Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Insurance Pet Insurance Lemonade Pet Insurance Review: A Transparent Look at Plans and Prices Updated Apr 03, 2024 17-min read Reviewed by Kristen Barrett, MAT Reviewed by Kristen Barrett, MAT Expertise: Writing, content design, proofreading, grammar, vocabulary Kristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has edited and written personal finance content since 2015. Learn more about Kristen Barrett, MAT Best for Fast Claims 4.7 /5 LendEDU Rating Free Quote Pet Insurance 100% online application with enrollment available in secondsCustomize your policy terms to find a comfortable premiumAccidents covered just two days after enrollmentMultiple discounts (10% for bundling policies, 5% for multiple pets, and 5% for annual payments)Claims can be approved in minutes30-day money-back guarantee 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuriesOnly available in 37 states and D.C. Annual coverage$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000Reimbursement70%, 80%, or 90%Deductible$100, $250, $500, or $750Eligible statesAL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and D.C. If you value quick results, Lemonade pet insurance is worth a look. The company employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology for its claims process, allowing for almost immediate processing. Built for the digital age, it can give you faster peace of mind when your pet needs medical attention. Lemonade earns LendEDU’s “best for fast claims” designation due to the speed and efficiency of its process. The company’s AI technology offers a swift turnaround that’s hard to beat. If waiting isn’t your strong suit and you seek quick financial reimbursement for your pet insurance claims, this policy should be high on your list. Table of Contents Skip to Section Lemonade pet insurance coverageLemonade pet insurance costsMore about Lemonade About Lemonade Founded to make insurance more transparent and user-friendly, Lemonade has disrupted the traditional model by employing technology and charitable giving. Alongside its home, auto, and renters insurance, Lemonade offers pet insurance to help pet owners cover a wide array of health care costs. These range from emergency treatments to preventive care, providing a financial safety net for your pet’s well-being. Operating in numerous states, Lemonade’s pet insurance policies are quite comprehensive. Here’s a quick rundown: Coverage: Blood work, X-rays, MRIs, surgeries, and more. Optional add-ons include dental illnesses and end-of-life care.Eligibility: Available for dogs and cats; breed and age might affect the premium. Pets must be at least two months old.Geography: Operates in multiple states but is not available nationwide. Lemonade is not available in 13 states (listed below) as of September 2023. Our take on Lemonade pet insuranceBest forBest for fast claimsEditorial rating4.7 out of 5Get a free online quote in minutes. Lemonade pet insurance at a glance See the basics about Lemonade in the table below. We’ll discuss the terms in more detail in the upcoming sections. TermsDetailsEligible petsDogs and catsDeductibles$100, $250, or $500Annual coverage limits$5,000 – $100,000Reimbursement rates70%, 80%, or 90%Waiting periods14 days for illness and 30 days for orthopedic conditions (no accident waiting periods)Policy discountsMultiple pets: 5%Bundled policies: Up to 10%Preventive care coverageBasic to comprehensive packagesFeesNot specifiedUnique featuresFast claims paymentQuick plan buying processLemonade takes a flat fee from its profits and uses the rest to pay claims, giving what’s left to charities you choose. These include causes that support the environment, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. What types of plans does Lemonade offer? Lemonade offers a range of pet insurance plans designed to meet various health care needs for your pets. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage or just want accident protection, Lemonade may have something for you. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision tailored to your pet’s needs. Accident and illness: This is Lemonade’s most comprehensive policy, covering treatments from bloodwork to surgeries. Most policyholders opt for this plan for its broad coverage in case of unexpected or illness-related events.Accident-only: This plan focuses solely on accidents, such as road mishaps or accidental poisoning. If you’re seeking to lower your premiums and are less concerned about illness coverage, this option may suit you. Note that it won’t cover any illness-related treatments.Preventive care add-ons: You may not need insurance to get preventive care, but adding this option to your Lemonade policy covers wellness exams, vaccines, and even dental cleanings. You can choose tiers that best suit your pet’s needs—from basic to more comprehensive packages. Different plans suit different needs. The accident and illness plan provides broad coverage but at a higher premium. The accident-only plan offers essential protections at a lower cost. Preventive care ensures your pet stays healthy and can help you catch potential issues early. What does Lemonade pet insurance cover? Lemonade’s coverage is extensive. Let’s dissect what each plan covers. Accident and illness pet insurance Lemonade’s accident and illness plan provides comprehensive coverage that matches or exceeds industry standards. Here’s what you can expect from its standard coverage: BloodworkX-rays, MRIs, and CT scansLab work and urinalysisCancer treatmentsSurgery and hospitalizationsHeart disease and road accidents Optional add-ons (see more about Lemonade’s preventive care below): Physical therapyDental illnessesBehavioral