Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Forbes Advisor’s 2026 analysis names Prudent Pet its best overall pet insurer, while Lemonade earns the strongest Price-Value Index. Those are different findings: the insurer with the best value score is not automatically the overall winner.
Forbes compared 10 companies using nationwide pricing, coverage, customer feedback and other measures. The premiums below are research examples—not guaranteed quotes. Your pet’s breed, age, location, deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual coverage limit can materially change the price.
Forbes’ 2026 pet insurance rankings
| Rank | Company | Forbes designation | Rating | Example monthly premium | Price-Value Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prudent Pet | Best Overall | 5.0 | $63 dog; $28 cat | 47/50 |
| 2 | Lemonade | Best for Budget | 4.9 | $44 dog; $23 cat | 50/50 |
| 3 | Fetch | Best for Dental Coverage | 4.6 | $91 dog; $30 cat | 36/50 |
| 4 | Pets Best | Best for Paying the Vet Directly | 4.5 | $81 dog; $25 cat | 36/50 |
| 5 | Spot | Best for All-Around Coverage | 4.5 | $101 dog; $34 cat | 33/50 |
| 6 | MetLife | Best for Discounts | 4.4 | $101 dog; $34 cat | 30/50 |
| 7 | Embrace | Great for 24/7 Vet Help | 4.4 | $84 dog; $45 cat | 29/50 |
| 8 | ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | Great for Preexisting Conditions | 4.4 | $103 dog; $34 cat | 30/50 |
| 9 | Healthy Paws | Great Prices for Unlimited Lifetime Payouts | 4.2 | $62 dog; $32 cat | 30/50 |
| 10 | Pumpkin | Good for Multipet Discount | 4.1 | $134 dog; $41 cat | 21/50 |
Forbes’ examples generally use different annual limits by company, so the prices should not be compared as if every policy offered identical coverage. For example, the Prudent Pet estimate uses $10,000 in annual coverage, while Lemonade’s uses $20,000 and Healthy Paws’ example has unlimited annual coverage.
1. Prudent Pet: Best overall
Prudent Pet received Forbes Advisor’s highest overall rating, 5.0 out of 5. Its Essential plan scored well across price, coverage and customer satisfaction. Forbes’ example price was $63 per month for a dog and $28 for a cat, based on $10,000 in annual coverage.
#1 Best Overall
- ENSURE PET SAFETY ON THE GO with our dog travel accessories, dog must haves in pet travel. Our comprehensive pet first aid kit for dogs is your companion for worry-free journeys.
- VET ENDORSED: Our Dog & Cat first aid kit, vet-reviewed for precision, is expertly crafted in a medical facility, providing superior quality emergency dog essentials for peace of mind.
- PET EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS: In addition to comprehensive pet first aid supplies, we include dog muzzle, tick kit, emergency flashlight, and a handy mini first aid kit pouch.
- Pet Care Guide: A comprehensive first aid manual with essential instructions for treating everything from snake bites to minor injuries, making it dog must haves for your pet’s hiking and camping gear
- GEAR UP FOR OUTDOOR FUN! This first aid kit is your first line of defense during activities like hiking, jogging, or camping, designed for dog camping gear and hunting dog adventures.
The listed plan includes veterinary exam fees and 24/7 telehealth. Its waiting periods in Forbes’ comparison were five days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for knee and ligament problems. The orthopedic waiting period may be waivable after a veterinary exam within the first 30 days, subject to the policy and state rules.
2. Lemonade: Best for budget shoppers
Lemonade had the highest Price-Value Index, 50 out of 50, and a 4.9 Forbes rating. Forbes found it among the least expensive options in its analysis. The example premium was $44 per month for a dog and $23 for a cat, using $20,000 in annual coverage.
Potential discounts include multipet, shelter, humane and bundling discounts. Lemonade lists veterinary exam fees as an optional add-on rather than standard coverage in the comparison. Its accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time the day after purchase, followed by a 14-day illness waiting period and a 30-day orthopedic waiting period.
That combination can make Lemonade attractive for price-conscious owners, but a low premium may not represent the same benefits as a more expensive quote from another insurer. Compare the annual limit, deductible, reimbursement rate and included services—not just the monthly bill.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3. Fetch: Best for dental coverage
Fetch earned Forbes’ dental coverage designation and a 4.6 rating. Its example cost $91 per month for a dog and $30 for a cat, based on $15,000 in annual coverage.
Forbes says Fetch covers dental accidents and illnesses for every tooth, not only the canine teeth. The coverage can include advanced treatments such as root canals, subject to policy terms. The comparison also lists veterinary exam fees and 24/7 telehealth.
Fetch lists no accident waiting period, a 15-day illness waiting period and a six-month waiting period for hip and knee conditions. A knee waiting period may be waived after an exam within the first 180 days, but the hip waiting period cannot be waived according to Forbes’ comparison.
