Pets Best Pet Insurance Review
Best Value4.5
Updated 2026-02-05Quick Summary
Pets Best is a value-forward pet insurance provider offering solid coverage for French Bulldogs at competitive prices. Starting around $35-45/month for French Bulldogs, plans scale up to unlimited annual coverage. Their zero-day accident waiting period means your Frenchie is covered for injuries from day one. Claims average 5 business days, and optional wellness add-ons provide routine care flexibility. A strong option for budget-conscious French Bulldog owners who want meaningful breed-specific protection.
Starting Price
$35/mo
Annual Max
Up to Unlimited
Reimbursement
70-90%
Claims Speed
5 days
Introduction: Why French Bulldog Insurance Matters
Owning a French Bulldog means embracing a breed whose charm is matched only by its vulnerability to a wide range of health conditions. From brachycephalic airway syndrome that can require $3,000-$5,000 in surgical correction to hip dysplasia treatments exceeding $7,000, the financial reality of French Bulldog ownership demands serious planning. Skin allergies, spinal problems, and eye conditions add further layers of ongoing veterinary expense that can stretch any family's budget.
Pets Best was founded in 2005 by Dr. Jack Stephens, a veterinarian widely regarded as a pioneer of the pet insurance industry in the United States. That veterinary perspective has shaped a company that understands the practical needs of pet owners facing real medical decisions. With over 20 years of experience, Pets Best has refined their offerings to balance accessibility with meaningful coverage depth.
For French Bulldog owners navigating the crowded pet insurance marketplace, Pets Best presents an intriguing value proposition: affordable entry-level pricing starting around $35-45/month for French Bulldogs, the ability to scale up to unlimited coverage, and competitive waiting periods. Understanding how these features translate into real-world protection for your Frenchie requires a closer look at coverage details, pricing structure, and claims performance.
See Pets Best Pet Insurance Plans for Your French Bulldog
Get a personalized quote in minutes and see how much you could save on your Frenchie's healthcare costs.
Get Your Free Quote TodayIs Pets Best Pet Insurance Good for French Bulldogs?
Pets Best delivers genuinely good coverage for French Bulldogs, particularly for owners who prioritize affordability without sacrificing protection against the breed's most expensive health conditions. Their coverage extends to hereditary and congenital conditions across all plan tiers, which is essential for a breed genetically predisposed to breathing disorders, joint problems, and spinal disease.
The tiered plan structure allows French Bulldog owners to choose their level of protection based on budget and risk tolerance. Even the entry-level plan covers hereditary conditions and emergency care, while the top-tier unlimited annual coverage removes any ceiling on reimbursement during catastrophic health events.
Where Pets Best shows some limitations is in customer service consistency. Reviews indicate that while many policyholders have positive experiences, response times and communication quality can vary. Additionally, a cruciate ligament waiting period applies (verify with Pets Best for current terms), which is worth noting for a breed susceptible to ligament injuries. Despite these caveats, the overall coverage quality and pricing make Pets Best a solid choice for the majority of French Bulldog households.
Coverage Details: What's Included for French Bulldogs
Pets Best provides comprehensive accident and illness coverage that addresses the full spectrum of French Bulldog health concerns, with all plans including hereditary and congenital condition coverage as standard.
Major Health Conditions Covered
Pets Best covers the most common and costly conditions that French Bulldog owners encounter, without the breed-specific exclusions that some budget insurers apply: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Full coverage for the diagnostic workup, medical management, and surgical correction of airway obstruction. This includes soft palate resection, stenotic nares correction, and laryngeal saccule removal. With BOAS surgery typically ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, this coverage alone can justify the cost of a policy within a single claim event. Hip and Joint Disorders: Coverage spans the complete treatment continuum from conservative management with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy through major surgical interventions including femoral head ostectomy and total hip replacement. French Bulldogs frequently develop hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, making this coverage critically important. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Pets Best covers diagnostic imaging, hospitalization, surgical decompression, and post-operative rehabilitation for spinal conditions. French Bulldogs' compact vertebral structure makes them vulnerable to disc herniation, with surgical costs ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Chronic Skin Conditions and Allergies: Comprehensive coverage for allergy testing, immunotherapy, prescription medications, medicated treatments, and specialist dermatology consultations. French Bulldogs are among the most allergy-prone breeds, often requiring ongoing management that can cost $200-$500 per month without insurance. Eye Conditions: Coverage for cherry eye repair, entropion correction, cataract surgery, and corneal ulcer treatment. These conditions appear frequently in French Bulldogs due to their prominent eye structure and facial anatomy.Coverage Tiers and Limits
Pets Best structures coverage across three tiers with clear differentiation:- Basic Coverage ($5,000 annual limit): Provides baseline protection suitable for younger French Bulldogs with no known health concerns. Adequate for individual incidents but may be insufficient during years with multiple conditions.
