Pets Best Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
As a pet parent, the last thing you want is to have to choose between providing necessary medical treatment to your pet and destroying your family’s emergency fund. Therefore, when it comes to insuring your pet, you want to make sure you pick the best option for covering your furry friend’s medical needs.
With so many options for pet insurance available, it can be hard to sift through all the choices. Pets Best is one insurance provider that we think is worth considering.
Pets Best Pet Insurance Plans & Coverage
Pets Best offers customizable healthcare plans to make sure you find one to suit your needs. Whether you are on a strict budget or are looking to obtain the best possible level of coverage for your pet, there is something available for everyone. Routine care is not covered on the base level plans but is available as an add-on coverage for an additional fee. The cost of these plans depends on certain factors, such as where you live and your pet’s age and breed. The cost will also fluctuate depending on the annual limit, deductible, and amount of reimbursement chosen.
Plans and Costs
Pets Best currently offers one accident-only plan and three different levels of accident and illness protection. Routine care is covered under Pets Best’s add-on plans.
Accident-only plan:
- This plan only covers costs associated with accidents such as broken bones, animal bites, swallowed foreign bodies, open wounds, torn nails, and anything requiring stitches.
- Most budget-friendly option with plans starting at just $6/month for cats and kittens and $9/month for dogs and puppies.
- Doesn’t cover illnesses, diseases, cancer treatments, and pre-existing conditions.
Pets Best also offers a variety of accident and illness plans which it calls the BestBenefit plans. These plans range in coverage, starting with the essential plan, then the plus plan, and ending with the elite plan. The average price for Pets Best’s accident and illness coverage is around $34/month for cats and kittens and $47/month for dogs and puppies. Your monthly premium may vary based on your pet’s age and breed, as well as where you live.
Essential plan:
- This plan covers illnesses and accidents as well as cancer care, hereditary conditions, emergency care, surgeries, congenital conditions, and prescription medications.
Plus plan:
- Covers everything the essential plan covers as well as exam fees related to accidents and illnesses.
Elite plan:
- Top tier of coverage providing extras like rehabilitative care, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
If you are interested in purchasing wellness plans, those are available as add-on options, meaning you will pay an additional fee on top of the cost for your accident and illness plan. There are no annual deductibles for wellness plans, just a maximum annual benefit. The essential wellness plan runs at $16/month ($14/month for Washington state) and pays a total of $305 for annual benefits, including some vaccinations, wellness exams, and microchipping. The best wellness plan will run you about $26/month ($30 for Washington state) and gives you an annual benefit of $535 to cover things like teeth cleaning, spaying/neutering, flea prevention, wellness exam, parasite exam, microchipping, urinalysis, and deworming.
Samples of Prices for Four Species/Breeds
| Species/Breed | Sample Price for Medium Mixed Breed Dog | Sample Price for Golden Retriever (Dog) | Sample Price for Domestic Shorthair Cat | Sample Price for Domestic Mediumhair Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accident and Illness Plan | $24 | $31 | $14.21 | $14.21 |
| Accident and Illness Plan With Preventative Care | $52.01 | $59 | $42.21 | $42.21 |
| Accident and Illness Plan With Vet Fees and Physical Therapy Coverage | $29 | $38 | $17 | $17.35 |
Deductibles
Your annual deductible is customizable and ranges anywhere from $50-$1000. You can choose any deductible level you want in increments of 50, so for example, you can choose a $100, $150, $200, or $250 deductible and so on. Pets Best only has an annual deductible, not a per-incident deductible like some companies. In other words, you only have to pay the one-time annual deductible before Pets Best starts paying claims, not a deductible for every vet visit. However, there is no annual deductible with its wellness plans.
You can choose a $5,000 annual limit or an unlimited one. These factors can definitely affect your monthly premium and the amount of money you spend each year on vet bills. Reimbursement percentages for covered costs range from 70-90% .
