Physicians Mutual Pet Insurance 2025: Comprehensive Review & Coverage Details
Our expert's opinion on Physicians Mutual
Physicians Mutual offers customizable pet insurance for dogs and cats, covering accidents, illnesses (including many genetic and chronic conditions), and dental events, with separate annual and per-incident limits set per pet and selected at enrollment. Plans are adjusted by deductible, per-incident co-pay, coinsurance, and optional wellness and exam riders, but lack clear tier structures seen in major competitors like Embrace or Pets Best; pricing is designed for flexibility, and the diminishing deductible rewards claim-free years. Physicians Mutual appeals most to owners seeking à la carte coverage for young to midlife pets, or for those needing basic accident/illness protection and optional preventive care at a controllable price point, though it may not suit those expecting high reimbursements or broad wellness coverage for older or purebred animals. The company, established in 1902 and well-capitalized with longstanding market presence, reported a Trustpilot rating of 2.2/5 (8 reviews), notably below direct pet insurers; claims are accepted digitally, by fax, or provider upload, with most reimbursements processed within 30 days after complete submission.
- ✅Worldwide coverage for all US-resident pets
- ✅Diminishing deductible for each claim-free year
- ✅Wide range of optional wellness and exam fee riders
- ✅Coverage for medically necessary dental and some genetic conditions
- ✅No age limits for enrollment disclosed in core materials
- ✅Flexible annual and per-incident maximums per pet
- ✅Electronic or paper claims with 30-day processing target
- ❌No preset plan tiers or published reimbursement rates
- ❌Preventive and routine care excluded unless optional rider purchased
- ❌Extensive exclusions for pre-existing and congenital conditions
- ❌Low customer satisfaction: 2.2/5 Trustpilot (8 reviews)
- ❌No fully digital, paperless claims or enrollment experience
Score- ✅Worldwide coverage for all US-resident pets
- ✅Diminishing deductible for each claim-free year
- ✅Wide range of optional wellness and exam fee riders
- ✅Coverage for medically necessary dental and some genetic conditions
- ✅No age limits for enrollment disclosed in core materials
- ✅Flexible annual and per-incident maximums per pet
- ✅Electronic or paper claims with 30-day processing target
Our expert's opinion on Physicians Mutual
- ✅Worldwide coverage for all US-resident pets
- ✅Diminishing deductible for each claim-free year
- ✅Wide range of optional wellness and exam fee riders
- ✅Coverage for medically necessary dental and some genetic conditions
- ✅No age limits for enrollment disclosed in core materials
- ✅Flexible annual and per-incident maximums per pet
- ✅Electronic or paper claims with 30-day processing target
- ❌No preset plan tiers or published reimbursement rates
- ❌Preventive and routine care excluded unless optional rider purchased
- ❌Extensive exclusions for pre-existing and congenital conditions
- ❌Low customer satisfaction: 2.2/5 Trustpilot (8 reviews)
- ❌No fully digital, paperless claims or enrollment experience
Score- ✅Worldwide coverage for all US-resident pets
- ✅Diminishing deductible for each claim-free year
- ✅Wide range of optional wellness and exam fee riders
- ✅Coverage for medically necessary dental and some genetic conditions
- ✅No age limits for enrollment disclosed in core materials
- ✅Flexible annual and per-incident maximums per pet
- ✅Electronic or paper claims with 30-day processing target
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 in their most important financial decisions.
The Physicians Mutual Guarantees
Physicians Mutual offers a highly customizable pet insurance product allowing policyholders to tailor deductible, co-insurance, and annual or per incident maximums as indicated on the Declarations Page.
Core coverage includes both accident and illness, with optional riders for preventive care, vet consultations, alternative therapies, rehabilitation, final respects, and boarding, but these are not included by default.
A key strength is the diminishing deductible for consecutive claim-free years, as well as the inclusion of dental illness and injury, genetic and chronic conditions, and pet ambulance (emergency only).
Weaknesses include broad exclusions, especially for pre-existing conditions, preventive care unless the relevant rider is purchased, and the 6-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs (unless a waiver is submitted).
