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Pets Best Summary
Pets Best is one of the most established pet insurance providers on the web today. It was launched in 2005 by Dr. Jack Stephens, who actually helped to kick start the pet insurance industry some 40 years ago. Today, the Pets Best service stands out thanks to its flexible coverage, short waiting period for accidents, and option for direct vet pay.
Pets Best Pros & Cons
Pros
Affordable accident-only coverage
Unlimited plans available
24/7 pet helpline
Cons
Some coverage exclusions are vague
Wellness treatments are not included
Pets Best at a glance
9.2
Editorial scoreOnline experience
Excellent site with mobile optimization, learning resources, and live chat
10.0
Customizable rates and services
Customizable plans and rates, 50-90% reimbursement, no upper age limit
10.0
Claims payout waiting period
Days
8.0
Customer support
24/7 communication and a pet hotline available
10.0
Bundles
Multi-pet bundles available
8.0
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from Pets Best:
Coverage options | Accident and illness, accident-only, wellness coverage |
Annual limits | $5,000 to unlimited |
Deductibles | 70% to 90% |
Reimbursement levels | $100 to $1,000 |
Pets covered | Dogs and cats |
Discount opportunities | Multi-pet, employer group, military |
Availability | All 50 states, Washington D.C. |
Pros | Offers direct vet pay, customizable coverages, 3-day waiting period for accidents |
Cons | Requires a complete medical history, six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament issues |
About Pets Best
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and founded in 2005 by veterinarian Dr. Jack Stephens and Greg McDonald, Pets Best currently insures over 1 million pets and paid over $1.3 billion in claims. Its pet insurance plans are offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC and underwritten through American Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #12190) or Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581.
Expert Insight
"Pets Best owners a great mix of convenience and affordability. The insurer offers a lot of deductible options and the option of accident and illness or just accident coverage. Another feature I love is the direct payment to vets that can come in handy for pet owners who can’t cover a huge amount of money upfront."
Pets Best Availability
Pets Best serves pet parents in all 50 states, Washington D.C. Policyholders are welcome to visit any licensed veterinarian in any of those locations. On the Pets Best website, you can download a sample pet insurance policy for your specific location.
Who is Pets Best Insurance For?
Pets Best may be a solid choice if:
You prefer direct vet pay: Pets Best is one of the only pet insurance companies to offer this option as most insurers operate on a reimbursement model.
You have a senior or high-risk dog or cat: There are no upper age limits or breed restrictions.
You prioritize more immediate coverage for accidents: Pets Best offers a short, 3-day waiting period for accidents while other insurance companies make you wait at least 14 days.
What's Covered?
Pet insurance coverage depends on the plan you choose. Compared to other pet insurers, however, Pets Best offers more flexible coverage. You can opt for a basic accident-only policy or a more comprehensive accident-and-illness plan.
Note that you’ll have to pay extra to receive coverage for exam fees and physical therapy. There are also two wellness plan add-ons to help cover routine care costs.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each Pets Best policy.
Accident and Illness
Accidents like broken bones, car accidents, and foreign object ingestion
Illnesses, such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes
Hereditary and congenital conditions like hip dysplasia and cherry eye
Diagnostic exams, such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays
Emergency care, hospitalizations and surgeries
Periodontal disease and other dental conditions
Prosthetic devices and wheelchairs
Euthanasia
Exam fees and physical therapy (for an additional cost)
Accident-Only
Accidental exams
Hospitalizations and surgeries
Outpatient and specialist care
Emergency care
Medication injections
Being hit by a vehicle
Bone fractures
Bites
Torn nails
Lacerations, cuts, and abrasions
Foreign body ingestion
EssentialWellness- $305 in Total Annual Benefits
Wellness exam, up to $50
Microchipping, up to $20
Vaccination, up to $45
Diagnostic panel, up to $90
Preventative medication, up to $100
BestWellness-$535 in Total Annual Benefits
Wellness exam, up to $50
Microchipping, up to $40
Spay/neuter/teeth cleaning, up to $150
Vaccination, up to $55
Diagnostic panel, up to $125
Preventative medication, up to $115
Every plan comes with access to a 24/7 Pet Helpline, optional direct reimbursements to a CareCredit credit card, pet record storage, and special deals.
