Unlike health insurance for people, most pet insurance companies do not pay the provider directly. For most plans, the client pays the hospital services and is then reimbursed by the pet insurance company. Therefore, unlike in human medicine, clients can use any pet insurance with any hospital. One exception is for Trupanion Pet Insurance, which has something called Express Pay, where the company pays their part of the bill directly to the hospital. With Trupanion Express Pay, the payment arrangement must be set up and approved by Trupanion prior to the day of the procedure being performed. If you are using Trupanion Express Pay, please inform us prior to the day of the procedure. Last minute requests may not be immediately approved by Trupanion, and the client will be required to pay the entire cost and be reimbursed by the insurance company.
Our hospital does not sell, promote, recommend, or have a financial interest in any individual pet insurance company. Many pet insurance companies have strict limitations on what dental procedures are covered. Many companies will not reimburse for what they consider “routine” procedures, treatment for periodontal disease, or treatment of congenital (birth defect) problems. Most pet insurance companies will provide pre-approval for what they will or will not cover. If you use a pet insurance, ask them about the pre-approval process. The company will want a copy of the estimate for services, and some companies also have a form that needs to be filled out.