When Progressive Insurance launched its own pet insurance product on January 20, 2026, underwritten directly by Progressive and administered by Companion Protect, it made clear that pet coverage is no longer an afterthought for the insurance giant. For over 15 years before that, Progressive had referred customers to Pets Best, earning a referral fee while Pets Best did the actual underwriting and claims handling.
That context matters enormously when reading any “Progressive pet insurance review,” because what you actually buy depends entirely on which partner issues your policy. This review cuts through the confusion: we break down both options side by side, explain exactly what’s covered (and what isn’t), dissect the real costs, and tell you when Progressive is and isn’t the right choice for your dog or cat.
Disclosure: PetInsureNow earns referral compensation from some pet insurance providers. This does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations. All data in this review is independently sourced from verified policy documents and industry data.
What Is Progressive Pet Insurance and Who Actually Underwrites It?
Progressive Insurance (NYSE: PGR) is one of the largest property-casualty insurers in the United States, but it doesn’t operate a traditional pet insurance division in the same way it does for auto or home. Instead, Progressive functions as a distribution channel, connecting customers to one of two separate underwriting partners depending on when and where they apply.
Here’s the structure as it currently stands in 2026:
| Feature | Pets Best (Legacy Partner) | Companion Protect (New, Progressive-Backed) |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter | American Pet Ins. Co. / Independence American Ins. Co. | Progressive / Old Republic |
| Active Since | 2007 (Progressive partnership) | January 20, 2026 |
| State Availability | All 50 states | 43 states + D.C. (expanding to all states) |
| Senior Pet Eligibility | No upper age limit | Dogs 11+ and cats 13+ ineligible |
| 24/7 Vet Helpline | Yes | No (business hours only) |
| Direct Vet Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | No (online portal only) |
| Avg. Monthly Premium | ~$47–$53 (dogs), ~$28–$29 (cats) | ~$47 (avg. across all pets) |
Sources: StockTitan / Progressive press release (Jan. 20, 2026); U.S. News & World Report pet insurance ratings; IndexBox research (Jan. 2026); MoneyGeek analysis (Apr. 2026).
The practical takeaway: most consumers searching for "Progressive pet insurance" will end up with a Pets Best policy, since that product has nationwide availability and no senior pet restrictions. Companion Protect is the newer option and may be preferable if you're already a Progressive customer who wants tighter integration with your existing policies.
What Does Progressive Pet Insurance Actually Cover?
Pets Best offers three tiers of accident-and-illness coverage — Essential, Plus, and Elite, plus a standalone accident-only plan. Companion Protect offers a single accident-and-illness plan with an optional wellness endorsement. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Covered Condition / Treatment | Accident-Only | Essential A&I | Plus A&I | Elite A&I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accidents & Injuries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Illnesses (General) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cancer Treatment | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hereditary & Congenital Conditions | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Behavioral Therapy | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dental Illness (enrolled before 6 months) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alternative Therapies (Acupuncture, Chiro) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Add-on | ✓ |
| Rehabilitative Care | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| MRI, CT Scans, X-rays, Lab Tests | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Euthanasia & End-of-Life Costs | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What Progressive Pet Insurance Does NOT Cover
Regardless of which partner underwrites your policy, the following are excluded across all plans:
- Pre-existing conditions — both curable and incurable. There is no look-back window after which prior conditions become covered (unlike AKC Pet Insurance, which covers some cured conditions after 12 months).
- Spaying, neutering, and pregnancy-related costs unless covered under a wellness add-on.
- Elective or cosmetic procedures, including ear cropping and tail docking.
- Experimental treatments not recognized as standard veterinary practice.
- Boarding, grooming, and anal gland expression.
- Conditions caused by neglect or intentional harm.
- Racing, working injuries under some plans (Pets Best is one of the few that does cover working pets — check your specific policy with our pet insurance policy decoder tool).
Expert Note: Pets Best's inclusion of hereditary and congenital conditions at no extra cost is a meaningful differentiator. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers are genetically predisposed to expensive conditions — hip dysplasia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, cardiomyopathy, that many budget insurers exclude or charge supplemental premiums for. Progressive/Pets Best covers these in all A&I tiers.
