Having a sick or injured pet can be heartbreaking — and quite expensive.
Pet insurance can help with the cost, but you typically need to pay the bill in full and then file a claim to get reimbursed.
If you have a pet insurance policy, here's what's included and what you need to do to get reimbursed by your insurer.
What pet insurance does and doesn't cover
Like traditional health care companies, pet insurance companies don't cover everything — especially preexisting conditions. In addition, most policies have a waiting period that can last anywhere from 14 to 30 days, during which your pet is not covered.
You may be able to get your pet covered for an illness they had in the past but fully recovered from. What's considered a "curable pre-condition, however, varies greatly among providers. Any carrier should review your pet's records in advance to help you understand what is and is not covered.
There are quite a few things that standard pet insurance policies usually don't cover.
- Pregnancy and birth-related costs
- Congenital and hereditary disorders
- Pre-existing bilateral conditions (like hip dysplasia or cataracts)
- Regular wellness (like vaccinations and flea treatments).
- Elective procedures (like spaying)
- Non-medical services (like grooming and boarding)
- Funeral or memorial expenses
Pet insurance policies typically do cover the following for covered conditions:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Hospitalization costs
- Specialists
- Diagnostic testing
- Surgeries
- Medication
Spot, CNBC Select's top choice for pet insurance, includes coverage for microchipping, acupuncture and alternative therapies. Its preventative care plan includes spaying and neutering and dental cleaning.
Spot Pet Insurance
Policy highlights
Spot Pet Insurance offers accident-only and accident and illness plans, plus two tiers of wellness add-ons
Age limits
No upper age limit
Coverage limit
$2,500 to unlimited
Annual deductible
$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
Reimbursement rate
70%, 80% or 90%
Waiting period
14 days for accidents and injuries
Discounts
10% multi-pet discount
Direct vet pay
No
Embrace also offers coverage for alternative therapies, as well as for behavioral therapy and prescription medications.
Embrace Pet Insurance
Policy highlights
Embrace offers accident-only, accident and illness and wellness policies
Age limits
6 weeks to 14 years
Coverage limit
$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited
Annual deductible
$100, $250 or $500
Reimbursement rate
70%, 80% or 90%
Waiting period
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses
Discount
10% multiple pet discount, 5% military discount
Direct vet pay
Yes
How to get reimbursed for veterinarian bills
Pay for treatment
You'll probably need to cover the full cost of your bill at the time of service. Most pet insurance companies need to review your claim before reimbursing, so get an itemized invoice from the veterinarian.
Request reimbursement
Submit a completed claim form to the pet insurance company via its website, app, mail, email or fax, along with a copy of the itemized invoice, relevant medical records and any other required documentation.
Make sure you've updated your mailing address and bank account information so you can be properly reimbursed by mail or direct deposit.
Check the status of your claim
It can take at least 10 to 15 days for a claim to be processed, though some insurers can take up to 30 days. You can frequently track the process on the company's website.
If your claim is approved, you'll receive a payment according to your reimbursement level — typically between 70% and 90% of the total bill, minus any deductibles and/or annual limits.
Pet insurance companies that pay directly
Some pet insurance companies will pay the veterinarian for you at the time of service, saving you the hassle of submitting for reimbursement. You'll need to make arrangements ahead of time and typically sign a release and other forms.
Healthy Paws offers direct payments for situations where you can't pay your vet after treatment. You'll need to request it before your pet is treated, and direct payment is only available during business hours.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Policy highlights
Healthy Paws offers accident and illness policies with no annual or lifetime coverage limits
Age limit
8 weeks to 14 years
Coverage limit
Unlimited
Annual deductible
$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
Reimbursement rate
50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%
Waiting periods
15 days for accidents and illnesses
Discounts
None
Direct vet pay
Yes
Pets Best also has an option to pay bills directly. It doesn't have an age limit for coverage and offers optional wellness plans that cover routine care. For humans with multiple pets, a 5% discount is available.
Pets Best Pet Insurance
Policy highlights
Offers accident-only, accident and illness and wellness plans
Age limits
Cats and dogs as young as seven weeks old can enroll, with no upper age limit.
Coverage limit
$5,000 or unlimited
Annual deductible
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500 or $1,000
Reimbursement rate
70%, 80% or 90%
Waiting period
The waiting periods are 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and 6 months for cruciate ligament injuries.
Discounts
5% multi-pet discount
Direct vet pay
Yes
Read our review of Pets Best pet insurance
Policies are issued by MS Transverse Insurance Company (MST). New business issued by MST effective September 2, 2025. In California, existing Pets Best policies will transfer to MST beginning November 1, 2025.
Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address. For terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsbest.com/policy. Products are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #12190), or Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), or MS Transverse Insurance Company (NAIC #21075) and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, (NPN #8889658, CA agency #0F37530)
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every pet insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of pet insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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