Pet insurance that pays vet directly can be a lifesaver to pet owners who are overwhelmed by high-cost veterinary costs. It can happen even without an emergency. But when it happens, your pet insurance will reimburse some or all costs.
What are the Pet Insurance Companies that Offer This?
Some pet insurers allow you to pay directly to the veterinarian after your policy has been activated. Some do it instantly, while others ask you to fill out paperwork and require your veterinarian's approval.
The majority of pet insurance plans reimburse 80% to 85% of the treatment costs for your pets, once you have met your deductible. There are limits per incident and annually.
The deductibles for these insurance policies can be very high, especially when you have a costly medical condition or chronic illness. In this instance, you may want to consider other funding options before paying in full for your vet bill.
Trupanion Healthy Paws, and Pets Best are a few of the pet insurers who pay vet directly. These companies offer coverage not only for the most common treatments and procedures like vaccinations, examinations and surgeries, but also for emergency care, dental problems, prosthetics and prescription food.
The Trupanion pet insurance website has a lookup feature to determine whether your veterinarian accepts this option. Trupanion can cover the rest of your bill if they accept this option.
Health Paws advertises this option less than Trupanion or Pets Best. You can still use it, however, during normal business hours. This is Monday-Friday between 7am and 4pm PST. Saturdays from 8am-5pm PST. It takes a little more work on your part than the other two companies, but it can be worth the hassle for some pet parents.
Please be aware that the direct payment process is only offered during normal business hours. It may also take a couple of days to process a claim. If you need to resolve a problem quickly, please call Healthy Paws.
This direct-payment option will only be available in certain states, so you should make sure to check your state's policy before you decide on a provider.
If your veterinarian accepts this option, after you've paid your deductible or covered expenses, you can pay directly to them. After you've met your deductible or covered costs, you will have to file a claim with your insurance provider. They will then pay any remaining balance to the vet.
Direct payment makes it convenient for the vet as well as the pet owner. This saves time and money by not paying the vet upfront and waiting to be reimbursed.
Consider a policy covering extended care costs, such as boarding or trip cancellation. This will help you save money and allow you to travel more easily when your pet is hospitalized.