Excellent coverage, great rates and ideal for multi-pet households. Combine that with the lowest waiting periods in the industry and Petfirst is a top Pet Insurer.
PetFirst Insurance started as a small 2 person company in 2004 and has since developed into the fastest growing pet insurance company in North America. The company’s goal is to provide solutions to every pet owner by offering the best policies in the industry and working with customers to know exactly what they want. Their unlimited lifetime coverage and great add-on packages means that they will be able to cover all of your pet’s needs, and all of your own financial worries. PetFirst is an ideal pet insurance for owners of a multi animal household who want comprehensive coverage. Especially good for senior pets.
- Multi pet discount
- Routine Wellness add-on
- No lifetime limits
- Shortest Waiting Period in the Industry
- Healthy Pet Discount
- No Customary Charge Restrictions
- Covers Holistic/Alternative Therapies
- Slow processing claims
- Top-tier plans are expensive
- Low annual limits on low-end plans
- Annual Exams & Preventive Care are Add-ons
- Deductibles are per incident, not annual
Plans/Pricing: (Rating: 8/10)
PetFirst has only one lifetime coverage plan that provides the same coverage but differs in it's annual limits of $2,000 and $5,000. These annual limits are low compared to their competitors and pricing is a bit more than competitors, but where PetFirst shines, is in the comprehensive coverage. They are one of the only insurers to cover bi-lateral conditions – which is is a medical condition that can happen on both sides of the body. Normally if a pet has been diagnosed with a bi-lateral condition, the insurer will not cover any issues that arise on the untreated side.
While many insurers say they cover “Alternative therapies”, many also state they don't cover “holistic” treatments – Petfirst covers both. Other areas where they separate themselves from other insurers include coverage for unlimited foreign body ingestions per year, Dermatological Conditions, Aging Pet Ear & Eye Conditions, coverage for Experimental & Investigational Treatments, and they also cover periodontal disease. The Periodontal disease coverage again is especially helpful for owners of senior pets – as any senior pet owner will attest to.
Prices are based on geographic location, breed, size of dog, age, deductible chosen, reimbursement level chosen and annual limit.
For a medium sized mixed breed 2 year old dog from Minnesota the price averages about $29.95 for a $250 per incident deductible, 80% reimbursement, and $5,000 annual limit.
For a domestic short-haired, 2 year old cat from Minnesota the price averages about $17.95 for a $250 per incident deductible, 80% reimbursement, and $5,000 annual limit.
All plans provide guaranteed lifetime coverage for accidents and illness, plus other common pet diseases.
Petfirst offers multiple discounts for purchasing via the internet ($10 or $20), military (5%), animal care employees (10%), and multiple pet discounts of 5% discount on your second policy, and a 10% discount on your third policy and beyond. These discounts can be combined.
You also get a 14 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Sample Pricing for a 2 year old female mixed breed medium dog from Minnesota
PetFirst Pricing for 2 year Old Female Mixed Breed Medium Sized Dog from Minnesota
Sample Pricing for a 2 year old female domestic short-haired cat from Minnesota
PetFirst Pricing for 2 year Old Female Domestic Short-Haired Cat from Minnesota
Waiting Period: (Rating: 10/10)
PetFirst requires a 14 day waiting period for illness, however accident coverage begins the day after you register. There is also a 12 month waiting period for cruciate ligaments and disc disease. No additional wait period on hip dysplasia, patella luxations or orthapedic conditions.
Availability: (Rating: 8/10)
With PetFirst you can visit any licensed veterinarian in the United States. PetFirst does not offer coverage for your pet if travelling outside the U.S.
Exclusions: (Rating: 9/10)
PetFirst has the following exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Elective Procedures such as ear cropping, tail docking & declawing
- Pet food, special diet, vitamins, mineral supplements
- Breeding and conditions related to breeding
- Orthodontics, endodontics and removal of deciduous teeth
- Parasite prevention, parasite treatment and illnesses transmitted by parasites
- Behavioral training
Routine wellness checkups, spaying or neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, removal and preventive treatments of fleas/lice/heartworm are also excluded unless you have bought an optional add-on rider.
Claims/Deductibles: (Rating: 7/10)
PetFirst gives options for per incident deductible amounts of $50, $100, $250, $500. They also offer reimbursement levels of 70%, 80%, and 90%.
Payouts/Limits: (Rating: 7/10)
PetFirst Insurance has no per-incident or per-lifetime limits. However they do have annual limits of $2,000 and $5,000. The annual limits depend on which plan you get.
It will take PetFirst around 10-15 days to process your claim once it has been submitted. Reimbursement checks will arrive by mail within 10 business days of your claim being successfully processed.
Extras: (Rating: 9/10)
PetFirst Insurance provides discounts for owners of multiple pets. Customers who enroll in their family plan save on average 30%!
You are also given the option of adding 3 different routine care packages to your coverage if you wish. These packages cover things such as vaccinations, exams, microchipping and training.
1. Routine Care 125: Provides up to $125 in reimbursement for for $8/month.
2. Routine Care 250: Provides up to $250/year in reimbursement for $15/month
3. Routine Care 400: Provides up to $400 in reimbursement for $22/month.
PetFirst's Wellness Coverage Plans
Ease of Enrollment: (Rating: 9/10)
PetFirst has a great website that allows you to learn all about their plans and everything they provide for you and your pet. At the click of a button you can receive a quote for your pet and then register and start receiving coverage.
Customer Service: (Rating: 9/10)
PetFirst is available Monday through Friday from 8am-9pm EST, or Saturdays from 10am-6pm EST. They can be contacted through e-mail at info@petfirst.com or by phone at 1-866-937-7387.
PetFirst Insurance also allows you to view the details of your policy, monitor the status of your claims, and update your billing information all online through your account on their website.
