Best pet insurance for multiple pets
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 5:06 a.m. UTC July 1, 2024
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Pets Best and Spot have the best pet insurance for multiple pets, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.
Best pet insurance for multiple pets
- Pets Best: Best for direct vet payments.
- Spot: Best for annual coverage options.
- Embrace: Best for a diminishing deductible.
- Figo: Great for 100% reimbursement.
- Lemonade: Best for fast claims processing.
- MetLife: Best for discounts and perks.
- Pumpkin: Best for preventative care.
Why trust our pet insurance experts
Our team of pet insurance experts evaluates hundreds of pet insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 1,081 pet insurance rates reviewed.
- 360 coverage details evaluated.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Top-rated pet insurance for multiple pets
Compare the best multi-pet insurance
| COMPANY | OUR RATING | AVERAGE MONTHLY COST FOR FIRST DOG | MULTI-PET DISCOUNT | Learn More | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | 5% | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $59 | 10% | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $58 | 10% | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $55 | 5% | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $55 | 5% | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $51 | Varies | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $60 | 10% | Compare Quotes Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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Average monthly cost assumes unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage for an accident and illness plan. These average rates are based on dogs of various ages, breeds and ZIP codes. This cost is for the first pet insured; a multi-pet discount will apply to a second pet. Source: PetInsurer.com.
Methodology
To find the best pet insurance for multiple pets, we analyzed 18 pet insurance companies using data provided by PetInsurer.com. We considered only companies that offer a multi-pet discount.
Each pet insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories.
- Cost: 50 points. We calculated average rates for accident and illness pet insurance plans for dogs with unlimited annual reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage. The average rates were based on quotes for 10 dog breeds, three age groups and multiple ZIP codes. The lower the average rate, the higher the number of points.
- Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an annual reimbursement level of $100,000 or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.
24/7 vet line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer access to a 24/7 vet line earned points. Being able to call for medical advice might save you money on vet visits. - Routine wellness plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an optional wellness plan add-on scored points. Wells plans can reimburse you for preventative care for your pet.
- Pays vet exam fees: 10 points. If a pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer received 10 points. If this is offered as a coverage add-on, the insurer received 5 points.
- Behavioral therapy: 5 points. If an insurance company covers behavior therapy in its pet insurance plans, it scored points.
- Euthanasia or end of life expenses included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end of life expenses are covered in pet insurance plans, an insurance company scored in this category.
How insurance for multiple pets works
When buying multi-pet insurance from the same company, you’ll typically pay the full amount for the first pet and receive a discount for insuring additional pets. Each pet gets its own policy, but you can manage all policies from a single account.
“This is great for multi-pet owners because each pet is unique, so pet parents aren’t forced to choose the same exact coverage for all of them,” said Scott Taylor, president of Spot Pet Insurance.
You can choose the right annual limit, reimbursement level and deductible that best meets each pet’s individual needs.
MetLife is the only pet insurance company that offers a family plan for up to three pets. You can insure dogs and cats in one family plan and all of your insured pets will share the same annual deductible and reimbursement level. If you don’t need different coverage options for each pet, MetLife may be the right fit for your pet family. The multi-pet discount you receive with MetLife will depend on which family plan options you choose.
What multi-pet insurance covers
Multi-pet insurance covers the same pet health expenses as single pet insurance covers. If you buy a comprehensive accident and illness plan, it will cover veterinary costs such as:
- Allergies.
- Biopsies.
- Breed-specific, congenital and genetic conditions.
- Chronic health conditions.
- Cancer.
- Dental illness.
- Diabetes.
- Emergency vet visits.
- Hospitalization.
- Ligament tears.
- Physical therapy.
- Prescription medication.
- Specialist care.
- Surgery.
- X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds.
If you choose an accident-only plan, only accidental injuries are covered. This can include:
- Bee stings.
- Broken bones and lacerations.
- Eye and teeth injuries.
- Snake bites.
- Toxin and foreign body ingestion.
Routine care like vaccinations, annual checkups and heartworm medication are typically only covered if you add a wellness plan to your accident and illness plan, for an additional cost.
Is there a time limit for adding another pet to your insurance?
There is no time limit for buying pet insurance for a second pet. If you have two pets, you can buy a policy for both on the same day. Or if you get a new pet, you can add a policy to your existing pet insurance account. You’ll be eligible for the pet insurance company’s multi-pet discount on your second pet’s policy either way.
Average cost of pet insurance for multiple pets
With multi-pet insurance, you typically pay the full amount for the first pet and get a discount on the cost of additional pets you enroll.
The average cost of pet insurance is $45 per month for a dog for $5,000 of annual coverage, or $55 per month for a policy with unlimited annual coverage.
If you insure two dogs with unlimited annual coverage, you could save around $33 per year with a 5% multi-pet insurance discount or $66 annually with a 10% discount.
| ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS $5,000 ANNUAL COVERAGE | ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS PLAN UNLIMITED ANNUAL COVERAGE | |
|---|---|---|
Dog
| Annual: $540 | Annual: $660 |
Cat
| Annual: $360 | Annual: $564 |
How much you pay for multi-pet insurance will depend on several factors, including the coverage you select and the insurance company you choose. Insurance companies will also consider the following when determining pet insurance costs for multiple pets.
