Aetna Pet Insurance 2025: Honest Review, Costs & Coverage Explained
Our expert's opinion on Aetna
Aetna offers pet insurance in the US under the Pets Best brand, providing highly customizable accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats, with a clear policy structure and transparent exclusions. Four plans are available with annual limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited, paired with a choice of annual deductibles from $50 to $1,000 and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%, plus optional add-ons for exam fees, prescription medication, and alternative therapies. Compared to major competitors like Nationwide or Trupanion, Aetna (Pets Best) stands out for flexible premiums and limits, a broad range of add-ons, and competitive pricing—especially valuable for owners who want to tailor coverage. This policy is particularly well-suited for owners of young or healthy pets seeking flexible high reimbursements or those managing costs for multiple pets or specific budgets. Pets Best, underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, is established in the US pet insurance market and demonstrates solid reliability, with premium volume in the tens of millions and an average claim payout time of 5 to 10 business days; recent Trustpilot scores for Pets Best average around 4.2 out of 5 (based on over 2,000 reviews), with most reviews citing efficient claims service.
- ✅Highly customizable plans and limits
- ✅Low minimum deductible ($50) option
- ✅Up to 90% reimbursement rate
- ✅Optional wellness, exam, and rehab coverage
- ✅Short waiting periods (3 days for accidents)
- ✅Digital claims submission and tracking
- ✅Claims average 5–10 business days to pay
- ❌No routine wellness care unless add-on purchased
- ❌Strict dental care prerequisites for coverage
- ❌Excludes pre-existing and most preventive care
- ❌Six-month cruciate ligament waiting period
- ❌Add-ons require extra premium and may reset waiting periods
Our expert's opinion on Aetna
- ✅Highly customizable plans and limits
- ✅Low minimum deductible ($50) option
- ✅Up to 90% reimbursement rate
- ✅Optional wellness, exam, and rehab coverage
- ✅Short waiting periods (3 days for accidents)
- ✅Digital claims submission and tracking
- ✅Claims average 5–10 business days to pay
- ❌No routine wellness care unless add-on purchased
- ❌Strict dental care prerequisites for coverage
- ❌Excludes pre-existing and most preventive care
- ❌Six-month cruciate ligament waiting period
- ❌Add-ons require extra premium and may reset waiting periods
Score- ✅Highly customizable plans and limits
- ✅Low minimum deductible ($50) option
- ✅Up to 90% reimbursement rate
- ✅Optional wellness, exam, and rehab coverage
- ✅Short waiting periods (3 days for accidents)
- ✅Digital claims submission and tracking
- ✅Claims average 5–10 business days to pay
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies on the market every year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, over one million users in the US trust us each month to guide them with their most important financial decisions.
Aetna's Guarantees
Aetna offers flexible pet insurance through customizable plans with a range of annual limits ($2,500 to unlimited), reimbursement rates (70–90%), and deductible choices ($50–$1,000), allowing owners to tailor coverage for accidents and illnesses.
Optional benefits expand coverage to include exam fees, take-home medications, and rehabilitation or alternative therapies, but preventive care and routine wellness are not included in standard plans.
A key strength is the highly adjustable structure and the option to select “no annual limit,” while a notable weakness is that routine wellness, spay/neuter, and some dental benefits are only covered if purchased as supplemental add-ons.
N.C. on policy details for lifetime enrollment, age limits, or non-medical benefits, as Aetna does not publish these terms publicly.
Exclusions are typical for the industry, with no coverage for pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, breeding, or preventive and routine care except via optional riders.
| Name of coverage | Aetna Pet Insurance (customizable) |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Accident & illness policies, customizable options |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Both, accident and illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Choice of 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| Annual reimbursement limit | $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Choice of $50–$1,000 annual deductible per pet |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 3 days |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | N.C. |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | Optional; covered if exam fee rider purchased |
| Medications | Optional; covered if purchased |
| Hospitalization | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | Limited; some dental only if eligible and requirements met |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ standard; only via wellness add-on if available |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | Optional; covered if purchased |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | USA, Canada, US territories/bases |
| Civil liability | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | N.C. |
| Death & cremation coverage | ❌ |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ❌ |
Good to know
Wellness care, spay/neuter, and examination fees are not included in standard Aetna plans and require the selection of optional wellness add-ons if available.
It is recommended to compare Aetna with other pet insurance plans to find the cheapest rate.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Aetna Exclusions
The list of exclusions for Aetna pet insurance includes standard medical exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions, chronic or bilateral issues, and waiting periods for certain illnesses and injuries.
Cosmetic or elective procedures like tail docking, ear cropping, and declawing are also not covered, and most preventive care—including vaccines and spay/neuter—is excluded unless linked to treatment of illness.
Coverage is valid only for care from licensed veterinarians in the US, Canada, or territories, and claims must be filed within the 180-day deadline.
Supplemental benefits like exam fees, medications, and rehabilitation are excluded unless purchased; behavioral training, grooming, boarding, and consumables are always omitted.
