PetFirst Pet Health Insurance Review
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PetFirst Health Insurance for Pets - Company Overview
PetFirst is described as a fastest-growing pet insurance provider in the United States. The company was initially founded in 2004, and to-date has covered tens of thousands of beloved pets nationwide. Many people recognize PetFirst from its partnership with numerous shelters and rescues across the United States.
Is PetFirst Pet Insurance Worth It?
PetFirst offers pet insurance policies for both dogs and cats, without upper age limits for enrollment, and simple, straightforward plans and pricing. The company even offers a plan tailored to “cost conscious” pet parents looking for coverage on a very limited budget. Unlimited benefit policies are available and for plans that have annual limits, the benefit cap resets every year. In both cases there is no lifetime maximum benefit. As for the total overall worth and value of a pet insurance plan, that all depends on your pet’s all-around health. However, for many pet owners the cost of a single major accident or serious illness can create expenses that more than justify the annual costs of a pet insurance plan.
Pros & Cons of PetFirst Pet Insurance
Cons
Basic plans do not cover preventive care, but it can be added for an additional cost
Supplements are not covered unless they are prescribed and not just recommended
Claim reimbursements can only be distributed through the mail
Pros
PetFirst covers pets of all ages, beginning at 8 weeks
You have access to several discounts, such as a discount for multiple pets and reduced deductibles for healthy pets
Pets do not require an exam to be enrolled in coverage
Hereditary, chronic, and congenital conditions are included in coverage
Flexible deductions and reimbursement percentages
allow you to create a plan that works for your budgetShort periods for accident reimbursements
Spaying and neutering is covered in the routine care rider
Reimbursements are typically processed within 10 business days
Types of Pet Insurance Plans Offered by PetFirst
PetFirst provides one all-inclusive policy type with the option to add on a routine wellness rider for an additional cost. Deductible options are available in amounts ranging from $0-$2,500. You also get the option to choose your reimbursement level, which can be 70%, 80%, or 90%. Naturally, higher-deductible, lower-percentage plans are the least expensive.
Benefit Limits
With PetFirst there is a maximum annual benefit level, which you will select when you enroll in coverage. You’ll have the option to choose an annual benefit amount ranging from $1,000 up to unlimited annual benefits. However, there is no lifetime maximum for ongoing medical conditions and your annual payout max resets every year.
What Does PetFirst Pet Insurance Cover?
PetFirst provides one type of plan for illness and injury coverage, which makes it simple to pick what you need for your pet.
Basic Policy
Coverage included in the basic policy offered by PetFirst is meant to be an all-inclusive plan that helps you pay for the most pertinent costs during an illness or injury. Some of the things covered with this policy will include:
Costs related to accidents
Exam fees
Holistic therapies and alternative treatments
Illnesses, including hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions
Surgeries and hospitalizations
Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds
Emergency care
Prescription medications
Euthanasia due to an illness or injury
PetFirst also provides coverage for things like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and anterior cruciate ligaments after a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions.
PetFirst’s Routine Rider Coverage
The PetFirst’s Routine Rider Coverage can be added to your policy to help cover some of the costs of preventative care. You can choose your annual benefit for routine coverage from a number of flexible dollar amounts or select an unlimited plan. Some things that can be reimbursed with this rider add-on include:
Vaccinations
Routine dental cleanings or teeth polishing services
Spaying and neutering
Behavior training
Microchipping
Routine wellness exams and health screenings
Preventive parasite treatment
PetFirst Pet Insurance Exclusions
PetFirst strives to offer some level of coverage for many health-related costs. However, there are exclusions to be considered, including:
Pre-existing conditions, which is defined as any injury, illness, or symptom that takes place before your waiting period ends
Elective or optional procedures, such as tail docking or ear cropping
Orthodontics or removal of deciduous teeth
Conditions related to breeding
Vitamins, supplements, or special foods
Grooming costs and costs for medicated grooming supplies
Parasite treatment or prevention
Organ transplant procedures
Anal gland expression
Routine wellness and preventive care costs
Examine your pet's policy carefully to better understand the exclusions that may apply. Depending on what plan you choose and what riders or add-ons you elect, your excluded coverages can vary.
Other Common Questions About PetFirst Pet Insurance:
Does PetFirst insurance cover senior-aged pets?
PetFirst accepts enrollment of all pets who are over the age of eight weeks old. Therefore, senior pets are covered regardless of their age.
What are the waiting periods before your PetFirst policy kicks in?
PetFirst advertises that they have some of the shortest waiting periods of any pet insurance provider. Your coverage for accidents takes effect the day after you enroll your pet, and there is only a 14-day waiting period for other illnesses. There is however a 6-month waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions including Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), medical cruciate and other cruciate ligaments.
Does PetFirst offer discounts?
PetFirst actually offers several discounts. If you enroll more than one pet, you will save on average 10% for the second pet, 15% for the third. (note: total discounts are capped at a certain level). Additionally, there is a $24 savings if you pay a full year at a time, and you may be eligible for $25 off of your deductible for every year that your pet goes claim-free. People who purchase a policy online can garner a $10 discount as well.
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