Pumpkin pet insurance review 2026: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Pumpkin offers comprehensive accident and illness plans for dogs and cats. Plus, the accident and illness plan covers vet exam fees, which not all insurers pay for.
While Pumpkin offers better coverage than some of its competitors, it doesn't have the best rates. Pumpkin has higher-than-average pet insurance premiums compared to some of the other pet insurance companies we reviewed. Because of that, it may not be the most budget-friendly option for pet parents, but there are other details to consider.
Learn more: The best pet insurance companies
Pumpkin pet insurance pros and cons
Pros
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Vet exam fees are covered under the accident and illness plan.
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Behavioral and alternative therapy are covered without an add-on.
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Accident and illness plan covers stem cell treatment.
Cons
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Premiums are more expensive than average.
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The 14-day waiting period for accidents is longer than most other insurers.
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There's no direct vet pay option.
Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it?
Pumpkin pet insurance details
Here are some features you should consider when shopping for pet insurance:
Pumpkin pet insurance basics
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Annual maximum limit choices for dogs: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, Unlimited
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Annual maximum limit choices for cats: $5,000, $7,000, $15,000, Unlimited
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Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $1,000
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Reimbursement choices: 80%, 90%
Pumpkin waiting periods
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For accident coverage: 14 days
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For illness coverage: 14 days
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Special waiting period: None
Pumpkin age restrictions for buying a new policy
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Minimum pet age: 8 weeks
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Maximum pet age: None
Learn more: Pet insurance with no waiting period: How it works
What does Pumpkin pet insurance cover?
Pumpkin provides robust coverage under its accident and illness plan. The base policy covers a wide variety of conditions and services, including behavioral therapy, alternative therapy, microchipping, stem cell treatment, and end-of-life care.
Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers
Pumpkin’s accident and illness policy
Pumpkin offers a single accident and illness pet insurance policy. The annual limit, reimbursement amount, and deductible vary depending on the coverage you select. Here are some of the things that are covered under the plan:
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Vet exam fees for accidents and illnesses
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Hereditary and congenital conditions
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Diagnostic testing, including X-rays and MRIs
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Dental treatment for accidents and illnesses
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Cancer
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Behavioral therapy
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Alternative therapy
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Euthanasia
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Prescription food and supplements (for eligible illness or treatment)
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Stem cell treatment
Learn more: Pancreatitis in dogs: Does pet insurance cover it?
Pumpkin’s pet wellness plan
Pumpkin offers three wellness plans through the Pumpkin Wellness Club — Essential, Premium, and Elite. These plans can cover certain types of routine care, like vaccines, annual exams, and blood tests, up to an annual limit. Some care, like spaying/neutering, may not be covered by all plans.
Pumpkin Wellness Club members get access to a 24/7 vet helpline through PawSupport. You can also get special discounts on top pet brands, like Basepaws genetic testing for cats and dogs and Ollie dog food (valued at more than $200).
Pumpkin’s dog wellness plans
Pumpkin’s dog wellness plans start at $19.95 per month and cover the following services.
Pumpkin’s cat wellness plans
Pumpkin’s cat wellness plans start at $14.95 per month and cover these expenses.
Learn more: Why a pet wellness plan is worth considering
Does Pumpkin cover preexisting conditions?
Pumpkin doesn’t cover any preexisting conditions. However, Pumpkin will cover curable preexisting conditions if your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 180 days. Knee and hind leg ligament issues are excluded, though.
Learn more: Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions
Does Pumpkin pet insurance include access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line?
Pumpkin’s accident and illness policy doesn’t include access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line. However, Pumpkin Wellness Club members get access to a 24/7 vet helpline powered by PawSupport.
What does Pumpkin pet insurance not cover?
Pumpkin’s pet insurance policies won’t cover the following expenses:
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Boarding
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Breeding and pregnancy
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Cosmetic procedures
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Preexisting conditions (unless they're considered curable)
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Experimental treatment
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Grooming
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Illness or injury from intentional or negligent activities
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Organ transplants
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Training
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Prescription food not needed to treat an injury or illness
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Ligament and knee conditions
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Funeral services (burial, urns, etc.)
Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide
Can I increase or decrease my coverage during the policy term?
You can increase or decrease your coverage during the policy term, but there are limitations.
According to Pumpkin’s sample policy, any change in coverage is subject to underwriting and approval. If you increase or decrease coverage, you might have to cancel your policy and purchase a new one. In that case, you would be subject to new waiting periods, and any conditions that occurred before the new policy starts would be considered preexisting.
How much does Pumpkin pet insurance cost?
