Pets Best Pet Insurance Review 2024 (2024)

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Pets Best offers insurance for dogs and cats with the option for unlimited annual coverage and an available add-on plan for wellness care. Optional vet direct pay is also available, making this company unique from other pet insurance providers.

Pets Best Pet Insurance

Get quotes

compare policies and rates with Petted

Insider’s Rating

4.89/5

Pros

  • Offers pet insurance with unlimited coverage
  • Offers deductibles of as low as $50 and as high as $1,000 annually
  • Company partners with large insurance companies like GEICO
  • Rates can be extremely affordable for pets of all breeds
  • Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC

Cons

  • Alternative and holistic treatments may not be included
  • Customer reviews indicate claims processing may take longer

Pets Best Pet Insurance

Pets Best pet insurance was founded in 2005 by practicing veterinarian Dr. Jack Stephens. After an encounter with the child of a family who had their beloved pet euthanized when they couldn't afford veterinary treatment, Dr. Stephens moved into the pet insurance industry to reduce euthanasia based solely on economic limits.

The pet insurance provider now offers pet plans for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Pet parents can also purchase pet wellness plans to take the bite out of regular vet bills over time. The most significant benefits include the company's unlimited annual and lifetime coverage and direct veterinarian payment. So pet parents don't need to use Care Credit or other loans to bridge the gap between the initial payment and reimbursement.

If you're searching for pet insurance and considering Pets Best for your furry friend, read more about this provider's plans for dogs and cats, the cost, and coverage options.

Pets Best Pet Insurance Cost

Comprehensive pet insurance with coverage for accidents and illnesses ranges from $35 to $58 per month for dogs and $22 to $46 per month for cats. Its accident-only plans cost $9 per month for most dogs and $6 per month for the average cat. The company website says premiums are based on the following factors:

  • Your dog or cat's age
  • Your dog or cat's breed
  • Your location
  • Your plan's annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement level

We got quotes for several pet profiles to give you an idea of how much comprehensive coverage would cost for various dogs and cats. The prices we were offered are detailed below:

Average Pet Insurance Costs for Dogs

Dogs

Essential w/ unlimited annual coverage, $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement

Plus w/ unlimited annual coverage, $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement

Elite w/ unlimited annual coverage, $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement

Pit bull mix, 3F

$23.98/month

$27.98/month

$29.28/month

Dachshund, 7F

$45.03/month

$52.54/month

$54.98/month

Mixed breed, 1M

$23.98/month

$27.98/month

$29.28/month

Average Pet Insurance Costs for Cats

Cats

Essential w/ unlimited annual coverage, $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement

Plus w/ unlimited annual coverage, $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement

Elite w/ unlimited annual coverage, $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement

Domestic short hair, 2M

$14.20/month

$16.56/month

$17.33/month

Burmese, 5M

$15.62/month

$18.22/month

$19.06/month

Mixed breed, 4F

$14.20/month

$16.56/month

$17.33/month

Based on our analysis, Pets Best rates are competitive. After all, the quotes we received were for plans with unlimited coverage, a low $200 deductible, and 90% reimbursement.

Rates from this pet insurance provider may be higher than some competitors' premiums. But its coverage may prove more valuable if your pet becomes sick or injured and you must use it. In addition, it is one of the more affordable pet insurance providers compared to other unlimited options.

How to File a Claim With Pets Best

One stand-out benefit of Pets Best Pet Insurance is its direct vet pay option, eliminating the middle step of making payment and waiting for reimbursement. Pet parents who choose this option send a signed copy of the company's veterinarian reimbursement release form and a completed claim form. Payment should be made to the vet based on your reimbursement level and deductible. But after you file a pet insurance claim, eligible reimbursement amounts are sent directly to your veterinarian's office.

Of course, your veterinarian has to agree to receive direct payment ahead of time. So this service is only available with some vets. More importantly, many veterinarians will ask you to guarantee your pet's medical bills, even if direct payment is allowed.

Customers always have the option to pay upfront and file for reimbursement. This ensures you can go to the vet of your choosing. Claims filing can be done online, through the Pets Best mobile app, or by fax or email. Remember you must send a completed claim form and a copy of eligible vet bills.

  • Claims filed by fax can be sent using the following phone number: 1-866-777-1434.
  • Claims sent over email can be forwarded to the following address: customercare@petsbest.com.