Annual coverage limit
The annual coverage limit is the most the insurance company will pay per year toward covered expenses. You can typically choose between $2,000 and $10,000, though some companies offer higher coverage limits. Lemonade, for example, offers coverage options up to $100,000 per year, while Embrace, Figo, Pets Best, Pumpkin and Spot offer an unlimited coverage option.
The higher the annual limit, the more you’ll pay for coverage. Your annual limit will roll over each policy year.
Breed
Pet breeds with certain dispositions for health issues will cost more than heartier breeds. For instance, Labrador retrievers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, while Yorkshire terriers are known for digestive problems and portosystemic shunts, which are hereditary.
If you’re a cat person, some of the healthiest breeds are the Balinese, Havana brown, Russian blue and Siamese. Choosing a healthier breed can keep your pet insurance premiums lower than insuring a breed with common problems.
You might also get a cheaper pet insurance rate if you own a mixed breed instead of a purebred dog or cat. This is because the gene pool is more diverse with mixed breeds than purebreds, providing a greater chance health issues will have disappeared after a generation.
Deductible
Your pet insurance deductible is the amount you pay toward your pet’s eligible vet costs before the insurer starts to pay. A deductible can range from $50 to $1,000, with a higher deductible costing less per month than a lower deductible.
Number of pets
Your pet insurance costs will increase with the more pets you insure. Costs will depend on the coverage you select for each pet, plus their age, breed and species. A multi-pet discount will offset some of the cost of insuring multiple pets.
Pet’s age
Pet insurance costs typically increase as pets age. The younger your pet is, the cheaper it is to insure. The older your pet gets, the more likely it is to incur vet costs, so the more you’ll pay for coverage.
Pet size
Your pet’s size may also affect your pet insurance cost. Large dog breeds are known for certain health problems, like heart conditions or hip dysplasia. Bloat, or stomach flip, is also more prevalent in large breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards.
Policy type
An accident-only pet insurance plan costs less because it doesn’t cover illnesses like an accident and illness pet insurance policy does. You’ll also pay more if you add a wellness plan to your accident and illness plan.
Reimbursement percentage
The reimbursement percentage is the amount the pet insurance company will pay toward your vet costs once you meet your deductible. Most providers offer either 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement coverage. Figo is one of the few carriers that offers 100% reimbursement. Higher reimbursement levels come with a higher monthly cost since the insurer pays more toward each claim.
ZIP code
Where you live impacts how much you pay for pet insurance. Veterinarian costs differ by location, with urban areas costing more than rural areas. You can expect the same difference in pet insurance costs by location.
Can I insure my pets with different pet insurance companies?
Yes, you can have multiple pet insurance policies with different insurance companies. If you go this route, you won’t be eligible for a multi-pet discount. But you might find that separating the plans for individual pets is in your best financial interest.
While each pet insurance company generally covers the same accidents and illnesses, you might find one with different coverage options that better suit one of your pets. For instance, in its comprehensive plan, Embrace offers alternative treatments, like laser therapy and acupuncture, while Pets Best and Lemonade exclude these therapies from coverage.
If you have one pet that might require alternative therapies, consider an insurer with this coverage. However, if you only want basic coverage, another insurance company might better suit your needs.
How do I find a multi-pet insurance policy?
The best way to find a multi-pet insurance policy is to gather quotes from several companies and compare them. To get quotes, you’ll go to each company’s website and enter your pet’s age, breed, species, size and other details.
If you prefer to speak with an insurance agent who can answer any questions you have, you can also call to get a quote. Companies like Nationwide offer in-person service through its network of local agents selling Nationwide pet insurance.
Comparing pet insurance quotes can help you find the best coverage options for multiple pets that work with your budget.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, most insurers offer a discount of 5% or 10% for multi-pet insurance, depending on the company. For instance, Spot offers a 10% discount for adding a pet, said Scott Taylor, president of Spot Pet Insurance.
Embrace also offers a 10% multi-pet discount, while Pets Best and Figo offer a 5% discount.
Many insurance companies offer up to a 10% discount for insuring additional pets with the same carrier, which can help you save on multi-pet insurance.
Multi-pet insurance typically covers each pet on its own policy, so you can choose the best pet insurance coverage for each pet.
The best level of pet insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs:
- Accident-only coverage is cheaper, but won’t cover your pet’s illnesses.
- Accident and illness coverage is the most comprehensive plan but is also the most expensive.
- A wellness plan add-on will provide some coverage for preventive and routine care.
Higher reimbursement percentages and annual limits will cover more of each vet’s visit but also come at a higher monthly cost.
How much can you expect to pay? Average cost of pet insurance
The maximum payout for pet insurance is the unlimited annual coverage limit. Embrace, Figo, Pets Best, Pumpkin and Spot offer an unlimited coverage option.
With unlimited coverage, there is no cap on what the pet insurance company will pay based on your reimbursement percentage after you’ve reached the policy deductible.
According to NAPHIA, the highest claim amount that was paid in the U.S. last year was more than $60,000 for a dog with pneumonia.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
