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Forbes Advisor’s 2026 analysis names Prudent Pet its best overall pet insurance company, while Lemonade scores highest on its proprietary Price-Value Index. Those are different distinctions: the highest index score does not make Lemonade the overall winner.
Use the rankings as a starting point, not a quote: example premiums reflect different coverage limits, and actual costs depend on your pet and location. Policy terms and waiting periods can also vary by state.
Forbes’ 10 best pet insurance companies for 2026
| Rank | Company | Forbes designation | Rating | Example monthly premium | Price-Value Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prudent Pet | Best Overall | 5.0 | $63 dog; $28 cat | 47/50 |
| 2 | Lemonade | Best for Budget | 4.9 | $44 dog; $23 cat | 50/50 |
| 3 | Fetch | Best for Dental Coverage | 4.6 | $91 dog; $30 cat | 36/50 |
| 4 | Pets Best | Best for Paying the Vet Directly; Most Popular | 4.5 | $81 dog; $25 cat | 36/50 |
| 5 | Spot | Best for All-Around Coverage | 4.5 | $101 dog; $34 cat | 33/50 |
| 6 | MetLife | Best for Discounts | 4.4 | $101 dog; $34 cat | 30/50 |
| 7 | Embrace | Great for 24/7 Vet Help | 4.4 | $84 dog; $45 cat | 29/50 |
| 8 | ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | Great for Preexisting Conditions | 4.4 | $103 dog; $34 cat | 30/50 |
| 9 | Healthy Paws | Great Prices for Unlimited Lifetime Payouts | 4.2 | $62 dog; $32 cat | 30/50 |
| 10 | Pumpkin | Good for Multipet Discount | 4.1 | $134 dog; $41 cat | 21/50 |
Example prices are from Forbes’ comparison profiles and use different annual coverage limits; they are not personalized quotes. Forbes’ “Most Popular” label for Pets Best means Forbes Advisor users selected the affiliate product most often over a six-month period, not that it ranked first overall.
1. Prudent Pet: Best Overall
Prudent Pet received Forbes Advisor’s highest overall rating, 5.0 out of 5. Its Essential plan scored well across price, coverage and customer satisfaction. The example cost was $63 per month for a dog and $28 for a cat, based on $10,000 in annual coverage.
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- ENSURE PET SAFETY ON THE GO with our dog travel accessories, dog must haves in pet travel. Our comprehensive pet first aid kit for dogs is your companion for worry-free journeys.
- VET ENDORSED: Our Dog & Cat first aid kit, vet-reviewed for precision, is expertly crafted in a medical facility, providing superior quality emergency dog essentials for peace of mind.
- PET EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS: In addition to comprehensive pet first aid supplies, we include dog muzzle, tick kit, emergency flashlight, and a handy mini first aid kit pouch.
- Pet Care Guide: A comprehensive first aid manual with essential instructions for treating everything from snake bites to minor injuries, making it dog must haves for your pet’s hiking and camping gear
- GEAR UP FOR OUTDOOR FUN! This first aid kit is your first line of defense during activities like hiking, jogging, or camping, designed for dog camping gear and hunting dog adventures.
Forbes lists a five-day accident waiting period, a 14-day illness waiting period and a six-month waiting period for knee and ligament problems. The orthopedic waiting period may be waivable after a veterinary exam within the first 30 days, subject to policy and state rules. Vet exam fees, 24/7 telehealth and an optional wellness plan are listed among its available features.
2. Lemonade: Best for a Budget
Lemonade had the analysis’s highest Price-Value Index, 50 out of 50, and was among the least expensive options in Forbes’ rate analysis. Its example premium was $44 per month for a dog and $23 for a cat, using $20,000 in annual coverage.
Potential discounts include multipet, shelter, humane and bundling discounts. Veterinary exam fees are shown as an add-on rather than included in the example policy. Lemonade’s listed waiting periods are 14 days for illness and 30 days for orthopedic conditions. Accident coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on the day after purchase, not immediately. A wellness option is available.
