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Home > How VPI Works 
How Reimbursements Work
Typically pet insurance providers use one of two methods in determining reimbursements: a benefit schedule, which identifies how much is available per incident, or “reasonable and customary fees,” which can change based on the insurer’s discretion.

VPI uses a benefit schedule which is filed with the Department of Insurance (DOI) so policyholders know how much reimbursement is available for their pet’s accidents, injuries and illnesses.

No Surprises
VPI policies renew annually, and claims filed during a pet's annual policy term are not considered to be "pre-existing" or "exclusionary" upon renewal to the next policy term. VPI also offers unlimited benefits for the lifetime of your pet.

Real-Life Examples
Want to know how a VPI insurance policy can help? Here are some examples of actual claims filed by VPI policyholders.

A three-year-old Alaskan Husky in Vancouver, Wash., suffered multiple lacerations after being attacked by another dog in February 2007.
Veterinary invoice* Amount paid by policyholder Benefit schedule allowance per-incident** Amount reimbursed by VPI under the pet's Superior Plan
Comprehensive exam and treatment fees (medications and laceration stitching) $224.08 $275.00 $224.08
Anesthesia $37.00 $95.00 $37.00
Total claim amount filed with VPI $261.08   $261.08
VPI per-incident deductible     -$50.00
Sub-total of eligible expenses     $211.08
Eligible expenses x 90%*** = total reimbursement     $189.97

*Veterinary fees vary state to state, per your veterinarian's discretion.
**The benefit allowance amount replenishes with each new incident. An incident is a new condition that causes you to consult a veterinarian. Chronic or ongoing conditions, such as allergic dermatitis, are considered to be one incident no matter how many times a veterinarian is consulted.
***VPI pays 90% of covered veterinary expenses up to the benefit schedule, less your $50 per-incident deductible.


A two-year-old Border collie in Encino, Calif., swallows a toy in February 2007 and requires surgery, hospitalization, medication and follow-up care.
Veterinary invoice* Amount paid by policyholder Benefit schedule allowance per-incident** Amount reimbursed by VPI under the pet's Superior Plan
Comprehensive exam and surgical treatment fees (including medications and laceration stitching) $1114.00 $936.00 $936.00
Anesthesia $156.00 $123.00 $123.00
Total claim amount filed with VPI $1270.00   $1059.00
VPI per-incident deductible     -$50.00
Sub-total of eligible expenses     $1009.00
Eligible expenses x 90%*** = total reimbursement     $908.10

*Veterinary fees vary state to state, per your veterinarian's discretion.
**The benefit allowance amount replenishes with each new incident. An incident is a new condition that causes you to consult a veterinarian. Chronic or ongoing conditions, such as allergic dermatitis, are considered to be one incident no matter how many times a veterinarian is consulted.
***VPI pays 90% of covered veterinary expenses up to the benefit schedule, less your $50 per-incident deductible.


Using Your VPI Policy Is Easy
  1. Visit your veterinarian.
    Pay for treatment at the time of service
  2. Submit your claim to VPI.
    Fax or mail your one-page claim form with receipts for processing
  3. Receive a reimbursement check.
    After a $50 per-incident deductible, VPI reimburses up to 90% of your plan's eligible benefit schedule allowance
Enrollment is Simple
VPI offers affordable protection that fits your budget. Get a free quote or enroll online today, or contact one of our licenced pet insurance specialists at 888-899-4VPI. Our trained specialists are on hand to guide you through our easy enrollment process.

America Chooses VPI Pet Insurance
A VPI Pet Insurance policy allows you to make optimal healthcare decisions for your pet based on his needs and your veterinarian's recommendation, rather than on the cost of treatment. The nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, VPI has helped protect more than one million pets since 1982.
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The Nation's Oldest and Largest Provider of Pet Health Insurance
Underwritten by: Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA
National Casualty Company (Nat'l), Madison, WI an A+15 rated company
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Products available through this site are only available for residents of the United States.
In Canada, please contact Pet Plan at www.petplan.com.

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