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4 Best Emergency Pet Insurance

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Emergency pet insurance covers unexpected vet expenses from accidents or injuries, protecting your pet’s health and your finances. Policies range from accident-only to more comprehensive plans that include chronic conditions. Choosing the right coverage ensures quick claims, dependable support, and peace of mind during urgent situations.

  • Pets Best

    Recognized as “Best Overall,” Pets Best provides maximum annual coverage options of $5,000 or unlimited. Monthly costs average $46 for dogs and $30 for cats, making it an affordable choice. With deductible options ranging from $50 to $500, the plan offers flexibility to match different budgets and needs.

    Our Expert Take

    Pets Best offers affordable and flexible pet insurance with reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% and multiple deductible choices. Its Essential plan includes 24/7 vet telehealth access, exam fee coverage, and options for behavioral therapy, dental care, and end-of-life expenses. Customers can also pay bills using CareCredit and receive automatic reimbursements.

    Accident coverage starts after a short waiting period, while illness coverage takes slightly longer. Some conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries, have longer waiting times. Pets Best also provides upgraded plans like the Plus and Elite tiers for pet owners seeking more comprehensive protection and higher coverage limits.

    Customer reviews highlight satisfaction with pricing and plan flexibility, though experiences with claims processing vary. Overall, Pets Best stands out for its cost-effective coverage, round-the-clock telehealth access, and customizable options, making it a strong choice for pet owners seeking reliable emergency and long-term protection.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Multiple reimbursement rate choices (70%, 80%, 90%)
    • Wide deductible range for budget flexibility
    • Short accident waiting period
    • 24/7 pet telehealth line included
    • Strong emergency and illness coverage

    Cons:

    • Illness waiting period is longer than accident coverage
    • Special waiting periods apply to certain conditions
    • Does not cover vet exam fees
    • Premiums can increase as pets age
    • No 100% reimbursement option

    Plan Details

    Feature Details
    Reimbursement Choices 70%, 80%, 90%
    Accident Waiting Period 3 days (shorter than many competitors)
    Illness Waiting Period 14 days
    Special Waiting Periods 6 months for cruciate ligament issues and some orthopedic conditions
    Covers Vet Exam Fees No
    24/7 Pet Telehealth Line Yes, included at no extra cost

  • Figo

    Highlighted as “Best for Wellness Plan Options,” Figo offers annual coverage choices of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. Average monthly costs run about $75 for dogs and $30 for cats, giving pet owners flexible pricing. Deductible options range from $100 to $750, allowing customization based on budget and coverage needs.

    Our Expert Take

    Figo offers competitive pricing and six wellness plan options that cover preventive care like vaccinations and checkups. It features a 24/7 telehealth line and allows the six-month orthopedic waiting period to be waived with an exam. With no upper age limit, it’s an excellent choice for pet owners with senior pets.

    The insurer covers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and magnet therapy to support healing and reduce inflammation. Optional “Powerup” add-ons cover vet exam fees and other extras, helping owners customize their plans for broader protection and convenience.

    Figo earns high marks for customer satisfaction, especially for its claims process and intuitive Pet Cloud app. The app streamlines record keeping, vet access, and reimbursement tracking, making Figo a modern, flexible, and pet-friendly insurance option for comprehensive coverage and seamless care management.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • 24/7 virtual vet visits included at no extra cost
    • Option for direct vet pay so you don’t need to cover large bills upfront
    • Customizable reimbursement levels and annual limits
    • Shorter waiting periods than many competitors
    • Easy-to-use mobile app for claims and records

    Cons

    • Higher average monthly premium than some alternatives
    • Does not cover pre-existing conditions
    • Routine and wellness care require add-ons
    • Some states may have limited plan options

    Plan Details

    Feature Details
    Reimbursement Choices 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
    Accident Waiting Period 1 day
    Illness Waiting Period 14 days
    Special Waiting Periods 6 months for orthopedic conditions (dogs), but can be waived with an orthopedic exam
    Covers Vet Exam Fees Yes, but with additional cost
    24/7 Pet Telehealth Line Yes, unlimited access through Figo Pet Cloud app

  • Lemonade

    Recognized as “Best for Discounts,” Lemonade provides maximum annual coverage options ranging from $5,000 up to $100,000. Average monthly costs are about $48 for dogs and $26 for cats, making it competitively priced. Deductible choices include $100, $250, $500, and $750, offering flexibility to fit different budgets.

    Our Expert Take

    Lemonade offers affordable pet insurance, with plans averaging about $48 per month based on your pet’s age, breed, and location. It provides discounts for multiple pets, annual payments, and policy bundling. The mobile app simplifies claim filing and tracking, ensuring a fast, seamless experience from quote to reimbursement.

