Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2026: Your Top Pet Insurance Company

Choosing the right pet insurance company can feel overwhelming—especially with so many new options and changing features entering the market. Whether you’re a new pet owner or comparing plans for a healthy pet, this guide highlights the best pet insurance companies of 2026 to help you protect your dog or cat without breaking the bank.

We evaluated a wide range of pet insurance companies of 2026, considering pet insurance policies, coverage options, costs, and customer satisfaction. Let’s find the best plan for your furry friend.

What Is Pet Insurance and Why You Might Need It

A pet insurance plan helps cover unexpected pet medical expenses. Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance policies offset costs related to accidents, illnesses, and sometimes even routine care. With vet bills rising and pets living longer, the right pet insurance coverage can save you thousands of dollars over your pet’s lifetime.

Common Types of Pet Insurance:

• Accident-only plans
• Accident and illness plans (most popular)
• Wellness add-ons for routine care like vaccines and dental cleanings

Some pet insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so starting early—while you have a healthy pet—can result in better insurance rates and coverage options.

Find the Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2026: Top Picks

We've evaluated dozens of pet insurance companies, comparing features, insurance costs, coverage tiers, and more. Here are the top-rated pet insurance companies of 2026, based on expert reviews and customer feedback.

1. Pets Best Pet Insurance Coverage – Best for Affordability and Customization

Pets Best continues to be a standout pet insurance provider. With flexible deductibles, low premiums, and broad insurance coverage, it’s a smart choice for budget-conscious pet owners who want reliable protection.

Why Pets Best Is One of the Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2026:

• Plans starting as low as $9/month
• Multiple insurance options to match your pet’s needs
• Pets Best offers coverage for exam fees, prescription meds, and more
• Includes accident and illness plan with wellness options
• Optional healthy pet discount program

Pets Best is ideal for insuring more than one pet, offering a multi-pet discount and an easy claims process. Plus, pets best pet insurance allows you to choose your own vet.

2. Embrace Pet Insurance – Best for Comprehensive Coverage

If you're looking for a pet insurance policy that covers everything from dental illness to alternative therapy, Embrace Pet Insurance is a strong contender.

Why Pet Owners Love Embrace:

• Covers exam fees, breed-specific conditions, and genetic issues
• Offers a diminishing deductible feature over time
• Wellness Rewards program for routine care
• Customizable pet insurance plan structure
• Pet insurance is worth it for older pets with known risks

Embrace Pet Insurance is perfect for pet owners on a budget who still want full protection and the ability to customize coverage to match their pet needs.

3. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance – Best for Brand Trust

Backed by a well-known organization, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers reliable insurance policies for dogs and cats, with added perks for routine care.

Highlights:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage with wellness add-ons
• Trusted name among pet insurance companies
• Coverage for alternative treatments and behavioral therapy
• Plans include dental illness and preventive care
• Easy to compare pet insurance tiers

It’s a great choice for pet owners looking for simplicity, trust, and a long-term insurance partner.

What to Look for in a Pet Insurance Company

Not all pet insurers are created equal. When you’re ready to compare pet insurance companies, consider these important factors:

Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Pet Insurance Plan:

• What’s the monthly cost of pet insurance for my breed and location?
• Does the pet insurance plan cover hereditary conditions?
• Is there a waiting period for accident or illness coverage?
• Are there insurance options for preventive care and dental?
• What’s the annual or lifetime cap on payouts?
• Can I insure more than one pet under the same provider?

Pet Insurance Cost in 2026

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost Per Month?

Insurance costs vary based on your pet’s breed, age, location, and coverage level. In 2026, average monthly costs of pet insurance are:

• Dogs: $30–$60/month for comprehensive coverage
• Cats: $20–$45/month
• Wellness Add-ons: Add $10–$20/month per pet insurance plan

🐾 Pro Tip: Starting when your pet is healthy and young locks in better insurance premiums over time.

We’ll continue with Part 2, where you’ll find:

• A detailed breakdown of types of pet insurance
• Comparison charts to find the best pet insurance
• Tips to choose the right pet insurance for your family
• Final rankings for the best overall pet insurance companies of 2026

Types of Pet Insurance Plans Explained

1. Accident-Only Pet Insurance

Accident-only plans are the most affordable type of pet insurance policy. These plans cover unexpected injuries, like broken bones, swallowed toys, or bite wounds—but they don’t cover illnesses or chronic conditions.

Best for:

• Young, healthy pets
• Budget-conscious pet owners
• Emergency coverage only

2. Accident and Illness Pet Insurance

This is the most popular and widely recommended option. These pet insurance policies cover everything from accidents and injuries to cancer, infections, and hereditary conditions.

Best for:

• Most dogs and cats
• Pet owners who want peace of mind
• Those concerned about costly vet bills

Look for companies like Pets Best Pet Insurance or Embrace that include exam fees, diagnostics, and treatment options under this plan.

3. Wellness and Preventive Care Add-Ons

Some pet insurance companies offer wellness add-ons to cover regular expenses like:

• Vaccines
• Dental cleanings
• Flea and tick prevention
• Heartworm medication
• Annual exams

While these plans don’t offer emergency protection, they help pet owners budget for routine care.

Compare Pet Insurance Companies at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top options in 2026:

🐕‍🦺 Tip: Use comparison tools or quote aggregators to see pet insurance cost per month side by side for your pet’s age and breed.

Why Pet Insurance Is Worth It in 2026

With veterinary costs on the rise, the monthly cost of pet insurance may end up saving you thousands in emergency vet bills. Pet owners on a budget especially benefit when faced with sudden illness or injury.

Common Conditions Covered by Pet Insurance:

• Broken bones
• Infections and UTIs
• Cancer
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis
• Genetic conditions in purebred dogs and cats

The best pet insurance companies even reimburse up to 90% of covered costs, depending on the plan.

Final Thoughts: Which Pet Insurance Company Is Right for You?

Choosing the best pet insurance company in 2026 depends on your pet’s age, health, breed, and your budget. Some pet insurance companies are better suited for emergencies, while others offer rich wellness plans and custom options.

Here’s how to choose the best pet insurance for your needs:

• Want affordable basics? → Go with Pets Best Pet Insurance
• Need full protection for a breed with health risks? → Try Embrace
• Looking for trustworthy and easy? → ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
• Prefer app-based claims and support? → Consider Figo
• Want total flexibility and 100% reimbursement options? → Spot Pet Insurance

Summary: Your Top Pet Insurance Company in 2026

Whether you’re planning for a healthy pet or preparing for the unexpected, investing in a reliable pet insurance policy can give you peace of mind and financial protection. From monthly pet insurance cost savings to fast claims and tailored coverage, 2026 offers better options than ever.

With providers like Pets Best, Embrace, ASPCA, and more, the right insurance isn’t just available—it’s easier to access, compare, and personalize for your pet’s needs.

🐾 Final Word:
Pet insurance is more than a safety net—it’s a way to be the best pet parent you can be.