Pet insurance guide: How to choose the right plan

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Piper the dog in moms arms.

Lauren & Piper

Periodontal disease costs:

$14,771

Fetch paid back:

$11,227

How do I choose the best pet insurance for my pet?

The key is understanding what different pet insurers cover, don’t cover and charge extra to cover. Many insurers can give you a low price when you first quote, but you might have to pay extra to add on additional coverage as you get closer to purchasing, or they might not cover certain treatments at all. We’ll walk you through all of this and more, so you can make the best decision for you and your pet.

This guide will help you understand:

  • What’s covered (and not covered)

  • Pet insurance costs

  • Reviews and sample policies

Understanding how pet insurance coverage affects reimbursements

Pet insurance reimburses you for unexpected injuries and illnesses your dog or cat might experience — the things you can’t see coming. The more coverage you have, the more you’ll get paid back for your pet’s care. Fetch provides the most complete coverage. This means we cover what others charge extra for or don't cover at all, including full-mouth dental, breed-specific conditions, sick-visit exam fees and more.

What to look for in pet insurance coverage

  • Dental injury & illness coverage

    Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats — up to 90% of pets get it, and it costs $1,389 on avg. to treat. Fetch is the only pet insurance that reimburses you for injury and disease in all of your pet’s adult teeth and their gums. Others limit dental coverage to the 4 canines or don’t cover dental disease at all.

  • Exam-fee coverage

    Every time your pet visits the vet when they’re sick or hurt, you’ll be charged an exam fee of up to $250 — this is on top of any of the costs for treatments and tests. Unlike others, Fetch covers this fee for you. Trupanion doesn’t cover this at all and it costs extra with Embrace, Lemonade and Pets Best.

  • Pet telehealth coverage

    If you’re traveling, have a pet question outside of office hours or just want the convenience of not leaving home, 24/7 access to an online vet is covered by Fetch. We’re the only pet insurance that reimburses you 100% for telehealth vet visits with no copay and no deductible up to $1,000/yr.

  • All vets covered (no networks)

    You can use any vet in the U.S. or Canada with Fetch — they’re all covered. This isn’t the case with Lemonade, and Progressive does not have coverage outside of the U.S., so if you live in Canada (or are traveling there), your pet will not be covered.

  • Breed-specific condition coverage

    Some breeds are more likely to have medical issues than others (think: hip dysplasia in German Shepherds, breathing problems in Bulldogs or heart issues in Maine Coons). Fetch covers hereditary and congenital conditions for all breeds. This coverage costs extra with AKC and has limitations with Nationwide.

  • Wellness coverage

    Pet insurance doesn’t include routine or preventive care. You can add Fetch Wellness for as low as $15/mo. to get reimbursed for the routine vet visits that help keep your pet healthy, including annual exams, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, dental cleanings, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, plus more.

Did you know?

Some insurers have age requirements, which can make some pets ineligible for coverage. Fetch covers dogs and cats 6 weeks and older with no upper age limits. Healthy Paws and Trupanion don’t enroll pets that are 14 and older.

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Fetch covers what others don’t — see for yourself

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†Subject to deductible and policy limit; applies to qualifying medications purchased from Fetch Pet Rx. *Discounts on pet products & services are not insurance and are not provided by AXIS Insurance Company. Comparison of online pharmacy and discounts on pet products & services based on each provider's website as of Dec. 2025. Comparison of coverage is based on core policy coverage and the information is accurate as of Dec. 2025. All coverage is subject to policy limit. Fetch is the first and only pet insurance provider to cover common pre-existing conditions from day one for newly adopted pets from participating shelters. Fetch is the #1 pet insurance provider for shelter & rescue pets and #1 choice among ethical breeders based on testimonials from shelter and breeder partners. Comparison of #1 pet insurance provider for shelter & rescue pets and #1 choice among ethical breeders based on each provider's website as of Dec. 2025.

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How pre-existing conditions affect coverage

If your pet gets sick or hurt before you sign up for insurance, that particular injury or illness will be considered a pre-existing condition and won’t be covered. In general, no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions. That’s why it’s important to sign up for pet insurance when your pet is young and healthy, so your pet (and your wallet) will be covered for the unexpected.

Understanding the prices of different pet insurance plans

Your pet, your price

The average monthly cost for Fetch Pet Insurance is $34/mo. for dogs and $22/mo. for cats. Your pet’s price will vary based on their age, breed and where you live. Puppies and kittens cost less to insure with Fetch than older pets. Other providers charge more than Fetch for younger pets, even though younger pets typically have less veterinary expenses. Breed is also a factor since certain breeds are prone to certain conditions, making them more expensive to insure, on average. Since Bulldogs are susceptible to breathing problems, for example, their monthly price is more than other breeds. Lastly, where you live plays a role in determining your cost because the price of veterinary care changes based on zip code.