4. Pets Best: Best for paying the veterinarian directly
Pets Best received a 4.5 rating and was Forbes’ pick for direct veterinarian payment. Forbes also labels it “Most Popular,” but that label has a narrower meaning: Pets Best was the affiliate product selected most often by Forbes Advisor users during a six-month period. It does not mean Pets Best had the highest editorial rating.
Rank #2
- 1. BE PREPARED FOR ANY PET EMERGENCY – Vet-approved dog & cat first aid kit with pet-safe medical supplies, perfect for home, car, and outdoor adventures. Designed for fast, effective emergency care.
- 2. MORE THAN JUST BANDAGES – Includes vet-wrap, tick remover, first aid pads, saline wash, styptic pencil, slip leash & thermal blanket—real pet essentials, not just human first aid items.
- 3. BUILT FOR TRAVEL & ADVENTURE – Water resistant, hard-sided case protects supplies in your car, backpack, or RV. Ideal for hiking, road trips, camping, and disaster preparedness.
- 4. STEP-BY-STEP PET FIRST AID GUIDE – Easy-to-follow vet-reviewed manual for treating wounds, bites, bleeding, and emergencies—so you’ll always know what to do.
- 5. PET-SAFE & NON-TOXIC MATERIALS – Every item is vet-reviewed and made with pet-safe, non-toxic materials. Trusted by pet sitters, trainers, groomers, and adventurers—your pet deserves the best care!
The example premium was $81 monthly for a dog and $25 for a cat, based on $10,000 in annual coverage. The Elite plan may pay the veterinarian directly when the veterinarian signs a Veterinarian Reimbursement Release Form.
Direct payment is not automatic at every clinic. Confirm that your veterinarian will complete the required form and check whether the insurer needs approval before treatment. Pets Best’s listed waiting periods were three days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate-ligament conditions.
5. Spot: Best for all-around coverage
Spot’s 4.5 rating and broad list of included services earned it Forbes’ all-around coverage designation. Under the $10,000 accident-and-illness example, Forbes highlights behavioral therapy, alternative therapy and a 24/7 veterinary telehealth line.
The example price was $101 per month for a dog and $34 for a cat. Veterinary exam fees were included in the comparison. Spot lists 14-day waiting periods for both accidents and illnesses, with no extended orthopedic waiting period shown in Forbes’ table.
6. MetLife: Best for discounts
MetLife received a 4.4 rating and Forbes’ discount designation. Potential savings include employer, organization or affinity-group discounts, as well as bundling, adoption and senior-pet discounts. Eligibility depends on the discount and the policyholder’s circumstances.
Forbes’ sample premium was $101 per month for a dog and $34 for a cat. The comparison includes veterinary exam fees and 24/7 telehealth. Accident coverage begins at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time the day after purchase, with a 14-day illness waiting period and a six-month waiting period for cruciate-ligament conditions.
7. Embrace: Great for 24/7 veterinary help
Embrace earned a 4.4 rating. Its distinguishing feature in Forbes’ comparison is access to a veterinarian through video chat, phone or chat around the clock.
The example cost $84 per month for a dog and $45 for a cat, based on $15,000 in annual coverage. The listed plan includes exam fees, telehealth and optional wellness coverage. Forbes shows five days for accident coverage, 14 days for illnesses and six months for cruciate-ligament conditions in its comparison.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- 1. BE READY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Lightweight, compact cat & dog first aid kit for hiking, camping, or travel. Designed for fast, effective emergency care when space and weight matter most.
- 2. PACKED WITH REAL PET ESSENTIALS – Includes vet-wrap, tick remover, cleansing wipes, saline wash, thermal blanket & more—no fluff, just field-tested dog emergency tools.
- 3. BUILT FOR BACKPACKING & ADVENTURE – Soft case fits in backpacks, glove compartments, or car consoles. Ideal for travel, hunting, road trips, camping, and everyday dog hiking gear.
- 4. STEP-BY-STEP PET FIRST AID GUIDE INCLUDED – Easy-to-follow, vet-reviewed manual covers injuries, bleeding, ticks, and emergencies—giving you the confidence to act quickly when it counts.
- 5. VET-APPROVED & PET-SAFE MATERIALS – All supplies are reviewed by veterinary professionals and made with non-toxic, pet-safe materials. Trusted by hikers, adventurers, and pet lovers.
8. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Great for certain curable preexisting conditions
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance received a 4.4 rating and a designation related to preexisting conditions. The qualification matters: Forbes is referring to some curable preexisting conditions, not ordinary coverage for all preexisting conditions.
Under the policy terms cited by Forbes, a curable condition may be treated as new after the pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. Recurring or incurable conditions remain a separate issue and may continue to be excluded.
