Updated: August 2026

Finding the best pet insurance for your dog is not simply about finding the cheapest monthly premium.

A policy that costs less each month may have a higher deductible, lower reimbursement, smaller annual limits, or exclusions that make it less useful for your dog’s particular needs.

The better approach is to compare the entire policy.

Your dog’s age, breed, health history, location, expected veterinary needs, and your household budget can all affect which type of pet insurance makes sense.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) explains that pet insurance policies can differ in coverage, exclusions, deductibles, payment limits, reimbursement methods, and waiting periods. Premiums can also vary based on factors such as breed, age, location, coverage, and deductible.

This guide explains how to evaluate pet insurance for dogs, what coverage to look for, which exclusions deserve attention, and how to compare policies without relying on a generic “best company” ranking.

Important: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not insurance, financial, veterinary, or legal advice. Pet insurance products, prices, policy terms, and state requirements can change. Always review the current policy documents and obtain a current quote before purchasing coverage.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs?

There is no single dog insurance policy that is best for every dog.

The right policy depends on your dog’s:

• Age
• Breed
• Medical history
• Location
• Expected health risks
• Veterinary care needs

It also depends on your finances.

A useful dog insurance policy should provide an appropriate balance between:

1. Coverage
2. Exclusions
3. Premium
4. Deductible
5. Reimbursement
6. Annual limits
7. Waiting periods
8. Pre-existing-condition rules
9. Claim process
10. Long-term affordability

Instead of asking:

“Which company has the best dog insurance?”

ask:

“Which policy gives my dog useful protection at a cost I can maintain?”

That is a much more practical way to compare plans.

Why Dog Insurance Is Different From a Simple Pet Budget

A normal pet budget helps you plan predictable expenses such as:

• Food
• Grooming
• Routine veterinary visits
• Preventive medications
• Toys and supplies

Insurance is designed differently.

Its primary purpose is to help manage the financial risk of unexpected eligible veterinary expenses.

For example, a dog could unexpectedly require:

• Emergency treatment
• Diagnostic testing
• Surgery
• Hospitalization
• Specialist care
• Prescription medication

Whether those expenses are covered depends on the actual policy.

NAIC notes that covered services can vary substantially between pet insurance products.

The Three Main Types of Dog Insurance

Before comparing companies, determine which type of coverage you need.

1. Accident-Only Insurance

Accident-only coverage focuses on eligible injuries resulting from accidents.

Potential examples can include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Foreign-object ingestion
• Certain accidental injuries
• Other covered accidents

The exact covered events depend on the policy.

Who might consider it?

An owner who wants some protection against unexpected injuries but does not want broader illness coverage.

2. Accident-and-Illness Insurance

This is the broader form of dog medical insurance.

Depending on the policy, it may cover eligible expenses related to:

• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Surgery
• Hospitalization
• Diagnostic tests
• Emergency care
• Prescription medications
• Specialist treatment
• Cancer treatment

However, broader coverage does not mean everything is automatically covered.

Exclusions, deductibles, waiting periods, reimbursement rules and limits still apply.

NAIC identifies accident-and-illness coverage as one of the main categories of pet insurance.

3. Wellness or Preventive-Care Coverage

Wellness coverage is generally designed for routine or preventive care.

Depending on the product, benefits may include services such as:

• Wellness examinations
• Vaccinations
• Preventive testing
• Other routine services

Wellness programs are different from major medical insurance and may be offered separately or as an optional feature.

If your primary concern is a large unexpected veterinary bill, don’t confuse a wellness program with comprehensive accident-and-illness coverage.

What Should You Look for in Dog Insurance?