Pets Best Pet Insurance Plans & Pricing
The table below shows how much Pets Best insurance could cost for different types of pets and policies.
I noticed the senior pet coverage is pricey but still significantly cheaper than what I’ve seen with other pet insurance companies. If you have an older dog or dog and want coverage without breaking the bank, Pets Best might be the ultimate choice.
Note that Pets Best charges a $2.00 processing fee if you pay your premiums monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually.
Pet Type | Accident-Only Plan | Accident and Illness Plan |
Dog (2 years old)* | $9.00* | $16.98** |
Dog (11 years old)* | $9.00* | $91.41** |
Cat (2 years old)** | $6.00*** | $13.88**** |
Cat (11 years old)** | $6.00*** | $46.15**** |
*This is the 2026 monthly rate for a male, Medium Mix dog in the Cleveland, OH area with $10,000 annual limits, an 90% reimbursement rate, and $250 deductible
**This is the 2026 monthly rate for a male, Medium Mix dog in the Cleveland, OH area with $10,000 annual limits, an 80% reimbursement rate, and $500 deductible
***This is the 2026 monthly rate for a female, Domestic Shorthair cat in the Cleveland, OH area with $10,000 annual limits, an 90% reimbursement rate, and $250 deductible
*****This is the 2026 monthly rate for a female, Domestic Shorthair cat in the Cleveland, OH area with $10,000 annual limits, an 80% reimbursement rate, and $500 deductible
Below, you’ll find the 2026 monthly rates for Pets Best add-ons and wellness plans.
Exam fees | $1.51 to $8.12, depends on pet |
Physical therapy | $0.25 to $1.36, depends on pet |
EssentialWellness | $19.08, same for all pets |
BestWellness | $28.58, same for all pets |
The cost of a pet insurance plan from Pets Best depends on the following factors:
Location: You’ll face higher premiums if you’re a pet owner in an urban area like New York City than a rural town in Texas.
Pet breed: If you have a French Bulldog or another breed that’s prone to illness and injury, pet insurance might cost you more than a pet owner with a lower-risk breed.
Age: Senior pets come with expensive rates so it’s a good idea to lock in coverage as soon as possible, ideally when your pet is a puppy or kitten.
Coverage details: The plan(s) you choose as well as your deductible, annual limits, and reimbursement level will all affect your pet insurance costs.
Discounts: Pets Best advertises a few discounts, including employee group discounts and multi-pet discounts. Pets Best also offers a military discount on accident and illness insurance plans for active duty and military families.
How to Get a Pets Best Insurance Quote
To get a pet insurance quote from Pets Best, visit the Pets Best website and provide some basic information about yourself and your pet. Be prepared to share:
Your zip code and email address
Your address
Your first and last name
Whether your pet is a dog or cat
Your pet’s name, age, and breed
From there, Pets Best will show you a rate based on an accident and illness policy. It will also spit out prices for the exam fee and physical therapy add-ons as well as wellness coverage. You can play around with the different annual limits, deductibles, reimbursement levels, and add-ons to find a plan that meets your budget and needs.
There will also be an option to click on “accident-only” coverage if you prefer a more affordable, basic policy. Note that if your pet has a pre-existing condition, Pets Best may only offer you an accident-only plan along with wellness coverage.
What's Not Covered
Pets Best offers comprehensive coverage but excludes the following from its plans:
Pre-existing conditions
Alternative or holistic treatments
Training and behavioral condition treatments
Injuries due to intentional acts, such as dog fighting
Breeding and pregnancy
Complications from diagnostic tests, treatments, therapies, and medications
Prescription pet foods and supplements
Bedding, boarding, bowls, cages, clothes, collars, crates, daycare, leashes, and nail trimmers
Anal gland expression
Transport expenses, including ambulance transportation
Cremation, burial, and after life expenses
Waiting Periods
A waiting period refers to the amount of time after your policy start date before your pet is eligible for coverage. Pets Best offers some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry following the policy effective date.
