Pets Best Insurance

Pets Best Insurance: A Comprehensive Review

Choosing the right pet insurance can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which company offers the best coverage and value for your furry friend? Pets Best is a well-known and established pet insurance provider, and this comprehensive review will delve into the details of their plans, pricing, customer service, and overall reputation to help you make an informed decision.

What is Pets Best?

Pets Best was founded in 2005 with a mission to provide accessible and affordable pet insurance to help pet owners manage the rising costs of veterinary care. They offer a range of plans designed to suit different budgets and needs, covering accidents, illnesses, and preventative care (depending on the chosen plan). Pets Best is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, ensuring financial stability and reliability.

Pets Best’s Core Values

Pets Best prides itself on several core values that guide their business practices:

Transparency: They strive to provide clear and understandable policy information, avoiding confusing jargon and hidden clauses.
Customer Focus: Pets Best aims to provide exceptional customer service, responding promptly to inquiries and resolving issues efficiently.
Innovation: They continuously seek ways to improve their plans and services, adapting to the evolving needs of pet owners.
Community Involvement: Pets Best supports animal welfare organizations and participates in community initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership.

Coverage Options: What Does Pets Best Offer?

Pets Best offers several different pet insurance plans, each with varying levels of coverage and price points. Understanding the nuances of each plan is crucial for selecting the one that best fits your pet’s specific needs and your financial situation.

Accident and Illness Plan

This is Pets Best’s most comprehensive plan, covering a wide range of unexpected veterinary expenses. It typically includes coverage for:

Accidents: Injuries resulting from accidents such as car accidents, falls, or bites. This often includes examination fees, diagnostics (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), surgery, hospitalization, and medication.
Illnesses: A broad range of illnesses, including infections, allergies, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and digestive issues. Similar to accident coverage, this encompasses examination fees, diagnostics, treatments, and medications.
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Many plans cover hereditary conditions (passed down from parents) and congenital conditions (present at birth) if the pet shows no signs of the condition prior to enrollment. It’s crucial to review the specific policy wording for any exclusions or limitations.
Emergency Care: Coverage for emergency veterinary visits, which can be particularly expensive.
Specialty Care: Coverage for consultations and treatments provided by veterinary specialists, such as oncologists, cardiologists, and dermatologists.

It is important to note that pre-existing conditions are generally not covered by any pet insurance policy, including Pets Best. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury that showed signs or symptoms before the policy’s effective date or during any waiting periods.

Accident-Only Plan

This plan provides coverage specifically for accidents and injuries. It’s a more budget-friendly option for pet owners who are primarily concerned about the financial burden of unexpected accidents.

The Accident-Only plan typically covers:

Accidental Injuries: Fractures, lacerations, foreign body ingestion, poisoning, and other accident-related injuries.
Examination Fees: The cost of the veterinary examination to diagnose the accident-related injury.
Diagnostics: X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests necessary to assess the extent of the injury.
Treatment: Surgery, hospitalization, medication, and other treatments required to address the injury.

This plan does *not* cover illnesses, hereditary conditions, or preventative care.

Preventative Care Plans (Optional Add-on)

Pets Best offers optional preventative care plans that can be added to either the Accident and Illness or Accident-Only plans. These plans help cover the costs of routine veterinary care, such as:

Annual Wellness Exams: Regular check-ups to monitor your pet’s overall health.
Vaccinations: Core and non-core vaccines to protect against various diseases.
Flea and Tick Prevention: Medications to prevent flea and tick infestations.
Heartworm Prevention: Medications to prevent heartworm disease.
Dental Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings to maintain your pet’s oral hygiene.
Fecal Tests: To check for intestinal parasites.
Blood Tests: Routine blood work to screen for potential health issues.

These preventative care plans are typically offered at different levels, with each level covering a different amount for each service. Carefully consider your pet’s needs and the potential cost savings when selecting a preventative care plan.

Pets Best Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of Pets Best pet insurance varies depending on several factors, including:

Pet’s Species and Breed: Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats, and certain breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions, which can also affect the premium.
Pet’s Age: Older pets typically have higher premiums due to an increased risk of health problems.
Coverage Level: The more comprehensive the plan, the higher the premium. Accident and Illness plans are more expensive than Accident-Only plans, and adding a preventative care plan will further increase the cost.
Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A higher deductible generally results in a lower premium, and vice versa.
Reimbursement Percentage: This is the percentage of covered expenses that Pets Best will reimburse you for. Common reimbursement percentages are 70%, 80%, and 90%. A higher reimbursement percentage will result in a higher premium.
Annual Limit: This is the maximum amount that Pets Best will pay out for covered expenses in a policy year. Higher annual limits typically come with higher premiums.
Location: Veterinary costs can vary depending on your geographic location, which can also influence the premium.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of Pets Best pet insurance for your pet, it’s best to get a quote directly from their website. Be sure to provide accurate information about your pet’s species, breed, age, and location to receive the most accurate pricing.

