Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about the Spot difference.

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Most Commonly Asked

Pet insurance (also known as pet health insurance) is for paw-rents seeking a financial safety net in case their pet experiences accidents, injuries, illnesses, chronic conditions and more.

Pet insurance is similar to human health insurance in that it has:

Your annual deductible amount applies during each policy period. We subtract your chosen deductible from covered expenses before applying the reimbursement percentage.

SPOT allows you to select your reimbursement percentage. Once your deductible is met, you will be reimbursed according to the reimbursement percentage you select.

This is the amount you pay for pet health insurance. Fetch a free quote to see your premium figures today.

There is a 14 day waiting period for coverage. The waiting period begins on the first effective date of the applicable coverage. Any condition that occurs during an applicable waiting period is a pre-existing condition.

There is no waiting period for preventive care if you choose to add it to your plan. Find more information on preventative care here.

Illness, disease, injury, or change to your pet’s health that first occurs or shows symptoms before coverage is effective or during a waiting period. This includes conditions that are related to, secondary, or resultant from a pre-existing condition.

2. How Does Pet Insurance Work? Expand

Once you have your custom pet insurance policy and have paid your premium on a monthly or annual schedule, you carry on as usual!

When you need to visit the vet for a covered condition, you can submit a claim for reimbursement, which will include an itemized receipt from your vet visit.

3. What Does Pet Insurance Cover? Expand

If your pet shows signs or symptoms of a new covered accident or illness after enrollment, and after any applicable waiting period, it will be eligible for coverage. Our program covers medically necessary veterinary treatments, including but not limited to:

MRI or CT scans and X-rays
Poison control consultation fees
Prescription medications
Surgery and Hospitalization
Medical supplies (such as but not limited to bandages, casts and splints)
Cancer treatments
Treatment for behavioral problems
Microchip Implantation

For additional information please click here to see policy specific provisions related to this FAQ.

4. What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover? Expand

Some of the most common exclusions we encounter during the claims review process are:

Pre-existing conditions
Conditions occurring within policy waiting period(s)
Non-FDA treatment or supplements
Pet diets
Day care/boarding

5. What is Accident Only Coverage? Expand

Scroll through the list below to understand what is and is not covered for our Accident Only coverage.

Alternative therapy
End of life expenses
Intravenous (IV) fluids and medications
Medical supplies (such as but not limited to bandages, casts and splints)
MRI or CT scans and X-rays
Poison control consultation fees
Prescription food to treat a covered condition; not for general health maintenance, or prevention, even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Stem cell therapy
Supplements to treat a covered condition; not for general health maintenance, or prevention even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Surgery and hospitalization
Tooth extractions
Veterinary Treatment, including examinations, consultations, and laboratory tests.

Microchip Implantation
Microchip – Your policy covers microchip implantation by a veterinarian; not any associated fees for registration, monitoring or renewal. Exclusions
We will not pay for expenses related to any illness.
We will not pay for costs associated with or resulting from the following:

Aesthetic, cosmetic, endodontic dental services such as caps, crowns or crown amputation, fillings, implants, and root canals or planing.
Anal sac (gland) expression and/or resection when no infection is present
Boarding
Breeding, pregnancy, whelping or nursing
Conditions that occur during a waiting period
Cosmetic and elective prostheses or procedures (including but not limited to claw removal, ear cropping, and tail docking)
Dental cleanings unless used to treat a covered illness or covered by an applicable endorsement
Experimental or investigational treatment or medication (including clinical trials) that is not generally accepted in the veterinary medical community as effective or proven
Grooming or grooming supplies (including but not limited to non-prescription baths, ear cleanings, non-prescription shampoos, and nail trims).
Herbs
House call fees, time and travel expenses to and from the veterinarian’s premises or hospital.
Illness or injury that results from intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent activities or from failure to perform actions commonly accepted as responsible pet care by you, a member of your household or a caregiver for your pet.
Non-medical supplies such as but not limited to toys, training devices, and leashes.
Non-Veterinary services (including but not limited to administrative fees, medical records expenses, medical waste, postage, and tax).
Pre-existing Conditions that occurred on or before the effective date of the policy or during a waiting period.
Prescription food, pet food, diets or treats used for prevention or general health maintenance (including weight loss)even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Preventive care without an occurrence (including but not limited to general health maintenance diagnostics, laboratory procedures, medications, physical examinations, and surgery) unless covered by an applicable endorsement.
Supplements and vitamins used for prevention or general health maintenance (including weight loss) even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Veterinary expenses related to coursing, organized fighting, law enforcement or guarding, personal protection or racing.