3. Fetch: Best for Dental Coverage
Fetch earned Forbes’ dental coverage designation with a 4.6 rating. Forbes says its policy covers dental accidents and illnesses for every tooth, rather than limiting illness coverage to the canine teeth. Advanced procedures such as root canals are also highlighted.
The example prices were $91 per month for a dog and $30 for a cat with $15,000 in annual coverage. Fetch lists a zero-day accident waiting period, a 15-day illness waiting period and a six-month waiting period for hip and knee conditions. A knee waiting period may be waived after an exam within the first 180 days, while the hip waiting period cannot be waived. Vet exam fees, 24/7 telehealth and wellness coverage are listed as available.
4. Pets Best: Best for Paying the Vet Directly
Pets Best is Forbes’ pick for direct veterinarian payments and is also labeled “Most Popular.” The popularity label is separate from its editorial rating: it means Forbes Advisor users selected the affiliate product most often during a six-month period. It does not mean Pets Best ranked first overall.
Rank #2
- 1. BE PREPARED FOR ANY PET EMERGENCY – Vet-approved dog & cat first aid kit with pet-safe medical supplies, perfect for home, car, and outdoor adventures. Designed for fast, effective emergency care.
- 2. MORE THAN JUST BANDAGES – Includes vet-wrap, tick remover, first aid pads, saline wash, styptic pencil, slip leash & thermal blanket—real pet essentials, not just human first aid items.
- 3. BUILT FOR TRAVEL & ADVENTURE – Water resistant, hard-sided case protects supplies in your car, backpack, or RV. Ideal for hiking, road trips, camping, and disaster preparedness.
- 4. STEP-BY-STEP PET FIRST AID GUIDE – Easy-to-follow vet-reviewed manual for treating wounds, bites, bleeding, and emergencies—so you’ll always know what to do.
- 5. PET-SAFE & NON-TOXIC MATERIALS – Every item is vet-reviewed and made with pet-safe, non-toxic materials. Trusted by pet sitters, trainers, groomers, and adventurers—your pet deserves the best care!
The example price for Pets Best was $81 per month for a dog and $25 for a cat, based on $10,000 in annual coverage. Its Elite plan can pay the veterinarian directly, but the veterinarian must sign a Veterinarian Reimbursement Release Form. Direct payment is therefore not automatic at every clinic. Forbes lists three-day accident, 14-day illness and six-month cruciate-ligament waiting periods. Vet exam fees, telehealth and wellness benefits are shown as available.
5. Spot: Best for All-Around Coverage
Spot received a 4.5 rating and Forbes’ all-around coverage designation. In its $10,000 accident-and-illness example, Forbes highlights behavioral therapy, alternative therapy and a 24/7 veterinary telehealth line.
The example premium was $101 per month for a dog and $34 for a cat. Spot lists 14-day waiting periods for both accidents and illnesses and no extended orthopedic waiting period in the comparison. Vet exam fees and an optional wellness plan are listed as available.
6. MetLife: Best for Discounts
MetLife’s 4.4 rating placed it sixth, and Forbes selected it for its range of potential discounts. Depending on eligibility, these may include employer, organization or affinity-group discounts, as well as bundling, adoption and senior-pet discounts.
The example cost was $101 monthly for a dog and $34 for a cat. Accident coverage begins at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time the day after purchase. Forbes lists a 14-day illness waiting period and a six-month cruciate-ligament waiting period. Vet exam fees, telehealth and wellness coverage are included among the listed options.
7. Embrace: Great for 24/7 Vet Help
Embrace earned a 4.4 rating and stands out for remote veterinary assistance. Forbes says policyholders can contact a veterinarian through video chat, telephone or chat.
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- 1. BE READY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Lightweight, compact cat & dog first aid kit for hiking, camping, or travel. Designed for fast, effective emergency care when space and weight matter most.
- 2. PACKED WITH REAL PET ESSENTIALS – Includes vet-wrap, tick remover, cleansing wipes, saline wash, thermal blanket & more—no fluff, just field-tested dog emergency tools.
- 3. BUILT FOR BACKPACKING & ADVENTURE – Soft case fits in backpacks, glove compartments, or car consoles. Ideal for travel, hunting, road trips, camping, and everyday dog hiking gear.