When comparing policies, start with these eight numbers and terms:

Factor	Why It Matters
Premium	Your recurring insurance cost
Deductible	What you may pay before reimbursement
Reimbursement	Determines the insurer’s share of eligible expenses
Annual limit	Caps potential yearly benefits
Coverage	Determines which veterinary expenses may qualify
Exclusions	Identifies what the policy will not cover
Waiting periods	Determines when coverage begins
Pre-existing conditions	Can restrict coverage for previous conditions

NAIC recommends comparing benefits, deductibles, limits and exclusions rather than choosing a policy based only on price.

How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?

There is no single price for dog insurance.

Premiums can vary according to:

• Breed
• Age
• Location
• Coverage level
• Deductible
• Other underwriting factors

NAIC specifically identifies species, breed, gender, age, location, coverage and deductible as factors that can affect pet insurance costs.

That means a quote you see online may be very different from the price available for your dog.

Example

Suppose two hypothetical policies cost:

Policy A: $40/month

Policy B: $65/month

Annual premiums would be:

Policy A: $480/year

Policy B: $780/year

Policy A is cheaper by $300 per year.

But if Policy B has:

• A lower deductible
• Higher reimbursement
• Higher annual limit
• Fewer relevant exclusions

then the $300 difference may provide additional financial protection.

The cheaper policy is not automatically the better value.

How Your Dog’s Breed Can Affect Insurance

Breed is an important factor to investigate.

Certain breeds can have higher risks of particular medical conditions.

This does not mean every dog of that breed will develop those conditions.

But when comparing insurance, you should identify the health conditions that are particularly relevant to your dog’s breed and then check the policy wording.

Look for terms such as:

• Hereditary conditions
• Congenital conditions
• Breed-specific conditions
• Orthopedic conditions
• Bilateral conditions

NAIC notes that hereditary and congenital conditions may be excluded or limited under some pet insurance policies.

Example: Why Breed-Specific Coverage Matters

Imagine you own a dog breed with a higher risk of a particular orthopedic condition.

You compare two hypothetical policies.

Policy A

• Lower premium
• Higher deductible
• Relevant condition excluded

Policy B

• Higher premium
• Lower deductible
• Relevant condition potentially covered subject to policy terms

If that condition is one of your biggest financial concerns, Policy B could provide more useful protection.

The important lesson is:

Compare policies based on your dog’s actual risks—not just the monthly price.

Dog Age and Pet Insurance

Age can affect both pricing and eligibility.

NAIC notes that some insurers may not accept pets after a certain age.

When comparing insurance for an older dog, check:

• Maximum enrollment age
• Premium
• Pre-existing conditions
• Previous symptoms
• Waiting periods
• Renewal terms
• Annual limits

For a younger dog, check:

• Hereditary conditions
• Congenital conditions
• Breed-related exclusions
• Waiting periods
• Future renewal terms

Young does not automatically mean fully covered.

Pre-Existing Conditions: One of the Most Important Issues

Pre-existing-condition rules can have a major effect on the usefulness of dog insurance.

A condition may be considered pre-existing depending on the policy’s definition and your dog’s medical history.

For example:

Your dog experienced repeated limping before you purchased insurance.

There was no confirmed diagnosis.

Later, your dog is diagnosed with an orthopedic condition.

The insurer may review previous veterinary records when determining whether the later condition is related to an earlier symptom.

Therefore:

Do not assume that a condition is covered simply because there was no formal diagnosis before enrollment.

Read the insurer’s definition carefully.

NAIC identifies pre-existing conditions as one of the most important issues consumers should investigate before purchasing pet insurance.

Hereditary and Congenital Conditions

These terms are particularly important for dog owners.

Hereditary condition

A condition associated with inherited genetic characteristics.

Congenital condition

A condition that exists from birth, whether or not it becomes apparent immediately.

Some policies may exclude or limit these conditions.

The NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act specifically identifies pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, congenital anomalies or disorders, and chronic conditions as categories that may require disclosure when excluded by a policy.

Remember:

The NAIC Model Act is a model framework, not automatically the law in every state.

Always check the actual policy and applicable state law.

Waiting Periods

A waiting period is the period between the effective date of the policy and when particular coverage becomes available.