Waiting Periods: What to Know Before Day One
Waiting periods are one of the most important and most misunderstood, aspects of any pet insurance policy. A waiting period is the gap between your policy start date and when coverage actually activates. If your pet gets sick or injured during this window, the claim will be denied.
| Condition Type | Pets Best | Companion Protect |
|---|---|---|
| Accidents / Injuries | 3 days (0 days in DE, LA, ME, MS, NE, NH, WA) | 0 days |
| Illnesses | 14 days | 15 days |
| Cruciate Ligament Conditions | 6 months | Not specified separately |
| Orthopedic Conditions | Not specified separately | 30 days |
| Wellness Coverage | 0 days | 0 days |
The 6-month cruciate ligament waiting period under Pets Best is the most consequential limitation for large breed dog owners. ACL/CCL tears are one of the most common and expensive orthopedic surgeries in dogs — averaging $3,500 to $5,500 per leg, and are highly prevalent in Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and similar breeds. If you’re adopting a large dog, plan ahead and enroll immediately.
Progressive Pet Insurance Cost: What Will You Actually Pay?
Pet insurance pricing is highly individualized, but benchmarking against verified data gives you a realistic starting point. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the national average for a dog enrolled in an accident-and-illness plan was $62.44 per month in 2024, and $32.21 per month for cats.
Progressive/Pets Best consistently prices below the national average, which is a genuine competitive advantage:
Dogs (Avg. Monthly)
$47.58
via Pets Best (U.S. News sample)
~$15/mo below national avg.
Cats (Avg. Monthly)
$29.36
via Pets Best (U.S. News sample)
On par with national average
Accident-Only (Starting)
$6.00
per month (Bankrate data)
Budget entry point
How Your Premium Is Calculated
Six factors drive your final monthly premium. Understanding them helps you optimize your plan without sacrificing meaningful coverage:
| Factor | How It Affects Cost |
|---|---|
| Pet's Age | Older pets cost significantly more. A 6-year-old Lab will run 40–60% more than a 1-year-old of the same breed. |
| Breed | Breeds with known genetic risks (e.g., French Bulldogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs) command higher premiums. |
| Location | Cat coverage ranges from $19/mo in Arkansas to $36/mo in Massachusetts (MoneyGeek). |
| Deductible | Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000. Higher deductible = lower premium. Annual (not per-incident). |
| Reimbursement Rate | 70%, 80%, or 90%. Choosing 70% instead of 90% can reduce premiums by 10–20%. |
| Annual Limit | $5,000 or Unlimited. Unlimited adds meaningful cost but eliminates catastrophic financial exposure. |
Available Discounts
Multi-Pet Discount
5% off for each additional pet enrolled (not available in AK, HI, TN)
Multi-Policy Discount
5% off when you're an existing Progressive insurance customer
Military Discount
5% off for active-duty service members and their families
Note: Discounts may not be cumulative and eligibility varies by state. Verify at the time of quoting.
Real-World Reimbursement Examples: What Gets Paid Out?
Abstract coverage percentages only become meaningful when applied to real veterinary bills. Here are three realistic scenarios showing how a Pets Best plan (80% reimbursement, $250 deductible) would handle common claims:
Breed-Specific Risk Table: Which Dogs & Cats Need the Most Coverage?
