Pets Best is a long-established insurer known for affordable, flexible plans, an optional direct-vet-pay feature and one of the shortest accident waiting periods in the market. In this 2026 review we break down its tiers, limits and pricing, waiting periods, the pros and cons, and who it fits best.
Pets Best at a glance
| ComparePetCover rating | 4.0 / 5 |
| Annual limits | $5,000 – Unlimited |
| Deductibles | $50 – $1,000 (annual) |
| Reimbursement | 70% · 80% · 90% |
| Exam fees | Included on higher tiers · add-on on Essential |
| Waiting period | 3 days accidents · 14 days illnesses · 6 months orthopedic (reducible) |
| Best for | Budget shoppers, flexible tiers, direct vet pay |
What Pets Best covers
Pets Best keeps things affordable and flexible, with a few standout conveniences:
- Multiple tiers (Essential, Plus, Elite) so you can match coverage to budget — Plus and Elite add exam fees, rehab and more.
- Direct vet pay option — Pets Best can pay participating vets directly so you don't front the full bill.
- Unlimited annual coverage available; short 3-day accident waiting period.
- Optional routine care add-ons and a 24/7 vet helpline.
The tiered design means you control the price — a lean Essential plan for tight budgets, or Elite for exam fees and rehab included. The 3-day accident wait is among the fastest in the market.
Plans, limits & pricing
Pets Best is one of the more affordable established insurers. Representative 2026 ranges (vary by breed, age and state):
| Pet | Typical Pets Best premium (/mo) |
|---|---|
| Dogs | $30 – $70 |
| Cats | $15 – $35 |
Choosing the Essential tier with a higher deductible keeps premiums low; stepping up to Plus or Elite adds exam fees and rehabilitation. A multi-pet discount is available. It's consistently one of the cheaper ways into comprehensive coverage.
Pros
- Affordable, with flexible tiers (Essential/Plus/Elite)
- Short 3-day accident waiting period
- Optional direct vet pay
- Unlimited annual coverage available
- 24/7 vet helpline included
Cons
- Exam fees are an add-on/higher-tier feature (not on Essential)
- 6-month orthopedic wait unless reduced via exam waiver
- Customer-service experience is mixed in some reviews
- Pre-existing conditions excluded (all insurers)
Waiting periods & exclusions
Pets Best has a short 3-day waiting period for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament/orthopedic conditions — the orthopedic wait can often be reduced with a vet exam and waiver. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, so enroll while your pet is healthy.
How claims & reimbursement work
You file claims online or by app, use any licensed vet, and get reimbursed 70/80/90% after your deductible. Pets Best can also pay participating vets directly, so you only cover your share. It's otherwise a pay-first reimbursement model, with a 24/7 vet helpline for advice.
Who Pets Best is best for
Pets Best is the strongest fit for value-focused owners who still want choice — a lean plan for tight budgets or a richer tier with exam fees — plus a fast accident wait and optional direct vet pay. If you want exam fees included at the lowest price point, compare the tiers carefully.
How Pets Best compares
Premiums and coverage vary by pet, breed, age and your state. See how Pets Best stacks up in our full provider comparison, or check average pet insurance costs in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pets Best cheap?
It's one of the more affordable established insurers, especially on the Essential tier with a higher deductible — while still offering unlimited-coverage and higher tiers if you want them.
Does Pets Best pay the vet directly?
Yes — Pets Best offers an optional direct-vet-pay feature at participating clinics, so you don't have to front the full bill.
What is Pets Best's accident waiting period?
Just 3 days for accidents — one of the shortest in the market — with 14 days for illnesses and 6 months for orthopedic conditions (often reducible).
Does Pets Best cover exam fees?
On the Plus and Elite tiers, yes; on the Essential tier, exam fees are an add-on. Check which tier you're pricing.
Compare: Spot · Lemonade · Embrace · Pumpkin · Fetch · Healthy Paws · Figo · MetLife · AKC · Prudent Pet · Trupanion · Nationwide · ASPCA · ManyPets · All reviews