Different waiting periods may apply to:

• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Orthopedic conditions

The NAIC Model Act includes disclosure requirements for waiting periods and other coverage limitations.

Before buying, ask:

When exactly does accident coverage begin?

When does illness coverage begin?

Are there special orthopedic waiting periods?

Never assume all benefits begin on the same day.

Deductibles: What Dog Owners Need to Know

A deductible is an amount you may be responsible for before the insurer reimburses eligible expenses under the policy.

Suppose:

Eligible veterinary expense = $4,000

Deductible = $500

A simplified example might begin with:

$4,000 − $500 = $3,500

If the policy then reimburses 80% of the applicable eligible amount:

$3,500 × 80% = $2,800

Illustrative reimbursement:

$2,800

Illustrative remaining expense:

$1,200

This is only an example.

Actual claim calculations depend on the policy’s deductible structure, eligible expenses, reimbursement methodology, exclusions and limits.

NAIC notes that reimbursement methods can differ between companies.

Why a 90% Reimbursement Policy Is Not Automatically Better

Suppose:

Policy A

• 70% reimbursement
• $40/month premium

Policy B

• 90% reimbursement
• $70/month premium

Policy B reimburses a larger percentage of eligible expenses.

But you pay an additional:

$30/month

or:

$360/year

You need to decide whether the additional protection is worth the additional premium for your circumstances.

Also check whether the policy has:

• Lower limits
• More exclusions
• Different deductible
• Different reimbursement formula

Annual Limits Matter

An annual limit determines the maximum amount the insurer may pay during a policy year, subject to the policy terms.

Consider:

Policy A

$5,000 annual limit

Policy B

$15,000 annual limit

If your dog experiences a very expensive medical event, the difference could become important.

NAIC recommends checking whether limits apply annually, per illness, per incident or over the pet’s lifetime.

Don’t Ignore Lifetime or Per-Condition Limits

A policy can advertise a high annual limit while imposing other limitations.

Check for:

• Annual limits
• Lifetime limits
• Per-condition limits
• Per-incident limits
• Procedure-specific limits

Read the policy’s definitions rather than relying on the headline coverage amount.

What Does Dog Insurance Usually Cover?

Coverage varies, but accident-and-illness policies may include eligible expenses such as:

• Emergency treatment
• Surgery
• Diagnostic tests
• Hospitalization
• Specialist care
• Prescription medication
• Treatment for eligible illnesses
• Treatment for eligible accidents

NAIC lists accidents, illnesses, surgeries, X-rays, prescriptions, hospitalization, emergencies and cancer treatment among expenses that some pet health policies may cover.

The word “may” is important.

Your policy determines actual coverage.

What Dog Insurance May Not Cover

Common exclusions or limitations can involve:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Certain hereditary conditions
• Certain congenital conditions
• Routine preventive care
• Routine dental care
• Elective procedures
• Certain behavioral treatment
• Other policy-specific exclusions

NAIC notes that not all pet insurance plans cover preventive care, dental care unrelated to accident or injury, behavioral treatment, breed-specific hereditary conditions or elective procedures.

Dental Coverage Deserves Special Attention

Don’t assume:

“My policy covers illnesses, therefore dental treatment is covered.”

Dental coverage can vary.

A policy may distinguish between:

• Dental illness
• Accidental dental injury
• Routine dental cleaning

If dental health is important to you, read the policy’s dental section specifically.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medication can become a recurring cost when a dog develops a chronic condition.

Before purchasing, check whether the policy covers eligible:

• Prescription drugs
• Medication associated with covered conditions
• Other pharmacy-related expenses

NAIC recommends asking insurers whether prescription drugs are covered.

Can You Use Any Veterinarian?

Not always.

NAIC notes that some pet health insurance policies may require the use of a specific network, while other companies allow broader veterinarian choice.

Before purchasing, ask:

Can I use my current veterinarian?

