Lemonade vs. Pets Best: Which Is Actually Cheaper for Cats?

Lemonade Pet is not sold in every state.

Short answer

Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons. Our editors rate Lemonade higher for cats overall (9.2 vs. 8.4) on value per dollar, with a $100k max limit versus Pets Best's $5k/$10k/unlimited tiers. Lemonade is not sold in seven states as of October 2026.

Get a Lemonade quote

Lemonade is the one insurer on this site we can send you to for a live quote. That does not make it the right plan for every pet. As of October 2, 2026, Lemonade Pet is not yet available in Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming.

Get a quote from Lemonade

TL;DR

Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons.
Lemonade scores higher for cats in our editorial review (9.2 vs. 8.4) because its $100k top limit and cheap add-ons deliver more per dollar.
Pets Best offers the lowest deductible in our lineup ($50) plus a 3-day accident wait waivable with a qualifying vet exam; Lemonade currently advertises no accident wait once the policy takes effect (check your state policy).
Lemonade's annual limits run $5,000 to $100,000; Pets Best runs $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited.
Both exclude pre-existing conditions showing signs before enrollment or during waiting periods.

Direct Answer: Which Is Cheaper for Cats?

Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons. But 'cheapest' depends on what you buy once you configure the policy. Pets Best's floor comes with its base Essential plan tier, where exam-fee coverage costs extra rather than being bundled as it is on the Plus tier.

Where Each Cat Policy's Price Comes From

Your cat’s quote depends on its age, breed, ZIP code and coverage choices. Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons. Choosing 90% reimbursement, a $100 deductible, or the unlimited cap moves you well off that floor.

Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons. Where Lemonade diverges is the add-on economy. Building a fully-loaded policy can push Lemonade's effective price past a similarly-configured Pets Best, but each piece is optional and priced individually.

Coverage Mechanics Compared for Cats

Waiting periods favor neither uniformly. Accidents: Lemonade currently advertises no accident wait once the policy takes effect (check your state policy); Pets Best after 3 days — waivable entirely if a participating veterinarian certifies your cat within the enrollment window. Illness: both wait 14 days. Orthopedic matters less for indoor cats than dogs, but note Lemonade's currently advertised 30-day orthopedic hold, including cruciate injuries (check your state policy) versus Pets Best's 6-month cruciate period unless waived via vet certification.

Limits and extras split cleanly. Pets Best sells three caps — $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited — plus two wellness tiers and separate exam-fee and physical-therapy add-ons; its review tags it best for outdoor cats thanks to the fast accident start. Lemonade offers configured limits up to $100,000. Check the limit offered for your cat and the share of eligible bills you must pay. Both enforce the standard pre-existing exclusion for signs shown before enrollment or during the waiting period. One availability caveat: Lemonade Pet is not sold in Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming as of October 2026 — in those states Pets Best wins by default.

Honest Verdict: Who Each Plan Is Actually For

Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons. The downsides: exam fees cost extra unless you buy up to Plus, illness coverage takes the full 14 days with no shortcut, and cruciate-type events sit behind a 6-month hold unless you do the waiver exam.

Lemonade is for owners who want cheap base coverage plus the freedom to bolt on exactly what their cat needs — dental illness rider, wellness, vet visit fees — without paying for a bundle. The downsides: it is unavailable in seven states, dental coverage in the base policy is thin, and the advertised floor assumes minimal configuration; each optional benefit changes the price. If you know you want everything included up front, price the full stack at both carriers before assuming either one is cheaper — the result depends on your cat, ZIP code and coverage settings.

Lemonade vs. Pets Best for cats FAQ

Is Lemonade or Pets Best cheaper for cats?

Compare current quotes for your pet and ZIP code using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and add-ons.

What are the waiting periods for cat insurance at Lemonade and Pets Best?

Accidents: no accident wait currently advertised by Lemonade (check your state policy) versus 3 days at Pets Best, waivable entirely with a qualifying vet exam submitted within 30 days of enrollment. Illness: 14 days at both. Lemonade currently advertises 30 days for orthopedic conditions, including cruciate injuries (check your state policy); Pets Best holds cruciate events 6 months unless reduced or waived by a participating veterinarian's certification.

Which insurer offers better annual limits for cats?

Different strengths: Lemonade's limits run from $5,000 up to $100,000 depending on configuration, while Pets Best offers $5,000, $10,000, or true unlimited. If a hard ceiling bothers you, Pets Best tops out higher; for realistic feline claim scenarios, Lemonade's $100k maximum is already far more than enough.