Our Thoughts on Costco Pet Insurance
Costco is a major wholesale members-only club that partnered with Figo Pet Insurance in 2021, offering Costco members an exclusive 15% discount on pet policies. Figo earned 4.7 out of 5 stars based on our objective rating methodology, and we believe existing Costco members can find value in the company’s coverage and service when buying a Figo plan with Costco benefits.
Figo is a Chicago-based pet insurance provider that offers good coverage, quality customer service, fast claims processing and transparent policies at below-average prices. Costco members purchasing a pet insurance policy can expect the same benefits as other Figo policyholders but at a lower price.
Costco Pet Insurance, administered by Figo, offers several ways to customize plans, including a 100% reimbursement rate. Policies include most standard veterinary services, but exam fees and prescription food come at an added monthly cost. Although Costco has strong plans overall, it offers lower reimbursements for wellness plans than some other options.
Pros and Cons of Costco Pet Insurance
How Costco Scored in Our Methodology
After analyzing Costco’s pet insurance using our pet insurance methodology, the company scored 4.7 out of 5 stars. Costco uses Figo to administer pet insurance policies and earned points based on our cost, plans, custom coverage levels, waiting periods and eligible age limit rating factors.
Costco Pet Insurance Plans and Pricing
Costco members can buy a pet insurance plan by calling or texting customer service or visiting the Costco website. Although the website redirects customers to Figo’s website to sign up, the initial page includes a Costco member discount for the quote and outlines what is and is not covered. Aside from the discount, plan options for Costco members are identical to what Figo offers.
How Much Does Costco Pet Insurance Cost?
Costco runs its pet insurance plans through Figo, a standard pet insurance company. While it offers the same coverage as Figo, the price differs — Costco members can save hundreds of dollars in premiums each year compared to standard Figo policyholders.
According to quotes we collected for sample pets in each state, the average monthly cost of a Figo plan is $25 for cats and $54 for dogs. Costco has a 15% discount on Figo policies for Gold Star and Business Members. For Executive Members, it waives the $15 enrollment fee. Factoring in the discount, Costco members can expect to pay an average of $21 per month for cats and $46 for dogs. Costco members are also eligible for a 5% multi-pet discount for each additional pet added to the policy.
Accident and Illness | Wellness Basic | Wellness Plus | |
Average monthly cost* | $33 | $10 | $17 |
Summary | A base policy that covers pet-related accidents and illnesses, including a 15% Costco membership discount. | A basic wellness plan that covers routine care such as annual vet visits, up to $135 per year. | A more comprehensive wellness plan that includes a higher reimbursement benefit of $250 per year. |
*We calculated average costs using the following sample pets: a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog, a 2-year-old golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat and a 2-year-old Siamese cat.
Costs can vary considerably for Costco members and depend on their location and pet’s species, age, and breed. Policyholders may also see annual plan increases based on inflation and as their pets age. However, Figo says it will not raise rates in response to claims history.
Costco Pet Insurance, administered by Figo, offers members high-level coverage at a discounted rate. Costco plans average $33 per month, which includes a 15% discount, compared to the industry average of $49 per month.
What Does Costco Pet Insurance Cover?
Costco provides a base accident and illness plan with several ways to customize coverage with optional riders. During enrollment, the quote tool suggests plan combinations across three coverage levels: Popular, Higher Coverage and Value Plus. Each level includes a varying reimbursement rate, deductible and annual coverage limit. Pet owners can also use the custom plan button to set their own parameters.
Accident and Illness Plan
Costco has an accident and illness plan available in three tiers that cover pet-related injuries, accidents and illnesses. Here is a breakdown of each coverage level:
Popular | Higher Coverage | Value Plus | |
Reimbursement rate | 80% | 90% | 70% |
Deductible | $250 | $500 | $500 |
Annual coverage limit | $10,000 | Unlimited | $10,000 |
Costco’s accident and illness policy covers the following conditions and related services, regardless of the chosen coverage tier.
- Accidental injuries
- Acute illnesses
- Chronic diseases
- Dental injuries and illnesses
- Hereditary, breed-related and congenital conditions
- Orthopedic conditions
- Cancer treatments
- Complementary and alternative therapies
- Diagnostic tests
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medications
- Prosthetics
- Rehabilitation and mobility devices
- Specialty treatments
- Stem cell therapy
- Surgeries
Like all pet insurance providers, Costco will not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition causes symptoms or was diagnosed by a veterinarian before a pet enrolled in coverage — or one that occurred during a waiting period.
Costco plans also exclude elective and cosmetic procedures, experimental therapies, parasite treatments and cloning. You can reference a sample Figo plan to learn more about coverage and exclusions.
