Progressive Pet Insurance Review 2025: Coverage, Pricing, and Complete Analysis
Last updated: 2026-01-26 | Reviewed by Cats Luv Us Editorial Team
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Progressive Pet Insurance leverages the well-known Progressive brand to offer pet insurance through a partnership with Pets Best. While Progressive doesn't underwrite pet insurance directly, they provide a convenient way for existing Progressive customers to add pet coverage alongside their auto, home, and other insurance policies. This one-stop-shop approach appeals to customers who value simplicity in managing their insurance portfolio.
In this comprehensive review, we examine what Progressive pet insurance actually offers, how it compares to buying directly from Pets Best, the coverage options available, and whether the Progressive distribution channel offers any unique advantages. We'll also compare them to competitors like Nationwide and Embrace to help you make an informed decision about your pet's insurance coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Partnership model: Progressive partners with Pets Best rather than underwriting pet insurance directly
- Same coverage: Policies are identical to Pets Best plans with same terms and conditions
- Bundling convenience: Manage pet insurance alongside Progressive auto, home, and other policies
- Competitive pricing: Plans start at $18/month for dogs, $12/month for cats
- Wellness options: Optional preventive care coverage available through Pets Best plans
- Best for: Existing Progressive customers who want one-stop insurance management convenience
Understanding Progressive's Pet Insurance Partnership
It's important to understand that Progressive does not directly underwrite or administer pet insurance. Instead, they have a partnership with Pets Best, a well-established pet insurance provider founded in 2005. When you purchase pet insurance through Progressive, you're actually getting a Pets Best policy that's distributed through Progressive's platform.
Key partnership facts:
- Insurance provider: Pets Best (not Progressive)
- Underwriter: American Pet Insurance Company
- Progressive's role: Distribution partner and convenience platform
- Coverage: Identical to buying directly from Pets Best
- Claims: Handled by Pets Best, not Progressive
- Customer service: Pet insurance questions go to Pets Best
This partnership model is common in insurance. Progressive focuses on what they do best—auto, home, and property insurance—while partnering with specialists for products outside their core expertise. For pet owners, this means you get Pets Best's proven pet insurance expertise with the convenience of Progressive's platform.
Progressive Pet Insurance Coverage Options
Since Progressive pet insurance is actually Pets Best coverage, the plans and options are identical to what you'd get buying directly from Pets Best:
Available Plans
Accident Only Plan:
- Covers accidents only (injuries, emergencies, poisoning)
- Lowest monthly premiums
- No illness coverage
- Good for budget-conscious pet owners
Essential Plan:
- Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- Hereditary and congenital conditions covered
- Emergency and specialty care included
- Does NOT cover hip dysplasia
Elite Plan:
- Most comprehensive coverage available
- Everything in Essential, plus hip dysplasia coverage
- Higher annual limits available
- Best for large breed dogs prone to hip issues
What's Covered
- Accidents: Broken bones, poisoning, swallowed objects, injuries, lacerations, burns
- Illnesses: Cancer, infections, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, allergies
- Hereditary conditions: Heart disease, eye conditions, luxating patella (hip dysplasia on Elite only)
- Congenital conditions: Birth defects discovered after enrollment
- Chronic conditions: Allergies, diabetes, thyroid disorders, arthritis
- Emergency care: ER visits, hospitalization, emergency surgery
- Specialty care: Specialists, oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists
- Diagnostics: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bloodwork, ultrasounds
- Surgery: All medically necessary surgical procedures
- Prescription medications: For covered conditions
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy (Elite plan)
Optional Wellness Coverage
Two preventive care add-ons available:
EssentialWellness ($16/month):
- Annual wellness exam
- Vaccinations
- Flea, tick, heartworm prevention
- Routine bloodwork
BestWellness ($26/month):
- Everything in EssentialWellness, plus:
- Dental cleaning
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Microchipping
What's Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cosmetic procedures
- Breeding costs and pregnancy
- Elective procedures
- Food and supplements (unless prescribed)
- Grooming
- Hip dysplasia (Essential plan only)
Progressive Pet Insurance Pricing
Since Progressive pet insurance is Pets Best coverage, the pricing is comparable to buying directly from Pets Best:
| Plan | Dogs (Monthly) | Cats (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Accident Only | $9-$18 | $6-$12 |
| Essential | $18-$50 | $12-$30 |
| Elite | $28-$70 | $18-$42 |
Customization Options
- Annual deductibles: $50, $100, $200, $250, $300, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, or unlimited
For more information on typical pet insurance costs, see our pet insurance cost guide.