Numerous Reddit threads describe Pets Best dragging its feet or denying claims outright. The company often attributed denials to preexisting conditions customers were unaware of. It maintains an A+ rating with the BBB as issues brought to the BBB are largely resolved based on agents taking a "second look" at the claims and finding many were eligible for coverage.

Many factors contribute to denials. As such, we recommend working with your vet to ensure the documentation you submit is thorough and checks all the boxes. Then, if you need help getting an eligible claim paid, escalating your claim through the company or sites like BBB can move the process along.

Pets Best Pet Insurance Plans

Pets Best Pet Insurance offers comprehensive pet insurance plans for unexpected medical care after an injury or illness. Unfortunately, preexisting conditions become more common if you wait to sign your pet up for coverage.

Its plans have customizable annual limits and several deductible options. For example, you can choose between a yearly coverage limit of $5,000 or unlimited coverage. Deductibles range from $50 up to $1,000. You can also opt for a reimbursement of 70%, 80%, or 90%, depending on how much coverage you want.

It breaks its selection down to a basic "Essential" plan, a mid-tier "Plus" plan, and a top-tier "Elite" plan. However, pet parents can customize plans to meet their needs. All its accident and illness pet insurance plans cover the following:

  • Accidents
  • Illnesses
  • Chronic conditions
  • Cancer
  • Hereditary conditions
  • Congenital conditions
  • Emergency care

As you might expect, the Plus and Elite plans include a few more benefits overall. The chart below shows the coverage included in each tier.

Essential

Plus

Elite

Accidents, Illnesses, Cancer, Hereditary Conditions, Emergency Care, Surgeries, & Rx Meds

Yes

Yes

Yes

Accident & Illness Exam Fees

Yes

Yes

Rehabilitative, Acupuncture & Chiropractic Coverage

Yes

Customers can also buy accident-only pet insurance protection. This coverage is offered at a much lower cost and only pays for medical care resulting from accidents like broken bones or the ingestion of a lethal substance. Accident-only plans from Pets Best all come with a $10,000 annual limit, a $250 deductible, and a 90% reimbursement level.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

Pets Best offers an optional wellness coverage rider that can be added to its accident and illness plans with two tiers: a basic "EssentialWellness" plan and a more comprehensive "BestWellness" plan.

The EssentialWellness plan adds $16 per month to each pet insurance policy in most states ($14 in Washington) and includes the following benefits with no deductible:

  • $15 towards rabies prevention
  • $50 toward flea and tick prevention
  • $30 in heartworm protection
  • $30 in coverage for vaccination/Titer
  • $50 toward wellness exams
  • $25 towards heartworm test or FELV screens
  • $50 toward blood, fecal, or parasite exam coverage
  • $20 toward microchipping
  • $15 in coverage toward urinalysis or ERD
  • $20 in deworming benefits

In the meantime, the BestWellness plan adds $26 per month to each pet insurance policy in most states ($30 in Washington) and includes the following benefits with no deductible:

  • $150 toward spaying or neutering
  • $15 towards rabies prevention per year
  • $65 toward flea and tick prevention
  • $30 in heartworm protection
  • $40 in coverage for vaccination/Titer
  • $50 toward wellness exams
  • $30 towards heartworm test or FELV screens
  • $70 toward blood, fecal, or parasite exam coverage
  • $40 toward microchipping
  • $25 in coverage toward urinalysis or ERD
  • $20 in deworming benefits

Many Pets Best insurance reviews offer positive feedback on its accident and illness coverage. However, we also noted complaints about wellness and other exams not being covered, citing a connection to preexisting conditions.

This indicates pet parents should clarify what the company considers a "preexisting condition" for their pet early. But, more importantly, whatever pet insurance you choose, buying as soon as you bring your new family member home can minimize the range of preexisting conditions counted against you.

Pets Best Pet Insurance

Get quotes

compare policies and rates with Petted

Insider’s Rating

4.89/5

Pros

  • Offers pet insurance with unlimited coverage
  • Offers deductibles of as low as $50 and as high as $1,000 annually
  • Company partners with large insurance companies like GEICO
  • Rates can be extremely affordable for pets of all breeds
  • Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC

Cons

  • Alternative and holistic treatments may not be included
  • Customer reviews indicate claims processing may take longer

FAQs

Does Pets Best pay your vet directly?

