Pet Insurance That Pays The Vet Directly (2024)

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

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.

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%.

Find The Best Pet Insurance Companies Of 2024

Get Quotes

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

Does Lemonade pay the vet directly? ›

Lemonade Pet Insurance At a Glance

Although Lemonade won't pay the vet directly, Lemonade will reimburse you for costs associated with emergency accidents and illnesses. However, Lemonade plans do not include several coverages that other providers may include as standard benefits.

Does Healthy Paws pay the vet directly? ›

Healthy Paws can pay your veterinarian directly for covered claims. There may be situations where it's difficult for a pet parent to front the cost of the vet bill, such as a high-dollar invoice. Fortunately, Healthy Paws can pay claims directly to your veterinarian.

Does Pumpkin pay the vet directly? ›

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).

How does direct vet pay work? ›

The process of direct vet payment is different from how traditional pet insurance works. Typically, pet owners receive reimbursement for covered expenses that they pay out of pocket. However, with direct pay, the insurance company pays the vet directly, reducing the amount the policyholder pays upfront.

What are the cons of Lemonade insurance? ›

Lemonade isn't right for everyone. Its policies aren't available in all states, and it draws far more consumer complaints for its size than many other home insurers. But for homeowners who value efficient service and the chance to send their insurance dollars to worthy causes, Lemonade is worth considering.

Why is Lemonade insurance so cheap? ›

Lemonade is an affordable insurance provider partially because it does not maintain a network of in-person locations like some of its competitors. It also uses largely AI-based underwriting processes, which can lead to savings on operations on staffing costs.

Does Figo pay vet directly? ›

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.

What is the best insurance to get for a dog? ›

Lemonade: Our top pick
  • ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Our pick for older pets.
  • Embrace: Our pick for savings.
  • Pets Best: Our pick for vet-direct pay.
  • Figo: Most flexible reimbursement rates.
  • Spot: Most customizable coverage.
  • Fetch: Our pick for comprehensive coverage.
  • Healthy Paws: Most affordable unlimited coverage.
Aug 15, 2024

What does pumpkin insurance not cover? ›

Pumpkin plans do not cover annual dental cleanings and certain cosmetic or elective services. For a full list of what Pumpkin insurance plans do and don't cover, check out a sample policy.

How long does trupanion take to pay? ›

Just submit your invoice, and we'll reimburse you as quickly as possible — over 70% of claims are paid within 24 hours.

Does Petsbest have direct pay? ›

We Make Paying Vet Bills Easy with Vet Direct Pay!

Once your claim has been processed, we send any eligible reimbursement amount straight to your vet's office.

Is lemonade a good pet insurance? ›

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.

Pet Insurance That Pays The Vet Directly ...DollarGeekhttps://www.dollargeek.com ›

Pet insurance can help you save significantly on veterinary bills, especially when your pet has an unexpected accident or illness, but some owners find the.
Find out where you can find pet insurance that pays your vet directly, saving you time and money. Learn more here about it.
Pet medical care can be expensive. These organizations provide assistance to people facing financial hardship to help cover the cost of their pet's care.

Does Lemonade actually pay out claims? ›

How will I get paid for a claim? After you complete the claim report on the Lemonade app, you will be asked to enter your bank account information. Once your claim is approved, we'll issue payment, minus the amount of your deductible, directly into your account.

Does Lemonade pet insurance kick in right away? ›

At Lemonade, your pet insurance policy will go into effect at 12:01 AM the day after purchase, and your waiting periods start ticking down from there. If you also purchased one of Lemonade's three Preventative Care Package options you can start using the coverage as soon as your policy activates.

Does Lemonade pay upfront? ›

You'd pay the bill for your pet's care or treatment upfront, then submit those receipts to us in the Lemonade mobile app for reimbursement. Our claims team will review to make sure the situation you're claiming is covered under your policy, and reimburse you for the amount you're eligible for on the claim.

How long does it take for Lemonade to pay out? ›

Its comprehensive contents cover offers protection for customers' most prized assets – including locked bikes – and nearly half of claims are now paid within three seconds thanks to the company's commitment to cutting-edge technology. It's not just the speed of claims that Lemonade is focusing on, either.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6270

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.