conditionsEnd of life/remembrance Accident-only pet insurance If you mainly want coverage for accidental mishaps, Lemonade’s accident-only plan offers essential coverage. This plan tends to be more affordable but less comprehensive than the accident and illness plan. Covered items: Road accidentsPoisoningBroken bonesCuts and lacerations Preventive care Lemonade’s preventive care options aim to keep your pet healthy over the long term and offer various tiers for specific needs. Reimbursed itemsPreventive carePreventive+ carePuppy/kitten preventive careAnnual exam2 for puppy/kitten$50$50$1001 fecal/parasite test2 for puppy/kitten$35$35$70Bloodwork$65$65$653 vaccines6 for puppy/kitten$75$75$1501 heartworm /FeLV/FIV test$40$40$40Flea/tick/heartworm medication❌$65$65Routine dental cleaning❌$150❌Spay or neuter❌❌$120Microchip❌❌$40 The above reimbursements are based on 80% co-insurance. All amounts are annual unless otherwise stated. Preventive care packages are an excellent way to ensure your pet stays healthy and to catch issues before they become severe problems. What does Lemonade pet insurance not cover? No pet insurance plan is a one-size-fits-all solution that covers everything. Lemonade is no exception. Like most other insurance providers, Lemonade doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or elective procedures. Knowing these limitations upfront can help you make a more informed choice. What isn’t covered? Pre-existing conditions: Any condition your pet had before coverage began isn’t covered.Elective procedures: Think ear cropping or tail docking; these aren’t considered medically necessary.Breeding and pregnancy: Lemonade won’t cover costs related to breeding or pregnancy.Grooming and boarding: These are considered routine and not eligible for coverage.Cosmetic procedures: Tattooing, claw removal, and more fall under this category.Behavioral training: Basic obedience training isn’t considered medically necessary. Being aware of these exclusions can save you from unexpected disappointments. Just like reading the fine print on a contract, knowing what’s not covered is as important as knowing what is. Waiting periods for Lemonade pet insurance A waiting period is the time between when you sign up for a policy and when the coverage kicks in. It’s an industry standard to prevent fraud and ensure people don’t sign up after their pet is sick or injured. Lemonade’s waiting periods: Accidents: NoneIllnesses: 14 daysOrthopedic conditions: 30 daysPreventive care packages: One day Compared to the industry norm, Lemonade’s waiting periods are some of the best. Many companies take at least 14 days to start covering accidents, but Lemonade has no waiting period. The 14-day waiting period for illnesses aligns with industry standards. The 30 days for orthopedic conditions is standard, too, though some providers don’t have any unique waiting periods like this. How much does a Lemonade pet insurance policy cost? Factors including your pet’s age, breed, and even your ZIP code can affect your policy costs. You have some control over the premiums by selecting higher deductibles or lower coverage limits, but keep in mind that might lead to less comprehensive care for your pet. The average premium for dogs and cats differs. Premiums can increase if you file a claim or as your pet ages. Lemonade doesn’t specify fees upfront, so it’s wise to read the fine print. Sample quotes collected by our team Here’s how different variables affect the monthly premiums, based on quotes we collected: Quote 1Quote 2Quote 3Quote 4Zip code75033750331910319103Type of petDogDogCatCatGenderMaleFemaleMaleFemaleAge6 years6 months4 months 4 yearsBreedMixed (medium size)Mixed (small size)MixedMixed Deductible$250$250$500$500Annual coverage limit$20,000$20,000$10,000$10,000Reimbursement rate80%80%90%90%Base premium$29.17 $22.31$14.38$13.11Vet visit add-on$6$4.26$2.68$2.58Physical therapy add-on $1.83$1.66$1.04$0.79Behavioral conditions add-on$1.85$1.85$3.62$3.62Dental illness add-on$11.31$12.95$12.62N/AEnd of life / Remembrance add-on$3.75$3.75$2.50$2.50Preventive care add-on$17.59$17.58$12.09$12.08Preventive+ add-on$26.71N/AN/A$20.03Puppy / kitten preventive care add-onN/A$48.42$41.84N/A To get quotes, we specified the animal had been in the care of the owners for more than three years (or its entire life if younger) and had no underlying health issues. All premiums are monthly. Discounts to save money on Lemonade pet insurance Saving on your pet insurance is always a win. Lemonade offers a multi-pet discount and additional savings if you bundle your pet policy with other types of insurance, such as renters or homeowners insurance. Multi-pet discount: Save 5% when you insure more than one pet.Bundle discount: Get up to an additional 10% off if you bundle with renters, homeowners, car, or term life insurance. So if your base premium is $29.17 for your dog, and you decide to insure your cat, you’d get a 5% multi-pet discount, saving you about $1.46 per month. What types of pets are eligible for Lemonade pet insurance? Lemonade’s pet insurance is aimed at cats and dogs, with no exclusions for specific breeds. Whether you have a Siamese or a Saint Bernard, you’re likely in the clear. The eligibility criteria are generally the same for pet insurance and preventive care packages. But what if your pet has a pre-existing condition? You can still enroll them; just be aware Lemonade won’t cover the pre-existing condition. RequirementDetailsEligible statesAvailable in 37 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. (Exclusions listed below.)Age restrictionsNo age restriction for enrollment, but premiums may vary based on your pet’s age.Breed restrictionsNo specific breed restrictions.Medical examLemonade