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PetFirst Pet Insurance Review

PetFirst Pet Insurance Review featuring a woman petting a dog
G. John Cole
Written by
G. John Cole
Written by
G. John Cole
Senior Writer
Graeme is a senior writer at ProtectMyPaws, working with our in-house team of data analysts and researchers to produce original studies and reports you will find under the Pet Care section of the site. Even though he doesn't have any pets at home now, Graeme grew up with a yellow Lab called Jake and a goldfish called Rudolph.
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ProtectMyPaws is an independent publication with no ties with companies mentioned on the site. We don’t accept free products in exchange for glowing reviews. Instead, we report our own findings to help you make an informed decision.

Important: After 2 years of being acquired by MetLife, PetFirst has finalized its rebranding into the new company. Existing policyholders will retain the same coverage conditions as they did during their time with PetFirst. From now on, new customers will be redirected to MetLife’s website and obtain pet insurance policies through them.

All the way since 2004, pups and kittens have been in better hands than ever before. That’s when PetFirst sprang to life, independently insuring pets and mitigating the high costs of medical treatments for illnesses and accidents.

In 2020, after providing coverage for thousands of dogs and cats, PetFirst was acquired by MetLife – a giant in the insurance industry. This acquisition only reinforced the outstanding service and cemented the trust established by PetFirst over the years.

Besides the pet insurance plans and the extra pet-care-related features that PetFirst offers, which we’ll cover in detail in this PetFirst pet insurance review, the company regularly contributes to a noble social cause.

They are committed to giving back to shelters and rescue centers, making every effort to keep homeless animals healthy and happy. One of PetFirst’s practices in this area is organizing nationwide events where homeless pets can connect with loving pet owners.

PetFirst’s Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Incredible discount optionsNo accident-only plan available
Low deductible optionsTravel coverage only available across the US
One of the shortest waiting periods for accidentsNo unlimited annual benefit option
Comprehensive educational resourcesOrthopedic conditions have a waiting period of 6 months
No restrictions for maximum pet age The free trial period is available only for 14 days
Multiple optional options for routine careWellness plan works on a scheduled benefits system
No veterinary exam required prior to enrollment
Coverage for bilateral conditions
Reinstatement of curable pre-existing conditions

PetFirst’s Key Attributes

  1. Underwriter: Independence American Insurance Company
    • AM Best Rating: A-
    • BBB Rating: A+
  2. Exam period:  A veterinary exam is not required to qualify for enrolling with PetFirst or for the pet insurance coverage to begin;
  3. Increase in monthly premium: PetFirst determines your premium based on your pet’s age and it will increase it slightly as they get older, but will never penalize you for submitting any number of claims;
  4. Claim submission time limit: To be eligible for reimbursement, you must submit your claim within 90 days of the date of the veterinary treatments/procedure;
  5. Claim processing times: All claims are processed by PetFirst within 30 business days after they receive all the required information (the average processing time is 10-14 days);
  6. Waiting periods: PetFirst has a great policy on the waiting period for accidents – only 1 day which is significantly lower than most of its competitors.
    • Accidents – 24 hours;
    • Illnesses – 14 days;
    • Cruciate ligament instances – 6 months.
  7. Pet insurance coverage with PetFirst is valid only within the USA. You won’t get coverage if you travel outside the country and take your pet with you;
  8. Bilateral conditions are covered with any of the PetFirst insurance policies. Such conditions include cruciate ligament issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, cherry eye, and more.

PetFirst’s Insurance Plans

PetFirst offers a robust pet insurance plan that is highly customizable so you could tailor your coverage to suit your wallet and your pet’s needs in the most efficient way.

Boasting flexible coverage options including annual deductibles, annual benefit amounts, and reimbursement percentages, free of per-incident or lifetime limits, PetFirst’s accident and illness plan is truly cost-conscious.

After providing your pet’s essential information, you’ll get a custom quote that you can further tailor by choosing one of the available options listed below:

  • Annual benefit amounts: $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000;
  • Annual deductibles: $50, $100, $250, and $500;
  • Reimbursement percentages: 70%, 80%, and 90%.