Unique exclusions compared to some competitors include specific documentation and dental exam requirements for dental illness coverage, as well as a strict stance on non-formulary medications and alternative therapies.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
|
| Procedural/exam exclusions |
|
| Dental exclusions |
|
| Geographic exclusions |
|
| Behavioral/alternative care |
|
| Administrative/other |
|
- Pre-existing conditions (including signs before policy or during waiting period)
- Bilateral/chronic/intervertebral disc problems
- Preventive care (wellness, vaccines, deworming, flea/heartworm meds)
- Cosmetic/elective procedures (tail docking, dewclaws, ear cropping, declawing)
- Spay/neuter except for specific illnesses
- Healthy pet visits with no symptoms
- Routine cleanings and prevention
- Conditions present prior to coverage
- Open/closed root planing, non-canine/carnassial endodontics, some juvenile or developmental dental disorders
- Treatment outside the USA, Canada, or US territories/bases
- Training, behavioral therapy (unless covered for consult/medications)
- Grooming, boarding, toys, food, supplements
- Cremation/burial
- Alternative, holistic, experimental therapies
- Administrative/banking fees, intentional injury, breeding, pregnancy, non-covered complications, activities (racing/training/self-harm), war/nuclear/civil unrest, and care by non-licensed veterinarians
Aetna Prices
Aetna occupies a mid-range position in the pet insurance market, offering a well-balanced mix of coverage flexibility and price. Plans provide adjustable coverage limits, reimbursements up to 90%, and the possibility to include or exclude high-value items for tailored costs. Compared to premium providers, Aetna tends to be more affordable when selecting higher deductibles or limiting extras, but prices rise with richer coverage and lower deductibles. While not the cheapest for comprehensive plans, Aetna's digital-first approach helps keep costs competitive versus traditional insurers. This makes Aetna a suitable option for pet owners seeking solid value without premium prices.
Find the best price for your pet: compare Aetna's plan options to see which one matches your needs and budget.
| $2,500 annual limit | $5,000 annual limit | $10,000 annual limit | Unlimited annual limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $19/month | $22/month | $27/month | $32/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $25/month | $29/month | $36/month | $43/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $24/month | $28/month | $34/month | $41/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $27/month | $33/month | $41/month | $48/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $34/month | $39/month | $51/month | $60/month |
Aetna Promo Codes
| Aetna Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed with Aetna?
Aetna's highest-tier pet insurance plan makes reimbursements easy: you pay your chosen annual deductible, then Aetna covers 90% of your approved vet expenses up to your annual limit, so most large bills are taken care of with minimal hassle.
✅ Example 1: Gastric torsion (bloat) emergency surgery
Total vet costs: $2,800 (emergency consult, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, medication) Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (first claim of the year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible: $2,800 – $100 = $2,700 90% of that amount reimbursed: $2,700 × 90% = $2,430
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,430.
ℹ️ The deductible only applies once per policy year; after it's met, only your co-pay applies for subsequent claims.
✅ Example 2: Dental extraction for a fractured canine in a cat
Total vet costs: $700 (consult, dental X-rays, extraction under anesthesia)
Deductible already met earlier in the policy year Amount reimbursed at 90%: $700 × 90% = $630
👉 You receive $630.
ℹ️ Dental extractions are only covered for eligible trauma or disease: routine cleanings are not included.
✅ Example 3: Comprehensive annual wellness exam (if wellness coverage is added)
Total vet costs: $260 (exam, core vaccines, parasite screening)
Deductible does not apply to preventive care with the wellness add-on
Amount reimbursed at 90%: $260 × 90% = $234
👉 You receive $234.
ℹ️ Preventive care reimbursement is only available with the wellness add-on, up to the annual preventive allowance.
Aetna Assistance
| Assistance Aetna | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | Members pay vets directly and are reimbursed later; no advance payment solution like CareCredit or Payvet is mentioned. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No information communicated about monthly or installment payment options for pet insurance premiums. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | Aetna Health app is available (Android/iOS). Allows members to view discounts, access insurance info, and manage member services. UX reputation N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted online via the member website or by app where available. No paper forms needed for discounts or benefit use. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency veterinary line or teleconsultation for pets is provided by Aetna. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No designated network of partner clinics for pet insurance; members use any licensed provider for discounted services. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | Pet-related insurance or discounts are only valid in the United States and U.S. territories. |
Customer Reviews on Aetna
On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Aetna for their pets often mention:
- A broad range of wellness and health discounts available for members and their families.
- An easy-to-use member portal and app for managing discounts and accessing services.
- A flexible program that allows members to choose providers and services according to their preferences.
- A straightforward enrollment process with no medical exam required for discount eligibility.
On the negative side:
- A lack of true pet insurance coverage, as the benefits consist mainly of discounts rather than reimbursement for veterinary expenses.
- A perception that the savings are not sufficient compared to comprehensive pet insurance policies.
- An absence of coverage for unexpected accidents, illnesses, or costly emergency care.
- A limited ability to combine Aetna’s discounts with other pet insurance or wellness plans for greater overall protection.
