What is a reimbursement percentage?
The reimbursement percentage is the share of the eligible bill you get back once the deductible is met. Commonly offered at 70%, 80% or 90%, though the options vary by provider and sometimes by state.
The percentage applies to eligible costs only
This is the single most misunderstood point. The percentage is applied after ineligible items are removed — which may include exam fees, taxes, and anything the policy excludes. A policy reimbursing 90% of a narrowly defined eligible amount can pay less in practice than one reimbursing 70% of a broader one.
Benefit schedules versus actual cost
Most modern US policies reimburse a percentage of your actual vet bill. Some older or cheaper products instead pay from a benefit schedule — a fixed maximum per condition regardless of what you were charged. That distinction matters enormously in a high-cost area, and it is worth confirming explicitly which model a policy uses.
Choosing a level
A higher percentage means a higher premium and a smaller share of each bill falling to you. As with the deductible, the sensible choice depends on whether you are insuring against routine expense or against a bill large enough to be a genuine problem.
Common questions
Are exam fees included?
Sometimes, and sometimes only as a paid add-on. Because exam fees recur with every visit, this is worth checking directly rather than assuming.
Can I change my reimbursement percentage later?
Often at renewal, though changes may be subject to review and anything diagnosed in the meantime will normally be treated as pre-existing. Ask the provider about their specific rules.
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The comparison tool narrows the list based on your pet and what you want covered. It does not recommend a policy — that decision depends on your pet's history and your finances.
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