Now That You Have Pet Insurance – What’s Next?

Excerpt/Summary

Congratulations on securing pet insurance! You’ve taken a responsible step towards your furry friend’s health and safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what happens after buying a policy, how to file claims, understand coverage, and get the most out of your pet insurance plan.

🐶 You Did It – You Got Pet Insurance!

Getting pet insurance is one of the smartest decisions a pet owner can make. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or an experienced animal lover, you now have a safety net in place for unexpected vet visits, accidents, and illnesses.

But what happens next?

Let’s break down the steps you should follow after getting your pet insurance policy.

📂 1. Review Your Policy Documents Carefully

After purchasing, you should receive:

Policy confirmation email

Terms and conditions

Schedule of benefits

Waiting period details

Claim procedure guide

Take the time to read through everything. Understand what is covered, what is excluded, and if there’s any waiting period before you can file a claim.

📌 Pro Tip: Mark important dates such as your policy start date, renewal deadline, and the end of any waiting periods.

🕐 2. Understand the Waiting Period

Most pet insurance providers have a waiting period (usually 2–14 days) after you purchase the policy, during which certain illnesses or conditions are not covered.

💡Example:

Accident Coverage: May start in 2 days

Illness Coverage: May start after 14 days

During this time, try to avoid high-risk activities for your pet.

🏥 3. Schedule a Wellness Check (If Required)

Some insurance companies require a recent health checkup or medical records to activate full coverage. If your pet hasn’t had a vet visit recently, now is a good time to schedule one.

This visit helps:

Establish your pet’s baseline health

Confirm pre-existing conditions

Ensure preventive care (vaccinations, flea/tick, etc.)

📋 4. Learn How to File a Claim

Most insurers now offer online claim submissions through apps or websites. Typically, you’ll need to provide:

Invoice from your vet

Diagnosis and treatment notes

Proof of payment

Claims are often reimbursed within 5–14 days depending on your provider.

🛠 Keep a folder (physical or digital) with all pet-related medical expenses and documents.

💵 5. Track Your Reimbursements and Deductibles

Every plan has:

Annual or per-incident deductible

Reimbursement rate (usually 70–90%)

Annual benefit limit

Understanding these will help you calculate how much you’ll get back for each vet visit.

Example:

Bill: ₹10,000

Deductible: ₹1,000

Reimbursement rate: 80%
👉 You’ll get back ₹7,200 (₹10,000 - ₹1,000 = ₹9,000 x 80%)

🐾 6. Stay Proactive with Preventive Care

While most accident & illness plans don’t cover routine care, adding a wellness add-on can help you save on:

Vaccinations

Annual checkups

Dental cleanings

Flea/tick medications

📌 Even if not covered, investing in preventive care can reduce the risk of larger health issues down the line.

📱 7. Use the Insurance App (If Available)

Many providers offer:

Claim status tracking

Policy updates

Vet locator tools

24/7 helplines

📲 Download the app and explore features that can help in emergencies or regular checkups.

❤️ Final Thoughts: You’ve Done the Right Thing

By insuring your pet, you've shown dedication to their long-term well-being. Pet insurance isn't just a backup for emergencies—it's peace of mind.

Stay informed, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurer with any questions. With the right knowledge, you and your furry companion are ready for a safer, healthier journey ahead.