With this pet insurance plan, your furry fella has to be at least 8 weeks old, but there is no maximum age limit.

To start using your insurance benefits you’d have to wait to claim coverage for accidents only for a day, and 14 days later you’ll be able to do the same for illnesses. Dogs need to wait 6 months before any orthopedic conditions are covered for them.

The insurance coverage that you get with PetFirst works with any licensed veterinary, specialty, and emergency clinic in the US.

Important: If you want to significantly bring down the price of your PetFirst pet insurance plan, the provider offers what they call a “High Deductible Option”. The plan is characterized by a $2,500 annual deductible and secures a $10,000 annual benefit and a 100% reimbursement of your vet bills. The monthly premium is also about 50% cheaper than it would be with a regular PetFirst plan. The option is currently available for selected states, but it is soon to be rolled out nationwide.

PetFirst’s Wellness Plans

Pet wellness plan by PetFirst featuring a veterinary specialist petting a dog.

Existing policyholders can acquire the pet routine care coverage for their pets as a rider to their PetFirst accident and illness plan. It’s a rare occurrence to stumble upon a plan with a large number of options regarding pet wellness and PetFirst offers just that.

Below are two charts that thoroughly explain how much these wellness plans “weigh” in giving back for the preventative care procedures you undertake for your pets.

ProceduresRoutine Care 125Routine Care 250Routine Care 400
Wellness Exam$15$25$35
Vaccinations:

Dogs:
Rabies
DHL-P
Covid-19
Bordetella
Parvovirus
Lyme Disease

Cats:
Rabies
FeLV
FIP
FVRCP
$25$50$75
Prevention:
Heartworm test
Microchip ID
Flea/Tick meds
$50$60$100
Behavior Training$35$50$75
Maintenance:
Spay/Neuter
Dental Cleaning
EKG
Blood Work
Urinalysis
$0$50$100
Routine Screens:
FeLV/FIV
Fecal Test
$0$15$15
BenefitsRoutine Care 365Routine Care 575
Wellness Exam$50$75
Vaccinations:
Heartworm Preventative
Canine Influenza
Flea/Tick and Heartworm
Leukemia
DHLP
Parvo/Corona
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
Bordetella
FVRCP
Lyme
All other vaccines approved by the AVMA, or an equivalent regulating entity
$75$100
Spay/Neuter or Dental Cleaning$100$150
Tests:
Blood Work
FeLV Test (Leukemia)
Fecal Test
Heartworm Test
Urinalysis Test
$65$100
Microchip
Health Certificate
Behavioral Exam and Treatment
$60$120
Deworming$15$30

What’s Covered With a PetFirst’s Policy

After the corresponding waiting period has passed and you’ve met your chosen deductible and copayment, PetFirst will reimburse you for any of the following veterinary procedures, therapies, diagnostics, and fees:

  • Accidents – automobile accidents, poisoning, ingestion of a foreign body, animal bites, cruciate ligament rupture, burns, bone fractures, and many more;
  • Illnesses – hereditary, congenital, chronic, and genetic conditions, cancer, etc.
  • Orthopedic conditions – intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), anterior cruciate ligaments, medial cruciate ligaments, posterior cruciate ligaments, and cranial cruciate ligaments;
  • Diagnostics and exams – veterinary exams, consultations, check-ups, physical consultations, physicals, health inspections, office calls, office visits, after-hour fees, follow-ups, and referrals;
  • Veterinary tests – X-rays, blood work, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs;
  • Emergency ground Pet Ambulance transportation;
  • Surgeries, hospitalization, and post procedure in-hospital care;
  • Prescribed medications;
  • Dental issues – dental illnesses, facial trauma, endodontic treatments for dental injuries, such as root canals and crowns, and orthodontic treatments;
  • Alternative and Complementary Therapies – holistic care, acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy;
  • Euthanasia, cremation, and burial costs.