- Standard Coverage ($15,000 annual limit): The recommended tier for most French Bulldog owners, providing enough headroom to handle major surgery plus ongoing chronic condition management within a single policy year.
- Premium Coverage (Unlimited annual limit): Eliminates all coverage caps, providing complete financial protection during catastrophic health events. Particularly valuable for French Bulldogs with multiple concurrent conditions.
Coverage Limitations and Exclusions
Pre-existing Conditions: Any condition diagnosed, symptomatic, or treated before the policy effective date is permanently excluded. Pets Best does not offer a cure period for pre-existing conditions, making early enrollment essential for French Bulldogs. Waiting Periods: Accidents are covered immediately. Illness coverage begins after 14 days. Cruciate ligament conditions carry a separate waiting period (verify with Pets Best for current terms). These waiting periods are competitive with industry standards and notably better than competitors requiring 6-month orthopedic waits. Bilateral Conditions: Standard bilateral exclusions apply. If a French Bulldog develops a condition on one side of the body before coverage begins, the same condition on the opposite side will also be excluded. Breeding and Cosmetic Procedures: Breeding-related expenses, elective procedures, and cosmetic surgeries are not covered under any plan tier.Pricing for French Bulldogs
Pets Best has positioned itself as one of the more affordable pet insurance options for French Bulldogs, a breed that typically commands higher premiums due to elevated veterinary costs and claim frequency. Their pricing structure rewards owners who enroll early, as premiums increase with age.
Realistic Pricing for French Bulldogs
While Pets Best advertises competitive starting rates, French Bulldog premiums reflect the breed's higher risk profile. Monthly costs vary based on your chosen plan tier, deductible, reimbursement rate, and geographic location. The plans below represent typical pricing for a young adult French Bulldog:Customization Options
Pets Best provides meaningful flexibility to tailor your policy: Annual Deductibles: Choose from $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, or $1,000 per year. Lower deductibles increase your premium but reduce out-of-pocket costs during claim events. Reimbursement Rates: Select 70%, 80%, or 90% coverage levels. The reimbursement percentage applies to eligible expenses after your deductible is met. Annual Coverage Limits: Options range from $5,000 to unlimited, allowing you to match coverage to your financial risk tolerance.Optional Wellness Add-ons
Pets Best offers two wellness plan tiers that can be added to any accident and illness policy: EssentialWellness: Covers basic preventive care including annual exam, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention with annual limits. BestWellness: Expands coverage to include dental cleanings, additional vaccinations, heartworm testing, and spay/neuter procedures.Basic Coverage
$35/month
- $5,000 Annual Coverage
- $500 Annual Deductible
- 70% Reimbursement
- Accidents & Illnesses
- Hereditary Conditions
- Emergency Care
Recommended
Standard Coverage
$55/month
- $15,000 Annual Coverage
- $250 Annual Deductible
- 80% Reimbursement
- Everything in Basic plus:
- Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy
- Prescription Medications
Premium Coverage
$80/month
- Unlimited Annual Coverage
- $100 Annual Deductible
- 90% Reimbursement
- Everything in Standard plus:
- Exam Fees Included
- Alternative Therapies
Included Services and Benefits
All Pets Best accident and illness plans include comprehensive support services and coverage features:- 24/7 Pet Helpline: Free access to licensed veterinary professionals for urgent health questions and guidance at any hour
- No Network Restrictions: Freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist in the United States
- Hereditary and Congenital Coverage: All plan tiers include coverage for breed-specific conditions without requiring a premium upgrade
- Chronic Condition Coverage: Ongoing coverage for chronic conditions like allergies as long as your policy remains active
- Emergency and Hospitalization: Full coverage for emergency veterinary visits, overnight stays, and intensive care
- Prescription Medications: Coverage for medications prescribed as part of treatment for covered conditions
- Diagnostic Testing: Blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic imaging
- Surgical Procedures: Coverage for both routine and complex surgical interventions related to covered conditions
Available Discounts and Savings
- Multi-Pet Discount: Save up to 10% when insuring multiple pets on the same account
- Annual Payment Discount: Reduced rates when paying your full annual premium upfront instead of monthly
- Veterinary Partner Discount: Potential savings when enrolling through participating veterinary clinics
- Online Enrollment Discount: Savings available when completing enrollment through the Pets Best website
Get Your Pets Best Pet Insurance Quote Now
Get a personalized quote in minutes and see how much you could save on your Frenchie's healthcare costs.
