Physicians Mutual Pet Insurance 2025: Full Review, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on Physicians Mutual
Physicians Mutual pet insurance is offered in three tiered plans — Economy, Standard, and Preferred — with core accident and illness coverage and several optional riders for additional services.
The plans allow customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits as specified on each policy's Declarations Page; wellness and exam-fee benefits are available only through optional Wellness, Office Visit, Alternative Care, Boarding, and Final Respects riders, and waiting periods include 1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and a six-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs that may be waived.
Compared with main competitors, Physicians Mutual emphasizes modular plan tiers and multiple add-on riders, showing competitive sample entry-level pricing but notably higher premiums for older animals, with its strengths being flexibility and clear sample pricing rather than aggressive maximum reimbursements.
Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged pets who want modular accident-and-illness coverage with optional wellness add-ons and transparent plan tiers.
Physicians Mutual is an established U.S. insurer with phone, mailing, app and veterinarian-portal claim submission options to support claims handling; provider average customer rating stands at 3.1 with plan-level ratings ranging about 3.0–3.2.
- ✅Tiered plans with clear Economy/Standard/Preferred structure
- ✅Multiple optional riders for wellness, exams, and alternative care
- ✅Emergency ambulance transportation covered
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Electronic claim submission via app and veterinarian portal
- ✅Coverage for surgery, imaging, lab tests, and radiotherapy
- ✅Sample pricing provided for common breeds and ages
- ❌Preventive care excluded without purchasing Wellness Rider
- ❌Six-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs
- ❌Preventive dental care explicitly excluded
- ❌Repetitive-incident exclusions after three similar events
- ❌Premiums rise substantially with pet age
Score- ✅Tiered plans with clear Economy/Standard/Preferred structure
- ✅Multiple optional riders for wellness, exams, and alternative care
- ✅Emergency ambulance transportation covered
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Electronic claim submission via app and veterinarian portal
- ✅Coverage for surgery, imaging, lab tests, and radiotherapy
- ✅Sample pricing provided for common breeds and ages
Our expert's opinion on Physicians Mutual
- ✅Tiered plans with clear Economy/Standard/Preferred structure
- ✅Multiple optional riders for wellness, exams, and alternative care
- ✅Emergency ambulance transportation covered
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Electronic claim submission via app and veterinarian portal
- ✅Coverage for surgery, imaging, lab tests, and radiotherapy
- ✅Sample pricing provided for common breeds and ages
- ❌Preventive care excluded without purchasing Wellness Rider
- ❌Six-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs
- ❌Preventive dental care explicitly excluded
- ❌Repetitive-incident exclusions after three similar events
- ❌Premiums rise substantially with pet age
Score- ✅Tiered plans with clear Economy/Standard/Preferred structure
- ✅Multiple optional riders for wellness, exams, and alternative care
- ✅Emergency ambulance transportation covered
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Electronic claim submission via app and veterinarian portal
- ✅Coverage for surgery, imaging, lab tests, and radiotherapy
- ✅Sample pricing provided for common breeds and ages
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The Physicians Mutual Guarantees
Physicians Mutual offers three tiered pet insurance plans—Economy, Standard and Preferred—positioned from entry‑level through premium, with deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit choices specified on each policy’s Declarations Page. All three core tiers provide accident and illness coverage as the base product, and a range of optional riders can be added to expand benefits for wellness, exam fees, alternative care, boarding and final respects. This tiered model is designed to let owners trade off premium cost against annual limits and cost‑sharing parameters established at policy issuance.
Core clinical benefits across the plans include coverage for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, and radiotherapy where medically appropriate. Ambulance/transportation is explicitly included as emergency transportation, and humane euthanasia for medical reasons is covered; preventive services such as vaccinations, parasite control, neutering and routine exam fees become available only when the corresponding Wellness or Office Visit and Exam Fees riders are selected. Dental preventive care is excluded from base coverage.