Waiting Periods
Progressive pet insurance (Pets Best) has the following waiting periods:
| Condition Type | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Accidents | 3 days |
| Illnesses | 14 days |
| Cruciate ligament | 6 months |
| Hip dysplasia (Elite) | 12 months |
The 3-day accident waiting period is competitive with the industry and among the shortest available. The 14-day illness waiting period is standard across most pet insurers. However, the 6-month cruciate ligament waiting period and 12-month hip dysplasia waiting period (Elite plan only) are longer than some competitors. These extended orthopedic waiting periods are designed to prevent claims for conditions that may have existed before coverage began. Pet owners should understand that any orthopedic symptoms during these waiting periods could affect future coverage for related conditions.
For pets with potential orthopedic concerns, you may want to compare our best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions guide to understand your options before symptoms appear.
Claims Process
Claims for Progressive pet insurance are handled by Pets Best, not Progressive:
How to File a Claim
- Visit any licensed vet: Use any veterinarian, specialist, or emergency hospital
- Pay your vet directly: Cover the invoice at time of service
- Submit to Pets Best: Use the Pets Best app, website, email, or fax
- Receive reimbursement: Get paid via direct deposit or check
Claims Processing Speed
- Average processing: 5 business days
- Direct deposit: 1-2 days after approval
Note that you'll interact with Pets Best for all claims and pet insurance customer service, even though you purchased through Progressive.
The Progressive Convenience Factor
The main advantage of buying pet insurance through Progressive is convenience for existing Progressive customers:
Benefits of the Progressive Channel
- One-stop shopping: Manage pet insurance alongside auto, home, and other policies
- Familiar interface: Use Progressive's website and app you already know
- Single billing relationship: One insurance company for multiple products
- Brand trust: Progressive's reputation provides confidence
Limitations
- No actual bundling discount: Pet insurance is a separate Pets Best policy
- Claims handled separately: Pet claims go to Pets Best, not Progressive
- Same coverage as direct: No unique Progressive-only features
- Customer service split: Pet questions require contacting Pets Best
Pros and Cons of Progressive Pet Insurance
Pros
- Backed by Pets Best's proven pet insurance expertise
- Convenient for existing Progressive customers
- Competitive pricing comparable to direct Pets Best
- Optional wellness coverage available
- Multiple plan tiers to choose from
- Wide range of deductible and limit options
- Fast 5-day claims processing
- 3-day accident waiting period
Cons
- Not actually Progressive insurance (Pets Best partnership)
- Claims handled by Pets Best, not Progressive
- No true bundling discount with other Progressive policies
- Hip dysplasia only on Elite plan (12-month wait)
- 6-month cruciate ligament waiting period
- No direct vet payment option
Progressive vs. Competitors
| Feature | Progressive (Pets Best) | Nationwide | Embrace | Lemonade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $18/mo | $35/mo | $25/mo | $20/mo |
| Accident Wait | 3 days | 14 days | 2 days | 2 days |
| Wellness Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Claims Speed | 5 days | 7-10 days | 5-10 days | 2-3 days |
| Direct Underwriter | No (Pets Best) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
For a comprehensive comparison, see our pet insurance comparison guide.
What Real Customers Say
Customer feedback about Progressive pet insurance generally reflects the Pets Best experience:
Positive Feedback
Convenience: Existing Progressive customers appreciate having one place to manage multiple insurance policies, even if the pet insurance is technically separate.
Claims experience: Since claims are handled by Pets Best, customers benefit from their efficient 5-day average processing time and straightforward submission process.
Coverage comprehensiveness: Pet owners praise the thorough coverage options, particularly the availability of hereditary condition coverage and wellness add-ons.
Common Concerns
Partnership confusion: Some customers are surprised to learn their pet insurance is actually through Pets Best, not Progressive. Understanding this upfront helps set appropriate expectations.
Separate customer service: Pet insurance questions require contacting Pets Best directly, which can be confusing for customers expecting Progressive support.
Who Should Choose Progressive Pet Insurance?
Progressive pet insurance is ideal for:
- Existing Progressive customers wanting one-stop insurance management for all their insurance needs
- Pet owners comfortable with the Pets Best partnership model and understand claims go to Pets Best
- Those seeking solid, comprehensive accident and illness coverage at competitive market prices
- Pet parents wanting optional wellness coverage to help with routine veterinary care expenses
- Owners who value Pets Best's proven claims handling reputation and 5-day processing times
- Multi-pet households looking for consistent coverage across dogs and cats
Consider other options if:
- You want insurance from a direct underwriter (Nationwide)
- You need shorter accident waiting periods (Embrace has 2-day)
- You want faster claims processing (Lemonade)
- You prefer direct vet payment (Trupanion)
Should You Buy Through Progressive or Directly from Pets Best?