Get Your Free Quote TodayClaims Process & Customer Experience
Pets Best processes claims with a target turnaround of 5 business days, ahead of the traditional industry average of 7-14 days.
Claims Processing Timeline
Straightforward claims for routine treatments are often resolved within 2-3 business days. More complex claims involving surgical procedures or multi-condition treatments may require the full 5-day window or occasionally longer. For French Bulldogs with chronic conditions, the consistent turnaround helps owners manage cash flow during ongoing treatment.How to File Claims
Pets Best offers multiple submission channels: the Pets Best mobile app (photograph and submit invoices with claim tracking), the online portal (document upload and account management), or via email, fax, or mail. Submit an itemized veterinary invoice, relevant medical records, proof of payment, and a completed claim form. Claims can be filed up to 180 days from the date of service in most states.Customer Service
Support is available by phone, email, online chat, and through the mobile app. While many policyholders report positive interactions, customer service consistency is an area where Pets Best trails some competitors, particularly during peak periods.Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable Premiums starting around $35-45/month for French Bulldogs
- Zero-Day Accident Waiting Period provides immediate injury protection
- Unlimited Coverage Option eliminates annual caps
- Optional Wellness Plans for routine care coverage
- Comprehensive Hereditary Coverage for breed-specific conditions
- Flexible Plan Customization with multiple deductible and reimbursement options
Cons
- Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period may delay coverage (verify current terms with Pets Best)
- Customer Service Reviews are mixed compared to competitors
- No Direct Vet Payment requires upfront costs
- Premium Increases with age can be significant for senior Frenchies
How Pets Best Pet Insurance Compares
Pets Best occupies a distinctive position in the French Bulldog insurance market as the value-oriented option that doesn't sacrifice essential coverage. Compared to competitors like Lemonade, ASPCA Pet Insurance, and Trupanion, Pets Best consistently offers lower entry-level pricing while maintaining coverage for the hereditary and congenital conditions that matter most for this breed. Their waiting periods match or beat most competitors, and claims processing falls in the middle of the pack between instant AI-driven approvals and traditional 14-day timelines. Owners seeking alternatives should also consider Healthy Paws for their no annual cap approach, Embrace for their diminishing deductible, or Fetch for broader coverage inclusions. Where Pets Best differentiates most clearly is in combining affordable premiums with an unlimited coverage option and optional wellness plans, a combination that few competitors offer at similar price points.
French Bulldog Specific Considerations
Early Enrollment Maximizes Value
French Bulldogs commonly begin showing signs of health issues between 1-3 years of age. Breathing difficulties, skin allergies, and joint problems can emerge well before a dog reaches maturity. Enrolling your French Bulldog puppy with Pets Best before any symptoms develop ensures that breed-specific conditions are covered when they eventually appear, rather than being excluded as pre-existing conditions. Affordable entry-level plans make early enrollment financially accessible even for owners on tight budgets.Wellness Plans Complement Breed-Specific Needs
French Bulldogs benefit enormously from consistent preventive care. Regular veterinary examinations help identify early signs of BOAS, joint deterioration, and skin conditions before they escalate into expensive emergencies. Pets Best's optional wellness plans cover:- Annual Wellness Exams: Routine checkups that catch emerging health issues early
- Vaccinations: Core and non-core vaccines to maintain immune health
- Dental Cleanings: Professional dental care to prevent periodontal disease, which French Bulldogs are prone to due to their crowded teeth
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Parasite control that reduces the risk of secondary skin infections in an already allergy-prone breed
Planning for Premium Increases
Like all pet insurers, Pets Best adjusts premiums as your French Bulldog ages. Given the breed's increasing health risks with age, premium increases can be more pronounced than for lower-risk breeds. Owners should budget for annual premium growth of 10-20% and consider locking in a higher coverage tier early when premiums are lowest, rather than upgrading later at higher age-adjusted rates.The Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period
Pets Best imposes a separate waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions (verify with Pets Best for current terms). While this is typically shorter than the 6-month orthopedic waiting periods some competitors require, French Bulldog owners should be aware that cruciate ligament injuries during this window would not be covered. This reinforces the importance of enrolling before any mobility issues emerge.Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Pets Best covers brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and related breathing conditions common in French Bulldogs. Coverage includes diagnostic testing, medication, and surgical procedures like soft palate correction. The standard 14-day illness waiting period applies.