requires the prior 12.5 months of veterinary records. If a pet is under 12.5 months in age, Lemonade requires vet records from birth through when you apply for insurance. Excluded states: Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming Sign up for the mailing list to get an update when Lemonade expands to your area. Lemonade pet insurance claims and payouts When you have a pet insurance policy with Lemonade, you must cover the upfront medical costs. You then submit a claim for reimbursement. Unlike some companies, Lemonade doesn’t require preapproval for treatments, allowing you more freedom to get the care your pet needs right when they need it. Once it approves a claim, Lemonade offers fast direct deposit if you’ve provided your bank information. Here is how to file a claim with Lemonade: Gather documents: Compile all relevant bills and medical records from the veterinarian.File online: Use the Lemonade app or website to file your claim.Provide details: Answer a series of questions about your pet’s condition and treatment.Upload documents: Attach all gathered documentation to your online claim.Review and submit: Double-check all information before submitting your claim for review. You can complete the whole process through the app, which is a real game-changer in the often slow world of insurance claims. Lemonade’s use of direct deposit speeds up how fast it will reimburse you after approving a claim. So if the clock’s ticking and your pet needs immediate attention, Lemonade’s claims process offers peace of mind, knowing reimbursement can be fast and hassle-free. How has Lemonade’s pet insurance evolved over the years? When it comes to the pet insurance landscape, Lemonade is relatively new to the scene, having introduced its product in 2020. At its inception, Lemonade came out swinging with a solid range of coverage, including its optional preventive care plan. Because the company is still young in this sector, it hasn’t yet rolled out significant changes. The preventive care plan was available from the start, indicating the company’s intent to offer comprehensive care beyond accident or illness coverage. We’ll continue to watch how Lemonade evolves its offerings, particularly as it gains more data and customer feedback. You won’t find a long history of changes, but what you will find is a modern, tech-savvy approach to pet insurance that may set trends for the industry. Pros and cons of Lemonade pet insurance Before deciding on Lemonade, it’s crucial to weigh the good with the bad. Here’s a balanced view: Pros Efficient processes Lemonade has a smooth online setup for applications and claims. That means quicker reimbursements and less hassle for you. Social responsibility Lemonade uses excess funds—after paying claims—from your premium to donate to a nonprofit you choose. No waiting period for accidents Accidents are covered as soon as policy inception. Spay or neuter coverage If you adopt a young pet, spay or neuter procedures are covered with the purchase of the puppy/kitten preventive care add-on. Dental add-ons Add dental care options to your plan for an extra fee. Simple add-ons It’s easy to include preventive care items in your Lemonade policy, which can be a relief for busy pet parents. Cons Limited availability If you’re not in one of the 37 states Lemonade services, you’re out of luck. Coverage gaps Lemonade doesn’t cover conditions that could be prevented or are repetitive. For instance, if your pet faces the same health issue more than once, you could be on your own the second time around. Capped coverage choices Unlike insurers that offer unlimited annual benefits, such as Trupanion, Lemonade asks you to choose a cap ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Age and pet type restrictions Pets must be 2 months old to qualify for a Lemonade policy, and policies are limited to dogs and cats, leaving out other types of pets. Expertise concerns Lemonade offers multiple types of insurance, so you might wonder whether its pet policies can stack up against specialized providers. Take these points into account to decide whether Lemonade’s pet insurance meets your needs. Consider getting quotes from several pet insurance companies and comparing the coverages. How Lemonade pet insurance compares to others Lemonade offers a modern approach to pet insurance with its streamlined online processes and social responsibility model. It boasts shorter waiting periods for accident coverage and a user-friendly platform. However, its limited state availability and capped coverage options may give pause to potential policyholders. For more comprehensive, nationwide coverage, Fetch, which we named best coverage among pet insurance companies, earns an editorial rating of 4.9 out of 5. If you’re looking for unlimited coverage without hefty price tags, consider ManyPets, determined best for affordable unlimited coverage, which we rate 4.7 out of 5. Spot, rating 4.5 out of 5, is our top choice as best variety of terms. It provides plenty of coverage options that could be an ideal fit depending on your needs. Browse these alternatives to make an informed decision on what’s best for your furry friend. Is Lemonade a reputable company? Customer reviews offer real-world insights beyond what a company says about itself. By examining other pet owners’ experiences, you can gain a better understanding of how a pet insurance company performs when it matters most—during claims and customer service interactions, for example. SourceCustomer ratingNumber of reviewsTrustpilot4.3 out of 51,308Better Business Bureau2.2 out of 5241Google2.7 out of 584 Ratings collected on September 14, 2023. Lemonade has mixed reviews across various platforms, with Trustpilot reflecting