Overall, Physicians Mutual is best for pet owners who want flexible coverage terms but are willing to actively review all contract specifics and purchase needed riders.
| Name of coverage | Physicians Mutual Customizable Plan |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Customizable plan (annual max, deductible, co-insurance) |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident and illness, including genetic/chronic |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats only |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | N.C. (set in Declarations Page) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | N.C. (chosen per contract) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | N.C. (chosen per contract, annual deductible basis) |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Up to 24 months medical records for first claim |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 1 day |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | N.C. |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | Optional rider needed |
| Medications | ✅ In-hospital covered treatments |
| Hospitalization | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ✅ Dental illness/injury, endodontic/orthodontic (if medically necessary) |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | Optional Wellness rider |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | Optional rider |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | Worldwide, must claim in USD and English |
| Civil liability | ❌ Not covered |
| Euthanasia | ✅ If medically/humanely necessary |
| Death & cremation coverage | Optional rider (Final Respects Rider) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ Not covered |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | Optional Boarding Fees Coverage |
Veterinary Care Requirements and Benefits
Covered veterinary care requires use of a licensed vet, annual pet exam, and following preventive advice.
Diminishing deductible benefit: $50 decrease each claim-free year.
Orthopedic waiting period for dogs is 6 months, but may be waived by submitting a completed waiver form from the vet.
Physicians Mutual Exclusions
Physicians Mutual applies a wide array of exclusions, most notably denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, preventive care unless a wellness rider is purchased, and any illness or injury preventable by recommended vaccination.
Waiting periods are strictly enforced, including a unique 6-month exclusion for dog orthopedic conditions unless waived by early veterinary exam, and alternative or holistic therapies are only covered if the appropriate rider is selected.
Commercial activity, cosmetic procedures, and breeding or genetic testing/treatment are always excluded.
Coverage is voided for non-compliance with veterinary advice, neglect, or in cases of preventable infectious disease due to missed vaccination.
Unlike some competitors, fees not directly tied to medical necessity—such as grooming, boarding (unless rider purchased), and administrative costs—are broadly excluded, making it critical for policyholders to review rider options and requirements.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
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| Geographic exclusions |
|
| Administrative and services exclusions |
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| Compliance and eligibility exclusions |
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| Legal and extraordinary circumstances |
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- Pre-existing conditions (including extensively defined recurring or chronic issues)Routine and preventive care (unless rider added)Illness/injury preventable by declined vaccinationOrthopedic conditions (first 6 months for dogs unless vet waiver obtained)Alternative, holistic, behavioral, or rehab care (unless optional rider selected)Cosmetic/elective proceduresGenetic/chromosome conditions and breeding-related tests/treatmentExperimental therapies or cloned animalsNon-medically necessary costs
- Injuries due to commercial use, neglect, or owner intent
- None—claims accepted worldwide (must be in USD, with English documentation)
- Veterinary office/consultation fees (unless Office Visit & Exam Rider added)Fees unconnected to treatment (taxes, waste disposal, admin, transport except emergency ambulance, late hours, home calls unless emergency, grooming, boarding unless rider, housing/training, non-prescription food/supplements)Disposing/remains (unless Final Respects Rider purchased)Boarding (unless Boarding Fees Coverage purchased)
- Failure to provide up to 24 months prior medical recordsNon-compliance with vet advice (including vaccinations, dental, and wellness exams)Not maintaining up-to-date preventive careMore than one plan per pet not allowed
- Acts of war, terrorism, epidemics or governmental/biological/nuclear eventsDeliberate acts or gross negligence
- Unlicensed veterinary care
Physicians Mutual Prices
Physicians Mutual holds a mid-range to slightly expensive position in the pet insurance market, driven by standard coverage levels, a menu of optional riders, and moderate annual or per-incident caps compared to competitors.
Core plans generally feature fairly typical deductibles and reimbursement rates, while most preventive, alternative, or rehabilitation services require add-on riders and thus increase the total premium for comprehensive coverage.
As a traditional insurer with both online and paper-based processes, Physicians Mutual does not leverage the cost-saving efficiencies of digital-only competitors, which can place it at a slight disadvantage on price for comparable coverage.