Pumpkin has higher pet insurance premiums than many other insurers. But it’s important to remember that pet insurance rates depend on factors like your pet’s breed and age, location, coverage limits, and deductible.
Learn more: How much does pet insurance cost?
Average pet insurance costs for a $5,000 annual limit
Pumpkin’s average rate for a pet insurance policy with $5,000 in annual coverage is $95.22. Here’s how Pumpkin’s average rate compares to competitor averages.
Average pet insurance costs for unlimited annual coverage
For unlimited coverage, Pumpkin’s average premium is $197.08. The table below shows the average rate from Pumpkin and other pet insurers that offer unlimited annual coverage plans.
Learn more: How to compare pet insurance quotes
Does Pumpkin have a multi-pet discount?
Yes, Pumpkin offers a 10% discount if you insure more than one pet. You’ll save 10% with each additional dog or cat you enroll. Pumpkin’s multi-pet discount is comparable to most other insurers’ multi-pet discounts, which typically offer savings of 5% to 10%.
Can Pumpkin pet insurance pay the vet directly?
No, Pumpkin can’t pay the vet directly for most covered services. Typically, you’ll have to pay the vet out of pocket and submit your invoice for reimbursement.
However, if your pet needs critical care and treatment is expected to cost more than $1,000, Pumpkin can pay the bill up front through PumpkinNow. It can cover up to 90% of eligible claims in just 15 minutes before you pay the vet. PumpkinNow is included on all Pumpkin insurance plans.
Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly
How to file a claim with Pumpkin
Here’s the process for filing pet insurance claims with Pumpkin:
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Submit a claim online: Sign in to your Pumpkin member portal and click “Claims.” Fill out the claim information and upload a copy of your vet invoice with your pet’s medical records.
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Send a claim via email: Download the claim form through your member portal, fill it out, and email it with your vet invoice to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . -
Get help with claims: If you have questions about a claim or need help, you can call 866‑273‑6369 or email
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Dispute a claim: If you want to dispute a denied claim, you can submit a written appeal request with your claim number, vet records, and supporting documentation. You’ll get a decision within 30 days from the date your appeal is received.
How long do I have to submit claims to Pumpkin?
You must submit claims to Pumpkin within 270 days from the date of service.
How fast does Pumpkin pay pet insurance claims?
Pumpkin pays most accident and illness claims in a few days. Eligible claims submitted through PumpkinNow are paid in around 15 minutes, so you can get reimbursed before you pay the vet.
Pumpkin’s mobile app
Pumpkin doesn’t have a mobile app, but you can submit claims, change your profile, and update your billing information through the online member portal, which is optimized for mobile.
Pumpkin pet insurance FAQs
Where is Pumpkin pet insurance available?
Pumpkin offers pet insurance plans in all 50 states.
Does Pumpkin require an exam?
No, Pumpkin doesn’t require a vet exam prior to enrollment.
How do I contact Pumpkin customer service?
Here’s how you can get in touch with Pumpkin’s customer service:
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Phone: Call 866‑273‑6369 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST)
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Email:
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Live chat: Chat with a live agent online Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
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Mailing address: Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc., PO Box 307, Broadway, NJ 08808-0307
How do I cancel a Pumpkin policy?
To cancel a Pumpkin pet insurance policy, you should call or email the company with your requested cancellation date. You’ll receive a refund on any premiums you’ve already paid after the cancellation date. If you cancel in the first 30 days and you haven’t filed any claims, you’ll receive a full refund.
Tim Manni and Jamie Young edited this article.
Methodology
We researched the coverage details and prices for 15 pet insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each pet insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best pet insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated.
Coverage types: 40% of score. We examined the coverage provided by the base policy without the extra cost of add-ons. This encompassed coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, dental illness, euthanasia or end-of-life expenses, exotic pets, hereditary and congenital conditions, preexisting conditions, prescription food and supplements, veterinary exam fees, and advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets.
Average cost: 30% of score. We evaluated costs in five states for $5,000 and unlimited coverage for a mixed-breed dog (age 1), a French bulldog (age 5), and a Labrador retriever (age 8).
Unlimited coverage option: 10% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered an unlimited annual limit (or a $100,000 limit), which gives pet owners the most robust financial protection possible in the event of a catastrophic pet medical issue.
Direct payments to the veterinarian: 5% of score. We gave points to pet insurers that state on their websites that they accommodate direct vet payments.
No special waiting periods for special conditions: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers have no waiting periods for special conditions, such as cruciate ligament conditions.
Routine wellness plan: 5% of score. Companies that offer a routine wellness plan in addition to pet insurance received points.
Multi-pet discount: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered a discount for insuring multiple pets.
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