Preventative Care Limits
Preventative care coverage is not always a given with pet insurance. Fortunately, Pets Best currently offers two different wellness plans that help cover costs associated with a yearly wellness exam and vaccinations, and preventative testing. The main difference between the two, other than the price, is that you are allotted different annual limits for certain wellness benefits. For example, in the EssentialWellness plan, you are given a $20 annual limit for microchipping. In the BestWellness plan, you are given a $40 annual limit for microchipping. We’ve included a table below with the most common preventative benefits to give you an idea of what the annual limits look like for each wellness plan.
| Covered Item | Annual Limits for EssentialWellness/BestWellness Plans |
|---|---|
| Wellness Exam | $50/$50 |
| Heartworm Test | $25/$30 |
| Internal Parasite or Fecal Test | $50/$70 |
| Blood work | $50/$70 |
| Three Vaccines | $30/$40 |
| Total | $210/$260 |
*The first cost is associated with the EssentialWellness plan. The second cost is associated with the BestWellness plan.
Coverage Exclusions
Like all pet insurance providers, Pets Best has a list of things that aren’t included in its coverage. Pre-existing conditions are the main exclusion, though according to Pets Best’s website, some conditions like a broken leg and kennel cough are not considered pre-existing once they are healed or cured.
Also, not covered in any of Pets Best plans are:
- Elective/Preventative procedures such as anal gland expression, tail docking, ear cropping, nail trimming, and declawing. (Some of these may have limited coverage in add-on wellness plans.)
- Parasites: The testing, treatment, and prevention of fleas, ticks, heartworms, scabies, and ear mites, to name a few parasites, are not included. (Limited coverage for testing and parasite prevention is available with the best wellness plan.)
- Non-veterinary expenses: Taxes, bathing, grooming, waste disposal fees, transportation fees, shipping and handling fees, and any service that isn’t overseen by a licensed vet.
- Herbal, holistic and experimental treatments.
Claims submitted before the waiting periods are over will also be denied. There is a three-day waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries.
Plan Customizations
Depending on your situation, Pets Best allows you to tailor your plan to suit your needs. It offers three different accident and illness plans, one accident-only plan, and two different levels of wellness plans. The coverage levels of these plans all vary, as does the price. Once you’ve picked the level of coverage you need, then you can determine the amount of annual deductible you want to pay per year. Deductible amounts are available in increments of $50. Also, you can choose between a $5,000 annual limit or an unlimited one (just know the price will be affected depending on which one you choose). Lastly, reimbursement levels range from 70-90% , and you can choose which one works best for you.
Discounts
Pets Best realizes every little bit helps when it comes to finances. That’s why it offers a 5% multiple pet discount allowing you to save money on your premium when insuring more than one pet. Also, if you pay your premium annually versus monthly or semi-annually, you will receive an additional discount. These small savings can add up over time, so if you’re fortunate enough to qualify for one, we suggest you take advantage.
How to File a Claim with Pets Best
Pet insurance works a little differently than human insurance in that you get reimbursed directly, not your vet. Basically, that means you pay for the vet bill out-of-pocket, and Pets Best will reimburse you after it approves your claim. Your first step in submitting a claim is to turn in your original paid invoice or proof of payment via the online portal or mobile app, or you can also visit the website and print out a claim form to send in by mail or fax.
Pets Best State Availability
The good news is that Pets Best insurance is available for purchase in all 50 states. While the coverage price may fluctuate from state to state, you can rest assured that its pet insurance coverage is available to you whether you live in Maryland, Wyoming, Oregon, or Tennessee.
However, one important thing to keep in mind is that just because insurance is available in all states that doesn’t mean the cost is the same. The cost of living varies greatly from state to state, so it only makes sense that veterinarian services and pet supplies will cost more in some states.
Pets Best Pet Insurance Customer Reviews
We know what Pets Best looks like on paper. Now let’s hear from some real-life customers and see what they thought of Pets Best insurance in terms of coverage, customer service, and expediency of claims. It’s important to keep in mind that there will always be some negative feedback no matter who the company is or the product that’s being reviewed. Since we are unbiased at Quartz, we’ve thrown in a couple of good — and not so good — testimonies, courtesy of Google reviews.
“This insurance has been so great for us and our dog. It has more than paid for itself this year. Premium is very reasonable, deductible easily met ($100 per year) and the 90% coverage has saved our finances and given us the freedom to make sure our pet has the best care in times of need. Highly recommend, the peace of mind alone is so worth it! The claims process is so easy and monthly auto-billing for premium costs simplifies bill pay. Thanks Pets Best!” —Justin & Emmiline L.
