Pet Insurance That Pays The Vet Directly (2024)

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Most pet insurance companies require you to pay your vet bills upfront, submit a claim and then get reimbursed if the expenses are covered by your policy.

Unexpected vet bills can cost thousands of dollars, which can be difficult to pay out of pocket. And you may end up with credit card debt to pay for it. Another solution is pet insurance that pays the vet directly.

Are There Any Pet Insurance Companies That Pay the Vet Directly?

Some pet insurance companies, like Pets Best, can pay a vet directly. It’s an attractive option for pet owners who do not want to pay upfront for expensive veterinary bills for problems like broken bones, torn ligaments or serious illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes.

Many pet insurance companies don’t offer direct payments to a veterinarian and are reimbursement-based, meaning you pay upfront for your pet’s veterinary expenses and submit a claim to your insurer. You’ll get a reimbursement payment if the expense is covered by your policy.

If direct vet pay is important to you, make sure it’s available with the pet insurance companies you’re considering.

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How Does Direct Vet Pay Work?

Direct vet pay means the pet insurance company pays your vet directly for problems that are covered by your pet insurance policy. How and when the payments are made vary depending on the pet insurance company.

For example:

  • If you have Trupanion pet insurance and your vet has Trupanion’s software, your pet’s vet bills will be paid at checkout.
  • Pets Best doesn’t pay your vet at checkout. Instead, you’ll submit a claim, along with your vet’s signed reimbursement release form, and your vet will be sent payment if the claim is approved.

Even with direct vet pay, you’re still responsible for any cost-sharing, such as your deductible and copayment. The deductible is the amount you have to pay in a year for vet bills before your pet insurance policy begins to pay its share. A copayment is the percentage of the claim that you pay.

For example, let’s say you have a vet bill of $2,000, a $500 deductible and an 80% reimbursement level:

  • You pay $500 toward vet bills, plus your portion of the bill based on the reimbursement amount, which is $300 (20% of $1,500).
  • The pet insurer will pay the vet the remaining $1,200.

Pet insurance policies also sometimes have annual coverage limits, such as $5,000 or $10,000. The policy won’t cover amounts above the coverage limit unless you have unlimited annual coverage.

Benefits of Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly

Pet insurance that pays the vet directly can streamline the claims process. Here are some of the benefits:

  • You won’t have to pay the entire vet bill upfront. Vet visit costs for problems like cancer, swallowed objects, diabetes, broken bones and heart murmurs can all cost thousands of dollars. If these types of problems are covered by your policy, direct vet pay will pay the vet bill, minus your deductible and copayment.
  • You won’t have to wait for reimbursement. If your insurer pays the vet directly, you won’t have to wait for a reimbursement check in order to replenish your savings account or pay your credit card bill.
  • Quick payment. Trupanion pays your vet at checkout (if your vet has Trupanion’s software). That means your claim can be approved and paid before you leave the vet’s office.

Which Pet Insurance Companies Offer Direct Vet Pay?

Geico

Geico pet insurance is partnered with both Embrace and Trupanion. When you visit Geico’s website and click for a pet insurance quote, you’ll be directed to either Embrace or Trupanion’s website. Trupanion offers direct vet pay, but Embrace pet insurance does not.

If you buy Geico pet insurance through Trupanion, you’ll be able to take advantage of direct vet pay if the veterinarian has Trupanion’s software. Trupanion doesn’t have a pet insurance deductible but you will be responsible for the copay.

Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws pet insurance offers direct vet pay, but you’re required to contact Healthy Paws in advance of your pet’s treatment. If your pet’s treatment is covered and the veterinarian is willing to accept direct payment, Healthy Paws’ claims team will coordinate payment with the veterinarian.

Pets Best

Pets Best pet insurance offers direct vet pay for all pet insurance plans. Here’s how it works:

  • Your vet must download a veterinarian release form and sign it.
  • You must submit a claim online, through Pets Best’s mobile app, fax or email. You must include a copy of the signed veterinarian release form. If you submit your claim online or through the app, you can upload a copy of the form.
  • Your claim will be processed. If your vet expenses are covered by your policy, Pets Best will send reimbursement directly to the vet.