The example premium was $103 per month for a dog and $34 for a cat, based on $10,000 in annual coverage. ASPCA’s comparison lists direct veterinarian payment, although payment requires approval and is made by paper check after the claim is approved. It also lists exam fees and 24/7 telehealth. The waiting period shown was 14 days for accidents and illnesses.
9. Healthy Paws: Good prices for unlimited annual payouts
Healthy Paws earned a 4.2 rating and the designation for affordable unlimited lifetime payouts. Forbes found it had the lowest unlimited-annual-coverage price in its analysis for mixed-breed dogs.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The example cost $62 per month for a dog and $32 for a cat with unlimited annual coverage. That does not mean every pet will receive that quote. Healthy Paws excludes veterinary exam fees in Forbes’ comparison and does not offer a wellness plan, but it does list 24/7 telehealth.
Healthy Paws shows 15-day waiting periods for accidents and illnesses. Pets age six or younger at enrollment face a six-month hip-dysplasia waiting period; pets older than six are not eligible for hip-dysplasia coverage under the comparison’s terms.
10. Pumpkin: Good for a multipet discount
Pumpkin received a 4.1 rating. Its main advantage in Forbes’ comparison is a 10% multipet discount, compared with the 5% discount or no discount commonly available elsewhere.
Forbes’ example cost $134 per month for a dog and $41 for a cat, using $20,000 in annual dog coverage and $15,000 in annual cat coverage. The comparison excludes veterinary exam fees and does not list 24/7 telehealth, although optional wellness coverage is available.
Rank #4
- Comprehensive Emergency Protection: RHINO RESCUE pet first aid kit provides comprehensive emergency preparation for your pet, containing gauze, self adhesive bandage, pet emergency tourniquet, ice pack, emergency blanket and other key first aid supplies to ensure effective initial treatment for your pet in emergency situations
- Supports Daily Care Needs: Equipped with a thermometer, toothbrush, feeding kit, poop bags with dispenser, muzzle, pill bag, water bowl, and disposable foot booties, this emergency bag can assist with daily pet care and feeding medications, helping you meet your pet's health needs
- First Aid Guide: The first aid manual is included to offer guidance for handling common pet emergencies, including heat stroke, trauma and bites. This manual provides helpful tips and steps to support you in staying calm and effectively responding to urgent situations
- Durable Materials Kit: The pet medical kit is made of abrasion-resistant fabric and two-way zippers design, which ensures that the gears remain dry and tidy in outdoor conditions. The interior features transparent dividers, making it easy to quickly access items in emergencies
- Compact & Portable: The entire pet kit measures 8.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 4.3 inches and weighs only 1.7 pounds. This hiking medical kit is designed to be portable, easy to go out, travel or camp, and convenient to provide your pet with basic first aid support wherever you go
Pumpkin shows 14-day waiting periods for accidents and illnesses, with no extended orthopedic waiting period listed in Forbes’ table.
How Forbes evaluated pet insurance
Forbes says it analyzed 478,670 pet-insurance rates nationwide, 34 coverage categories and 22 dog and cat breeds. Its research also included 140,219 consumer insights, a survey of 1,300 pet owners and more than 900,000 customer journeys through its portal.
The overall scoring formula assigns the greatest weight to price and value:
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Cost / Price-Value Index | 50% |
| Coverage | 20% |
| Customer satisfaction | 10% |
| Integrity | 10% |
| Reputation | 5% |
| Accessibility | 5% |
Forbes’ profiles generally use a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement, or the closest available options. The rate analysis includes mixed-breed dogs at ages three months, two, five and seven years; selected purebred dogs at three months and three years; mixed-breed cats at three months, two and five years; and selected purebred cats at three months and three years.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe Price-Value Index is not a premium ranking. Forbes calculates it from aggregated coverage-quality scores divided by the cost of the insurer’s best, most comprehensive policy. A company can therefore have a lower monthly example but a different value score if its coverage is narrower.
What pet insurance costs
Forbes estimates that a medium-sized mixed-breed dog costs about $50 per month to insure, on average, and a mixed-breed cat about $25 per month. Those figures assume $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.
The actual company examples in the ranking use different limits and pet profiles. Premiums can change based on:
- Breed and the conditions associated with that breed.
- Age and enrollment date.
- State and local veterinary costs.
- Annual coverage limit, including unlimited coverage.
- Annual deductible and reimbursement percentage.
- Accident-only versus accident-and-illness coverage.
- Optional exam-fee and wellness benefits.
