Does Pet Insurance Cover Emergency Vet Visits?
Pet insurance policies typically cover emergency vet visits, as long as the plan covers the health condition.
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Most pet insurance policies cover emergency vet visits, but coverage varies depending on the insurer, type of policy, and emergency itself. You may also need to pay out-of-pocket costs, like a deductible and co-insurance, before your pet insurance company reimburses you.
If your pet needs emergency care, knowing potential costs ahead of time can give you peace of mind. Here’s what you should know about when your policy may cover emergency veterinary care, common pet emergencies, average treatment costs, and how to file a claim.
When pet insurance covers emergency vet visits
The following types of pet health insurance cover treatment for various pet emergencies:1
Emergency services eligible for reimbursement may vary from one policy to the next. For example, some pet insurance policies exclude emergency exam fees but cover imaging, hospitalization, and surgery. Some policies exclude specific health conditions, such as congenital or hereditary disorders, even if they weren’t pre-existing.2
Before your insurer reimburses you, you’ll need to meet your deductible. Depending on your reimbursement rate and annual policy limit, you may receive only partial reimbursement for your vet bills. For example, if your policy has an 80% reimbursement rate and a $5,000 annual limit, your insurer will pay 80% of your eligible vet bills up to $5,000 (after you’ve paid your deductible).
Most pet insurance companies cover care from a licensed veterinarian, whether in a vet office, specialty clinic, or emergency animal hospital. Wellness plans don’t typically cover emergency care, but some discount plans may offer savings on emergency services at in-network animal hospitals.
Emergencies pet insurance covers
Depending on your pet insurance policy, you may have coverage for the following emergencies:
Allergic reactions
Cancer
Cuts and lacerations
Bloat surgery
Broken bones
Heatstroke
Infections
Internal injuries from trauma
Intestinal blockages
Poisoning
Seizures
Sprains and torn ligaments
Swallowed objects
Vomiting and diarrhea
Your insurer will cover only the veterinary treatments listed in your policy. These may include:
Hospitalization
IV fluids
Lab tests and diagnostics
Prescription medications
Surgery
X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
Emergencies pet insurance doesn’t cover
While some types of pet insurance are more comprehensive than others, policies commonly exclude the following situations:
Behavioral emergencies
Emergencies that occur during a waiting period
Emergencies related to a pre-existing condition
Emergencies related to congenital or hereditary conditions
Emergencies related to breeding
Intentional injuries or organized dog fighting
Non-accidental dental emergencies
Treatment for parasites
Your policy may also exclude certain costs related to your emergency vet visit, like exam fees or transportation.
Emergency vet coverage limits
Pet insurance policies typically require you to share the cost of pet emergencies. How much of the vet bill you’ll need to pay depends on your insurer and policy features:3
Additionally, many pet insurance policies have policy limits. Most insurers use an annual limit, which is the most you can get in benefits each year, but some companies use lifetime limits, per-procedure limits, or per-condition limits. Coverage add-ons may have separate limits. Some pet insurance companies offer an unlimited lifetime benefit plan, though.
Common pet emergencies
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists the following conditions as reasons to consult a vet or visit an emergency clinic:4
Bone fractures
Choking, nonstop coughing, or difficulty breathing
Coughing up blood, or blood in urine
Eye injuries
Heat stress or heatstroke
Lameness or immobility in the legs
Obvious pain or anxiety
Refusal to drink water for 24 hours or longer
Seizures or staggering
Severe bleeding or bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum
Severe constipation or painful urination
Severe vomiting or diarrhea (more than two incidents in 24 hours)
Toxic ingestion
Unconsciousness
How much do common pet emergencies cost to treat?
The table below shows the average cost of common pet emergency treatments.5
Emergency vet visit costs can add up fast, and a pet insurance policy may save you money in the long run if your pet needs emergency treatment. The average cost of pet insurance in the U.S. is $42 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats.
How to file a pet insurance claim for an emergency vet visit
While the claims process may vary from one pet insurance company to the next, you’ll generally follow these steps:
Visit the emergency vet. Get care for your pet and pay your vet bill. If you don’t have cash in savings, pay for your pet’s care with a credit card or ask about payment plans. Bring the necessary paperwork to the emergency clinic if your insurer offers direct pay.
File a claim. Submit the paid invoice and your pet’s emergency medical records when filing your claim. Many insurers have a mobile app or online portal, or you may be able to submit your claim by mail.
Follow up as necessary. Your insurer will review your claim and request any additional documentation required to make a decision. Claim timelines vary by case and insurance company.
Receive reimbursement. Many insurers pay policyholders via direct deposit, but some may send a check. If you used a credit card to pay your vet, you can pay off the balance once you receive your reimbursement.
Pet insurance for emergency vet FAQs
For more information on how pet insurance covers emergency vet visits, see the answers to frequently asked questions below.
How does pet insurance work in an emergency?
Pet insurance works the same way for non-emergency and emergency vet visits. You typically pay the vet for your pet’s treatment and then file a claim for reimbursement with your insurer. If your pet insurance company offers direct vet pay, it’s wise to locate a nearby emergency vet ahead of time who’s willing to accept direct payment.
How do you know when to take your pet to an emergency vet?
If you have concerns about your pet’s health, it’s best to contact a veterinarian for advice. Some pet insurance plans give you access to a pet telehealth line so you can ask an expert whether your pet requires emergency vet care. You can also consult the AVMA’s list of urgent symptoms earlier in this article.
Does pet insurance pay immediately, or will an emergency vet bill you?
Most pet insurance companies pay on a reimbursement basis, which means you won’t receive money from your insurer until you’ve submitted your paid invoice with your claim. But some pet insurance companies offer direct payment to participating vets.
How much do pet ER visits cost?
The cost of ER visits for dogs and cats varies depending on your pet’s condition and the treatment your vet recommends. An ER exam alone costs an average of $125 for dogs. If your pet needs surgery, the visit could cost thousands of dollars.
Why are emergency vets expensive?
Pet owners typically visit the emergency vet when their pets experience severe symptoms. These symptoms may require the vet to run several diagnostic tests and could lead to costly treatments like surgery. Additionally, emergency vet clinics typically stock more expensive equipment and supplies than regular vet offices.
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