Lemonade
Accident-and-illness coverage with multiple reimbursement, deductible and annual-limit choices.
Reimbursement70 / 80 / 90%
Deductible$100–$750
Annual limit$5K–$100K
Dog insurance guide
Pet insurance for dogs
Dog insurance can help reimburse eligible veterinary costs from accidents and illnesses, but plan structures differ considerably. Compare reimbursement, deductibles, annual limits, waiting periods and the benefits that matter for your dog before requesting a quote.
7.6 million pets were insured in North America at the end of 2025.NAPHIA State of the Industry 2026.
Coverage basics
What can dog insurance cover?
Accident-and-illness plans are designed to cover eligible veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses, subject to the policy's terms, exclusions, waiting periods and limits.
Accidents
Examples can include bite wounds, fractures, swallowed objects, lacerations and other eligible injuries.
Illnesses
Eligible treatment may include infections, digestive problems, cancer, allergies and other covered illnesses.
Diagnostics & treatment
Depending on the policy, benefits can include diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, medication and specialist treatment tied to a covered condition.
Dental illness
Some providers include eligible dental illness or injury, while others structure dental benefits differently.
Routine wellness
Vaccinations, routine exams and preventive care are usually separate from core accident-and-illness coverage.
Policy economics
Three numbers shape how the plan pays
1Deductible
The amount or deductible structure that applies before eligible reimbursement.
2Reimbursement
A common structure is 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement of eligible covered costs after applicable policy terms.
3Annual limit
The maximum eligible amount the insurer may reimburse during the policy year. Some providers offer unlimited annual coverage.
Provider snapshot
Dog insurance providers we track
Published plan structures, not personalized premiums. Final availability and pricing require a provider quote.
Pets Best
Flexible coverage with an unlimited option, Direct Vet Pay and optional routine-care benefits.
Reimbursement70 / 80 / 90%
Deductible$100–$1,000
Annual limit$5K–Unlimited
Fetch
Accident-and-illness coverage with benefits such as sick-visit exam fees and eligible dental illness or injury.
Reimbursement70 / 80 / 90%
DeductibleCustomizable
Annual limit$5K / $10K / $15K standard
Spot
Accident-and-illness and accident-only options with optional preventive-care benefits.
Reimbursement70 / 80 / 90%
Deductible$100–$1,000
Annual limit$2.5K–Unlimited
Embrace
Accident-and-illness coverage with dental illness, behavioral therapy and complementary-treatment benefits.
Reimbursement70 / 80 / 90%
Deductible$200–$1,000
Annual limit$2K–Unlimited
Trupanion
A distinct structure with 90% coverage share, unlimited payouts and a lifetime per-condition deductible.
Coverage share90%
Deductible$0–$1,000 / condition
Payout limitUnlimited
Pumpkin
Accident-and-illness coverage with broad included benefits, unlimited-limit availability and PumpkinNow.
Reimbursement80 / 90%
Deductible$100–$1,000
Annual limit$5K–Unlimited
Age matters
Compare differently at each life stage
Puppy
Enroll before health history grows
Compare waiting periods, hereditary-condition coverage, deductible options and routine-care add-ons.
Adult dog
Balance premium and protection
Compare annual limits, reimbursement, deductible structure and benefits that fit the dog's needs.
Senior dog
Check enrollment and chronic-care structure
Confirm current age eligibility and pay close attention to limits, recurring-condition treatment and pre-existing-condition rules.
Pre-existing conditions
Why timing matters
A condition that exists before coverage becomes effective can be excluded under pet insurance rules.
Coverage starts with the policy, not the medical history.
The NAIC model definition connects a pre-existing condition to prior veterinary advice, treatment, or verifiable signs or symptoms before the policy effective date or during an applicable waiting period.
Provider definitions and state rules can differ. The actual policy language controls.
Read the pre-existing conditions guide →Dog insurance FAQ
Questions to answer before you buy
Accident-and-illness policies generally cover eligible veterinary care tied to covered accidents and illnesses. Exact benefits vary by provider.
Routine preventive care is commonly separate from core accident-and-illness insurance. Some providers offer optional wellness products.
Many providers insure older dogs, but enrollment-age rules differ. Existing medical history can also affect what is considered pre-existing.
Not necessarily. Unlimited coverage removes an annual payout ceiling, but the right limit depends on the protection you want and the premium you are willing to pay.
Ready to compare dog insurance?
See all seven providers side by side, then narrow the comparison around the features that matter to you.
Research context
Industry figure: North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of the Industry 2026. View source
Pre-existing-condition context: National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Pet Insurance Model Act. View source