Do Vets Accept Pet Insurance?

Pets are our best friends and we always want to make sure they’re happy and healthy. But healthcare can be expensive, even for little animals. Pet insurance can make things a lot cheaper, but do all vets accept pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a separate policy you can purchase to cover medical expenses concerning accidents or illnesses your pet experiences. This is not the same as a wellness plan offered by some vet offices. Pet insurance can cover incidents such as:

Sudden accidents or injuries (getting hit by a car, eating poisonous substances, digesting foreign objects, etc.)
Illnesses such as allergies, cancer and infections

Heartworm prevention, vaccinations, flea and tick medication, dental care, cremation, burial and more

You can purchase different plans as well as add additional endorsements. Pet insurance does not usually cover checkups, rabies shots or preexisting conditions. An insurance plan with embedded wellness is the most comprehensive pet insurance policy available. It covers accidents, illnesses, heartworm prevention, vaccinations, dental care and more. a cat with its mouth open

Contrary to popular belief, veterinarians don’t actually accept pet insurance. Pet insurance works differently than most insurances and instead provides reimbursement for pet expenses after medical treatment has already been sought. After you pay the medical bill, you must then file an insurance claim to receive compensation from the insurance company. The downside of this is that you must be able to afford the medical costs up front.

Thankfully, pet insurance is generally inexpensive. The average cost of pet insurance is between $30-$50 a month, though some premiums are as low as $10 a month. Deductibles are usually $500, but you may be able to pay a higher deductible for smaller monthly premiums. Pet insurance is typically more expensive for dogs than for cats due to the likelihood of accidents and injuries being higher in dogs. Other influences on your pet insurance premiums include the pet’s age, breed, location and the policy limits. Accident-only coverage tends to be much less expensive than accident and illness coverage, although this leaves you open to expenses if you discover that your pet has cancer or other illness.

Medical costs are expensive and dealing with a sick pet is stressful enough without worrying about whether or not you can afford the care they need. If you need to file a pet insurance claim, be sure to get medical records from your vet’s office as proof of the care provided.

No Comments