Since the coverage is identical, the choice comes down to personal preference:
Buy Through Progressive If:
- You're already a Progressive customer with other policies
- You value having one insurance interface for multiple products
- You prefer the Progressive website and app experience
- Progressive is running any promotional offers
Buy Directly from Pets Best If:
- You're not a Progressive customer
- You want to interact directly with your pet insurer
- Pets Best is running direct promotions
- You prefer a dedicated pet insurance relationship
Either way, you get the same comprehensive Pets Best coverage, efficient claims handling, responsive customer service, and access to the Pets Best mobile app for all pet-related insurance matters and claim submissions.
How to Get Progressive Pet Insurance
- Visit Progressive's website or call their customer service
- Navigate to pet insurance (will redirect to Pets Best)
- Enter your pet's information (species, breed, age)
- Provide your zip code for location-based pricing
- Select your plan (Accident Only, Essential, or Elite)
- Choose deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit
- Optionally add wellness coverage
- Complete enrollment
Tips for Maximizing Your Coverage
Enrollment Strategies
Enroll pets young: The earlier you enroll, the fewer pre-existing conditions and the lower your premiums. Don't wait until your pet has health issues.
Consider Elite for large breeds: If you have a German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, or other breed prone to hip dysplasia, the Elite plan's hip coverage (with 12-month waiting period) is worth the extra cost.
Evaluate wellness add-ons: Calculate your typical annual preventive care expenses. If they exceed the add-on cost, the coverage provides value.
Claims Best Practices
Submit promptly: File claims as soon as you receive vet invoices to keep reimbursement flowing.
Use direct deposit: Set up direct deposit with Pets Best for faster reimbursement after approval.
Keep records: Save all veterinary documentation for faster claims processing.
Understanding Pet Insurance Coverage
Learn about choosing the right pet insurance coverage for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Progressive Pet Insurance
Does Progressive offer pet insurance directly?
No, Progressive does not underwrite or administer pet insurance directly. They partner with Pets Best to offer pet insurance to their customers. The policies are fully administered and underwritten by Pets Best through American Pet Insurance Company, with Progressive serving as a convenient distribution channel for their existing customers.
How much does Progressive pet insurance cost?
Progressive pet insurance (through Pets Best) costs $18-$50 per month for dogs and $12-$30 per month for cats on average, depending on your pet's age, breed, location, and chosen coverage level. Pricing is comparable to buying directly from Pets Best. For more pricing information, see our pet insurance cost guide.
Can I bundle pet insurance with my Progressive auto or home policy?
Yes, Progressive customers can conveniently manage pet insurance alongside their auto, home, and other Progressive policies through Progressive's website and app. However, the pet insurance is actually a separate Pets Best policy, so there's no true bundling discount. The benefit is convenience, not cost savings.
What is the waiting period for Progressive pet insurance?
Progressive pet insurance (Pets Best) has a 3-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions and a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia on the Elite plan. These are standard waiting periods in the pet insurance industry.
Does Progressive pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, Progressive pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions—no pet insurance company does. However, curable pre-existing conditions (like ear infections or UTIs) may be covered after your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 180 days. Chronic and incurable pre-existing conditions are permanently excluded. For more on this topic, see our article on pet insurance and pre-existing conditions.
Is Progressive pet insurance good?
Progressive pet insurance (provided by Pets Best) offers solid coverage with competitive pricing, fast 5-day claims processing, and optional wellness add-ons. It's particularly convenient for existing Progressive customers who want to manage multiple insurance policies in one place. The coverage itself is identical to buying directly from Pets Best, so you're getting a proven pet insurance product. For help evaluating pet insurance, see our guide on whether pet insurance is worth it.
The Bottom Line
Progressive Pet Insurance offers a convenient way for existing Progressive customers to access solid pet insurance coverage through their partnership with Pets Best. While Progressive doesn't underwrite pet insurance directly, their distribution channel provides the convenience of managing pet coverage alongside auto, home, and other Progressive policies.
The coverage itself is identical to what you'd get buying directly from Pets Best—comprehensive accident and illness protection with optional wellness add-ons, competitive pricing, and proven claims handling. The 3-day accident waiting period and 5-day claims processing are competitive with industry standards.
The main limitation is understanding that this is actually a Pets Best policy, not Progressive pet insurance. Claims and customer service for pet matters go through Pets Best, not Progressive. There's also no true bundling discount—the benefit is purely convenience, not cost savings.
For existing Progressive customers who value having one place to manage their insurance portfolio, Progressive pet insurance makes sense. For those not already using Progressive for other insurance, buying directly from Pets Best provides the same coverage with a direct relationship to your pet insurer.
Compare quotes from multiple providers using our pet insurance comparison guide to find the best fit for your specific situation and needs.
Sources and References
- Progressive Insurance Official Website - Pet Insurance Partnership Information (2025)
- Pets Best Insurance Official Website - Policy Terms and Coverage Details (2025)
- AM Best - American Pet Insurance Company Financial Strength Rating
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association - Industry Statistics (2024)
- Better Business Bureau - Pets Best Insurance Company Profile
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