What’s Excluded From PetFirst’s Coverage

There are some conditions and procedures that don’t come included with your PetFirst pet insurance policy, as is the case with all pet insurance providers. You can use the list below to discover what you can’t use your PetFirst coverage for.

  • Pre-existing conditions;
  • Elective and cosmetic procedures – tail docking, nail trimming, ear cropping, dewclaw removal, and skin folding issues;
  • Breeding, pregnancy, or related conditions – dystocia, hemorrhage, eclampsia, uterine infection, retained placenta, and mastitis;
  • Special diet, pet food, vitamins, and mineral supplements;
  • Grooming and bathing costs including medicated baths;
  • Diagnostic tests, treatments, and complications of conditions excluded or limited by the policy;
  • Time and travel expenses to the veterinarian’s premises or clinic;
  • Costs resulting from illness or injury due to racing, coursing, commercial guarding, or organized fighting of your pet;
  • Behavioral training;
  • Routine wellness and preventative pare;
  • Parasite prevention and parasite treatment;
  • Expression or removal of anal glands or anal sacculitis;
  • Any treatment not performed by a licensed veterinarian;
  • Organ transplants.

Luckily, PetFirst reinstates coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. That means that any conditions that your pet has prior to enrolling with PetFirst can be covered later on, once they have been completely resolved and your pet goes symptom-free for a period of time.

Unfortunately, some pre-existing conditions are deemed permanently incurable. 

Some examples of incurable pre-existing conditions:

  • Cancer;
  • Diabetes;
  • Heart Disease;
  • Allergies;
  • Arthritis.

Some examples of curable pre-existing conditions:

  • Diarrhea;
  • Ear Infections;
  • Vomiting;
  • Upper Respiratory Infections;
  • Urinary Tract Infections.

PetFirst’s Pet Insurance Pricing Quotes

With prices starting at $15/month for dogs and $9/month for cats, PetFirst provides a cost-effective way to take the worry out of having unexpected visits to the vet clinic and ending up with large bills.

However, you need to remember that your custom price might largely differ from starting PetFirst prices. It’ll all depend on the coverage options that you choose and your pet’s age, gender, breed, size, and location.

Take a look below to see how PetFirst’s plans are priced for some of the most common dog and cat breeds in America.

Pet Insurance Pricing Quotes for Dogs

BreedGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogLabrador Retriever
GenderMaleMaleFemale
Age2 years 4 months4 years 2 months6 years 6 months
LocationNew YorkCaliforniaColorado
Deductible$250$250$250
Claim Limit$10,000$10,000$10,000
Reimbursement90%90%90%
Accident and illness plan$60.74/month$115.72/month$88.62/month

*quotes obtained in June 2021

Pet Insurance Pricing Quotes for Cats

BreedSiamesePersianAbyssinian
GenderMaleMaleFemale
Age2 years 5 months4 years 1 month8 years 2 months
LocationNew YorkColoradoCalifornia
Deductible$250$250$250
Claim Limit$10,000$10,000$10,000
Reimbursement90%90%90%
Accident and illness plan$35.64/month$51.51/month$57.32/month

*quotes obtained in June 2021

PetFirst’s Pet Wellness Pricing Quotes

PetFirst shapes the prices of their pet wellness plans in quite an unusual way. While other similar insurance providers offer fixed pet wellness prices regardless of your pet’s breed, gender, age, and location, PetFirst doesn’t exactly follow that practice and has different prices for wellness plans depending on your state of residence.

For that reason, we’ll provide sample pricing quotes for cats and dogs for several wellness plans below.

