Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
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When it comes to insurance, Texas pet owners have plenty of options for their furry friends. NerdWallet gathered rates and evaluated more than two dozen insurers to help you find the best pet insurance in Texas in the following categories:
Best pet insurance category
Company winner
Best overall
MetLife
Best budget pick for dogs
Lemonade
Best budget pick for cats
Figo
Best for comprehensive coverage
ASPCA
How we found the best pet insurance in Texas
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the content on our website is accurate and fair so you can make financial decisions with confidence and choose the products that work best for you.
NerdWallet’s rating system rewards pet insurance companies with broad coverage, a variety of ways to customize your plan, a high financial strength rating and a good customer experience. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale. Here’s the full methodology behind our pet insurance ratings.
Unlimited The highest coverage limit the insurer offers per year.
Reimbursement rates
50% - 90% How much of your bill the insurer will pay after you’ve met your deductible.
Deductibles
$0 - $2,500 How much of your vet bills you need to pay before the insurer starts reimbursing you.
Policy highlight
No age restrictions for enrollment.
Pros and cons
Pros
Deductible goes down each year you don't make a claim in some states.
Accident coverage starts right away, with no waiting period.
Includes coverage for holistic and alternative care.
Cons
No option to have the company pay your vet directly.
Bottom line
MetLife sells customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.
Why it’s the best
MetLife had the highest raw score of all the pet insurance companies NerdWallet evaluated, thanks to its customizable plans and wide-ranging coverage. MetLife’s accident and illness plan covers things like hereditary conditions, prescription food and complementary medicine. Plus, sick exam fees are included.
We like that MetLife will cover burial, cremation and even grief counseling in most states. Another nice feature is that if you have more than one pet, you can cover up to three of them on the same “family plan” with a shared deductible.
$100,000 The highest coverage limit the insurer offers per year.
Reimbursement rates
70%, 80%, 90% How much of your bill the insurer will pay after you’ve met your deductible.
Deductibles
$100 - $750 How much of your vet bills you need to pay before the insurer starts reimbursing you.
Policy highlight
Pays some claims almost immediately.
Pros and cons
Pros
Quick claims processing.
Multipolicy and pay-in-full discounts available.
Donates a portion of premiums to nonprofit organizations.
Cons
Not available in all states.
Physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care cost extra.
Bottom line
Lemonade boasts a seamless online experience and quick claims, but its default coverage is more limited than some other plans.
Why it’s the best
Lemonade had the lowest average rate for our sample dogs. The company offers discounts for insuring multiple pets, bundling pet insurance with another Lemonade policy or paying your bill in full rather than monthly installments.
Lemonade’s plans cover the basics, including diagnostic tests, medications, surgery and hospitalization. You can boost your coverage with add-ons for things like preventive care, physical therapy, vet visit fees and treatment for dental illnesses.
Unlimited The highest coverage limit the insurer offers per year.
Reimbursement rates
70%, 80%, 90%, 100% How much of your bill the insurer will pay after you’ve met your deductible.
Deductibles
$100 - $1,500 How much of your vet bills you need to pay before the insurer starts reimbursing you.
Policy highlight
Mobile app has lots of useful features.
Pros and cons
Pros
No upper age limit for pets.
Unlimited annual coverage is available.
Several reimbursement options to choose from, including 100% reimbursement for some pets.
Cons
Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan, which is typically cheaper than more comprehensive plans.
Bottom line
Figo offers extensive coverage, a variety of deductibles to choose from and generous reimbursement options.
Why it’s the best
Figo, one of NerdWallet’s cheapest pet insurance companies, had the lowest rates for both of our sample cats in Texas. And if you’re a Costco member, you can save an extra 15%.
But an affordable premium doesn’t mean skimping on coverage. Figo’s policies pay for holistic therapies, treatment for hereditary and congenital conditions, and specialist services. However, coverage for sick exam fees costs extra.
One unique feature of a Figo policy is the company’s Pet Cloud app, which lets you store vet records, file claims and consult veterinary experts. You can also use the app to meet other pet parents.
Unlimited The highest coverage limit the insurer offers per year.
