Install
Vet Costs & Pet Insurance terms
What vet care costs and how owners pay: vet fees, price rules, pet insurance plans and claims.
Deductible The amount you pay toward covered vet bills before pet insurance begins to reimburse you. Pet insurance A policy that reimburses a share of veterinary bills for covered accidents and illnesses in return for a monthly premium. Pre-existing condition An illness, injury or sign that a dog had before pet insurance began or during the waiting period, and which a policy usually will not cover. Reimbursement rate The percentage of a covered vet bill that a pet insurer repays after the deductible, often 70, 80 or 90 percent. Waiting period The time after a pet insurance policy starts, often a few days to several months, during which some or all claims are not covered.