Owning a pet can often be a life-changing experience. However, that’s precisely what makes us so vulnerable whenever our pet’s health is impaired.
Pet accidents or illnesses can happen at any time, which is why taking proper action is essential in ensuring your pet is well taken care of. For that, pet insurance can be a superb option to consider. Without it, finding a suitable treatment for your pet can become quite expensive.
Getting a good pet insurance plan from a quality pet insurance provider is essential. Two of the leading pet insurance companies to consider in this case are PetFirst and Figo. From claims and deductibles to enrolling in one of their viable pet plans, here is a full PetFirst vs Figo insurance comparison.
PetFirst Coverage Details
First established in 2004 and regularly collaborating with pet adoption centers and shelters around the US, PetFirst has proved itself as one of the most reliable pet insurance companies in 2022.
To vouch for their impeccable service and designated pet insurance plans is the brand’s earned A+ rating on BBB. As with other providers, the PetFirst coverage options vary depending on several factors. Such include the particular state you live in – and its laws – as well as the breed, age, and gender of your pet. Another factor to look into when comparing PetFirst coverage is the service prices.
Interestingly, PetFirst is one of the few pet insurance companies that offer coverage for elderly and young pets. And, speaking of their most basic coverage plans, PetFirst offers three of them – the Cost Conscious Plan, the Recommended/Most Popular Plan, and the Additional Coverage Plan.
- The Cost Conscious Plan comes with an annual cap of $2,000 and a maximum of 80% vet bill reimbursement;
- The Recommended/Most Popular Plan comes with an annual cap of $5,000 and a maximum of 80% vet bill reimbursement;
- The Additional Coverage Plan comes with an annual cap of $10,000 and a maximum of 80% vet bill reimbursement.
To add more to their plans, PetFirst also offers pet owners the Routine Care pack which covers expenses related to preventative pet treatments.
PetFirst covers most health issues covered by other pet health insurance companies too. These include illnesses, broken bones, cancer, heart disease, hip dysplasia, congenital issues, hereditary and chronic issues, X-rays, ultrasounds, surgeries, hospitalizations, and exam fees. Other options to choose from are also their alternative pet therapies, like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, etc.
What the provider doesn’t cover are dental care expenses, behavioral issues, breeding-related expenses, and, like all other providers, pre-existing conditions.
Figo Coverage Details
Initially established in 2013, and already a member of NAPHIA (North America Pet Health Insurance Association), Figo has been swiftly rising up the ranks of the best pet insurances in 2022!
They have developed a variety of coverage plans and options for pet owners and have introduced the super-helpful Pet Cloud App. The app allows you to keep in touch with other pet owners and vets in the vicinity, and also organize social activities, and set medical care reminders as well!
As for the basics, Figo offers various coverage plans to choose from. Namely, Figo has three basic coverage plans to offer to pet parents – the Essential Plan, the Preferred Plan, and the Unlimited Plan.
- The Essential Plan comes with a $5,000 annual reimbursement cap;
- The Preferred Plan comes with a $10,000 annual reimbursement cap;
- The Unlimited Plan comes with an unlimited annual reimbursement cap.
Figo’s pet insurance plans cover literally every service except for pre-existing conditions, behavioral therapy, and some alternative therapies, like homeopathy.
Their covered treatments include accident-sustained injuries, all kinds of illnesses (heart conditions, blood pressure, and cancer treatments), diagnostics, hospitalizations, bloodwork, chronic and congenital illnesses, dental care, surgeries, hip dysplasia, broken bones, etc.
Not just that but the provider offers alternative wellness coverage packs which allow you to also get coverage for routine vet visits, vaccines, and exam expenses.
Having covered the elementary aspects of both companies, let’s dive deeper into each of their specific features and see whether Figo or PetFirst has the better limits, deductibles, reimbursements, and prices!
Figo vs. PetFirst Benefit Limits
The monthly or annual benefit limits are some of the most important aspects relevant to pet owners when looking for a good pet insurance provider.
Essentially, depending on the plan they’ve settled on, the limit decides the yearly maximum of expenses you can have before the provider stops covering your claims.
Both Figo and PetFirst offer three coverage plans. The PetFirst coverage plans have a benefit limit of $2,000, $5,000, and $10,000, while the Figo coverage options offer a benefit limit of $5,000, $10,000, and an unlimited one.
Stating the obvious, we’d have to say that Figo takes the cake in this case.
Of course, things aren’t always black and white. Depending on your state, your pet’s breed, age, and gender, as well as your budget, you may get better value for your money with a plan provided by PetFirst.
