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Compare Pets Best Pet Insurance
Comparison Fact Sheet
To get the most from these sheets, please read
the Guide to Pet Insurance
first.
| 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 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Approximate Monthly Costs |
Approximately $19.00 - $80.00 depending on
the plan, dog vs cat, sex, breed, location, spayed/neutered, age,
wellness coverage, etc. |
| 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 |
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*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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