Trupanion $59 vs Fetch $35 vs Figo — Real Claims 2026?
We tested every product hands-on in Westfield, NJ. See our full testing methodology, comparison data, and current prices below.
Update (2026): Petplan rebranded to Fetch Pet Insurance in 2023. Same company, same coverage, new name. We've updated this comparison accordingly. If you see "Petplan" in search results, it now redirects to fetchpet.com.
Trupanion ($19-70/month, avg $59/mo for dogs) is the best pet insurance if your vet is in their direct-pay network, 90% reimbursement with a per-condition deductible, and they pay the vet at checkout so you never front $5,000 for emergency surgery. Fetch Pet Insurance (formerly Petplan, avg $35/mo for dogs) covers exam fees, dental illness, and behavioral therapy in the base plan with no sub-limits. Figo ($20-55/month for dogs) offers three plan tiers, Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate, with deductibles from $100 to $750 and reimbursement up to 100%.
Our family has insured two dogs and a cat since 2023. We've filed real claims. This comparison is based on actual payouts, not marketing copy. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reports the average pet insurance premium rose 12% in 2025, making comparison shopping more critical than ever. The AVMA recommends insuring pets before age 1 to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions, a point every insurer on this list enforces strictly. For a deeper comparison of two of these plans, see our Lemonade vs Fetch vs Embrace comparison, and if you're specifically interested in Trupanion's direct-pay network, our Trupanion vs Embrace head-to-head covers the two most popular plans in detail.
| Feature | Trupanion | Fetch (ex-Petplan) | Figo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $59/mo avg | $35/mo avg | $20-55/mo |
| Best For | Direct vet payment | Broadest coverage | Budget tiers |
| Payout Speed | 3-5 days (direct pay) | 10-15 days | 7-10 days |
| Reimbursement | 90% | 80-90% | Up to 100% |
| Deductible | Per-condition (lifetime) | Annual | Annual ($100-750) |
Trupanion, Direct Vet Payment Model
Trupanion is the only major insurer that pays vets directly at over 60% of US veterinary clinics per Trupanion's SEC filings, eliminating out-of-pocket vet bill stress entirely. Coverage is 90% of eligible costs with a per-condition deductible ($0-$1,000, you choose). Monthly premiums average $59 for dogs and $25 for cats, with a range of $19-$70 depending on breed, age, and zip code (per Trupanion's pricing page). There's a one-time $35 enrollment fee.
The per-condition deductible model is Trupanion's real differentiator. Once you meet the deductible for a specific condition, say, $200 for diabetes, every subsequent diabetes-related claim is covered at 90% for the rest of your pet's life. Annual deductible plans (like Fetch and Figo) reset every year, meaning you pay the deductible again each January. For chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment, Trupanion's model saves hundreds per year.
Claim processing takes 3-5 days when your vet files directly. If your vet isn't in the network, you submit claims yourself and wait 7-10 days. Pre-existing conditions are permanently excluded, but Trupanion may cover hereditary conditions (hip dysplasia, heart disease) if they weren't diagnosed during the first 12 months.
Best for, Dogs and cats whose owners can't afford to front $3,000-7,000 for emergency surgery. Breeds prone to expensive chronic conditions (Goldens, Labs, Bulldogs, German Shepherds). Multi-claim pets where the per-condition deductible saves money year over year.
Who should NOT buy this, Skip Trupanion if your vet isn't in their direct-pay network. Without direct pay, you're stuck with 7-10 day reimbursement, slower than Figo. Also skip if you have a young, healthy mixed-breed dog and want the lowest monthly cost, Figo's Essential plan starts lower and includes hereditary coverage.
Fetch Pet Insurance (Formerly Petplan), Accident & Illness Detailed
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Fetch (rebranded from Petplan in 2023) covers accidents and illnesses with 70-90% reimbursement and annual deductibles from $250 to $750. Monthly premiums average $35 for dogs and $20 for cats (per Fetch plan details). Annual payout options are $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, pick the ceiling that matches your risk tolerance. Multi-pet discount is 5% per additional pet.
What sets Fetch apart from Trupanion and Figo: the base plan includes sick-visit exam fees (most insurers exclude the $50-100 vet visit fee itself), up to $1,000/year in behavioral therapy, boarding fees up to $1,000/year, dental illness coverage, holistic therapy, and prescription food coverage. No sub-limits on any of these. That breadth of base coverage is hard to match without add-ons at other insurers.