“I had Pets Best for several years. I liked the fact that I had access to a vet 24/7 if I had a concern. With that said, upon the death of my beloved fur baby, I no longer have this insurance. I will not recommend this insurance to anyone. It has been the most frustrating thing having to deal with the lack of customer service and the length of time to get your claim processed. At least I finally got paid….I am sure these people are trying their best but it’s evident that they either don’t have the money to pay claims right away and/or they do not have adequate staffing.” —Missy F.
“Pets Best is very responsive and engaging on all my claims or requests. Their processing is rapid and timely and they do an exceptional job of explaining each claim. The web site is functional and easy to use for making claims or for finding general information. To date, all claims I have submitted, including a high dollar accident claim for my pet, were fully covered within the scope of our agreement. Overall experience: exceptionally positive! Highly recommend.” —William P.
Our Final Thoughts on Pets Best
The Pets Best pet insurance reviews are in. We like its comprehensive coverage as well as the routine care benefits. The mobile app makes submitting and checking on claims a breeze, and its fast payout is a huge plus. You can choose whatever veterinary care you wish, as long as your vet is licensed. No need to worry about in network doctors like with human health insurance. The enrollment process is quick, and you can start turning in claims for routine care in as little as 24 hours. Being able to customize your deductible and reimbursement levels helps you get the most bang for your buck. All in all, we found Pets Best to be a solid contender for pet insurance.
Pets Best vs. Competitors
Curious to see how Pets Best stacks up against the competition? We’ve included a side-by-side comparison listing the most popular pet insurance companies, including Pets Best, and how it measured up against other insurers in terms of average monthly cost, waiting periods, and mobile apps. While you definitely want to do more in-depth research on the other companies, this is a great reference tool to highlight plan similarities and differences.
| Best For | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pets Best |  | Best Customer Experience | $20-$131 | Compare Quotes | |
| Spot |  | Most Inclusive | $22-$80 | Compare Quotes | |
| Lemonade |  | Most Affordable | $16–$30 | Compare Quotes | |
| Embrace |  | Best for Discounts Offered | $23-$85 | Compare Quotes | |
| Healthy Paws |  | Best for Chronic Conditions | $24–$54 | Compare Quotes | |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance |  | Most Experienced | $18–$44 | Compare Quotes |
| Pets Best | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best Customer Experience |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $20-$131 |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Inclusive |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| Embrace | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Discounts Offered |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $23-$85 |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Chronic Conditions |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Experienced |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
*Waiting periods may be longer for knee conditions like cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia.
About Pets Best
Pets Best is a pet insurance company that states its mission is to “end economic euthanasia,” which results when pet owners are not financially prepared to pay for their pet’s medical treatment. Dr. Jack Stephens, who is often referred to as the “father” of the pet insurance industry, founded the first pet insurance company in North America in 1981. His first insured client was none other than the television star, Lassie.
Dr. Stephens was honored by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and presented with the first of its kind lifetime achievement award for his work revolutionizing the pet health industry. But he didn’t stop there.
He later founded the Pets Best company in 2005 and strategically picked its name to remind his team to aim to be the “best” every day for their pets. Then, in 2019, Synchrony Financial purchased Pets Best, although Dr. Stephens remains on as a member of the board. Pets Best is underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company and is stationed in Boise, Idaho.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of Pets Best pet insurance?
Pets Best offers multiple health plans with varying levels of coverage and the price to ensure there is one to fit in your budget. The accident-only plans start at only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 5% multi-pet discount. Wellness plans are offered as add-on coverage at two different price points. Unlike most insurers, Pets Best has no upper limit on age for pet coverage.
Does Pets Best cover exotic animals?
Currently, Pets Best only provides coverage for dogs and cats. It insures puppies and kittens as young as seven weeks old, and there is no cutoff for maximum age coverage, which is quite unusual in the pet insurance industry. If you need coverage for exotic animals (reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents, ferrets, geckos, potbellied pigs, etc.), check out our article here for more information. There are a few options out there for you. After all, exotic animals need treatment as well.