The insurer’s waiting periods are 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 30 days for cruciate ligament conditions.
Coverage Limits
Coverage limit is the maximum amount Pets Best will reimburse you in a policy year. Pets Best lets you choose from three coverage limits, including:
$5,000: Most pet insurers offer coverage limits below $5,000 but this is the lowest limit available with Pets Best. It might make sense if you have a young or healthy pet.
$10,000: If your pet is in moderate health and you’d like substantial coverage, $10,000 can be a good choice:
Unlimited: Unlimited means there is no cap as to how much Pets Best will cover your claims in a policy year. It may be worthwhile if you have an older pet or a pet who is susceptible to injuries or living with certain congenital or hereditary conditions.
Reimbursement and Deductibles
When you take out a Pets Best policy, you can choose between from the following three reimbursement levels:
70%
80%
90%
Pets Best also offers five deductible options, including:
$100
$200
$250
$500
$1,000
Reimbursement level is the percentage Pets Best will pay for once you meet your deductible. Deductible is what you’ll owe out-of-pocket after a covered claim before your Pets Best coverage steps in and covers of the rest.
Note that a higher deductible leads to lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs after a covered claim. It’s up to you, the pet parent, to decide which deductible makes the most sense for your finances.
How Pets Best Works: Claims and Service
Once you visit the vet and have a full medical history of your pet on file, submitting a claim through Pets Best is extremely easy thanks to the helpful online portal. All you need to do is:
Fill out a short claim form.
Attach photos of paid invoices and proof of payment, such as a credit card receipt.
Set up a reimbursement method, such as direct deposit or request Pets Best to pay your vet directly.
Pets Best offers other claim filing options. You may send an email to claims@petsbest.com, fax to 866-777-1434, or snail mail to Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, 965 Keller Rd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.
Pets Best processes most claims within 5 days. If you have any problems entering a claim, you can get in touch with the Pets Best customer care team over the phone or via live chat. Agents are available from 6 AM to 7 PM MST Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 6 AM to 2 PM.
What You Might Like
Direct vet pay available: Most pet insurance companies operate on a reimbursement model, meaning you submit a claim after you visit the vet and wait to get reimbursed. Pets Best is unique in that it also offers to pay your vet directly. I don’t know about you but I don’t like dishing out hundreds or thousands of my own money upfront so this is a game changer in my book.
Customizable coverage: Pets Best offers an accident-only plan for budget-conscious pet parents as well as a robust accident and illness policy and two tiers of wellness coverage. Plus, you can choose from a variety of coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
Short waiting period for accidents: A 14-day waiting period is industry standard for pet insurance. Pets Best, however, has a much shorter waiting period of three days for accidents. If your pet is prone to accidents (or you’re simply impatient like me), this can be a huge plus.
What Pets Best Could Do Better
Many exclusions: Pets Best doesn’t cover some items that other pet insurers do. For example, it won’t reimburse you for alternative or holistic treatments, behavioral conditions, and prescription food and supplements. You have to pay extra for physical therapy and vet exam fees, which I find annoying.
Requires a full medical history: According to Pets Best, your claim might get denied if you’re unable to provide a complete medical history of your pet. It will be your responsibility to ensure you submit all relevant records when you file a claim.
Longer waiting period for cruciate ligament issues: Cruciate ligament issues are common in dogs. If your dog experiences them, you’ll need to wait six months before Pets Best coverage kicks in.
Pets Best Reviews by Real Customers
Pets Best’s website is loaded with positives about the pet insurance company. While I appreciate the great marketing, I wanted to see how real customers feel about its offerings and service. That’s why I read reviews and ratings on TrustPilot and Better Business Bureau (BBB).
At the time of this writing, Spot has 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on almost 6,000 reviews on TrustPilot. Pets Best is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has a score of 3.4 out of 5
Most of the five-star reviews like the ones below praise Pets Best’s customer service and customizable coverages.