    While its base plan keeps costs low, it doesn’t automatically cover prescription meds, behavioral therapy, dental illness, or vet exam fees. Optional wellness add-ons allow pet owners to customize their coverage for preventive care, including vaccines and checkups.

    Customers consistently praise Lemonade’s user-friendly interface, quick claims processing, and strong customer service. Lemonade is an excellent option for pet owners looking for affordable, flexible, and convenient coverage without the hassle and high costs of traditional insurance.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Fast digital claims through the app
    • Average monthly cost lower than some competitors
    • Almost instantly accident waiting period, shorter than many insurers
    • Wellness add-ons available for preventive care
    • Multi-pet discount offered
    • Option to bundle with Lemonade renters or home insurance for extra savings

    Cons

    • Coverage not available in every state
    • No 24/7 telehealth line included
    • Limited plan customization compared to some providers
    • May not cover certain hereditary conditions depending on policy terms

    Plan Details

    Feature Details
    Reimbursement Choices 70%, 80%, or 90%
    Accident Waiting Period Effective at 12:01 a.m. the day after policy purchase
    Illness Waiting Period 14 days
    Special Waiting Periods 30 days for orthopedic conditions
    Covers Vet Exam Fees Yes, if you choose the exam fee add-on
    24/7 Pet Telehealth Line Not included

  • Healthy Paws

    Highlighted as “Best for Alternative Therapy,” Healthy Paws offers unlimited annual coverage with no caps on payouts. Average monthly costs are about $60 for dogs and $28 for cats, giving pet owners broad protection. Deductible choices include $250, $500, $750, and $1,000, allowing flexibility based on your budget and needs.

    Our Expert Take

    Healthy Paws offers a simple accident and illness plan that includes coverage for chronic conditions, hereditary issues, cancer, and emergencies. It also supports alternative therapies like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care for holistic treatment. With unlimited annual benefits and no payout caps, it provides consistent, comprehensive protection at a competitive cost.

    However, Healthy Paws doesn’t offer wellness add-ons or 24/7 telehealth services, so preventive care such as vaccines and routine checkups aren’t covered. The plan includes a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia, and pets aged six or older are not eligible for this coverage.

    Customers frequently praise Healthy Paws for its quick, hassle-free claims process and dependable reimbursements. Its straightforward coverage structure and focus on essential medical protection make it an excellent choice for pet owners who value simplicity, reliability, and comprehensive care without unnecessary add-ons.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Simple accident and illness plan with broad coverage
    • Covers hereditary and chronic conditions
    • Includes alternative therapies when prescribed
    • Fast claims processing through app or online
    • No annual or lifetime payout limits

    Cons

    • No accident-only or wellness care options
    • Does not cover exam fees for vet visits
    • 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
    • 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia in pets under six
    • No 24/7 telehealth line available

    Plan Details

    Feature Details
    Reimbursement Choices 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%
    Accident Waiting Period 15 days
    Illness Waiting Period 15 days
    Special Waiting Periods 12 months for hip dysplasia (pets under 6 years old)
    Covers Vet Exam Fees No
    24/7 Pet Telehealth Line Not included

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pet insurance cover emergency visits?

Yes. Most accident and illness plans cover emergency vet visits for issues like broken bones, poisoning, or sudden illnesses such as diabetes. Accident-only policies typically include emergencies caused by injuries, severe bleeding, or other unexpected events requiring urgent care.

Is there pet insurance with no waiting period for emergencies?

All pet insurance policies include a waiting period before coverage starts, usually around 14 days for accidents and illnesses. Some conditions, such as orthopedic problems, may have longer waiting periods of several months. While immediate coverage isn’t available, some insurers offer shorter waiting times for certain emergencies.

What qualifies as an accident in pet insurance?

Accidents are unexpected events that harm your pet, such as being hit by a car, bitten by another animal, or swallowing something harmful. Both accident-only and accident-and-illness plans typically cover treatment for these unexpected injuries.

Can you get pet insurance if your pet is already sick?

You can get pet insurance even if your pet is already sick, but costs related to pre-existing conditions usually aren’t covered. Some insurers may cover curable conditions, such as ear or skin infections, once your pet has been symptom-free for a set period, often around six months.

Does pet insurance cover emergencies in other countries?

Most pet insurance policies only cover emergencies within the United States. Some providers offer limited emergency vet care coverage in specific countries, like parts of Canada or Australia, depending on the policy and network availability.