Top 12 Cheapest Pet Insurance Brands for Low-Income Dog Owners

With vet bills reaching an all-time high and bank accounts hitting all-time lows, more and more people are turning to pet insurance to help pay for both routine and unexpected medical expenses for their dogs.

The problem? For many Americans, even that relatively low monthly premium is out of their price range. Unfortunately, you won’t find any free pet insurance for low-income dog owners, even if you’re on SNAP. Take heart, though; that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to find one that fits into your budget.

Below, we will cover 12 affordable pet insurance companies, including pros and cons, age restrictions, deductible amounts, money-back guarantees, monthly premium amounts, multi-pet discounts and waiting periods.

Most Affordable Pet Insurance for Low Income Dog Owners

One thing to keep in mind as you scroll through this list:  the “plans start at” price depends on a ton of different factors, including your dog’s breed, size, age, current health, and even your zip code. It also depends on which deductible and reimbursement limits/percentage you choose. If you’re going for the lowest deductible and the highest reimbursement, your monthly premium could end up being significantly higher than that starting price.

I suggest playing around with the quote generator for each company until you can find a plan that works with your budget. Just make sure you don’t sacrifice too much in terms of deductibles and reimbursement rates to save a few bucks upfront. It doesn’t really make sense to save $3 a month now only to end up paying $1,000 on a deductible later.

Last, before we start, let’s quickly go over a few of the key terms you’ll need to know while you explore your options. Then, we’ll just jump right in, starting with the cheapest option of all.

Pet Insurance Key Terms to Know

• Age Restrictions– the minimum and the maximum age (if any) required.
• Deductible– the amount you are responsible for paying before any insurance benefits are available to you and the amount will depend on the plan that you choose.
• Money-Back Guarantee– you will get a full refund for premiums you cancel your policy within the allotted time.
• Pre-existing conditions- medical conditions that your dog already has.
• Reimbursement limits: the total maximum amount that they’ll pay per year.
• Reimbursement percentage: how much of your total bill that they’ll cover. Typically ranges from 70-90%.
• Waiting Period– the amount of time that needs to pass, from the time you enroll, before coverage for accidents and illnesses kicks in.

You may also want to check out: Should You Buy Dog Health Insurance?

MetLife

MetLife Pet Insurance is one of those providers that quietly checks a lot of boxes, especially if you’re trying to keep costs predictable. Their plans are flexible, widely available, and often come in at competitive price points compared to some of the more boutique pet insurance brands.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start at $16 per month for dog insurance.

Pros

• Standard plan covers a wide range of services and conditions, including both genetic and chronic conditions
• Covers prescription pet food and alternative therapies
• Even includes burial or cremation as well as grief counseling for you
• MetLife is also a big supporter of shelter and rescue associations
• Access to 24/7 vet chat
• Offers a special puppy insurance plan
• You can visit any licensed vet in the US

Cons

• Preexisting conditions may not be covered (although they do cover some if you’re switching from another pet insurance provider)
• Doesn’t cover wellness services without add-on plan

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– None, takes pets of any age
• Deductible Amounts– $50-500
• Multi-Pet Discounts– 10%
• Waiting Periods– Midnight (EST) as of the date of enrollment for accident coverage and 14 days for illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual limits: $500-25,000 depending on plan

Lemonade

Lemonade Pet Insurance stands out for its fast, no-hassle setup and competitive pricing. It’s a strong option if you want affordable coverage without dealing with a lot of paperwork.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start as low as $10 a month.

Pros

• Donates a portion of your leftover premiums to the charity of your choosing.
• Provides a preventative care plan specifically designed for puppies.
• Discounts when combining with other Lemonade insurance
• Fast AI-driven claims processing

Cons

• Availability may vary by state.
• Does not cover behavioral issue treatments.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– None, takes pets of any age
• Deductible Amounts– $100-750
• Multi-Pet Discounts– Yes, varies
• Waiting Periods– Midnight (EST) as of the date of enrollment for accident coverage and 14 days for illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual limits: $5,000-100,000 depending on plan

Spot Pet Insurance

Spot Pet Insurance is one of the more budget-friendly options that still gives you a decent amount of flexibility. It tends to appeal to pet parents who want solid coverage without paying premium-level prices, especially since you can adjust deductibles and reimbursement rates pretty easily to fit your budget.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Basic coverage typically starts at around $10–$15 per month for dogs, depending on factors like breed, age, and location.

Pros

• Highly customizable plans (deductible, reimbursement, annual limits)
• Covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary and chronic conditions
• Optional wellness add-on available
• No upper age limit for enrollment
• Multi-pet discount (10%)
• Access to a 24/7 vet helpline

Cons

• Exam fees and preventative care require add-ons
• Claims processing can take longer than some competitors
• Lower annual limits than some competitors

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions – Pets must be at least 8 weeks old; no upper age limit
• Deductible Amounts – $100-1,000
• Money Back Guarantee – 30 days
• Multi-Pet Discounts – 10%
• Waiting Periods – 14 days for accidents and illnesses (may vary slightly by state)
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual limits: $2,500-10,000 depending on plan

Embrace

Embrace Pet Insurance sits in that middle ground between budget and premium plans. It gives you a lot of control over how much you pay each month, which is great if you’re trying to fine-tune coverage instead of just picking a one-size-fits-all plan.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Basic coverage starts at about $14 per month for insurance on dogs, depending on the breed, age, and location.

