Most pet insurance claims take just minutes to file online and process
within 1-2 weeks—here's exactly how to get your money back fast.
Written by
October 31, 2025
Pet insurance is a great way to keep your pet happy and healthy while
keeping your finances in check.
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.
Key Insights
Most pet insurance claims take 5-30 business days, though Lemonade processes
in 24-48 hours.
Pet insurance claims require upfront vet payment, documentation, and
submission for reimbursement.
Pet insurers offer digital claim submissions via apps or portals, with some
accepting mail or fax.
Filing pet insurance claims won't raise premiums, which increase due to
pet age or cost trends.
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
After you buy a pet
insurance policy, it's crucial to understand your insurer's claims process. Processing
times vary widely: some companies like Pets Best and Spot are fast (5-7 days), while others like ASPCA
Pet Health, Embrace, and Figo can take up to 30 days.
For filing methods, most insurers offer an online portal or mobile
app; however, many still accept claims via email, fax, or mail. The table below outlines the specific
details for our top pet insurance companies.
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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You can cancel your pet insurance policy at any time — and for any reason. Whether you found a better
plan, changed providers, or no longer need coverage, canceling is usually simple.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step cancellation process and explain how top
providers like ASPCA, Lemonade, and Embrace handle cancellations and refunds.
Anna Baluch is an insurance and finance expert at BestMoney.com. She has written
for Forbes, Newsweek, Credit Karma, CNN, and many other top publications.
