Top 10 Pet Insurance Companies in the USA 2026
Pets are beloved members of the family — and veterinary care, especially for emergencies and chronic conditions, can be expensive. Pet insurance helps protect your budget and ensures your dog, cat, or other pet gets the care they need without financial stress. In 2026, the pet insurance landscape continues to grow, with many companies offering tailored plans, wellness coverage, accident–illness protection, and easy digital tools.
This guide explains the Top 10 Pet Insurance Companies in the USA for 2026 — what makes each one stand out, who they’re best for, and how to compare plans.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance helps cover veterinary costs when your animal gets sick or injured. Most plans fall into two main categories:
- Accident & Illness Coverage – Pays for unexpected vet bills (broken bones, infections, diseases).
- Wellness and Preventive Coverage – Helps cover routine costs like vaccines and annual exams.
Some companies also offer optional add-ons such as dental coverage, behavioral therapy, prescription food coverage, and hereditary condition coverage.
How This List Was Prepared
This ranking draws on expert comparisons, customer satisfaction scores, plan features, pricing transparency, digital tools, claims processing reputation, and overall value. Companies are listed based on their strength in 2026, but the “best” insurer for you may vary by pet age, breed, location, and care preferences.
1. Healthy Paws — Best Overall Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws consistently ranks near the top of expert and pet owner reviews. Its accident & illness plans are straightforward, and claims processing is known to be fast and reliable.
Why it’s popular:
- Simple, comprehensive accident & illness coverage
- Unlimited benefit option
- Fast digital claims
- Nationwide coverage
Best for: Most pet owners looking for broad protection and strong service.
Things to know: No wellness plan in base coverage (but this is common industry-wide).
2. Spot Pet Insurance — Best for Flexibility
Spot’s plans are highly customizable, allowing pet parents to tailor deductibles, reimbursement percentage, and annual limits. Spot also has excellent digital tools and clear coverage explanations.
Highlights:
- Coverage for reptiles and exotic pets
- Optional wellness add-ons
- Discount program for multiple pets
Best for: Pet owners who want customization and extras.
3. Trupanion — Best for Serious Illness & Complex Care
Trupanion is known for its straightforward coverage of hereditary and congenital conditions — conditions that are often excluded by others. It also offers direct payment to vets in many cases.
Why pet owners choose it:
- Comprehensive illness coverage
- One-simple plan structure
- Direct payment available
- Add-ons for recovery support
Best for: Dogs or cats prone to hereditary conditions or high vet costs.
Consideration: Pricing tends to be higher but reflects broader illness coverage.
4. Nationwide — Best for Variety of Plans
Nationwide (formerly Veterinary Pet Insurance or VPI) offers a wide range of plans that cover everything from basic accident to comprehensive wellness, and even exotic animals.
Standout features:
- Multiple plan types (Whole Pet, Wellness, Avian & Exotic)
- Wellness rewards options
- Trusted insurer with long history
Best for: Pet owners seeking choice and wellness benefits.
5. Embrace — Best for Balanced Coverage and Wellness
Embrace is popular for accident & illness coverage plus wellness rewards that reimburse routine care. It also includes a diminishing deductible benefit — a unique perk where your deductible decreases for each year your pet remains claim-free.
Strong points:
- Wellness rewards
- Diminishing deductible
- Care for chronic conditions
Best for: Owners who want everyday care reimbursement too.
6. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance — Best for Compassionate Coverage
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) partners with insurers to offer plans that include illness, accident, and optional wellness coverage. It also includes unique behavioral support services.
Why it’s liked:
- Optional wellness add-ons
- Good coverage for illness & accidents
- Behavioral support available
Best for: Pet owners interested in holistic care and behavior coverage.
7. Figo — Best for Tech and Telemedicine Integration
Figo stands out with excellent digital tools, including a modern app, cloud-based pet records, and partnerships with telemedicine services. It pairs well with owners who use technology for care coordination.
Highlights:
- Intuitive mobile app
- Telehealth access
- Cloud pet health records
- Fast claims
Best for: Tech-savvy owners and busy families.
8. AKC Pet Insurance — Best for Purebred Dogs
Offered by the American Kennel Club, AKC Pet Insurance has plans designed for dog owners, including coverage for hereditary conditions common in purebreds. It also provides optional wellness and preventive options.
Standout features:
- Coverage tailored to dog breeds
- Optional wellness
- AKC member benefits
Best for: Dog owners, especially of purebred breeds.
9. Pumpkin Pet Insurance — Best for Simplicity and Value
Pumpkin provides clear, straightforward coverage and seeks to make pet insurance understandable. It includes illness and accident coverage and optional wellness add-ons.
Why owners like it:
- Transparent pricing
- Easy online enrollment
- Preventive care add-ons
Best for: Beginners new to pet insurance.
10. Nationwide’s APLUS / Whole Pet with Wellness
Nationwide’s APLUS offering provides high annual limits and wellness features built into the policy, making it attractive for pet owners who value preventive care alongside accident & illness protection.
Good to know:
- Higher reimbursement limits
- Wellness rewards included
- Broad vet coverage
Best for: Owners who want integrated preventive care without separate add-ons.
Key Features to Compare in Pet Insurance
When comparing any of the companies above, keep these items in mind:
1. Annual Coverage Limits
Some policies cap how much they’ll pay per year. Higher limits mean better protection but higher premiums.
2. Deductibles
Deductibles may be annual (reset each year) or per incident. Choose what fits your expected care patterns.
3. Reimbursement Percentage
Most policies reimburse 70%–90% of eligible vet costs. Ask how it’s calculated (invoice total vs. eligible expense total).
4. Waiting Periods
Many insurers require waiting periods (e.g., 14 days for illness coverage) before you can file claims — this protects against pre-existing condition abuse.
5. Exclusions for Pre-existing Conditions
Standard practice is to exclude conditions your pet had before coverage begins. Ask if curable conditions might later become eligible.
6. Wellness and Preventive Coverage
Wellness plans help cover vaccines, dental cleanings, and routine checks — consider this if you want broader preventive care.
Tips to Save on Pet Insurance
Here are a few ways to keep pet insurance affordable:
- Insure early. Younger pets often cost less to insure than older ones with pre-existing issues.
- Compare multiple quotes. Prices vary widely depending on pet age and breed.
- Bundle with other policies. Some homeowners or renters insurers offer pet insurance discounts.
- Choose higher deductibles. A higher annual deductible can lower your premium.
- Look for multi-pet discounts. Many companies offer reduction for insuring more than one pet.
FAQ — Pet Insurance Basics
Q: Is pet insurance worth it?
A: For many owners, yes — veterinary costs can exceed thousands of dollars for emergencies or chronic conditions. Insurance helps protect your budget and ensures you can pursue recommended care.
Q: Does pet insurance cover hereditary conditions?
A: It depends on the company and plan. Some cover hereditary/congenital issues, while others do not. Always check plan details.
Q: Are wellness plans necessary?
A: Not always — if your main goal is emergency and major illness coverage, base accident & illness plans might suffice. Wellness add-ons are helpful for routine care.
Final Thoughts
Pet insurance is an investment in your pet’s health and your own peace of mind. The companies listed above represent strong options in 2026, but the “best” choice depends on your pet’s age, breed, health history, and your budget.
The most important step is to compare quotes from multiple companies and understand exactly what each plan covers and excludes. With that knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to protect your furry friend — without surprises.