However, the fact that Figo has an unlimited coverage option, which isn’t offered by PetFirst, immediately puts it as a frontrunner.
PetFirst vs. Figo Deductibles Compared
When it comes to deductibles, both PetFirst and Figo take the opposite sides of the service spectrum.
For example, PetFirst offers a single deductible amount, with the ability to decrease it by applying various discounts. At the same time, Figo’s deductibles are known for their flexibility, which can be equally a good and a bad thing.
PetFirst’s basic deductible, applicable to all three of their plans, is $250. Of course, with some modifications to the plan, the price can go up to $500, or down to $50. In case you plan to insure multiple pets under their policy, you’ll get a significant discount on your monthly premium, which is a plus for multiple-pet owners. Moreover, for every year that you haven’t filed a claim, your deductible will decrease by $25 – so long as your state of residence allows it.
On the other hand, Figo offers multiple deductible options, usually arranged on the spot, and in agreement with the owner. The deciding factors here are various, including the pet’s age, breed, and pre-insurance health condition. As a rule of thumb, the older the pet, the higher the deductible, and vice versa.
The standard deductible range at Figo ranges between $100, $250, $500, and $750. But for older pets, it begins at $500 and goes up to $1,500.
It is up to the pet owners to decide which of these alternatives suits their pet’s needs the most.
A static deductible with modest discounts over time, or a dynamic and flexible deductible range, will benefit young pets more than older ones.
Reimbursement Compared: Figo vs. PetFirst
Yet another key component that you need to take heed of before deciding between Figo vs.PetFirst as a pet insurance provider is their assortment of reimbursement options.
Put simply, this percentage may be static or vary, all depending on your pet’s types and needs, and the insurance company itself.
As with deductibles, Figo and PetFirst are taking an opposite approach with reimbursements as well. Namely, all PetFirst pet insurance plans come with a fixed 80% reimbursement option, but you can increase or decrease it to 70% or 90% if you want to.
Customers who have decided to go for the Figo pet insurance cover, regardless of which plan they opted for, can choose between a 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% reimbursement rate.
Similar to the annual caps, this singles out Figo as the clear winner in this category. The fact that Figo offers a 100% reimbursement alternative immediately sets it as a leading provider.
High-budget pet owners who are able to invest more into their pet’s insurance coverage plan can go for Figo’s pricier yet top-quality options.
Pricing: PetFirst vs. Figo
Speaking of pricing, there are various factors that can determine the more favorable options for you. This includes the insurance plans, limits, deductibles, and reimbursements, as well as the state you live in, and the pet itself. Typically, all financial spending is covered monthly or annually.
Of course, the more affordable the plan, the easier the decision for pet owners. However, the more expensive the plan, the more intricate and detailed.
In this case, PetFirst and Figo are doing things a bit differently once again.
On one hand, PetFirst does as most pet insurance companies do, and charges dog insurance at a significantly more expensive rate than cat insurance. On the other hand, Figo stands out by offering both cat and dog insurance at a similar price point – usually the more expensive of the bunch.
Both PetFirst and Figo are moderately affordable, and far more budget-friendly than some other providers out there. But, if you are a cat owner, you will probably want to go for PetFirst since Figo will charge you almost double the amount.
In numbers. the monthly average for dogs at PetFirst is around $23, while that for cats is around $13. The monthly average for dogs at Figo is $22, while that for cats is $24.
Enrollment Process and Waiting Periods: Figo vs. PetFirst
In order to avoid being scammed, most pet insurance companies will come with a waiting period that enters into force immediately after enrolling in a plan. This prevents pet owners from claim filing before the plan expires.
So, when it comes to illnesses, both Figo and PetFirst stick to the general average of 14 days. When it comes to accidents, Figo’s waiting period is 3 days, while PetFirsts is 0 days, meaning that you can immediately make use of their insurance.
Both providers have an exception to their rules. At Figo, you will have to wait 6 months for knee problems, while at PetFirst, you will have to wait 1 year for cruciate ligament conditions.
Figo vs. PetFirst Claims
Submitting claims is equally easy with both Figo and PetFirst. Just log on to your online account or open the mobile app, and attach the invoice, along with the record of the medical expenses.
With PetFirst, you will have to wait between 12 to 14 days for the filed claim and the refund to process. At Figo, the average waiting time is 7 days.
Which One Is Better? Figo or PetFirst?
All in all, both Figo and PetFirst are excellent options, each having some pros over the other.
And while the final answer will always depend on your particular case, your pet, your state, and your budget, based on our judgments, Figo is a slightly better option than PetFirst mainly due to the higher annual cap, 100% reimbursement possibility, and shorter waiting period for claims.
