Our pet insurance ratings methodology

How we rate pet insurance 

We rated 15 pet insurance companies by evaluating more than 500 pet insurance coverage details, weighing key factors and scoring the following metrics.

Cost

We analyzed more than 4,000 pet insurance rates to calculate the average cost of accident and illness pet insurance plans, which are the most popular among consumers. Averages were based on rates for medium mixed breed dogs aged 3 months, 2 years, 5 years and 7 years, for plans with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement percentage, or the closest available options.

>> Why this is important: Affordable pet insurance can help you get the most value for your pet insurance premium. While we’ve provided averages for the sake of comparison, your pet insurance premium will be based on factors such as your ZIP code and your pet’s breed, age and gender. 

Annual coverage limits

Pet insurance companies that offer an annual reimbursement level of $100,000 or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.

>> Why this is important: While higher annual coverage limits mean a more expensive pet insurance premium, you’ll be better financially protected if your pet is seriously ill or injured and requires costly vet care. 

24/7 vet line

Insurers that provide access to a 24/7 vet health line earned points.

>> Why this is important: A 24/7 vet telehealth line can come in handy and potentially save you an expensive trip to the emergency room if your pet gets sick in the middle of the night.

Routine wellness plan

Insurers that offer optional wellness plans earned points.

>> Why this is important: An optional wellness plan can reimburse you for routine expenses such as annual wellness exams, vaccinations and flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

Covers vet exam fees

Plans that cover the vet exam fee received points. Not all insurers cover exam fees, even if the fee is for an illness or accident-related visit.

>> Why this is important: A vet visit costs an average of about $61. Insurers that include coverage for the vet exam fee for accidents and illnesses can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Multipet discount

Many pet insurance companies offer a discount if you insure more than one pet. Insurers that offer a multipet discount earned points.

>> Why this is important: Pet owners with more than one pet may want to seek out a company that offers a multipet discount, which typically ranges between 5% to 10%.

Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses included

Insurers that cover end of life expenses, such as euthanasia, cremation or burial fees, received points.

>> Why this is important: Some pet owners may appreciate a pet insurance plan that helps alleviate financial stress during a difficult time.

Our star ratings explained

Our best pet insurance star ratings are determined by weights assigned to the key factors above. Each pet insurance plan is scored and its total score out of 100 determines its star rating. Top scores earn 5 stars. 

Methodologies

• Best pet insurance
• Best pet insurance for multiple pets

Best pet insurance methodology

To find the best pet insurance companies, we used data from PetInsurer.com and rated pet insurance plans based on important benefits, coverage levels and cost. 

Best pet insurance ranking factors

• Cost: 50 points.
• Annual coverage limits: 10 points.
• 24/7 vet line: 10 points.
• Routine wellness plan: 10 points.
• Covers vet exam fees: 10 points.
• Multipet discount: 5 points.
• Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses included: 5 points.

See the results of our analysis in our rating of the best pet insurance.

Best pet insurance for multiple pets methodology

The best pet insurance for multiple pets is a plan that offers extensive coverage for all your pets at a good price. Only pet insurance companies with a discount for insuring more than one pet were considered for this rating. 

Best pet insurance for multiple pets ranking factors

• Cost: 50 points.
• Annual coverage limits: 10 points.
• 24/7 vet line: 10 points.
• Routine wellness plan: 10 points. 
• Pays vet exam fees: 10 points.
• Behavioral therapy: 5 points.
• Euthanasia or end-of-life expenses included: 5 points. 

See the results of our analysis in our rating of the best pet insurance for multiple pets.

How we collect data

Our pet insurance data comes from PetInsurer.com. It includes more than 4,000 pet insurance plan rates for dogs and cats of different ages and breeds living in various ZIP codes. We reviewed sample pet insurance policies and document details on each plan’s coverages, benefit levels and optional add-ons. We also documented notable exclusions from coverage. 

Our data undergoes three levels of fact-checking to ensure accuracy. We get new data throughout the year to update our pet insurance articles and our ratings are updated annually. 

USA TODAY Blueprint’s editorial standards

Our goal as insurance editors is to provide an unbiased analysis of insurance products on the market and break down the pros and cons of each for readers. 

For insurance ratings, we collect thousands of data points to evaluate by assigning weights to the most important factors. These weights determine each product’s score out of 100, which translates to a star rating. Top-scoring insurance products get 5 stars. 

Our ratings are designed to let rigorous methodology determine the winners so all star ratings are data-based. Advertisers never influence our editorial content.