It’s no secret that veterinary bills can be very expensive. In fact, the 2021-2022 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owner Survey found that 70% of American households own a pet, which is an estimated $32.3 billion on veterinary care and products each year.
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of your pet’s veterinary care, giving you peace of mind in the event of an emergency. When you sign up for a pet insurance plan, you agree to pay a certain amount each month to your provider. In exchange, your provider will cover a portion of your veterinary bills if your pet needs treatment for a covered illness.
“Pet insurance allows you to budget for your pet’s healthcare expenses because you can opt for a monthly premium payment instead of paying large veterinary bills all at once,” explains Becky Simmonds, professional dog trainer and behaviorist at Breed Advisor. “With pet insurance, you can provide your pet with the best possible care without worrying about the financial burden. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and health of your beloved pet.
Claims and reimbursement
The claims process is a little different for each company. Once you have incurred veterinary expenses covered by your insurance plan, you can submit a claim with the bill. Some companies will even pay your licensed veterinarian directly, so you won’t have to go through the reimbursement process.
The amount you are reimbursed by your pet insurer depends on your plan. If your repayment rate is 80%, this means your pet insurance will cover 80% of the total cost of your covered veterinary bills, after paying your deductible. Your annual deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket each year before your pet insurance begins to reimburse you.
A cover cap, also known as maximum coverage limit, This is the amount your pet insurer will pay each year. For example, if your coverage limit is $10,000, your insurer will cover up to $10,000 in veterinary bills each year.
Keep in mind that every plan is different, so you need to make sure the care your pet needs is covered. You should also be aware of any cancellation fees you may incur if you discontinue your pet insurance plan.