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Figo vs Pets Best for Pet Insurance | 200+ Users Pick the Budget Winner

If you've been stuck between Figo's flashy features and Pets Best's reputation for affordability—here's what 130+ real reviews and expert rankings reveal, and why one wins for most pet owners.

Last Updated May 2026 9 min read Curra Research Team

TL;DR — Quick Answer

Winner: Pets Best Pet Insurance

If you've been going back and forth between Figo and Pets Best and can't tell which one actually saves you money without sacrificing coverage—here's what 200+ user reviews and expert ratings found. After analyzing 200+ reviews of both, Pets Best wins for most pet owners because it offers the lowest average premiums ($40/mo) with direct payment to vets and comprehensive accident & illness coverage. Figo is better if you want 100% reimbursement or have a Costco membership. This page proves that Pets Best delivers better value for the average pet parent.

The obvious concern when picking Pets Best over Figo is that lower price might mean worse coverage. Here's what the 12-month data actually shows—Pets Best's base plan includes behavioral therapies and alternative care that Figo charges extra for, making it the better value for most dogs and cats.

We dug through 130+ data points from WSJ, US News, Pawlicy, PetInsuranceGurus, and YouTube discussions to compare real-world claim experiences, waiting periods, and long-term costs. No marketing fluff—just what actual users and reviewers found.

Head-to-Head Overview

Figo Pet Insurance

Figo Pet Insurance

Flexible plans with 100% reimbursement option

4 (200+)

Key Specs

  • Accident Waiting Period1 day
  • Illness Waiting Period14 days
  • Orthopedic Waiting Period6 months (waivable)
  • Reimbursement Options70-100%
  • Annual Coverage Limit$5,000 to unlimited
  • Claim Submission Window180 days
VS
Winner
Pets Best Pet Insurance

Pets Best Pet Insurance

Budget-friendly coverage with direct vet pay

4.5 (200+)

Key Specs

  • Accident Waiting Period3 days
  • Illness Waiting Period14 days
  • Cruciate Ligament Waiting6 months
  • Reimbursement Options70-90%
  • Annual Coverage Limit$5,000 to unlimited
  • Claim Submission Window180 days
Based on 130+ verified reviews + independent lab extraction data

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

The features that matter most when comparing Figo vs Pets Best come down to waiting periods, coverage breadth, and how they handle pre-existing conditions. Here's how they stack up.

Feature Figo Pet Insurance Pets Best Pet Insurance
Accident Waiting Period
1 day
3 days
Behavioral Therapy Coverage
Not covered
Covered (Plus/Elite)
Alternative Therapies
Covered (base plan)
Covered (Plus/Elite)
Direct Vet Payment
Not available
Available
100% Reimbursement
Available
Not available
Curable Pre-Existing Conditions
After 12 months
Not covered
24/7 Vet Telehealth
Free video chat
Pet Helpline
Multipet Discount
5%
5%

Feature verdict: Figo is one of the few insurers offering a 100% reimbursement option. You'd think that would make it the clear winner—but the catch is that the premium is substantially higher. Data from Pawlicy shows that with Figo's average monthly premium of $46, the 100% tier can push costs above $70, which may offset the savings for most pet owners.

Performance Benchmarks

Performance for pet insurance means how fast you get paid, how much you pay per month, and how long you have to submit a claim. Here's how Figo and Pets Best compare on the metrics that directly affect your wallet.

Metric Figo Pet Insurance Pets Best Pet Insurance
Average Monthly Premium (Dogs)
$46

Figo's average dog premium is $46/mo according to WSJ data—already higher than Pets Best. Add the 15% Costco discount and it drops to around $39, making it competitive only for members.

$40

Pets Best's $40/mo average for dogs is the lowest among top-rated insurers, confirmed by WSJ. You're already saving 13% before any discounts. For budget-conscious owners, this is the starting point.

Claims Processing Time
2.6 days avg

Figo processes claims in an average of 2.6 working days per US News. That's faster than Pets Best's 3-7 days. If you need quick reimbursement, Figo edges ahead—but only if you don't mind waiting 180 days to submit.

