Pets Best Insurance Overview
Pets Best Insurance holds a unique position in the pet insurance industry as one of the first companies founded by a veterinarian. Dr. Jack Stephens, who also founded Pets Best in 2005, previously created the first pet insurance company in North America. This veterinary expertise informs Pets Best's policy design, claims handling, and understanding of pet healthcare needs.
The company has grown to become a major player in the pet insurance market, known particularly for fast claims processing and flexible plan options. Pets Best offers everything from basic accident-only coverage to comprehensive plans with wellness add-ons, allowing pet owners to customize coverage to their needs and budgets.
Company Background
Pets Best is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, part of the Independence Holding Company group. This provides solid financial backing for claims payments. The company processes over 400,000 claims annually and has paid out hundreds of millions in claims since inception. Their veterinary-founded heritage continues to influence their pet-first approach to coverage.
Key Features at a Glance
Pets Best differentiates itself through several notable features. Their claims processing averages just 5 days, placing them among the fastest in the industry. The 3-day accident waiting period is shorter than most competitors who require 14 days. Unlimited annual limits are available on BestBenefit plans, and coverage extends to hereditary conditions, chronic illnesses, and alternative therapies.
The company offers both accident-only and comprehensive coverage options, making insurance accessible across budget levels. Optional wellness plans cover routine care that most pet insurance excludes. While they don't offer multi-pet discounts, their competitive base pricing often compensates for this gap.
Plan Options Explained
Pets Best structures their coverage into three main plan tiers, each designed for different coverage needs and budgets. Understanding these options helps you select the right level of protection for your pet.
Accident Only Plan
The Accident Only plan provides essential protection against injuries at Pets Best's lowest price point. Starting around $9 per month, this plan covers emergency care for accidents including broken bones, lacerations, poisoning, foreign body ingestion, and car accidents. It does not cover illnesses, making it best for budget-conscious pet owners or those with pets who have many pre-existing conditions.
This plan has no age limit for enrollment, making it available for senior pets when illness coverage isn't. For older pets with documented health conditions, accident-only coverage provides meaningful protection at affordable rates.
BestBenefit Plan
The BestBenefit plan represents Pets Best's most popular option, providing comprehensive accident and illness coverage. This plan covers everything in the Accident Only plan plus illnesses including cancer, infections, digestive issues, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic conditions. Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered without additional waiting periods.
BestBenefit offers extensive customization with deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000, reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%, and annual limits from $5,000 to unlimited. This flexibility lets you balance premium cost with coverage depth based on your financial situation.
Elite Plan
The Elite plan includes everything in BestBenefit plus additional benefits. Exam fees are included in covered expenses, improving your net reimbursement on claims. The plan offers higher annual limits and additional coverage features. This premium tier suits pet owners seeking maximum protection and willing to pay for enhanced benefits.
| Feature | Accident Only | BestBenefit | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary Conditions | No | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Fees | No | No | Yes |
| Annual Limit Options | $5K-Unlimited | $5K-Unlimited | Higher limits |
| Starting Price | ~$9/month | ~$25/month | ~$40/month |
What Pets Best Covers
Understanding Pets Best's coverage scope helps set appropriate expectations when filing claims. Their comprehensive plans cover most pet health needs with few exclusions beyond industry standards.
Accident Coverage
All Pets Best plans cover accidents including broken bones, lacerations, bite wounds, poisoning, foreign body ingestion, burns, car accidents, and other traumatic injuries. Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, diagnostic imaging, and prescription medications related to accidents are included. The 3-day accident waiting period provides quicker access to coverage than most competitors.
Illness Coverage (BestBenefit and Elite)
Illness coverage includes cancer (diagnosis and treatment), infections, respiratory conditions, digestive disorders, urinary tract issues, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, allergies, and skin conditions. Chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment remain covered for your pet's lifetime without annual caps per condition.
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
BestBenefit and Elite plans cover hereditary and congenital conditions without additional waiting periods. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart defects, eye diseases, luxating patella, and other breed-specific genetic conditions. For breeds prone to hereditary issues, this coverage is essential.
What Pets Best Covers
- Accidents: Broken bones, lacerations, poisoning, burns, car accidents
- Illnesses: Cancer, infections, diabetes, heart disease, allergies
- Hereditary Conditions: Hip dysplasia, heart defects, eye diseases
- Chronic Conditions: Lifetime coverage for ongoing conditions
- Diagnostics: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, blood work, biopsies
- Surgeries: All medically necessary surgical procedures
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, chiropractic
- Behavioral Issues: When diagnosed by a veterinarian
- Prescription Medications: Short and long-term prescriptions
Pricing and Cost Analysis
Pets Best offers competitive pricing across their plan tiers, with flexibility to adjust coverage levels to match your budget. Their pricing is generally in line with or slightly below industry averages.