The negative reviews were mainly about premium increases and a lack of coverage for certain procedures and conditions.
How Pets Best Compares
Pets Best is one of the many pet insurance companies on the market. Before you sign on the dotted line with this insurer, shop around and explore all your options. Here’s how Pets Best compares to ASPCA, Healthy Paws, and Embrace.
Pets Best vs. ASPCA
Pets Best and ASPCA both sell accident-only, accident-and-illness, and routine coverage. However, Pets Best stands out in the customer service department. It offers live chat support and a 24/7 Pet Helpline. ASPCA restricts its customer service hours to weekdays during regular business hours.
Pets Best vs. Healthy Paws
Both Pets Best and Healthy Paws provide pet owners with accident and illness plans. Pets Best offers a 24/7 Pet Helpline while Healthy Paws advertises 24/7 virtual vet care. However, only Pets Best offers accident-only and wellness coverage as well.
Pets Best vs. Embrace
Pets Best and Embrace sell accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness policies. Where Pets Best shines, however, is no upper age limits. Embrace restricts coverage for pets who are 15 and older to accident-only plans.
Pets Best | Embrace | Healthy Paws | ASPCA | |
Reimbursement rate | 70% - 90% | 70%-90% | 50%-90% | 70% - 90% |
Annual deductible | $50 - $1,000 | $100- $1,000 | $100-$1,000 | $100, $250, or $500 |
Coverage limit | $5,000 to unlimited | $5,000 to unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000 or unlimited |
Bottom Line
Cat and dog owners wishing to make sure the needs of their beloved pets are taken care of are sure to love Pets Best. Claim pre-authorization along with limit-free policies mean, once you’ve subscribed to Pets Best, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you won’t be left with a huge bill if your pet requires emergency treatment.
Do keep in mind, however, that the Pets Best core plans don’t cover any wellness treatments or pre-existing conditions.
Contact Details and Address
You can reach Pets Best on the phone at 1-877-738-7237 or by mail at: Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, 1200 William St., PO Box 2490, Buffalo, NY 14240.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pet Best Insurance Pay the Vet Directly?
Pets Best may pay your vet directly so you don’t have to cover the costs upfront. You’ll need to request this service when you file a claim and wait for approval.
Is Pets Best a Reputable Pet Insurance Company?
Yes, Pets is a reputable pet insurer. It was founded by a vet and has been around since 2005. In addition, Pets Best has many positive reviews on Google and third-party review sites like TrustPilot.
Does Pets Best Cover Dental Services for Pets?
If you opt for an accident and illness policy from Pets Best, you will receive coverage for periodontal disease and other qualifying dental conditions. Note that dental coverage is not available with the accident-only plan.
How Can I Cancel a Pets Best Policy?
To cancel pet insurance coverage from Pets Best, contact the company via phone or email. The insurer will then cancel your policy the day after they receive your request.
Methodology
Our seasoned team at BestMoney rates and reviews pet insurance companies across the following categories:
Costs: We compared Pets Best premiums to industry averages and considered the value of its policies and discounts. To do this accurately, we pulled online quotes for several insurers.
Coverage terms: We considered Pets Best’s plan options, flexibility, special waiting periods, exclusions, and additional features or add-ons.
Availability: We focused on where Pets Best serves its customers.
Claims process: We reviewed Pets Best claims processing and reimbursement times as well as the availability of direct vet pay.
Customer service: Our team used reputable third-party review sites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about how customers perceive Pets Best.
Disclosure
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (CA agency #0F37530) is a licensed insurance agency located at 10840 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Terms and conditions apply. See your policy for details.
How do I know I can trust this review?
Our editors are serious about research - we combine our own experience with the services we recommend with reviews that come from verified users–just like you! Together with reviews from industry experts to ensure you choose with confidence and ease.
Jacob Parker
Jacob Parker is a finance and technology writer at BestMoney.com, specializing in insurance. With a background in climate science, he’s deeply interested in fintech, sustainability, and ESG research. Jacob leverages his interdisciplinary experience to help readers make informed financial decisions.