Pet insurance has become an increasingly popular way for pet owners to ensure they can afford the best possible care for their furry friends. With so many providers in the market, it can be difficult to determine which company will offer the best coverage and value for your money. In this article, we’ll compare Pets Best and Nationwide, two of the biggest pet insurance providers in the US, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Policy Coverage
When it comes to policy coverage, both Pets Best and Nationwide cover emergency care, surgery and hospitalization, specialized exams and specialty care, X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, cat scans, MRIs, rehabilitation, cancer, chronic conditions, euthanasia, hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, non-routine dental treatment, and prescription medications. Neither provider covers pre-existing conditions, cremation and burial costs, pregnancy and breeding, or unnecessary cosmetic procedures.
One key difference between the two companies is that Nationwide uses a benefit schedule for some of its plans, which outlines the maximum coverage amount you can expect to be reimbursed for each condition. Pets Best’s plans, on the other hand, are set up like other insurers, where the claim reimbursement is based on your vet bill and the deductible, payout, and reimbursement percentage for your plan.
Nationwide also has a maximum age limit of 10 years for new pets, while Pets Best enforces no such restriction. However, Nationwide covers alternative/holistic therapy and exam fees at no extra cost.
Overall, Pets Best comes out ahead in this category due to their flexibility and lack of age restrictions.
Customer Service & Reputation
Customer service and reputation are critical factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance provider. Pets Best has a reputation for offering thorough coverage at lower prices, which has led to a large volume of filed claims and longer processing times. The company says they’re working to hire and train more people to help speed up claims processing.
Nationwide, on the other hand, has received many complaints regarding reimbursement concerns, unexpected renewal changes, drastic premium increases, and more. Negative reviews are not difficult to find, and they’re related to numerous departments and concerns.
Therefore, Pets Best gets the nod in this category for their better reputation and customer service.
Claim Processing
Pets Best averages 7-14 days for claim processing, while Nationwide averages four days. Pets Best does offer an option to pay vets directly, so you don’t have to wait for reimbursement. However, this may not always be an option depending on your vet’s policies.
Although Nationwide’s claim processing is faster, Pets Best’s direct payment option gives them the edge in this category.
Price of Policy
Comparing prices for Pets Best and Nationwide is challenging because they don’t offer the same plan types and options. If you opt for Nationwide’s benefit schedule plan, you’ll most likely see a lower monthly premium than Pets Best. However, if you choose a traditional-style plan, prices for both companies are similar.
Both providers charge a $2 monthly transaction fee unless you pay your annual premium upfront. Price quotes are based on your pet’s age, breed, and location.
As a result, this category is a tie.
Coupons
Both Pets Best and Nationwide offer multiple pet discounts, with Pets Best offering an additional discount for military members and their families. You can find more information about these discounts on their respective websites.
Plan Customization
Pets Best gives customers more customization options for their plans, while Nationwide has more limited options due to their use of benefit schedules. This makes Pets Best the clear winner in this category.
The Verdict
Overall, Pets Best comes out ahead in this comparison due to their thorough coverage, customization options, and reputation. However, it’s always recommended to get quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.
Pet insurance is a critical investment that can help you avoid unexpected and high vet bills. By comparing providers and policies, you can find the right coverage and value for your needs and budget.