Average Premium Costs
For dogs, Pets Best premiums typically range from $25-55 per month for BestBenefit plans depending on breed, age, and coverage options. A 1-year-old mixed breed dog with 80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, and unlimited annual limit averages around $32-45 monthly. The accident-only plan starts at approximately $9-15 per month.
Cats generally cost $15-35 per month for BestBenefit coverage. A 1-year-old domestic shorthair with standard options typically pays $18-28 monthly. Cat premiums vary less by breed than dog premiums.
Sample Premium Quotes (2025)
BestBenefit - Labrador Retriever, 1 year: $35-48/month (80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, unlimited)
BestBenefit - French Bulldog, 2 years: $48-62/month (80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, unlimited)
BestBenefit - Mixed Breed Dog, 1 year: $30-40/month (80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, unlimited)
BestBenefit - Domestic Shorthair Cat, 1 year: $20-28/month (80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, unlimited)
Accident Only - Any Dog: $9-18/month
No Multi-Pet Discount
Unlike competitors such as ASPCA, Spot, and MetLife that offer 10% multi-pet discounts, Pets Best does not provide multi-pet savings. Each pet is priced individually. For households with multiple pets, this may make competitors more cost-effective. However, Pets Best's competitive base pricing often compensates for the lack of discount.
Price Comparison
| Provider | Avg. Dog (1yr) | Avg. Cat (1yr) | Multi-Pet Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | $32-48 | $20-28 | None |
| Healthy Paws | $35-55 | $20-30 | None |
| Lemonade | $25-45 | $15-25 | 5% |
| ASPCA | $35-48 | $22-28 | 10% |
| Embrace | $40-60 | $25-35 | 5-10% |
Claims Process
Pets Best is known for fast, efficient claims processing that consistently ranks among the quickest in the industry. Their streamlined process and commitment to speed set them apart from competitors with longer processing times.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim with Pets Best follows the standard reimbursement model. Visit any licensed veterinarian—there are no network restrictions. Pay the bill at the time of service. Submit your claim through the Pets Best mobile app or online portal with your itemized invoice and relevant medical records.
The mobile app makes claims submission simple with photo upload capabilities and digital form completion. You can track claim status in real-time and receive notifications when claims are approved.
Claims Processing Speed
Pets Best processes most claims within 5 days, significantly faster than the industry average of 10-14 days. Many customers report receiving reimbursement in as little as 3 days for straightforward claims. This speed is comparable to industry leaders like Healthy Paws and faster than most competitors.
The fast processing means you're not waiting weeks to restore your finances after paying a large vet bill. For pet owners who need reimbursement quickly, Pets Best's claims speed is a significant advantage.
Reimbursement Calculation
Pets Best uses actual cost reimbursement, paying a percentage of your actual vet bill rather than using a benefit schedule. Take your eligible expenses, subtract any non-covered items, subtract your annual deductible (if not yet met), and multiply by your reimbursement rate (70%, 80%, or 90%).
Example Reimbursement Calculation
Scenario: Your dog needs surgery for a torn ACL
- Total vet bill: $4,500
- Exam fee (excluded on BestBenefit): $75
- Eligible expenses: $4,425
- Annual deductible (not yet met): $500
- Expenses after deductible: $3,925
- Reimbursement rate: 80%
- Your reimbursement: $3,140
- Your out-of-pocket: $1,360
Wellness Plans
Pets Best offers two optional wellness add-ons that cover routine preventive care excluded from standard pet insurance. These plans help offset the cost of regular veterinary visits and preventive treatments.
EssentialWellness ($16/month)
The EssentialWellness plan covers core preventive care including annual wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm testing, flea and tick prevention, and deworming. Annual benefit limits vary by service category, providing approximately $305 in total annual wellness benefits.
This plan suits pet owners who maintain basic preventive care schedules. The $192 annual cost can be recovered through covered vaccinations, exams, and preventive medications that would otherwise be paid out of pocket.
BestWellness ($26/month)
The BestWellness plan includes everything in EssentialWellness plus dental cleaning, spay/neuter coverage, microchipping, and higher limits across all categories. Total annual benefits reach approximately $535, making it valuable for pets needing dental care or who haven't been spayed/neutered.
The $312 annual cost is easily recovered if you utilize dental cleaning ($200-500 typically) along with other covered services. For new puppies and kittens needing spay/neuter procedures, BestWellness provides excellent value.
| Service | EssentialWellness | BestWellness |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wellness Exam | Up to $50 | Up to $50 |
| Vaccinations | Up to $30 | Up to $50 |
| Heartworm Test | Up to $25 | Up to $30 |
| Flea/Tick Prevention | Up to $50 | Up to $75 |
| Dental Cleaning | Not covered | Up to $150 |
| Spay/Neuter | Not covered | Up to $150 |
| Monthly Cost | $16 | $26 |
| Annual Benefits | ~$305 | ~$535 |
Pros and Cons of Pets Best Insurance
Understanding Pets Best's strengths and limitations helps determine if their coverage aligns with your needs.
