In-Depth Review
Pets Best Insurance Review
Our Verdict
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.
Coverage Limit
$5,000–Unlimited annual
Monthly Premium
$18–$65
Deductible Options
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500
Reimbursement
70%, 80%, 90%
Quick Facts
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 & Premiums
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 Experience
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.
Expert Take
From Mike Donaldson, AAI, PRC, SBCS, CCIC
Pets Best is the value play in pet insurance, and I mean that as a genuine compliment. Founded by a veterinarian (Dr. Jack Stephens, who also created the first US pet insurance policy in 1981), the company understands veterinary economics in a way that pure insurance companies do not. That shows in their plan design.
The $50 deductible option is the lowest in the industry. Combined with their competitive premiums, you can build a plan with very low out-of-pocket costs. The 3-day accident waiting period is also among the shortest — only Spot and Figo are faster. For pet owners who want solid coverage without paying premium prices, Pets Best consistently delivers.
The trade-off is that Pets Best does not have the brand recognition or the polished digital experience of Lemonade or Healthy Paws. Their app and claims portal are functional but not flashy. And while the unlimited coverage option exists, their $5,000 tier is the one most aggressively marketed — which I think undersells their product. If you choose Pets Best, go with the unlimited tier. The price difference is modest and the protection is substantially better.
Ready to Get Covered?
Compare Pets Best with our top-rated carrier, Healthy Paws.
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