Contact Aetna
| Aetna Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim through the Aetna member portal or mail your completed reimbursement form and receipts to: Aetna, PO Box 981106, El Paso, TX 79998-1106. For assistance, call 1-800-872-3862. Required documents include a completed claim form, original paid invoices, and any supporting medical records. Standard processing time is 14–30 days. Reimbursements are issued by check or direct deposit. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact Aetna customer service at 1-800-872-3862 or request the certificate via your secure member portal. You may also mail your request to Aetna, PO Box 981106, El Paso, TX 79998-1106. Include your policy number and personal identification details for verification. |
| To contact assistance | For 24/7 member assistance, call 1-800-872-3862. You can also reach out via the member portal or send correspondence to Aetna, PO Box 981106, El Paso, TX 79998-1106. |
| To cancel my policy | Call Aetna customer service at 1-800-872-3862 or send a written cancellation request with your name, policy number, and desired end date to: Aetna, PO Box 981106, El Paso, TX 79998-1106. No official notice period is required, but cancellation takes effect when the request is processed; confirmation will be sent upon completion. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Aetna?
Yes, you must pay the veterinarian directly at the time of service. Aetna does not offer advance payment or a third-party payment system for veterinary fees. After paying, you submit your itemized receipts and claim for reimbursement. Claims may be filed online, by mail, or by fax according to plan guidelines.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Aetna?
You can cancel your Aetna pet insurance policy at any time by contacting customer service by phone or providing a written notice with your name, policy number, and desired termination date. No official notice period is required, and cancellation is effective upon processing. Keep a copy of your request for your records and request written confirmation from Aetna.
What does Aetna pet insurance actually cover?
Aetna’s policy covers the actual cost of veterinary treatment for eligible accidents and illnesses, subject to selected deductibles, annual limits, and co-insurance percentage. Commonly covered treatments include consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, emergency care, hospitalization, and prescribed medications. Optional benefits like exam fees, rehabilitation, or take-home medications may be added for an extra premium. Preventive care, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures are excluded.
How do I file a claim for reimbursement?
To file a claim, submit a completed claim form and original paid invoices within 180 days of treatment. Claims can be filed online, by mail, fax, or email, and you may be required to provide complete medical records. You’ll be reimbursed according to your policy terms (after deductible and co-insurance), typically by check or direct deposit. Most claims are processed within 14–30 days, but timely submission of documents helps avoid delays.
Are there waiting periods before coverage starts?
Yes, waiting periods apply with Aetna pet insurance. There is a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, a 3-day period for injuries, and a 6-month period for cruciate ligament events. Services received and conditions presenting during waiting periods are not covered. If certain conditions are met, such as veterinarian certification or continuing from another insurer, waiting periods may be waived or reduced.
Does Aetna pet insurance cover preventive care and wellness?
No, standard Aetna plans do not include preventive or routine care such as vaccinations, annual check-ups, dental cleanings, spay/neuter, or parasite prevention. Preventive care benefits may be available for an added premium if selected at enrollment. Always review your declarations page carefully to see what optional or supplemental benefits, if any, are included in your specific policy.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Aetna?
Yes, you must pay the veterinarian directly at the time of service. Aetna does not offer advance payment or a third-party payment system for veterinary fees. After paying, you submit your itemized receipts and claim for reimbursement. Claims may be filed online, by mail, or by fax according to plan guidelines.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Aetna?
You can cancel your Aetna pet insurance policy at any time by contacting customer service by phone or providing a written notice with your name, policy number, and desired termination date. No official notice period is required, and cancellation is effective upon processing. Keep a copy of your request for your records and request written confirmation from Aetna.
What does Aetna pet insurance actually cover?
Aetna’s policy covers the actual cost of veterinary treatment for eligible accidents and illnesses, subject to selected deductibles, annual limits, and co-insurance percentage. Commonly covered treatments include consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, emergency care, hospitalization, and prescribed medications. Optional benefits like exam fees, rehabilitation, or take-home medications may be added for an extra premium. Preventive care, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures are excluded.
How do I file a claim for reimbursement?
To file a claim, submit a completed claim form and original paid invoices within 180 days of treatment. Claims can be filed online, by mail, fax, or email, and you may be required to provide complete medical records. You’ll be reimbursed according to your policy terms (after deductible and co-insurance), typically by check or direct deposit. Most claims are processed within 14–30 days, but timely submission of documents helps avoid delays.
Are there waiting periods before coverage starts?
Yes, waiting periods apply with Aetna pet insurance. There is a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, a 3-day period for injuries, and a 6-month period for cruciate ligament events. Services received and conditions presenting during waiting periods are not covered. If certain conditions are met, such as veterinarian certification or continuing from another insurer, waiting periods may be waived or reduced.
Does Aetna pet insurance cover preventive care and wellness?
No, standard Aetna plans do not include preventive or routine care such as vaccinations, annual check-ups, dental cleanings, spay/neuter, or parasite prevention. Preventive care benefits may be available for an added premium if selected at enrollment. Always review your declarations page carefully to see what optional or supplemental benefits, if any, are included in your specific policy.
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