6. What Does Spot Cover? Expand

Alternative therapy
End of life expenses
Intravenous (IV) fluids and medications
Medical supplies (such as but not limited to bandages, casts and splints)
MRI or CT scans and X-rays
Poison control consultation fees
Prescription food to treat a covered condition; not for general health maintenance, or prevention, even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Stem cell therapy
Supplements to treat a covered condition; not for general health maintenance, or prevention even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Surgery and hospitalization
Tooth extractions
Veterinary Treatment, including examinations, consultations, and laboratory tests.

Illness Benefits
Your policy also reimburses actual costs for covered expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, up to the

applicable limits, exclusions and limitations. Eligible illness expenses are:

Expenses listed above under accident benefits when applicable to illness.
Cancer treatments (including but not limited to chemotherapy and radiation treatment).
Treatment for behavioral problems if performed by a veterinarian or through a written referral by a veterinarian to a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.

Microchip Implantation
Microchip – Your policy covers microchip implantation by a veterinarian; not any associated fees for registration, monitoring or renewal.

We will not pay for costs associated with or resulting from the following:

Aesthetic, cosmetic, endodontic dental services such as caps, crowns or crown amputation, fillings, implants and root canals or planing.
Anal sac (gland) expression and/or resection when no infection is present
Boarding
Breeding, pregnancy, whelping or nursing
Conditions that occur during a waiting period
Cosmetic and elective prostheses or procedures (including but not limited to claw removal, ear cropping and tail docking)
Dental cleanings unless used to treat a covered illness or covered by an applicable endorsement
Experimental or investigational treatment or medication (including clinical trials) that is not generally accepted in the veterinary medical community as effective or proven
Grooming or grooming supplies (including but not limited to non-prescription baths, ear cleanings, non-prescription shampoos and nail trims).
Herbs
House call fees, time and travel expenses to and from the veterinarian’s premises or hospital.
Illness or injury that results from intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent activities or from failure to perform actions commonly accepted as responsible pet care by you, a member of your household or a caregiver for your pet.
Non-medical supplies such as but not limited to toys, training devices, and leashes.
Non-Veterinary services (including but not limited to administrative fees, medical records expenses, medical waste, postage and tax).
Pre-existing Conditions that occurred on or before the effective date of the policy or during a waiting period.
Prescription food, pet food, diets or treats used for prevention or general health maintenance (including weight loss)even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Preventive care without an occurrence (including but not limited to general health maintenance diagnostics, laboratoryprocedures, medications, physical examinations and surgery) unless covered by an applicable endorsement.
Supplements and vitamins used for prevention or general health maintenance (including weight loss) even if prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian.
Veterinary expenses related to coursing, organized fighting, law enforcement or guarding, personal protection or racing.

7. What is a Pre-Existing Condition? Expand

No pet insurance provider covers pre-existing conditions, though each may define a pre-existing condition differently. We define a pre-existing condition as a health problem that occurs before coverage is effective or during a waiting period. However, we will no longer consider a condition to be pre-existing if your pet has been cured of it and without treatment for it or symptoms of it for 180 days, with the exception of knee and ligament conditions. If a knee or ligament condition occurs before the coverage effective date or during a waiting period, any future ones won’t be covered.

8. What is the Best Age to Insure My Pet? Expand

SPOT doesn’t place an upper limit on age, but advises all paw-rents to insure their pet at a young age (8 weeks or older, that is). Don’t let your pet develop a “pre-existing condition” before they’re insured.

9. Does Spot Offer a Plan for Preventative Care or Wellness? Expand

Yes, you can add preventative care and wellness to your Spot policy for a little more cost. When you add preventive coverage, you’ll be reimbursed up to the scheduled amount for things that help protect your pet from getting sick. You don’t have to satisfy your deductible before you can be reimbursed, and there is no waiting period.

10. How Does Spot Calculate My Premium? Expand

11. Does Spot Have a Money-Back Guarantee? Expand

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so feel free to take a look and see what SPOT can do for you and your pet. If, within the first 30 days of your policy you wish to cancel, we will provide you with a full refund of the premium amount, provided you have not had a claim covered. If you cancel your policy after the first 30 days or if you have claim covered, any possible refund is subject to state regulations.

*Assuming no claims have been filed. Not available in NY.

