How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Find the Right Insurance in 2 Minutes!

Choose Insurance Type:
Enter Your Zip Code:
Do you currently have Auto Insurance? Yes No

February 12th, 2009

Pet Insurance Helps Pets, Pet Owners, and Vets

If you have been to the vet lately, you may have seen some brochures for pet insurance. Vets like pet owners who carry dog or cat health insurance because they tend to be more willing to accept treatments that the pet doc advises.

Most of the time, more affordable pet care insurance works like an indemnity plan. In other words, the pet owner must pay the vet bill and then file a claim. Claims forms are usually included in a membership packet, or can be requested by phone. Many pet insurers even have online pet insurance claims forms these days.

The advantage of a pet insurance indemnity policy means that the owners of insured pets have a lot of flexibility. They can usually choose any veterinarian, pet hospital, or specialist if they are willing to fill out their own paperwork. In fact, some US plans even provide coverage in Canada and Mexico.

Some vets, to encourage their clients to take out pet insurance, may be willing to help their patients by billing a pet insurance company themselves, but that is not usually a major feature of most plans. If this is important to you, call your normal vet’s office before you seek medical care for your pet.