Deductible Options

Pets Best offers a range of deductible options, allowing you to customize your plan to fit your budget. Common deductible options include $100, $250, $500, and $1000. Choosing a higher deductible can significantly lower your monthly premium, but you’ll need to be prepared to pay more out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins.

Reimbursement Options

Pets Best also offers different reimbursement options, typically ranging from 70% to 90%. The reimbursement percentage determines how much of the covered expenses Pets Best will pay after you’ve met your deductible. A higher reimbursement percentage means you’ll pay less out-of-pocket for covered veterinary expenses, but it also means a higher monthly premium.

Annual Limit Options

You can also choose your annual coverage limit. Pets Best provides options ranging from $5,000 to unlimited. Selecting a higher annual limit gives you more financial protection in case of a major medical event, but it also increases your monthly premium.

Discounts

Pets Best offers several discounts that can help you save money on your pet insurance premium. These may include:

Multi-Pet Discount: A discount for insuring multiple pets with Pets Best.
Military Discount: A discount for active-duty military personnel and veterans.
Employee Discount: Some employers partner with Pets Best to offer discounted pet insurance to their employees.
Association Discount: Members of certain organizations or associations may be eligible for a discount.

Be sure to inquire about available discounts when getting a quote from Pets Best.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Before committing to any pet insurance provider, it’s essential to research their customer reviews and reputation. This can provide valuable insights into the company’s customer service, claims processing, and overall reliability.

Online Reviews

Several websites collect and publish customer reviews of pet insurance companies, including:

Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB provides ratings and reviews of businesses based on customer complaints and other factors.
Trustpilot: A popular platform for customer reviews, allowing users to share their experiences with businesses.
ConsumerAffairs: A website that provides consumer reviews and information on a variety of products and services.
NerdWallet: Offers reviews and comparisons of pet insurance companies, along with customer feedback.

When reading online reviews, it’s important to consider the following:

Look for patterns: Are there recurring themes in the reviews, both positive and negative?
Consider the source: Is the review from a reputable source? Be wary of anonymous reviews or reviews that seem overly positive or negative.
Read a variety of reviews: Don’t base your decision on just a few reviews. Read a wide range of reviews to get a balanced perspective.
Pay attention to the details: Do the reviews provide specific examples of the customer’s experience? Detailed reviews are often more helpful than vague or general statements.

Common Themes in Pets Best Customer Reviews

Based on online reviews, here are some common themes that emerge regarding Pets Best:

Positive Reviews:

Fast Claims Processing: Many customers praise Pets Best for their quick and efficient claims processing.
Helpful Customer Service: Some customers report positive experiences with Pets Best’s customer service representatives, finding them to be helpful and responsive.
Comprehensive Coverage: Some customers are satisfied with the breadth of coverage offered by Pets Best’s Accident and Illness plan.
Easy-to-Use Website and App: Many customers find the Pets Best website and mobile app user-friendly and convenient for managing their policies and submitting claims.

Negative Reviews:

Claim Denials: Some customers report having their claims denied, often due to pre-existing conditions or policy exclusions. This is a common complaint across many pet insurance companies, highlighting the importance of carefully reviewing the policy terms and conditions.
Premium Increases: Some customers have experienced premium increases upon renewal of their policies.
Customer Service Issues: While some customers praise Pets Best’s customer service, others report negative experiences, such as long wait times or difficulty resolving issues.
Confusing Policy Language: Some customers find the policy language to be confusing or difficult to understand.

It’s important to remember that every customer’s experience is unique, and online reviews may not always reflect the overall quality of a company. However, they can provide valuable insights into potential strengths and weaknesses.

Claims Process: How Easy Is It to Get Reimbursed?

