What Pet Insurance Pays the Vet Directly?

Pawlicy Advisor
Reviewed by Kari Steere, Licensed Insurance Producer

As a pet owner, you want to provide your furry friend with the best possible care. But veterinary bills can be expensive, especially in emergency situations. That's where pet insurance comes in.

While traditional pet insurance requires you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed, some providers now offer direct payment to veterinarians. But how does it work, and which companies offer this service?

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What is Direct Vet Pay in Pet Insurance?
Which Pet Insurance Companies Offer Direct Vet Payments?
How Does Vet Direct Pay Work?
Benefits of Vet Direct Pay
Choosing a Pet Insurance Company That Pays the Vet Directly

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What is Direct Vet Pay in Pet Insurance?

Direct vet pay is a feature of some pet insurance plans where the insurer pays the veterinarian directly for covered expenses, rather than you having to pay for the service upfront, file a claim, and get paid back afterward.

This can be a huge relief for pet owners who may not have the funds to cover a large vet bill at the time of service or would face significant financial hardship by paying for a large vet bill out-of-pocket.

Which Pet Insurance Companies Offer Direct Vet Pay?

Several pet insurance companies now offer direct vet pay. Here are some of the top options:

Trupanion: Trupanion is a top pick for direct vet pay. They pay claims straight to the vet's bank account in minutes, so you don't have to wait for reimbursement. However, the veterinary practice must be in Trupanion's network of care providers.
Pets Best: Pets Best offers a Vet Direct Pay option. Once your claim is processed, they send the eligible reimbursement amount right to your vet's office. Both the veterinarian and the pet parent are required to fill out a form giving permission for Pets Best to pay the vet directly. If the vet doesn’t approve of direct pay to their clinic, the policy will stay reimbursement style.
Healthy Paws: Healthy Paws can also pay the vet directly. You must request direct payment before the pet has been treated, which is only available during Healthy Paws' business hours. Similar to Pets Best, the vet has to be willing to accept.
Progressive: Progressive also offers direct vet pay through their pet insurance policies.
Geico and State Farm: These companies partner with Trupanion for pet insurance, so policyholders are eligible for Trupanion's direct payment to vets.
CarePlus by Chewy: Chewy also offers accident and illness coverage through Trupanion, which enables policyholders to request payments for claims be paid to the vet.

How Does Direct Vet Pay Work?

The process for direct vet pay can vary by insurer, but here's a general idea of how it works:

You take your pet to the vet for treatment.
If the vet agrees to pet insurance Direct Pay, they submit the bill to your insurance company.
If the insurer approves the claim, they send a payment directly to the vet (after your deductible has been met).

Important Caveats to Note

Vets must agree to participate in pet insurance Direct Pay.
Similar to human health insurance, some providers require you to be seen by a veterinarian in their network in order to submit payments.
You must meet your deductible before your insurance provider will start covering veterinary bills.
Depending on your plan, pet insurance will only reimburse a portion of your approved claim amount, typically between 70-90%.
You are responsible for paying any remaining co-insurance portion.
Only the costs covered by your insurance policy are eligible for Vet Direct Pay; you must pay any exclusions 100% out-of-pocket.
You are responsible for paying the remaining co-insurance according to your policy terms (typically between 10-30% of the total bill).
Some insurers may require you to contact them in advance to arrange direct payment, while others may have the vet submit the claim directly.

Be sure to check with your specific provider to understand their process.

Benefits of Direct Vet Pay

Direct vet pay offers several benefits for pet owners:

Reduced financial burden: You don't have to pay a large vet bill upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Treatment compliance: You may be able to agree to a recommended treatment plan that might have been unaffordable otherwise.
Peace of mind: You can focus on your pet's recovery rather than stressing about how to pay the vet bill.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Care restrictions: Your choice of care provider may be limited to those in your carrier's network or those who agree to this type of payment.
Additional coordination: Before treatment, you may need to set up an agreement between your insurance provider and the vet practice. This may not be possible in the event of pet emergencies that take place at night or on the weekend, outside of your insurance provider's business hours.
Payment limitations: Depending on your plan, you will still need to pay for 10 to 30% of the covered expenses on your insurance claim, plus 100% of costs excluded by your policy.

Choosing a Pet Insurance Company with Direct Vet Pay

Pet Insurance Carrier	Offers Vet Direct Pay
Trupanion	✔️
Pets Best	✔️
Healthy Paws	✔️
Progressive	✔️
Geico	✔️
State Farm	✔️
CarePlus by Chewy	✔️

When selecting a pet insurance company that offers direct vet pay, consider the following factors:

Coverage: What services are covered under the policy? Does it include wellness care, accidents, and illnesses?
Reimbursement rate: How much of the vet bill will the insurer reimburse?
Deductible: How much do you need to pay out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in?
Limits: Are there annual or lifetime limits on coverage?
Network: Do you need to use a specific network of vets, or can you choose any vet?

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Conclusion

Direct vet pay is a game-changing feature in the pet insurance industry. It can provide pet owners with peace of mind knowing they can provide their pets with necessary veterinary care without the financial stress of a large upfront bill. By understanding how direct vet pay works and researching the top providers, you can choose the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions about pet insurance.

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