Pets Best | Pet Insurance Review

Recently had a $935 bill for simple "allergies", the care was very needed, but we simply don't have that much money laying around. Paying pets best $105 per month gives us 90% unlimited coverage to include a wellness plan. At the end of the day, we only had to crap out $93 and pets best paid the rest of the bill. Highly recommend them.

Both of my dogs were “gifts” from my son. Bentley, a beautiful golden retriever was a birthday gift in 2016 and Bernard, a precious St. Bernard was my Christmas gift in 2021. The smartest and most loving thing I had ever done for them and for my family was to immediately obtain pet insurance. I spent a few weeks researching and comparing companies/coverages/premiums etc. and finally decided on Pet’s Best! My thought on insurance has always been: “I’d rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” I also felt secure in knowing that if by chance my boys ever needed any type of care related to an unexpected illness/occurrence/incident, that I would not be forced to euthanize them because I could not afford to pay for their care. This was and today, still is my mindset and a conscious choice that is made. On 11/23/24, my otherwise happy, healthy just turned 3-year old St. Bernard required emergency life-saving GDV (bloat) / Gastropexy (tummy tacking) surgery. When my sweet boy became restless, anxious; began pacing, not settling down, drooling more than normal (thicker white drool) and was unable to lay down (belly was not touching ground – he was in a praying position) – I knew something was seriously wrong. I began checking him from tail to nose - Bernard was taken to the closest Animal ER facility, waited 2-1/2 hours, encountered numerous x-rays and labs, only to confirm our worst fears – bloat! At this time, and over $1,300. later, we were told they did not have a surgeon on-site / available to conduct this surgery, and Bernard would need to be transported (by us) immediately to a sister Animal ER facility approximately 45-60 minutes away. We were assured that Bernard’s survival rate was very good but the cost of this life saving surgery would begin at $8,000. & depending on organ damage at the time of surgery, this figure could significantly increase. We were also informed that upon arrival for surgery, a “deposit” would be required. Note: prior to leaving Animal ER facility, en-route to surgery facility, balance of $1,300 was due immediately upon release. Upon arrival at the surgical Animal ER facility, they were waiting for Bernard. However, they were far more concerned with explaining the necessity for the “immediate collection of the surgical deposit” required PRIOR TO ANY PROCEDURE which was $8,000. Yes, we had to “pre-pay Bernard’s surgery in full” prior to them moving/doing anything at all to help him! Most people do not carry or have $8,000 readily available. Here was my son, (an ER Nurse), scared to death for the life of our Bernard. Not only did Metropolitan Animal Hospitals (Highland Hts., OH and Akron, OH) waste precious time which bloat doesn’t allow for BUT their primary concern was COLLECTION OF MONEY OVER/ABOVE ANYTHING ELSE! My son’s hand was shaking as he took a pamphlet off the counter and begin applying for Care Credit hoping he would be eligible for the full amount. Luckily, he was and obtained a 12-month same as cash BUT what if insurance didn’t pay? I had read all sorts of horror stories & terrible online reviews regarding Pet’s Best DENIAL of CLAIMS & NOT PAYING their claims etc. Needless to say, I was then all nervous and upset too; all while being worried about my son and my poor dog who was undergoing surgery. I was already anticipating the denial – contemplating legal action – etc. My son and I had no idea how we would even begin to pay the 12-monthly installments compiling over $9,300. initially. I had myself so upset and distraught for nothing!!! I owe Pet’s Best a big apology & a huge and sincere “THANK YOU” for remaining true to your word!! Pet’s Best DID PAY EVERY SINGLE CHARGE per the policy and explained each itemization. There were NO SURPRISES! I filed my claim on 10.30.24 via mail – it was confirmed received 11/4/24 – a status update was provided 11/18/24 and I had claim payment confirmation on 11/21/24 with full payment received in my bank account just a few short days later! Note: I provided the itemized billings from each Animal ER facility and a receipt showing my payment was made in full. By the grace of God, Bernard was fortunate enough to survive his surgery as many dogs typically do not. Either too much time has lapsed or the surgery is not an affordable option resulting in euthanization. Just like my own health insurance, my premium has increased yearly, and sometimes significantly, I don't like it BUT I do understand and choose to remain insured. As with humans, dogs also age (only faster) and begin to experience more health-related issues. It's inevitable. I look at my monthly Pet Insurance installments as "pre-payment of any unforeseen emergencies" that may occur with Bernard and/or Bentley. While the premiums can be significant and yes, a struggle too, make no mistake, I will continue to pay them. I am very thankful, grateful, and beyond blessed to still have my beloved Bernard & to have had the coverage that I had/have with Pet's Best providing financial peace of mind. Thank you so much Pet’s Best (and also to my claims representative). I truly appreciate you!

Pets Bests denied a legitimate claim for coverage on the basis that it was a pre-existing condition. It was not. The website offers no ability to dispute a denial and erroneous explanation of benefits. Individuals are directed to call a customer service phone number that is not answered by anyone, even AI. Instead, a text message is sent instructing you to go to the website, or call the same customer service number that is not answered. You are placed in a loop that appears designed to frustrate individuals and avoid responding to inquiries. Pets Best provides no ability to dispute a claim and offer no actual customer service. This is contrary to insurance industries standards.

Excellent turn around on wellness claims. Would like a summary of claims processed and remaining balance.