Progressive/Pets Best covers hereditary and congenital conditions in all accident-and-illness tiers, but the value of that coverage varies dramatically by breed. Here’s a practical risk guide for common breeds to help you decide the appropriate coverage tier:
| Breed | High-Risk Conditions | Avg. Treatment Cost | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | BOAS, spinal issues (IVDD), allergies | $2,000–$9,000+ | Elite / Unlimited |
| Golden Retriever | Cancer (60% lifetime risk), hip dysplasia | $5,000–$20,000+ | Elite / Unlimited |
| Labrador Retriever | ACL tears, obesity, hip & elbow dysplasia | $3,500–$7,000 | Plus or Elite |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Mitral valve disease, syringomyelia | $2,500–$10,000 | Elite / Unlimited |
| German Shepherd | Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy | $2,000–$6,500 | Plus or Elite |
| Dachshund | IVDD (spinal disc disease) | $3,000–$8,000 | Plus or Elite |
| Maine Coon (Cat) | HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) | $1,500–$5,000/yr ongoing | Elite / Unlimited |
| Mixed Breed / Domestic Shorthair Cat | Lower hereditary risk, general accidents/illness | $500–$3,000 | Essential |
Treatment cost ranges are estimates based on published veterinary cost data. Actual costs vary by region and clinic. BOAS = brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. IVDD = intervertebral disc disease. HCM = hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Progressive Pet Insurance: Honest Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No upper age limit (Pets Best) — Rare in the industry. Critical for anyone insuring a senior dog or cat.
- Hereditary conditions covered as standard — No supplemental premium or exclusion rider required.
- Unlimited annual limits available — True unlimited coverage, not a high-cap workaround.
- Priced below national average — Particularly for dogs, where Pets Best rates run ~$15/month less than the NAPHIA average.
- Any licensed U.S. vet accepted — No network restrictions, including specialists and emergency clinics.
- Direct vet pay available — Eliminates out-of-pocket stress at checkout when assigned correctly.
- 3-day accident waiting period — Among the shortest in the industry (0 days in 7 states).
- Working pets covered — One of very few insurers that covers service animals and working dogs.
⚠️ Cons
- F BBB rating (Pets Best) — The Better Business Bureau’s lowest grade. While BBB ratings are not the only quality signal, it reflects unresolved complaint patterns.
- 6-month cruciate ligament waiting period — A serious gap for large breed dog owners who need this coverage soonest.
- Pre-existing conditions never covered — No look-back window after treatment, unlike some competitors.
- Increasing annual limits requires a new policy — This resets waiting periods and pre-existing condition exclusions — a meaningful penalty.
- Dental illness only covered if enrolled before 6 months — Locks out most adult pet adoptions from this benefit.
- Companion Protect has age limits for seniors — Dogs 11+ and cats 13+ cannot enroll, making the partner choice critical.
- No mobile app for Companion Protect — Policy management is online-portal only; this may frustrate mobile-first users.
Progressive vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
To give you an accurate picture of where Progressive/Pets Best sits relative to the market, here’s a feature comparison against four major alternatives. (For a full Trupanion deep-dive, see our Trupanion pet insurance review.)
| Feature | Progressive (Pets Best) | Trupanion | Healthy Paws | Embrace | ASPCA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Monthly (Dog) | ~$47–$53 | ~$55–$80 | ~$45–$60 | ~$40–$70 | ~$45–$65 |
| Unlimited Annual Limit | ✓ | ✓ (standard) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hereditary Conditions | ✓ (all tiers) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Senior Pet Eligible | ✓ No upper limit | ✓ | Up to 14 yrs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-existing Conditions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | Cured only | Cured only |
| Wellness Add-On | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Direct Vet Pay | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ |
The BBB F rating for Pets Best is the most glaring differentiator here, and it deserves honest commentary: BBB ratings reflect complaint volume and response patterns relative to company size, and some large insurers with millions of policyholders attract disproportionate complaints. Pets Best’s 3.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot (from verified customers) paints a more nuanced picture. That said, if customer service responsiveness is your top priority, Trupanion’s A+ BBB rating and direct vet pay model make it worth comparing, even at a higher premium. Read our full comparison in our Trupanion review.
How to Filing a Claim with Progressive Pet Insurance
Under Pets Best (the primary underwriter), claims are handled entirely by Pets Best, Progressive’s role ends at referral. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit any licensed U.S. vet — No network requirements. Pay your vet directly at the time of service.
- Collect your itemized invoice — You’ll need a detailed bill showing treatments, diagnoses, and costs.
- Submit your claim — Via the Pets Best online portal, mobile app, or email. You have six months from the date of the vet visit to submit.