Reimbursement rates
70%, 80%, 90% How much of your bill the insurer will pay after you’ve met your deductible.
Deductibles
$100, $250, $500 How much of your vet bills you need to pay before the insurer starts reimbursing you.
Policy highlight
Broader coverage than most other plans.
Pros and cons
Pros
Covers horses in addition to cats and dogs.
Standard plans cover alternative therapies, behavioral issues and congenital conditions.
Shorter waiting period than most plans for cruciate injuries (14 days).
Cons
You must call rather than getting an online quote if you’re interested in unlimited annual coverage.
Bottom line
ASPCA offers generous coverage and multiple plan options, including an accident-only policy.
Why it’s the best
When it comes to coverage, ASPCA’s policies include just about everything: sick exam fees, prescription food and supplements, alternative therapies, treatment for dental illnesses, behavioral consults and even microchipping. You can also add a wellness plan to pay for services like checkups and dental cleaning.
Another feature we like about ASPCA is that there’s no upper age limit, so even senior pets can get coverage. And the company has a straightforward 14-day waiting period for all accidents and illnesses. (Some companies make you wait six months after buying your policy to get coverage for certain orthopedic injuries.)
Want more options? Check out all the pet insurers in Texas that earned a 5-star NerdWallet rating.
Best pet insurance in Texas for young animals
Below are sample rates for 2-year-old mixed-breed dogs and cats living in Katy, Texas. Their plans have a $250 deductible, $5,000 in annual coverage and an 80% reimbursement rate, unless otherwise noted.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
Dog: $32
Cat: $18
*ASPCA plans had a $4,000 annual limit.
Best pet insurance in Texas for older animals
Because older pets tend to be more expensive to insure, we also checked rates for 8-year-old dogs and cats in Katy. Here’s how our 5-star companies stack up for 8-year-old mixed-breed dogs and cats with the same coverage limits as above.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
Below are the cheapest insurers we found in Texas for dogs and cats, based on quotes we gathered in Katy. Unless otherwise noted, our sample pets were mixed-breed dogs and cats with a $250 deductible, $5,000 in annual coverage and an 80% reimbursement rate.
Your own prices may vary depending on where you live, the coverage you choose and your pet’s age and breed.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
$36
*Kanguro plans had a $200 deductible. ASPCA plans had a $4,000 annual coverage limit. Fetch plans had a $300 deductible.
Cheap pet insurance in Texas for older dogs
Below are the lowest monthly rates we found for 8-year-old dogs in Katy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
$72
*Kanguro plans had a $200 deductible. Healthy Paws plans offered 50% reimbursement, a $1,000 deductible and unlimited annual coverage.
Cheap pet insurance in Texas for young cats
These are the cheapest monthly rates we found for 2-year-old domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cats living in Katy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
$19
*Kanguro plans had a $200 deductible. ASPCA plans had a $4,000 annual coverage limit.
Cheap pet insurance in Texas for older cats
These are the lowest monthly rates we found for 8-year-old domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cats living in Katy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, discounts and more.
$36
*Kanguro plans had a $200 deductible. Healthy Paws plans offered 50% reimbursement, a $1,000 deductible and unlimited annual coverage. ASPCA plans had a $4,000 annual coverage limit.
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage so you can choose the insurance company that works best for you. Our ratings are specific to pet insurance; a company's rating for other products may be different on our site. See our criteria for evaluating pet insurance companies.
NerdWallet’s pet insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, scope of coverage, the ability to customize your plan and more. Our “consumer experience” category looks at factors such as website transparency and mobile app ratings. To calculate each insurer’s star rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale. See our full pet insurance methodology.
These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
Pet insurance sample rates
To find sample pet insurance rates, NerdWallet gathered quotes for the base level of accident and illness coverage on each insurer’s website. Quotes reflect the monthly cost of a policy and do not include wellness coverage or other optional add-ons.
Each plan had a $250 deductible, $5,000 in annual coverage and an 80% reimbursement rate. We customized the plans as necessary when those limits weren’t available. Our sample pets were a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cat. We gathered rates for pets aged 2 and 8 years old.
These are sample rates gathered for specific pets in a select ZIP code. Your own rates will be different.
