How to make a pet insurance claim
Making a pet insurance claim is something that we hope we never have to do. But if you do find yourself sitting in a veterinary clinic with a potential $5,000 bill hanging over you, you’ll be happy you have pet insurance cover.
Some policies have a time limit on making a claim, usually between 30 and 60 days from when your vet informs you about the treatment. The sooner you start the claims process, the quicker your insurer can pay you or your vet clinic directly.
So what can you claim for? Most pet insurance policies will cover the following expenses:
Surgery fees including elective treatment
Death of your pet through illness or injury
Loss through theft or straying
Third-party liability
Higher-level pet insurance policies will also cover these extra benefits:
Emergency boarding
Holiday cover (if your pet becomes ill or has an accident when abroad)
Dental cover
Behavioral issues
Third-party liability
If your dog causes an injury to a member of the public, third-party liability can cover the damages. This claim will come from the person injured, but you will still need to notify the insurer as soon as the accident happens. Send any documents you receive from the third party to your insurer, doctors fees, police incident report,s etc.
Before you admit responsibility or agree to pay any compensation following the accident make sure you contact your insurer first.
How to make a claim
Call your insurer or use their online forms to inform them of the claim. The form may have a section for your vet to complete.
Provide them with the estimate or invoice from the vet so that they have all the relevant paperwork.
Your pet's full clinical history. You will be able to request these documents from your vet.
If your pet is stolen or goes missing you must report it to local rescue shelters and vets before you send a claim to your insurer.
You will need the completed claims form along with evidence, including receipts, of any advertising, you paid for to try and find your pet.
A receipt for the original purchase price you paid for your pet.
If your policy covers the cost of a reward for finding your pet you must contact your insurer to agree on the amount before you advertise it.
Paying an excess
Most policies have an excess or deductible charge, usually between $100 to $500. This will have been agreed upon when you purchased your policy. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. When you make a claim on your pet insurance policy you will pay this deductible fee and then the insurance company will pay the balance, up to the cover limit specified by your policy.
For example, if your total vet bill is $5,000 and you have an excess of $500, you will pay $500 and the insurance company will pay $4,500. And you’ll be very please with yourself that you bought that pet insurance cover!
If you are in the process of buying pet health insurance use our free Quick Quote to see how much it can save you.