Pricing and Details
Pricing
Pricing depends on breed, age, size, whether your pet is spayed or neutered, and the deductible and reimbursement level.
Prices can vary greatly because of all these factors, but an average estimate would be $28/month for small dogs, $30/month for medium sized dogs, and $36/month for large dogs. As well, the average monthly price for cat owners is around $18.
*Sample costs based on a 2 year old mixed breed from Minnesota with a $250 per incident deductible, 80% reimbursement level, and $5,000 annual limit.
Contract Type
PetFirst gives customers the choice of paying either monthly or annually. Those who pay annually get a slight discount.
Enrollment Age
There is no upper age limit, and pets as young as 8 weeks can enroll with PetFirst.
Wellness
PetFirst offers routine care add-ons that cover general wellness.
Accident/Injury
PetFirst is designed to cover accidents and illness.
Deductible
PetFirst offers per incident deductibles in the amounts of $50, $100, $250, and $500
Claims
PetFirst will not increase your premium as a result of making claims.
Limits
There are no per-incident or per-lifetime limits when insured by PetFirst. They have annual limits of $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000, depending on which plan you have.
Special Coverage
Alternative care and congenital conditions are covered. Hip dysplasia is also covered as long as it is not a pre-existing condition. Cancer treatments, Holistic & alternative therapy coverage, and coverage for vaccinatable diseases like canine influenza, parvo and kennel cough are also covered. They are one of the only insurers to provide coverage for bi-lateral conditions.
PetFirst also provides an optional routine care package that covers wellness and preventative care.
Pricing and Claim Info |
Price Range for Dogs: $28 to $36 per month Pricing Rage for Cats: $18 per month Pricing Based on: 2 yr old female medium sized mixed breed dog from Minnesota or 2 yr old female domestic short-haired cat from Minnesota with $250 per incident deductible, 80% reimbursement, and $5,000 annual limit. Multiple Pet Discount: 5% for 2nd pet and 10% for 3rd and subsequent Money Back Guarantee: 14 Days Type of Deductable: Incident Reimbursement Based on: : Actual Veterinary Charges Online Claim Submittal & Processing Enrollment Age Minimum: 8 Weeks Enrollment Age Maximum: None Effective Date: Midnight (EST) after enrollment Waiting Period - Illness: 14 Days Waiting Period - Accidents: None Waiting Period - Heredity/Congenital/Other Conditions: 14 Days NO Pre Coverage Exam Required NO Vaccination Requirement for Coverage of Certain Conditions Coverage: Both In-State & Out of State Claims Cause Policy Increase?: No |
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Contract Type |
Monthly Annually |
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Help and Support |
Phone Benefits/Statements Online |
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Annual Deductables |
$0 |
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Per Incident Deductibles |
$50 $100 $250 $500 |
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Reimbursement Levels |
70% 80% 90% |
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Per Incidence Limits |
On Wellness Plans Only |
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Annual Claim Limits |
$2,000 $5,000 |
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LifeTime Claims Limits |
no limits |
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Covered Animals |
Dogs Cats |
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Coverage |
Spay/Neuter: No Exam Fees: Yes Accidents/Injury Illness Congenital Conditions: Yes
Wellness Coverage: Add-on
Dental: Add-on Pregnancy: No
Special Coverage: Yes
Prescription Drug Coverage: Yes Behavioral Issues Prescription Food & Supplements: No |
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Who is This Insurance Plan Ideal For?
PetFirst is perfect for owners of multiple animals who want all of them to be insured and have guaranteed coverage for the rest of their life.
What We Like
Short waiting period for accidents
Most pet insurance companies require a 14 day waiting period after registration for both accident and illness. While PetFirst also has a 14 waiting period for illness, their coverage for accidents begins within 1 day of registration. This means you do not have to worry about lacking coverage should anything happen shortly after you register.
Discounts for family packages and annual payments
Many people own multiple pets, and providing insurance for all of them can amount to a small fortune. PetFirst is unique in allowing customers to purchase a family plan to insure multiple pets, and the fact that users save 30% of the average cost helps relieve the financial stress they would normally face.
PetFirst also gives discounts to customers who choose to pay on a yearly rather than a monthly basis. This is just another way that PetFirst helps owners save on the cost of pet insurance.
Optional wellness add-ons
The three optional add-ons that PetFirst provides which cover routine care are perfect for any owner who wants to be able to budget for their vet bills. They cover an extensive range of services and are one of the best options for add-ons in the industry.
What We Don't Like
Reimbursement checks sent by mail
Unlike other pet insurance companies that pay the vet directly or reimburse customers through direct deposit, PetFirst sends customers reimbursement checks through the mail. This means customers have to wait much longer to get the money they deserve.
Customers are forced to choose between an expensive premium or low annual limits
The lowest plan that PetFirst offers is a very reasonable $37/month, but it comes with a low annual limit of $5,000. On the other hand, their top plan has a high annual limit of $20,000, but comes at the price of $107/month. This is unfortunate because it forces owners to choose between affordability and coverage.
Pre-Existing Conditions not Covered
Like all other pet insurance companies, pre-existing conditions are not covered with PetFirst. While this practice is understandable, it is unfortunate because it excludes older animals that have already had health problems from receiving coverage.
Summary
PetFirst offers the best options for families looking to insure more than one pet. The discounted family packages offer much more affordable care than the alternative of insuring each pet individually. Unfortunately, even with the great add-on packages and unlimited lifetime coverage that they offer, their main plans are not as competitive as those offered by other companies. Nevertheless, with their great customer service, and continued growth, you can be sure that your investment with PetFirst will be well worth it.
Excellent coverage, great rates and ideal for multi-pet households. Combine that with the lowest waiting periods in the industry and Petfirst is a top Pet Insurer.