Pros
- Fast claims processing (5 days average)
- 3-day accident waiting period
- Unlimited annual limits available
- Veterinarian-founded company
- Flexible plan customization
- Low-cost accident-only option
- Comprehensive wellness add-ons
- Hereditary conditions covered
- 90% reimbursement available
- Use any licensed veterinarian
- Mobile app for easy claims
- No age limit for accident-only
Cons
- No multi-pet discount
- Exam fees excluded (except Elite)
- Age limit for illness coverage (14 dogs/16 cats)
- 6-month cruciate ligament wait
- No direct vet payment option
- Wellness coverage costs extra
- Customer ratings below leaders
- Premium increases with age
What We Love About Pets Best
The fast claims processing is Pets Best's standout advantage. Receiving reimbursement in 5 days or less means you're not waiting weeks to restore your finances after a large vet bill. This speed rivals industry leaders and exceeds most competitors.
The 3-day accident waiting period provides quicker access to injury coverage than the 14-day periods common among competitors. If your pet gets injured on day 4 of coverage, you're protected while most other providers would deny the claim.
The affordable accident-only option with no age limit provides accessible coverage for senior pets or budget-conscious owners. Starting at around $9/month, this plan offers meaningful protection at minimal cost.
Where Pets Best Falls Short
The lack of multi-pet discount hurts value for households with multiple pets. Competitors offering 10% discounts provide better overall pricing for multi-pet families.
Exam fees are excluded from BestBenefit claims (only included in Elite). This reduces net reimbursement by $50-100 per claim compared to competitors like ASPCA and Pumpkin that include exam fees.
The age limit for illness coverage (14 for dogs, 16 for cats) restricts options for senior pet owners. While accident-only remains available, comprehensive coverage becomes unavailable for older pets.
Comparison to Competitors
Understanding how Pets Best compares to major competitors helps determine if their features justify their pricing for your needs.
Pets Best vs. Healthy Paws
Both providers excel at claims speed, with Healthy Paws averaging 2-5 days and Pets Best at 5 days. Healthy Paws has higher customer ratings (4.5/5 vs. 4.1/5) and no age limits, while Pets Best offers more plan flexibility with accident-only and wellness options. Pricing is comparable, though neither offers multi-pet discounts.
Pets Best vs. Lemonade
Lemonade offers lower base premiums and instant claims for simple cases. Pets Best provides more plan flexibility and faster processing for complex claims. Lemonade caps annual limits at $100,000 while Pets Best offers unlimited. Pets Best's 3-day accident wait beats Lemonade's 14 days.
Pets Best vs. Embrace
Embrace has no age limits and a decreasing deductible that rewards claim-free years. Pets Best processes claims faster and offers lower-cost accident-only coverage. Both include wellness options and comprehensive coverage. Embrace includes exam fees in claims; Pets Best requires the Elite plan for exam fees.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claims Speed | 5 days | 2-5 days | Instant-5 days | 5-10 days |
| Accident Wait | 3 days | 15 days | 14 days | 2 days |
| Annual Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | $100K max | $30K max |
| Age Limit | 14 (illness) | 14 | None | None |
| Wellness Option | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback provides insight into real-world experiences with Pets Best Insurance. Analyzing reviews reveals consistent themes about claims speed and coverage.
Third-Party Review Scores
Pets Best maintains a 4.1/5 rating on Trustpilot and similar scores across review platforms. This places them slightly below industry leaders like Healthy Paws (4.5/5) but comparable to many competitors. The Better Business Bureau shows positive ratings for claims handling.
What Customers Love
Fast claims processing receives the most consistent praise. Customers frequently mention receiving reimbursement within a week, often faster. The straightforward claims submission process through the mobile app earns positive feedback.
The veterinarian-founded heritage resonates with pet owners who appreciate that the company understands pet healthcare. Coverage comprehensiveness and the flexibility to customize plans also receive positive mentions.
Common Complaints
Pre-existing condition exclusions generate some negative feedback, though this is standard across the industry. Some customers report confusion about what conditions qualify as pre-existing based on historical veterinary notes.
Premium increases with age concern long-term policyholders who see significant rate increases over time. The lack of multi-pet discount also appears in negative reviews from multi-pet households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pets Best Insurance offers solid value with competitive pricing and fast claims processing. Founded by a veterinarian in 2005, Pets Best provides comprehensive coverage with claims often processed within 5 days—among the fastest in the industry. Their BestBenefit plans offer unlimited annual limits and up to 90% reimbursement. Customer satisfaction averages 4.1/5. The 3-day accident waiting period is shorter than most competitors. For pet owners prioritizing claims speed and plan flexibility, Pets Best delivers good value.
