Usually, you pay a monthly premium for your pet’s coverage. Then, after a qualifying visit at a vet near you, you can submit receipts to your pet insurance company for reimbursement. Most pet insurance companies deposit funds directly into your bank account, but some send a reimbursement check.

After you pay the initial premium, you can file a claim when your pet needs vet care. Many insurers have a waiting period of a few days before your pet’s coverage starts. Some policies have a deductible of up to $1,000. In this case, the insurance company will only pay for eligible care after you reach the deductible amount – you’ll have to pay the first amount to your pet clinic yourself.

When you submit a claim, the policy will reimburse you the established percentage, usually 50 to 90%. Your pet’s care may be subject to an annual cap. In this case, you would have to pay out of pocket for care that exceeds this maximum amount.