Petco Pet Insurance 2025: Full Review, Benefits, and Coverage
Our expert's opinion on Petco
Petco’s pet insurance, underwritten by DVM Insurance Agency, provides customizable policies focused on comprehensive illness and injury protection, with optional preventive and wellness care add-ons selected at enrollment. Coverage is determined by owner-selected deductible, coinsurance rate, and annual reimbursement limits, offering flexibility but requiring careful review of the individual Declarations Page to confirm coverage specifics and dollar limits. Positioned in the market among mid-tier insurers, Petco’s simple percent-of-invoice model and robust medical coverage offer competitive value, though its wellness and routine care are not standard and must be opted in. Petco insurance works well for pet owners seeking broad health coverage for younger pets without pre-existing conditions, particularly those comfortable tailoring coverage to their needs. DVM Insurance Agency, a long-standing specialist with stable underwriting capacity, manages claims under strict timelines and documentation rules; Trustpilot reviews for DVM/ASPCA (closest available) average 4.0/5 with over 2,600 reviews, and the typical claims reimbursement period ranges from 10 to 30 days, consistent with national competitors.
- ✅Medical coverage for accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions
- ✅Customizable deductible, coinsurance, and annual limit
- ✅Optional wellness/preventive add-on at signup
- ✅Prescription food, medications, DME covered if prescribed
- ✅Clear exclusions and owner responsibilities
- ✅Reputable insurance agency with strong market longevity
- ✅Standard claims are processed fully online
- ❌No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- ❌Wellness/routine care not included by default
- ❌No multi-tier plan options—customization only at enrollment
- ❌Strict claims and documentation requirements
- ❌Coverage for some conditions (e.g., cruciate) limited in first year
Score- ✅Medical coverage for accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions
- ✅Customizable deductible, coinsurance, and annual limit
- ✅Optional wellness/preventive add-on at signup
- ✅Prescription food, medications, DME covered if prescribed
- ✅Clear exclusions and owner responsibilities
- ✅Reputable insurance agency with strong market longevity
- ✅Standard claims are processed fully online
Our expert's opinion on Petco
- ✅Medical coverage for accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions
- ✅Customizable deductible, coinsurance, and annual limit
- ✅Optional wellness/preventive add-on at signup
- ✅Prescription food, medications, DME covered if prescribed
- ✅Clear exclusions and owner responsibilities
- ✅Reputable insurance agency with strong market longevity
- ✅Standard claims are processed fully online
- ❌No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- ❌Wellness/routine care not included by default
- ❌No multi-tier plan options—customization only at enrollment
- ❌Strict claims and documentation requirements
- ❌Coverage for some conditions (e.g., cruciate) limited in first year
Score- ✅Medical coverage for accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions
- ✅Customizable deductible, coinsurance, and annual limit
- ✅Optional wellness/preventive add-on at signup
- ✅Prescription food, medications, DME covered if prescribed
- ✅Clear exclusions and owner responsibilities
- ✅Reputable insurance agency with strong market longevity
- ✅Standard claims are processed fully online
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the market every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the United States trust us each month to guide them in making their most important financial decisions.
Petco Guarantees
Petco offers a single highly customizable pet insurance plan underwritten by DVM Insurance Agency, providing coverage for accidents and illnesses for dogs and cats, with the option to add a preventive care (wellness) package at enrollment.
The plan allows you to select your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit, making it adaptable to most budgets; wellness coverage (vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental cleaning, flea/tick, etc.) is not included by default but can be added.
Key strengths include adjustable coinsurance and deductible, coverage for prescription diets and medical management, and the possibility to tailor wellness limits; however, all routine and preventive care is excluded from the base plan, and illness coverage for certain orthopedic conditions carries a one-year waiting period.
Petco stands out for its clarity of exclusions and the simplicity of its plan structure, but strict pre-existing condition clauses and the lack of a direct payment option to veterinarians may deter some customers.
