File a pet insurance claim by paying your veterinarian upfront, gathering required documents and submitting your claim through your insurer's online portal or mobile app. You'll receive 60% to 90% reimbursement after meeting your deductible. Follow these five steps:
Pet Insurance Claims Process
Updated: February 4, 2026
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Pet Insurance Claims Process: Key Takeaways
File a pet insurance claim by contacting your insurer, gathering veterinary invoices and medical records, then submitting your documentation.
Insurers deny claims for pre-existing conditions, pet insurance coverage exclusions or incomplete documentation.
If your claim gets denied, appeal with your insurer or file a complaint with your state insurance department.
How to File a Pet Insurance Claim
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Some insurers require notification before or immediately after your veterinary visit. Check your policy documents or call customer service to confirm your plan's notification requirements and avoid reimbursement delays.
2. Gather Required Documents
Gather these documents before filing to speed claim processing:
- Itemized veterinary invoice with service dates, treatments and costs
- Proof of payment (receipt, canceled check or credit card statement)
- Medical records with diagnosis, treatment plan and condition notes
- Diagnostic results (X-rays, blood work or lab reports)
- Any insurer-specific forms your provider requires
3. Submit Your Pet Insurance Claim
Submit your claim via your insurer's online portal, mobile app or paper forms.
PROVIDE COMPLETE DETAILS IN CLAIM FORMS
Include your pet's symptoms, treatment timeline and relevant medical history in your claim form. Complete documentation speeds up claim review and reduces follow-up requests.
Compare the top pet insurance companies:
4. Track Your Claim Status
Check your insurer's online portal or mobile app for claim updates and reimbursement status. Here's how long each stage takes:
- Your insurer receives and logs your claim within one to two business days
- Initial review: one to three business days
- Document verification takes three to seven days for standard claims
- If your case is complex and needs veterinary assessment, medical review takes five to 10 business days
*Processing times based on MoneyGeek analysis of major pet insurers. Times vary by company and claim complexity.
KEEP COPIES UNTIL REIMBURSEMENT
Keep copies of all submitted documents until you receive your reimbursement. Your insurer may need to verify information during the review process.
5. Receive Reimbursement
Approved claims pay 60% to 90% of covered expenses after your deductible based on your policy terms. You'll get reimbursement through direct deposit in two to five business days or paper check in seven to 10 business days.
What You Need to Know After You File a Claim
Claims process in seven to 15 business days, though your insurer may request additional information. You have options if your claim is denied.
- 1Follow-up etiquette
Reach out to your provider if you haven't received an update after three weeks. Check your claim status online first, as many questions can be answered through your account portal.
Respond quickly to any requests for additional documents to keep your claim moving forward.
- 2Claim denial reasons
Claims may be denied due to pre-existing conditions, treatments not included in your policy or missing documentation.
The denial letter outlines the reason and points to the relevant policy section. Documentation issues cause some denials. You can correct these and resubmit.
- 3Dispute resolution options
You can challenge a denied claim in two ways:
- Internal appeals: Contact your insurer's claims department and request a formal review. Provide additional documents that support your claim, such as detailed veterinary notes or a specialist's second opinion. Internal appeals take 30 to 60 days to complete. Decisions may be reversed if new information shows the treatment is covered.
- External appeals: If the internal appeal doesn't resolve the issue, file a complaint with your state's insurance department for an independent review. Many states offer free mediation or a formal complaint process.
Pet Insurance Claims: Bottom Line
File pet insurance claims through your insurer's online portal, email or fax. Notify your insurer and gather required documents first. Most claims get approved within seven to 15 business days. Claims may be denied for pre-existing conditions, excluded treatments or incomplete paperwork.
If denied, appeal with your insurer or file a complaint with your state insurance department.
How Do Pet Insurance Claims Work: FAQ
Get quick answers to the most common questions about pet insurance claims:
How long does a pet insurance claim take to process?
Most pet insurance claims take seven to 15 business days to process from submission to approval. Once approved, you'll receive reimbursement via direct deposit in two to five business days or paper check in seven to 10 business days.
What should I do if my pet insurance claim is denied?
If your claim gets denied, review the denial letter for specific reasons and policy references. Contact your insurer's claims department to appeal through the internal review process. Submit additional documentation or medical records to support your case. If that fails, file a complaint with your state insurance department for independent review or use binding arbitration if required by your policy.
What documents do I need to file a pet insurance claim?
You'll need an itemized veterinary invoice showing treatments and costs, complete medical records including diagnosis and treatment plans, plus proof of payment like receipts or credit card statements.
Can I submit my pet insurance claim using my smartphone?
Most major pet insurance providers offer mobile apps for claim submission. Companies like Fetch, Healthy Paws and Spot allow you to photograph receipts and medical records directly through their apps for instant upload.
How do I manage claims for multiple pets with different insurance policies?
Keep separate folders (physical or digital) for each pet's documentation and policy information to avoid mixing up claims. Submit claims separately for each pet through their respective insurer's portal or app. Track each pet's deductible status and annual limits individually, as these don't combine across different policies.
How much will I pay out-of-pocket before receiving reimbursement?
You'll pay the full veterinary bill upfront, then receive reimbursement for covered expenses after meeting your deductible based on your policy terms.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.