Lemonade vs Fetch Pet Insurance
A factual, side-by-side look at coverage, deductibles, reimbursement, limits and waiting periods. We do not declare a universal winner.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Lemonade’s base pet insurance is built around accident and illness coverage. Customers can customize their policy with different annual deductibles, reimbursement percentages and annual limits. Optional packages and add-ons can provide additional coverage, including preventative care, dental coverage, behavioral conditions and other benefits. Availability varies by state. | Fetch’s main pet insurance product provides Accident and Illness coverage. Customers can customize their policy using an annual deductible, reimbursement rate and maximum annual payout. Fetch also offers an optional Wellness plan for preventative care. Wellness is separate from Accident and Illness coverage and uses set reimbursement amounts for eligible routine-care services rather than the standard insurance reimbursement percentage. |
| Coverage | A base Lemonade Pet policy can cover diagnostics, procedures, medications and hospitalizations related to eligible new accidents and illnesses. Lemonade states that eligible conditions can include hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, infestations and infections. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered under the base policy, while additional dental coverage may be available through an add-on. | Fetch Accident and Illness coverage can include eligible exam fees, diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, acupuncture, medications, dental treatment, behavioral therapy, and treatment for hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. Fetch also includes coverage for sick-visit exam fees. Its published materials state that eligible behavioral therapy can be reimbursed up to $1,000 per year, with no copay or deductible for that benefit. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, although Fetch states that certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the applicable exclusionary period. |
| Deductibles | Lemonade uses an annual deductible that resets when the policy renews. Published deductible options include $100, $250, $500 and $750, depending on the policy and applicable availability. | Fetch uses an annual deductible. Published Fetch materials show deductible choices that can vary by pet and purchase method. Examples include $250, $300, $500, $700 and higher options, with additional deductible choices potentially available by calling Fetch. Once the annual deductible has been met, it does not apply again until the next policy year. |
| Reimbursement | Lemonade offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible claims. The reimbursement percentage applies together with the policy’s annual deductible and annual limit. | Fetch offers reimbursement rates of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible Accident and Illness expenses. The selected reimbursement rate works together with the annual deductible and maximum annual payout. Fetch reimburses based on eligible veterinary expenses rather than using a fixed benefit schedule. |
| Annual limits | Customers can select an annual coverage limit between $5,000 and $100,000. The annual limit is the maximum amount Lemonade will pay for eligible claims during the policy year. | Fetch offers annual maximum payout options including $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and Unlimited (available in some cases when purchasing directly by phone). The maximum annual payout is the maximum amount Fetch will reimburse for eligible expenses during the policy year. Availability can vary based on the pet and location. |
| Waiting periods | Lemonade currently states: accidents 0 days, illnesses 14 days, orthopedic conditions 30 days. The policy becomes effective at 12:01 AM the day after purchase, and the applicable waiting periods begin from the policy start date. | Fetch states: accidents no waiting period, illnesses up to 15 days, knee and hip conditions 6 months. Fetch also describes a six-month waiting period for certain knee, cartilage and ACL conditions, with an option to bypass the applicable orthopedic waiting period through a qualifying veterinary examination. Wellness coverage has no waiting period when added to a policy. |
| Dental | Dental coverage depends on the policy and available add-ons. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered by the base policy. Lemonade also offers additional dental coverage in some areas, including coverage for dental illness and, with the Dental Care Add-On, routine dental cleanings. | Fetch provides dental coverage for both dental injuries and dental disease. Its published coverage includes every adult tooth and the gums, including conditions such as periodontal disease, oral tumors, dental trauma, extractions, root canals and other eligible dental procedures. Routine dental cleanings are available through the optional Fetch Wellness coverage. Dental treatment remains subject to the policy’s annual maximum and other applicable terms. |
| Prescription coverage | Prescription medications used to treat eligible accidents and illnesses can be covered under Lemonade’s base accident and illness policy. Additional prescription-related coverage may apply under certain add-ons, depending on the condition and policy terms. | Prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a new eligible accident or illness can be covered. Fetch also operates Fetch Pet Rx, through which eligible members can purchase prescriptions and submit claims for reimbursement. Fetch states that qualifying medications purchased through Fetch Pet Rx can receive 100% reimbursement under applicable terms. |
| Wellness | Lemonade offers preventative care packages that can reimburse eligible routine-care expenses separately from the base accident and illness coverage. Depending on the package, benefits can include wellness exams, vaccinations, routine testing, flea/tick or heartworm medication, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Availability and benefits vary by state and package. | Fetch offers an optional Wellness plan for routine and preventative care. Depending on the selected Wellness plan, benefits can include annual exams, vaccinations, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, dental cleanings, spaying or neutering, blood, urine and fecal testing, and other eligible preventative services. Fetch states that its Wellness coverage can reimburse up to $1,200 per year. Wellness uses set dollar reimbursements rather than the 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement structure used for Accident and Illness coverage. There is no deductible, copay or waiting period for Wellness coverage. |