How coverage impacts cost

When comparing prices, it’s important to look at what coverage is included. Pet insurers like Spot, Pets Best and Lemonade will give you a monthly price that looks low at first. But once you get closer to purchasing, they’ll ask if you want to add coverage for dental, behavioral issues and more. Even with those add-ons, your coverage will not match what comes standard with Fetch — we cover what others charge extra for or don’t cover at all with the most complete pet insurance.

Customize your cost to fit your pet & your budget: how deductibles & payouts affect your premium

When you get your quote, simply adjust these 3 factors to find the price that’s right for you. Other providers, like Trupanion, require that all pets have unlimited coverage at a higher cost when that’s not right for all pets or all budgets.

  • Annual deductible

    What is a deductible?

    ‍    Your deductible is the amount of veterinary care you need to pay for yourself each year before your insurer starts reimbursing you.

    Example: If your pet insurance annual deductible is $300, you have to pay for $300 worth of approved veterinary care before you can start getting paid back for claims.

    How does my deductible affect price?
    ‍    Choosing a higher deductible will make your price lower.

  • Max annual payout

    What is a max annual payout?

    The maximum dollar amount you can get paid back each year (sometimes this is called an “annual limit” in insurance-speak).‍

    Example: If your max annual payout is $15,000, the maximum amount your pet insurance can reimburse you is $15,000.

    How does my max payout affect price?

    Choosing a lower max annual payout will make your price lower.

  • Reimbursement rate

    What is a reimbursement rate?
    Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of your vet bill that your insurance will cover.

    Example: If your reimbursement rate is 80% and you submit a claim for $500, we can cover up to $400.

    How does a reimbursement rate work?
    Choosing a lower reimbursement rate will make your price lower.

Get your price

How pet insurance claims work

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to get paid back for approved claims with Fetch.

  1. 1

    Pay the vet

    You pay your pet’s bill in full at the veterinarian’s office during your visit.

  2. 2

    Submit a claim to get paid back

    Snap a picture of your paid invoice and supporting medical records and submit them in the top-rated Fetch app.

  3. 3

    Get reimbursed — fast

    Claims are typically processed in less than 10 days. Once approved and you’ve met your deductible, you'll get paid back up to 90% straight to your bank account via direct deposit.

Sample illness vet bill for $400 with a 90% reimbursement rate, 10% copay

Deductible

Already met

$360 back to you

90% reimbursement

$40

10% copay

Reimbursed to you

$360

The percentage of a covered vet bill that Fetch pays you back.

Your copay

$40

The percentage of a covered vet bill that you're responsible for.

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Buyer’s guide checklist

Buyer’s guide checklist

  1. Research what’s covered & what’s not covered

    Understanding exclusions and limitations before you buy can help prevent surprises later. For instance, Fetch covers dental disease in every adult tooth and your pet’s gums. Progressive, AKC and Healthy Paws do not cover it at all, and this coverage costs extra with Lemonade. More than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental College, so going without this coverage could cost you thousands.

  2. Get a quote to understand the costs

    Now that you know what different pet insurers cover (and don’t cover), get a quote to see how much they cost. If an insurer doesn’t offer certain coverages, budget those items into what you might have to pay for out of your own pocket. Your free Fetch Pet Insurance quote is personalized to your pet's breed, age and location. Get yours today, and give your pet the most complete coverage.

  3. Check out reviews

    Seeing what pet parents have to say about their experiences with different pet insurers is a great way to get a sense of how trusted and reliable each provider is. Fetch has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, for example.

  4. Read a sample policy

    Before you enroll, take a minute to go through a sample pet insurance policy, so you have a more complete sense of what you're signing up for. Fetch has a transparent policy that clearly spells out what is not covered. Other insurers only disclose what is covered, which can give the impression that their coverage is more comprehensive than it actually is.

Goldenbean & Ebby the cats posing with mom.

Goldenbean & Ebby

Inflammatory Bowel Disease costs:

$6,127

Fetch paid back:

$4,045

Help your pet live a longer, healthier life with the most complete pet insurance

Over 6 million pets are insured in the U.S., according to the North American Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA). The reason is simple — the majority of pet parents don’t feel confident they can afford a pet medical emergency, according to the ASPCA, and pet insurance alleviates this concern. Knowing you’ll get reimbursed for covered vet visits and treatments means you won’t have to choose between your pet and your wallet. But not all pet insurance is created equal. Fetch is the best pet insurance at the best price for puppies and kittens. We cover what others don’t, so you can give your pet the best medical care and get more money back in your pocket.

Enroll now

Your pet insurance questions — answered

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Fetch is on a mission to help you give your pet a longer, healthier life.

Making the best veterinary care accessible to your dogs and cats — no matter the cost — is just the beginning. When you join Fetch, you’re getting the most complete pet insurance and unlocking a world of exclusive Member Perks on products and services that help you enjoy more good days with your pet.

Fetch Pet Insurance | Love Longer.™

Individuals and pets that appear have been insured by Fetch.



Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats according to the American Veterinary Dental College, Primary Care Practice Resources, as of May 2025. Dental costs for issues, like periodontal disease, can cost thousands of dollars based on 2024 - 2025 Fetch claims data of periodontal with an average claim amount of $1,389.

Provider comparisons contained herein were prepared solely by Fetch based upon a comparison of the company’s policy form or core policy coverages available on AKC, Embrace, Healthy Paws, Lemonade, Nationwide, Pets Best, Progressive, Spot and Trupanion websites as of March 2026.

More than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age 3, according the American Veterinary Dental College.

Over 6 million pets are insured in the U.S., based on the North American Pet Insurance Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report. April 2025.

The majority of pet parents don’t feel confident they can afford a pet medical emergency based on the ASPCA National Pet Owner Survey, February 2026.

92% of pet parents who have pet insurance say it is worth the cost based on a survey of adult consumers by Experian, July 2024

†Subject to deductible and policy limit; applies to qualifying medications purchased from Fetch Pet Rx.

All orders from FetchPetRx.com are fulfilled by Allivet. Allivet is a fully licensed pharmacy, licensed to sell pet prescription medication in all states.

#1 pet insurance provider for shelter and rescue pets according to Sherry Silk, CEO, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Anna Neubauer, CEO, The Hawaiian Humane Society, Dr. Steven Hansen, CEO, The Arizona Humane Society, Adam Lamb, CEO, The Brandywine Valley SPCA, and Alison Cross, Senior Director, Ontario SPCA & Humane Society. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, The Hawaiian Humane Society, The Arizona Humane Society, The Brandywine Valley SPCA, and The Ontario SPCA & Humane Society are Fetch partners.



#1 choice among ethical breeders based on testimonials from Claire Komorowski, CEO, PuppySpot, Mike Schoeff, Founder, Premier Pups, Barry Formanack, CEO, Crockett Doodles, Drew Crockett, Co-CEO, Crockett Doodles, Carol Formanack, President, Crockett Doodles, Maverick Mackovic, Owner, Happy Tails. PuppySpot, Premier Pups, Crockett Doodles, and Happy Tails are Fetch partners.

This information is descriptive only. Policy activation periods, risk free cancellation terms, waiting periods, limitations, exclusions to coverage and other terms and conditions vary by state or province and are subject to change without notice. Please see your policy for full terms and conditions of coverage. If there is any conflict between the policy and this product information, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.

Fetch insurance policies are administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (d/b/a Fetch Pet Insurance, Fetch Pet Insurance Services in New York and British Columbia, Fetch Insurance in Nebraska, Fetch Pet Insurance Services, LLC in Michigan, North Dakota, New Mexico and California) CA license # 0F60627 and underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company, an Illinois Corporation, in the U.S. and AXIS Reinsurance Company (Canadian Branch) in Canada. For more information, visit fetchpet.com. ©2026 Fetch, Inc.

Discounts and offers are subject to approval and may change at any time. Maximum available discount is 10% and may not be available in all states and is not valid with any other offer. Charitable donations offer not available in AK, HI, ID, IN, KS, ND, NY, RI, SC, or TX, limited to $15 in AL and $10 in MI and UT. For policies purchased in LA or NH, the installment fee is waived for the first payment and applied to all remaining payments.

Most comprehensive and most extensive coverage according to Consumers Advocate, January 2023. Based on a comparison of injury and illness coverage between Fetch and North American pet insurance providers on consumersadvocate.org. Consumers Advocate is a Fetch partner. Best pet insurance according to Consumer Rating, August 2023. Based on a comparison of top pet insurance companies on consumerrating.org. Consumer Rating is a Fetch partner. Unmatched according to The Dodo, May 2022. Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot based on consumer reviews as of February 2025.

Fetch is a registered trademark owned by Fetch, Inc. Made for More and Love Longer are trademarks owned by Fetch, Inc. Fetch Wellness is insurance coverage added by endorsement to the core injury and illness policy, if purchased. It is not a “Wellness Program” meaning a subscription or reimbursement-based program that is separate from an insurance policy.

Average monthly premiums are based on U.S. annual premiums for dogs and cats, using the most common coverage configuration of $10,000 annual limit, $300 deductible, and 80% reimbursement rate for the period of 07.01.2024 through 06.30.2025. Exam fees based on average costs. Policies in force and number of pets helped based on Fetch data as of 4.1.2026.

Average savings of $40+ per order derived from actual Fetch member purchase data from April–June 2025 in the U.S. and Canada and displayed in U.S. dollars. Savings represent the difference between retail price and price paid through Fetch Deals. Individual results may vary. Fetch Deals offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services that policyholders may purchase from independent vendors, which are not covered benefits under your policy. Fetch does not recommend, endorse, warrant or guaranty any specific vendor, product or service available under or through the Fetch Deals program or site. Fetch Deals is not insurance and is not provided by AXIS Insurance Company. The service discounts described on this page are not insurance and are not affiliated with AXIS Insurance company. Please click here to review terms and conditions.