Compare Pets Best Pet Insurance

Comparison Fact Sheet

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


Please Note:
Pet's Best is in the process of changing underwriters. They are moving from Aetna to Independence American Insurance Company.

To check which policy your state is under: See Underwriters



Company Info
Company Name Pets Best
Also Known As  
Address 2710 Sunrise Rim Road
Boise, ID 83705
Phone 1-877-738-7237
Website www.petsbest.com
Plans That Provide Both Accident and Illness Coverage Policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company: Budget; Level 1 Plan; Level 2 Plan; Level 3 Plan*


For policies underwritten by Aetna: Pets Basic; Pets First; Pets Premier*
States Covered All 50 states, including DC
Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating Insurance is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut OR Independence American Insurance Company

Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A" and an Outlook of "Negative" as of 5/1/13.

Independence American Insurance Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A-" and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 5/1/13.

For the most recent ratings go to: AM Best and enter the name of the underwriter in the box labeled 'Text'.
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 accidents

14 days after the policy effective date for illness

14 days after the policy effective date for routine/wellness coverage (if selected)
Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury Depending on the state you live in, cruciate ligament injures that occur in the first 12 months of the policy are either excluded from coverage or are subject to a limitation on the amount of reimbursement.

Policies in Illinois will have limited reimbursement for cruciate injuries that occur after the 14-day waiting period and during the first six months of the policy. Regular benefits apply thereafter.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for complete details regarding cruciate ligament injuries
Coverage When Travel Out of State or Country? Out of State Coverage - You WILL be covered while traveling to other states with your pet.

Out of Country Coverage - You WILL be covered when traveling to another country with your pet
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 how your premium may increase.
Does Coverage Stop Due to Age? No
What Happens when the Policy Renews? For policies written by Independence American Insurance Company, chronic conditions will continue to be covered each year as long as you don't go over your annual and lifetime payout limits (See 'Max Payout Annually' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)

For policies written by Aetna, chronic conditions will continue to be covered each year as long as you don't go over your per-incident maximum amount or maximum lifetime payout (See 'Max Payout per Incident' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)
Can the Price of the Policy Increase if a Claim is Filed? No
Choice of Vet? You can choose any licensed veterinarian worldwide, but you must live in the US permanently to purchase a policy
Money Back Guarantee? For policies written by Independence American Insurance Company, there is a 30 day money back guarantee. They will refund your money in full as long as you have not filed a claim.

For policies underwritten by Aetna, there is a 14 day money back guarantee. They will refund your money in full as long as you have not filed a claim.
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 examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medications.
Illness -
Baseline Coverage		 Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medications.
Behavioral Therapy Coverage [INCLUDED]

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company: Consultations and prescription medications associated with behavior conditions by a licensed veterinarian are covered as long as you have not exceeded your annual and lifetime payouts. Behavioral therapy and training is not covered.

For policies underwritten by Aetna: They cover consultations and prescription medications by a licensed veterinarian only. Behavioral Therapy must be used in relation to a covered injury or illness.

For policies underwritten by Aetna, behavioral therapy has a lower lifetime maximum payout. This means once you hit your maximum payout, behavioral therapy will no longer be covered. The maximum amount paid out depends on which plan you purchase:

Maximum Lifetime Payout for Behavioral Therapy under Aetna:
Pets Basic Plan - $200
Pets First Plan - $300
Pets Premier Plan - $400

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for any additional limitations on Behavioral Therapy Coverage
Alternative Therapy Coverage [INCLUDED]

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company: Coverage is limited chiropractic and to acupuncture performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Alternative therapy has a maximum benefit per policy term. This means once you hit your maximum payout for the policy term (12 months), alternative therapy will no longer be covered during that year. The maximum amount paid per year depends on the policy you buy:

Maximum Policy Term Payout for Alternative Therapy under IAIC:
Basic Plan - $0
Level 1 Plan - $350
Level 2 Plan - $600
Level 3 Plan - $1000

Cold laser therapy, physical therapy and hydrotherapy are not considered alternative therapies by Pets Best and are covered up to the full annual limit.