Pet Wellness Pricing Quotes for Dogs

BreedGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogLabrador Retriever
GenderMaleMaleFemale
Age2 years 4 months4 years 2 months6 years 6 months
LocationNew YorkCaliforniaFlorida
Pet Care $125$7.93/month$4.73/month$7.40/month
Pet Care $250$20.53/month$11.50/month$19.17/month
Pet Care $400$38.80/month$24.01/month$36.23/month

*quotes obtained in June 2021

Pet Wellness Pricing Quotes for Cats

BreedSiamesePersianAbyssinian
GenderMaleMaleFemale
Age2 years 5 months4 years 1 month8 years 2 months
LocationNew YorkCaliforniaFlorida
Pet Care $125$7.93/month$4.73/month$7.40/month
Pet Care $250$20.53/month$11.50/month$19.17/month
Pet Care $400$38.80/month$24.01/month$36.23/month

*quotes obtained in June 2021

Discounts and Savings

With so many pet insurance companies providing ways to keep coverage costs down and save money, PetFirst strives to not only do the same, but excel in the area as well.

By combining several discount options to ensure you don’t “break the bank”, you can acquire a PetFirst insurance policy for as little as $1/day.

Here are all the available discount options available through PetFirst:

  • Pet Insurance Internet Discount – obtain your PetFirst insurance policy online and score either $10 off on your first monthly premium or a discount of $1/month, depending on your state;
  • Corporate Employee Member Discount – check if your employer or member group provides PetFirst pet insurance as an employee benefit. Depending on the company/group you can save from 5% to 10% on a PetFirst pet insurance plan as an employee benefit;
  • Animal Care Employee Discount – 10% discount for employees of veterinary or animal welfare clinics and centers, animal rescue shelters, and organizations;
  • Multiple Pet Insurance Policies Discount – signing up a second pet grants you a 5% discount and a 10% discount for your third and every additional pet;
  • Deductible Savings – When your pet goes claim-free for a full year, your deductible will be $25 cheaper the next year. This repeats each year given the condition is fulfilled.

How Does PetFirst Compare With Its Competitors?

If you’ve missed any minor detail about PetFirst, here you’ll have the chance to review their features once again and compare them to other important competitors from the same industry.

ASPCA, Pets Best, and Embrace all have their similarities and differences, but they all offer prominent coverage. Use the comparison tables below to understand if any of them would be a better alternative to PetFirst.

PetFirst vs. ASPCA

With everything that ASPCA does to help animals, it’s no wonder they’d decide to offer pet insurance at some point. 

Their policy plans are packed with options for all-inclusive medical coverage including curable pre-existing conditions, dental, behavioral therapy, wellness, and much more.

FeaturePetFirstASPCA
Coverage Effective USAUSA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands
ReimbursementChoice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expensesChoice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expenses
Co-Payment10%, 20%, or 30%10%, 20%, or 30%
Deductible$50 – $500$100 – $500
Type of DeductibleAnnualAnnual
Claim Limit Options$2,000 – $10,000$3,000 – $15,000
Accident-Only PlanNot availableAvailable
Wellness PlanAvailableAvailable
Unlimited Benefits Plan Not availableNo
AccidentsYesYes
IllnessesYesYes
Illness Waiting Period14 days14 days
Accident Waiting Period1 day14 days
Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period6 months14 days
Bilateral ExclusionsNoYes
Chronic ConditionsYesYes
Hereditary and Congenital ConditionsYesYes
CancerYesYes
Dental CoverageYesYes
Prescription MedicineYesYes
Alternative/Holistic TherapyYesYes
Behavioral IssuesOptional add-onYes
Exam FeesYesYes
Exam Required for EnrollmentNoNo
Available At Any Vet ClinicYesYes
MicrochipOptional add-onYes
Minimum Pet Age Limit8 weeks6 weeks
Maximum Pet Age LimitNo limitNo limit
Entry Fee$12.00$0.00
Monthly Transaction Fee$3.00$2.00
Multi-Pet Discount5% for second pet;10% for third and all subsequent pets10% for each additional pet
Claim RepaymentWithin 30 days (10-14 days on average)Within 30 days (14-16 days on average)
Direct Vet Bill PaymentNoYes
Money-Back Guarantee14 days30 days
AM Best RatingA-A
BBB RatingA+A+

*companies’ features compared in June 2021

PetFirst vs. Pets Best

Just like PetFirst, Pets Best are amazing when it comes to acquiring unlimited medical coverage for your pets along with options for accident-only coverage, no age restrictions for senior cats and dogs, direct vet bill payment, and no entry fee.