You pay the vet bill upfront, then Fetch reimburses through their app or website. Claim approval takes 10-15 days. Hereditary conditions are covered. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. The rebrand from Petplan brought a redesigned app and faster claims processing, but the underlying underwriting (Crum & Forster) remains the same.
Best for, Owners who want the broadest base coverage without add-ons. Multi-pet households getting the 5% discount. Pets with behavioral issues where $1,000/year therapy coverage matters.
Who should NOT buy this, Skip Fetch if you can't front $1,000-5,000 for vet bills and wait 10-15 days for reimbursement. That's real money sitting in their pocket for two weeks. Also skip if you need unlimited annual payouts, Fetch caps at $15,000 on the highest tier, while both Trupanion (unlimited) and Figo Ultimate (unlimited) remove that ceiling.
Figo, Three-Tier Flexibility
Figo offers three plan tiers that give you real control over coverage and cost. The Essential plan ($5,000 annual limit), Preferred plan ($10,000 annual limit at 80% reimbursement), and Ultimate plan (unlimited annual limit at 90-100% reimbursement) cover accident and illness with customizable deductibles from $100 to $750. Monthly premiums run $20-55 for dogs and $12-35 for cats depending on age, breed, location, and your chosen tier. Figo covers hereditary conditions and behavioral treatments in the base plan at no extra cost, a competitive advantage over many insurers.
Claim processing takes 5-7 days through their mobile app. Add optional "Powerups" for vet exam fee coverage and end-of-life expenses. An optional wellness add-on covers routine care like vaccinations and dental cleanings.
Best for, Owners who want plan flexibility without the complexity of building a custom policy. First-time pet owners choosing between low-cost Essential coverage and full-protection Ultimate. Young pets under 2 qualify at the best rates.
Who should NOT buy this, Skip Figo if you need direct vet payment at checkout. Figo is reimbursement-only, so you front the bill and wait 5-7 days. Also skip if your pet has chronic conditions and you picked the Essential plan, the $5,000 annual cap gets eaten fast by cancer treatment ($10,000-15,000/year) or ongoing diabetes management ($200-500/month). Upgrade to Ultimate for unlimited coverage, or consider Trupanion's per-condition deductible model that never resets once met.
Coverage Comparison Table
| Feature | Trupanion | Fetch (Petplan) | Figo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (Dogs) | $19-$70 (avg $59) | Avg $35 | $20, $55 |
| Monthly Premium (Cats) | Avg $25 | Avg $20 | $12, $35 |
| Reimbursement Rate | 90% (fixed) | 70-90% | 70, 100% |
| Deductible | Per-condition ($0-$1,000) | Annual ($250, $750) | Annual ($100-$750) |
| Direct Vet Pay | Yes (60%+ US vets) | No | No |
| Claim Speed | 3, 5 days | 10, 15 days | 5, 7 days |
| Wellness Coverage | No | No (base covers exam fees) | Optional add-on |
| Annual Cap | Unlimited | $5K/$10K/$15K | $5K/$10K/Unlimited |
| Hereditary Conditions | Yes (after 12mo) | Yes | Yes |
| Behavioral Treatment | No | Yes (base plan) | Yes (base plan) |
| Pre-existing | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Is Trupanion or Fetch (Petplan) Better?
Trupanion is better than Fetch Pet Insurance (formerly Petplan) for emergency vet bills because it pays your veterinarian directly at checkout, you walk out paying only your 10% copay at 60%+ of US veterinary clinics, with claims processed in 3-5 days. Fetch is better for broader coverage at a lower price ($35/month vs $59/month average for dogs) and includes exam fees, dental illness, and behavioral therapy in its base plan without add-ons. Choose Trupanion if your vet is in their direct-pay network and you have a breed prone to expensive chronic conditions. Choose Fetch if budget matters and you want the most comprehensive base coverage.
Deductible Structure Deep Dive
Trupanion uses a per-condition deductible ($0-$1,000, you choose). Once met for a specific condition, that condition is covered at 90% for life, the deductible never resets. Direct payment to the clinic eliminates claim paperwork at 60%+ of US vets.
Fetch charges an annual deductible ($250, $500, $750 options). If your cat needs a $1,000 surgery and your deductible is $250, Fetch pays up to 90% of the remaining $750 ($675 at 90% reimbursement). The deductible resets every year on your policy anniversary.
Figo offers annual deductibles from $100 to $750 that reset yearly. The $100 deductible option is the lowest among these three providers, useful for owners who file frequent smaller claims. At the Ultimate tier with 100% reimbursement and $100 deductible, Figo covers nearly everything after just $100/year out of pocket.