Waiting periods are short for acute events and set to protect the underwriting pool: accident coverage begins after one day, while illness coverage applies after a 14‑day waiting period, with a six‑month waiting period applying to certain orthopedic conditions in dogs (which may be subject to waiver in specific circumstances). Lifetime limits, exact reimbursement percentages, deductible mechanics and other numeric parameters are determined on the Declarations Page for each insured pet, so policy cost and out‑of‑pocket exposure depend on the options chosen at purchase. Optional riders enable add‑on benefits but also define many of the plan’s practical limitations.
| Economy | Standard | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level | Balanced | Premium |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats |
| Reimbursement rate | NC | NC | NC |
| Annual reimbursement limit | NC | NC | NC |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | NC | NC | NC |
| Age limits for enrollment | NC | NC | NC |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | NC | NC | NC |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | 1 day / 14 days (6 months for orthopedic conditions in dogs; may be waived) | 1 day / 14 days (6 months for orthopedic conditions in dogs; may be waived) | 1 day / 14 days (6 months for orthopedic conditions in dogs; may be waived) |
| Lifetime coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Consultations | Optional (requires Office Visit & Exam Fees Rider) | Optional (requires Office Visit & Exam Fees Rider) | Optional (requires Office Visit & Exam Fees Rider) |
| Medications | NC | NC | NC |
| Hospitalization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, labs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care | No (preventive dental care excluded) | No (preventive dental care excluded) | No (preventive dental care excluded) |
| Preventive care | Optional (requires Wellness Rider) | Optional (requires Wellness Rider) | Optional (requires Wellness Rider) |
| Alternative medicine | Optional (requires Alternative Care Rider) | Optional (requires Alternative Care Rider) | Optional (requires Alternative Care Rider) |
| Travel coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Civil liability | NC | NC | NC |
| Euthanasia | Yes (euthanasia for humane reasons) | Yes (euthanasia for humane reasons) | Yes (euthanasia for humane reasons) |
| Death & cremation coverage | Death: Yes (euthanasia covered). Cremation: Optional (Final Respects Rider) | Death: Yes (euthanasia covered). Cremation: Optional (Final Respects Rider) | Death: Yes (euthanasia covered). Cremation: Optional (Final Respects Rider) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | NC | NC | NC |
| Boarding fees | Optional (requires Boarding Fees Coverage rider) | Optional (requires Boarding Fees Coverage rider) | Optional (requires Boarding Fees Coverage rider) |
Physicians Mutual’s product scope excludes pre‑existing conditions—these are defined as conditions showing signs or having received treatment or advice before the policy effective date or during waiting periods—and excludes a range of routine and elective items unless the relevant rider is purchased. Preventive and routine care (vaccinations, parasite prevention, spaying/neutering) and exam fees are excluded from base coverage unless a Wellness or Office Visit & Exam Fees rider is selected; preventive dental care is excluded from all base plans and dental illness can be excluded where periodontal disease or related conditions predate the policy.
Other explicit exclusions and limits apply to experimental therapies and drugs, reproductive and breeding‑related services, cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, declawing), food and supplements, non‑veterinary fees (administrative charges, waste disposal, taxes), and losses caused by major events such as war or nuclear incidents. Repetitive incidents and owner‑related acts (intentional harm or failure to follow veterinary advice) can lead to claim denial. The practical extent of coverage and owner cost exposure depends on the options selected on the Declarations Page and on whether optional riders are attached to provide exam fee, wellness, alternative care, boarding or final respects benefits.
Physicians Mutual Exclusions
Physicians Mutual excludes a range of standard medical and non‑medical items: pre‑existing conditions, experimental or investigational treatments, organ transplants and cloned animals, costs related to breeding and elective cosmetic procedures, and owner‑caused injuries or participation in organized fighting.
Pre‑existing conditions are defined to include conditions showing signs, symptoms, or receiving treatment before the policy start date or during waiting periods, and related subsequent cancers or orthopedic issues are also excluded; dental disease with evidence prior to inception is specifically excluded from coverage.
A notable operational exclusion is the repetitive‑incident rule: after three similar incidents (for example, foreign body ingestions or fight wounds) within a 36‑month period the insurer may treat the condition as preventable and exclude further related claims, and rehabilitation, alternative/holistic care, final expenses and boarding fees remain excluded unless their specific optional riders are purchased.