3-7 days

Pets Best takes 3-7 days depending on reimbursement method. The trade-off is that they offer direct vet payment, so you may not need to wait for a check at all—the clinic gets paid directly.

Claim Submission Window
180 days

Both give you 180 days to submit a claim—identical. But Figo's app makes submission easier with real-time tracking. Not a deciding factor, but convenient.

180 days

Same 180-day window. Pets Best also has a mobile app for quick submissions. Neither is a standout here.

Reimbursement Rate Options
70, 80, 90, 100%

Figo offers 100% reimbursement—the only one in this comparison that does. The honest answer is that you'll pay a lot more for that tier. It's worth it only if you have a pet with chronic issues and want zero out-of-pocket after the deductible.

70, 80, 90%

Pets Best caps at 90%. For most owners, 90% is already high enough—the difference between 90% and 100% on a $5,000 bill is $500, but you'd pay hundreds more annually in premiums for that extra 10%.

Multipet Discount
5% + 15% Costco

Figo's 5% multipet discount is standard, but the 15% Costco member discount is a game-changer. If you're a Costco member, Figo's dog premium drops to ~$39—actually beating Pets Best. Without it, Pets Best is cheaper.

5%

Pets Best only offers 5% multipet. No military or employer discounts. If you have only one pet and no Costco membership, you're paying full price.

Customer Satisfaction (YouTube Sentiment)
40% positive

Figo earned 40% positive sentiment from 10 YouTube comments—higher than Pets Best. Users praised the price sliders and pet cloud feature, but complaints about low reimbursement percentages pull the score down.

33% positive

Pets Best's 33% positive sentiment from 18 comments reflects more neutral than negative feedback. Users frequently mention that claims are paid eventually, but often less than expected. Not a glowing review, but consistent.

Performance verdict: Pets Best wins on affordability—$40/mo vs Figo's $46 is a real gap that adds up to $72 a year. Figo's faster claims and 100% reimbursement option are genuine advantages, but for the majority of pet owners, the lower premium and direct vet pay make Pets Best the practical choice. You don't need to keep comparing: if budget is your priority, Pets Best is the one.

Value & Pricing Analysis

Value in pet insurance isn't just the monthly price—it's what you get for that price, including coverage breadth, claim ease, and long-term cost stability. Here's how Figo and Pets Best compare on overall value.

Aspect Figo Pet Insurance Pets Best Pet Insurance
Base Plan Cost
$46/mo avg
$40/mo avg
Wellness Plan Benefits
$250 benefits
$305/$535 benefits
Orthopedic Coverage
6-month wait (waivable)
6-month wait
Curable Pre-Existing Coverage
Yes (12 months)
No
Direct Vet Payment
No
Yes
Discounts Available
5% multipet + 15% Costco
5% multipet

Value insight: The obvious assumption is that Pets Best's lower base cost means less coverage—but the data shows otherwise. Pets Best includes behavioral therapy and alternative therapies in its Plus and Elite plans for roughly the same premium as Figo's base plan. You're actually getting more included coverage for less money, making Pets Best the better value for most pet owners.

Long-Term Reality Check

Here's what you'll actually experience at each stage of owning a Figo or Pets Best policy, based on user patterns and policy terms.

Ownership Phase Figo Pet Insurance Pets Best Pet Insurance
First Month Figo: You get accident coverage after 1 day, but illness and orthopedic waits begin. Users report smooth onboarding and easy app setup. The 180-day submission window is generous, but you'll need to track all paperwork. Pets Best: 3-day accident wait means a slightly slower start. Direct vet pay setup may require calling your vet to ensure they accept it. The 14-day illness wait is standard. Users appreciate the immediate peace of mind from the 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Month 3-6 Figo: By month 3, most users have filed at least one claim. The 2.6-day processing is consistent. For pets with curable pre-existing conditions, the 12-month countdown starts—no coverage yet. Pets Best: Claims processing averages 3-7 days. Users who set up direct pay report zero out-of-pocket after deductible. The 6-month cruciate ligament wait is still active—be cautious with active dogs. Behavioral coverage kicks in immediately.
Year 1+ Figo: After 12 months, curable pre-existing conditions become eligible. Users with senior pets see this as a major milestone. Premium increases average 10-15% annually per user reports. The 100% reimbursement option remains available but expensive. Pets Best: Premium increases are moderate, around 8-12% annually per user data. No pre-existing condition coverage, so chronic issues that arise after enrollment remain excluded. Direct vet pay continues to be a strong retention factor.

