Pet insurance that pays vet directly can be a lifesaver to pet owners who are overwhelmed by high-cost veterinary costs. You may not have to worry about an emergency. However, if it does happen, you will be grateful that your pet's insurance policy reimburses you for some of these costs.
What Are some of the pet insurance companies who offer this service?
Some pet insurances provide a payment option that you can use to pay the veterinarian immediately after your coverage is active. Some do it instantly, while others ask you to fill out paperwork and require your veterinarian's approval.
In most pet insurance policies, you are reimbursed between 80% and 90% of the costs of treatment for your pet after you've met any deductibles. Per-incident and annual limits are applicable.
These deductibles are often quite high, especially if your medical condition is expensive or if you suffer from a chronic disease. In this case, you may need to consider other financing options before paying your vet bill in full.
Trupanion Healthy Paws Pets Best are some of the pet insurance companies that pay vets direct. These companies cover not only common treatments such as exams, surgeries and vaccines but also emergency care, dental illnesses, prosthetic devices, and prescription foods.
The Trupanion pet insurance website has a lookup feature to determine whether your veterinarian accepts this option. Trupanion can cover the rest of your bill if they accept this option.
Health Paws does not advertise this option nearly as much as Trupanion and Pets Best. However, you can use it during regular business hours. (Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm PST; Saturday 8am - 5pm PST). Although it requires more work from you than Trupanion or Pets Best, some pet parents find that the effort is worth it.
Please be aware that the direct payment process is only offered during normal business hours. It may also take a couple of days to process a claim. If your problem is serious, call Healthy Paws for a quicker processing time.
This direct-payment option will only be available in certain states, so you should make sure to check your state's policy before you decide on a provider.
If your vet is willing to accept this option, you will have the ability to pay them directly after you've met your deductible or covered costs. You'll need to file an insurance claim and the company will pay your vet the rest.
The direct payment model is convenient to both the veterinarian and the pet owner. This saves time and money by not paying the vet upfront and waiting to be reimbursed.
Consider getting an extended policy to cover your pet's hospitalizations, including the cost of boarding, and cancellations. This will help you save money and allow you to travel more easily when your pet is hospitalized.