Whether you're insured with one of the best pet insurance companies or plan to buy coverage in the future, it's important to familiarize yourself with the claim process.
This way, you'll be able to collect reimbursement for a covered service and take full advantage of your coverage. Keep reading to find out how to file a pet insurance claim.
What Is a Pet Insurance Claim?
“A pet insurance claim is a formal request you submit to your insurer to receive reimbursement for eligible veterinary expenses covered under your policy,” says Dr. Sabrina Kong, veterinarian at We Love Doodles.
When your pet gets any care, whether for an accident, illness, or routine procedure (if covered), you pay the vet upfront, then file a claim with your provider to recoup a portion of the cost based on your plan’s reimbursement rate, coverage limits, and pet insurance deductible.
Filing Pet Insurance Claims: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once your pet visits the vet for a covered service, here’s what you’ll need to do to file a claim.
1. Pay Your Vet
After your pet receives a service, settle the bill directly with your veterinarian. “Pet insurance typically operates on a reimbursement model, meaning you, the pet parent, pays first,” explains Dr. Kong.
Note that some pet insurers offer direct vet pay and will therefore send funds to your vet right away, so you don’t have to wait for reimbursement.
2. Gather Your Documentation
“Collect the itemized invoice, medical records (including exam notes and diagnostic test results), and a claim form (provided by your insurer),” says Dr. Kong. Keep in mind that many vets will email your pet’s records upon request.
3. Complete the Claim Form
Fill out every section of the claim form, which you can typically find online or via your pet insurance company’s mobile app. This form will require details such as your pet’s diagnosis and the services rendered. Don’t forget to make sure your vet signs any required portions. Double-check to ensure it's accurate.
4. Submit Documentation
“Upload documents via the insurer’s online portal, app, or email,” explains Dr. Kong. While some pet insurance companies allow direct vet submissions, most require owner action. If you’re unsure of which documents you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance company for clarity.
5. Wait for the Insurer’s Decision
The pet insurance company will then assess your claim to determine if it aligns with your policy’s coverage. You’ll need to be patient as this can take 5 to 30 business days or even longer, depending on the company.
There will likely be delays if they need additional records. Fortunately, you should be able to check the status of your claim on your pet insurer’s online portal or mobile app.
6. Collect Reimbursement
“If your claim is approved, you’ll get a check or direct deposit for the covered amount (e.g., 80% of $500 = $400, minus your deductible),” says Dr. Kong.
Some insurers also offer reimbursement via online payment platforms like Zelle or Venmo. In the event your claim gets denied, you should receive an explanation that outlines why it wasn’t approved.
7. Appeal the Denied Claim
Note that if your policy doesn’t cover the service, your pet insurance company suspects fraud, the illness or incident is considered a pre-existing condition, the waiting period has not passed, or you didn’t submit the right documentation, a denial may occur.
If you believe your claim has been wrongfully denied, you can appeal it. To complete the appeal process, contact your insurance company’s appeal department and provide any documentation that can help prove your case, such as additional pet records and receipts.
How to File a Pet Insurance Claim With Our Top Insurers
Once you buy a pet insurance policy, make sure you understand the insurance company’s claim processing times and channels. While some pet insurance companies like ASPCA Pet Health, Embrace, and Figo take up to 30 days to process claims, others such as Pets Best and Spot process claims within 5 days or 7 days, respectively.
Most insurers will allow you to file a claim online or via the mobile app, but several companies will also accept claim forms by email, fax, and snail mail. Below is an overview of the claim details for the leading pet insurance companies.
| Insurer | Standard Processing Times | Processing Channels |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Pet Health | Up to 30 days | Online, mobile app, email, fax, mail |
| CarePlus By Chewy | Trupanion plans: 1-3 days; Lemonade plans: 24 to 48 hours | Trupanion plans: Pet insurance dashboard, member portal, mail; Lemonade plans: mobile app |
| Embrace | Up to 30 days | Online, mobile app, mail, email, fax |
| Fetch | Up to 15 days | Online, mobile app |
| Figo | Up to 30 days | Online, mobile app, email, fax |
| Lemonade | 24 to 48 hours | Mobile app |
| MetLife | Up to 10 days | Online, mobile app, email, fax, mail, text message |
| Pets Best | Up to 5 days | Online, email, fax, mail |
| Pumpkin | Depends on the case | Online, email |
| Spot | Up to 7 days | Mobile app, fax, mail |
Bottom Line
Filing pet insurance claims doesn't have to be complicated. With the right documentation and your pet insurer's online tools, you can get reimbursed quickly and keep your focus where it belongs—on your pet's health and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need for a pet insurance claim?
You'll need your insurer's completed claim form, an itemized vet bill, diagnostic test results, and your pet's medical records.
How soon can you file a claim on pet insurance?
You can file immediately after your policy's waiting period ends. Most insurers have a 14-day waiting period for accidents and longer periods (30-180 days) for illnesses.
Does pet insurance go up if you file a claim?
No, most pet insurers don't raise premiums based on individual claims. Unlike car insurance, pet insurance rates typically only increase due to your pet's age, inflation, or changes in veterinary costs in your area—not because you filed claims.