Pets Best Insurance costs $25-55 per month for dogs and $15-35 for cats with BestBenefit plans, depending on age, breed, location, and coverage options. The accident-only plan starts around $9 per month—among the lowest in the industry. A 1-year-old mixed breed dog with 80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, and unlimited annual limit typically costs $32-45 monthly. Optional wellness coverage adds $16-26 monthly. Multi-pet discounts are not offered.
Pets Best covers accidents (broken bones, poisoning, lacerations), illnesses (cancer, infections, diabetes, heart disease), hereditary conditions (hip dysplasia, heart defects), chronic conditions, diagnostic testing, surgeries, hospitalization, prescription medications, emergency care, and specialist visits. BestBenefit and Elite plans include alternative therapies. Exam fees are covered with the Elite plan. Behavioral issues are covered when diagnosed by a veterinarian. Optional wellness add-ons cover vaccinations, exams, and dental cleaning.
Pets Best is known for fast claims processing, with most claims processed within 5 days. Many customers report receiving reimbursement in as little as 3 days for straightforward claims. This speed places Pets Best among the fastest in the industry, comparable to Healthy Paws (2-5 days). Claims can be submitted through their mobile app or online portal with photo uploads. Reimbursement is sent via direct deposit or check.
No, Pets Best does not cover pre-existing conditions. Any illness or injury that occurred, showed symptoms, or was diagnosed before the policy effective date or during the waiting period is excluded. However, Pets Best may cover curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days completely symptom-free. Chronic and incurable pre-existing conditions (arthritis, diabetes, heart disease) remain excluded permanently. This policy is standard across the pet insurance industry.
Pets Best has a 3-day waiting period for accidents and 14 days for illnesses. The 3-day accident wait is shorter than many competitors who require 14-15 days. Cruciate ligament conditions have a 6-month waiting period. Coverage begins on your policy effective date, and conditions occurring during waiting periods are considered pre-existing. The short accident waiting period provides quicker access to injury coverage than most alternatives.
Pets Best offers two wellness add-ons: EssentialWellness ($16/month) covers vaccinations, wellness exams, heartworm testing, flea/tick prevention, and deworming with approximately $305 in annual benefits. BestWellness ($26/month) adds dental cleaning (up to $150), spay/neuter (up to $150), microchipping, and higher limits with approximately $535 in annual benefits. Both plans cover routine care that standard pet insurance excludes.
Pets Best offers three main plans: Accident Only (injuries only, starting around $9/month), BestBenefit (comprehensive accident and illness coverage, starting around $25/month), and Elite (adds exam fees and higher limits, starting around $40/month). BestBenefit is most popular, offering customizable deductibles ($50-$1,000), reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, 90%), and annual limits ($5,000 to unlimited). All plans allow use of any licensed veterinarian.
Pets Best accepts pets of any age for their accident-only plan. For illness coverage (BestBenefit and Elite), pets must be enrolled before age 14 for dogs and 16 for cats. After those ages, only accident-only coverage is available for new enrollments. Existing policies can be renewed indefinitely regardless of age. For senior pets needing comprehensive coverage, providers without age limits (Spot, Embrace, Trupanion) may be better options.
Pets Best offers competitive pricing with notably fast claims processing (5 days average). Compared to Healthy Paws, both have similar claims speed but Healthy Paws has higher customer ratings (4.5/5 vs. 4.1/5). Versus Lemonade, Pets Best offers more plan flexibility and unlimited annual limits but Lemonade has lower base prices. Against Embrace, Pets Best processes claims faster but Embrace has no age limits and a decreasing deductible. The 3-day accident waiting period is shorter than most competitors.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Pets Best Insurance?
Pets Best Insurance earns our recommendation for pet owners who prioritize fast claims processing and plan flexibility. Their average 5-day claims turnaround is among the best in the industry, meaning you're not waiting weeks for reimbursement after large vet bills. The 3-day accident waiting period provides quicker access to coverage than most competitors.
The veterinarian-founded heritage provides credibility, and their comprehensive BestBenefit plans with customizable options suit various budgets. The low-cost accident-only plan starting around $9/month makes coverage accessible for budget-conscious pet owners or those with senior pets past the illness coverage age limit.
However, Pets Best isn't perfect for everyone. The lack of multi-pet discounts hurts value for households with multiple pets. Exam fees are excluded except on the higher-priced Elite plan. The age limit for illness coverage (14 for dogs, 16 for cats) restricts options for senior pets. Customer ratings at 4.1/5 trail industry leaders.
We rate Pets Best 4.1 out of 5 stars and recommend them for pet owners who value claims speed and want flexible plan options. Their BestBenefit plan with 80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, and unlimited annual limit provides solid protection at competitive prices. Get a personalized quote to compare with other providers for your specific situation.
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