12. Can I Sign My Pet Up Anytime? Expand

Yes! Because there’s no equivalent of an Open Enrollment period, you can buy and drop pet health insurance at any time.

That’s why if you buy pet insurance early, your furry friend will be covered long before they develop any medical conditions and you’re more likely to have ailments covered going forward.

13. View a sample policy Expand

Coverage

1. Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying Expand

Spot’s Platinum Preventive Care plan reimburses up to $150 on spaying/neutering with no deductible. The Platinum Preventive Care is available as an add-on to your coverage for $24.95/month and provides a total annual benefit of $450 in routine care allowance.

See the breakdown of what our Preventive Care plans cover.

2. Does Pet Insurance Cover Cremation? Expand

When related to a covered condition, Spot covers end of life expenses for euthanasia, burial, and cremation; but not memorial items. We don’t want finances to add another layer of stress to an end of life chapter.

3. Does Pet Insurance Cover Exam Fees? Expand

Not all insurances cover exam fees; SPOT does. Examinations related to covered conditions are eligible for reimbursement.

Routine wellness exams are only covered under SPOT’s Preventive Care plans, which you can add on to your base coverage for a little extra cost.

4. Can I Get Reimbursed for Routine Teeth Cleanings? Expand

Accident & Illness Plans only cover dental issues related to an injury or an illness. To get reimbursed on routine cleanings for your dog or cat’s general wellbeing, you’ll need to add preventive coverage to your base plan.

5. Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions? Expand

However, we will no longer consider a condition to be pre-existing if your pet has been cured of it and without treatment for it or symptoms of it for 180 days, with the exception of knee and ligament conditions. If a knee or ligament condition occurs before the coverage effective date or during a waiting period, any future ones won’t be covered.

6. What is a Pre-Existing Condition? Expand
A pre-existing condition is any injury or illness which occurred or had symptoms before the start of your pet’s policy, or during a relevant waiting period. A condition is considered pre-existing whether or not it’s been officially diagnosed or treated; all that matters is when it occurred or symptoms first displayed.

7. Are There Any Incident or Lifetime Caps on Coverage? Expand

With Spot, there is no type of per incident limits or lifetime caps.

8. Can I Get Pet Insurance for a Rescue Dog/Cat? Expand

Yes, Spot loves supporting rescues! We can’t insure pets while they are still in the care of the shelter and we can’t insure pets under 8 weeks old. Other than that, bring them on!

What if I don’t have medical records from my vet?

That’s okay, we know your rescue might not have a vet history with you yet. Just make sure you keep records for future visits so you can submit all the information in a claim.

9. Is Pet Insurance More Expensive for Rescues? Expand

Premiums depend on factors like location, customized plan variables, and dog age and breed. The fact that your pet is a rescue will not factor into the price of your premium.

Getting Started

1. How do I Determine if My Pet Has a Pre-existing Condition? Expand

Identifying a pre-existing condition is simple. If it’s an accident or illness and the symptoms weren’t present and it didn’t occur before your enrollment or during the waiting periods, the condition is not pre-existing. However, if the condition occurred or symptoms began before you enrolled or during a waiting period, it will be considered pre-existing and not eligible for coverage.

2. Are There Any Types of Incident or Lifetime Caps? Expand

With SPOT, there is no type of per incident limits or lifetime caps.

3. Are There Any Age Requirements for Spot Pet Insurance Policies? Expand

We will insure any cat or dog that is at least 8 weeks old with no upper age limits.

4. What if I’m Not Sure About My Pet’s Age? Expand

If you do not know the exact date of birth of your pet, please use your best estimate based on your pet’s medical records or shelter/rescue documentation. We will validate the correct age when reviewing your pet’s medical records.

5. What Medical Records are Needed From My Veterinarian? Expand

Medical records for your pet include doctor’s notes, laboratory results, and other documentation regarding any of your pet’s visits to the veterinarian. These notes are kept by your veterinarian and are not typically sent home with you. If you are filing your first claim, you will need to submit the itemized invoice.

6. Is There a Waiting Period for Pet Insurance? Expand

Yes, starting from the effective date of your policy. There’s a 14 day waiting period for every state.

For additional information please call to speak with SPOT’s licensed insurance agent at

7. Does Spot Offer Pet Insurance Discounts? Expand

10% off each additional pet that is added.

8. Is There a Multi-Pet Insurance Discount? Expand

Yes. Spot offers 10% off for additional pets, with the discount coming off the lower premium.