- Claim processing — Most claims are reviewed within 2–7 business days. Complex cases or those requiring vet records may take longer.
- Receive reimbursement — Payment is issued via your chosen method (check or direct deposit). Alternatively, you can authorize Direct Vet Pay so Pets Best pays the clinic directly.
Practical Tip: Request your pet’s medical records from your current vet before enrolling. Pets Best will conduct a medical review of prior records to establish pre-existing condition exclusions. Having these records ready speeds up the review process and reduces disputes at claim time.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Choose Progressive Pet Insurance
Progressive is a strong fit if you:
- Are already a Progressive auto or home insurance customer (5% multi-policy discount)
- Have a senior pet that other insurers won’t cover
- Own a breed with known hereditary risks and want that covered as standard
- Want an unlimited annual limit without paying Trupanion-level premiums
- Have multiple pets and want to consolidate at a discount
- Are a military family eligible for the additional 5% discount
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need coverage for a pre-existing condition (no insurer in the U.S. covers active conditions, but Embrace and ASPCA cover cured ones)
- Have a large dog and cruciate ligament coverage is a top priority in the first 6 months
- Prioritize BBB rating and formal complaint resolution track record above cost
- Want a true direct pay model where the vet always gets paid automatically (Trupanion)
- Prefer managing everything through a highly-rated mobile app (Healthy Paws)
Progressive Pet Insurance Review: FAQs
Is Progressive pet insurance good?
Progressive pet insurance (through Pets Best) is a strong option for most pet owners, particularly for dogs. MoneyGeek ranks it 3rd nationally for dogs and 7th for cats. It offers customizable plans, unlimited limits, no upper age cutoff, and hereditary condition coverage at no extra cost. The main concern is the F BBB rating and the 6-month cruciate ligament waiting period for large breeds.
Who actually underwrites Progressive pet insurance?
Pets Best plans are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company (or MS Transverse Insurance Company in California from November 2025). The newer Companion Protect product launched January 2026 is underwritten directly by Progressive and Old Republic. The Progressive Advantage Agency earns a referral fee but does not manage claims or policies.
How much does Progressive pet insurance cost per month?
The average is approximately $47–$53 per month for dogs and $28–$29 per month for cats. Accident-only plans start from $6/month. Your actual premium depends on your pet’s breed, age, and location, as well as the deductible ($50–$1,000), reimbursement rate (70%–90%), and annual limit ($5,000 or unlimited) you choose.
Does Progressive pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Neither Pets Best nor Companion Protect covers pre-existing conditions, whether curable or incurable. Any condition that developed before policy enrollment or during the waiting period is excluded. This is consistent with almost all pet insurers in the U.S. market.
Can you use any vet with Progressive pet insurance?
Yes. Both Pets Best and Companion Protect allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian in the United States, including specialists and emergency clinics. There are no network restrictions or referral requirements.
Does Progressive pet insurance have a waiting period?
Yes. Under Pets Best: 3 days for accidents (0 days in DE, LA, ME, MS, NE, NH, WA), 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions. Under Companion Protect: no waiting period for accidents, 15 days for illnesses, and 30 days for orthopedic conditions. Wellness coverage has no waiting period under either partner.
How do I cancel Progressive pet insurance?
You can cancel at any time by contacting Pets Best (or Companion Protect) directly. A prorated refund may apply if you cancel mid-term and have filed no claims. Contact information: Pets Best customer service is available by phone, email, and online portal.
What is the Best Wellness add-on and is it worth it?
Pets Best offers two wellness tiers: EssentialWellness and BestWellness (approximately $26/month for BestWellness, covering up to $535/year in routine care). This includes vaccinations, annual exams, dental cleanings, flea/tick prevention, and heartworm tests. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your vet’s pricing, if your annual routine care bill exceeds the wellness premium plus the base plan, it pays off. For healthy young pets with modest preventive care needs, it often doesn’t pencil out.
Our Final Verdict: Should You Buy Progressive Pet Insurance?
Progressive (Pets Best) earns a solid recommendation with one important caveat.
