Pets Best does not cover euthanasia under its standard pet insurance plans
Pets Best Insurance does not include euthanasia or end-of-life procedures in its accident and illness coverage. Their policies cover diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and hospitalizations for treatable conditions, but not the cost of putting a pet to sleep or related services like cremation or burial.
This is standard across most pet insurance companies. Euthanasia is considered an elective procedure rather than treatment for an illness or injury, so it falls outside what insurers typically reimburse. However, if your pet requires diagnostic imaging, bloodwork, or other tests to determine whether euthanasia is necessary, those services may be covered under the illness or accident portion of your plan.
The cost of euthanasia itself usually ranges from $200 to $500 at most veterinary clinics, depending on your location and whether the vet performs it at their office or at your home. Since this expense is not covered by insurance, it is worth budgeting for or asking your veterinarian about payment plans if cost is a concern.
Key Takeaways
- Pets Best Insurance does not reimburse for euthanasia, cremation, or burial services under any of its standard plans.
- Diagnostic tests and bloodwork performed before a euthanasia decision may be covered if they relate to an insured illness or injury.
- Euthanasia costs typically range from $200 to $500 and vary by clinic location and whether the procedure happens at home or in-office.
- Some veterinary clinics offer payment plans or discounts for euthanasia services, so ask about options before your appointment.
- Pet hospice care and palliative treatments for comfort may be covered if they treat an insured condition, even if euthanasia itself is not.
What Pets Best does cover at end of life
While euthanasia is not covered, Pets Best will reimburse for medical care that extends or improves your pet's quality of life in their final months. If your veterinarian prescribes pain medication, anti-nausea drugs, or other treatments to manage symptoms of a terminal illness, those medications are typically covered under the illness portion of your policy.
Diagnostic procedures are also reimbursable. If your vet needs to run bloodwork, ultrasounds, or X-rays to confirm a diagnosis or monitor a declining condition, Pets Best will cover those tests according to your plan's deductible and reimbursement percentage. This means you can pursue thorough end-of-life diagnostics without worrying that the cost will come entirely out of pocket.
Hospitalization for comfort care or palliative treatment is covered as well. If your pet needs to stay at the clinic for fluid therapy, oxygen support, or other comfort measures while you decide on next steps, those days are reimbursable under your accident and illness coverage.
How Pets Best reimbursement works when costs are high
Pets Best operates on a reimbursement model, meaning you pay the veterinary clinic upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. The amount you receive depends on three factors: your deductible, your reimbursement percentage, and your annual benefit limit.
Most Pets Best plans offer reimbursement percentages of 70%, 80%, or 90%. If you choose 90% reimbursement, you pay 10% of the bill after your deductible is met. If you choose 70%, you pay 30%. Annual benefit limits typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on which plan you selected when you enrolled.
For expensive end-of-life care—such as multiple diagnostic tests, extended hospitalization, or specialized treatments—hitting your annual limit is possible. Once you reach that limit, Pets Best stops reimbursing for the rest of the calendar year. You can check your remaining balance by logging into your Pets Best account online or calling their customer service line.
Alternatives if euthanasia costs are a burden
If the cost of euthanasia is difficult to manage, several options exist. Many veterinary clinics offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees for euthanasia services. Call your clinic directly and explain your situation—many vets will work with you rather than turn you away.
Some animal shelters and rescue organizations offer low-cost euthanasia services, sometimes as low as $50 to $100. These are typically available to people with financial hardship. Search online for "low-cost euthanasia near me" or contact your local animal shelter to ask whether they provide this service or can refer you to a clinic that does.
Pet cremation services are separate from euthanasia and are also not covered by Pets Best. If you want your pet's remains returned to you, private cremation typically costs $100 to $300. Group cremation (where your pet is cremated with others) is usually cheaper. Some veterinary clinics partner with cremation services and can handle arrangements for you.
Understanding what counts as an insured condition
Pets Best covers accidents and illnesses, but the policy language matters. A condition must be diagnosed while your pet is insured and must not be a pre-existing condition to be covered. If your pet was already showing signs of illness before you enrolled, that condition is excluded from coverage.
Terminal diagnoses like cancer, kidney failure, or heart disease are covered as illnesses, so treatments and diagnostics related to those conditions are reimbursable. However, euthanasia itself—the procedure of ending your pet's life—is not considered treatment for the illness. It is a separate service that falls outside insurance.
If you are unsure whether a specific test or treatment will be covered, contact Pets Best before the appointment. You can call their customer service number (found on your policy documents) and describe the recommended procedure. They can tell you whether it qualifies for reimbursement under your plan.
Comparing Pets Best to other pet insurance companies on end-of-life coverage
Pets Best's approach to euthanasia is consistent with most major pet insurers. Nationwide, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Trupanion, and Embrace all exclude euthanasia from their standard coverage. The reason is the same across companies: euthanasia is considered an elective decision rather than a treatment that cures or manages an illness.
Some pet insurance companies do offer optional add-ons or wellness riders that may include end-of-life services, but Pets Best does not currently market such an option. If end-of-life coverage is important to you, review your policy documents or contact Pets Best directly to confirm what is available under your specific plan.
The best way to prepare for end-of-life costs is to understand your plan's annual benefit limit and reimbursement percentage now, while your pet is healthy. This way, you will know how much coverage remains if you face a terminal diagnosis later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pets Best cover cremation or burial?
No. Pets Best does not cover cremation, burial, or any services related to handling your pet's remains after death. These are considered separate from medical care and are not part of any Pets Best plan. You would need to arrange and pay for these services separately through a pet cremation company or cemetery.
Will Pets Best cover bloodwork if my vet thinks my pet should be euthanized?
Yes, if the bloodwork is diagnostic and relates to an insured illness or injury. For example, if your vet runs bloodwork to confirm kidney failure or cancer, that test is covered. The euthanasia decision itself is not covered, but the medical information your vet gathers to make that decision usually is.
What if my pet's condition is pre-existing and I want to euthanize?
Pets Best will not reimburse for any treatment or diagnostics related to a pre-existing condition, including end-of-life care. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage regardless of whether the pet is being treated or euthanized. You would pay the full cost of euthanasia out of pocket.
Can I get reimbursed if I pay for euthanasia at home?
No. In-home euthanasia services are not covered by Pets Best, even if they are performed by a licensed veterinarian. Only clinic-based procedures and treatments are may be able to access for reimbursement under standard Pets Best plans.
How do I know if I have reached my annual benefit limit?
Log into your Pets Best account online to view your remaining annual benefit balance. You can also call Pets Best customer service with your policy number, and they will tell you how much coverage you have left for the current calendar year.