Can I use an emergency veterinary hospital?

Can I see a specialist?

Is there a network requirement?

This can be especially important if your dog already receives care from a particular veterinary clinic.

How Claims Usually Work

Many pet insurance policies operate on a reimbursement basis.

A typical process may look like:

1. Your dog receives veterinary treatment

↓

2. You pay the veterinarian

↓

3. You submit a claim

↓

4. The insurer reviews the claim

↓

5. Eligible expenses are reimbursed according to the policy

NAIC notes that many policies work this way, although some insurers may have different arrangements.

This creates an important financial consideration:

You may still need enough cash or emergency savings to pay the veterinary bill before reimbursement.

Pet Insurance Does Not Replace an Emergency Fund

This is one of the most important financial points.

Suppose your dog has a:

$5,000 veterinary bill

Even with insurance, you may have to pay some combination of:

• Deductible
• Non-covered expenses
• Coinsurance/out-of-pocket share
• Expenses affected by limits
• Waiting-period expenses

Therefore, consider maintaining an emergency fund alongside insurance.

You can use our Pet Emergency Fund Calculator to estimate an appropriate reserve.

Pet Insurance vs. Self-Funding

There are two basic approaches.

Option 1: Insurance

You pay premiums in exchange for transferring some financial risk to an insurer.

Option 2: Self-Funding

You save money and pay veterinary bills yourself.

Option 3: Hybrid

You use:

Insurance + Emergency Savings

This can provide protection from major eligible expenses while keeping cash available for deductibles and excluded costs.

The best approach depends on your financial situation.

When Dog Insurance May Be Worth Considering

Dog insurance may make sense if:

A large veterinary bill would be financially difficult

If a $5,000 or $10,000 bill could significantly affect your household finances, insurance may provide valuable risk protection.

You prefer predictable monthly costs

Some owners prefer paying a recurring premium rather than accepting the possibility of a very large unexpected expense.

Your dog is young

A younger dog may have fewer known medical conditions, although coverage is never guaranteed.

Your dog has potentially expensive health risks

Breed and individual health history can affect what you should investigate.

You don’t have a large emergency fund

Insurance can potentially reduce the financial impact of eligible major veterinary expenses.

When Self-Funding May Be Reasonable

Self-funding may make sense if:

• You have substantial emergency savings
• You can comfortably handle large veterinary bills
• You prefer keeping your money rather than paying premiums
• You understand the risks
• Available policies have exclusions that make them less useful for your dog

There is no universal answer.

A Practical Decision Framework for Dog Owners

Answer these five questions:

1. Could I pay a $2,000 emergency bill?

2. Could I pay a $5,000 emergency bill?

3. Could I pay a $10,000+ bill?

4. How much emergency savings do I currently have?

5. Would a major veterinary expense force me into debt?

If the answer to the last question is yes, insurance may deserve closer consideration.

How to Compare Dog Insurance Companies

Don’t compare companies by brand name alone.

Use a table like this:

Feature	Company A	Company B	Company C
Monthly premium	$___	$___	$___
Annual premium	$___	$___	$___
Deductible	$___	$___	$___
Deductible type	___	___	___
Reimbursement	___%	___%	___%
Annual limit	$___	$___	$___
Lifetime limit	$___	$___	$___
Accident coverage	✓ / ✗	✓ / ✗	✓ / ✗
Illness coverage	✓ / ✗	✓ / ✗	✓ / ✗
Cancer coverage	___	___	___
Prescription drugs	___	___	___
Dental coverage	___	___	___
Hereditary conditions	___	___	___
Congenital conditions	___	___	___
Pre-existing conditions	___	___	___
Accident waiting period	___	___	___
Illness waiting period	___	___	___
Orthopedic waiting period	___	___	___
Veterinarian choice	___	___	___
Claim method	___	___	___

This comparison is much more useful than simply asking which company has the lowest premium.