FeaturePetFirstPets Best
Coverage Effective USAUSA, Canada, and Puerto Rico
ReimbursementChoice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expensesChoice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expenses
Co-Payment10%, 20%, or 30%10%, 20%, or 30%
Deductible$50 – $500$50 – $1,000
Type of DeductibleAnnualAnnual
Claim Limit Options$2,000 – $10,000$5,000 and Unlimited
Accident-Only PlanNot availableAvailable
Wellness PlanAvailableAvailable
Unlimited Benefits Plan Not availableYes
AccidentsYesYes
IllnessesYesYes
Illness Waiting Period14 days14 days
Accident Waiting Period1 day3 days
Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period6 months6 months
Bilateral ExclusionsNoYes
Chronic ConditionsYesYes
Hereditary and Congenital ConditionsYesYes
CancerYesYes
Dental CoverageYesYes
Prescription MedicineYesOptional add-on
Alternative/Holistic TherapyYesOptional add-on
Behavioral IssuesOptional add-onYes
Exam FeesYesOptional add-on
Exam Required for EnrollmentNoNo
Available At Any Vet ClinicYesYes
MicrochipOptional add-onOptional add-on
Minimum Pet Age Limit8 weeks7 weeks
Maximum Pet Age LimitNo limitNo limit
Entry Fee$12.00$0.00
Monthly Transaction Fee$3.00$3.00
Multi-Pet Discount5% for second pet;10% for third and all subsequent pets5% for each additional pet
Claim RepaymentWithin 30 days (10-14 days on average)Within 40 days (25 days on average)
Direct Vet Bill PaymentNoYes
Money-Back Guarantee14 days30 days
AM Best RatingA-Unrated
BBB RatingA+A+

*companies’ features compared in June 2021

Read the full Pets Best Pet Insurance review.

PetFirst vs. Embrace

With Embrace, you can enjoy worldwide travel insurance for your pets and perks like decent multi-pet discounts and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

While the company imposes restrictions for senior pets and has a pretty high enrollment fee, they are one of the most praised pet insurers on online reviewing websites.

FeaturePetFirstEmbrace
Coverage Effective USAWorldwide
ReimbursementChoice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expensesChoice of 70%, 80%, or 90% of covered expenses
Co-Payment10%, 20%, or 30%10%, 20%, or 30%
Deductible$50 – $500$200 – $1,000
Type of DeductibleAnnualAnnual
Claim Limit Options$2,000 – $10,000$5,000 – $30,000
Accident-Only PlanNot availableAvailable
Wellness PlanAvailableAvailable
Unlimited Benefits Plan Not availableNo
AccidentsYesYes
IllnessesYesYes
Illness Waiting Period14 days14 days
Accident Waiting Period1 day2 days
Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period6 months6 months (14 days with orthopedic report card)
Bilateral ExclusionsNoYes
Chronic ConditionsYesYes
Hereditary and Congenital ConditionsYesYes
CancerYesYes
Dental CoverageYesYes
Prescription MedicineYesYes
Alternative/Holistic TherapyYesYes
Behavioral IssuesOptional add-onYes
Exam FeesYesYes
Exam Required for EnrollmentNoNo
Available At Any Vet ClinicYesYes
MicrochipOptional add-onYes
Minimum Pet Age Limit8 weeks6 weeks
Maximum Pet Age LimitNo limit14 years
Entry Fee$12.00$25.00
Monthly Transaction Fee$3.00$1.00
Multi-Pet Discount5% for second pet;10% for third and all subsequent pets5%-10% (depending on state) for each pet
Claim RepaymentWithin 30 days (10-14 days on average)Within 14 days (8-9 days on average)
Direct Vet Bill PaymentNoNo
Money-Back Guarantee14 days30 days
AM Best RatingA-A+
BBB RatingA+A+

*companies’ features compared in June 2021

Read the full Embrace Pet Insurance review.