| Exam fees | Vet exam fees generally require the Visit Fee Add-On when related to a covered accident or illness. | Sick-visit exam fees are included in Fetch’s Accident and Illness coverage. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Pre-existing conditions are not covered. | Pre-existing conditions are excluded, although Fetch states that certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the applicable exclusionary period. |
| Claims | Lemonade uses a reimbursement model. You pay the veterinarian upfront and submit your claim through the Lemonade mobile app. Claims can include the veterinary invoice or paid receipt and relevant medical records. Lemonade states that more than 50% of eligible pet claims are processed instantly, while approximately 80% are handled within five days. Claims must generally be submitted within 180 days of treatment, with a 90-day deadline in Texas. | Fetch uses a reimbursement model. Pet owners pay the veterinarian first, then submit a claim through the Fetch Pet Insurance app or online account. Claims require a paid veterinary invoice and supporting medical records. Fetch states that claims are typically processed in less than 10 days. Once an eligible claim is approved and the deductible has been met, reimbursement can be deposited directly into the policyholder’s bank account. Claims generally must be submitted within 90 days of the veterinary visit. |
Coverage
How to compare: Read the covered and excluded lists in each sample policy.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | A base Lemonade Pet policy can cover diagnostics, procedures, medications and hospitalizations related to eligible new accidents and illnesses. Lemonade states that eligible conditions can include hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, infestations and infections. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered under the base policy, while additional dental coverage may be available through an add-on. | Fetch Accident and Illness coverage can include eligible exam fees, diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, acupuncture, medications, dental treatment, behavioral therapy, and treatment for hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. Fetch also includes coverage for sick-visit exam fees. Its published materials state that eligible behavioral therapy can be reimbursed up to $1,000 per year, with no copay or deductible for that benefit. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, although Fetch states that certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the applicable exclusionary period. |
Price
Prices depend on your pet’s species, breed, age and ZIP code and on the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit chosen. Compare estimates for your own pet at identical settings rather than relying on a single average.
Deductibles
How to compare: Annual, per-condition or lifetime, and the amounts offered.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Deductibles | Lemonade uses an annual deductible that resets when the policy renews. Published deductible options include $100, $250, $500 and $750, depending on the policy and applicable availability. | Fetch uses an annual deductible. Published Fetch materials show deductible choices that can vary by pet and purchase method. Examples include $250, $300, $500, $700 and higher options, with additional deductible choices potentially available by calling Fetch. Once the annual deductible has been met, it does not apply again until the next policy year. |
Reimbursement
How to compare: The percentages offered and how payouts are calculated.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Lemonade offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible claims. The reimbursement percentage applies together with the policy’s annual deductible and annual limit. | Fetch offers reimbursement rates of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible Accident and Illness expenses. The selected reimbursement rate works together with the annual deductible and maximum annual payout. Fetch reimburses based on eligible veterinary expenses rather than using a fixed benefit schedule. |
Annual limits
How to compare: Fixed or unlimited, and any per-condition or lifetime caps.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Annual limits | Customers can select an annual coverage limit between $5,000 and $100,000. The annual limit is the maximum amount Lemonade will pay for eligible claims during the policy year. | Fetch offers annual maximum payout options including $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and Unlimited (available in some cases when purchasing directly by phone). The maximum annual payout is the maximum amount Fetch will reimburse for eligible expenses during the policy year. Availability can vary based on the pet and location. |
Waiting periods
How to compare: Accident, illness and orthopedic waiting periods.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting periods | Lemonade currently states: accidents 0 days, illnesses 14 days, orthopedic conditions 30 days. The policy becomes effective at 12:01 AM the day after purchase, and the applicable waiting periods begin from the policy start date. | Fetch states: accidents no waiting period, illnesses up to 15 days, knee and hip conditions 6 months. Fetch also describes a six-month waiting period for certain knee, cartilage and ACL conditions, with an option to bypass the applicable orthopedic waiting period through a qualifying veterinary examination. Wellness coverage has no waiting period when added to a policy. |
Dental
How to compare: Injury, illness and routine dental coverage.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Dental coverage depends on the policy and available add-ons. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered by the base policy. Lemonade also offers additional dental coverage in some areas, including coverage for dental illness and, with the Dental Care Add-On, routine dental cleanings. | Fetch provides dental coverage for both dental injuries and dental disease. Its published coverage includes every adult tooth and the gums, including conditions such as periodontal disease, oral tumors, dental trauma, extractions, root canals and other eligible dental procedures. Routine dental cleanings are available through the optional Fetch Wellness coverage. Dental treatment remains subject to the policy’s annual maximum and other applicable terms. |
Claims
How to compare: How to file, how long it takes, and payment methods.