A Simple Dog Insurance Scorecard

You can also score each policy from 1 to 5.

Category	Suggested Weight
Coverage	25%
Exclusions	20%
Deductible	15%
Reimbursement	15%
Annual limits	10%
Waiting periods	5%
Claims process	5%
Premium affordability	5%

These weights are not an industry standard.

They are simply a framework for organizing your personal comparison.

If your primary concern is catastrophic veterinary expenses, you might give more weight to:

• Coverage
• Exclusions
• Reimbursement
• Annual limits

Don’t Choose a Policy From a “Top 10” List Alone

Online rankings can help you discover companies.

But rankings have limitations.

Your quote may differ because of:

• Dog’s breed
• Dog’s age
• Location
• Coverage selection
• Deductible
• Medical history

A company that is suitable for one Labrador may not be suitable for an older French Bulldog or a mixed-breed rescue.

The policy—not the ranking—is what you ultimately need to evaluate.

How to Compare Policies for a Puppy

If you have a puppy, focus on:

• Hereditary conditions
• Congenital conditions
• Orthopedic coverage
• Waiting periods
• Deductible
• Reimbursement
• Annual limits
• Long-term affordability

Also understand how the insurer handles conditions that develop after enrollment.

How to Compare Policies for an Adult Dog

For an adult dog, pay particular attention to:

• Current medical history
• Previous symptoms
• Pre-existing-condition rules
• Breed-specific risks
• Premium
• Deductible
• Coverage limits

Obtain and review your dog’s veterinary records if necessary.

How to Compare Policies for a Senior Dog

For an older dog, check:

• Maximum enrollment age
• Existing conditions
• Previous symptoms
• Premium
• Waiting periods
• Coverage limits
• Renewal provisions

Don’t assume an older dog cannot be insured, but don’t assume every provider will accept the dog either.

NAIC notes that some companies have age restrictions.

What About Breed-Specific Insurance?

There generally isn’t one universal “best insurance policy” for each breed.

Instead, identify the conditions you want to protect against.

Then ask each insurer:

Is this condition covered?

Is it considered hereditary or congenital?

Is there a breed-specific exclusion?

Is there a waiting period?

Is there a limit?

This is more useful than choosing a policy based on a generic breed ranking.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Dog Insurance

Save this checklist.

Coverage

• What accidents are covered?
• What illnesses are covered?
• Is cancer treatment covered?
• Are hereditary conditions covered?
• Are congenital conditions covered?
• Are prescription drugs covered?
• Is dental treatment covered?
• Are specialist visits covered?

Costs

• What is the monthly premium?
• What is the annual premium?
• What is the deductible?
• Is the deductible annual or per condition?
• What reimbursement percentage applies?
• What is the annual limit?

Restrictions

• How is a pre-existing condition defined?
• What are the waiting periods?
• Are there age restrictions?
• Are there breed-related exclusions?
• Are there per-condition limits?

Claims

• Do I pay the veterinarian first?
• How is reimbursement calculated?
• What documentation is required?
• How long does claim processing normally take?
• Can I appeal a denied claim?

NAIC provides a similar set of questions for consumers evaluating pet insurance.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if:

The exclusions are difficult to find

You should know what isn’t covered.

The reimbursement formula isn’t clear

You should understand how a claim is calculated.

The annual limit is difficult to identify

You should know your maximum potential benefit.

Pre-existing-condition wording is unclear

This can materially affect future claims.

The policy summary is much clearer than the actual contract

Always read the actual policy documents.

What Is the Best Dog Insurance for a Limited Budget?

If your monthly budget is tight, don’t simply choose the cheapest policy.

Instead, consider whether you can adjust:

• Deductible
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual limit

For example, a higher deductible may reduce the premium in some policies.

But only choose a deductible that you could realistically pay during an emergency.

What Is the Best Dog Insurance for Catastrophic Protection?

