Pumpkin Pet Insurance offers accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats with reimbursement rates of up to 90%. What sets Pumpkin apart from many competitors is its optional Preventive Essentials wellness add-on, which covers routine care like annual exams, vaccines, and parasite screenings. With flexible deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000 and annual coverage limits that include an unlimited option, Pumpkin gives pet owners meaningful control over their plan structure and monthly premium.

Pumpkin Plans and Coverage

Pumpkin's core product is its Accident & Illness insurance plan, which covers a wide range of veterinary costs. The plan reimburses 80% or 90% of eligible vet bills after you meet your annual deductible.

Feature	Details
Plan Type	Accident & Illness (no accident-only option)
Reimbursement Rate	80% or 90%
Annual Deductible	$100, $250, $500, or $1,000
Annual Coverage Limit	Flexible options including unlimited
Covered	Diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalizations, Rx, emergency care
Not Covered	Pre-existing conditions, breeding, cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments

Pumpkin defines a pre-existing condition as any illness or injury that occurred or showed symptoms before coverage started or during the waiting period.

Pumpkin Preventive Essentials

Preventive Essentials is Pumpkin's optional wellness add-on that fully reimburses you for a set of predetermined routine care services. Unlike the insurance plan which has a 14-day waiting period, Preventive Essentials benefits are available starting the day you enroll.

Benefit	Dogs	Cats
Annual Wellness Exam Fee	Included	Included
Vaccines	2 vaccines	1 vaccine
Fecal Test (Intestinal Worms)	Included	Included
Heartworm & Tick Disease Test	Included	Not included
Waiting Period	None (day 1)	None (day 1)

Pumpkin Pet Insurance Cost

Pumpkin pet insurance premiums vary based on pet type, breed, age, location, and coverage options. Here are the average and range costs:

	Dogs	Cats
Average Monthly Cost	$46/mo ($548/yr)	$20/mo ($238/yr)
Monthly Range	$43 – $148	$20 – $82
Cheapest State	Arkansas (~$31)	Arkansas (~$13)
Most Expensive State	Massachusetts (~$59)	Massachusetts (~$26)

Breed significantly affects pricing — small mixed-breed dogs under 20 pounds may pay as little as $19 per month, while breeds with higher health risks like Scottish Terriers can exceed $100. Pumpkin offers discounts for insuring multiple pets and for veterinary staff members. Choosing a higher deductible or 80% reimbursement (instead of 90%) will also reduce your premium.

Waiting Periods

Pumpkin's waiting periods vary by condition type. During the waiting period, any conditions that arise are considered pre-existing and will not be covered.

Condition Type	Waiting Period	Notes
Accidents	14 days	Starts day after purchase in most states
Illnesses	14 days	Same as accidents
Orthopedic (Dogs)	6 months	Covers joint/bone conditions after waiting period
Preventive Essentials	None	Benefits available immediately on enrollment

Claims Process

Filing a claim with Pumpkin is straightforward. After your vet visit, submit your itemized invoice through Pumpkin's online portal or mobile app. Pumpkin reviews the claim and reimburses you via direct deposit or check. The company aims to process claims quickly, though processing times can vary based on claim complexity and whether additional medical records are needed.

Pumpkin vs Lemonade Pet Insurance

Feature	Pumpkin	Lemonade
Reimbursement Options	80% or 90%	70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Range	$100 – $1,000	$100 – $500
Wellness Add-On	Preventive Essentials	Wellness package available
Claims Experience	Online portal + app	AI-powered instant claims
Standout Feature	Preventive Essentials (day-1 coverage)	Competitive base premiums
Annual Limit	Flexible including unlimited	Varies by plan

For pet owners who prioritize wellness coverage and flexible deductible options, Pumpkin may be the better choice. Lemonade may appeal more to those looking for lower base premiums and a streamlined digital experience. You can read our full for a detailed breakdown.

Pumpkin vs Spot Pet Insurance

Feature	Pumpkin	Spot
Reimbursement Options	80% or 90%	70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Range	$100 – $1,000	$100 – $1,000
Wellness Add-On	Preventive Essentials	Preventive care add-on
Accident-Only Plan	No	Yes
Annual Limit	Flexible including unlimited	Up to unlimited

The key differences come down to pricing by breed and location, and whether you need an accident-only plan (Spot offers one, Pumpkin does not). Pet owners should compare quotes directly for their specific pet. See our full for more details.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Up to 90% reimbursement rate — among the highest in the pet insurance industry
Preventive Essentials wellness add-on — covers annual exams, vaccines, and parasite tests with no waiting period
Unlimited annual coverage limit available — maximum protection against catastrophic vet bills
Flexible deductibles ($100–$1,000) — more options to control your monthly premium
Multi-pet and veterinary staff discounts

Cons

No accident-only plan — all policyholders must buy the full accident & illness package
14-day waiting period for all conditions — longer than competitors with shorter accident-only waits
6-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs — may be a drawback for breeds prone to joint issues
Higher-than-average premiums for some breeds — Scottish Terriers and similar high-risk breeds can exceed $100/mo

Who Is Pumpkin Best For?

Pumpkin is a strong choice for pet owners who want comprehensive accident and illness coverage combined with routine wellness care in a single provider. It is particularly well-suited for:

Multi-pet households looking to save with multi-pet discounts
Owners who want high reimbursement rates (90%) and unlimited annual limits
Pet parents who value preventive care alongside insurance coverage

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly option or need an accident-only plan, other providers may be a better fit.

Pumpkin Pet Insurance