Pets Best Pet Insurance Review 2023

Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

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

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

Average Pet Insurance Costs for Cats

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 - Product Name Only 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 - Product Name Only 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.

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.

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?

Synchrony owns Pets Best, so Synchrony pays your claims if you file through Pets Best. You might be familiar with Synchrony if you have a credit card from Starbucks, Venmo, or many retail chains like American Eagle.

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 - Product Name Only 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 - Product Name Only 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 - Product Name Only 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.