Pets Best vs. Trupanion: Finding the Right Pet Insurance
Choosing the right pet insurance can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. One of the most important decisions is choosing a company that you feel aligns with your needs and budget. This article will compare and contrast two leading pet insurance providers: Pets Best and Trupanion. We’ll examine their coverage options, pricing, and customer service to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Pet Insurance
Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand what pet insurance typically covers. Most plans provide assistance with:
- Accidents: Injuries from unexpected events like a car accident, a fall or getting hit by a car.
- Illnesses: Diseases like cancer, infections, or other conditions.
- Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Conditions a pet is born with or develops over time due to their breed.
There are typically also different levels of insurance, for example, accident-only coverage and accident and illness coverage.
Company Profiles
Pets Best
Pets Best was founded in 2005 and is a well-established pet insurance provider. It offers a range of plans with varying levels of coverage and provides direct pay to your veterinarian in certain situations. Pets Best is known for a history of providing comprehensive options that may fit a variety of situations. There are also various options for customizing your plan including annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
Trupanion
Trupanion was founded in 2000. Trupanion is know for its strong focus on providing comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses. It has a simplified plan structure and often has options for direct payment to vets. They aim to provide coverage that simplifies the claims process.
Coverage Comparison
Pets Best
- Offers accident-only, accident and illness, and accident and illness with wellness plans.
- Includes coverage for a wide range of conditions and treatments.
- Offers optional wellness add-ons for routine care like vaccinations and checkups.
Trupanion
- Provides a comprehensive plan covering accidents and illnesses from the time of enrollment, with no per-incident or lifetime limits.
- Covers chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment.
- Has a reputation for comprehensive and straightforward coverage.
Pricing and Policy Details
Pets Best
- Pricing varies depending on factors like pet breed, age, and location.
- You can customize your plan with different annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement percentages.
Trupanion
- Offers a single, comprehensive plan with one deductible.
- The deductible is per condition, and it applies.
- The insurance covers 90% of eligible costs after the deductible is met.
Customer Service and Claims
Pets Best
- Offers multiple ways to file claims, including online, mobile app, or by mail.
- Provides 24/7 customer support via phone.
Trupanion
- Works directly with veterinarians to streamline the claims process.
- Offers direct payment to vets in many cases.
- Also provides live customer service to help their clients with questions that they may have.
Conclusion
Both Pets Best and Trupanion offer valuable pet insurance options. Choosing the right one depends on your individual needs, budget, and preferences. Pets Best provides a bit more flexibility and choice with its customizable plans, while Trupanion offers a streamlined, comprehensive approach. Consider your pet’s health history, your budget, and the level of coverage you want when making your decision. Reviewing policy details and getting quotes from both companies will help you determine the best fit for you and your pet.
