Pets Best Review (2026) — 4/5 Rating | VETX
Pets Best review: Best value with low deductible options. Rated 4/5. Coverage, cost & claims analysis from a licensed pro.
Pets Best Insurance Review — 4/5 (Very Good).
Founded by a veterinarian, Pets Best offers one of the best value propositions in pet insurance with low premiums, a 3-day accident waiting period, and an unlimited coverage option. The $50 deductible option is the lowest in the industry. A strong choice for value-conscious pet owners who want solid coverage without premium prices.
Best For: Best value with low deductible options
Monthly Premium: $18–$65
Coverage Limit: $5,000–Unlimited annual
Deductible Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500
Reimbursement: 70%, 80%, 90%
AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
Underwriter: American Pet Insurance Company
Accident Waiting Period: 3 days
Illness Waiting Period: 14 days
Claims: 5–10 business days
Pros
- Founded by a veterinarian (Dr. Jack Stephens)
- Industry-lowest $50 deductible option
- 3-day accident waiting period
- Unlimited coverage option available
- Competitive premiums across all tiers
Cons
- No multi-pet discount
- Underwriter (APIC) is less established than Chubb or Nationwide
- Wellness plans have limited annual allowances
- Premium increases can be steep in later years
- Less brand recognition than larger competitors
Overview
Pets Best was founded in 2005 by Dr. Jack Stephens, a veterinarian who also founded the first pet insurance company in the U.S. (Veterinary Pet Insurance, now Nationwide). This veterinary pedigree shows in the product design — Pets Best consistently offers one of the best value propositions in the market.
The standout features are the $50 deductible option (lowest in the industry), the 3-day accident waiting period, and competitive premiums that undercut many larger carriers while still offering an unlimited coverage tier.
Coverage Details
The BestBenefit Accident & Illness plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, cancer, emergency care, specialist visits, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, and diagnostic testing. Coverage limits range from $5,000 to unlimited annually.
Two wellness add-on tiers (EssentialWellness and BestWellness) cover routine care including exams, vaccinations, dental cleaning, spay/neuter, and microchipping.
Pricing Details
Pets Best premiums are among the most competitive in the market, starting as low as $18/month for cats and $25/month for young dogs. The $50 deductible option is unique in the industry and keeps out-of-pocket costs low for frequent claims.
Choosing unlimited coverage with 90% reimbursement and a $50 deductible runs approximately $45–$65/month for most dogs, which is competitive with Healthy Paws' unlimited plans.
Claims Details
Claims are submitted through the Pets Best app or web portal. Processing times average 5–10 business days, which is competitive with industry leaders.
Pets Best reimburses based on actual vet bills and offers direct deposit. The company has invested in improving its digital claims experience and provides clear explanations of benefits with each decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pets Best really founded by a veterinarian?
A: Yes. Pets Best was founded in 2005 by Dr. Jack L. Stephens, DVM — the same veterinarian who launched the first U.S. pet insurance policy in 1981 (originally Veterinary Pet Insurance, now part of Nationwide). His clinical background shaped the company's emphasis on coverage breadth, low deductibles, and a 3-day accident waiting period.
Q: Does Pets Best really offer a $50 deductible?
A: Yes. Pets Best's BestBenefit plan offers a $50 annual deductible — the lowest in the U.S. pet insurance industry. Most competitors start at $100 or $250. The $50 option costs slightly more in monthly premium but pays back quickly if your pet has even one claim per year.
Q: Does Pets Best offer wellness or routine care coverage?
A: Yes. Pets Best offers two optional wellness add-ons — EssentialWellness (~$16/month) and BestWellness (~$26/month) — that reimburse fixed amounts for annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, spay/neuter, and microchipping. These are reimbursement programs with category limits, not true insurance.
Q: What is Pets Best's waiting period for accidents and illness?
A: Pets Best applies a 3-day accident waiting period and a 14-day illness waiting period. Cruciate ligament conditions have a 6-month orthopedic waiting period that can be reduced to 14 days with a vet-completed orthopedic exam form.
Q: Does Pets Best cover hip dysplasia and other hereditary conditions?
A: Yes. Pets Best covers hereditary, congenital, and breed-specific conditions — including hip dysplasia, IVDD, and cardiomyopathy — at the same level as other illnesses, provided no symptoms appeared before enrollment or during the applicable waiting periods.
Q: Can I use any vet with Pets Best?
A: Yes. Pets Best reimburses any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or 24-hour emergency hospital in the U.S. — no provider network. Submit claims through the Pets Best mobile app or web portal; reimbursement averages 5–10 business days via direct deposit.
Q: Does Pets Best have a multi-pet discount?
A: No. This is a notable gap — Pets Best does not currently offer a multi-pet discount, while most competitors offer 5–10%. For households with multiple pets, that absence narrows Pets Best's pricing advantage relative to Lemonade or Embrace.
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