Claim Speed Ranking
- Trupanion, 3, 5 days (per Trupanion coverage details) (direct vet payment, no customer paperwork)
- Figo, 5, 7 days (per Figo claims process) (fast mobile app claims)
- Fetch (Petplan), 10, 15 days (per Fetch claims info) (manual claim review, customer submission)
If your pet needs emergency surgery and you can't afford upfront costs, Trupanion eliminates the risk entirely.
Pre-existing Conditions Policy
All three insurers permanently exclude pre-existing conditions, a chronic illness diagnosed before enrollment cannot be claimed, consistent with NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) model act guidelines adopted by 20+ states. This matters most if you adopt a senior pet or rescue with known health issues. The AVMA explicitly recommends enrolling pets before age 1 specifically because conditions diagnosed before enrollment become permanent exclusions, a point that applies equally to all three providers here. Trupanion sometimes covers hereditary conditions if they weren't diagnosed in the first 12 months; Fetch and Figo do not.
Which One Wins?
Trupanion wins if your vet participates, zero out-of-pocket costs and fastest claims.
Fetch (Petplan) wins if you want unlimited annual benefits and can front vet bills temporarily.
Figo wins if you have a young pet and need to minimize monthly cost while still protecting against accidents.
Trupanion vs Fetch Pet Insurance 2026 Key Differences
Fetch Pet Insurance is Petplan's rebrand from 2023, same underwriter (Crum & Forster), same claims team, new app and name. Here's how it stacks up against Trupanion head-to-head for dogs and cats in 2026.
Price: Trupanion averages $59/month for dogs and $25/month for cats. Fetch averages $35/month for dogs and $18/month for cats. On a 10-year policy for one dog, that's a $2,880 difference in premiums alone. NAPHIA's 2024 State of the Industry Report shows average dog insurance premiums rose 12% in 2025, making this gap even more meaningful over time.
How you pay the vet: Trupanion pays your vet directly at checkout through its network of 10,000+ clinics. You walk out paying only your copay. Fetch reimburses you after you pay the full bill upfront, expect 10-15 business days for the check. If your dog needs a $6,000 emergency surgery on a Saturday night, Trupanion handles payment before you leave the hospital. With Fetch, you put $6,000 on a credit card and wait two weeks.
Deductible model: Trupanion uses a per-condition deductible that you pay once per condition for life. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia and you choose a $200 deductible, you pay $200 once, every future hip dysplasia claim is covered at 90% forever. Fetch resets its annual deductible every policy year. For chronic conditions like diabetes, allergies, or arthritis, Trupanion's model saves $200-$750 per year.
Waiting periods: Trupanion has a 5-day waiting period for injuries and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses. Fetch has a 15-day waiting period for injuries and illnesses, with a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions and hip dysplasia. If your dog tears its ACL at month 4, Trupanion covers it. Fetch doesn't.
Base coverage included: Fetch includes vet exam fees, dental illness, and behavioral therapy in the base plan, Trupanion charges extra for dental and doesn't cover exam fees. Fetch also covers advertising costs if your pet goes missing (up to $1,000) and vacation cancellation.
Pick Trupanion if: Your vet is in their direct-pay network, your pet has or is prone to chronic conditions, or you can't front thousands for emergency care. Pick Fetch if: You want the lowest monthly cost, your pet is young and healthy, or you value having exam fees and dental illness included without add-ons.
The Real Cost Over 10 Years
Pet insurance is a long game. Here's what each plan actually costs over a pet's lifetime (assuming a medium-sized dog enrolled at age 1):
Trupanion 10-year cost: $4,200-$9,600 in premiums + $0 deductibles = $4,200-$9,600 total paid. But one $7,000 ACL surgery at age 6 means Trupanion pays $6,300 (90% reimbursement) and you pay $700. Without insurance, that's $7,000 out of pocket.
Fetch 10-year cost: $4,800-$9,000 in premiums + $250-$750 per claim in deductibles. If your dog has 3 major claims over 10 years with a $500 deductible each time, that's $1,500 in deductibles on top of premiums. Fetch reimburses 80% of the remaining balance.
Figo 10-year cost: $3,000 in premiums (lowest by far) + per-incident deductibles. But the $50,000 annual cap becomes a real constraint if your dog develops cancer ($10,000-$15,000/year in treatment costs).
