7 Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies of March 2023

According to our 2021 survey of 1,000 pet owners, 45% of pet parents expected pet insurance to cost less than $25 per month. It may be tricky to find a policy this cheap—at least for dogs—but there are a few ways to keep costs down.

Start by talking with your veterinarian about your pet’s needs, including conditions its breed may be susceptible to or any specific care it will require. There’s no need to pay for coverage your vet doesn’t foresee your pet needing. After that, consider the following ways to get the lowest pet insurance rate.

Compare the Cheapest Pet Insurance Plans

Pet insurance prices can vary drastically from one provider to the next, so do your research and get multiple quotes. Review how similar plans compare across companies to identify what’s being offered for the price. Look at what’s covered in some standard plans that isn’t in others, as well as how much add-ons cost. You can save a good deal of money by spotting where some providers upcharge for coverage that’s standard in other plans. Also, don’t hesitate to call providers to ask how they compare to their competition.

Though it’s ideal to get a low monthly rate, remember that cost isn’t everything. The point of getting pet insurance is to provide good care to your pet and help your wallet in the long run. Focus on getting the best pet insurance plan for your pet’s needs.

Purchase an Accident-only Policy

If you’re comfortable foregoing illness coverage, you can save money by choosing an accident-only policy. Not all providers offer this option, but it may work for you if your pet is healthy and not susceptible to breed-specific illnesses. Keep in mind that while your monthly premium will be lower, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any veterinary care needed if your pet becomes ill.

Adjust Your Deductibles and Reimbursements

Most providers allow you to adjust your deductible, reimbursement rate, and coverage limit to customize your cost. Selecting a high deductible and a low coverage limit and reimbursement rate will keep your monthly premium low. Your monthly premium will be higher if you choose a low deductible and higher coverage limit and reimbursement rate.

Take Advantage of Pet Insurance Discounts

Some providers offer discounts, especially if you’re bundling multiple pets on the same policy or combining other forms of insurance with pet insurance. Certain providers, such as Embrace, also offer military discounts and employee discounts for employees of companies that offer Embrace. It doesn’t hurt to ask about additional discounts that may not be listed on the provider’s website.

Buy Coverage Now Instead of Waiting

Most providers don’t cover preexisting conditions, so it’s important to get a pet insurance policy while your pet is still healthy. Most providers also have a waiting period, often 14 days, from the day you enroll to the day coverage begins. This means that if your pet gets into an accident or shows signs of illness the day after you enroll, you may not be able to get coverage. Buying pet insurance sooner rather than later will ensure the majority of issues your pet faces are covered.