Pros and Cons of Petco
Here are our key highlights for Petco:
+ Partners with pet experts, such as groomers, vets and trainers
+ Offers three options for deductibles and reimbursement rates and five for annual limits
+ Has a 30-day money-back guarantee
– Does not have an add-on for preventive coverage
– Can take up to 30 days to process claims
Petco’s Plans and Coverage
Petco offers accident-only and accident-and-illness coverage. As the name suggests, the accident-only plan can only be used for treatments related to accidents and doesn’t include reimbursement for any vet care that’s illness-related as the accident-and-illness plan does. Petco’s coverage includes common treatments and procedures that other insurance providers offer, such as X-rays and surgeries. It also covers some common issues that not all providers do in their base plans, such as care for dental diseases and behavioral issues.
Petco does not have a preventive care or wellness plan. Some pet owners prefer a provider that has a preventive coverage option to help cover routine care costs, such as annual checkups, vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm testing, and unrequired vet visits. Since these are expected expenses, you may feel comfortable covering them yourself without reimbursement from your insurance provider.
Here’s the full list of what Petco’s accident-and-illness plan covers:
- Behavioral issues, such as excessive licking and separation anxiety
- Dental diseases, such as gingivitis, periodontitis and extractions
- Diagnostic testing, including MRIs, CT scans and X-rays
- Hereditary and congenital conditions, such as heart disease and hip dysplasia
- Other vet-recommended treatments for accidents and illnesses
- Prescription medications and intravenous fluids
- Surgeries and hospitalization
- Vet exams and consultations for covered conditions
Petco’s Exclusions
Unfortunately, Petco pet insurance does not cover the following:
- Preexisting conditions*
- Breeding, pregnancy, whelping or nursing
- Boarding
- Dental cleaning
- Cosmetic or orthodontic dental procedures, such as caps, crowns, fillings or implants
- Conditions that occur during the 15-day waiting period
- Ear cropping and tail docking
- Experimental treatments and medications
- Alternative therapies
- End-of-life fees
- Herbal products
- Prescription pet food
- Supplements
- Any injury or condition caused by intentional negligence
*While some pet insurance providers won’t consider covering preexising conditions at all, Petco’s policy states that it will consider conditions that have been cured and free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days prior to enrollment to be new occurrences and will offer coverage. This does not apply to ligament and knee conditions.
To better understand the specifics of what is and isn’t covered under this plan, take a look at a sample policy. Petco’s pet insurance plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.
Plan Customizations
Petco offers multiple customization options for your annual limit, deductible and reimbursement rate. Adjusting these coverage levels can help you tailor your monthly premium to your budget. With Petco, you can choose from three deductibles and reimbursement rates and five annual limits.
Here are your options:
- Deductibles: $100, $250 and $500
- Annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 and unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% and 90%
Petco’s Premiums
Your Petco pet insurance premium is based on your pet’s breed, age and location. Below are some sample monthly premium quotes for a Petco pet insurance policy with an 80% reimbursement rate, $5,000 coverage limit and $250 deductible.
Breed | 1 Year Old | 4 Years Old | 6 Years Old | 9 Years Old |
---|---|---|---|---|
Labrador retriever | $60.92 | $63.60 | $91.24 | $154.48 |
Medium mixed-breed dog | $43.83 | $45.75 | $65.64 | $111.14 |
Miniature poodle | $43.83 | $45.75 | $65.64 | $111.14 |
Border collie | $38.73 | $40.43 | $58.01 | $98.21 |
Mixed-breed cat | $22.45 | $25.23 | $31.45 | $46.09 |
Maine coon cat | $33.37 | $37.49 | $46.73 | $68.50 |
Persian cat | $33.37 | $37.49 | $46.73 | $68.50 |
Abyssinian cat | $22.45 | $25.23 | $31.45 | $46.09 |
Petco Reviews
Since Petco’s pet insurance offering is relatively new, there are not yet online customer reviews directly relating to users’ experiences with the insurance plan itself. Although it is not reviewed or accredited with the BBB, Petco Animal Supplies Inc. has a B rating. United States Fire Insurance Company (administered by Crum and Forster Insurance Agency), which is Petco’s underwriter, has an A rating with AM Best for financial stability.
*AM Best and BBB ratings are accurate as of December 2022.
Petco vs. Competitors
Here’s how Petco compares to other pet insurance providers based on our research.
Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$19-$42 | B | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$15-$30 | B- | 2 days* | Compare Plans | ||
$34-$75 | A- | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$18-$44 | N/R | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$39-$73 | A+ | 48 hours | Compare Plans | ||
$45-$90 | A+ | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$24-$54 | A+ | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$16-$65 | A+ | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$28-$59 | A+ | 3 days | Compare Plans |
Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$19-$42 | B | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$15-$30 | B- | 2 days* | Compare Plans | ||
$34-$75 | A- | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$18-$44 | N/R | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$39-$73 | A+ | 48 hours | Compare Plans | ||
$45-$90 | A+ | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$24-$54 | A+ | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$16-$65 | A+ | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$28-$59 | A+ | 3 days | Compare Plans |
*Up to 2 days, depending on your location.
The Bottom Line: Petco
Petco has been around for nearly 60 years, providing almost everything your pet could need. Petco’s pet insurance offers customizable coverage levels, provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, and partners with a network of expert groomers, vets and dog trainers. You can also opt for unlimited coverage. Downsides include no preventive coverage option and potentially long claims processing times compared to competitors.
To determine whether Petco is the right pet health insurance provider for you and your pet, explore Petco’s site for full coverage details to make sure there’s a plan suited to your pet’s needs. If you have questions, you can call and speak with a customer service representative, which will help give you a feel for the company’s service. Lastly, always get a quote before committing to a provider so you’re clear on what your monthly premium will be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Petco
Petco defines preexisting conditions as those that showed symptoms or received treatment prior to the end of your policy’s waiting period, which for Petco is 15 days after enrollment. Petco does not cover these types of preexisting conditions. Petco does, however, cover conditions that have not shown symptoms or required treatment in the 180 days prior to enrollment.
Petco allows you to see any licensed vet in the United States. If you have any preauthorization questions, you can reach out to 833-898-7387.
Your coverage begins on the 15th day after the policy’s effective date.