For policies underwritten by Aetna: Coverage is limited to chiropractic and acupuncture performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Alternative therapy has a maximum benefit per policy term. This means once you hit your maximum payout for the policy term (12 months), alternative therapy will no longer be covered during that year. The maximum amount paid per year depends on the policy you buy:

Maximum Policy Term Payout for Alternative Therapy under Aetna:
Pets Basic Plan - $150
Pets First Plan - $250
Pets Premier Plan - $500

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for any additional limitations on Alternative Therapy Coverage.
Pre-existing Conditions Policy Pre-existing conditions are not covered

For policies underwritten by Independance American Insurance Company: "Pre-Existing Conditions...are Claims for Covered Losses to the Pet(s) that occur or manifest, whether treated or not, prior to the effective date of the Policy or during the waiting period."

For policies underwritten by Aetna, Pre-existing conditions "...refers to a condition, injury or Illness of the Insured's Pet(s) that was: present; contracted; or which first manifested itself; or for which a veterinarian may or may not have been consulted; or for which symptoms, treatment or medication may or may not have been prescribed; prior to the effective date of the Insured's Pet's coverage under this Policy."

**See policy or call Pets Best for complete description of pre-existing conditions.
Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage [HEREDITARY CONDITIONS - LIMITED COVERAGE]

Hereditary coverage is also subject to a separate deductible.

No hereditary condition that manifested, whether diagnosed, treated or not, before the policy effective date or during the waiting period will be covered.

Some hereditary conditions are covered with monetary limitations: See - www.petsbest.com/plans/limitations.aspx

These hereditary conditions have a lower lifetime maximum per pet. This means once you hit this maximum payout, these hereditary conditions will no longer be covered. The maximum amount paid out depends on which plan you purchase. Coverage for these conditions will not apply to pets enrolled after their second birthday.

All other hereditary conditions will be covered similar to non-hereditary conditions.

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company:
Maximum Lifetime Payout for Certain Hereditary Conditions:
Basic Plan - $250
Level 1 Plan - $750
Level 2 Plan - $1500
Level 3 Plan - $3,750

For policies underwritten by Aetna:
Maximum Lifetime Payout for Certain Hereditary Conditions:
Pets Basic Plan - $500
Pets First Plan - $1000
Pets Premier Plan - $2500

[CONGENITAL CONDITIONS - NOT COVERED] Congenital conditions are not covered and are considered pre-existing. According to their Website examples of congenital conditions include but are not limited to: patellar luxation, umbilical hernia, entropion, elongated soft palate and portosystemic shunt.


**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 with the policy.

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, chronic conditions are covered as long as you have not gone over your maximum annual and lifetime payouts. (See 'Max Payout Annually' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)

For policies underwritten by Aetna, chronic conditions are covered up to the maximum payout per incident as long as you have not gone over your maximum lifetime payout. (See 'Max Payout per Incident' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)
Chronic Conditions Policy They do not cover chronic conditions that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period.

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, chronic conditions are covered as long as you have not gone over your maximum annual and lifetime payouts. (See 'Max Payout Annually' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)

For policies underwritten by Aetna, chronic conditions are covered up to the maximum payout per incident as long as you have not gone over your maximum lifetime payout. (See 'Max Payout per Incident' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for complete description of their Chronic Conditions Policy
Cancer Coverage [INCLUDED] Cancer conditions are covered if they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

(See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section above)
Cancer Coverage Limits For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, cancer conditions are covered as long as you have not gone over your maximum annual and lifetime payouts. (See 'Max Payout Annually' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)

For policies underwritten by Aetna, cancer conditions are covered up to the maximum payout per incident as long as you have not gone over your maximum lifetime payout. (See 'Max Payout per Incident' and 'Max Lifetime Payout' sections below)
Hip Dysplasia [LIMITED] Hip Dysplasia is covered with monetary limits.

No hip dysplasia coverage is available if pet is enrolled after it's second birthday.

(See 'Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage' section above)
Prescription Drug Coverage [INCLUDED]

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Pregnancy Coverage [INCLUDED] Limited to pregnancy related conditions this includes complications caused by pregnancy. Breeding and reproduction expenses are not covered.

The following breeds are not covered for pregnancy related conditions:

Dog Breeds: Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, Pug, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Schipperke, Shih-Tzu, Silky Terrier, Tea Cup Poodle, West Highland Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Cat Breeds: Himalayan and Persian

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, coverage is up to the full annual maximum as long as you have not gone over your maximum lifetime payout.

Policies underwritten by Aetna have a lifetime maximum payout per pet. This means once you hit your maximum payout, pregnancy related conditions will no longer be covered. The maximum amount paid out depends on which plan you purchase.