| Feature | Lemonade | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Claims | Lemonade uses a reimbursement model. You pay the veterinarian upfront and submit your claim through the Lemonade mobile app. Claims can include the veterinary invoice or paid receipt and relevant medical records. Lemonade states that more than 50% of eligible pet claims are processed instantly, while approximately 80% are handled within five days. Claims must generally be submitted within 180 days of treatment, with a 90-day deadline in Texas. | Fetch uses a reimbursement model. Pet owners pay the veterinarian first, then submit a claim through the Fetch Pet Insurance app or online account. Claims require a paid veterinary invoice and supporting medical records. Fetch states that claims are typically processed in less than 10 days. Once an eligible claim is approved and the deductible has been met, reimbursement can be deposited directly into the policyholder’s bank account. Claims generally must be submitted within 90 days of the veterinary visit. |
Pros and limitations
Lemonade
Customizable reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90%. Annual deductible options. Annual limits from $5,000 to $100,000. No waiting period for accidents. Optional preventative care and other add-ons. Claims handled through a mobile app. Any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. can be used. Reimbursement is deposited directly into the customer’s bank account after an approved claim.
Availability and coverage options vary by state. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Customers pay the veterinarian upfront before reimbursement. Vet exam fees generally require the Visit Fee Add-On when related to a covered accident or illness. Additional coverage options may require separate add-ons.
Fetch
70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement options. Annual deductible structure. Annual coverage options including $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and, in some cases, unlimited. No waiting period for accidents. No upper age limit for enrollment. Coverage from 6 weeks of age. Broad dental coverage covering every adult tooth and gums. Sick-visit exam fees included. Behavioral therapy coverage up to $1,000 per year. Hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions can be covered. Optional Wellness coverage. Wellness benefits of up to $1,200 per year. Any veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics.
Coverage, pricing, deductible options and annual limits can vary by location and policy. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. Illness coverage has a waiting period of up to 15 days. Certain knee and hip conditions have a six-month waiting period unless the applicable requirements for a waiver are met. Wellness coverage is optional and separate from Accident and Illness insurance. Customers must pay the veterinarian upfront before reimbursement. Claims generally must be submitted within 90 days. Fetch uses a reimbursement model rather than paying veterinarians directly.
Who each option may suit
Lemonade
Pet owners who want customizable accident and illness coverage, an app-based claims experience, multiple deductible and reimbursement options, and the ability to add preventative care or other optional coverage. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy terms available in your state before purchasing, since coverage, pricing, eligibility and available add-ons can vary.
Fetch
Pet owners who want broad accident and illness coverage, flexible reimbursement options, extensive dental coverage, and no upper age limit for enrollment. It may also appeal to owners who want coverage for sick-visit exam fees, behavioral therapy, hereditary and congenital conditions, and optional preventative care through Fetch Wellness. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy documents available for your location before purchasing, because coverage, pricing, eligibility, waiting periods and available options can vary.
Whichever you compare, hold the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit constant so differences reflect the plans and not the settings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lemonade or Fetch better?
Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on your pet’s age and breed, your budget, and which benefits you care about most. Compare the same deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit for both, then review exclusions and waiting periods.
Which is cheaper, Lemonade or Fetch?
Price depends on your pet and the plan settings you choose, so it can differ from one pet to the next. Compare personalized estimates for your pet on identical settings.
Are Lemonade and Fetch both available in every state?
Not necessarily. Both Lemonade and Fetch state that availability and policy terms vary by state, so check the quote and policy for your state.
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