When selecting a Pets Best Insurance plan, there are two decisions to be made:
- Choose your per-incident deductible: $100, $250, or $500
- Choose your plan level (maximum benefits): Pets Basic, Pets First or Pets Premier.
A deductible is the amount that must be paid out of pocket before insurance reimbursement begins.
Pets Best Insurance plans have per-incident deductibles, which means the deductible must be met for each separate incident. An incident is defined as a specifically identifiable accident or illness. Recurring and/or chronic conditions are considered as one incident.
The advantage of a per-incident deductible over an annual deductible is that if your pet has a chronic condition, the deductible only needs to be met one time and not once per year.
All Pets Best Insurance plans reimburse 80%, after a deductible, up to the per-incident limit of the plan you choose. The per-incident limit is the maximum amount Pets Best Insurance will reimburse you for any one incident. An incident is defined as a specifically identifiable accident or illness. If a pet develops a chronic or recurring condition after the waiting period, Pets Best Insurance will continue to cover treatment costs until the per-incident limit has been met.
Which deductible should I choose?
A lower deductible means lower out-of-pocket costs, but will increase your monthly payment. Choose a lower deductible if you would have difficulty handling an expensive veterinary emergency.
Higher deductibles will mean higher out-of-pocket costs, but your monthly price will be lower. Choose a higher deductible to save money if you are able to cover unexpected veterinary expenses with savings or credit.
Which plan level should I choose?
The factors listed below should be considered when selecting the plan level most appropriate for your pet. The recommended plan for most pets is the Pets First plan with a $250 deductible.
or call Pets Best at 866-440-2020
| | Pets Basic | Pets First | Pets Premier |
| Size | Small and medium-sized dogs under 35 lbs | Medium to large dogs over 35 lbs | Large and giant breeds over 60 lbs |
| Breed | Mixed-breeds and breeds less prone to serious illnesses and conditions
(see below for details) | Breeds prone to serious illnesses and conditions (see below for details) | Breeds prone to serious illnesses and conditions (see below for details) |
| Age | 2-6 years for dogs, 2-10 years for cats | All ages, but especially for puppies/kittens under 2, senior dogs (7+), and senior cats (10+ years) | All ages, but especially for puppies/kittens under 2, senior dogs (7+), and senior cats (10+ years) |
| Lifestyle | Low-activity, spend most time indoors | Mid-to high activity, working dogs, agility dogs and outdoor cats | Mid-to high activity, working dogs, agility dogs and outdoor cats |
| Location | Rural areas or areas with below average cost of living | Urban and suburban areas with average costs of living | Urban and suburban areas with high costs of living |
| Budget | I have a limited budget or have multiple pets but I want to provide quality care for my pet(s) | My budget is somewhat limited but I want to ensure I can afford high-quality care | Regardless of cost, I will seek the best treatment options available. |
Size: Veterinary treatment costs increase with size because larger pets need higher doses of medication, more anesthesia and more surgery time. The Pets Basic plan may be suitable for certain smaller breeds, but if you have a dog over 35 lbs, you should consider the Pets First or Pets Premier levels.
Breed: Certain breeds are prone to serious illnesses, like cancer in retrievers and boxers, or bloat in giant breeds. Also, certain breeds are more likely to develop serious conditions like disc issues in dachshunds or cruciate ligament injuries in active pets. Treatment for these conditions can cost thousands of dollars depending on where you live and the size of your pet. If your breed is prone to serious illnesses or conditions, consider the Pets First or Pets Premier levels.
Age: Young and senior pets may benefit from a plan with a higher limit. Puppies and kittens have a habit of swallowing objects and are more prone to accidents and illnesses due to curiosity and clumsiness.
As your pet gets older, consider a higher level plan. Senior cats are prone to diabetes kidney issues and senior dogs are prone to cancer and arthritis. A higher level plan may help you afford high quality care and advanced treatment options like physical therapy, surgery and chemotherapy, which can improve the quality of your pet's life and bring more enjoyable years together.
Activity Level: Pets that are very active and spend a lot of time outdoors are more prone to accidents and orthopedic injuries. Consider a higher level plan if you have an outdoor cat, highly active pet, working or hunting dog, or agility dog.
Location: If you live in an area with a high cost of living, chances are, the average cost of veterinary services will be higher as well. If you live in suburban or urban areas where cost of living is above average, consider a Pets First or Pets Premier plan.
Budget: If you have multiple pets or have a limited budget, the Basic Plan with a high deductible may be best for you. If your budget is more flexible and you want to ensure you’ll be able to afford high quality care for your pet, you might want a plan with higher limits.
or call Pets Best at 866-440-2020
What about routine care coverage?
BestWellness™ routine care coverage can be added to any accident and illness plan for $22 per month, for annual benefits with no deductible. Covered items include spay and neuter, blood work, annual exams, vaccinations and more.
Still need help? Call Pets Best at 866-440-2020 to have one of our friendly Pets Best Insurance pet insurance experts to help you choose the right plan.