Best Cheap Pet Insurance Plans in 2025

As a fellow pet parent, I know how much your furry friend means to you. They’re not just pets—they’re family. But let’s face it: vet bills can be scary. With costs rising every year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to protect your pet. Affordable pet insurance plans can give you peace of mind without emptying your wallet. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cheap pet insurance options for 2025, compare pricing, and share tips to help you choose a plan that keeps your pet healthy and your budget intact. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or looking to switch providers, we’ve got you covered.

Why Pet Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Let’s clear up a common myth: cheap pet insurance isn’t “bad” insurance. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and coverage. Many pet owners overspend on plans with bells and whistles they don’t need. For example, accident-only plans are often more affordable than comprehensive accident and illness policies, but they might not cover everything your pet could need. By focusing on the types of coverage that matter most—like accidents, illnesses, or even wellness exams—you can save money without sacrificing protection. The key is to understand your pet’s needs and shop smart.

Top 5 Cheap Pet Insurance Providers in 2025

After researching the latest options for 2025, here are the top five pet insurance providers that offer affordable plans without compromising on quality. Each provider is tailored to different needs, so you can find the best fit for your pet.

Provider	Monthly Cost (Dog/Cat)	Coverage Highlights	Best For	Affiliate Link
CarePlus by Chewy	$27.36 / $17.98	Accident-only, accident & illness, wellness plans	Prescription coverage, telehealth	Get a Quote
Lemonade	$32.00 / $18.00	Accident & illness, optional wellness add-ons	Multi-pet households	Get a Quote
Pets Best	$35.96 / $23.42	Accident-only, accident & illness, wellness plans	Senior pets	Get a Quote
Spot	$36.00 / $18.92	Accident-only, accident & illness, wellness add-ons	Multi-pet discounts	Get a Quote
AKC Pet Insurance	$39.64 / $27.02	Accident-only, accident & illness, breeding insurance	Purebreds, breeding coverage	Get a Quote

1. CarePlus by Chewy

• Monthly Cost: Starting from $17.98 for cats and $27.36 for dogs
• What it Covers: Accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness plans through Lemonade and Trupanion
• Best For: Pet owners who want 100% prescription coverage and access to telehealth services
• Why We Love It: CarePlus offers unlimited access to telehealth services and discounts on supplements from Chewy. Plus, Trupanion policies allow for direct vet payments, making emergencies less stressful.

2. Lemonade

• Monthly Cost: $32 for dogs and $18 for cats with $5,000 coverage
• What it Covers: Accident and illness plans with optional add-ons like wellness and dental care
• Best For: Pet owners looking for multi-pet discounts (5%-10% depending on state) and wellness plan tiers
• Why We Love It: Lemonade’s plans are simple and straightforward, with coverage for microchipping for young pets. Their app makes managing your policy a breeze.

3. Pets Best

• Monthly Cost: $35.96 for dogs and $23.42 for cats
• What it Covers: Accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness plans
• Best For: Older pets, as there’s no maximum age limit
• Why We Love It: Pets Best offers low deductibles (as low as $50) and unlimited annual coverage options. Their 24/7 emergency vet helpline is a lifesaver for peace of mind.

4. Spot

• Monthly Cost: $36.00 for dogs and $18.92 for cats
• What it Covers: Accident-only and accident and illness plans with wellness add-ons
• Best For: Pet owners with multiple pets, offering a 10% multi-pet discount
• Why We Love It: Spot’s wellness plans start immediately (24 hours after purchase) and include spaying/neutering and dental treatments. Plus, their accident and illness plans cover vet exam fees and end-of-life expenses.

5. AKC Pet Insurance

• Monthly Cost: $39.64 for dogs and $27.02 for cats
• What it Covers: Accident-only and accident and illness plans, with coverage for pre-existing conditions after 12 months
• Best For: Pet owners with purebred pets or those interested in breeding insurance
• Why We Love It: AKC is the only provider that covers incurable pre-existing conditions after a year of continuous coverage. They also offer breeding insurance for purebreds.

Real Example: What a $15–$30 Monthly Plan Covers

Let’s make this real. Imagine you have a 1-year-old mixed-breed dog, and you’re looking at a plan with $5,000 annual coverage, an 80% reimbursement rate, and a $250 deductible. With CarePlus by Chewy, this could cost as little as $27.36 per month. Here’s what you’d get:

• Accidents and Illnesses: Covered up to $5,000 per year
• Reimbursement: 80% of vet bills after the $250 deductible
• Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions, routine care (like vaccinations), and some hereditary issues

For example, if your dog breaks a leg (costing $2,000), you’d pay the $250 deductible plus 20% of the remaining $1,750 (which is $350). Total out-of-pocket: $600. Not bad for peace of mind!

How to Choose a Budget-Friendly Plan That Still Protects Your Pet

Choosing the right pet insurance can feel overwhelming, but these tips will help you find a plan that fits your budget and your pet’s needs:

• Balance Deductible and Reimbursement: A higher deductible lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim. A higher reimbursement rate (like 90%) means more money back but a higher premium.
• Accident-Only vs. Full Coverage: Accident-only plans are cheaper but won’t cover illnesses. If your pet is prone to health issues, consider a full accident and illness plan.
• Check for Flexibility: Look for providers with trial periods or easy cancellation policies in case the plan isn’t right for you. For example, Lemonade offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in most states.

“If you’re wondering whether these low-cost plans are even worth it, read this detailed guide on whether pet insurance is worth it before choosing one.”

FAQs

Is cheap pet insurance worth it?

Yes! Affordable pet insurance can save you thousands in vet bills. Just make sure the plan covers what your pet needs most, like accidents or illnesses, and review exclusions carefully.

Can I get pet insurance under $20/month?

Absolutely! Plans like CarePlus by Chewy for cats start at $17.98 per month. However, these plans might have limitations, such as lower coverage limits or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so check the details.

What’s the cheapest way to insure my senior dog?

Pets Best is a great option for senior pets since there’s no maximum age limit. Their plans start at $35.96 per month for dogs, with low deductibles as low as $50, making it easier to cover older pets’ needs.

Conclusion

You don’t have to pay a fortune to protect your furry friend. With the right pet insurance plan, you can ensure your pet gets the care they deserve without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for accident-only coverage or comprehensive protection, the providers listed above offer affordable options tailored to your needs. Take the first step today—get a free quote from one of these top providers and give yourself (and your pet) the peace of mind you both deserve.

Get a Free Quote from CarePlus by Chewy
Get a Free Quote from Lemonade
Get a Free Quote from Pets Best
Get a Free Quote from Spot
Get a Free Quote from AKC Pet Insurance

Your pet is worth it—don’t wait to protect them! 🐾

Citations:

• Forbes Advisor – Best Cheap Pet Insurance
• CNBC Select – Best Cheap Pet Insurance
• Pets Best Pet Insurance
• Spot Pet Insurance
• AKC Pet Insurance
• Lemonade Pet Insurance
• CarePlus by Chewy

Note: Affiliate links may be used to support this content, but all recommendations are based on thorough research and are unbiased.