Written by: Monica Florez | Insurance Specialist at InsuRabbit.com | Updated on: October 20, 2026
What to do after getting pet insurance comes down to a few simple steps: read your policy, note when coverage starts, organize your pet’s records, and learn how claims work before you need them. Taking care of these steps now helps you avoid surprises at the vet and get reimbursed faster when your pet needs care.
Quick answer: After you buy pet insurance, (1) read your policy’s coverage, exclusions, and limits, (2) note your waiting period and start date, (3) gather your pet’s medical records, (4) learn how and when to file a claim, (5) use any wellness benefits, and (6) review your coverage once a year.
1. Read your policy carefully
Your first job is simple: read the policy documents your insurer sends. Even if you compared plans before you bought, the policy itself is what decides your claims.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), pet insurance policies typically fall into three levels: accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness coverage, and each level covers and excludes different services. Therefore, as you read, look for:
- What your plan covers: accidents, illnesses, or routine care. Our guide to what pet insurance typically covers explains the main categories.
- What it excludes: the NAIC notes that most pet insurers exclude pre-existing, hereditary, and congenital conditions. For more detail, see common pet insurance exclusions and how insurers handle pre-existing conditions.
- Your deductible, reimbursement rate, and limits: these three numbers decide how much you pay out of pocket for each claim.
If anything is unclear, call your insurer now rather than after your pet gets sick.
2. Know when your coverage actually starts
Most pet insurance does not start the moment you buy it. Instead, policies usually include a waiting period. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) explains that vet bills are only eligible for reimbursement after a mandatory waiting period has passed.
Waiting periods vary by insurer and by state. For example, Rhode Island’s Pet Insurance Act, effective January 1, 2026, bars waiting periods for accidents and caps waiting periods for illnesses and orthopedic conditions at 30 days. It also requires insurers to disclose waiting periods before you buy. Other states have different rules, so check your own policy for your exact dates.
Meanwhile, keep your pet safe and up to date on routine care until coverage begins. For a deeper look, read our explainer on how pet insurance waiting periods work.
3. Organize your pet’s health records
Next, gather your pet’s medical history in one place. Insurers often review past records when you file a claim, especially to check whether a condition started before your coverage did.
Keep these documents together:
- Vaccination history; see our overview of dog and cat vaccinations
- Records of past illnesses, injuries, and surgeries
- Routine checkup notes
- Current prescriptions; learn whether your plan includes coverage for medication
The AAHA advises owners to keep copies of all invoices, receipts, and medical records for future reference. A simple folder on your phone or computer works well, because you can upload documents quickly when you file a claim.
4. Talk to your vet about your new coverage
Tell your veterinarian that your pet now has insurance. In most cases, you can keep seeing the same vet. However, payment works differently than with human health insurance.
The NAIC states that most pet insurance policies pay on a reimbursement basis. In other words, you typically pay the vet bill yourself and then file a claim to get money back. A few insurers offer ways to pay the clinic directly, so ask your insurer whether that option exists and whether your clinic accepts it.
In addition, ask your vet’s office to provide itemized invoices and to send records promptly when your insurer requests them. As a result, your claims will move faster.
5. Learn how to file a claim before you need to
Filing your first claim during an emergency is stressful. So, learn the process now, while things are calm.
Most insurers accept claims online, through an app, or by email. Typically, you will need:
- An itemized invoice from your vet
- Proof of payment, such as a receipt
- Medical records for the visit, including the diagnosis and treatment
The AAHA recommends including all relevant documents, such as itemized invoices, receipts, and medical records, when you submit a claim. Also, check your policy for a filing deadline, since some insurers limit how long after a visit you can submit. Our step-by-step guide covers how to submit a pet insurance claim in more detail.
6. Make the most of your benefits
Once your coverage is active, use it wisely.
- Use wellness benefits if you have them. If your plan includes routine care, schedule checkups, vaccines, and other covered services so you do not leave benefits unused. Notably, the AVMA reports that the NAIC’s Pet Insurance Model Act requires insurers to clearly separate non-insurance wellness programs from insurance policies, so confirm which one you have.
- Keep up with preventive care. Regular visits can catch problems early, when treatment is often simpler.
- Know what counts as an emergency. Read about emergency vet visit coverage and dental care coverage, two areas where policies often differ.
7. Review your coverage every year
Finally, your pet’s needs change as they age, and so do insurance prices. For that reason, review your policy at each renewal. Check whether your premium changed, whether your deductible and reimbursement rate still fit your budget, and whether your pet needs different coverage.
If your price jumps, compare other options. Our guides explain how often to shop around for pet insurance and ways to save money on pet insurance. Before you switch, however, remember that a new policy may come with a new waiting period and may treat existing conditions as pre-existing.
Frequently asked questions
When does pet insurance start covering my pet?
Usually after a waiting period, which varies by insurer and state. For example, Rhode Island’s Pet Insurance Act bars waiting periods for accidents and caps illness waiting periods at 30 days. Check your policy for your exact start dates.
Do I pay the vet or does the insurer?
In most cases, you pay first. According to the NAIC, most pet insurance policies pay on a reimbursement basis, so you pay the vet and then file a claim to get money back.
What documents do I need to file a pet insurance claim?
Usually an itemized invoice, proof of payment, and the medical records for the visit. The AAHA recommends including all relevant documents when you submit a claim.
Can I keep my current vet after getting pet insurance?
In most cases, yes. Because most policies reimburse you rather than paying the clinic, you can usually visit any licensed veterinarian. Confirm the details in your policy.
Does pet insurance cover conditions my pet already had?
Usually not. The NAIC notes that most pet insurers exclude pre-existing conditions, as well as hereditary and congenital conditions.
How much does pet insurance reimburse?
It depends on your plan. The AAHA notes that most policies reimburse between 60% and 100% of eligible expenses after your deductible, up to your policy’s limits.
The bottom line
So, what should you do after getting pet insurance? Read your policy, note your waiting period, organize your pet’s records, talk to your vet, and learn the claims process before you need it. Then, use your benefits and review your coverage every year. If you are still choosing a plan or want to see whether you can do better, you can compare pet insurance quotes on InsuRabbit at no cost.
