Coverage for Dogs and Cats

What are pre-existing conditions?

A pre-existing condition is defined as any condition that was present before the end of your waiting periods, even if it wasn’t formally diagnosed by a veterinarian. If signs or symptoms were present before the policy started, there will be no coverage for that condition, even if you weren't sure what was wrong with your pet.

All pet insurers, including those Pets Best places coverage with, do not cover pre-existing conditions in order to keep premiums lower for all pet parents.

If your dog or cat has been previously diagnosed with a condition prior to starting your policy, you can still enroll, but there wouldn't be coverage available for these specific issues or issues related to them.

For more information on coverage, get a quote or download your policy in your Customer Account.

What are waiting periods?

A waiting period refers to the amount of time after enrolling before your pet is eligible for coverage. Waiting periods vary by state, type of coverage, and start on the effective date of your policy. Once met, waiting periods are waived for continuous, uninterrupted policy renewals.

Pets Best carriers offer some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry following the policy effective date. Get a quote, or view your state for specific information on waiting periods.

What is the policy effective date?

The effective date is the day your policy starts. For most customers enrolling online, the effective date of your policy is at 12:01 AM Mountain Time the day following when you enrolled. Your policy effective date will be displayed when you finish enrolling your pet.

Are there any age limits?

Pets Best carriers have no upper age limits, so you can insure your dog or cat at any age over 7 weeks. As your pet ages, more medical problems may develop and the need for pet health insurance will likely increase. Chronic disorders and medical problems that wouldn't be dangerous when young can be easily life threatening as your pet grows older.

How soon can I insure my pet?

You may enroll your dog or cat as early as 7 weeks of age. Like children, young dogs and cats have the highest risk of accidents. And because their immune systems aren't mature, they're more susceptible to infectious diseases. Pets Best's carriers have no upper age limits, so senior dogs and cats get the same great coverage as kittens and puppies.

My pet is already sick or injured. Can pet insurance help?

Pet insurance is for unexpected accidents and illnesses. Unfortunately, pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, getting coverage for your pet will cover most future accidents and illnesses should something happen. Pets Best also sells accident only coverage for pets with severe chronic conditions, and wellness coverage to help manage the cost of routine care for your pet.

Can I get pet dental illness coverage?

Good dental care is vitally important to the overall health of your pet. The Accident and Illness plans include coverage for periodontal disease and other eligible dental issues.

For more information, download a sample policy or if you are a current Pets Best client, log in to your Customer Account to view your pet's policy.

Can I get routine care or pet wellness coverage?

Routine care coverage, called BestWellness^® or EssentialWellness, can be added to any regular pet insurance plan to help pay for blood work, vaccinations, and much more.

Do I need the routine care option?

Routine care options are designed to help you manage the expected and preventive care for your pet. If you prefer, you can simply pay the annual expenses of routine care, like dental cleaning, vaccinations, and blood work, on your own.

Can I use my own veterinarian?

Yes. The insurance is accepted at any licensed veterinary office in the US and Canada, including specialty and emergency clinics.

Is pet insurance for everyone?

People who would rather save for rainy-day funds may not feel comfortable purchasing insurance. Pets Best respects that and knows that many pet owners end up with large medical bills before they've been able to save enough money to cover them. As more and more people consider pets part of their families, pet insurance especially helps those who would do whatever it takes to keep their pets healthy and happy.

Do I get a discount for insuring multiple pets?

Yes! When you enroll more than one pet, you can earn a 5% discount** on most pet insurance plans sold by Pets Best. If you are an existing customer enrolling a new dog or cat, please log in to your Customer Account to see if you qualify for a multi-pet discount.

Why do premiums go up as my pet gets older?

Pet insurance carriers calculate pet insurance premiums based on your pet's age, breed, and where you live. Similar to humans, as your pets age, they face an increased risk in needing veterinary care due to age associated conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and other problems being more common.

How do I submit a claim?

The best way to submit, update, and see the status of your claims is through your Customer Account. You can access your Customer Account from any device, or download the Pets Best mobile app for your iOS or Android device.

When submitting claims, the insurers do require an itemized invoice showing where your pet was seen, your pet's name, how much the services cost, and proof of payment.

Is there a deductible or co-insurance with routine care coverage?

No, pet wellness routine care coverage do not have deductibles to meet. These plans help pay for routine diagnostic testing, spaying/neutering, teeth cleaning, blood work, vaccinations, and more.

How fast will I receive my reimbursement?

Pets Best strives to process claims as quickly as possible, with on-line claim submission from any device. Choosing to receive claim payments via direct deposit is the fastest way to be reimbursed for eligible expenses, with payments deposited in as few as two days after we've finished processing your claim. If you haven't signed up for direct deposit, you can expect to receive a paper check in 5-7 days after we've processed your claim to account for mailing times.