Dog premiums span $45 to $121: best pet insurance companies of 2026, prices and coverage compared

Prices vary by pet

For the sample 55-pound mixed-breed dog in Los Angeles, monthly quotes ranged from $45 with Fetch to $121 with MetLife. Average dog premiums in the comparison span $45.34 to $121.33, an annual difference of about $912.

Cat premiums were closer together: Embrace averaged $31.53 a month and Pumpkin $42.64. MetLife was the exception at $54.68. Across both pet types, a higher price did not necessarily bring a larger annual coverage limit; MetLife’s highest online limit is $10,000, while all eight least expensive dog plans priced offered unlimited annual coverage.

How the plans were compared

Quotes used accident-and-illness coverage, a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement, with prices checked at a $10,000 annual limit and unlimited coverage where available. Some insurers do not offer those exact settings. The companies also differ in waiting periods, covered services and plan options, so premiums alone do not capture the protection offered.

Coverage and cost trade-offs

Fetch combines a broad accident-and-illness plan with the lowest average dog premium, $45.34 monthly. Its coverage includes sick-visit exam fees, dental disease and behavioral therapy, as well as up to $1,000 for boarding if the owner or pet is hospitalized. Most states have a 15-day wait for illness coverage; hip and knee problems have a six-month wait, though the knee wait can be waived after a timely veterinary exam.

Pumpkin includes services such as exam fees, dental illness, behavioral problems and prescription food. It offers 80% or 90% reimbursement and a 14-day wait for every condition. Its average monthly prices are $74.48 for dogs and $42.64 for cats; the company says PumpkinNow can reimburse within minutes when a bank supports real-time payments.

Spot offers annual limits from $2,500 to unlimited, deductibles from $100 to $1,000, accident-only coverage and preventive-care add-ons. Its accident-and-illness plan includes prescription food, behavioral treatment and microchipping. Average premiums are $88.24 for dogs and $41.59 for cats.

Other options and limitations

Lemonade sells an app-based policy with optional add-ons. Its base plan covers diagnostics, procedures and medication, while vet-visit fees, dental illness, behavioral conditions, physical therapy and end-of-life costs cost extra. Its average monthly premiums are $97.97 for dogs and $40.11 for cats.