Pet insurers which pay vet directly could be lifesavers for pet parents who are faced with high veterinary fees. It can happen even without an emergency. But when it happens, your pet insurance will reimburse some or all costs.
Some pet insurers have a feature where you can pay the vet immediately after coverage is activated. Some insurers will do this automatically. Other require you submit paperwork. Your veterinarian must also agree to it.
Most pet insurance plans are reimbursed 80% to 90% of the cost of your pet's treatment, after you meet your deductible (if you have one). There are annual and incidental limits.
These deductibles can get quite high, particularly if the medical condition you are dealing with is costly or chronic. You may have to look at other options for financing before you pay your vet bill.
A few pet insurers that pay vet direct are Trupanion, Healthy Paws and Pets Best. These companies offer coverage not only for the most common treatments and procedures like vaccinations, examinations and surgeries, but also for emergency care, dental problems, prosthetics and prescription food.
The Trupanion pet insurance website has a lookup feature to determine whether your veterinarian accepts this option. If they do, you will only have to pay a small portion of the bill at checkout, and Trupanion will then cover the rest.
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.
You should be aware that this direct-payment process is only available during business hours, and it may take a few days for your claim to be processed. If your problem is serious, call Healthy Paws for a quicker processing time.
This option of direct payment is only available in certain States. So, make sure you check the policy of your state before you select 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. The direct-payment model saves both the pet owner and the veterinarian time and frustration.
You should consider getting insurance that will cover extended care for your pet, such as boarding costs and trip cancellations. It can save you money over time and make traveling easier for your pet when they are in the hospital.