Does Pets Best insurance require a medical exam?
Pets Best does not require a medical exam or any prior medical records when enrolling in any of its plans, although it will request medical records from your vet when you submit a claim. This company’s goal is to provide coverage for your pet as quickly as possible. Once you’ve enrolled your pet in one of Pets Best’s plans, you will also have to wait three days before filing any accident claims and 14 days for illness claims.
How does Pets Best reimbursement work?
You need to submit a claim to get reimbursed for your out-of-pocket costs. Once your claim is submitted, Pets Best will work on verifying and approving it. Your vet will be contacted and asked to release medical records to ensure the claim you are filing isn’t a pre-existing condition. Once the medical records are obtained, the claims team of licensed vets and vet techs will look everything over. Claims that are approved will be distributed to you via the method you have selected, either by direct deposit to your bank or a mailed check.
What does Pets Best not cover?
Like all pet insurance providers, Pets Best will not cover pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are considered any signs or symptoms of disease or illness that your pet has shown before the end of your waiting period. Pets Best also won’t cover elective procedures, parasite treatments and prevention, diet food, supplements, vitamins, and alternative therapies. Also, pay attention to the fine print of your policy. Pets Best will not cover anything that falls outside of its predefined waiting period windows, which are three days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and six months for knee cruciate ligament injuries.
Does Pets Best cover hip dysplasia?
Pets Best does cover hereditary conditions including elbow and hip dysplasia, luxating patella, IVDD, cherry eye, epilepsy, Wobbler Syndrome, and glaucoma, after a 14-day waiting period from the time of enrollment, so long as it is not a pre-existing condition.
Does Pets Best cover dental?
Pets Best will cover periodontal disease if you can confirm that your pet had a teeth cleaning in the 13 months before enrollment under anesthesia. There is no teeth cleaning requirement for a pet under 2 years of age. Pets Best Accident and Illness does not cover teeth cleanings or any other preventive tooth care for your cat or dog, but you can get $150 toward teeth cleaning if you choose the Best Wellness option.
Does Pets Best cover spaying?
Pets Best offers $150 toward spay and neuter if you select the Best Wellness option as an add-on for your pet insurance policy.
Does Pets Best cover pre-existing conditions?
Like all other pet insurers, Pets Best does not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is anything diagnosed or deemed to be existing by your veterinarian prior to signing up for a policy and during the waiting period.
Does Pets Best cover IVDD?
Pets Best does cover IVDD, so long as it doesn’t occur before signing up for a plan. This condition is covered as part of the Genetic and Hereditary diseases section of your Pets Best policy.
Does Pets Best cover boarding?
Pets Best does not cover boarding or transport, including ambulance transport.
Does Pets Best pay a vet directly?
In some cases, Pets Best can pay your vet directly, meaning that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for the majority of your bill, so long as your claim is approved. Your vet will need to sign a release form, saying they agree to the terms and not receive payment until your claim is processed. You are still responsible for paying your vet for any difference between what Pets Best covers and the actual bill.
You can also get a claim preauthorization for any amount over $1,000, so you and your vet know what will be covered in advance.
This allows you to get your pet the best care possible, even if you can’t wait for a reimbursement, by allowing your veterinarian to shoulder the cost burden. They can do this knowing that you have a valid pet insurance policy, and with the pre-authorization, they will know in advance what will be covered.
You are still responsible for the deductible, any co-pay, and costs above the amount covered by the claim, and those may be due at the time of veterinary care. You still have to submit your claim online, just as you would do typically.
Our Rating Methodology
To determine the best pet insurance providers, we conduct a detailed analysis of 38 different pet insurance companies operating in the United States and Canada. We put data from each provider through the same rigorous test, examining how each company performs in key areas that are relevant to pet owners. Our seven criteria are then weighted to produce a total score.
- Price: 20%
- Coverage: 20%
- Customer service: 15%
- Reliability: 15%
- Choice: 10%
- Plan features: 10%
- Transparency: 10%
The best pet insurance providers offer coverage for a wide range of conditions at an affordable price. They also feature flexible customer service, a long reputation of excellence, transparent policies and the ability to customize your pet insurance plan to your individual needs. You can read more details about our ratings and review methodology here.
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