Trupanion vs. Pets Best: 2024 Comparison

Trupanion at a Glance

Trupanion offers one accident and illness plan with several add-on packages available. A unique feature of Trupanion is that claims may be paid while you and your pet are still at the vet’s office. There is no need to pay the bill and submit it for reimbursement afterward. You can also pay part of the bill and the insurance pays the balance to the vet.

• Annual cap: Unlimited
• Deductible options: Set per condition, anywhere from $0 to $1,000 (in $5 increments). If your deductible was met with one health condition, you will never have to meet another deductible for that particular health issue.
• Reimbursement levels: 90%
• Waiting periods: Five days for accidents and 30 days for illnesses
• Wellness coverage: Not available

Pets Best at a Glance

Pets Best stands out for not having upper age limit restrictions for older pets and for offering an unlimited coverage option. It also does not require an exam to enroll your pet. The company offers three levels of accident and illness coverage: Essential, Plus and Elite.

• Annual cap: $5,000 or unlimited
• Deductible options:  $50, $100, $200, $250, $500 and $1,000
• Reimbursement levels: 70%, 80% and 90%
• Waiting periods: Three days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses. There is no extended waiting period for hip dysplasia.
• Wellness coverage: two add-on options: EssentialWellness and BestWellness

Coverage Comparison Chart

Both of these companies offer very good accident and illness coverage. However, Pets Best does have a shorter waiting period, customizable plans and wellness add-ons.

Pets Best is also a good option for senior pets since it doesn’t impose upper age limits. Both companies are members of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), considered the governing body of pet insurance companies.

The cost of pet insurance depends on several factors, such as type of animal, breed, age and type of coverage. While both of these companies offered options and excellent coverage, Pets Best coverage costs a lot less than Trupanion in the sample quotes our team gathered.

Trupanion may cost more in monthly premiums, but they may be able to pay your vet directly, which means that you can avoid paying a large sum up-front before you’re reimbursed.

Here are sample quotes we obtained from both companies using the same variables for pets in Raleigh, N.C.

Policy one: Four-year-old female German Shepherd

Policy two: Five-year-old female mixed breed cat

Both companies offer a fast claim process. All you have to do is upload the vet’s bill to the company’s website for reimbursement. Both offer payment within a week.

However, Trupanion does offer the option of having them pay the bill immediately, or even just part of the bill. This is very popular with many pet owners because it means that they don’t have to come up with a large fee on short notice.

Both companies have a mix of positive and negative reviews. While some customers praised both of these companies for fast claims processes and friendly customer service, others complained of poor service or high prices.

Here are is a sample of feedback from Trupanion customers:

“I’ve had Trupanion since my dog was a pup. Now she’s 5 1/2 years old and is about to have her second knee replacement. Trupanion is amazing! They get back to you RIGHT AWAY. And before you know it, your reimbursement is direct-deposited into your account. I tell everyone to get this insurance, as it has paid for itself 10X over!!” —Kris T. on Trustpilot

“I have had Trupanion for 8 years for 3 of my animals and, thankfully, have never had to file a claim. I will say their customer service seems responsive but I’m extremely unhappy with the constant rate increases over the past few years. My rates have gone up 25 percent in the past two years with no history of claims. I believe this comes from an increase in veterinary fees.” —L.Y. on Trustpilot

Here are some reviews from Pets Best customers:

“Pet’s Best has been wonderful for us, always lets us know what’s going on with claims, and always prompt with payments. I highly recommend them for any pet! and based on your needs they have a policy to suit you! very professional and friendly.” —Beverly K. via BBB

“Paid almost $1,400 over 3 years for Pet’s Best insurance and wellness coverage… dog is a Morkie, only 4 years old. I submitted many claims that were denied (lots of stupid excuses) and ended up only being reimbursed around $400.” —Jason Howe via TrustPilot

Trupanion offers a higher reimbursement rate and more deductible amounts. Their claim process is more popular than Pets Best, but Pets Best covers exams and wellness while Trupanion does not. While both companies are popular with pet owners, Pets Best gets a nod here for the coverage they provide and the overall cost of policies. Today, pet owners want insurance that’s the most affordable.

To learn more:

• Review of Trupanion pet insurance
• Review of Pets Best pet insurance

The best pet insurance company for you and your pet will depend on finding the right balance between cost and coverage. We found that Pets Best tends to have significantly lower premiums than Trupanion, and they also offer a preventative care package that some pet parents will find valuable.

However, if not having to pay a large sum up-front is important to you, then you may want to consider Trupanion. We recommend that you get multiple quotes from a few different pet insurance providers to find the best option for you.