Maximum Lifetime Payout for Pregnancy under Aetna:
Pets Basic Plan - $300
Pets First Plan - $400
Pets Premier Plan - $500

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of inclusions and exclusions

Routine/Wellness Coverage [OPTIONAL] - Wellness coverage available at an additional cost.

Includes:
  • Annual wellness exams
  • Routine vaccinations
  • Flea, tick and heartworm medications
  • Spaying and neutering
  • Routine diagnostic tests (Blood Panel, Heartworm Test, Fecal Test, Urinalysis, FeLv Test)
  • Routine dental cleaning
Each category has a payout limit. Deductible and co-pay do not apply to wellness benefits.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for complete description of their Wellness Coverage
Vaccinations [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Spay/Neuter [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Dental Care (Routine) [OPTIONAL] - See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Dental Care (Illness/Accident) [LIMITED COVERAGE] Treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease caused by tarter accumulation is not covered.

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company: When damage has been caused by an accident, stomatitis, pulpitis, or resorptive lesions, extractions and reconstruction of upper and lower canine teeth are covered. All other dental services are not covered.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of inclusions and exclusions.
Bilateral Conditions Policy Pets Best does not consider cruciate injuries to be a bilateral condition.

**See actual policy or call Pets Best for a list of medical conditions that are considered bilateral 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] Hereditary Disorders (with limitations), Hip Dysplasia (with limitations), Alternative Therapy (with limitations), Behavioral Therapy (with limitations), Continual Chronic Conditions Coverage, Cancer Coverage, Pregnancy (with limitations), Prescription Medications, Dental Illness/Accidents (with limitations). (Refer to each category's section for limitations)

[Optional Add Ons] Routine/Wellness Care, Routine Dental Care (Refer to each category's section for limitations)

**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
  • Preventative and elective procedures
  • Treatment or prevention of obesity
  • Breeding, conditions relating to breeding and reproduction expenses
  • Boarding
  • Grooming
  • Congenital conditions
...See policy for a complete listing

 

How The Policy Works
Co-pay Copay does not apply to the optional Wellness/Routine coverage

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company - Choose from 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%

For policies underwritten by Aetna - The copay is 20%

Deductible Deductible does not apply to the optional Wellness/Routine coverage.

For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, Deductible is Annual.

Choose from $0, $50, $100, $200, $500, or $1,000.


For policies underwritten by Aetna, the deductible is Per Incident.

Pets Basic Plan - Per incident deductible - Choose from $100, $250, or $500

Pets First Plan - Per incident deductible - Choose from $100, $250, or $500

Pets Premier Plan - Per incident deductible - Choose from $250, or $500
Flat Deductible vs % Deductible Flat
Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, the deductible is annual.

For policies underwritten by Aetna, the deductible is Per Incident
How is Reimbursement Determined For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, reimbursement is based on the actual veterinary bill. The policy excludes expenses that "are in excess of the fees usually charged by the provider being used"

For policies underwritten by Aetna, the policy states reimbursement is based on UCR
Max Payout Annually For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company:

Budget Plan - $1,000
Level 1 Plan - $5,000
Level 2 Plan - $10,000
Level 3 Plan - $20,000

Policies underwritten by Aetna do not have a maximum annual payout
Max Lifetime Payout For policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company:

Budget Plan - Lifetime limit is $5,000

Level 1 Plan - Lifetime limit is $100,000

Level 2 Plan - Lifetime limit is $150,000

Level 3 Plan - Lifetime limit is $200,000


For policies underwritten by Aetna:

Pets Basic Plan - Lifetime limit is $42,000

Pets First Plan - Lifetime limit is $100,000

Pets Premier Plan - Lifetime limit is $100,000
Max Payout per Incident Policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, do not have a Per Incident Limit.


For policies underwritten by Aetna:

Pets Basic Plan - Per incident limit - $2,500

Pets First Plan - Per incident limit - $7,000

Pets Premier Plan - Per incident limit - $14,000
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 $19.00 - $80.00 depending on the plan, dog vs cat, sex, breed, location, spayed/neutered, age, wellness coverage, etc.

 

Additional Info
Get A Quote Get A Quote
My Review Pets Best Review
What are Customers Saying? PetInsuranceReview.com
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 applies to Pets Best pet insurance plans that cover 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. 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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If you use data from this website as a research point for your own website or written material, you must cite Pet-Insurance-University.com as the source.

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