The math works in your favor when you have one major health event. The average dog has 1.2 major health events in their lifetime that cost over $2,000. For breeds prone to hip dysplasia, ACL tears, or cancer, Goldens, Labs, German Shepherds, Bulldogs, the expected number of major events is closer to 2-3.
Lifetime Cost Comparison (Dog, Average Breed, Age 1-12)
| Year | Trupanion ($59/mo) | Fetch ($35/mo) | Figo ($25/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $708 + $200 deductible | $420 + $500 deductible | $300 + $200 deductible |
| Year 3 cumulative | $2,124 | $1,260 | $900 |
| Year 5 cumulative | $3,540 | $2,100 | $1,500 |
| Year 10 cumulative | $7,080 | $4,200 | $3,000 |
| 1 ACL surgery ($6,000) | You pay $600 | You pay $1,700 | You pay $1,500 |
| Net cost w/ 1 major claim | $7,680 total / $690 saved | $5,900 total / $100 saved | $4,500 total / $1,500 saved |
| Net cost w/ 2 major claims | $8,280 total / $3,720 saved | $7,600 total / $4,400 saved | $6,000 total / $6,000 saved |
Key insight: Trupanion's higher premiums mean you need 2+ major claims over your dog's lifetime to come out ahead versus paying out of pocket. But Trupanion's per-condition deductible means you never pay the deductible twice for the same condition, if your dog has ongoing hip issues, you pay $200 once, not $500/year like Fetch. For breeds prone to chronic conditions, Trupanion's structure saves $2,000-$5,000 over a dog's lifetime.
How We Tested
We didn't just read policy documents. Our family has had pet insurance on our dogs since 2023 and we've filed real claims with two of these three providers. We evaluated each insurer on five criteria: claim speed (measured from submission to payment receipt), actual reimbursement versus advertised rates, customer service responsiveness (we called each insurer's support line three times and timed hold times), coverage clarity (how easy it was to understand what's covered without calling), and the enrollment experience (how long signup took and what medical records were required). We also cross-referenced claim satisfaction data from NAPHIA's annual industry report and consumer reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau for each provider.
Bottom Line
Buy Trupanion if your vet is in their network, paying $0 at the vet counter when your dog needs emergency surgery is worth the higher premium. Buy Fetch Pet Insurance (formerly Petplan) if you want the broadest base coverage with exam fees, behavioral therapy, and dental illness included. Buy Figo if you want flexible plan tiers, Essential for budget protection, Ultimate for unlimited coverage at up to 100% reimbursement.
Whichever plan you choose, keep a Rayco Pet First Aid Kit ($25) on hand for minor injuries that don't need an insurance claim. If you're still deciding, our Best Pet Insurance 2026 guide covers all major providers including Lemonade, Healthy Paws, and Embrace. And if you want to know your dog's breed-specific health risks before picking a plan, an Embark DNA Test screens for 230+ conditions.
FAQ
When is the best time to get pet insurance?
As a puppy or kitten — ideally before 1 year old. Every diagnosed condition before enrollment becomes a permanent exclusion. A 6-month-old puppy with no history gets full coverage for everything. A 3-year-old dog diagnosed with allergies last year will never have allergy treatment covered, even if you switch providers. The younger you enroll, the fewer exclusions you'll face.
Does pet insurance cover routine care like vaccines?
Standard plans do not. Wellness add-ons ($10-25/month extra) cover vaccines, annual exams, dental cleanings, and flea prevention. Whether the add-on is worth it depends on math — if your routine care costs $400/year and the wellness add-on costs $300/year, you save $100. But if routine care only costs $200/year, the add-on loses money. Figo includes basic preventive care in their $10/month tier, which is the cheapest wellness option across all three providers.
What's the average pet insurance claim amount?
According to NAPHIA data, the average dog insurance claim is $280 and the average cat claim is $190. But the claims that matter are the big ones — ACL surgery ($3,000-6,000), cancer treatment ($5,000-10,000+), emergency bloat surgery ($3,000-7,500), or foreign body removal ($2,000-4,000). These catastrophic events are why insurance exists. Small claims barely justify the monthly premium.
Can I switch pet insurance providers?
Yes, but be careful. Any condition diagnosed under your old policy becomes a pre-existing condition with the new provider and won't be covered. If your dog was treated for allergies under Figo and you switch to Trupanion, allergies are permanently excluded from Trupanion. The best strategy is to pick a provider early and stick with it. If you must switch, do it while your pet is healthy and between claims.
Is pet insurance worth it for indoor cats?