Wellness Coverage
Pet parents can outfit a Costco plan with optional wellness coverage, which covers routine services such as annual vet exams and vaccinations. These plans cost a fixed monthly amount and reimburse pet owners according to a predetermined fee schedule.
Costco has two wellness plans, providing up to $135 or $250 in annual reimbursements. Compared to other providers, reimbursement benefits are relatively low. We recommend weighing how much you may pay for a wellness plan compared to your pet’s annual routine care costs when determining if coverage is worth it.
Each plan has a separate monthly cost — Wellness Basic costs $10 and Wellness Plus costs $17 — and you can buy coverage for individual service options.
Service | Cost Under Wellness Basic | Cost Under Wellness Plus |
Wellness exams | $20 | $40 |
Vaccines | $30 | $50 |
Spay, neuter or teeth cleaning | $40 | $75 |
Screening tests | $20 | $45 |
Microchip or health certificate | $15 | $30 |
Deworming | $10 | $10 |
Optional Add-On Coverage
Although Costco plans do not cover fees related to veterinary exams or consultations, policyholders can add coverage during the online enrollment process. For a 5-year-old, medium-sized mixed-breed dog, the add-on costs $7 per month. It also includes coverage for prescription food when used to treat a covered condition.
The company previously offered another add-on option called the “Extra Care Pack” but it has been removed from the online quote tool. Customers desiring this option can call customer service to add it shortly after enrollment or during annual policy renewal. It covers costs related to the following:
- Pet cremation and burial
- Lost pet advertising and rewards
- Vacation cancellation due to a pet injury or illness
- Pet theft
- Emergency boarding fees
- Third-party property damage liability
Customizable Coverage Levels
Costco Pet Insurance, administered by Figo, allows pet owners to choose between several pre-set coverage levels or customize their policy parameters. Costco recommends customers choose the highest coverage level within their budget at enrollment because you can decrease — but not increase — coverage at each annual renewal.
Deductible Options
The deductible options available at enrollment differ based on a pet’s age. While deductibles range from $100 to $1,500, customers are given three choices within this range during enrollment. The company offers the lowest deductibles to pets under 5 years old while those 10 years and older have the highest deductible options.
Reimbursement Rates
Costco reimbursement rates are among the most flexible on the market, based on our comprehensive review. Customers can choose from 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% reimbursement rates. However, choosing a full 100% reimbursement is subject to higher deductibles and lower annual limits than with a lower rate.
Annual Limit Options
Costco plans, administered by Figo, have three annual limit choices: $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited. Costco plans do not impose per-incident or lifetime maximum limits.
Policy Sign-Up, Claims Filing and Payout Processes
Costco members who want to buy pet insurance can sign up by contacting Costco customer service or visiting the Costco website. There, customers will find a link that directs them to Figo and Costco’s joint quote and enrollment page. After choosing a coverage level, deductible, reimbursement rate and optional add-ons, customers can apply their Costco discount and see how much they save on annual premiums.
Also on the enrollment page, pet owners can review policy inclusions and exclusions, including the opportunity to review a sample policy. Throughout the sign-up process, the Figo customer care team is available via website chat, text or phone call if assistance is needed.
Once enrollment is complete, the plan is completely administered by Figo. New customers receive sign-up emails with directions to download Figo’s award-winning Pet Cloud app and set up an online account. Through this account, policyholders can upload medical records, which allows the Figo team to review your pet’s health history and determine if it has pre-existing conditions. Customers can also use the app to contact a 24/7 vet helpline and connect with other pet owners.
To file a claim, policyholders can open the app or log in to their online account. The company’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Evie, walks pet owners through the claims process, including document upload, and gives customers a timeline for expected completion. Claim status updates are also available in the app or via email.
Costco reviews and reimburses most customer claims in only a few days, offering payment via direct deposit or check. If additional documentation is needed, the Figo care team will reach out directly to obtain vet notes and records. Customers can also submit pre-approval requests before filing large claims.
Costco and Figo customers typically find the sign-up and claims process easy to navigate with the Pet Cloud app, based on our analysis of Trustpilot customer reviews. Some reviewers noted vague policy language and were not sure what their plan covered, but also said customer service representatives would answer questions at any time. As we worked on this review, we reached out to customer care via web chat and got an immediate and helpful response from a real, live human.
Costco Pet Insurance Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions
Costco’s accident and illness plan has a one-day waiting period for accidents, one of the shortest on the market — and customers can get it waived in some states. Additional waiting periods include 14 days for illnesses and six months for orthopedic injuries. Wellness plan claims are not subject to a waiting period.
Policyholders can seek a veterinary exam shortly after enrollment to “certify” their pet’s knees and waive the six-month waiting period for knee ligament injuries. However, Costco has no waiver for hip dysplasia coverage.
