Owning a pet is a joyful experience—until the unexpected vet bills hit. That’s where pet insurance comes in, offering financial peace of mind when your four-legged friend needs medical attention. Among the many options, Pets Best Pet Insurance stands out as a contender, boasting some of the most competitive rates in the industry and a flexible coverage structure. But is it truly the best choice for pet parents?
This in-depth review will cover everything you need to know—from coverage details to costs, exclusions, and how it stacks up against competitors—so you can decide if it’s worth your money.
What Is Pets Best Pet Insurance?
Founded in 2005, Pets Best was created with a noble goal: to prevent economic euthanasia by making pet healthcare more accessible. Their policies cover both dogs and cats, with no upper age limit—a major advantage for those with senior pets.
Pets Best policies are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company, depending on the state.
Pets Best Insurance at a Glance
- Best For: No age limits on enrollment
- Average Monthly Cost: $30.19 (dogs), $17.48 (cats)
- Customizable Coverage: Choose deductibles ($50-$1,000), reimbursement rates (70%-90%), and annual benefit limits ($5,000 to unlimited)
- Waiting Periods: 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses
- Wellness Add-Ons Available: Two optional tiers for routine care coverage
- Discounts: Multi-pet, military, and Farmers Insurance discounts
What Does Pets Best Cover?
Pets Best offers a three-tiered accident-and-illness plan and an accident-only plan. The level of coverage depends on the plan selected.
1. Accident-and-Illness Plans
These policies cover unexpected injuries and illnesses for pets as young as 7 weeks old. The three plans—Essential, Plus, and Elite—provide a range of benefits, including: ✅ Accidents (broken bones, car accidents, poisoning)
✅ Chronic conditions (arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy)
✅ Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, surgery)
✅ Hereditary & congenital conditions (hip dysplasia, IVDD)
✅ Surgeries (foreign body removal, tumor extractions)
✅ Prescription medications
✅ Emergency care & hospitalization
💡 Bonus Features (Elite Plan Only):
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Cold laser therapy
- Hydrotherapy
2. Accident-Only Plan
For budget-conscious pet owners, the accident-only plan provides a safety net for unexpected injuries without the added cost of illness coverage. This plan includes: ✅ Accidental injuries (broken bones, snake bites, swallowed objects)
✅ Traumatic dental fractures
✅ Oral trauma
💲 Set Costs:
- $250 deductible
- 90% reimbursement
- $10,000 annual coverage limit
What’s NOT Covered?
Like all pet insurance providers, Pets Best has exclusions. Here’s what won’t be covered:
❌ Preexisting conditions (though curable conditions may be eligible after a waiting period)
❌ Elective procedures (ear cropping, tail docking, dewclaw removal)
❌ Parasite treatment (heartworms, fleas, ticks, tapeworms)
❌ Holistic & experimental treatments (herbal medicine, supplements)
❌ Grooming & non-medical expenses (bathing, nail trims, waste disposal fees)
How Much Does Pets Best Pet Insurance Cost?
Pets Best stands out with some of the lowest premiums in the industry. The cost of your policy depends on factors like your pet’s breed, age, location, and coverage selections.
| Company | Monthly Cost (Dogs) | Monthly Cost (Cats) |
|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | $30.19 | $17.48 |
| Pumpkin | $61.79 | $25.80 |
| Spot | $49.33 | $23.86 |
| Trupanion | $72.40 | $30.10 |
💡 Money-Back Guarantee: Pets Best offers a 30-day refund policy if you’re unsatisfied—provided no claims have been filed.
Discounts Available
- Multi-Pet Discount: 5% off for enrolling multiple pets
- Military Discount: 5% off for active and retired service members
- Farmers Insurance Discount: 5% off for Farmers policyholders
- Dogs on Deployment Discount: Special 5% discount for military pet owners
How Does Pets Best Compare to Competitors?
Choosing pet insurance isn’t just about price—it’s about value. Here’s how Pets Best stacks up against other leading providers.
Pets Best vs. Embrace
Key Differences:
- Pets Best offers three accident-and-illness tiers, while Embrace has one.
- Waiting Periods: Embrace’s accident waiting period is 2 days, compared to Pets Best’s 3 days.
- Coverage for Alternative Treatments: Embrace covers holistic therapies in all plans, while Pets Best reserves them for Elite plans.
💰 Winner on Price: Pets Best—cheaper rates for both dogs and cats.
Pets Best vs. Trupanion
Key Differences:
- Trupanion offers direct vet payments without requiring reimbursement.
- Waiting Periods: Trupanion has a 30-day wait for illnesses, compared to Pets Best’s 14 days.
- Trupanion doesn’t offer wellness add-ons, while Pets Best does.
💰 Winner on Cost & Flexibility: Pets Best—lower premiums and more customizable options.
Customer Experience & Claims Process
Pets Best makes it easy to manage your policy and file claims. Here’s what you can expect:
Claims Process
✅ Online Portal & Mobile App: Submit claims quickly through the website or Pets Best app.
✅ Vet Direct Pay Option: If your vet accepts it, Pets Best can pay them directly.
✅ Fast Reimbursement: Claims can be processed in as little as two days with direct deposit.
💡 Contacting Customer Support:
- Phone: 1-877-738-7237 (Monday–Saturday)
- Email: claims@petsbest.com
- Fax: 866-777-1434
Is Pets Best Pet Insurance Worth It?
If you’re looking for affordable pet insurance with flexible customization and no age restrictions, Pets Best is an excellent choice. It’s particularly appealing for: ✔️ Owners of senior pets (no upper age limit)
✔️ Multi-pet households (5% discount)
✔️ Budget-conscious pet parents (some of the lowest premiums)
✔️ Military members & Farmers Insurance customers (exclusive discounts)
However, if holistic treatments, virtual vet visits, or exotic pet coverage are important to you, you might want to explore other options like Embrace or Spot.
Final Verdict
When it comes to balancing cost, coverage, and flexibility, Pets Best holds its own as one of the top choices for pet insurance. With competitive pricing, customizable policies, and fast claims processing, it’s a solid pick for most dog and cat owners.
For more details, check out Pets Best’s official website and compare quotes with other top providers like Embrace and Spot.
Your pet’s health is priceless—but their insurance doesn’t have to be! 🐶🐱💙