Administrative and non‑medical fees (administrative charges, taxes, biohazard/waste disposal fees, bank charges, travel), and losses arising from major events such as war, invasion, nuclear reactions or pandemics declared by the appropriate authority are also not covered.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions (signs/symptoms or treatment before policy start or during waiting periods); subsequent cancers and related orthopedic conditions; experimental/investigational treatments; organ transplants; cloned animals. |
| Dental exclusions | Evidence of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or tartar prior to policy start or during waiting periods; routine dental prophylaxis and many endodontic/orthodontic procedures excluded. |
| Breeding & cosmetic exclusions | Breeding, pregnancy, whelping, and nursing costs; elective and cosmetic procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, and declawing. |
| Owner‑related & activity exclusions | Injuries or illnesses caused intentionally by the owner, persistent neglect, failure to follow veterinarian advice, and injuries from organized fighting, racing, or similar activities. |
| Non‑medical & administrative exclusions | Administrative fees, taxes, bank charges, biohazardous waste/disposal fees, travel/transport costs (non‑medical), non‑veterinary supplies (bedding, toys). |
| Repetitive incidents & behavior exclusions | After three similar incidents in a 36‑month period a condition may be considered preventable and excluded; behavioral training and related non‑covered services unless specified by rider. |
| Experimental & specific treatment exclusions | Experimental therapies, investigational medications, and procedures not accepted as standard of care. |
| Major events & external exclusions | Losses or treatment costs resulting from war, invasion, nuclear reactions, or pandemics as declared by the appropriate authority. |
Physicians Mutual Prices
Physicians Mutual’s pricing sits across three clearly tiered options: Economy as an entry‑level choice, Standard in the mid‑range, and Preferred at the premium end. Competitiveness is driven by the tradeoff between reimbursement percentages, deductible levels, and annual coverage limits you select; higher reimbursement and lower deductibles push a plan toward the premium space while basic configurations keep prices accessible.
Key differentiators include a wide set of optional riders (wellness, alternative care, boarding, final respects) and coverage for emergency transportation, which can add value for owners who want broader protection; digital tools such as the PMIC My Account app and a veterinarian portal support claims submission and can reduce administrative friction. Compared with more traditional players, Physicians Mutual emphasizes modular add‑ons and direct vet interfaces rather than a single all‑inclusive product, which affects both pricing transparency and how you balance monthly cost against specific benefits.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Economy | Standard | Preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $46.05 | $97.75 | $155.42 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $46.05 | $97.75 | $155.42 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $90.22 | $186.48 | $295.11 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $34.62 | $74.95 | $119.50 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $34.62 | $74.95 | $119.50 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $53.33 | $112.49 | $178.59 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $49.32 | $104.48 | $165.86 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $49.32 | $104.48 | $165.86 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $96.76 | $199.49 | $315.70 |
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.
How much will I be reimbursed with Physicians Mutual?
Reimbursements with Physicians Mutual are calculated by subtracting your annual deductible from eligible veterinary costs, then applying your chosen reimbursement percentage under the Preferred plan to the remaining amount.
✅ Example 1: Consultation and medication for allergic dermatitis
Total vet costs: $250 (consultation $125 + medication $125)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible selected)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Preferred plan at 90%: $250 – $100 = $150
90% of that amount reimbursed: $150 × 90% = $135
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $250 – $135 = $115
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $135.
ℹ️ _The deductible applies once per policy year; future eligible claims in the same year are not reduced by the deductible again unless it resets._
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO)
Total vet costs: $6,500 (surgery $5,800 + anesthesia $400 + post‑op meds/rehab $300)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Preferred plan at 90%: $6,500 – $0 = $6,500
90% of that amount reimbursed: $6,500 × 90% = $5,850
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $6,500 – $5,850 = $650
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $5,850.
ℹ️ _Large procedures are paid against your annual coverage limit; check your selected annual maximum to know how much coverage remains after a major claim._
✅ Example 3: Annual wellness package (vaccinations, fecal/heartworm tests, basic dental contribution)
Total vet costs: $220 (vaccines $80 + lab tests $60 + dental service contribution $80)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (wellness items are typically not subject to the medical deductible when a Wellness Rider is purchased)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Preferred plan at 90%: $220 – $0 = $220
90% of that amount reimbursed: $220 × 90% = $198
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $220 – $198 = $22
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $198.