Progressive

Progressive pet insurance is partnered with Pets Best and offers direct vet pay for all pet insurance plans. The steps to use direct vet pay will be the same as those listed above for Pets Best.

State Farm

State Farm pet insurance is through Trupanion, which means you’ll be able to take advantage of direct vet pay if the vet has Trupanion’s software.

Trupanion

Trupanion pet insurance offers direct vet pay if the veterinarian has Trupanion’s software. If your pet’s vet expenses are covered by your policy, Trupanion’s system will pay the vet when you checkout. Trupanion does not have a pet insurance deductible, but you will be responsible for your copay.

What To Look Out for When It Comes to Pet Insurance and Direct Payments to the Veterinarian

While few pet insurance companies offer to pay a vet directly, that doesn’t mean the veterinarian is obligated to accept direct payment from the insurer. Your vet may prefer that you pay your bills upfront and submit a claim to your insurer.

For example:

  • Trupanion’s direct vet pay requires the vet to have its software. If they don’t, you won’t be able to take advantage of direct vet pay.
  • Pets Best requires the veterinarian to sign a release form, which is then submitted for claims approval. That means your vet will have to wait for payment, which they may not be willing to do.

If you’re considering pet insurance that pays the vet directly, it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian beforehand to find out if they’ll accept direct payment.

Alternatives to Direct Vet Pay for a Pet’s Veterinarian Bills

Paw Protect pet insurance offers a virtual Visa card with a $2,000 line of credit that you can use to pay bills from a veterinarian or emergency vet clinic. The credit line is stored on your phone and there is no credit check. You use your claim payment to repay the line of credit. This way you don’t have to fork over any money at the vet visit.

If you’re unable to pay the deductible and copay immediately, you can do so interest-free over a period of 12 months.

If you don’t have pet insurance, ask your vet’s office if they have a payment plan.

Crowdfunding could be an option. You may be able to raise money through crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter or Waggle, a crowdfunding site dedicated to paying vet bills.

While it’s not optimal, you could seek a personal loan to pay for a large vet bill. Personal loan rates can range anywhere from 4% to 36%.

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Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly FAQ

Is pet insurance that pays the vet directly more expensive?

Pet insurance that pays the vet directly isn’t necessarily more expensive compared to other pet insurance options. For example, Pets Best offers direct vet pay and has competitive rates compared to other insurers in our analysis of pet insurance costs.

Can you pay a vet bill in installments?

Your veterinarian may offer payment plans. Some veterinarian offices offer plans through a financing provider, letting you stretch out payments. But be aware of interest charges.

Do vets charge more if you have pet insurance?

Using pet insurance does not result in higher veterinary bills. Pet insurance does not have “in network” providers like human health insurance. You can use any licensed veterinarian, specialist or emergency animal hospital.

That’s because pet insurance is reimbursement-based, meaning you’ll pay upfront the bill and submit an insurance claim. Some pet insurance companies, like Pets Best and Trupanion, will pay your vet directly.

Pet Insurance That Pays The Vet Directly (2024)

FAQs

Pet Insurance That Pays The Vet Directly? ›

Pumpkin cannot. Pumpkin has a vet direct pay option, but they cannot pay your bill at checkout from your pet's appointment. Instead, you can request that your vet clinic be reimbursed directly after filing a claim with Pumpkin (this is only possible if the hospital allows delayed payments).

Does Pumpkin pay the vet directly? ›

Pumpkin cannot. Pumpkin has a vet direct pay option, but they cannot pay your bill at checkout from your pet's appointment. Instead, you can request that your vet clinic be reimbursed directly after filing a claim with Pumpkin (this is only possible if the hospital allows delayed payments).

Does Chewy pet insurance pay vet directly? ›

Direct-pay pet insurance will pay your vet's office on your behalf meaning you don't have to submit a claim and wait to be reimbursed by your pet insurance provider. Currently, there are 5 main pet insurers that can pay the vet directly for you: Healthy Paws, Pets Best, Paw Protect, CarePlus by Chewy, and Trupanion.

What does direct pay mean for pet insurance? ›

The insurer will send the payment directly to the veterinarian, covering the agreed-upon portion of the bill. The pet owner is then responsible for any remaining amount, such as services not covered by the insurance.