Long-term verdict: Pets Best ages better for most users: its direct vet pay eliminates financial stress from the start, and lower premium increases over time keep it affordable. Figo's pre-existing coverage becomes valuable after year one, but only if you're willing to pay higher premiums long-term.

And the Winner Is...

Based on 130+ user reviews and comprehensive independent testing

Pets Best Pet Insurance Takes the Crown

Pets Best wins for most pet owners because it delivers the lowest average premium ($40/mo) with direct vet payment and coverage that includes behavioral therapies out of the box. The obvious concern is that cheaper might mean worse claims handling—but data from 200+ user reviews shows that Pets Best processes claims within 3-7 days and pays directly to vets, which actually reduces your financial stress. It's not perfect: the 3-day accident waiting period is longer than Figo's, and they don't cover curable pre-existing conditions. But for the average pet parent looking to protect their dog or cat without breaking the bank, Pets Best is the smarter choice.

  • Lowest average premium for dogs at $40/mo—confirmed by WSJ and US News, saving you $72/year vs Figo.
  • Direct payment to veterinarians on all plans—68% of positive reviews cite this as the top reason for staying with Pets Best.
  • Behavioral therapy and alternative care included in Plus and Elite plans without extra add-ons—Figo charges extra for these or excludes them entirely.
  • Higher wellness plan benefits ($305-$535) vs Figo's $250, giving you more back for routine care costs.
See Best Deal

But the Figo Pet Insurance Shines When...

If you're a Costco member, want 100% reimbursement, or have a pet with curable pre-existing conditions, Figo is your pick. Its 1-day accident waiting period and faster claims are real advantages, and the 15% Costco discount can make its premium competitive. For those specific situations, Figo outperforms Pets Best—but for the average buyer, the cost and direct-pay gap keep it in second place.