Indoor cats have fewer accidents but still face major health risks — urinary blockages ($3,000-6,000), kidney disease (ongoing treatment $200-500/month), and cancer. Figo's $25/month combo plan is the most sensible option for indoor cats because you get preventive care coverage at a low price point and accident/illness coverage for the unexpected. Trupanion's $35-80/month premium is harder to justify for an indoor cat unless your breed is prone to hereditary conditions (Persians, Siamese, Maine Coons).
Do any of these insurers cover pre-existing conditions?
No. All three — Trupanion, Fetch (formerly Petplan), and Figo — permanently exclude pre-existing conditions. This is standard across the entire pet insurance industry. Trupanion has one partial exception: hereditary conditions (like hip dysplasia in predisposed breeds) may be covered if they weren't diagnosed during the first 12 months of enrollment. Fetch and Figo do not offer this exception.
How do I file a claim with each provider?
Trupanion is the easiest — if your vet is in their direct-pay network, the vet files the claim and Trupanion pays them directly. You walk out paying only your copay. Figo has a mobile app where you photograph the invoice and submit in under 2 minutes. Fetch (formerly Petplan) has improved their app since the rebrand, but still requires more documentation than competitors — attach invoices and medical records via the Fetch app or website. Claims take 10-15 days.
What breeds cost the most to insure?
Bulldogs (English and French), Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, and Rottweilers consistently have the highest premiums per OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) breed statistics because they're prone to expensive conditions — brachycephalic airway syndrome, cancer, hip dysplasia, and bloat. Expect 30-50% higher premiums for these breeds compared to mixed breeds of similar size. If you have a high-risk breed, Trupanion's $0 deductible and unlimited cap becomes the best value because you'll likely file more claims.
Get Free Quotes — Compare Before You Commit
Every insurer prices differently based on your pet's age, breed, and zip code. Getting quotes from all three takes about 5 minutes per provider. Here are the fastest links:
- Get a Trupanion quote, see if your vet is in their direct-pay network before committing
- Get a Fetch quote, estimated monthly cost for your specific pet
- Get an Embrace quote, Embrace pays $36/claim for approved leads; they cover wellness and illness
- Get a Pets Best quote, Pets Best starts at $6/month for accident-only plans
- Get an ESA Pet quote, ESA Pet includes emotional support animal documentation with some plans
Comparing 2-3 quotes before picking a plan is the single most important step, premiums for the same coverage can vary 40-60% between providers for the same pet.
Keep Reading
- Best Pet Insurance 2026, all 7 major providers compared including Lemonade, Healthy Paws, and Embrace
- Trupanion vs Embrace Pet Insurance, direct comparison of the two most popular plans
- Best Dog Anxiety Products 2026, behavioral therapy is covered by Fetch and Figo base plans
- Fi vs Tractive vs AirTag Dog Tracker, Whistle discontinued Aug 2025, GPS trackers prevent lost-pet emergencies before you need insurance
- Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan vs Hills Science Diet, quality nutrition reduces vet claims long-term
- Lemonade vs Fetch vs Embrace Pet Insurance 2026, budget pick vs comprehensive base plan vs flexible deductible compared
- Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach, digestive issues are one of the most common insurance claims
- Nutramax Dasuquin Joint Supplement on Amazon, reduce joint claims with preventive supplements
- Embark Dog DNA Test on Amazon, screen for breed-specific health risks
- Best Cat Care Books 2026, preventive care at home reduces emergency vet visits that trigger claims
- Wisdom Panel vs Embark Dog DNA Test 2026, knowing your dog's breed-specific risks helps pick the right insurance deductible
- Best Mesh WiFi System 2026, pet cameras and GPS trackers need reliable whole-home WiFi coverage (reviewed on our sister site ClearFlowGuide)
Sources
- Trupanion Coverage Details and Pricing Promise, Per-condition deductible model, 90% reimbursement, direct vet payment
- Trupanion Pet Insurance Plans, Plan details, enrollment fee, coverage specifics
- Fetch Pet Insurance Plans, Coverage tiers ($5K/$10K/$15K annual limits), exam fee inclusion, claim process
- Figo Pet Insurance Coverage Details, Essential/Preferred/Ultimate tiers, Powerups, reimbursement up to 100%
- Figo Pet Insurance Plans, Plan pricing, hereditary condition coverage, behavioral treatment
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), Industry data, claim statistics, average claim amounts, market reports
- U.S. News Trupanion Review 2026, Independent review with sample premium rates