an “excellent” 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,308 reviews. Common praises include the ease of application and claims processes. We consider Trustpilot a reliable source for customer feedback due to its efforts to verify the authenticity of reviews. Customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website rate Lemonade a less-than-stellar 2.2 out of five, mostly due to dissatisfaction around claim denials for pre-existing conditions. The BBB serves as a long-standing platform for consumer feedback and disputes. Google users also give it a lukewarm 2.7 out of 5 from 84 reviews. None of these platforms separate reviews for pet insurance from Lemonade’s other insurance products, which could skew the numbers. Does Lemonade have a customer service team? Lemonade operates a customer service team ready to tackle various issues, from policy inquiries to claim submissions. The team provides multiple avenues for reaching out: Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-844-733-8666Mailing address: 5 Crosby Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013Chat box: Accessible via the main website These options give you flexibility whether you prefer a traditional phone call or the convenience of email. How to apply for Lemonade pet insurance Lemonade makes the application process a breeze. It’s mostly online and quite straightforward, taking you from quote to coverage without much hassle. This digital-first approach resonates well with those who want quick, uncomplicated insurance for their pets. Here’s how to apply for Lemonade pet insurance: Click the “Check our prices” button: Navigate to Lemonade’s pet insurance page and initiate the process.Provide pet details: Input information about your pet—breed, age, type, and any health conditions. Source: Lemonade Select a plan: If approved, you’ll be presented with various plans. Choose the base plan and any add-ons that suit your and your pet’s needs. Source: Lemonade Review and modify: Before finalizing, you’ll have an opportunity to review your choices. Here, you can adjust the deductible, co-insurance, and annual max. Source: Lemonade Source: Lemonade Payment: Finalize your selection, and make a payment via credit card.Wait for coverage to begin: Your pet is covered after the respective waiting periods for accidents or illnesses. You don’t need to gather extensive documents; most of the process is based on the information you input. You can complete the entire application within a few minutes if you have all your pet’s details on hand. Lemonade FAQ Can you visit any veterinarian or emergency hospital? With Lemonade, you have the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian or emergency hospital. The company imposes no network restrictions. Whether it’s your trusted local vet or an emergency facility while on vacation, your pet’s treatment is covered. Is a medical exam required to enroll? Lemonade doesn’t require a medical exam for enrollment but requires the prior 12.5 months of veterinary records. If a pet is under 12.5 months in age, Lemonade requires vet records from birth through when you apply for insurance. Does Lemonade pet insurance cover exotic pets? Lemonade’s pet insurance focuses on dogs and cats; it doesn’t offer coverage for exotic pets. If you have an exotic pet, you might consider providers such as Nationwide, which will consider exotic pets on a case-by-case basis. Can you add another pet to your policy? Yes, you can add multiple pets to your Lemonade policy—and get a discount for doing so. To enroll another pet, log in to your account and follow similar steps to your initial application. Each pet will have unique policy terms, which you can review and customize. The streamlined process makes multi-pet households easier to manage. Can you make changes to your policy? Yes, Lemonade allows you to make changes to your policy even after enrollment. Whether you want to adjust your deductible or add an additional wellness package, you can do it right from your online account. Keep in mind that any changes may affect your premium rates. Do you have to renew your policy each year? Lemonade’s pet insurance policies are annual, which means they’ll renew each year automatically. Before the renewal date, you’ll get a notice along with any changes in terms or premiums. It’s an automated process, but it’s always wise to review the new terms. Can you cancel a policy? If you decide Lemonade isn’t the right fit, you can cancel your policy. To do so, you may need to contact Lemonade’s customer service through email, phone, or chat. Be sure to review any potential fees or refund policies before you finalize the cancellation. Does Lemonade really donate to charities? Yes! When you get a Lemonade policy, you also select a nonprofit you care about. Once a year, Lemonade tallies up the unclaimed money left from you and others who chose your cause. It gives that unclaimed money to the nonprofit you chose. In October 2023, Lemonade’s website says its giveback donations have exceeded $8 million in total. How we rated Lemonade pet insurance We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help consumers identify companies that offer the best financial products. Our experts spend hours researching these companies each year to ensure our ratings are fresh and accurate. Our most recent evaluation compared Lemonade to several pet insurance companies across a number of factors, including coverage, customer reviews, terms, and costs. We weighted, scored, and combined these factors to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. We round all ratings to the nearest tenth decimal place. ProductBest forOur ratingPet insuranceBest for fast claims4.7 out of 5Get a quote.