Is emergency vet care covered by pet insurance?

Key takeaways

• Emergency vet visits, surgeries, and hospital stays are typically included in most pet insurance policies, but coverage will vary by provider.
• Understanding your pet insurance policy before an emergency happens can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs when your pet needs urgent care.
• Evaluate your financial situation to determine if pet insurance with emergency coverage fits your specific needs.

Pet insurance for emergencies: Do most plans have you covered?

Yes, most pet insurance plans do help with emergency care—but exactly what is and isn't covered can vary depending on the provider and the plan. According to The Wall Street Journal, emergency vet visits can cost anywhere from $250 to $8,000, so it's important to check what's actually included in your pet insurance policy. If you're shopping for a new plan, look for one that specifically covers urgent care and offers a generous reimbursement rate to help with those unexpected vet bills.

What are the limitations and exclusions of a pet insurance policy when it comes to emergency vet care?

When it comes to emergency vet insurance, understanding what isn't covered is just as important as knowing what is. Here are five most common limitations and exclusions in pet insurance policies when it comes to emergency vet care.

1. Pre-existing conditions. If your pet had a health issue before your insurance started, treatment for that condition (even in an emergency) isn't likely to be covered.
2. Waiting periods. Most pet insurance plans don’t kick in right away! Typically, you'll have a short waiting period before your coverage begins.
3. Breed or age-related health issues. Some pet insurance plans don't cover health problems that are common in certain breeds or may limit coverage for older pets.
4. Experimental treatments. New, alternative, or emerging pet therapies that aren't widely accepted may not be included.
5. Coverage limits and deductibles. Even in an emergency, you'll likely have to pay a deductible. In addition, you may have limits on just how much your pet insurance plan will reimburse you each year or even per incident.

How does pet insurance work for emergency vet visits?

Typically, you will need to pay the emergency vet bill upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement with your pet insurance company. According to MoneyGeek, most insurers reimburse 60%-90% of treatments in an emergency vet visit, minus the deductible.

Keep in mind that your insurance company will reimburse you only for eligible expenses. If you have a new pet insurance policy, the insurer will only cover vet visits once you've completed the requisite waiting period.

7 common emergencies typically covered by pet insurance

1. Accidental injuries - This may include broken bones, sprains, or cuts from falls, car accidents, or even rough play at the dog park.
2. Eating something dangerous - If your pet gets into chocolate, medicine, poisonous plants, cleaning products, or other toxic substances, pet insurance often helps cover the emergency care.
3. A sudden illness - Unexpected issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or infections that require immediate medical attention.
4. Emergency surgery - Coverage for serious problems such as internal bleeding, intestinal blockages, or organ trouble that require immediate treatment.
5. Overnight vet stays - If your pet needs to stay at the vet clinic for monitoring, IV fluids, or extra care, many pet insurance plans will help with those costs.
6. Tests and scans - This often includes things such as bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnotic tests that help the vet to figure out what's wrong.
7. Medications and follow-up care - Most pet insurance plans will help pay for prescriptions, treatments, and follow-up vet care after the emergency visit.

How to get the best pet insurance for your needs

Get a quote for pet insurance online at Liberty Mutual or call for a pet insurance quote, so our representatives can walk you through the process: 844-250-9199