Becoming a pet parent is one of life’s most joyful experiences. From choosing the perfect collar to capturing those first clumsy zoomies on camera, everything feels exciting and new. But along with the joy comes the responsibility of making sure your new furry friend stays healthy—without draining your wallet. Pet insurance can help manage unexpected vet bills, but with so many choices out there, it’s hard to know where to begin, especially when you’re watching your budget.
Here’s a look at nine pet insurance providers that offer quality coverage without the sky-high premiums, making them perfect for first-time pet owners.
1. Figo
Figo is often praised for its affordable monthly premiums and user-friendly mobile app. New pet parents will appreciate how easy it is to understand what’s covered. They offer accident and illness plans, with optional wellness coverage for routine visits.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Figo lets you customize your deductible and reimbursement rate, which helps keep monthly costs low.
2. Lemonade
Known for disrupting the insurance world, Lemonade also offers pet insurance with a tech-forward twist. Their application and claims process is incredibly fast and handled via app.
Why it stands out: If you’re already familiar with Lemonade for renters or homeowners insurance, bundling your pet policy can lead to discounts.
3. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Backed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this plan has the name recognition and solid options for coverage. They offer accident-only or comprehensive plans, so you can choose what fits your pet’s lifestyle.
Budget bonus: Their accident-only plan is one of the more affordable options on the market for young, healthy pets.
4. Pumpkin
Pumpkin offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage with a strong focus on preventive care. While their premiums may seem slightly higher than others, they offer a lot of value in return, including coverage for dental illnesses and prescription food.
Perk for new pet parents: 90% reimbursement on eligible vet bills and a wellness package that includes vaccines and routine care.
5. Wagmo
Wagmo separates itself from the pack by offering wellness-only plans, which cover routine care like vaccines, blood work, and flea meds. They also provide accident and illness plans, or you can mix and match.
Best for preventive-minded parents: If you’re more concerned about regular vet visits than sudden emergencies, Wagmo’s wellness plans are a great budget-conscious choice.
6. Embrace
Embrace offers highly customizable plans and includes a diminishing deductible feature—meaning your deductible goes down each year you don’t file a claim.
Why it’s wallet-friendly: You can adjust your coverage level to match your budget, and they cover alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
7. Fetch by The Dodo
Previously known as Petplan, Fetch by The Dodo offers robust coverage for pets of all ages, including therapy and behavioral treatment. It’s particularly great if you’ve adopted a rescue with a few quirks.
Savings tip: Fetch often runs promotions for new customers, and you can reduce premiums by adjusting coverage limits.
8. Spot Pet Insurance
Spot allows pet parents to choose from a wide range of coverage levels and reimbursement rates. Their accident-only plans are especially affordable.
Newbie-friendly: Their website includes helpful education for first-time pet owners, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
9. ManyPets
This UK-based company is newer to the U.S. market, but gaining ground quickly. ManyPets offers one of the few plans that cover pre-existing conditions—as long as they’ve been cured and symptom-free for a set time.
Best for adopted pets: If you’re adopting from a shelter and not sure of your new pet’s full medical history, this can be a smart, economical choice.
You don’t need to break the bank to protect your pet. The key is finding a plan that suits both your pet’s needs and your financial comfort zone. As a new pet parent, start small, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask your vet for recommendations. A little planning today can save you a lot tomorrow—both in money and peace of mind.