If your main concern is a very large veterinary bill, pay particular attention to:

1. Annual limit
2. Exclusions
3. Reimbursement
4. Deductible
5. Covered treatments
6. Claim methodology

A policy with a low annual limit may not provide the level of protection you are looking for.

What Is the Best Dog Insurance for Routine Care?

If your primary goal is reimbursement for routine care, look carefully at wellness or preventive-care options.

Don’t assume an accident-and-illness policy covers:

• Vaccines
• Routine examinations
• Preventive medications
• Routine dental cleaning

Coverage varies.

Dog Insurance and Your Overall Pet Budget

Insurance should be only one part of your dog’s financial plan.

Your annual dog budget may include:

Routine expenses

• Food
• Preventive care
• Grooming
• Supplies

Medical expenses

• Routine veterinary care
• Emergency treatment
• Medication
• Specialist care

Insurance

• Premium
• Deductible
• Non-covered expenses

Emergency savings

• Unexpected veterinary bills
• Deductibles
• Excluded treatment

Use our Pet Ownership Cost Calculator to estimate broader pet ownership expenses.

Why an Emergency Fund Still Matters Even With Insurance

Imagine your dog develops an emergency that results in a:

$6,000 veterinary bill.

Your insurance might reimburse some eligible expenses.

But you may still need money for:

• Deductible
• Non-covered expenses
• Your share of eligible expenses
• Expenses affected by limits
• Treatment during a waiting period

Therefore, insurance and emergency savings can complement each other.

Should You Switch Dog Insurance Companies?

Sometimes a lower quote may look attractive.

But switching can have consequences.

A condition that was covered under your existing policy may potentially be treated as pre-existing under a new policy.

Before switching, compare:

• Current coverage
• New exclusions
• New waiting periods
• New deductible
• New reimbursement
• New annual limits
• New premium

Don’t cancel an existing policy until you understand the consequences of replacing it.

Our Recommended Method for Choosing Dog Insurance

At PetPolicyFinance, we recommend this process:

Step 1: Identify your dog’s risks

Consider:

• Age
• Breed
• Health history

Step 2: Decide what you want to protect

For example:

• Accidents
• Major illness
• Surgery
• Cancer
• Specialist treatment

Step 3: Get current quotes

Use your actual dog information.

Step 4: Compare the complete financial terms

Review:

• Premium
• Deductible
• Reimbursement
• Limits

Step 5: Read the exclusions

Don’t skip this section.

Step 6: Check pre-existing-condition rules

Review your dog’s medical history.

Step 7: Check waiting periods

Confirm when coverage begins.

Step 8: Review claims

Understand how reimbursement is calculated.

Step 9: Compare against your emergency savings

Ask whether you can handle the remaining out-of-pocket expense.

Step 10: Read the policy before purchasing

The policy document should be your final reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pet insurance for dogs?

There is no single best policy for every dog. The right choice depends on the dog’s age, breed, health history, location, budget and the coverage required.

Is dog insurance worth it?

It can be, particularly if a large veterinary bill would create financial hardship. But self-funding may be reasonable for owners with substantial emergency savings.

What is the cheapest dog insurance?

There is no universally cheapest provider. Pricing varies based on factors including breed, age, location, coverage and deductible.

Is 90% dog insurance better than 70%?

Not automatically. Compare the reimbursement percentage with the premium, deductible, annual limit and exclusions.

Does dog insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Many pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions. The exact definition and treatment vary by policy.

Does dog insurance cover hereditary conditions?

Some policies may cover eligible hereditary conditions, while others exclude or limit them. Always check the policy wording.

Does dog insurance cover congenital conditions?

Coverage varies. Some policies exclude or limit congenital conditions.

Does dog insurance cover vaccinations?

Not necessarily. Routine preventive care may be excluded from standard accident-and-illness coverage. Some insurers offer wellness options.

Does dog insurance cover dental care?