Does Figo pay vet directly? ›

However, Healthy Paws' direct pay option is only available during business hours. Figo: Doesn't advertise direct pay; however, it can pay the vet directly at the policyholder's request as long as it's indicated during the claim submission process.

Does Paw Protect pay up front? ›

The answer to this question is, mostly no. The majority of pet insurance plans work the same – you pay for covered vet bills up-front and then wait for your insurance company to reimburse you.

Do vets recommend pumpkin? ›

The benefits of pumpkin for cats and dogs

Its high fiber content is particularly helpful for combatting both diarrhea and constipation. According to Dr. Graham, Chief Veterinarian at Animal Humane Society, “Most pets with inconsistent GI tract issues could typically benefit from pumpkin in their diet.

Is Fetch pet insurance reliable? ›

Compare Fetch To Other Pet Insurance Companies
CompanyBBB RatingStar Rating
Fetch Pet Insurance EXPLORE PLANSA+4.5
Our Top Pick Lemonade EXPLORE PLANSB-4.8
Spot Pet Insurance EXPLORE PLANSA-4.4
Embrace EXPLORE PLANSA+4.6
5 more rows
Jul 17, 2024

Is Lemonade pet insurance legit? ›

Lemonade is a top pet insurance company as its solid accident-and-illness plans are cheap — if your pet is young and eligible for coverage. The company currently only offers policies in 37 states, plus the District of Columbia, and it's fussy about insuring older pets.

How good is Paw Protect pet insurance? ›

Paw Protect is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in our analysis of the best pet insurance companies. Paw Protect is from Embrace pet insurance and offers great benefits such as coverage for the veterinarian exam fee, access to a 24/7 pet telehealth line and the option to add a wellness plan.

Does PetPlan pay the vet direct? ›

We pay the vet directly, minus any excess as well as other deductions (such as admin fees, food and routine costs, flea treatment etc). This will be a lot less than footing the total amount of the bill, which is good news if you've got other outgoings coming up.

How does direct pay work? ›

What is Direct Pay? Direct Pay is a free IRS service that lets you make tax payments online directly from your bank account to the IRS. Direct Pay lets you pay the IRS directly. It is not a way to get a direct deposit of your tax refund to your bank account.

What are the three types of pet insurance? ›

Pet insurance companies typically divide their products into 3 main categories: accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness coverages. Each level offers specific services that are covered and excluded and will vary by price. Insurance policies are usually broken down by the type of pet being insured.

Is Figo pet insurance reputable? ›

Figo is a pet insurance company offering accident and illness plans for both dogs and cats. It received 4.7 out of 5 stars in our industry-wide review of 27 different pet insurance providers, earning the designation of the provider with the most flexible reimbursement rates.

How much is USAA pet insurance? ›

USAA Pet Insurance vs Spot
USAA Pet InsuranceSpot
Deductibles$100–$1,000 per year$100–$1,000 per year
Annual limits$5,000–unlimited$2,500–unlimited
Average cost for dogs$73 per month$74 per month
Average cost for cats$39 per month$33 per month
1 more row
4 days ago

How quickly does Figo reimburse? ›

We will process your claim within 30 days of our receipt of all required information, but our goal is 7-10 business days. Note: Some claims can take longer to process if required documentation is not submitted in a timely fashion. How do I get reimbursed or check my claim status?

How long does pumpkin take to pay claims? ›

Claim processing times: Pumpkin guarantees that each submitted claim they receive will be reviewed and processed within 30 days from the moment of filing.

How long is the pumpkin waiting period? ›

Pumpkin has a 14-day waiting period for accidents, illnesses, and ligament and knee conditions.

Does Pumpkin Pet Insurance require an exam? ›

Pets don't have to undergo a “complete clinical exam” to be covered by a Pumpkin plan. Healthy Paws insurance plans require that all pets under age 6 have a “complete clinical examination” at least 12 months before or 15 days after their policy effective date.

Does Pumpkin Pet Insurance cover prescription dog food? ›

If your pet has a condition that requires a prescription diet, Pumpkin Pet Insurance will pay for prescription food and supplements needed to treat an eligible accident or illness. It excludes prescription foods and supplements for weight loss or general health maintenance.

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