- 4. STEP-BY-STEP PET FIRST AID GUIDE INCLUDED – Easy-to-follow, vet-reviewed manual covers injuries, bleeding, ticks, and emergencies—giving you the confidence to act quickly when it counts.
- 5. VET-APPROVED & PET-SAFE MATERIALS – All supplies are reviewed by veterinary professionals and made with non-toxic, pet-safe materials. Trusted by hikers, adventurers, and pet lovers.
Its example premium was $84 per month for a dog and $45 for a cat with $15,000 in annual coverage. Forbes lists waiting periods of 14 days for accidents and illnesses, plus a six-month period for orthopedic conditions. Vet exam fees and wellness coverage are listed as available.
8. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Great for Certain Preexisting Conditions
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance received a 4.4 rating. Forbes’ designation refers to curable preexisting conditions—not ordinary coverage for all preexisting conditions. Under the cited policy terms, a curable condition may be treated as new after the pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days.
That provision does not necessarily apply to incurable, recurring or chronic conditions, so read the policy definition carefully. The example price was $103 per month for a dog and $34 for a cat with $10,000 in annual coverage. ASPCA lists direct payment as available, but it requires approval and is made by paper check after a claim is approved. Vet exam fees, telehealth and wellness coverage are also listed.
9. Healthy Paws: Great Prices for Unlimited Annual Payouts
Healthy Paws received a 4.2 rating and had the lowest analyzed price for unlimited annual coverage for mixed-breed dogs, according to Forbes. Its example premium was $62 per month for a dog and $32 for a cat with unlimited annual coverage.
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10. Pumpkin: Good for a Multipet Discount
Pumpkin’s main advantage in Forbes’ designations is its multipet discount. Forbes says Pumpkin offers a 10% discount, compared with the 5% or zero discount available from many competitors.
Rank #4
- Comprehensive Emergency Protection: RHINO RESCUE pet first aid kit provides comprehensive emergency preparation for your pet, containing gauze, self adhesive bandage, pet emergency tourniquet, ice pack, emergency blanket and other key first aid supplies to ensure effective initial treatment for your pet in emergency situations
- Supports Daily Care Needs: Equipped with a thermometer, toothbrush, feeding kit, poop bags with dispenser, muzzle, pill bag, water bowl, and disposable foot booties, this emergency bag can assist with daily pet care and feeding medications, helping you meet your pet's health needs
- First Aid Guide: The first aid manual is included to offer guidance for handling common pet emergencies, including heat stroke, trauma and bites. This manual provides helpful tips and steps to support you in staying calm and effectively responding to urgent situations
- Durable Materials Kit: The pet medical kit is made of abrasion-resistant fabric and two-way zippers design, which ensures that the gears remain dry and tidy in outdoor conditions. The interior features transparent dividers, making it easy to quickly access items in emergencies
- Compact & Portable: The entire pet kit measures 8.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 4.3 inches and weighs only 1.7 pounds. This hiking medical kit is designed to be portable, easy to go out, travel or camp, and convenient to provide your pet with basic first aid support wherever you go
It had the lowest rating in this group at 4.1. The example premium was $134 per month for a dog with $20,000 in annual coverage and $41 for a cat with $15,000 in annual coverage. Pumpkin lists 14-day waiting periods for accidents and illnesses and no extended orthopedic waiting period. An optional wellness plan is available, but veterinary exam fees and 24/7 telehealth are not listed in the comparison example.
How Forbes ranked the insurers
Forbes says it analyzed 478,670 pet-insurance rates nationwide, 34 coverage categories and 22 dog and cat breeds. Its research also included 140,219 consumer insights, a survey of 1,300 pet owners and more than 900,000 customer journeys through its portal.
The overall score used these weights:
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Cost / Price-Value Index | 50% |
| Coverage | 20% |
| Customer satisfaction | 10% |
| Integrity | 10% |
| Reputation | 5% |
| Accessibility | 5% |
Forbes says its superlative awards use the same underlying data but may apply different weights for particular consumer use cases. The Price-Value Index is not simply a list of the cheapest premiums: Forbes describes it as a measure of coverage quality per dollar, calculated from aggregated quality scores and the cost of an insurer’s best, most comprehensive policy. Rate profiles generally use a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement, or the closest available alternatives.