Coverage details to check before buying
Reimbursement method
Most plans reimburse the policyholder after the owner pays the veterinarian. Pets Best Elite and ASPCA Complete are the exceptions identified in Forbes’ comparison, but both have conditions. Pets Best requires the veterinarian’s signed release form; ASPCA requires approval and sends a paper check after claim approval.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best Value
- Includes one 0.5 oz tub of Miracle Care Kwik Stop Styptic Powder; the Original styptic powder with Benzocaine for Pain Relief
- Your Pet Grooming Essential: Our styptic powder stops bleeding fast for dogs, cats, and birds; Specifically designed to act rapidly during grooming procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your pets
- How to Use: Apply powder to a moistened cotton applicator to apply to the cut, nail, or other superficial bleeding area, applying moderate pressure for 5-10 seconds; Avoid use on deep wounds or body cavities
- From Nose to Toes We've Got Your Pet Covered: Our goal is to improve the human-animal bond by offering a complete line of innovative, solutions-driven products and accessories for animals, both small and large
- Trusted by Professionals: Miracle Care health and grooming products have been trusted and recommended by veterinarians and professional groomers for more than 40 years; Proudly Made in the USA in our Dayton, OH facility
Exam fees
Exam fees are listed as included for Prudent Pet Essential, Fetch, Pets Best Elite, Spot, MetLife, Embrace and ASPCA Complete. Lemonade lists them as an add-on. Healthy Paws and Pumpkin exclude them in the cited comparison. This distinction can matter because an insurer may cover diagnostic tests or treatment while leaving the office-visit fee to you.
Telehealth and wellness benefits
Forbes lists 24/7 telehealth for Prudent Pet, Fetch, Pets Best, Spot, MetLife, Embrace, ASPCA and Healthy Paws. Lemonade and Pumpkin are listed as unavailable in that comparison. Optional wellness coverage is listed for all the ranked companies except Healthy Paws, but wellness benefits are for routine care and are not the same as accident-and-illness insurance.
Waiting periods
A short waiting period does not necessarily mean coverage starts immediately. Fetch lists zero days for accidents, while Lemonade and MetLife begin accident coverage the day after purchase at specified Eastern Time cutoffs. Illness and orthopedic waiting periods can be substantially longer.
Waiting periods, exclusions and eligibility rules may differ by state. Read the policy documents for your state before relying on the comparison table.
How to choose among the Forbes picks
- Set the financial risk you want to transfer. Decide whether you need accident-only protection or coverage for accidents and illnesses, and whether a $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 or unlimited annual limit is appropriate.
- Compare identical quote settings. Use the same deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual limit when requesting quotes from multiple companies.
- Check exclusions before comparing prices. Pay particular attention to hereditary conditions, bilateral conditions, dental care, exam fees, orthopedic waiting periods and preexisting conditions.
- Ask your veterinarian about payment. If paying the bill upfront would be difficult, confirm whether the insurer offers direct payment and what forms or approval are required.
- Review the renewal rules. Find out how premiums can change as the pet ages and whether annual limits, deductibles or reimbursement terms reset each policy year.
- Buy before a diagnosis when possible. A condition documented before coverage or during a waiting period may be excluded as preexisting.
Forbes states that it independently selects products and services but may earn commissions from partner links. It says those commissions do not affect its editorial opinions or evaluations. That disclosure is relevant when using any affiliate-based comparison: treat the ranking as a starting point, then verify the policy and obtain a quote directly.
FAQ
Which pet insurance company is Forbes’ best overall for 2026?
Forbes Advisor names Prudent Pet its Best Overall, with a 5.0 rating. Its example premium was $63 per month for a dog and $28 for a cat based on $10,000 in annual coverage.
Is Lemonade better than Prudent Pet because it has the highest value score?
Not necessarily. Lemonade has Forbes’ highest Price-Value Index at 50 out of 50 and is the Best for Budget pick. Prudent Pet has the highest overall rating and the Best Overall designation. The two scores measure different things.
Which pet insurers may pay the veterinarian directly?
Forbes’ comparison lists Pets Best Elite and ASPCA Complete as offering direct payment. Pets Best requires a Veterinarian Reimbursement Release Form signed by the veterinarian. ASPCA requires approval and pays by paper check after claim approval.
Recommended Free Tools
Does ASPCA pet insurance cover preexisting conditions?
Not generally. Forbes’ designation concerns some curable preexisting conditions. A condition may be treated as new after the pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days, subject to the policy. Incurable or recurring conditions may remain excluded.
The Bottom Line
Prudent Pet is Forbes Advisor’s 2026 overall winner, but the right choice depends on the risk you are trying to cover. Lemonade stands out on value, Fetch on dental benefits, Pets Best on conditional direct payment, Healthy Paws on unlimited annual payouts and Pumpkin on its 10% multipet discount. Compare quotes using the same coverage settings, then read the state-specific policy for exclusions, waiting periods and payment rules before enrolling.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
