we choose: we only look at what each insurer's own policy documents say (read in October 2026). We never use prices, reviews or commissions, and quote links aren’t live yet.
How do all 9 US insurers compare?
The key points side by side. Click an insurer for everything its policy covers.
| Insurer | Deductible you pay first | Most it will pay out | Wait before illness is covered | Vet exam fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trupanion | Per condition: once paid for an illness or injury, that condition is covered with no further deductible. Can be raised any time; lowered only in the first 30 days | No annual or lifetime payout limit (website statement) | 30 days (illnesses in the first 30 days are treated as pre-existing) | Not covered, at any time |
| Nationwide | Annual. Options from $100 on some plans; the FAQ says most owners choose $250 | Annual maximum depending on the plan; category maximums on the Modular Plan; maximums reset at renewal | 'Most plans start 1–14 days after your application is approved and payment has been processed' (no split by illness/injury stated) | Not in the documents we read |
| Lemonade | Annual deductible (the FAQ's examples and wording) | Annual coverage limit chosen by the owner (amounts not stated in the FAQ) | 14 days | Not covered by the base policy; covered with the vet visit fee add-on |
| Healthy Paws | Annual: applies once per 12-month coverage term | A lifetime limit shown on the declarations page; no limits per claim or per year below it | 15 days | Not covered |
| Embrace | Annual, per pet | Annual maximum shown on the Schedule; dental illness has its own $1,000 a year | 14 days | Covered only if shown on the Schedule (optional) |
| Pets Best | Annual: $50 to $2,000 in $50 steps | $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 or no annual limit | 14 days | Only with the optional office visits/exam fees benefit, chosen at enrolment |
| Pumpkin | Annual, applies each policy period | Annual limit shown on the declarations page | 14 days | Covered as part of eligible treatment ("examinations, consultations") |
| Figo | Annual deductible, plus an optional per-incident copay | Annual maximum benefit, or a per-incident limit, shown on the declarations page | 14 days | Not covered unless the optional Office Visit and Exam Fees cover is bought |
| Spot | Annual, applies each policy period | Annual limit shown on the declarations page | 14 days | Covered as part of eligible treatment ("examinations, consultations") |
Guides to help you choose
- Pet insurance for senior dogs
- Puppy insurance
- Multi-pet insurance
- Dog insurance by breed
- Pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
- Does pet insurance cover dental?
- What does dog insurance cover?
- Pet insurance waiting period
- Pet insurance deductible
- Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?
- Does pet insurance cover cancer?
- Does pet insurance cover surgery?
- Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
- Costco dog insurance
- PetSmart dog insurance
- USAA dog insurance
- State Farm dog insurance
- Geico dog insurance
- Trupanion vs Pets Best
- Healthy Paws vs Trupanion
Your questions answered
What is the best pet insurance for dogs?
It really depends on what matters most to you and your dog. If you want no payout limit, look at Trupanion. If your dog has had a condition that has since cleared up, Spot and Pumpkin cover it again soonest. Embrace covers accidents from day one, and Embrace, Spot and Pumpkin all cover behavioural treatment as standard. Every pick on this page is based only on what each policy says.
What dog insurance companies are there?
We compare the policies of 9 US insurers: Trupanion, Nationwide, Lemonade, Healthy Paws, Embrace, Pets Best, Pumpkin, Figo, Spot. Each one has its own page explaining what its policy covers in plain English.
How do I get dog insurance?
Most people get a quote on the insurer's website, using their dog's breed, age and ZIP code. You'll then choose your deductible, reimbursement percentage and limit. Before you buy, it's worth reading the sample policy for your state, so there are no surprises when you come to claim.
Policies change and terms differ by plan and state, so always read the policy before you buy. See the UK version