Other potential drawbacks are the limited scope of coverage for behavioral therapies and a strict time frame—claims must be filed within 90 days of treatment.
| Name of coverage | Petco Percent of Invoice Plan (customizable) |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Customizable accident/illness; optional wellness add-on |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accidents and illnesses |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Typically 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Customer selects; often $5,000−unlimited |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Annual; customer chooses ($100 to $1,000) |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | Varies; typically 14 days (see policy) |
| Waiting period (accident) | Varies; typically 1–2 days (see policy) |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ As long as premiums are paid and policy active |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ Any licensed vet; worldwide |
| Medications | ✅ Prescription drugs, diabetic supplies, etc. |
| Hospitalization | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ Includes diagnostics for covered conditions |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ✅ Accident/illness only; routine cleaning via wellness add-on |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | Optional wellness add-on only |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | N.C. |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | ✅ Any licensed vet worldwide |
| Civil liability | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅ Humane euthanasia for medical reasons |
| Death & cremation coverage | N.C. |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ❌ |
Important Claim Information
Claims must be submitted within 90 days of treatment.
For orthopedic injuries (e.g., cruciate ligaments), a 12-month waiting period applies unless continuously insured with DVM/AKC plans.
Prescription food has strict documentation requirements; preventive care must be selected at enrollment.
Compare plan customizations and wellness options to find the rate and coverage suited to your pet.
? Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Petco Exclusions
The list of exclusions in the Petco (DVM Insurance Agency) policy includes standard items such as pre-existing conditions, expenses before the policy start, experimental treatments, and all wellness or preventative procedures unless a preventive plan is specifically selected. Notably, elective and cosmetic procedures, breeding-related treatments, non-prescription dietary items, and behavioral training outside of veterinarian care are also excluded. Coverage specifically excludes cruciate ligament or meniscal injuries within the first 12 months unless the pet has been continuously insured, as well as complications from any excluded conditions. There are no geographic or identification exclusions detailed, but all care must occur within the policy period and meet the strict claim submission deadline. Overall, the exclusions are in line with most US direct-to-consumer pet insurers, although the detailed restrictions on prescription food and durable medical equipment (documentation required) are slightly more stringent than average.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | • Pre-existing conditions (incl. undiagnosed or symptoms in the 12 months before start or during waiting period) • Experimental or investigational treatments • Medication above prescribed amounts or >1 year supply per term • Alternative therapies unless prescribed and for covered condition • Food and supplements except specified prescription food with documentation • Elective or cosmetic procedures • Breeding-related treatment, exams, or procedures • Cruciate ligament/meniscal injury in first 12 months (unless continuously insured) • Behavioral therapy not performed by a veterinarian • Complications or progression from any excluded condition |
| Administrative and process exclusions | • Expenses submitted after 90 days from first treatment • Any bill for non-medical services (boarding, grooming, toys, etc.) • Fees not directly related to vet services (waste disposal, admin, tax) • Membership fees for third-party plans • Coverage only for claims incurred during an active policy term |
| Legal and ownership exclusions | • Claims/expenses from intentional harm by owner/household • Costs due to legal seizure, war, rebellion, nuclear/radioactive events |
| Other relevant exclusions | • Procedures not tied to a covered condition (e.g., elective dewclaw removal) • Treatments not performed/recommended by a licensed veterinarian |
• Experimental or investigational treatments
• Medication above prescribed amounts or >1 year supply per term
• Alternative therapies unless prescribed and for covered condition
• Food and supplements except specified prescription food with documentation
• Elective or cosmetic procedures
• Breeding-related treatment, exams, or procedures
• Cruciate ligament/meniscal injury in first 12 months (unless continuously insured)
• Behavioral therapy not performed by a veterinarian
• Complications or progression from any excluded condition
• Any bill for non-medical services (boarding, grooming, toys, etc.)