French Bulldog premiums with Pets Best typically start around $35-45 per month for basic coverage and increase depending on coverage level, deductible, and reimbursement rate. Factors like age, location, and chosen plan affect final pricing. Pets Best is among the more affordable options for French Bulldogs.
Yes, Pets Best offers optional wellness plans that can be added to any accident and illness policy. The EssentialWellness plan covers basic preventive care, while the BestWellness plan provides broader routine care coverage including dental cleanings and additional vaccinations.
Pets Best processes most claims within 5 business days, which is faster than the industry average of 7-14 days. Simple claims may be processed even faster, while complex cases involving multiple conditions may take slightly longer.
Yes, Pets Best covers hereditary and congenital conditions that French Bulldogs are prone to, including hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and eye conditions. These conditions must develop after your coverage begins and complete any applicable waiting periods.
Yes, Pets Best works with any licensed veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist in the United States. There are no network restrictions, giving you complete freedom to choose the best care for your French Bulldog.
Yes, Pets Best covers hip dysplasia in French Bulldogs as part of their hereditary and congenital condition coverage, which is included on all plan tiers. Coverage spans conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy through major surgical interventions including total hip replacement. The condition must develop after your policy is active and any applicable waiting periods have passed.
Pets Best is a strong choice for French Bulldogs due to their comprehensive hereditary condition coverage, affordable pricing starting around $35-45/month, and an unlimited annual coverage option that removes caps on reimbursement. They cover BOAS, hip dysplasia, IVDD, skin allergies, and eye conditions — all common in Frenchies. The zero-day accident waiting period and optional wellness plans add further value for this high-risk breed.
Pets Best has a zero-day waiting period for accidents, meaning injury coverage starts immediately. Illness coverage begins after a 14-day waiting period. Cruciate ligament conditions carry a separate waiting period (verify current terms with Pets Best). These waiting periods are competitive with industry standards and notably better than competitors requiring 6-month orthopedic waits.
Pets Best covers dental illness and disease (such as broken teeth, gum disease, and tooth extractions) under their standard accident and illness plans after the waiting period. For routine dental care like cleanings, you'll need to add the optional BestWellness plan, which includes professional dental cleaning coverage. This is particularly relevant for French Bulldogs, who are prone to periodontal disease due to their crowded teeth.
Final Thoughts
Pets Best delivers a compelling value proposition for French Bulldog owners who want meaningful coverage without premium pricing. Their tiered plan structure accommodates budgets from basic protection to unlimited coverage, and immediate accident protection provides a safety net from day one.
The areas where Pets Best shows room for improvement are customer service consistency and the reimbursement-only payment model. Owners should be prepared to pay veterinary bills upfront and wait for reimbursement. Building a small emergency fund alongside your policy helps bridge this gap.
For French Bulldog owners who prioritize affordability, Pets Best represents one of the strongest options in the market. The combination of competitive pricing, comprehensive hereditary condition coverage, and flexible plan customization addresses the breed's unique health profile without demanding top-dollar premiums. Enrolling early, before health issues develop, is the most important step to maximize your coverage value.
Ready to Protect Your French Bulldog with Pets Best Pet Insurance?
Get a personalized quote in minutes and see how much you could save on your Frenchie's healthcare costs.
Get Your Free Quote Today