[MichaelJ]

Hey all, I’m looking for some advice on pet insurance. I live in an apartment with my 4-year-old small mixed breed (male), and I’m trying to pick between Trupanion and Pets Best. He’s otherwise healthy but has a luxating patella, so I want to make sure I get a plan that makes sense for his long-term care.

I know Trupanion doesn’t require a physical exam to enroll, and I like that they offer Vet Direct Pay so I wouldn’t have to wait for reimbursement. But it’s more expensive, and I’ve heard some pet owners say their claims didn’t always cover as much as expected due to how conditions were categorized.

Pets Best seems way more affordable and more flexible with different deductible and reimbursement options. Plus, they cover exam fees (which Trupanion doesn’t) and have an accident-only plan as an option. But I’ve seen complaints about slower claims processing and some claims being denied for pre-existing conditions.

For anyone who’s used either of these, how’s your experience been?

• How bad are premium increases over time?
• Does Pets Best cover luxating patellas well, or do they find ways to deny coverage?
• Is Trupanion’s per-condition deductible a pain, or does it actually save money long-term?
• Has anyone had issues with Pets Best claims being delayed or denied unfairly?

[Kimberly Alt]

Premium Increases Over Time: You can expect them from each company. Exact percentages vary based on underwriter requirements, your location, pet’s breed, etc.

Luxating Patella Coverage: Both companies cover it.

Per-Condition Deductible: Trupanion’s per-condition deductible means you pay it separately for each new condition. This can be beneficial for chronic conditions, as you only meet the deductible once per condition for the pet’s lifetime. However, if your dog develops multiple unrelated conditions over time, you may end up paying more in deductibles than you would with an annual deductible plan like Pets Best offers. It just depends on your dog and there’s no way knowing what accidents and illnesses he will accrue.

Claims Processing & Denials: Pets Best claims processing averages around 10 days, but some pet owners report longer wait times or denials for pre-existing conditions. If your claim is denied, it may be worth appealing the decision with additional vet records. This can happen with any insurer.

Either way you go, I’d recommend getting quotes from both companies and reading their sample policies to see which exclusions and coverage details work best for you.

For a full breakdown, check out this Trupanion vs. Pets Best comparison. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[Author]

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