Annual benefit and incident limits, as well as diminishing deductibles for claim-free years, may appeal to some policyholders, but overall reimbursement levels and ease of claims are often cited as limiting factors.
In summary, Physicians Mutual is best described as a mid-range plan—neither the most affordable nor the most comprehensive—suiting pet owners looking for solid but not premium protection.
To find the most suitable plan for your pet, review and compare the estimated monthly premiums for each coverage level below.
| Standard Plan | Standard Plan + Wellness Rider | Standard Plan + Wellness & Rehab Riders | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $26–$29/month | $37–$41/month | $45–$49/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $34–$39/month | $48–$53/month | $56–$62/month |
| Small breed dog | $30–$36/month | $44–$49/month | $52–$59/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $30–$36/month | $44–$49/month | $52–$59/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $39–$48/month | $54–$62/month | $63–$72/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $51–$60/month | $71–$80/month | $80–$92/month |
Physicians Mutual Promo Codes
| Physicians Mutual 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.
Reimbursement with Physicians Mutual
With Physicians Mutual’s highest-tier pet insurance plan (plus top-level wellness add-ons), most large vet bills are quickly reimbursed—after subtracting a set annual deductible, you receive a generous percentage of covered costs, reducing your out-of-pocket spending.
✅ Example 1: Emergency surgery for a swallowed object
Total vet costs: $2,000 (X-rays, surgery, hospitalization, medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (the policy’s annual deductible, applied to your first claim of the year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible: $2,000 – $250 = $1,750
Reimbursed at 90% with the Premium plan: $1,750 × 90% = $1,575
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $1,575.
ℹ️ The deductible only applies once each policy year. If you already met it, you’d get 90% back on future claims up to your annual plan limit.
✅ Example 2: Dental cleaning and annual vaccinations (with Wellness Rider)
Total vet costs: $350 (cleaning, oral exam, vaccines)
Deductible not applied (preventive care covered fully by Wellness add-on)
Reimbursement for wellness care: 100% of allowed amount, up to the plan’s annual preventive care limit
Total reimbursed: $350
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $350.
ℹ️ Preventive care is only included if you opt for the Wellness Rider. Sub-limits may apply depending on the specific services.
✅ Example 3: Skin allergy treatment (consult plus medication)
Total vet costs: $400 (dermatology consultation and prescription)
Deductible already met earlier in the policy year
Amount reimbursed at 90% with the Premium plan: $400 × 90% = $360
👉 You receive $360.
ℹ️ Once your deductible is paid, all further eligible treatments are reimbursed at the full 90% rate, subject only to your yearly maximum.
Physicians Mutual Assistance
| Feature | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | Physicians Mutual does not offer an advance payment, direct-to-vet, or CareCredit-style service; pet owners pay the provider, then seek reimbursement. |
| Payment facilities | ✅ | Monthly premium payments are available, but a non-refundable installment fee applies; premiums are otherwise due annually in advance. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | An online portal and app support digital claim submission and document upload; no standout UX or major app store ratings reported. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted paperlessly via online portal/app, by fax, or through a provider portal; reimbursement typically within 30 days. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency vet or telehealth/teleconsultation hotline is included with the policy. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | There is no preferred or partner clinic network; policyholders may use any licensed vet worldwide. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Worldwide coverage is provided, with reimbursements in USD and required documentation in English. |
Physicians Mutual Customer Reviews
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.2/5 (8 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above.
On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Physicians Mutual for their pets often mention:
- An option to receive pretreatment estimates, which can help avoid unexpected expenses.
- A benefit of reimbursement for services from out-of-network providers.
- An availability of in-network discounts and limited examples of responsive communication when addressing negative feedback.
On the negative side:
- A frequent report of low reimbursement amounts, where covered payments are much lower than veterinary bills.
- A dissatisfaction with lack of preventive and routine care coverage, even on higher-tier plans.
- A perception that policy changes and premium increases occur without corresponding improvements in benefits or clarity.
- A frustration with slow, confusing, or denied claim processes and delays in refunds.