• Fees not directly related to vet services (waste disposal, admin, tax)
• Membership fees for third-party plans
• Coverage only for claims incurred during an active policy term
• Costs due to legal seizure, war, rebellion, nuclear/radioactive events
• Treatments not performed/recommended by a licensed veterinarian
Petco Prices
Petco’s insurance pricing tends to be mid-range in the US market, matching its reasonably comprehensive coverage options relative to typical premiums.
Plans offer flexible deductibles and co-insurance rates, with above-average reimbursement percentages for accident and illness care, making them more competitive than strictly budget offerings—but still generally less expensive than premium, high-limit insurers.
Preventive and wellness coverage is optional, which can limit total costs for pet owners who want medical-only coverage.
Petco’s online-first approach and straightforward claims process may also help keep administrative costs lower than those of larger, more traditional insurers.
Overall, Petco is positioned as a competitively priced, reliable choice for pet owners who value solid benefits, flexible options, and digital convenience, without being the most budget-friendly or most expensive in the space.
| Medical Plan | Medical Plan + Wellness | |
|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $19/month | $30/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $28/month | $41/month |
| Small breed dog | $24/month | $37/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $22/month | $34/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $31/month | $47/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $40/month | $60/month |
Compare plan options and monthly prices below to find the best fit for your pet and budget.
? Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Petco Promo Codes
| Petco 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.
Petco reimbursement amounts
With Petco insurance, reimbursements are calculated by first applying your plan’s annual deductible to your covered expenses, then reimbursing you for a set percentage of the remaining amount—up to the annual or category coverage limits—so you pay much less out of pocket for major and preventive veterinary care.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Breakdown
Total veterinary costs: $600 (exam, lab tests, medication)
Deductible to subtract: $250 (highest-tier plan, annual deductible not yet met)
Amount after deductible: $600 – $250 = $350
Reimbursement at 90%: $350 × 90% = $315
? You receive a reimbursement of $315; your out-of-pocket expense is $285.
ℹ️ The $250 deductible only applies once each year; future claims within the same year are not reduced by the deductible.
Cruciate ligament (knee) surgery
Total veterinary costs: $3,200 (specialist exam, surgery, hospitalization)
Deductible already met earlier in the year
Reimbursement at 90%: $3,200 × 90% = $2,880
? You receive a reimbursement of $2,880; your out-of-pocket expense is $320.
ℹ️ This example assumes your annual deductible is already satisfied; reimbursement is then a straightforward percentage of the actual cost, up to any plan annual limit.
Annual wellness visit with vaccines and dental cleaning
Total veterinary costs: $320 (exam, vaccines, professional dental cleaning)
No deductible on routine care (wellness add-on applies; subject to sublimit)
Reimbursed amount: $320 (covered in full up to the annual wellness sublimit)
? You pay $0 out of pocket for these routine services, if under annual wellness allowance.
ℹ️ The wellness add-on covers routine and preventive care up to a set annual limit—any costs above this cap are your responsibility.
Petco Assistance
Petco’s assistance for pet insurance policyholders is limited compared to more advanced offerings on the US market.
The absence of an advance payment service means policyholders must pay veterinary expenses upfront and file for reimbursement later, which can be a barrier in urgent cases.
There is no indication of installment payment facilities or a dedicated mobile app for claim management, which many competitors now provide as standard for a better digital experience.
Additionally, the lack of a 24/7 emergency vet assistance line and no accessible partner vet network limit the support Petco can offer during critical or after-hours events.
Overseas coverage and assistance services for travel or relocation are not addressed, leaving questions about protection outside the US and Canada.
| Assistance Petco | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment service is available; owners must pay vets and submit claims for reimbursement. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No information provided about installment payment or fee-free options; likely not available. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app for claims or policy management is mentioned; N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted online via the customer portal; digital document submission is required. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency hotline or teleconsultation service is provided for policyholders. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No preferred or direct pay partner network; reimbursement applies for any licensed vet |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | No clear information on coverage outside the US and Canada; likely excluded. |
Customer Reviews of Petco
On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Petco for their pets often mention:
- An easy enrollment process and access to customizable insurance options are frequently appreciated.
