Trips to the veterinary office can be stressful enough without the extra worries over costs. If your pet is in dire need of help, and you’re concerned for its health – or your budget limit – stop thinking “major vet bills” and start thinking – claiming pet insurance.
As a safety net, pet insurance provides financial support for owners whose pets require medical assistance or treatment. Thanks to reimbursement possibilities – aka claims – now every owner can focus on healing without obsessing over coverage and overspending.
In order to get the best pet insurance deal possible, let’s take you through the process of filing a pet insurance claim.
Who Gets a Claim on Pet Insurance?
All individuals who take care of a pet pal are allowed access to designated pet insurance. Pet insurance resembles car insurance agencies, rather than humans. Although steep, every insurance company promises to reimburse every penny paid on behalf of the pet’s owner.
Unlike with human health insurance, the policyholder needs to pay for their pet’s healthcare first – and the company will take it from there.
To put it simply, every human owner can afford pet insurance if they have a steady monthly income.
1. How Does Claiming Pet Insurance Work?
After you’ve signed up with your favorite pet insurance agency, it’s time to think about the real reason you got it. It is something every owner must go through at least once in their lifetime if they want some peace of mind concerning their pet’s welfare.
Claiming pet insurance is a beneficial, easy, and effective process to ensure the pet’s wellbeing and prosperity.
To be eligible for it, every owner needs to:
- Make sure that you meet all requirements for a claim before you file one – or before the waiting period ends.
- Abide by your target insurance company’s instructions. Follow your pet insurance provider’s rules on filing claims to ensure you have all the paperwork required.
- Send your claim ASAP. Since many pet insurance companies have different waiting periods, the claims can become limited – so be prompt and accurate with the information you provide.
- Always check the policy in terms of its deadline and aptness.
- Include all your pet’s medical records and history.
- Communicate with the pet insurance agency for any concerns or questions you have.
2. How Do You Submit a Pet Insurance Claim?
When it comes to pet insurance, many individuals will find submitting the claim similar to human health insurance. What you will need to file a claim to your provider is genuine proof of medical need and your pet’s condition, provided by a respective vet.
With that handled, the pet insurance provider will be required to cover the costs that you paid for in advance. The only thing the owner pays for is the remaining balance. This is never covered by pet insurance.
Overall, there are 2 key ways to submit claim for pet insurance as hassle-free as possible:
- Request reimbursement
- Directly paying the vet
One of the most popular ways to get your money back from insurance is by making a reimbursement request. Many companies offer reimbursement which takes place once the owner pays the cost using their own funds, all of which will be reimbursed once the provider assesses your claim.
To make use of this perk, you will need to:
- Pay the expense for your pet’s veterinary visit/stay
- Fill out a pet insurance form
- Send a claim containing documentation to the insurer (via email, fax, or an app)
After you’ve submitted your claim, it’s time to play the waiting game before you are reimbursed, whether in cash or a check.
Some of the best pet insurance companies offer to pay the vet directly – and in the owner’s name. The insurer can pay a vet directly after the full claim has been deemed adequate.
What is Pet Insurance Reimbursement?
Pet insurance reimbursement is paying back the pet owner for the cost of all veterinary bills, usually done via the pet insurance provider. The reimbursement rate equals paying back the owner for every cent they spent on medical pet care.
The best insurance providers will aim to reimburse between 80% and 100% of the total vet bill.
What Does a Pet Insurance Claim Form Look Like?
Every pet insurance claim can be found directly on each provider’s website. Be it Trupanion, Embrace, Pet Pals, or Nationwide – all of them offer a full-claim form that will take you up to two minutes to fill in and submit.
Don’t forget to input your and your pet’s personal info as well as your medical records when claiming – other than that, you’re good to go!
