Compare Pets Best Pet Insurance

Comparison Fact Sheet
Updated 9/4/2024

To get the most from these sheets, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.



Company Info
Company Name Pets Best
Also Known As / Affiliates / Partners Also sold through - Progressive, Farmers Insurance, Union Plus and PEMCO

Acquired by Synchrony Financial in 2019. Synchrony Financial also owns CareCredit.

Acquired by JAB Holding in 2024.
Address 965 Keller Rd.
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Phone 1-877-738-7237
Website www.petsbest.com
Plans That Provide Both Accident and Illness Coverage BestBenefit Plans: Essential, Plus, and Elite *
States Covered Available in all states
Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating Insurance underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company.

Independence American Insurance Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A-" and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 9/4/2024.

Insurance underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, which has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "NR" as of 9/4/2024.

American Pet Insurance Company is not rated (NR) by AM Best, however they are rated by Demotech, Inc. Read More:

For the most recent ratings go to: AM Best
Year Company Started 2005

 

Policy Basics
Policy Term 12 months
Effective Date The Effective Date will be listed on the Declarations Page of your policy after you apply and are accepted.
Enrollment Age Pet must be at least 7 weeks of age.

There is no upper age limit
Cancellation Policy Ask for a current copy of their insurance policy so that you may review their cancellation policy
Waiting Period 3 days after the policy effective date for injuries.

14 days after the policy effective date for illness.

6 months after the policy effective date for cruciate ligament conditions

According to their sample policy: "Waiting periods may be reduced or waived when the health of your Pet is certified by a participating Veterinarian prior to coverage being purchased"

**Waiting Periods can vary by state. See actual policy or contact Pets Best to confirm the waiting periods for your state.
Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury 6 months after the policy effective date for cruciate ligament Conditions

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for complete details regarding cruciate ligament conditions
Coverage When Travel Out of State or Country? You may visit any licensed veterinarian in the US, Canada, and any region under US control including territories and military bases.
Can the Price of the Policy Increase as my Pet Ages? Yes, the policy premium can increase as your pet ages. The premium may also increase due to inflation or other reasons.

Contact the company for more information on when and by how much your premium may increase.
Does Coverage Stop Due to Age? No
What Happens when the Policy Renews? Chronic conditions will continue to be covered each year as long as you don't go over your Maximum Payout.

(See 'Max Payout' section below)
Can the Price of the Policy Increase if a Claim is Filed? No
Choice of Vet? You may visit any licensed veterinarian in the US, Canada, and any region under US control including territories and military bases.
Money Back Guarantee? There is a 30 day money back guarantee. They will refund your money in full as long as you have not filed a claim.

*May vary by state
Surcharge for Visiting a Specialist or Emergency Clinic? No
Referral needed to Visit a Specialist? No
Pre-certification Required? No
Additional Requirements **See actual policy or call Pets Best for a complete list of the requirements you are expected to adhere to in order to maintain coverage.
Pet Insurance Policy Available for Pre-Purchase Review? Sample policy available online

 

What's Covered
Species Covered Dogs and Cats
Accident/Injury -
Baseline Coverage		 Covers diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization.

Exam fee coverage is not included with their Essentials Plan. It is included with their Plus and Elite plans.

It is not clear whether Prescription Drug Coverage is an Optional Add-On or Included with Base Policy. The sample policy and website state different things. In either case, the medication must be in their list of covered drugs in order to be covered.
Illness -
Baseline Coverage		 Covers diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization.

Exam fee coverage is not included with their Essentials Plan. It is included with their Plus and Elite plans.

It is not clear whether Prescription Drug Coverage is an Optional Add-On or Included with Base Policy. The sample policy and website state different things. In either case, the medication must be in their list of covered drugs in order to be covered.
Behavioral Therapy Coverage [INCLUDED]

They cover behavioral consults with a licensed veterinarian and behavioral medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

**See actual policy or contact Pets Best for a complete description of what types of Behavioral Therapy are covered
Alternative Therapy Coverage [OPTIONAL]

To get Rehabilitative, Acupuncture and Chiropractic coverage you must purchase the Elite plan.

**See actual policy or contact Pets Best for a complete description of what types of Alternative Therapy are covered.
Pre-existing Conditions Policy Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

According to their sample policy pre-existing conditions are "Any Condition for which any of the following are true prior to the Policy Effective Date or during any Waiting Period: (1) a Veterinarian provided medical advice; (2) the Pet received previous Treatment; or (3) based on information from verifiable sources, the Pet had signs or symptoms directly related to the Condition for which a claim is being made."

**See policy or call Pets Best for a complete description of their pre-existing conditions policy.
Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage [INCLUDED]

Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered as part of the base policy as long as the condition is not pre-existing and has not occurred during the waiting period.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for complete description of their Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Policy.
Continual Coverage for Chronic Conditions [INCLUDED]

Continual coverage for chronic conditions is included in policy.

Chronic conditions are covered up to the Maximum Payout.

(See 'Max Payout' section below)
Chronic Conditions Policy Chronic conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

Chronic conditions are covered up to the Maximum Payout.

(See 'Max Payout' section below)
Cancer Coverage [INCLUDED]

Cancer conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

Cancer Coverage Limits Cancer conditions are covered up to the Maximum Payout.

(See 'Max Payout' section below)
Hip Dysplasia [INCLUDED]

Hip Dysplasia is covered as long as it is not pre-existing and has not occurred during the waiting period.