Costco plans do not have an upper age limit for enrollment, making it a considerable choice for senior pets enrolling for the first time or switching from another provider. Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll, and owners must already own the pet to open a policy. In other words, if you are adopting a dog, it will not qualify for coverage until you have the animal in your possession.
What Customers Think About Costco Pet Insurance
Costco partners with Figo to provide pet health coverage to its members. Although reviews for Costco-specific plans are not available, our analysis assumes pet owners enrolling through Costco will have similar experiences to other Figo customers.
We combed through Figo reviews on Trustpilot to identify the top likes and dislikes of real-world policyholders. Figo has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with 77% of consumers rating the company positively. However, 23% of customers gave Figo a star rating of three or under.
What Customers Like
- Fast claims processing and reimbursements: Although Figo states customers should allow several weeks for claims processing, several reviewers said they had reimbursements in their accounts within hours or days.
- Quality customer service: Some reviewers, such as this one, mentioned helpful and easy-to-reach customer service agents who demonstrated honesty and integrity.
- Top-rated mobile app: Figo’s app makes keeping vet records, filing claims and reaching the 24/7 free veterinary support line easy, based on some customer reviews.
- Costco discount: Costco customers seem to appreciate the members-only pricing they receive on their policies.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Premium increases: Like other pet insurance providers, Figo may periodically raise pet insurance premium rates as your pet gets older or to keep up with inflation.
- Claims denials: Some customers reported unfair claims denials, especially relating to pre-existing conditions.
- Minimal wellness reimbursements: Several reviewers complained about the wellness plan itemizations and low overall reimbursements.
We reached out to Costco for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Costco Pet Insurance vs. the Market
See how Costco Pet Insurance compares to other top providers in the table below.
Costco Pet Insurance vs. Lemonade
Lemonade and Costco each offer pet insurance plans at competitive prices, but note Costco administers its plans through Figo. Although Lemonade’s plan is priced lower than Costco’s, it includes fewer standard coverages. To match Costco’s coverage, Lemonade policyholders must opt for several add-ons that increase monthly premiums. Additionally, unlike Lemonade, Costco provides a 100% reimbursement option.
Both companies use AI to assist in claims processing, although Costco plans also use human customer service agents and claims adjusters.
Costco | Lemonade | |
Reimbursements | 70%–100% | 70%–90% |
Deductibles | $100–$1,500 | $100–$750 |
Annual limits | $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited | $5,000–$100,000 |
Average cost for dogs | $54 per month | $30 per month |
Average cost for cats | $25 per month | $16 per month |
Check out Lemonade’s website for a quote or read our full review to learn more.
Costco Pet Insurance vs. Spot
Costco and Spot are close competitors, each offering similarly comprehensive coverage. Costco policies, administered by Figo, cost less than Spot’s, but Spot includes exam fees while this coverage is only available with Costco for an additional monthly fee. Spot also offers a wide selection of deductible and annual limit options, while Costco’s policy options depend on the pet’s age at the time of enrollment.
Neither plan places an upper age limit on enrollment, making either a potentially good option for senior pets. Budget-minded Costco members may find the best value in a discounted Figo plan. However, those concerned about the company’s lengthy orthopedic waiting period may prefer Spot.
Costco | Spot | |
Reimbursements | 70%–100% | 70%–90% |
Deductibles | $100–$1,500 | $100–$1,000 |
Annual limits | $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited | $2,500–unlimited |
Average cost for dogs | $54 per month | $75 per month |
Average cost for cats | $25 per month | $34 per month |
Check out Spot’s website to get a quote or learn more by reading our complete Spot review.
Where Is Costco Pet Insurance Available?
While Figo is licensed to operate in all states, Costco membership availability may vary. Costco has warehouses located across the U.S. and in several other countries. However, not all states have a Costco. If you are located near a Costco and have a membership, you may be eligible for a discounted Figo plan. Check with your local warehouse, contact customer care, or visit the Costco pet insurance website to obtain a quote and determine if plans are available in your area.
Looking for pet insurance plans in your state? Check out our state guides to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costco Pet Insurance
Costco pet insurance is made possible by the company’s partnership with Figo, a pet insurance provider. Costco members who sign up through the retailer can get 15% off their pet’s Figo plan premiums.
Costco pet insurance has a six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. The insurer can waive the waiting period for knee injuries if a veterinarian certifies your pet as having healthy knees after sign-up. However, the waiver does not apply to hip dysplasia. If signs or symptoms occur before enrollment or during the waiting period, your pet will not have coverage in the future.
Figo administers Costco’s pet insurance plans. Customers with questions or who need help filing a claim can reach Figo’s customer care team from Monday to Saturday via phone call, text message, email or website chat.
To enroll in a Figo plan through Costco, visit the Costco Pet Insurance website and follow the prompts. The company will redirect you to Figo’s website and apply your discount. You can also contact Costco customer service for assistance with enrollment.