Customer Service

PetFirst Pet Insurance Review featuring an owner walking three dogs

PetFirst boasts some of the most extensive customer service options in the pet insurance industry. You can use any of the following options to contact them:

  • Live chat;
  • Online contact form;
  • Phone – 855.270.7387: 
    • Monday – Friday, 8 am – 9 pm EST
    • Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm EST
    • Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm EST
  • Email info@petfirst.com;
  • Mail:

PetFirst Pet Insurance
400 Missouri Avenue
Jeffersonville, IN 47130

  • Fax – 877.281.3348;
  • MyPets portal;
  • Mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Customer Reviews

Peeking into some personal insight is always necessary when forming a realistic opinion about a brand or service.

That’s why we’re including real customer testimonies about genuine experiences with PetFirst to help you decide whether the insurer is truly worth your trust and money.

Positive PetFirst Pet Insurance Reviews

I came over to PetFirst after the other insurance company (that I had been with for 8 years) decided to more than double my premium. I had never filed a claim and their explanation was that my state has a high number of claims so everyone has to pay more! I have had to file 2 claims with PetFirst in just under 2 years and they haven’t given me a hard time at all. Their customer service is Top Tier and the claim process is very easy.

Ryan j.

I’ve had coverage for my dog for almost a year. Fast claim processing and wonderful customer service. Edna in customer service was excellent in reviewing my current policy which is set to renew. She is the customer service rep one would always hope to come across in any company. Also, kudos to PetFirst as my premium would have gone up only $10/month as opposed to Nationwide; when we were with Nationwide, they doubled my premium after the first year. Edna looked at my policy and with a minor adjustment, my premium will stay the same! Wonderful!

Julie F.

PetFirst Pet Insurance has helped me make difficult decisions about my loved pet’s health care.   I usually adopt adult dogs. I don’t usually know their history. But PetFirst has been there for me whenever a veterinarian bill comes my way. One of my dogs recently needed surgery to remove 2 cancerous tumors. I was devastated at the cost of the surgery, but decided to go ahead. PetFirst reimbursed me the cost of the surgery, minus my deductible. This was a huge relief since I had put the surgical balance on a credit card. What a relief! 

PetFirst also helped me over the past several years with my pet’s preventive care as well. If I didn’t have PetFirst insurance, I’d be completely stressed every time it comes to a hard pet care decision… Can I afford this or not…  

Thank you PetFirst!

Lydia R.

We’ve had PetFirst insurance for about 10 years with our current cat(s) and prior to that for about 12 years with our former cat. I think I actually had them with my dogs as well. There’s a reason for my longevity. I’ve found PetFirst to be responsive, fair, and prompt in their reimbursements. If they need something from the vet they let me know also and sometimes I have a better chance of getting it. I’ve been extremely happy with PetFirst and even more than that I’m always happy when decisions about my fur children’s health have nothing to do with money.

Cynthia B.

Negative PetFirst Pet Insurance Reviews

While the coverage for our dog has been good, trying to contact them and speak to a human is very difficult. I tried calling twice yesterday and once the day before only to be kept on hold each time over 15 minutes without an answer. The website is good for information before you buy but is lousy and hard to navigate once you are a customer.

Jeff Rudin

PetFirst states they cover cremation however it goes towards your deductible, so if you haven’t met your deductible they don’t cover it. Their claims process is horrible. I have had their policies for 7 years (I also have a Hartville and a Nationwide pet policy) and any claim I have submitted takes forever to process. There is a ton of back and forth, their claims process is the worst.

They fight on paying out any claims and after my pet’s passing, they refused to backdate the cancellation to the date of death (which I have a record of) because I was grieving and didn’t first think to cancel her insurance policy. Nationwide and Hartville have been so much easier to work with over the years.

Victoria W.