Pets Best offers an optional direct vet pay option, with the insurer paying your vet directly. However, your veterinarian has to agree to it to qualify. So if you're concerned about paying upfront, we recommend verifying participation with your vet or Pets Best's customer service team.

Does Pets Best offer unlimited coverage?

Pets Best plans offer unlimited annual coverage pet insurance plans with up to 90% reimbursement.

What deductible options do Pets Best plans offer?

Its pet insurance deductibles range from $50 up to $1,000. Pet parents should choose a deductible they can comfortably pay before coverage kicks in.

What company pays my claims if I file through Pets Best?

Pets Best pays claims filed through Pets Best, and policies are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company – both Independence Pet Holdings (IPH) companies.

Compare Pets Best Pet Insurance

See how Pets Best compares to three other options for pet insurance coverage: Figo, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide.

Pets Best vs. Figo Pet Insurance

Figo Pet Insurance pet insurance policies offer $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited annual coverage. Deductible options range from $100 to $750, and reimbursement options range from 70% to 100%. However, 100% reimbursement plans max out at $10,000 annual limits.

Figo also offers a wellness care add-on with additional coverage for vet exam fees. One stand-out benefit from Figo is its optional "Extra Care Pack," which includes perks like lost pet advertising award benefits, a vacation cancellation benefit, up to $250 in coverage for final respects, and a pet loss or theft benefit worth up to $150. Figo also offers a "Pet Cloud" mobile app organizing your pet's medical history and care in one place.

Depending on what plan you choose, Figo may be pricier than Pets Best. However, it also offers various benefits, including a 100% reimbursement option of up to $10,000 annually that you won't find with Pets Best.

Figo Pet Insurance Review

Pets Best vs. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance pet plans come with no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, and the company says most of its claims are processed within two days. However, the maximum age limit for cats and dogs to be enrolled in Healthy Paws coverage is 14. Pets registered before age 14 will remain covered if pet parents make premium payments.

Healthy Paws plans have unlimited annual coverage, but you can choose a deductible of $100, $250, or $500 with a reimbursement option of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Interestingly, HealthyPaws does not offer the opportunity to select a wellness plan or coverage for routine care. Its website explains this, stating pet parents can plan and budget for wellness-related costs, and pet insurance is meant to help parents prepare for the unexpected.

Healthy Paws rates are higher than Pets Best. However, the company is also one of the most reputable pet insurance companies we've seen, making regular donations to homeless pets. In addition, the pet insurance reviews we saw for Healthy Paws were much more positive.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

Pets Best vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance

Nationwide Pet Insurance is another insurance company offering pet insurance plans starting at $35 monthly. However, its plans can reimburse you based on a percentage of your invoice or a set benefits schedule.

Generally speaking, Nationwide pet insurance plans include coverage for major medical expenses, whole pet coverage, or major medical coverage with a wellness care add-on. Most plans come with a $250 deductible. However, the major medical plans have defined annual limits per condition. However, the yearly max benefit is $10,000, with 50% to 70% reimbursement options.

The one thing Nationwide has going for it is its exotic pet coverage. We saw several veterinary discount plans for exotic pets. But Nationwide pet insurance was the only one we saw offering pet insurance to be used with any vet for unusual pets. When it comes to dog and cat care, though, Pets Best is the clear winner between the two.

Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Pets Best

We analyzed dozens of pet insurance providers offering policies in the United States. We compared competitors based on annual or lifetime coverage limits (if any), deductible amounts, and reimbursement levels. Companies allowing pet owners to tailor coverage to their needs were ranked higher.

We also looked at Pets Best insurance reviews on sites like TrustPilot and ConsumerAffairs to see what customers think and factor in unique experiences.

See the full methodology for how we rate pet insurance.

Pets Best Pet Insurance

Get quotes

compare policies and rates with Petted

Insider’s Rating

4.89/5

Pros

  • Offers pet insurance with unlimited coverage
  • Offers deductibles of as low as $50 and as high as $1,000 annually
  • Company partners with large insurance companies like GEICO
  • Rates can be extremely affordable for pets of all breeds
  • Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC

Cons

  • Alternative and holistic treatments may not be included
  • Customer reviews indicate claims processing may take longer
Holly Johnson

Freelance Writer

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert, award-winning writer, and mother of two who is obsessed with frugality, budgeting, and travel. In addition to serving as contributing editor for The Simple Dollar and writing for publications such as Bankrate, U.S. News and World Report Travel, and Travel Pulse, Johnson ownsClub Thriftyand is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."

