How Does Vet Direct Pay Work?
Most pet care providers operate on a reimbursement-based payment model. This means the pet is treated for the condition, and the owner pays the full amount up front and then seeks reimbursement from the insurance provider. Pet owners who cannot pay for an expensive veterinary bill upfront or prefer a simpler reimbursement process may want to choose a provider who can pay vets directly.
Vet direct pay is a reimbursement model offered by some insurance providers that allows policyholders to have eligible veterinary expenses paid directly to the veterinarian, eliminating the need for policyholders to pay out-of-pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement later. Not all vets accept direct payments from providers, so be sure to check with your vet before purchasing this type of policy for your pet.
Which Pet Insurance Companies Pay Vets Directly?
Only a select few companies offer vet-direct pay. Most companies require that you submit your vet bill for reimbursement after paying the bill. If the accident or illness is covered by your provider, they will reimburse you 50-100% of the bill. Below, we’ve ranked the three providers that we found to offer vet-direct pay:
- Healthy Paws: Our pick for affordable unlimited coverage
- Pets Best: Our pick for senior pets
- Trupanion: Our pick for no deductible
The Bottom Line
With most pet health insurance reimbursement options, you are required to pay all costs upfront, then file a claim. For pet owners who don’t have a line of credit or cash in the bank, this can be a barrier to seeking veterinary care.
Vet direct pay is typically easier, more convenient and faster than the standard reimbursement option because it pays vets directly, instead of you having to pay the entire bill out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
Having a plan that pays your exam fees to your vet’s office directly may not be the cheapest pet insurance, but for some pet owners, they will find it worth the extra monthly premium. To find the best option for you, we recommend getting quotes from different providers to find the best balance of cost and coverage.
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