Compare Pets Best Pet Insurance

Comparison Fact Sheet

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

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
Plan Name(s)	Pets Basic; Pets First; Pets Premier*
States Covered	All 50 states, including DC
Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating	Insurance underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut or North Pointe Insurance Company Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A" and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 2/08/10. North Pointe Insurance Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A-" and an Outlook of "Stable" as of 2/08/10. 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 the first 6 months and full coverage 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. Contact the company for more information on these increases.
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 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?	Possible, but according to Pets Best they have never had to do this.
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?	If you change your mind within 14 days 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] - Covers consultations and prescription medications by a licensed veterinarian only. Behavioral Therapy must be used in relation to a covered injury or illness. Behavioral Therapy has a 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: Pets Basic Plan - $200 Pets First Plan - $300 Pets Premier Plan - $400 The maximum payout may be less in some states. **See actual policy or call Pets Best for any additional limitations on Behavioral Therapy Coverage
Alternative Therapy Coverage	[INCLUDED] 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: Pets Basic Plan - $150 Pets First Plan - $250 Pets Premier Plan - $500 In some states, the payout limitations stated above do not apply. **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 According to the sample policy on their website, 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	[LIMITED COVERAGE] Hereditary conditions are covered but coverage and benefits are limited and other conditions may apply. Some hereditary conditions are covered with limitations: See: www.petsbest.com/plans/limitations.aspx Coverage for these conditions will not apply to pets enrolled after their second birthday. These hereditary conditions have a lifetime maximum per pet. This means once you hit your maximum payout, hereditary conditions will no longer be covered. The maximum amount paid out depends on which plan you purchase Maximum Lifetime Payout for These Hereditary Conditions: Pets Basic Plan - $500 Pets First Plan - $1000 Pets Premier Plan - $2500 The maximum payout may be less in some states. All other hereditary conditions will be covered similar to non-hereditary conditions. No hereditary condition that manifested, whether diagnosed, treated or not, before the policy effective date or during the waiting period will be covered. [NO] Congenital conditions are not covered and are considered pre-existing. According to their policy examples of congenital conditions include but are not limited to: patellar luxation, umbilical hernia, entropion, ectropion, elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, malocclusion, mitral valve defects, patent ductus arteriosis, ventricular septal defect and portosystemic shunt. Their definition of congenital in their policy is: "... A condition or disorder that is present at birth that may be recognized at birth, or years later. Congenital disorders can be a result of: genetic abnormalities; the intrauterine environment; or unknown factors." **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. 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	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) They do not cover chronic conditions that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period. **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. Due to Pets Best limited coverage of genetic diseases, there is a possibility that cancer due to genetic disease may not be covered. (See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section above)
Cancer Coverage Limits	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	[INCLUDED] Hip Dysplasia is covered with limits. (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. Has 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: Pets Basic Plan - $300 Pets First Plan - $400 Pets Premier Plan - $500 The maximum payout may be less in some states. The following breeds are not covered for pregnancy related conditions: Dog Breeds: Bulldog, French 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 **See actual policy or call Pets Best for a 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. Depending on the state you live in - flea, tick and heartworm medications may not be covered. **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] They only cover dental work arising from an accident or injury. They do not cover dental illness issues (e.g. gingivitis, periodontal disease, etc). **See actual policy or call Pets Best for full list of inclusions and exclusions.
Bilateral Conditions Policy	?
Coverage - Overview (please read policy for full coverage details)	Diagnostics and treatments due to illness and accidents [Included] Hereditary & Congenital Disorders (with limitations), Hip Dysplasia (with limitations), Alternative Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Continual Chronic Conditions Coverage, Cancer Coverage, Pregnancy (with limitations), Prescription Medications, Dental work due to accident or injury only. (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 Dental work for Dental Illnesses (e.g. gingivitis, periodontal disease) 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	20%
Deductible	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 The deductibles above do not apply to all states. See actual policy or call Pets Best for details. Deductible does not apply to the optional Wellness/Routine coverage
Flat Deductible vs % Deductible	Flat
Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible	Per Incident
How is Reimbursement Determined	CUSTOMER REP: If they feel the fees are high compared to what is being charged in your area, they will use UCR. Otherwise reimbursement is based on the actual veterinary bill. IN POLICY: UCR
Max Payout Annually	Pets Best does not have a maximum annual payout
Max Lifetime Payout	Pets Basic Plan - Lifetime limit $42,000 Pets First Plan - Lifetime limit $100,000 Pets Premier Plan - Lifetime limit $100,000
Max Payout per Incident	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
My Review	Pets Best Review
What are Customers Saying?	PetInsuranceReview.com
Better Business Bureau	bbb.org
American Animal Hospital Association Seal of Acceptance	Yes - For the Pets Basic, Pets First, and Pets Premium Plans
Additional Info

*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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