American Pet Insurance Company filed a rate and rule update in Virginia for its Pets Best pet health insurance program, seeking an overall rate increase of 25.8% effective July 2, 2026, for both new and renewal business. The filing is on a file and use basis and was submitted February 27, 2026.

The change impacts about 11,757 policyholders and is expected to increase written premium by roughly $4.10 million on a current book of about $15.88 million. The company’s last Virginia revision took effect January 2, 2026, and reflected a 16.4% increase.

The increase is driven by changes to the core Pets Best “Unexpected Illness and Injuries” plan. The Virginia annual base rate for that plan is moving to $1,163.22, up from $924.66. The filing does not propose rate changes for the flat rate “Unexpected Injuries Only” plan or the EssentialWellness and BestWellness options.

Pets Best is keeping its existing rating structure, which applies geographic factors by zip group, then adjusts for coinsurance and annual benefit limits, deductibles, and optional supplemental benefits like exam fees, take home prescriptions, and rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic coverage. Premium is further modified using breed factors and age factors tied to a breed’s expected life, and total discounts remain capped at 12%.

On distribution and conversion, the program continues to support multiple discount channels including web link partners, employer and affinity groups, and a richer employer group discount for groups with 1,000 plus employees. The filing also maintains clinic and partner distributed one month trial options that waive standard waiting periods and bundle supplemental benefits for pets under age eight, with certain high cost conditions redirected to an injuries only offer. A related veterinary exam program includes a 10% first year discount, waives waiting periods, and allows customers to cancel after one month for a full premium refund if no claim has been paid.