Pets Best Pet Insurance: A Comprehensive Review
Pets Best is a pet insurance provider offering a variety of plans and coverage options for cats and dogs. This review by NerdWallet explores Pets Best’s plans, costs, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against competitors.
NerdWallet’s Take
NerdWallet awards Pets Best a rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. This score reflects evaluations based on customer feedback and satisfaction.
Overview of Pets Best
Pets Best provides multiple coverage options at various price points to accommodate different budgets and needs for both cats and dogs. They offer both comprehensive accident and illness plans, as well as a simplified accident-only policy. Wellness add-ons are also available. The company is noted for having no upper age limit for enrollment, and offers the option to pay your vet directly.
Rating
- NerdWallet Rating: 5.0/5
Key Features
- Annual Max Coverage: Unlimited
- Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $50 – $1,000
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of plans to customize coverage
- Unlimited annual coverage option
- No upper age limits
- Direct payment to vets is possible
Cons:
- Exam fees and specific therapies are only covered in more expensive plans
- Does not cover food or supplements
Why Trust NerdWallet?
NerdWallet’s editorial team adheres to strict guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in its reviews, helping consumers choose appropriate financial products. They analyze consumer complaint data and customer satisfaction rates when determining ratings.
Pets Best Insurance Plans and Coverage
Pets Best offers the following types of coverage:
1. Accident and Illness Plan
Pets Best offers three tiers of accident and illness coverage: Essential, Plus, and Elite. These plans cover a range of conditions and treatments.
- Coverage includes: Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses. Prescription medication. Hereditary and congenital conditions. Diagnostic tests (MRIs, CT scans, X-rays). Prosthetic devices and wheelchairs. Behavioral consultations and associated medication. Euthanasia. Physical rehabilitation. Chiropractic care and acupuncture. Dental care for periodontal disease (under certain conditions).
2. Accident-Only Plan
This more affordable policy covers accident-related treatments and tests. However, it does not cover illness.
3. Routine Care
Pets Best provides two wellness plans, “EssentialWellness” and “BestWellness,” which offer coverage for routine care services.
- Coverage may include: Dental cleaning Spay or neuter surgery Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention Deworming Microchip implantation Blood, fecal, and parasite exams Vaccinations and titers Annual wellness exam Preventive screening tests
Nerdy Tip: Before adding wellness coverage, do some cost-benefit math. If you don’t use all the services, you might end up paying more in premiums than you get back.
What’s Not Covered
Pets Best’s accident and illness plans typically do not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions (except for curable conditions requiring no ongoing treatment)
- Bilateral conditions if symptoms existed beforehand
- Preventive care (unless you have wellness coverage)
- Cosmetic or elective procedures
- Parasites
- Intentional injuries
- Breeding and boarding costs
- Herbal and holistic treatments
- Injuries from organized racing or fighting
- Training and treatment for behavioral conditions (excluding vet consultations and medication)
- Cremation and burial costs
- Experimental treatments
- Specific dental procedures (scaling and root planing)
- Prescription food and supplements
The accident-only plan does not cover any illnesses, only accidents.
Pets Best Plan Options: Deductibles, Reimbursement, and Coverage Limits
- Deductibles: Accident and illness plans offer deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000. The accident-only plans have a $250 deductible. Wellness plans have no deductible.
- Reimbursement Amounts: The accident and illness policies reimburse 70%, 80%, or 90% of vet bills. Accident-only policies reimburse 90%. Wellness plans reimburse up to the annual maximum for each service.
- Coverage Limits: Accident and illness plans can have annual coverage limites of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. Accident-only plans have a $10,000 annual limit.
Restrictions and Waiting Periods
- Age Restrictions: Pets Best insures pets 7 weeks or older. There is no upper age limit.
- Waiting Periods: In most states, there’s a 3-day waiting period for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament issues. Wellness plans have no waiting period.
Nerdy Tip: Conditions occurring during the waiting period may be considered pre-existing and may not be covered.
Pets Best Pet Insurance: Sample Rates
The cost of coverage depends on location, coverage limits, breed, and age.
Here are example monthly premiums for plans in Katy, Texas, with an accident and illness plan, a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual coverage, and an 80% reimbursement rate:
-
Dog Breeds (Age 2/Age 8)
- French Bulldog: $88 / $228
- German Shepherd: $48 / $125
- Golden Retriever: $54 / $142
- Labrador Retriever: $54 / $139
- Mixed-breed dog: $32 / $71
- Poodle: $46 / $119
-
Cat Breeds (Age 2/Age 8)
- Devon Rex: $30 / $77
- Domestic shorthair: $20 / $41
- Exotic longhair: $25 / $56
- Maine Coon: $28 / $63
- Persian: $27 / $40
- Ragdoll: $25 / $64
Pets Best Pet Insurance Discounts
- 5% discount for insuring multiple pets
- Military discounts may be available
State Availability:
Pets Best pet insurance is accessible in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Coverage availability can change.
Digital Experience
The Pets Best website provides policy details, including sample plans, and allows claims to be filed and payment information to be updated. The Pets Best app allows users to manage their accounts, submit claims, connect with a 24/7 vet helpline, and add new pets to their policy.
Filing a Claim
Claims can be filed online or via the Pets Best app. Reimbursements are made via direct deposit, CareCredit, or paper check. Pets Best may be able to pay your vet directly.
Contacting Pets Best Customer Service
You can reach Pets Best by phone at 877-738-7237. They also provide a live chat option and a 24/7 vet helpline.
Pets Best vs. Competitors
Pets Best vs. Trupanion
Trupanion offers a single policy with no annual limit and has a 90% reimbursement rate in most states. Despite not offering wellness plans, Pets Best has three accident and illness plans, two wellness options, and an accident-only plan instead. Pets Best provides an annual deductible while Trupanion offers a per-condition deductible instead.
Pets Best vs Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws and Pets Best offer accident and illness coverage for expenses like hospitalization. Healthy Paws, with its single plan, doesn’t cover exam fees, a feature that some Pets Best plans do provide. Overall, Pets Best stands out for the customer by offering a wider range of plans.
Pets Best vs. Lemonade
Both Lemonade and Pets Best provide accident and illness policies with various coverage tiers. Lemonade, however, lacks an accident-only plan. This means that Pets Best provides more deductible selections.
Conclusion
Pets Best offers a comprehensive range of pet insurance plans, with varying coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement options. This makes it a strong choice for pet owners looking to customize their coverage. The direct pay to vets is a desirable option. Comparing Pets Best to its competitors reveals both advantages and disadvantages, making it essential for consumers to consider their individual needs when selecting a plan.