The coverage quality, pricing, unlimited limit option, and no-upper-age-limit policy are genuinely competitive. For dog owners in particular, it ranks 3rd nationally for overall value. The unlimited plan at roughly $53/month for an average dog is among the best value propositions in the market relative to coverage depth.
The caveat: if you're buying for a large breed dog prone to joint issues, the 6-month cruciate ligament waiting period is a real gap. Enroll your dog as early as possible, ideally as a puppy to ensure that coverage is active when you might actually need it. For everything else, Progressive/Pets Best is a defensible, cost-effective choice for most American pet owners.
Coverage
4.0/5
Affordability
4.1/5
Customer Experience
3.5/5
Customization
4.2/5
Overall
3.9/5
Editorial Disclaimer
This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or financial advice. Policy terms, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Always review your state's sample policy before purchasing. PetInsureNow may earn referral compensation from insurers featured on this page, which does not affect editorial ratings. Data sourced from NAPHIA (2024), MoneyGeek (April 2026), U.S. News (June 2026), Bankrate, Yahoo Finance, and verified policy documentation. Last reviewed: June 12, 2026.
Emily Carter is a pet insurance researcher and editorial contributor at PetInsureNow, where she specializes in analyzing pet insurance coverage structures, hereditary condition exclusions, reimbursement models, and breed-specific insurance risks for dogs and cats.
Her work focuses on helping pet owners understand policy limitations, waiting periods, claim approvals, and long-term treatment costs before choosing a provider. Emily reviews insurer policy documents, veterinary treatment pricing trends, and consumer coverage guidelines to ensure every article meets the highest standard of accuracy.
At PetInsureNow, she contributes educational content designed to simplify complex insurance topics for everyday pet owners — translating dense policy language into plain explanations of what is covered, what is not, and what questions to ask before signing up.
✔ Coverage Accuracy Specialist
✔ Breed-Risk Analyst
✔ Independent Researcher
Areas of Expertise
Pet Insurance Coverage Analysis Verified breakdown of what accident, illness, and wellness plans actually include and exclude — checked against primary policy documents, not marketing pages. |
Hereditary & Congenital Condition Exclusions How insurers define and enforce hereditary exclusion clauses by breed — and what it means for dogs and cats predisposed to genetic conditions. |
Reimbursement Models & Deductible Structures Comparing actual cost vs. benefit schedule reimbursement and annual vs. per-incident deductibles — and how each affects real out-of-pocket costs at claim time. |
Waiting Periods & Policy Limitations Understanding the enforcement gap between enrollment and active coverage — and how waiting periods interact with pre-existing condition definitions at claim time. |
Breed-Specific Insurance Risks Which dog and cat breeds face higher premiums, stricter exclusion clauses, or limited coverage options — and what to ask a provider before enrolling. |
Veterinary Cost & Claims Education Long-term treatment cost breakdowns for chronic conditions — helping owners evaluate whether a policy’s coverage limit is realistic for their pet’s health profile. |
How Emily Ensures Content Accuracy
1 | Primary Source Review — All coverage claims are verified against insurer policy PDFs, sample Certificates of Insurance, and published exclusion schedules — never from marketing summaries. |
2 | Veterinary Pricing Research — Cost estimates are cross-referenced against industry pricing data and published treatment cost trends for realistic financial context. |
3 | Plain Language Standard — Every article is written for pet owners with no prior insurance knowledge. Technical terms are always explained, never assumed. |
Topics Covered
Cat Insurance
Hereditary Exclusions
Waiting Periods
Reimbursement Models
Pre-Existing Conditions
Claim Approval Process
Breed-Specific Premiums
Policy Comparisons
Bilateral Exclusions
Wellness Add-On Plans
Long-Term Treatment Costs
Editorial Disclosure: Emily’s articles are research-based and intended to help pet owners understand pet insurance options. They do not constitute licensed insurance advice. Always review full policy documentation and consult a licensed professional before purchasing any plan. See our Editorial Policy and Affiliate Disclosure.
