Having a sick or injured pet can be heartbreaking — and quite expensive.
Pet insurance can help with the cost, but you typically need to pay the bill in full and then file a claim to get reimbursed.
If you have a pet insurance policy, here's what may and may not be included and what you need to do to get repaid by your insurer.
What we'll cover
- What pet insurance does and doesn't cover
- How to get reimbursed for veterinarian bills
- Pet insurance companies that pay directly
- Bottom line
What pet insurance does and doesn't cover
Like traditional health care companies, pet insurance companies don't cover everything — especially preexisting conditions. In addition, most policies have a waiting period that can last anywhere from 14 to 30 days, during which your pet is not covered.
You may be able to get your pet covered for an illness they had in the past but fully recovered from. What's considered a "curable pre-condition, however varies greatly among providers.Any carrier should review your pet's records in advance to help you understand what is and is not covered.
There are quite a few things that standard pet insurance policies usually don't cover.
- Pregnancy and birth-related costs
- Congenital and hereditary disorders
- Pre-existing bilateral conditions (like hip dysplasia or cataracts)
- Regular wellness (like vaccinations and flea treatments).
- Elective procedures (like spaying)
- Non-medical services (like grooming and boarding)
- Funeral or memorial expenses
Pet insurance policies typically do cover the following for covered conditions:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Hospitalization costs
- Specialists
- Diagnostic testing
- Surgeries
- Medication
Spot, CNBC Select's top choice for pet insurance, includes coverage for microchipping, acupuncture and alternative therapies. Its preventative care plan includes spaying and neutering and dental cleaning.
Spot Pet Insurance
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Policy highlights
Spot Pet Insurance offers accident and illness and accident-only coverage for cats and dogs. It has a variety of choices of reimbursem*nt rates, annual limits (including an unlimited policy), and deductibles to cater your coverage to your needs and budget. The option to cover preventative care procedures and exams (including a dental cleaning and wellness exam) for an extra fee is available.
App available
Yes
Standout features
There are no upper age limits for new enrollments to Spot and plans include coverage for microchipping. Spot also offers access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline to address questions about wellness and health concerns.
Embrace also offers coverage for alternative therapies, as well as for behavioral therapy and prescription medications.
Embrace Pet Insurance
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Policy highlights
A variety of maximum annual limits, reimbursem*nt choices and deductibles allow you to tailor coverage to your needs and budget. A two-day waiting period for accident policies can also help get your pet covered sooner, though illnesses have a 14-day waiting period.
App available
Yes
Standout features
Embrace offers the option of unlimited annual coverage limits. It also offers coverage for non-invasive treatments, like chiropractic care, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.
How to get reimbursed for veterinarian bills
Pay for treatment
You'll probably need to cover the full cost of your bill at the time of service. Most pet insurance companies need to review your claim before reimbursing, so get an itemized invoice from the veterinarian.
Request reimbursem*nt
Submit a completed claim form to the pet insurance company via its website, app, mail, email or fax, along with a copy of the itemized invoice, relevant medical records and any other required documentation.
Make sure you've updated your mailing address and bank account information so you can be properly reimbursed by mail or direct deposit.
Check the status of your claim
It can take at least 10 to 15 days for a claim to be processed, though some insurers can take up to 30 days. You can frequently track the process on the company's website.
If your claim is approved, you'll receive a payment according to your reimbursem*nt level — typically between 70% and 90% of the total bill,minus any deductibles and/or annual limits.
Pet insurance companies that pay directly
Some pet insurance companies will pay the veterinarian for you at the time of service, saving you the hassle of submitting for reimbursem*nt. You'll need to make arrangements ahead of time and typically sign a release and other forms.
Healthy Paws offers direct payments for situations where you can't pay your vet after treatment. You'll need to request it before your pet is treated, and direct payment is only available during business hours.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Policy highlights
Healthy Paws offers accident and illness coverage with unlimited maximum payouts. It offers three options for deductibles and reimbursem*nt options.
App available
Yes
Standout features
While Healthy Paws has one plan, it covers things that would be extras at other insurers, including things like prescription medication, alternative treatments, and hereditary conditions.
Pets Best also has an option to pay bills directly. It doesn't have an age limit for coverage and offers optionalwellness plansthat cover routine care. For humans with multiple pets, a 5% discount is available.
Pets Best Pet Insurance
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Policy highlights
Available in all 50 states, Pets Best is a standout for its affordable rates. While wellness policies are available, Pet's Best focuses on accident-only policies and accident and illness policies.
App available
Yes
Standout features
Pet's Best offers coverage to cats and dogs as young as 7 weeks old, and has no maximum age limit. An option to pay your vet directly is available.
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Bottom line
Pet insurance can save you a lot of money, but you typically need to pay for care upfront. Make sure you know what is covered and hold onto invoices, medical records and other documents to get reimbursed promptly.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every pet insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of pet insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
