Advisor

Content on Quartz Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Quartz Editorial and Advertising. Quartz Advisor content is free to consumers and always will be, however we and our partners may be compensated if you purchase a product or service through the links on this website.

In this Article

Do All Vets Take Pet Insurance

Written by
Sarah Horvath
Edited by
Quartz Advisor Reviews Team
Edited by Quartz Advisor Reviews Team QZ.com
12/21/2023 12:30 PM

When many pet owners get their pet, the concept that the animal may develop a serious illness or have a serious accident requiring expensive medical care from a veterinarian seems unfathomable. Unfortunately, all too often, this happens and leaves the pet owner feeling helpless because they can’t cover the veterinarian’s bill.

More and more pet owners are choosing to purchase pet insurance to offer them extra protection should the unthinkable happen. The big question is do all vets take pet insurance? If you’re a pet owner contemplating purchasing pet insurance, it will be beneficial to do your research prior to choosing a veterinarian to service your animal all through its life.

Do All Vets Take Pet Insurance?

According to a recent survey, four out of every ten pet owners are not financially stable enough to pay for a large (more than $1000) veterinary bill. As unfortunate as this is, many pets have to be euthanized because they become seriously injured or ill. As much as they love their pets, they often are just unprepared for a large vet bill.

Preparing for the future with a pet is often done by purchasing pet insurance. While pet insurance doesn’t pay everything, it pays a large portion of the most common pet ailments and injuries. In most cases, all the pet owner has to pay is the deductible and co-pay. Considering the option of purchasing a pet insurance plan often has the owner asking, “Do all vets take pet insurance?”

The good news is that any licensed vet will take pet insurance, and this includes emergency, specialty, and even university hospitals. Not only will they take pet insurance, but they’ll generally accept pet insurance from any pet insurance company. Unlike human health insurance, pet owners, in most cases, can take their pet to any licensed vet and not have to stay within a certain network.

Many vets are happy to see that the pet owner has pet insurance for two reasons. One, they know they’ll be able to provide the animal with the necessary treatment it needs, and two, they know they’re going to be paid.

Pet Insurance Reimbursements and How They Work

Pet insurance is similar to human health insurance in that they both charge you a premium and will pay for certain medical conditions. One major difference between the two is in how the reimbursements are handled. In the case of insurance, reimbursements are only used with pet insurance.

When you go to a medical doctor, the healthcare facility will bill your health insurance for their services. Minus any deductible you may have to pay, the insurance company will send payment directly to the healthcare facility. When you take your pet to the vet, you will have to pay the vet directly in most cases. Once you pay the vet, you must complete and submit a claim to the pet insurance company.

Once the claim has been processed by the insurance company, you will be reimbursed for whatever you paid. Many pet insurance companies offer you the option of getting your reimbursement through a check or direct deposit into your bank account.

Major Pet Insurance Policies and Their Claims Process

Pet owners all look for different things when choosing a pet insurance company. One thing worth looking at is the company’s claims process.

  • Do they pay quickly?
  • Is their claims processing hassle-free and easy?
  • What is all required for reimbursement?
  • Do they offer vet direct pay?

Below are some major pet insurance companies as well as how they handle claims.

What Pet Insurance Policies have Vet Direct Pay?

Vet direct pay is a popular service offered by some pet insurance companies. The benefit of Vet Direct Pay is that the insurance company pays the money directly to the vet so pet owners won’t have to at the time of service. This can be a lifesaver if the pet owner is financially unable to pay the bill upfront.

However, they will have to pay the deductible and copay. Another benefit of Vet Direct Pay is that, in some cases, the reimbursement may come to the vet in minutes. Here are some pet insurance companies that use Vet Direct Pay.

  • Pets Best Pet Insurance
  • PawP Pet Insurance
  • Healthy Paws
  • Trupanion
  • Petplan
Quartz Advisor Reviews Team QZ.com

Other Pet Insurance Resources