Pros

• High claims approval rate (92% in 2023)
• Choose any vet or specialist nationwide
• Covers accidents, illnesses, genetic conditions, and chronic diseases
• Annual deductible (not per incident)
• Fast, hassle-free claims process
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Free 24/7 pet health line

Cons

• Charges a $25 enrollment fee.
• Does not cover exam fees and prescriptions unless you purchase the optional add-ons

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– 6 weeks to 14 years of age.
• Deductible Amounts– $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000.
• Money Back Guarantees– 30 days.
• Multi-Pet Discounts– 10%
• Waiting Periods– 2 days for accident coverage and 14 days for illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual limits: $2,000-Unlimited depending on plan

Pets Best

Pets Best is one of those providers that consistently shows up on “affordable pet insurance” lists for a reason. Their plans are straightforward, competitively priced, and offer enough flexibility to work for a wide range of budgets.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start at $19 a month

Pros

• Coverage provided for prosthetics and wheelchairs.
• Pays your vet directly.
• Visit any licensed vet in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
• 24/7 vet helpline access

Cons

• No coverage available for end-of-life expenses.
• Policies cannot be adjusted until your next renewal date.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– Minimum of 7 weeks old with no upper age limits.
• Deductible Amounts– $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000.
• Multi-Pet Discounts– 5%
• Waiting Periods– 3 days for accident coverage and 14 days for illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual limits: $5,000-Unlimited depending on plan

Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws keeps things pretty simple, which is either a pro or a con depending on how you look at it. You won’t get a ton of customization, but you do get unlimited lifetime coverage and a reputation for fast, reliable claims.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start at $20 per month for insurance on dogs.

Pros

• Claims only take up to 2 days to be processed
• Covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy)
• Pays your vet directly
• Direct deposit reimbursement
• Offers a special value plan with higher deductibles but lower monthly fee

Cons

• No wellness plan options
• Premiums may increase with pet age
• Fewer plan options for older dogs.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– 8 weeks to 14 years of age.
• Deductible Amounts– $250-1,000
• Multi-Pet Discounts– None
• Waiting Periods– 15 days for both accident and illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 80% depending on plan
• Annual limits: None

ASPCA Pet Insurance

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is a well-known option that offers a lot of flexibility, especially for pet parents trying to balance coverage and cost. With multiple plan options and add-ons available, it’s relatively easy to adjust your monthly premium to fit your budget.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start as low as around $8 a month depending on coverage, breed, etc. That only covers accidents, though. For full plans, expect to pay closer to $25+ a month on the low end.

Pros

• All pets are eligible regardless of health conditions. See con, though.
• It Covers behavioral therapies and dental issues.
• Coverage includes prescription medications.

Cons

• Claims are processed in 30 days or less.
• A waiting period of 14 days for accidents.
• While all pets are eligible, ASPCA insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. In other words, your diabetic dog qualifies for insurance, but not for care related to diabetes itself if the condition began prior to starting your insurance.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– Minimum of 8 weeks old with no upper age limits.
• Deductible Amounts– $100-750
• Multi-Pet Discounts– 10%
• Waiting Periods– 14 days for both accident and illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual Limits: $2500-Unlimited depending on plan

Fetch Pet Insurance

Fetch Pet Insurance leans more toward the “pay a bit more, get more covered” side of things. It often includes extras that other providers charge add-on fees for, which can actually help offset costs in the long run if you end up using those benefits.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans average about $35 a month for dog insurance, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live.

Pros

• You can visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada, submit a claim in the Fetch app or your online account, and get paid back for unexpected vet bills.
• Covers up to 90% of unexpected vet bills
• It’s fast and easy to submit a pet insurance claim with Fetch
• Save $25 or more with quarterly or annual payments
• Claims are processed within 15 days (or less) after Fetch receives all your documents. Tip: if you set up direct deposit, you’ll be paid back 5-10 days faster than paper checks.

Cons

• Routine and preventive coverage requires Fetch Wellness add-on
• Some purebred dogs may cost more (example, the price for a 7-year-old Pharaoh Hound is about $25 more per month than the cost of a mixed-breed dog of the same size and age)

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– Minimum of 6 weeks old with no upper age limits.
• Deductible Amounts– Fetch offers deductibles ranging from $100 to $2500 in various increments, but you can do a one-on-one call with customer service to further tailor your plan.
• Multi-Pet Discounts– None
• Waiting Periods– Up to 15 days, varies by state. There is no waiting period for Fetch Wellness (if added). Wellness can be used on or after the effective date of your pet’s policy.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual Limits: $5,000-Unlimited depending on plan

Figo

Figo Pet Insurance stands out for its tech-friendly approach and flexible plan options. It’s especially appealing if you like managing everything through an app, while still having the ability to adjust coverage and pricing to fit your budget.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start as low as $25 per month.