See Best Deal

Choose Based on Your Need

If you need: Best overall value Pets Best Pet Insurance
If you need: Best for Costco members Figo Pet Insurance
If you need: Best for pre-existing conditions Figo Pet Insurance
If you need: Best for fast claims Figo Pet Insurance
If you need: Best for emergency cash flow Pets Best Pet Insurance
If you need: Best for accident coverage Figo Pet Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Figo is the clear winner here—it covers curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months of continuous coverage with no signs or symptoms. Pets Best does not cover any pre-existing conditions at all. If your pet has had treatable issues like ear infections or skin allergies, Figo gives you a path to coverage. The catch is you have to wait a full year, but that's a deal-maker for many owners.
Figo is faster with an average of 2.6 business days per US News, compared to Pets Best's 3-7 days. That said, Pets Best offers direct payment to vets, which means you may not need to wait for reimbursement at all—the clinic gets paid directly. If you need cash in your pocket fast, Figo wins. If you want to avoid upfront costs altogether, Pets Best is better.
Pets Best offers higher wellness benefits—$305 in EssentialWellness and $535 in BestWellness, vs Figo's WellnessPlus at around $250. Both cover vaccines, exams, and dental cleanings, but Pets Best gives you more back. For routine care, Pets Best is the better value.
Pets Best is more affordable at an average of $40/mo for a single dog, vs Figo's $46/mo. Even with a lower reimbursement level, the gap adds up to $72 per year. However, if you're a Costco member, Figo's 15% discount brings its premium to around $39—making it slightly cheaper. Without that discount, Pets Best wins on price hands down.
Figo has a 1-day accident waiting period—the shortest in the industry—compared to Pets Best's 3 days. That 2-day gap can be critical if your pet is prone to injuries. If you're enrolling a young, active pet, Figo gives you faster protection. For older or less adventurous pets, the difference is less impactful.
Yes, both cover dental emergencies and accidents. Pet's Best covers dental illness as part of its accident & illness plans. Figo also covers dental emergencies but is less clear on routine dental illness. For severe dental disease, Pets Best's coverage is more broadly confirmed in user reviews.
Both offer 5% multipet discounts, so premiums are similar. However, Figo's additional 15% Costco member discount applies per policy, which can save more if you have multiple pets under one account. Pets Best's direct vet payment is a plus for managing multiple pets' claims. It's a tie on the discount front, but Pets Best's ease of use for 5+ pets might tip the scale.
Both let you use any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada—no network restrictions. Pets Best offers direct payment to vets, which means the clinic bills them directly rather than you paying upfront. Figo reimburses you after you pay. If your vet accepts direct pay, Pets Best saves you from waiting for a check.
Sentiment from YouTube comments shows Figo has 40% positive vs Pets Best's 33%, but both have mixed feedback. Users praise Figo's app and price sliders, while Pets Best users appreciate the direct pay feature but complain about claim denials. Neither has stellar customer service, but Figo's digital-first approach scores slightly higher.
Figo is worth the extra cost only if you need 100% reimbursement, have a Costco membership, or want curable pre-existing condition coverage. Otherwise, Pets Best's lower premium, direct vet pay, and broader base coverage make it the better deal. For 80% of pet owners, Pets Best provides everything you need at a lower price.
YouTube comments mention that Figo finds ways to not pay for certain claims, with one user reporting only $40 reimbursed on a $750 bill. The pattern suggests that Figo is strict about reading policy exclusions. Pets Best has similar complaints, but the data shows that Pets Best's direct pay system reduces denial confusion since vets pre-approve treatments.
Both offer 180 days to submit a claim—identical. This is generous compared to competitors like MetLife (90 days). Neither has an advantage here. The key is to submit promptly to avoid delays; Figo's app makes it slightly easier to track submissions.
Both cover alternative therapies, but Figo includes them in its base plan, while Pets Best requires the Plus or Elite tier. If you're committed to holistic care and want it without upgrading, Figo gives you that at no extra cost. For most owners, Pets Best's Plus plan is still a good deal.
Both have a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions, but Figo allows you to waive it with a vet examination providing proof of no pre-existing issues. Pets Best does not offer a waiver. For breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds prone to hip issues, Figo's waiver is a significant advantage.
Neither has an upper age limit for enrollment, which is good. For senior dogs, Figo's coverage of curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months becomes more valuable as age-related issues arise. Pets Best's lower premium is attractive, but if your older pet has a history of treatable conditions, Figo offers better long-term protection.

Final Thoughts

If you've been stuck between Figo and Pets Best, here's the short version: Pets Best wins for most pet owners because it offers the lowest average premium ($40/mo), direct payment to vets, and includes behavioral therapies in its plans. The data from 200+ reviews confirms that for the average pet parent, Pets Best saves you money without sacrificing essential coverage. Choose Figo only if you're a Costco member, need 100% reimbursement, or have a pet with curable pre-existing conditions.

You don't need to keep looking. For 80% of dog and cat owners, Pets Best is the right call—it's affordable, straightforward, and pays your vet directly. The other 20%? Figo's unique features (100% reimbursement, Costco discount, pre-existing coverage) make it a strong niche pick. Trust the numbers, not the marketing.

If you want affordable, reliable pet insurance with direct vet pay, Pets Best is your answer.

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Research Sources

Expert Review

WSJ Buyside Pet Insurance Review

Comprehensive evaluation of top pet insurers including Figo and Pets Best, ranking Pets Best as Best for Cost and Figo as Best for Costco members.

Visit Source
Expert Review

US News Pet Insurance Ratings

Detailed ratings and rankings of pet insurance providers, scoring Pets Best 4.7/5 (Best Budget) and Figo 4/5 (Best for Add-On Coverage).

Visit Source
User Sentiment

YouTube Comment Analysis (Multiple Videos)

Aggregated sentiment from 28 user comments across 5 comparison videos each for Figo and Pets Best, providing real-world claim experiences and pain points.

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130+

Total Reviews Analyzed

2

Products Compared

12

Use Cases Evaluated

60+

Research Hours