They’re raising my insurance $100 a month. My dog got thyroid cancer, I never really used the insurance before this. I can’t believe they’d raise it that much because I used it. I’m not even treating her for the cancer anymore. It’s not like I caused a car accident due to negligence.

This is what pet insurance is good for, those awful surprises whether they are a quick fix or a long term issue. She won’t be around much longer, I’m not treating her anymore due to side effects, so I won’t have to pay it but it’s still the principle. I understand a small raise but not that much. I won’t go with PetFirst for my next pet, you guys lost me! Try Healthy Paws instead, I heard it was good.

Demi W.

Conclusion

Time to wrap up this extensive PetFirst pet insurance review. By researching every corner and every angle of the pet insurance company, we’ve realized that they’re one of our top choices when it comes to finding affordable, comprehensive, and reliable protection for your pet’s future.

While PetFirst don’t provide anything out of the ordinary, they are indeed packed with intuitive navigation, awesome customer support, and an exhaustive knowledge base. Their generous discount options and transparent pricing model is where they truly excel.

It’s understandable that you might find the lack of an accident-only coverage plan, unlimited claim option, and a longer trial period unfavorable. In that case, you can always browse through our other pet insurance reviews and find a more suitable alternative for you.

PetFirst’s Alternatives

Unlike PetFirst, Lemonade is one of those pet insurance providers that offer an unlimited annual benefit option. The rest of the amazing perks are still there – comprehensive accident and illness coverage, a sizable discount, low monthly premiums, and affordable wellness care. Additionally, Lemonade favors technology to make your experience with them faster, less time-consuming, and more transparent.

Wagmo is also a great alternative to PetFirst. With them, your claims can be processed at lightning-fast speed. Wagmo has a reimbursement option of 100% and can pay you back for an average of only 24 hours. Even though they’re still new and not thoroughly customizable, Wagmo’s simple pricing structure can quickly convince you that they might be just the right choice.

Another insurer that reimburses with 100% of your vet bill is TrustedPals. They are one of the few providers that offer an annual deductible that can be as low as $0, along with unlimited annual benefits, and decent discount options. It’s a bummer that they still don’t have a mobile app though, but given the tempo they grow with, it’s only a matter of time before we see one become available.

F.A.Q.

After I renew my PetFirst policy, will the conditions that I previously filed claims for be considered pre-existing?

Everything that enters your policy on the date of enrollment with PetFirst is covered for a lifetime. The coverage extends and transfers after each policy renewal. The only way to list a new condition as pre-existing is if you don’t renew your policy on time and allow your coverage to lapse. Remember that every curable pre-existing condition can be reinstated at the moment your veterinarian gives the green light that that condition is now a part of your pet’s past medical history. 

Is the cost for euthanizing a pet due to a pre-existing condition covered with PetFirst?

Unfortunately, no. Any veterinary treatment related to a pre-existing condition isn’t covered with PetFirst and this is the case with every pet insurance company out there.

What are the necessary documents required by PetFirst for a successful claim submission?

To process your claim successfully, PetFirst requires the following documents:

  • Veterinary medical records for your pet (also known as SOAP or medical chart notes) – if your pet is adopted and this is your first claim, you need to provide the veterinary records and the adoption paperwork from the adoption institution;
  • Itemized invoice from the vet clinic for the performed procedure/prescription receipt;
  • Neatly signed and completed claim form (not necessary if you’re accessing from the MyPets portal.

In what form can I receive my reimbursement from PetFirst?

At the moment, PetFirst doesn’t provide an option for a direct bank deposit of your reimbursement. They only send a check through regular mail, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

Is it possible to upgrade or downgrade my PetFirst pet insurance coverage?

Yes, both are possible with PetFirst. To upgrade your policy with additional coverage you have to wait until your policy renewal date to do so. To downgrade your coverage, you need to contact PetFirst and it can be done at any time. 

Note that when downgrading your coverage, your annual benefit limit and deductible reset for the next billing cycle, while there are no new waiting periods.

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