ℹ️ _Wellness coverage requires the optional Wellness Rider and may be subject to separate annual caps or per‑service limits; verify your wellness limits before assuming full reimbursement._
Physicians Mutual Assistance
Physicians Mutual provides practical emergency support like covered pet ambulance transport, which can materially reduce out‑of‑pocket risk in urgent accidents.
Claim submission is digital via the PMIC My Account app and a veterinarian upload portal, simplifying paperwork and speeding reimbursements for many owners.
Telephone consultations and office‑visit fees can be covered if the Office Visit and Exam Fees Rider is added, but a dedicated 24/7 teleconsultation line is not presented as a standard feature.
Services often valuable to owners—such as advance payment options, structured payment plans, or a branded partner clinic network—are not communicated as standard benefits.
| Assistance Physicians Mutual | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | N.C. | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | PMIC My Account app available for policyholders. Allows claims submission and account access. App rating: N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted via the mobile app and online portal. Veterinarian portal exists for direct upload of records. |
| Emergency vet service | N.C. | Pet ambulance transport is covered in emergencies. 24/7 vet hotline: N.C. Telephone consultations covered only if Office Visit and Exam Fees Rider purchased. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | N.C. | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | N.C. | N.C. |
Allows claims submission and account access.
App rating: N.C.
Veterinarian portal exists for direct upload of records.
24/7 vet hotline: N.C.
Telephone consultations covered only if Office Visit and Exam Fees Rider purchased.
Customer Reviews on Physicians Mutual
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.9/5 (12 reviews) |
Given the limited volume of public reviews specifically addressing Physicians Mutual pet insurance, there is not a clear set of frequently cited positive aspects that can be reliably summarized for pet owners. The small number of entries does not provide a consistent picture of standout service features or recurring praise related to policy terms, claims handling, or customer support.
On the concern side, the Trustpilot aggregate score of 1.9/5 based on the available reviews indicates that the experiences reflected in those submissions tended toward dissatisfaction, but the sample size and scope do not allow a granular list of commonly reported issues tied specifically to pet insurance products.
Overall, the review footprint is too narrow to produce a detailed, representative inventory of pros and cons for Physicians Mutual’s pet insurance offerings.
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. You can also visit physiciansmutual.com or contact Policyowner Services at 1-800-228-9100 to obtain a quote or begin a subscription. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit claims via the PMIC My Account app or by mailing claims to Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, P.O. Box 2316, Omaha, NE 68172-4081; veterinarians can upload records through the provider portal; fax for claims/medical records: 1-402-633-1207. Required documents: N.C. Deadlines for submission: N.C. How to track a claim: via your online account or by contacting Policyowner Services. Reimbursement method(s): N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request a certificate by contacting Policyowner Services at 1-800-228-9100 or via the PMIC My Account online portal; submission channels include phone or your online account. Required information to process the request: N.C. Processing times and delivery channels (email/postal): N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone (Policyowner Services): 1-800-228-9100. Mailing address for inquiries, claims, and appeals: Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, P.O. Box 2316, Omaha, NE 68172-4081. Fax for claims/medical records: 1-402-633-1207. Online/app: PMIC My Account (claims submission and account management). Veterinarian/provider portal available for clinician uploads. Email contact: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | To cancel, contact Policyowner Services at 1-800-228-9100 or submit a cancellation request via the PMIC My Account portal; follow the agent or account prompts to initiate cancellation. Specific cancellation notice periods, effective date rules, required documentation, and refund/proration conditions: N.C. Confirmation method of cancellation (written/email/portal): N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Physicians Mutual?
Most policyholders pay the veterinarian at the time of treatment and then submit a claim to Physicians Mutual for reimbursement.
Claims can be filed through the PMIC My Account app or your online account, and veterinarians can upload records via the provider portal to speed processing.
Ask your clinic if they offer direct‑billing or assistance submitting claims on your behalf to reduce out‑of‑pocket timing.
Keep itemized invoices and medical records to help ensure a smooth reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Physicians Mutual?
Call Physicians Mutual policyowner services at 1‑800‑228‑9100 or submit a cancellation request through your online account to begin the process.
Provide your policy number, policyholder name, and the requested effective cancellation date so the administrator can process it.
The company will confirm the cancellation and any applicable prorated refund or remaining balance according to your policy terms.
Retain written confirmation or an emailed cancellation receipt for your records.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Accident coverage typically starts after a one‑day waiting period, while illness coverage generally begins after 14 days.
