Although the concept of pet insurance is similar to human health insurance, prospective policyholders should be aware of a few key differences, including the use of networks. Spot Pet Insurance and most other pet health insurance providers don’t contract directly with veterinarians or mandate that pet owners choose from a list of veterinarians. Rather, policyholders are free to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada, including specialists and emergency veterinary clinics.
Let’s look more closely at how pet insurance works.
How Pet Insurance Works With Vet Clinics
Although pet insurance policies have some limitations and exclusions, they don’t affect where you can take your pet for care. You, your pet, and your veterinarian share a special bond, and you can continue seeing your trusted vet after signing up for a plan.
Freedom from network restrictions
Most people have experienced the frustration of finding an in-network physician after switching medical insurance plans. Thankfully, pet insurance companies operate differently and don’t use networks to negotiate pricing or to determine where your pet can get care. This is primarily because pet health providers don’t partner or contract with vets for direct payment—you pay for your pet’s care upfront and your policyholder then reimburses you.
The reimbursement process
Most pet health policies require that you pay your veterinarian for services the same way you would without insurance. Then, you submit a claim via phone, email, website portal, or mobile app. The insurance company reviews your claim, determines the services eligible for coverage, calculates a reimbursement, and sends you a check or a direct deposit.
Reimbursement amounts depend on several factors, including your chosen deductible and reimbursement rates—which you can usually choose when you sign up. Your deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before the plan begins reimbursing you, and the reimbursement rate is the percentage of a covered bill the plan agrees to pay. A plan with lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates can pay you more, but your monthly premiums will be higher.
Submitting a claim
To process claims quickly and accurately, the Spot Pet Insurance customer service team needs information about your pet’s health and the reason for their vet visit. We ask that you send us a copy of your paid, itemized invoice with each claim, so we can correctly categorize each service. Sometimes, our team needs to review your vet’s medical notes to determine coverage, which we can request, but your claim could take longer to process.
Tips for Choosing a Vet
Choosing a vet is a personal experience, so Spot Pet Insurance never restricts policyholders to a network. We want pet owners to feel comfortable and supported by their veterinary teams to ensure pets get the best care possible. Here are some considerations when searching for a good veterinarian in your area.
Consider your preferences
Look for a veterinary clinic whose mission and values align with your pet care philosophy. Some hospitals focus on preventive care, while others excel at senior care, low-stress handling, advanced surgical procedures, or house calls. What you consider most important about a veterinary hospital should guide your choice. Do you want a close, personal relationship with one vet, or would you prefer a larger hospital with many vets and greater appointment availability?
Check reviews and licensing
Other pet owners are a great resource for finding a veterinarian. Check with friends, neighbors, and family members to learn about veterinarians they love and their experiences, or check social media networks for people’s comments about area clinics. Pet insurance covers only veterinary care provided by a licensed professional, so don’t forget to check credentials with your state’s licensing board.
A pet health insurance policy is an essential tool to ensure your furry pal’s good health. Partnering with Spot Pet Insurance affords you ultimate flexibility because you can visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency hospital in the U.S. and Canada. Visit our website to get a quote and learn more about how our team can support your pet’s health journey.
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Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.
Angela Beal is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company .Learn more at rumpuswriting.com.
