When to claim on pet insurance?
After an accident or when you pet gets poorly, that's when a visit to the vet is vital and usually when you need to put in a claim to your pet insurer.
Your insurance can also provide cover any injuries that derive from accidents, or for the treatment of illnesses that arise such as infections, allergies or even cancer. This usually excludes any routine check ups.
It is important to know what covered under your policy, as not all policies are the same. Every policy is different, just like every pet’s care needs are, so be sure to look over your policy documents to see what your insurance covers.
What types of claims does pet insurance cover?
Here is a list of what can be covered by your pet insurance and what you can claim for. However, not all of these will be covered under your policy, be sure to check your documents to see what is included in your policy. You can claim for:
Treatment costs if you pet is ill
Veterinary costs if you pet has an accident
Compensation if your pet dies or is lost
Liability insurance in case your pet causes injury to someone or damages their property
Boarding costs if have an emergency or are too ill to look after your pet
Emergency treatment while you are abroad
Probiotics and supplements: while uncommon, some insurances cover these
Alternative therapies e.g., acupuncture or chiropractic care
Behavioural problems: Another rare one, however in some instances such as separation anxiety and some aggression issues, depending on your policy, could be covered
What types of claims does pet insurance not cover?
These are claims that are not usually covered by pet insurance including:
Routine vet treatments such as check-ups, worming or flea treatment, or vaccinations
Pre-existing conditions (depending on your policy)
Conditions that develop during the waiting period of your policy
Excess payments and co-payments
Cosmetic procedures
Neutering
Breeding costs
Experimental and elective treatments
It's always best to double-check your policy wording to be sure what exclusions apply.
How do I make a claim on my pet insurance?
Here a breakdown of how to get through making a pet insurance claim.
Review your policy documents
Before you begin a claim process, it is important that you understand the level of coverage you have. Get your insurance documents and familiarise yourself with what is and isn’t covered under you policy and that will help you determine if you can make a claim.
Contact your insurance provider
Call your pet insurers’ claims department and give them details about what has happened to your pet and all the costs involved that you aware of.
Gather all the necessary documentation and fill in the claim form
It is important to keep all the necessary documentation that you have received from your vet, including diagnosis, treatment, and medication. This documentation can support your claim. Fill in the form and file your claim.
Can I claim on my pet insurance straight away?
After you take out a policy there usually is a wait period during which you cannot make a claim.
Will my pet insurance go up after making a claim?
After making a claim within the 12 months of your policy, it is likely that your premiums are going to rise after your annual. This is not a penalty against claiming, it is a a recalibration based on the likelihood that you are going to need to make another claim.
When is it worth making a claim on my pet insurance?
Usually, you should make your claim right away. Sometimes when it is a small claim and after your excess amount there isn’t much more to pay, some people opt to paying that bill themselves without making a claim. This ensures that the premium doesn’t rise, and they can make a claim when something more serious arises.
How long do pet insurance claims take to pay out?
Processing a pet insurance claim is usually quire straightforward. Your payout should take between seven to ten days. If you call your provider, they can give you an estimated date for the payout. You may also be able to track to progress of your claim online.
Why was my claim rejected and is there anything else I can do?
If your claim gets rejected, your insurer will inform you why. There are many reasons why a claim could get rejected however, you are allowed to appeal the rejected claim. This often involved following your insurer’s complaint process.
If your claim does get rejected, you will need to pay the full amount for your veterinary treatment. Vet clinics often have different payment options to help you spread the costs out if you are unable to make one full payment.