What Petplan covers and how the claims process works

Petplan is a pet insurance company that reimburses you for veterinary bills after you pay them out of pocket. You choose your own veterinarian, pay the bill at the time of the visit, then submit a claim to Petplan with your receipt and medical records. Petplan sends you a reimbursement check based on your plan's coverage limits and deductible.

The company offers plans for dogs, cats, rabbits, and exotic pets. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions — but not routine care like vaccinations or dental cleanings unless you add those as optional riders. Petplan does not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury your pet had before the policy started date is excluded permanently.

Petplan operates in all 50 U.S. states and the United Kingdom. The company is owned by Fetch Rewards and has been in the pet insurance business since 1981. Unlike some insurers, Petplan does not have a network of preferred veterinarians — you can take your pet to any licensed vet and still file a claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Petplan reimburses you after you pay your vet bill, so you need cash or a credit card available at the appointment.
  • You choose your deductible (usually $100, $250, or $500 per year) and your reimbursement percentage (70%, 80%, or 90%), which determine your monthly premium.
  • Pre-existing conditions are never covered, even if your pet recovers from them before the policy starts.
  • Claims are submitted online, by mail, or by phone, and Petplan typically processes them within 10 business days.
  • Optional add-ons include wellness coverage for routine care, dental coverage, and behavioral therapy, each with its own cost.

How to choose your deductible and reimbursement level

Your monthly premium depends on two choices you make when you sign up: your annual deductible and your reimbursement percentage. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each year before Petplan starts reimbursing you. Petplan offers deductibles of $100, $250, or $500 per year. A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium, but you will pay more before coverage kicks in.

The reimbursement percentage is how much of your vet bill Petplan pays back after you meet your deductible. You can choose 70%, 80%, or 90%. If you choose 80% reimbursement and your vet bill is $1,000, Petplan pays $800 and you pay $200 (after your deductible is met). A higher reimbursement percentage costs more per month but reduces your out-of-pocket costs when your pet needs care.

Petplan also sets an annual maximum benefit — the most the company will pay in a single year. This maximum varies by plan and state. Some plans have no annual maximum, while others cap reimbursement at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 per year. Check your state's options when getting a quote, because maximums differ by location.

What is and is not covered under a standard Petplan policy

A standard Petplan policy covers accidents and illnesses, including broken bones, infections, cancer, diabetes, and hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or heart disease. Coverage also includes emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, medications, and diagnostic tests like X-rays and blood work. If your pet needs ongoing treatment for a chronic condition, Petplan continues to cover it as long as the policy remains active.

Petplan does not cover routine preventive care in a standard plan — this includes annual exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm tests, and dental cleanings. Breed-specific conditions that existed before your policy started are excluded. Behavioral issues and training are not covered unless you add the optional behavioral therapy rider.

Petplan also excludes cosmetic procedures, breeding-related expenses, and care related to your pet's participation in shows or competitions. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, that condition and any related treatments are permanently excluded, even if your pet recovers completely.

Optional add-ons: wellness, dental, and behavioral coverage

Petplan offers three optional riders you can add to your base policy, each with its own monthly cost. The Wellness Rider covers routine preventive care including annual exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm tests, and nail trims. This rider has its own annual limit (typically $300 to $600 per year, depending on your state) and does not use your main policy's deductible.

The Dental Rider covers dental cleanings, extractions, and treatment of dental disease. Like the wellness rider, it has a separate annual limit and does not explore your main deductible. Dental coverage is useful if your pet is prone to tooth decay or gum disease, though some vets recommend getting a dental cleaning before you add this rider, since pre-existing dental conditions are excluded.

The Behavioral Therapy Rider covers treatment for behavioral issues prescribed by a veterinarian, including anxiety, aggression, and compulsive behaviors. This rider also has its own annual limit. All three riders are optional — you can purchase your base policy alone or combine any of them.

How to file a claim with Petplan

After your vet visit, you file a claim by submitting your itemized vet receipt and medical records to Petplan. You can submit a claim online through your Petplan account, by mail, or by phone. The online method is fastest — you upload your receipt as a photo or PDF, and Petplan's system processes it when ready.

Petplan typically processes claims within 10 business days. Once approved, the company mails you a reimbursement check. Some claims are approved faster if they are straightforward (a single visit with a clear diagnosis), while complex cases with multiple treatments may take longer. You can check your claim status anytime by logging into your account online.

Keep in mind that Petplan reimburses based on the amount your vet charged, not based on a fee schedule. If your vet charges $500 for a procedure and your plan reimburses 80%, Petplan pays $400 (after your deductible). There is no negotiation between Petplan and your vet — the reimbursement is based on what you actually paid.

Petplan's age limits and underwriting process

Petplan will insure pets as young as 8 weeks old. There is no upper age limit — you can enroll a senior pet, though premiums increase significantly with age. When you sign up, Petplan asks for your pet's age, breed, and medical history. The company uses this information to assess risk and set your premium.

Petplan does not require a vet exam before you enroll, but the company does review your pet's medical records if you have them on file with your vet. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, Petplan will exclude it from coverage. The company defines pre-existing as any condition that showed symptoms or received treatment before your policy's start date.

Once your policy is active, you can use it when ready. There is no waiting period for accidents, though some conditions have a 14-day waiting period from the policy start date. This means if you enroll your pet on January 1st and your pet gets sick on January 5th, that illness is covered (assuming it is not pre-existing). Accidents are covered from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any veterinarian with Petplan?

Yes. Petplan does not have a network of preferred vets, so you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian in the United States or the UK and still file a claim. This includes emergency clinics, specialists, and your regular vet. Petplan reimburses based on what you actually paid, regardless of which vet you chose.

What happens if my pet has a pre-existing condition?

Pre-existing conditions are never covered by Petplan, even if your pet recovers from them before the policy starts. If your pet had diabetes, arthritis, or any other condition before your start date, that condition and any related treatments are permanently excluded. This exclusion applies for the life of the policy.

How long does it take to get reimbursed after I submit a claim?

Petplan typically processes claims within 10 business days and mails you a reimbursement check. straightforward claims may be approved faster. You can check your claim status anytime by logging into your online account. If you need faster reimbursement, contact Petplan directly to ask about expedited processing options.

Do I need to pay the vet bill upfront, or can Petplan pay them directly?

You pay your vet bill at the time of the visit. Petplan does not pay vets directly — the company reimburses you after you submit a claim. This means you need cash or a credit card available at each appointment. You then submit your receipt and medical records to Petplan for reimbursement.

What is the difference between Petplan's reimbursement percentage and my deductible?

Your deductible is a fixed amount you pay each year before Petplan starts reimbursing you. Your reimbursement percentage is how much Petplan pays of the remaining bill. If you have a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement, and your vet bill is $1,000, you pay $250 plus 20% of the remaining $750 ($150), for a total of $400 out of pocket.