How to Submit a Pet Insurance Claim With Spot
To submit a pet insurance claim with Spot, log into the Member Center, select your pet, upload your itemized invoice, and submit. Standard claims are processed in 5-7 business days, while preventive care claims take just 2 business days. In 2024, Spot paid over $48 million in reimbursements to pet parents.
7 Steps to Submit a Claim With Spot
Step 1: Access the Member Center
Go to spotpet.com/member-center and log into your account. You can also use Spot's mobile app to submit claims on the go.
Step 2: Select "Start New Claim"
From your dashboard, click the "Start New Claim" button. This begins the claim submission process.
Step 3: Choose Your Pet
If you have multiple pets on your policy, select the pet who received treatment. Each pet's claims are tracked separately.
Step 4: Enter Treatment Details
Provide information about:
The condition or reason for the visit
The veterinary clinic where treatment was provided
The date of service
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Attach your itemized invoice from the veterinary clinic. This document must show:
Line-by-line breakdown of services and costs
Diagnosis or reason for visit
Date of service
Clinic information
Optional but helpful: Include medical records. While not required, they can speed up processing for complex claims.
Step 6: Review Your Submission
Double-check all information before submitting. Verify that:
Treatment dates are correct
The right pet is selected
Documents are complete and legible
Step 7: Submit and Track
Click submit to send your claim. You'll receive a confirmation email, and you can track your claim status through the Member Center.
Claim Processing Times
Spot processes claims faster than many competitors:
Claim Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
Standard claims | 5-7 business days |
Preventive care claims | 2 business days |
According to industry data, many pet insurance claims take 5-10 business days to process. Some insurers like Healthy Paws process claims within 24 hours of approval, while others may take up to a month for complex cases.
What Documents Do You Need?
Required: Itemized Invoice
Your vet's invoice is essential. It should include:
Clinic name and contact information
Your pet's name
Date of service
Itemized list of treatments, tests, and medications
Total cost
Optional: Medical Records
Submitting medical records isn't mandatory, but they help with:
Verifying the condition qualifies for coverage
Speeding up processing for first-time conditions
Supporting claims for ongoing treatments
Claim Filing Deadlines
You have 270 days from the treatment date to file a claim with Spot. However, filing promptly ensures faster reimbursement and reduces the chance of losing documentation.
What Happens After You Submit
Claim Review
Spot's claims team reviews your submission to verify:
The condition is covered under your policy
The treatment occurred after your waiting period ended
The condition isn't pre-existing
You've met your annual deductible
Reimbursement Calculation
Once approved, your reimbursement is calculated based on:
Your policy's reimbursement percentage (70%, 80%, or 90%)
Your annual deductible
Any applicable coverage limits
Payment
Reimbursement is sent via your preferred method—direct deposit or check. Direct deposit is typically faster.
Common Claim Scenarios
Routine Vet Visit (With Preventive Care Add-On)
Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments are covered under Spot's preventive care add-on. These claims process in just 2 business days.
Emergency Surgery
For emergency procedures, submit your claim as soon as you receive the final invoice. Include all documentation from the emergency clinic. In 2024, Spot reimbursed claims as high as $23,869 for illness and $23,629 for accidents.
Ongoing Treatment
If your pet requires multiple visits for the same condition, you can submit claims for each visit. Your annual deductible only needs to be met once per policy year.
How to Appeal a Denied Claim
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Steps include:
Review the denial explanation to understand why
Gather additional documentation (medical records, vet statements)
Contact Spot's customer service to discuss your case
Submit a formal appeal with supporting documentation
Common reasons for denial include pre-existing conditions, claims filed during the waiting period, or excluded treatments.
Tips for Faster Claim Processing
Keep records organized. Save all vet invoices and medical records in one place. Digital copies are easiest to upload.
File promptly. While you have 270 days, filing soon after treatment means you'll get reimbursed faster.
Use itemized invoices. A single-line "office visit" charge won't work. Request itemized documentation from your vet.
Set up direct deposit. Direct deposit is faster than waiting for a check in the mail.
How to Track Your Claim Status
Log into the Member Center to check your claim status anytime. You'll see whether your claim is:
Received and in review
Pending additional information
Approved and processing payment
Paid
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim?
You have 270 days from the treatment date to submit a claim with Spot.
Can I cancel a claim after submitting?
Yes, contact Spot customer service to cancel a submitted claim if needed.
What if my claim is taking longer than expected?
Complex claims may require additional review. Check your Member Center for status updates or contact customer service at 1-800-905-1595.
Should I include medical records?
Medical records aren't required but can speed up processing, especially for new conditions or high-value claims.
For more information about what pet insurance covers or how pet insurance works, explore Spot's resource library.
Key Takeaways
File claims through Spot's online Member Center or mobile app
Include your itemized invoice—medical records are optional but can speed processing
Standard claims: 5-7 business days; preventive care claims: 2 business days
You have 270 days from the treatment date to submit a claim
Reimbursement arrives via direct deposit or check
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
