Pet Insurance

Where can I find information about pet insurance?

Pet insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when your pet needs care. To help simplify the process, Rainbow Veterinary Hospital works with Outrider Pet Insurance Agency as a free educational resource for our clients.

Outrider Pet Insurance Agency helps pet owners compare available pet insurance options across multiple carriers and better understand how different policies work. Their guidance focuses on explaining common coverage features, such as diagnostics, treatments, procedures, medications, and emergency care, so you can make informed decisions based on your needs and budget.

This is a no-cost, one-on-one educational service designed to help you:

  • Shop policies
  • Understand differences between policy structures
  • Avoid common pitfalls in policy fine print
  • Compare coverage features without pressure

Here’s how to get in touch:

Please add FAQs:

Pet Insurance & Veterinary Care: Common Questions Answered

Pet insurance can help pet owners manage the cost of unexpected veterinary care. At Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, we frequently receive questions about how pet insurance works, what it covers, and what role the veterinary team plays in the claims process. The information below is provided to help clients understand the basics before or after a visit.

What is pet insurance and how does it work?

Pet insurance is health insurance for pets that helps reimburse eligible veterinary expenses.
Most pet insurance plans are accepted everywhere and typically operate on a reimbursement model.

How it generally works:

  • Visit Rainbow Veterinary Hospital for care
  • Pay your invoice at checkout
  • Submit a claim to your insurance provider
  • Receive reimbursement based on your policy’s deductible, reimbursement percentage, and coverage limits

Some insurers may offer options that allow payment directly to the veterinary hospital, depending on the plan.

What does pet insurance typically cover?

Coverage varies by insurer and by policy. Comprehensive accident and illness plans are designed to help reimburse eligible expenses related to unexpected medical care, which may include:

  • Diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, ultrasound, X-rays)
  • Procedures and surgeries
  • Medications
  • Hospitalization and ongoing treatment
  • And more

Eligible conditions may include new injuries (such as fractures), infections, chronic illnesses, and certain hereditary or congenital conditions once waiting periods are met. Coverage is always subject to policy terms, exclusions, deductibles, reimbursement levels, and annual benefit limits, and typically do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Many pet owners choose pet insurance for financial predictability and peace of mind.
Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly, allowing for more sophisticated diagnostics and treatments. Insurance can help reduce financial pressure when unexpected medical needs arise, so care decisions are not based solely on immediate out-of-pocket cost.

When is the best time to get pet insurance?

Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
For this reason, enrolling when a pet is young and healthy generally provides broader coverage options later in life. Accidents and illnesses can occur at any age, and having coverage in place before symptoms develop may improve eligibility for future claims.

How much does pet insurance cost?

Pet insurance costs vary widely based on the pet and the plan selected. Pricing is commonly influenced by:

  • Pet age
  • Breed
  • Location
  • Gender
  • Chosen deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limits

Monthly premiums can range significantly depending on these factors and the level of coverage selected.

What is the veterinarian responsible for?

At Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, our responsibility is medical care– not insurance decisions.
Our role includes:

  • Performing physical examinations and recommending appropriate diagnostics and treatments
  • Providing treatment estimates when requested or required for certain procedures (such as surgeries or dental procedures)
  • Supplying medical records (exam notes, diagnostic results, treatment plans) if requested by the insurance company
  • Clarifying medical information with insurers when needed

What is the veterinarian not responsible for?

Veterinarians do not determine insurance coverage, claim approval, or reimbursement amounts.
Coverage decisions are made solely by the insurance company based on the policy language and the medical record. Medical records are legal documents and must accurately reflect clinical findings; they cannot be altered, omitted, or rewritten at a client’s request for insurance purposes.

Does Rainbow Veterinary Hospital help with pet insurance claims?

We support clients by providing accurate medical documentation and responding to record-related questions.
If a claim is denied or requires clarification, clients should first contact their insurance provider for an explanation. Clients are also welcome to contact our team so we can review the medical records involved and confirm that all appropriate information was submitted.

Important information

Pet insurance coverage, pricing, and availability vary by insurer and policy. Policies may include waiting periods, deductibles, co-insurance, annual limits, exclusions, and may not cover pre-existing conditions. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage determinations are governed solely by the terms of the individual policy issued by the insurance company.