Spot Pet Insurance is the "Swiss Army Knife" of pet insurance. Its standout feature is extreme customizability; you can mix and match coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates to build a plan that fits any budget. With no upper age limit for enrollment and coverage for "cured" pre-existing conditions (a rarity), it is an excellent choice for older pets or those with past health scares. However, this flexibility comes at a price: Spot can be more expensive than budget options like Lemonade if you select the unlimited coverage tier.

At a Glance

Policy Types: Accident-Only OR Accident & Illness
Annual Coverage Limits: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000 (Annual)
Waiting Periods: 14 days for Accidents & Illnesses
Age Limits: Minimum 8 weeks; No upper age limit
Network: Any licensed vet in the US or Canada
Underwriter: United States Fire Insurance Company (Crum & Forster)

Pros & Cons

Pros

Customizability: Most insurers offer 2 or 3 options. Spot offers 7 annual limit options and 5 deductible options. This allows you to fine-tune your monthly premium to the exact dollar you can afford.
No Upper Age Limit: Many insurers won't enroll dogs over 10 or 12 years old. Spot accepts pets at any age, making it a top pick for senior rescues.
"Cured" Pre-Existing Conditions: Spot covers pre-existing conditions if they have been cured and symptom-free for 180 days (with the exception of knee/ligament issues). Most competitors ban pre-existing conditions for life.
Microchipping Included: The base plan covers microchip implantation, whereas most competitors charge extra or exclude it.
Preventative Care Options: You can add "Gold" or "Platinum" wellness riders to cover routine vet visits, vaccines, and dental cleaning.

Cons

14-Day Accident Wait: A 14-day waiting period for accidents is slow. Competitors like Lemonade (2 days) or Embrace (2 days) cover broken legs and swallowed toys much faster after you sign up.
No Direct Pay: You must pay the vet upfront and wait for reimbursement (usually 7-10 days). Spot does not pay the vet directly like Trupanion.
Pricey Unlimited Plans: While their lower-tier plans are affordable, their "Unlimited" annual coverage option is often significantly more expensive than competitors like Healthy Paws.

Overview

Spot Pet Insurance is a newer player (launched in 2019), fronted by celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan. It runs on the Crum & Forster insurance backend (the same engine used by ASPCA Pet Insurance and Pumpkin). This means it has a robust, proven claims process. Spot differentiates itself by offering the widest range of coverage choices in the industry, allowing pet owners to prioritize either low premiums or maximum protection.

Coverage Details

Accident & Illness Plan: Covers the big stuff—cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia, surgery, hospitalization, X-rays, and prescription meds. Uniquely, Spot also covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic) and behavioral issues (anxiety, aggression) in its base plan.
Accident-Only Plan: A cheaper alternative that only covers injuries (broken bones, snake bites, car accidents). It does not cover sickness.
Preventative Care Riders:
- **Gold ($9.95/mo est):** Covers ~$250/year of basic wellness (exams, vaccines).
- **Platinum ($24.95/mo est):** Covers ~$450/year (adds dental cleaning and blood tests).

Fees & Requirements

Premiums: Highly variable. A mixed-breed puppy might cost $25/mo for a budget plan or $80/mo for a platinum plan.
Transaction Fee: Some users report a small monthly transaction fee ($2-$3) depending on the state.
Exam Requirement: You generally do not need a new exam to enroll, but you must provide medical records to establish a baseline.

Customer Experience

Claims Process: Claims are submitted via the app or website. Processing typically takes 10-14 days, which is average for the industry but slower than Lemonade's "AI-driven" speed.
24/7 Vet Telehealth: All policyholders get access to a 24/7 pet health helpline to ask questions about symptoms before rushing to the ER.

Who It’s Best For

Owners of Older Pets: If you are adopting a 12-year-old dog, Spot is one of the few companies that will sell you a new policy.
Budget Micromanagers: If you need your bill to be exactly $34/month, Spot’s 7 limit options and 5 deductible options let you toggle the dials until the price is right.
Pets with "Past" Issues: If your dog had an ear infection two years ago but is fine now, Spot will cover ear infections in the future (after the 180-day cure period). Many competitors would permanently exclude "ears."

Who Should Skip It

Those Needing Immediate Coverage: If you are worried about your clumsy puppy breaking a leg this week, the 14-day accident waiting period is too long. Choose Embrace (2 days).
Cash-Strapped Owners: Since Spot doesn't pay the vet directly, you'll need a credit card or savings to pay the $3,000 surgery bill upfront while you wait for Spot to send you a check.
Preventative Care Seekers: The wellness riders (Gold/Platinum) have per-item caps (e.g., only $50 for a wellness exam). Often, you pay more in monthly premiums for the rider than you get back in benefits.

Bottom Line Verdict

Spot Pet Insurance is the most flexible insurer on the market. It doesn't force you into a "one size fits all" box. While it isn't the cheapest option for unlimited coverage, its forgiving stance on cured pre-existing conditions and lack of age limits make it the best choice for rescue pets and seniors.