Pet insurance claims

Although companies will differ in their requirements, some principles are generally the same, but it will also depend on what you are claiming for. For example, if you are making a claim for vets fees, some companies can now let you make minor claims over the phone, without having to fill in a claim form at all. They process your request and can send you a cheque within a matter of days. If the claim is small and straightforward and you are a long-standing customer, they may not even request any evidence or receipts. (However, we recommend you keep all paperwork relating to your claim until it is finalised).

For slightly larger and more complicated claims, the process may be slightly different. The company will probably send you a claim form for you to fill in and sign. You will then have to pass it to your vet to complete part of the form with the necessary medical details, outlining the treatment and cost etc. You will then have to pass it to your vet to complete part of the form with the necessary medical details, outlining the treatment and cost etc. The surgery will either pass it back to you to send to the insurance company, or will send it to your insurer directly.

If your claim is more serious or complicated, for example a specialist operation, you may have to get permission from the insurance company before you go ahead. You may even need a written diagnosis from the vet before the procedure can continue.

If the claim involves a third party you must notify your insurance company in the first instance and they will sort it out directly with the third party.

Although each pet insurance company may differ in their claims procedure, the way they process your claim and the amount of time they take to pay, the claims process does typically start with a phone call.

• Principles of pet insurance
• Why do pets need insurance?
• How to choose a pet insurance policy
• Where and how to buy pet insurance
• Important considerations