Orthopedic conditions commonly carry a six‑month waiting period, although exceptions or waivers may apply in some cases.
Specific procedures or hereditary conditions can have additional timelines or limitations tied to the plan.
Check the waiting periods shown on your policy schedule before seeking non‑urgent treatment.
What common exclusions should I expect under Physicians Mutual policies?
Pre‑existing conditions—signs or treatment before policy inception or during waiting periods—are excluded from coverage.
Routine preventive care, exam fees, elective or cosmetic procedures, breeding and most dental cleanings are excluded unless the matching optional rider is purchased.
Experimental treatments, food and supplements, owner‑caused injuries or organized fighting, and costs from major events like war or nuclear incidents are also excluded.
The policy may also exclude repetitive incidents after a set number of similar events within a defined timeframe.
Are wellness and other riders available, and what do they cover?
Optional riders can add coverage for wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, office visit and exam fees, alternative care, final respects, and boarding fees.
These riders operate separately from the base illness and accident coverage and typically have their own limits and terms.
Purchasing the appropriate rider is necessary to receive reimbursement for preventive services that the base policy excludes.
Review the rider descriptions and benefit limits on your declarations page to understand the extra coverage before enrolling.
How do I submit claims and what support services are available?
Claims can be submitted via the PMIC My Account app, your online policyholder account, or by having your veterinarian upload records through the provider portal.
Include an itemized invoice and relevant medical records to minimize processing delays and follow any documentation requests promptly.
Emergency pet transport is covered, and optional riders expand benefits such as exam fees, wellness, or alternative care when selected.
Contact customer service for help with claim status, documentation requirements, or to clarify covered benefits.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Physicians Mutual?
Most policyholders pay the veterinarian at the time of treatment and then submit a claim to Physicians Mutual for reimbursement.
Claims can be filed through the PMIC My Account app or your online account, and veterinarians can upload records via the provider portal to speed processing.
Ask your clinic if they offer direct‑billing or assistance submitting claims on your behalf to reduce out‑of‑pocket timing.
Keep itemized invoices and medical records to help ensure a smooth reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Physicians Mutual?
Call Physicians Mutual policyowner services at 1‑800‑228‑9100 or submit a cancellation request through your online account to begin the process.
Provide your policy number, policyholder name, and the requested effective cancellation date so the administrator can process it.
The company will confirm the cancellation and any applicable prorated refund or remaining balance according to your policy terms.
Retain written confirmation or an emailed cancellation receipt for your records.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Accident coverage typically starts after a one‑day waiting period, while illness coverage generally begins after 14 days.
Orthopedic conditions commonly carry a six‑month waiting period, although exceptions or waivers may apply in some cases.
Specific procedures or hereditary conditions can have additional timelines or limitations tied to the plan.
Check the waiting periods shown on your policy schedule before seeking non‑urgent treatment.
What common exclusions should I expect under Physicians Mutual policies?
Pre‑existing conditions—signs or treatment before policy inception or during waiting periods—are excluded from coverage.
Routine preventive care, exam fees, elective or cosmetic procedures, breeding and most dental cleanings are excluded unless the matching optional rider is purchased.
Experimental treatments, food and supplements, owner‑caused injuries or organized fighting, and costs from major events like war or nuclear incidents are also excluded.
The policy may also exclude repetitive incidents after a set number of similar events within a defined timeframe.
Are wellness and other riders available, and what do they cover?
Optional riders can add coverage for wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, office visit and exam fees, alternative care, final respects, and boarding fees.
These riders operate separately from the base illness and accident coverage and typically have their own limits and terms.
Purchasing the appropriate rider is necessary to receive reimbursement for preventive services that the base policy excludes.
Review the rider descriptions and benefit limits on your declarations page to understand the extra coverage before enrolling.
How do I submit claims and what support services are available?
Claims can be submitted via the PMIC My Account app, your online policyholder account, or by having your veterinarian upload records through the provider portal.
Include an itemized invoice and relevant medical records to minimize processing delays and follow any documentation requests promptly.
Emergency pet transport is covered, and optional riders expand benefits such as exam fees, wellness, or alternative care when selected.
Contact customer service for help with claim status, documentation requirements, or to clarify covered benefits.
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