A smooth and efficient claims process is crucial for a positive pet insurance experience. Here’s an overview of Pets Best’s claims process:

Visit the Veterinarian: Take your pet to a licensed veterinarian for treatment.
Pay the Veterinary Bill: You’ll need to pay the veterinary bill upfront.
Submit a Claim: You can submit a claim to Pets Best online through their website or mobile app, or by mailing in a paper claim form. You’ll need to provide a copy of the veterinary bill and any relevant medical records.
Claims Processing: Pets Best will review your claim and determine the eligible reimbursement amount based on your policy’s terms and conditions.
Reimbursement: If your claim is approved, Pets Best will reimburse you for the covered expenses, minus your deductible and any applicable co-insurance. You can typically choose to receive reimbursement via direct deposit or check.

Direct Vet Pay

Pets Best offers a direct vet pay option, which allows them to pay the veterinarian directly, eliminating the need for you to pay upfront and then wait for reimbursement. However, not all veterinary clinics participate in direct vet pay, so you’ll need to check with your veterinarian to see if they offer this option.

Claims Submission Methods

Pets Best offers multiple ways to submit a claim, providing flexibility and convenience for pet owners. You can submit a claim online through their website or mobile app, or you can mail in a paper claim form. The online and mobile options are generally faster and more efficient.

Claims Processing Time

Pets Best typically processes claims within a few business days. However, processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the volume of claims being processed. You can track the status of your claim online through your Pets Best account.

Pros and Cons of Pets Best Insurance

To help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Pets Best, here’s a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

Comprehensive Coverage Options: Pets Best offers a range of plans to suit different budgets and needs, including Accident and Illness, Accident-Only, and preventative care plans.
Customizable Plans: You can customize your plan by choosing your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit.
Direct Vet Pay Option: Pets Best offers a direct vet pay option, allowing them to pay the veterinarian directly.
Fast Claims Processing: Many customers report fast and efficient claims processing.
User-Friendly Website and App: Pets Best’s website and mobile app are easy to use and convenient for managing your policy and submitting claims.
No Upper Age Limit: Some pet insurance companies have upper age limits for enrollment, but Pets Best does not.

Cons:

Pre-Existing Conditions Not Covered: Like all pet insurance companies, Pets Best does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Potential for Premium Increases: Premiums may increase upon renewal of your policy.
Some Negative Customer Reviews: Some customers have reported negative experiences with claim denials and customer service.
Waiting Periods: Pets Best has waiting periods for certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries.

Alternatives to Pets Best

If you’re not sure if Pets Best is the right fit for you, it’s a good idea to compare their plans and pricing with other pet insurance providers. Some popular alternatives to Pets Best include:

Trupanion: Trupanion is known for its comprehensive coverage and direct vet pay option.
Embrace: Embrace offers customizable plans and a diminishing deductible feature.
Healthy Paws: Healthy Paws is a popular choice for its unlimited annual benefits and high customer satisfaction ratings.
Nationwide: Nationwide offers a variety of pet insurance plans, including wellness plans.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is another well-known provider with a range of coverage options.

When comparing pet insurance companies, be sure to consider the following factors:

Coverage Options: What types of conditions are covered? Are there any exclusions or limitations?
Pricing: How much does the plan cost? What is the deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit?
Customer Reviews: What are other customers saying about the company?
Claims Process: How easy is it to submit a claim and get reimbursed?
Waiting Periods: How long are the waiting periods for different conditions?
Customer Service: How responsive and helpful is the customer service team?

Is Pets Best Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to choose Pets Best pet insurance depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Here are some scenarios where Pets Best might be a good fit:

You want a comprehensive plan with a variety of coverage options.
You’re looking for a customizable plan that fits your budget.
You want the option of direct vet pay.
You’re comfortable managing your policy and submitting claims online.
You’re willing to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to understand what’s covered and what’s not.

However, Pets Best might not be the best choice if:

Your pet has significant pre-existing conditions.
You’re looking for the absolute cheapest pet insurance option (while Pets Best is competitive, other providers may offer lower premiums for basic coverage).
You require a very high level of customer service and prefer to speak to a representative by phone rather than managing your policy online.

Conclusion

Pets Best is a reputable pet insurance provider with a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. They offer comprehensive coverage options, customizable plans, and a direct vet pay option. However, like all pet insurance companies, they have certain limitations and potential drawbacks. By carefully considering the pros and cons, reading customer reviews, and comparing Pets Best to other providers, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right choice for your furry friend.

Remember to always read the fine print of any pet insurance policy to understand the coverage details, exclusions, and limitations before enrolling. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection, but it’s important to choose a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.