Pet insurance companies that pay vets directly can save pet owners from being overwhelmed with high-priced veterinary expenses. This can happen without any unforeseen emergency, but when it does, you can be thankful that your pet insurance coverage will reimburse you for some or all of those costs.
What are some of the companies that offer pet insurance?
Some pet insurers have a feature where you can pay the vet immediately after coverage is activated. Some pet insurers do this automatically. Others require that you submit paperwork, and your veterinarian must approve the process.
After you've met your deductible, you will receive 80%-90 % of the cost for your pet. However, per-incident limits and annual limits apply.
These deductibles are often quite high, especially if your medical condition is expensive or if you suffer from a chronic disease. In this situation, you might need to consider alternative financing options before paying the vet bill in its entirety.
Trupanion Healthy Paws Pets Best all pay vets directly. In addition to offering coverage for common treatments like exams, surgery and vaccines, these companies also cover emergency care, dental illness, prosthetic devices and prescription food.
Trupanion's website offers a search feature that allows you to find out if your veterinarian accepts the option. Trupanion pet insurance will cover all the costs if you accept the option.
Health Paws doesn't advertise this option as much as Trupanion or Pets Best, but it does allow you to use the direct payment feature during normal business hours (Monday-Friday from 7 am to 4 pm PST and Saturday from 8 am - 5 pm PST). It takes a little more work on your part than the other two companies, but it can be worth the hassle for some pet parents.
You should be aware of the fact that direct payment is only possible during working hours. Also, it could take up to a week for your claim be processed. If you need to resolve a problem quickly, please call Healthy Paws.
The direct payment option is only available in some states. Check your state's policies before selecting 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.
Direct payment makes it convenient for the vet as well as the pet owner. You can save a lot time and energy by not having to pay your vet in full, and then wait for reimbursement.
You should consider getting insurance that will cover extended care for your pet, such as boarding costs and trip cancellations. You will end up saving a lot of cash and it makes traveling easier when your pet's in the hospital.