The analysis included mixed-breed dogs at ages 3 months, 2, 5 and 7 years; selected purebred dogs at 3 months and 3 years; mixed-breed cats at 3 months, 2 and 5 years; and selected purebred cats at 3 months and 3 years.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What pet insurance may cost
Forbes estimates average coverage at about $50 per month for a medium-sized mixed-breed dog and $25 per month for a mixed-breed cat. Those averages assume $5,000 in annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.
The company examples in the ranking use different annual limits, including $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 and unlimited coverage. They should not be compared as though each insurer quoted the same policy. Actual premiums vary by pet breed, age and local veterinary costs, according to Forbes.
Best Value
- Includes one 0.5 oz tub of Miracle Care Kwik Stop Styptic Powder; the Original styptic powder with Benzocaine for Pain Relief
- Your Pet Grooming Essential: Our styptic powder stops bleeding fast for dogs, cats, and birds; Specifically designed to act rapidly during grooming procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your pets
- How to Use: Apply powder to a moistened cotton applicator to apply to the cut, nail, or other superficial bleeding area, applying moderate pressure for 5-10 seconds; Avoid use on deep wounds or body cavities
- From Nose to Toes We've Got Your Pet Covered: Our goal is to improve the human-animal bond by offering a complete line of innovative, solutions-driven products and accessories for animals, both small and large
- Trusted by Professionals: Miracle Care health and grooming products have been trusted and recommended by veterinarians and professional groomers for more than 40 years; Proudly Made in the USA in our Dayton, OH facility
What to check before buying pet insurance
- Is the policy accident-only or accident-and-illness? Routine-care benefits are usually optional wellness coverage, not a substitute for illness insurance.
- Does it cover veterinary exam fees? Forbes lists them as included for several plans, an add-on for Lemonade, and excluded in the comparison examples for Healthy Paws and Pumpkin.
- How does reimbursement work? Most plans reimburse the owner after a claim. Pets Best and ASPCA are listed as direct-payment options, but both have conditions.
- What are the orthopedic waiting periods? A short accident waiting period does not mean knee, cruciate or hip problems are covered immediately. Waiting periods may vary by state.
- What counts as preexisting? Ask how the insurer handles symptoms, prior treatment and curable conditions before enrolling.
- What happens when the annual limit is reached? Compare any annual payout limit with the coverage your pet may need.
Forbes states that it independently selects the products and services it evaluates, but earns commissions from partner links. It says those commissions do not affect its editorial opinions or evaluations. Check the insurer’s current policy documents and obtain a quote for your pet before making a decision.
FAQ
Which pet insurance company did Forbes name best overall for 2026?
Forbes Advisor named Prudent Pet Best Overall, with a 5.0 rating. Its Essential plan scored highly for price, coverage and customer satisfaction.
Is Lemonade the best pet insurance company overall?
No. Lemonade had the highest Price-Value Index, 50 out of 50, and Forbes named it Best for a Budget. Prudent Pet received the highest overall rating and Best Overall designation.
Which companies can pay the veterinarian directly?
Forbes’ comparison lists Pets Best Elite and ASPCA Complete as direct-payment options. Pets Best requires the veterinarian to sign a Veterinarian Reimbursement Release Form. ASPCA requires approval and pays by paper check after claim approval.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDoes ASPCA pet insurance cover preexisting conditions?
Forbes’ designation concerns curable preexisting conditions only. A condition may be treated as new after 180 days without symptoms or treatment, subject to policy terms. This does not mean all chronic, recurring or incurable preexisting conditions are covered.
The Bottom Line
Prudent Pet is Forbes Advisor’s 2026 best overall pick, but there is no universally best policy. Lemonade may appeal to budget-focused owners, Fetch to those prioritizing dental coverage, Pets Best to owners seeking a direct-payment option, and Healthy Paws to those seeking unlimited annual payouts. Compare quotes using the same deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit, then review waiting periods, preexisting-condition rules and claim-payment terms.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
