Pet Insurance FAQ

There are a lot of ins and outs to pet health insurance, since each policy and insurance company are different. Here, we hope to answer some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions for pet owners looking to insure one or more pets.

Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions, along with some articles we’ve created about some of the more complex subjects.

How do I know if my vet accepts pet insurance?

Most vets don’t directly accept pet insurance. Instead, pet insurance works off a reimbursement model where you are responsible to pay out of pocket for any services, then you submit your invoice, proof of payment, claim form and whatever else may be required by your pet insurance company for reimbursement. Sometimes, your vet may accept payment later, or you can get veterinary care ‘pre-authorized’ so you know what your pet insurance company will pay for. A new aspect to pet insurance is something called ‘Vet Direct Pay,’ which is similar to an in-network physician visit for ‘people insurance.’ In this case, your vet and your pet insurance company work out terms of payment and you simply bring your pet in for care.

What does an annual deductible mean for pet insurance?

An annual deductible is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket before your pet insurance policy ‘kicks in.’ The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium, but the more you will have to pay if something does happen. Try to choose a deductible that you can easily come up with if your pet experiences an accident or an illness. Read more about what is a good deductible for pet insurance for more tips.

What is the best pet insurance?

The best pet insurance policy is one that has good coverage, good claim repayment and good customer service. We have currently rated Pets Best as our top pick and Figo is a close second. Check out the reviews to see why.

How much is pet insurance for a dog?

It is more expensive to insure a dog than a cat, and different breeds cost more than others. Check out our page specific to dog insurance for more answers to your questions related to dog coverage.

Where can I get pet insurance?

Right here! You can connect with a company and buy a policy by visiting their site from ours. In fact, we love that because it shows us which policies are the most popular with our readers. You can find our plan links here.

How do I get reimbursed for a vet bill?

You will need to go through the claim process, which you can learn more about here.

What does pet insurance cover?

No two pet health insurance companies are alike, and even within the same company the policies can be very different. We take a look at the language within several common policies so you can see what pet insurance covers – and what it doesn’t cover.

Is pet insurance worth the cost?

Some people do not want to take on another monthly bill, so they wonder if the cost of pet insurance it worth it. We break down some common pet health scenarios so you can see if the cost is worth it to you and your pet.

How does pet insurance work?

From reimbursements to deductibles, coverage to annual limits, we try to break down every part of pet insurance and how it works here:

How does pet insurance work?

How do I file a claim?

Now that you have pet insurance (or if you are still on the fence and just curious), you’ll want to know how to get reimbursed for your expenses. This article will explain just how to file a claim with your insurance company.

Does pet insurance cover shots?

Not all pet insurance plans cover shots, including new puppy or kitten shots as well as annual shots such as rabies. Read our article on preventive care coverage of shots to get more information on which plans cover shots and what to look for to make sure you get the coverage you need.

Does pet insurance cover prescriptions?

If your pet has a one-time or a chronic condition, you know that their medications are not cheap. From prescription pet foods to actual medicines that your pet may need on a monthly or even daily basis, these costs can add up. Luckily, pet insurance will cover these in some cases. Read more on prescription coverage in pet insurance plans.