Coverage varies. Routine dental care may be excluded, while certain dental injuries or illnesses may be covered under some policies.

Can I use any veterinarian?

It depends on the policy. Some insurers allow broad veterinarian choice, while others may have network requirements.

Do I pay the vet first?

Many pet insurance policies operate through reimbursement, meaning you may pay the veterinarian first and then submit a claim.

Can older dogs get insurance?

Some insurers have age restrictions. Check the provider’s current eligibility requirements.

Should I insure a puppy?

It can be worth considering, but compare hereditary and congenital coverage, waiting periods, exclusions, deductible, reimbursement and annual limits.

Final Verdict

The best pet insurance for your dog is not necessarily the:

• Cheapest policy
• Most expensive policy
• Highest reimbursement policy
• Most popular company
• Highest-ranked online provider

Instead, look for a policy that provides a sensible combination of:

Useful coverage

Manageable exclusions

Affordable premium

Affordable deductible

Appropriate reimbursement

Adequate annual limits

Reasonable waiting periods

Clear pre-existing-condition rules

Understandable claims process

Long-term affordability

The goal of dog insurance is not necessarily to receive more money from the insurer than you pay in premiums.

The purpose is to manage the financial risk of unexpected eligible veterinary expenses.

For some dog owners, insurance may provide valuable protection.

For others, a well-funded emergency account may be enough.

For many households, a combination of insurance + emergency savings may provide the most practical financial flexibility.

How PetPolicyFinance Evaluates Dog Insurance

PetPolicyFinance is focused on the financial side of pet ownership.

When evaluating pet insurance, we recommend looking at the complete policy rather than relying on promotional pricing or a simple company ranking.

Our comparison framework considers:

• Coverage
• Exclusions
• Premium
• Deductible
• Reimbursement
• Annual limits
• Waiting periods
• Pre-existing-condition rules
• Claims process
• Long-term affordability

We do not consider one insurer universally best for every dog.

Insurance products change, and the policy available to you may depend on your state, dog, age, breed and other factors.

Sources & Research Methodology

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

NAIC’s current pet insurance guidance explains that policies can differ in coverage, exclusions, deductibles, payment limits, reimbursement methods and waiting periods. It also notes that premiums can vary based on species, breed, age, location, coverage and deductible.

NAIC’s consumer guidance recommends comparing covered conditions, pre-existing conditions, exclusions, reimbursement, veterinarian networks, deductibles, waiting periods and claim processing.

NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act

The NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act includes disclosure provisions concerning exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, congenital disorders and chronic conditions, along with waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance and annual or lifetime limits. It is a model framework, not automatically the law in every state.

North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA)

NAPHIA’s 2026 State of the Industry data reports 7.6 million insured pets in North America at the end of 2025, with the marketplace increasing 8.5% from 2024. NAPHIA states that its industry data represents approximately 99% of written pet health insurance premium in the United States and Canada.

Editorial Methodology

PetPolicyFinance does not label a pet insurance provider as universally “best.”

Instead, we recommend comparing actual policies based on:

1. Coverage
2. Exclusions
3. Deductible
4. Reimbursement
5. Limits
6. Waiting periods
7. Pre-existing-condition rules
8. Claims process
9. Premium
10. Your dog’s individual needs

Insurance terms and pricing can change. Readers should verify current information directly with the insurer before purchasing.

Editorial Disclaimer

PetPolicyFinance.com is an independent educational website. We are not an insurance company, insurance broker, veterinarian, financial adviser or law firm.

This article does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific insurance company or insurance policy.

Pet insurance premiums, coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, eligibility requirements, reimbursement methods and state regulations can change.

Always read the current policy documents and obtain a current quote before purchasing coverage.

For questions about a dog’s health, consult a licensed veterinarian.

For questions about insurance requirements or consumer protections in your state, contact your state insurance department or a qualified insurance professional.

Author: Harry Mills
Last Reviewed: August 2026