- Coverage for both accidents and illnesses is considered comprehensive among pet owners who have compared similar products.
- The ability to add preventive care for an extra premium is valued for young and active pets.
On the negative side:
- A lack of direct pay or advance payment features means that reimbursement is sometimes slow and requires owners to pay out of pocket upfront.
- Customer support is viewed as adequate but can be difficult to reach during busy periods or for claim clarification.
- Premiums are perceived as increasing more rapidly as the pet ages, especially after a major claim or renewal.
- Some pet owners encounter confusion or delays when submitting claims, particularly when medical records or additional documentation is required.
- Policy exclusions for certain conditions or treatments, especially those considered “preventive” if not selected as add-ons, can cause unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Contacting Petco
| Petco 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 claims via the DVM Insurance Agency customer portal or by mail: DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821 Phone: 1-800-540-2016 Required: completed claim form, invoices, proof of payment Average processing: not communicated; usually reimbursed via direct deposit or check. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact DVM Insurance Agency: Phone: 1-800-540-2016 Email: N.C. Postal: 1800 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821 Request may require your policy/account information; certificate sent by mail or electronically. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1-800-540-2016 Note: For coverage or claims questions, speak to a representative; for emergencies, Petco policy does not include a dedicated vet helpline. |
| To cancel my policy | Submit a written cancellation request to DVM Insurance Agency: Postal: 1800 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821 Phone: 1-800-540-2016 No minimum notice period; provide policy number and reason for cancellation Prorated refund for unused premium if canceled mid-term; written confirmation usually provided. |
DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821
Phone: 1-800-540-2016
Required: completed claim form, invoices, proof of payment
Average processing: not communicated; usually reimbursed via direct deposit or check.
Phone: 1-800-540-2016
Email: N.C.
Postal: 1800 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821
Request may require your policy/account information; certificate sent by mail or electronically.
Note: For coverage or claims questions, speak to a representative; for emergencies, Petco policy does not include a dedicated vet helpline.
Postal: 1800 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821
Phone: 1-800-540-2016
No minimum notice period; provide policy number and reason for cancellation
Prorated refund for unused premium if canceled mid-term; written confirmation usually provided.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petco?
Yes, you are responsible for paying all vet bills upfront and then submitting a claim for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petco?
Submit a written notice to DVM Insurance Agency including your policy number and intent to cancel.
What does Petco pet insurance cover by default?
Petco’s core policy covers medically necessary veterinary costs due to accidents or illnesses, like diagnostics, surgery, prescribed medications, hospitalization, and some medical supplies.
How do I file a claim and what is required?
Claims can be submitted through the DVM Insurance Agency customer portal, by mail, or by fax. You must provide a completed claim form, detailed itemized invoices, the pet’s name, proof of payment, and any relevant medical records.
Are pre-existing or hereditary conditions covered?
No, pre-existing conditions are not covered. Hereditary or chronic conditions will only be covered if no signs or treatment occurred in the defined pre-existing window.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petco?
Yes, you are responsible for paying all vet bills upfront and then submitting a claim for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petco?
Submit a written notice to DVM Insurance Agency including your policy number and intent to cancel.
What does Petco pet insurance cover by default?
Petco’s core policy covers medically necessary veterinary costs due to accidents or illnesses, like diagnostics, surgery, prescribed medications, hospitalization, and some medical supplies.
How do I file a claim and what is required?
Claims can be submitted through the DVM Insurance Agency customer portal, by mail, or by fax. You must provide a completed claim form, detailed itemized invoices, the pet’s name, proof of payment, and any relevant medical records.
Are pre-existing or hereditary conditions covered?
No, pre-existing conditions are not covered. Hereditary or chronic conditions will only be covered if no signs or treatment occurred in the defined pre-existing window.