Administrative

1. Can I Change My Pet’s Coverage? Expand

For questions about upgrading or downgrading your policy – including terms and conditions – please contact Spot Customer Service for more information: 1.800.905.1595 or email [email protected]. You can also make changes by logging into the customer portal at spotpetins.com

2. Can I Transfer My Policy to a New Owner? Expand

If the ownership of your pet changes to another individual, we are able to transfer the policy to the new pet owner without any interruption of coverage. To process this request, you will need to submit proof of new ownership, including the new owner’s full name, address and phone number. We will also need to update the billing portion of the policy to include the new customer’s preferred payment method prior to processing the policy transfer.

In order to start the transfer of ownership policy change, please reach out to Spot Customer Service.

3. What Happens to My Pet Insurance if I Move? Expand

If you move within your current state, you are able to adjust your address via the “Account Information” section in the Spot Customer Portal. You will also need to update your billing address there as well.

Note: your premium may change based on your new zip code.

If you are moving to a new state, please contact the Spot Customer Service team at 1.800.905.1595 We will need to assist in transferring your policy to your new state, in order to maintain your pre-existing conditions history.

4. How Do I Cancel My Policy? Expand

We’d be sorry to see you go, but if you still want to cancel your policy, you must contact us via email, telephone or in writing to advise us of the future date when this policy is to cancel.

5. How Do I Appeal My Claim? Expand

The number of days to appeal a claim varies by the state in which your policy was issued.

Once your appeal has been received by our Claims Department, you will receive an email confirmation. Note: Appeals may take around 30 days to be reviewed.

6. Do I Pay Vet Bills Up Front? Expand

With pet insurance, you pay your vet bill as you normally would, and then you submit your claim to SPOT to get reimbursed based on the parameters of your coverage.

7. Can I Cancel an Insurance Claim? Expand

Yes. If you need to cancel your claim request for any reason, you can do so by calling the call center: 1.855.921.3025.

Renewal

1. How Do I Renew My Policy? Expand

Unless you notify us that you want to cancel or we advise that your policy will not be renewed, we will automatically issue you a new policy at the end of each policy period. Coverage and rates are subject to change at renewal. Your renewal declarations page will specify the coverage and rates that apply. You accept these changes by renewing your policy. We may decide to not renew your coverage at the end of any policy period. In this case, at least 60 days before your coverage ends, we will mail written notice to you at your address as shown on the declarations page.

2. Why Does Pet Insurance Go Up? Expand

These necessary increases provide you the opportunity to offer your pet the best medical treatment options available.

Additionally, your premium will be affected by your pet’s age each year, as the risk for more costly claims grows higher. Spot strives to provide coverage well into your pet’s old-age by not placing upper-age limitations on our policies. However, your premium will not increase due to filing a claim.

Member Center FAQ’s

1. How Do I File A Claim? Expand

Claims can be submitted easily through our login page.

2. Should I Include My Pet’s Medical Records With a Claim? Expand

If we do need medical records, we’ll contact your veterinarian directly, but it may speed up the process if you send them in with your claim.

3. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? Expand

You can submit a claim within 270 days from the date of treatment.

4. How Can I Find Out the Status of a Claim? Expand

We’ll email you when we receive your claim, if we need more information and when it’s complete. You can also check on the status of your claims anytime through our login page.

5. Do You Have a List of Veterinarians I Have to Use? Expand

You can visit any licensed veterinarian in the US, including specialists and emergency care clinics.

6. How Does My Billing Work? Expand

Your payments are processed automatically using the payment method and frequency we have on file. If you need to update your billing information, you can make changes by signing in on our login page.

7. What if I Want to Add Pets to My Account? Expand

Click the Add A Pet link on the home page of the Member center to fill in your pet’s information and select coverage. Access the member center through our login page.

Consumer App FAQs

1. How Do I File A Claim? Expand

Click the Claims icon and follow the simple instructions. Don’t forget to take a picture of your invoice and upload it to complete the claim submission.

2. How Can I Find Out the Status of a Claim? Expand

We’ll email you when we receive your claim, if we need more information and when it’s complete. You can also check on the status of your claims anytime by clicking on the claims icon.

3. How Does My Billing Work? Expand

Your payments are processed automatically using the payment method and frequency we have on file. If you need to update your billing information, you can make changes by clicking on the Billing icon.

4. What if I Want to Add Pets to My Account? Expand

You can add a pet in the Member Center through our login page or by calling us: 1.800.905.1595