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: April 28, 2026
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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.
As part of your pet insurance coverage, 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 reimbursementYou 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 rate, a $1,000 vet bill and a $200 annual deductible that you've already met, you'll receive $800 back (80% of $1,000). If you haven't met your deductible yet, you'll receive $640 back (80% of the remaining $800 after the $200 deductible).
Benefit scheduleThe 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:
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | |
50%, 60%, 70%, 80% | |
60%, 70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
50%, 70%, 80% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
70%, 80%, 90% | |
90% | |
80%, 90%, 100% | |
Reimbursement rates shown are current as of publication date and may vary. Contact providers directly for current rate options and eligibility requirements.
Compare the top pet insurance companies to determine the best option for your pet:
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.
- 1Understand 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.
- 2Keep 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.
- 3Build 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.
- 4Submit 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.
- 5Follow 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 Connor Bolton
Connor Bolton is Senior SEO and Content Manager at MoneyGeek, where he leads the business and pet insurance editorial teams. He sets the research framework, data standards and content structure for his team. All content goes through his accuracy review before publication. Connor also writes in-depth guides and has spent more than four years covering insurance products across personal, commercial and specialty lines.
The research infrastructure Connor built covers auto, home, renters, life, health, business and pet insurance across pricing analysis, carrier research, customer experience and coverage evaluation. It includes over 6 million data points for business insurance across 408 industry areas, all 50 states and 16 vehicle types. The pet insurance side covers over 5 million profiles across 18 major providers, 100+ breeds and ages up to 20 years. Connor’s insurance research and his team's work has been cited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, CBS News, Forbes and LegalZoom.
Connor also talks with underwriters and carrier liaisons at Ethos, The Hartford, ERGO NEXT, Nationwide and State Farm, and monitors business and pet owner communities on Reddit. Those sources shape how his team evaluates carriers, structures rate analysis and writes for human buyers rather than search engines.
For questions about MoneyGeek's business and pet insurance content, contact him at connor@moneygeek.com or on LinkedIn.