- A recurring issue of difficulty with cancellation, ongoing charges after requests to cancel, and overall poor value for the premium paid.
Contact Physicians Mutual
| Physicians Mutual 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 Physicians Mutual online portal, app, by fax (1-402-633-1207), or by mail to Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, P.O. Box 2316, Omaha, NE 68172-4081. Include paid, itemized invoices and up to 24 months of prior medical records. You can call 1-800-228-9100 for claim support. Reimbursements are paid by check or direct deposit, typically within 30 days of receipt of all required documents. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact Physicians Mutual at 1-800-228-9100 or request your insurance certificate by mail: Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, 2600 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68131. You may also use the online portal for policy documents. |
| To contact assistance | For any general inquiries or assistance, call Physicians Mutual Customer Service at 1-800-228-9100. Written correspondence can be sent to 2600 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68131. Assistance is also available through the online portal or app. |
| To cancel my policy | Call 1-800-228-9100 or send a written cancellation request to Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, 2600 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68131. No specific notice period is required; provide your policy number and name. If canceled within 31 days and no claims were filed, you will receive a full refund; otherwise, a pro-rata refund applies. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Physicians Mutual?
Yes, with Physicians Mutual pet insurance you generally pay for veterinary services up front, then submit a claim for reimbursement. While benefits can be assigned to your vet if requested, most claims are reimbursed directly to you after you provide documentation.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Physicians Mutual?
You can cancel your Physicians Mutual policy at any time by calling 1-800-228-9100 or sending a written request. There is no specific notice period required, but you should provide your policy number and written confirmation. If you cancel within 31 days and no claims have been paid, you are eligible for a full refund.
What does Physicians Mutual pet insurance cover and what are the major exclusions?
The policy covers eligible expenses for accidents and illnesses, such as surgeries, diagnostics, hospitalization, and medically necessary dental care. Exclusions include pre-existing conditions, preventive and routine care (unless you purchase a wellness rider), elective or cosmetic procedures, injuries from neglect, and treatments not deemed medically necessary.
How do I file a claim and how quickly will I be reimbursed?
To file a claim, submit a completed form with itemized paid invoices and up to 24 months of prior medical records by mail, fax, or the online portal. Claims must be received within 180 days of treatment. Once all documents are provided, most reimbursements are processed within 30 days, paid by check or direct deposit.
Are there any waiting periods or special requirements to keep coverage active?
Yes, there is a 1-day waiting period for injuries, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for certain orthopedic issues (may be waived with a vet form). To maintain coverage, you must use licensed vets, follow preventive care recommendations, and provide annual checkups and dental exams for your pet.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Physicians Mutual?
Yes, with Physicians Mutual pet insurance you generally pay for veterinary services up front, then submit a claim for reimbursement. While benefits can be assigned to your vet if requested, most claims are reimbursed directly to you after you provide documentation.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Physicians Mutual?
You can cancel your Physicians Mutual policy at any time by calling 1-800-228-9100 or sending a written request. There is no specific notice period required, but you should provide your policy number and written confirmation. If you cancel within 31 days and no claims have been paid, you are eligible for a full refund.
What does Physicians Mutual pet insurance cover and what are the major exclusions?
The policy covers eligible expenses for accidents and illnesses, such as surgeries, diagnostics, hospitalization, and medically necessary dental care. Exclusions include pre-existing conditions, preventive and routine care (unless you purchase a wellness rider), elective or cosmetic procedures, injuries from neglect, and treatments not deemed medically necessary.
How do I file a claim and how quickly will I be reimbursed?
To file a claim, submit a completed form with itemized paid invoices and up to 24 months of prior medical records by mail, fax, or the online portal. Claims must be received within 180 days of treatment. Once all documents are provided, most reimbursements are processed within 30 days, paid by check or direct deposit.
Are there any waiting periods or special requirements to keep coverage active?
Yes, there is a 1-day waiting period for injuries, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for certain orthopedic issues (may be waived with a vet form). To maintain coverage, you must use licensed vets, follow preventive care recommendations, and provide annual checkups and dental exams for your pet.