Evelyn He

Compliance and Operations Associate

Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.

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Pets Best Pet Insurance Review 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between pets best plus and elite? ›

This more expansive Plus covers everything on the Essential plan, plus vet exam fees. Pets Best's top-tier Elite plan covers everything on the Plus plan, as well as acupuncture, chiropractic care and physical rehab.

How long has Pets Best Insurance been in business? ›

Established in 2005. Pets Best Insurance is a pet health insurance company that was founded by Dr. Jack Stephens-- the very veterinarian who pioneered pet insurance in the US in the early 1980s.

Do pets best have a limit? ›

No, our Accident and Illness plans do not use a benefit schedule, which is a list that puts a limit on what each type of treatment can cost. Instead, we reimburse your choice of up to 70%, 80%, or 90% of your actual vet bill after meeting your chosen deductible, up to your plan's maximum benefit.

Do pets best cover chronic illness? ›

Ongoing & chronic conditions

This means your pet will still be covered up to your plan's maximum benefit, even if treatment spans many months or years.

What is the best level of pet insurance? ›

Lifetime policies

These policies cover your pet for their entire life, taking care of expenses for both illnesses and injuries. Although they are the most expensive option, they offer the highest level of protection, with coverage limits that reset annually upon policy renewal.

How does pet best reimbursement work? ›

Reimbursement will be made directly to the bank account of your choosing if your direct deposit information has been added to your policy. If you have not entered your bank information through your Pets Best Customer Portal, the payment will be made by check and mailed to the address on file.

Are pets best owned by Synchrony? ›

Pets Best is a leading pet insurance provider in the United States and has shown strong growth since its acquisition by Synchrony in 2019. As part of the IPH family, Pets Best will continue to operate under the same brand and leadership.

Who are pets best owned by? ›

Synchrony (NYSE:SYF), a premier consumer financial services company, has acquired Pets Best, a pet health insurance industry pioneer.

Does all pet insurance go up every year? ›

Pet insurance often increases every year, though not always. Understanding the reasons behind these increases can help you make informed and wise decisions about your pet's coverage.

Do Pets Best need an exam? ›

Pets Best offers some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry and we don't require an exam to enroll.

Does pet insurance cover MRI? ›

Depending on your pet's needs, your veterinarian might recommend a CT scan or x-ray instead of an MRI. Like MRIs, pet insurance typically covers both of those procedures. Pet insurance typically covers the cost as long as the scans do not relate to a pre-existing condition.

What is the number one rated pet? ›

1) Dogs. Of course dogs would be at the top of this list! Everyone loves dogs and they're the ultimate family pet.

How long do you have to submit claims to Pets Best? ›

You must submit a complete claim form and supporting paid invoice(s) within 180 days of the treatment date.

What is considered a pre-existing condition for pet insurance? ›

A pre-existing condition for cat or dog insurance is typically an illness or injury your pet shows signs of any time before the end of your pet insurance waiting period. This may include conditions not yet diagnosed by a veterinarian.

Does Pets Best cover hip dysplasia? ›

Pets Best Pet Health Insurance, for example, has plans for dogs that can cover a range of costs, including routine care, accidents, illnesses, surgeries and much more. Hip dysplasia surgery—even costly hip replacement surgery—would also be covered under a Pets Best plan.

Is pet Plus good for dogs? ›

PET Plus is the best thing i have given my dogs since changing to a raw meat diet. My 14 year old Golden Doodle has had Pet Plus for years added to his food. He is a healthy boy and loves life. We have been using PET Plus for approximately 3 years.

What is the top dog plus package at Petsmart? ›

Ask about our Top Dog Plus package at your next appointment! This is an add-on to a groom package that includes, nail grinding, toothbrushing, upgraded shampoo and conditioner tailored to your pets coat and skin.

What is the difference between pet Tab and pet Tab Plus? ›

Pet-Tabs are formulated with 17 essential vitamins and minerals for puppies and dogs of all sizes and life stages. Pet-Tabs Plus are formulated with 20 essential vitamins and minerals for dogs of all sizes with special nutritional needs.

What is the difference between Purina Pro Plan? ›

Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE are both science-based pet food brands offering super premium nutrition. Pro Plan offers a broader range of formulas—more than 160 formulas, compared to 50-plus formulas for Purina ONE. The extensive array of Pro Plan formulas provides more specific breed size and special need choices.

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