This condition is covered up to the Maximum Payout. (See 'Max Payout' section below)
Prescription Drug Coverage It is not clear whether Prescription Drug Coverage is an Optional Add-On or Included with Base Policy. The sample policy and website state different things.

In either case, prescription medications that are NOT included in their formulary of covered medications are NOT covered. In addition, prescription medications must be prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered condition

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Pregnancy Coverage [NO]
Routine/Wellness Benefits [OPTIONAL]

Routine/Wellness Benefits are available for an additional fee.

**See actual policy or call the company for complete description of their Routine/Wellness Benefits
Vaccinations [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Benefits above for details
Spay/Neuter [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Benefits above for details
Dental Care (Routine) [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Benefits above for details
Dental Care (Illness/Accident) [LIMITED COVERAGE]

Periodontal disease coverage - "Your Pet must be free of any signs or symptoms of Periodontal Disease prior to the Policy Effective Date or during any Waiting Period. If your Pet is diagnosed with Periodontal Disease after the Policy Effective Date and any Waiting Period, we will only cover costs related to endodontic Treatment for canine and carnassial teeth and extractions."

Traumatic dental fracture coverage - "...Endodontic treatment for canine and carnassial teeth and extractions for all teeth due to traumatic dental fractures and other oral traumas are covered as long as they are not caused by repetitive inappropriate chewing behavior that presented signs or symptoms prior to the Policy Effective Date or the expiration of any Waiting Period."

Deciduous teeth, dentigerous cysts, enamel hypoplasia and unerupted teeth coverage - "...Extractions for these Conditions are covered if your Pet enrolled prior to becoming 6 months old and there are no signs or symptoms of these Conditions prior to the Policy Effective Date or prior to the expiration of any Waiting Period."

They do not cover:
- Endodontic Treatment for teeth other than the canines and carnassials.

- Open or closed root planing

- Stomatitis and oral resorptive lesions if your Pet shows any signs or has a history of these same Conditions prior to the Policy Effective Date or during any Waiting Period

- Any Treatment for supernumerary teeth, absent teeth, and malocclusion.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of requirements, inclusions and exclusions.
Bilateral Conditions Policy If a bilateral condition happens on one side of the body before the policy starts or during the waiting period, that condition will NOT be covered if it happens on the other side. Even if it happens after the waiting period.

The way it is written in their policy it appears this could apply to any medical condition that can happen on both sides of the body. (e.g. eye problems, ear problems, knee problems, hip problems, etc) as they use the phrasing "...includes, but is not limited to..."

**Contact Pets Best for a list of medical conditions that are considered bilateral for the purpose of exclusion and for a complete description of their Bilateral Conditions Policy.
Coverage - Overview
(please read policy for full coverage details)		 Diagnostics and treatments due to illness and accidents

[Included] Congenital & Hereditary Disorders, Hip Dysplasia, Behavioral Therapy, Continual Chronic Conditions Coverage, Cancer Coverage, Dental Illness/Accidents (limited). (Refer to each category's section for limitations)

[Optional] Exam Fee, Alternative Therapy, Routine/Wellness Care, Routine Dental Care (Refer to each category's section for limitations)

It is not clear whether Prescription Drug Coverage is an Optional Add-On or Included with Base Policy. The sample policy and website state different things.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of exclusions, limitations and conditions.
What's not Covered - Overview
(partial listing, please read policy for full details)
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Accidents and illnesses that occur during the waiting period
  • Breeding, conditions relating to breeding and reproduction expenses
  • Boarding
  • Grooming
  • Any prescription or over-the counter medications that are not included in their formulary of covered medications.
...See policy for a complete listing

 

How The Policy Works
Reimbursement Choose from 70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Annual Deductible

Choose from $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, or $1,000.
Flat Deductible vs % Deductible Flat
Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible Annual
How is Reimbursement Determined It is not clear if reimbursement is based on the actual veterinary bill or UCR.

Reimbursements are calculated by applying your reimbursement percentage first, then your deductible. This can lead to being reimbursed less than companies that subtract the deductible BEFORE applying the reimbursement percentage.
Max Payout Annually $5,000 or Unlimited
Max Lifetime Payout Pets Best does not have a maximum lifetime payout.
Max Payout per Incident Pets Best does not have a maximum payout per incident
Max Payout Based on Body System Pets Best does not have a maximum payout based on body system
Client Reimbursed or Vet Paid Directly You pay the veterinarian and then you are reimbursed after you file the claim.

 

Pricing
Approximate Monthly Costs Approximately $22.00 - $180.00 depending on depending on species, location, plan, etc

 

Additional Info
My Review Pets Best Review
What are Customers Saying? PetInsuranceReview.com and Yelp.com

Also check with your state's Department of Insurance to see if any complaints have been filed for this company
Better Business Bureau bbb.org
Additional Info Pets with serious ongoing conditions (e.g. diabetes, Addison's disease and Immune Mediated Anemia) are not eligible for illness coverage but may be eligible for accident coverage.

*The information in the above charts only applies to Pets Best's pet insurance plans that cover both illness and accidents. If your pet is only eligible for accident coverage, please contact Pets Best for details on that policy.

**Disclaimer: These charts are created based on my research. While I do my best to stay current, information can change quickly. Also, terms and conditions can vary from state to state. Before buying a pet insurance plan, confirm all information by calling the company or reading the most current policy for your state. We will not be held liable for errors or omissions. If you see something that is incorrect or needs clarifying, please let me know.

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