Pros

• Covers behavioral therapies.
• Pet cloud app helps you find suitable local services.
• Visit any licensed vet in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Chat with a live vet 24/7
• No per incident caps

Cons

• Charges a $2 monthly service fee unless you pay annually.
• Vet exam fees are not covered.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– Minimum of 8 weeks old with no upper age limits.
• Deductible Amounts– $100-750
• Multi-Pet Discounts– 5%
• Waiting Periods– 1 day for accident coverage and 14 days for illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual Limits: $5,000-Unlimited depending on plan

Hartville

Hartville Pet Insurance tends to fly under the radar, but it’s worth a look if you’re focused on affordability. It offers a lot of the same coverage structure as ASPCA, with enough flexibility to adjust your premium without sacrificing too much protection.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start at as little as $9 for accident-only coverage and $16 for full coverage.

Pros

• Accident and illness coverage for pets of any age.
• Conditions that are free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days prior to enrollment are not considered pre-existing.
• Visit any licensed vet in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cons

• A $2 monthly service fee is charged unless you pay annually.
• Claims may take up to 30 days to be processed.
• Wellness and preventative care costs extra.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– Minimum of 8 weeks old with no upper age limits.
• Deductible Amounts– $100-$500.
• Waiting Periods– 14 days for both accident and illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 90% depending on plan
• Annual Limits: $2,500-10,000 depending on plan

Nationwide Pet Insurance

Nationwide Pet Insurance is one of the more established names in the space, offering a range of plans that can work for different budgets. While it’s not always the cheapest option upfront, it does offer broad coverage choices, including options that cover wellness care and exotic pets.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start at $22 a month.

Pros

• Covers vet exam fees.
• Provides a 24/7 pet telehealth line.
• Provides pet insurance for not only cats and dogs, but also for birds and exotic animals as well.

Cons

• A $2 monthly service fee is charged unless you pay annually.
• No coverage available for end-of-life expenses.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– 8 weeks to 10 years of age.
• Deductible Amounts– $250-1,000
• Waiting Periods– 14 days for both accident and illness coverage.
• Reimbursement: Up to 80%
• Annual Limits: Trickier to pin down because they have different rates for accidents vs illnesses, but ranges from $2,500-10,000

Trupanion Pet Insurance

Trupanion isn’t usually the cheapest option on the list, but it’s built for coverage over cost. With unlimited payouts and a per-condition deductible, it’s a strong choice if you want protection against big, ongoing expenses rather than just keeping your monthly premium low.

Monthly Premium Amounts

Plans start at $59 per month for insurance on dogs. While that’s on the higher end, the pros make it worthwhile, especially if you have older dogs.

Pros

• No age restriction for hip dysplasia. Considering the cost of medicine alone for treating the condition, that makes the higher premium worth it.
• Offers enrollment from the day your pet is born.
• Pays your vet directly.

Cons

• Charges a $25 enrollment fee.
• Does not cover vet exam fees.

Other things you need to know

• Age Restrictions– From birth to 14 years of age.
• Deductible Amounts– $0 to $1,000.
• Money-Back Guarantees– 30 days.
• Multi-Pet Discounts– None
• Waiting Periods– 5 days for accident coverage and 30 days for illness coverage.

More Ways to Save Money on Veterinarian Bills

While the above dog insurance companies are affordable and will help save you some money, the tips below will help you save even more money on your dog’s veterinarian bills.

Maintain an exercise routine for your dog

Did you know that nearly 30% of all dogs in the United States are obese? Make sure you walk your pooch on a regular basis, about 30 minutes every day. Keeping your dog in good shape helps reduce the frequency of future vet visits.

Keep up with your dog’s annual physical exam

By taking your dog in for their standard annual physical exam, you’ll help with early detection of conditions or diseases your dog may have. This, in turn, can help save you hundreds- and even thousands- of dollars on future vet visits. Remember, it’s significantly cheaper to prevent a condition than it is to treat it.

Take your dog for their vaccinations

Keeping your dog vaccinated helps prevent an array of diseases and illnesses. Vaccinations can also help you avoid costly treatments for diseases and illnesses that may have been prevented. There are 4 core vaccines that are vital for your dog to have- canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Check out our vaccination schedule for puppies and dogs to learn more.

Prevent parasites from invading your dog

You can help prevent fleas, ticks and other parasites from getting on your dog with a prevention program, which helps keep fleas, lice, ticks, and worms at bay. These normally come in the form of a monthly pill and most of them provide your dog with protection against several invaders at once. Along with helping you save money on future vet visits, these treatments will keep your dog comfortable, happy and healthy.

When you’re struggling to pay your bills, pet insurance can feel like a waste of money. Believe me, I empathize. Even if you can only swing the absolute bare minimum, though, it’s worth it. No,  a high deductible and low reimbursement may not help you out much when it comes to minor illnesses and routine visits. However, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if tragedy strikes and your dog needs an expensive surgery, you won’t have to make a devastating choice between your dog or your rent. That peace of mind alone is worth $8 a month.

Do you have pet insurance for your dog? What company do you use? How do you save money on the premium? Share below!