Pet insurance works on a reimbursement model, meaning you pay your vet bill upfront and then submit a claim to get money back from your insurer. This approach reduces financial risk for insurance companies, which allows them to offer you lower premiums. Most insurers process your reimbursement within 7 to 14 days and send payment via direct deposit or check.
Pet Insurance Reimbursement
Updated: August 13, 2025
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Key Takeaways
You pay your vet bill first with pet insurance, then file a claim to get reimbursed by your insurer.
Insurers calculate reimbursements using a percentage-based method or benefit schedule that sets predetermined amounts for specific treatments.
You can manage reimbursements effectively by understanding your policy, keeping detailed records, building an emergency fund and submitting claims promptly.
How Does Reimbursement in Pet Insurance Work?
Pet Insurance Reimbursement Methods
Pet insurers use two methods to calculate how much they'll reimburse you for covered vet expenses.
Percentage-based reimbursement
You choose a reimbursement rate when you buy your policy, ranging from 50% to 90%. After you meet your deductible, the insurer pays that percentage of your covered vet bill. If you have an 80% reimbursement, a $1,000 vet bill and $200 deductible, you'll receive $640 back (80% of $800).
Benefit schedule
The insurer sets predetermined amounts they'll pay for specific treatments or conditions. If your vet charges $500 to treat a broken bone, but the benefit schedule only covers $300 for that treatment, that's all you'll get back. This method is less common and offers less comprehensive coverage than percentage-based plans.
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There are some pet insurers that pay your vet directly, but this method comes with restrictions like limited participating veterinarians or only covering certain types of treatments. While this can help with cash flow for expensive procedures, it has less flexibility in choosing your veterinarian than the standard reimbursement model.
Is There Pet Insurance With 100% Reimbursement?
While some pet insurance companies provide 100% reimbursement options, most usually offer reimbursement rates of 50% to 90%. Higher reimbursement rates mean you'll get more money back after paying your vet bill upfront, but they also result in higher monthly premiums.
The table below shows how reimbursement rates differ by major pet insurance providers.
AKC | 70%, 80%, 90% |
ASPCA | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Embrace | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Fetch | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Figo | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% |
Healthy Paws | 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% |
Lemonade | 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
Liberty Mutual | 70%, 80%, 90% |
MetLife | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Nationwide | 50%, 70%, 80% |
Pets Best | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Prudent Pet | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Pumpkin | 80%, 90% |
Rainwalk | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Spot | 70%, 80%, 90% |
Trupanion | 90% |
Wagmo | 80%, 90%, 100% |
How to Manage Pet Insurance Reimbursements
Getting your reimbursement quickly and avoiding claim denials starts with proper preparation and organization. Here's how to streamline the process from vet visit to payment.
- 1
Understand your policy
Know your deductible amount, reimbursement rate and annual limits before filing a claim. Review what's covered and what's excluded so you won't be surprised by denied claims. Understanding these details upfront helps you budget for vet expenses and set realistic expectations for reimbursements.
- 2
Keep detailed records
Save all vet bills, medical records and treatment notes in one place, either digitally or in a physical folder. Take photos of receipts immediately after your vet visit in case the original gets lost or damaged. Having complete documentation makes filing claims faster and reduces the chance of delays.
- 3
Build an emergency fund
Since you'll pay vet bills initially before getting reimbursed, set aside money for pet medical expenses. Save up at least $1,000 to $2,000 to cover unexpected treatments while you wait for your reimbursement. This fund prevents you from scrambling for cash during pet emergencies.
- 4
Submit claims promptly
Most insurers require you to file claims within 90 days of treatment, but submitting within a few days gets you paid faster. Use your insurer's mobile app or online portal to upload photos of your receipts and medical records directly from your phone.
- 5
Follow up on pending claims
Check on your claim regularly through your insurer's app or website. If your provider asks for more paperwork or details, send it right away to prevent further delays.
What Is Reimbursement in Pet Insurance: Bottom Line
Reimbursement in pet insurance means you need to pay your vet first, then file a claim and get money back based on a percentage-based method or fixed benefit schedule. To manage pet insurance reimbursements, understand your policy details, organize your paperwork, build an emergency fund to cover upfront costs and submit claims promptly.
How Does Pet Insurance Reimbursement Work: FAQ
We've compiled answers to some frequently asked questions about pet insurance reimbursement to help you navigate the process:
How long does pet insurance reimbursement take?
Most pet insurers process reimbursements within 7 to 14 days after receiving your complete claim. The exact timing depends on your insurer and how quickly you submit all required documentation.
What percentage does pet insurance reimburse?
Pet insurance reimbursement percentages range from 50% to 90%, though some providers like Figo and Wagmo offer 100% reimbursement options. Higher reimbursement rates mean you get more money back after paying your vet bill upfront, but they also result in higher monthly premiums.
What's the difference between percentage-based and benefit schedule reimbursement?
Percentage-based reimbursement pays a percentage of your covered costs after your deductible, while benefit schedules pay fixed amounts for specific treatments regardless of your actual vet bill.
Can I use any veterinarian and still get reimbursed?
Yes, most pet insurance companies allow you to use any licensed veterinarian and still receive reimbursement. However, some may have restrictions for out-of-country care, so check your policy details for any limitations.
What should I do if my claim is denied?
If your pet insurance claim is denied, first review the denial letter to understand the specific reason. Contact your insurer immediately to clarify the denial and ask what additional information might help. You can often appeal denied claims by providing more detailed medical records or veterinary justification.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.