Pet insurance brings peace of mind when it comes to unexpected vet bills. But life gets busy, and sometimes, payments can slip through the cracks. If you’ve missed a payment or think you might, here’s what to expect and how to avoid losing coverage for your furry friend.
Late Payments Are Common But Timing Matters
Pet insurance companies typically bill monthly, just like many other types of insurance. If your payment is late by a few days, most providers won’t immediately cancel your policy. Instead, they may offer a grace period, usually lasting from 7 to 30 days. During this time, you can still make the missed payment and keep your coverage intact.
However, once the grace period ends, things can get complicated. Some companies will cancel your policy automatically, which means any future claims will be denied, even for conditions that may have started before the policy lapsed.
What Happens During a Lapse in Coverage?
A lapse in coverage can create significant problems, especially if your pet gets sick or injured while your policy isn’t active. Even if you reinstate the policy later, most insurers will treat it as a brand new plan, meaning:
- Pre-existing conditions may no longer be covered
- You’ll likely face new waiting periods
- Your monthly premium might increase
If your pet develops a health issue during the gap, you may end up paying entirely out of pocket—even for conditions that would’ve been covered before.
Can You Reinstate a Canceled Policy?
It depends on the provider. Some insurers allow you to reinstate a policy within a short window of time, but they may require you to pay any missed premiums and may reassess your pet’s health status.
Others might require you to reapply altogether, starting from scratch. That means going through the underwriting process again and facing new exclusions or limitations.
How to Avoid Missing a Payment
To stay on top of your pet insurance, try the following:
- Set up auto-pay through your bank or the insurance company
- Mark your premium due dates on your calendar
- Sign up for email or SMS payment reminders
- Keep your billing information updated in case of expired cards or failed charges
Consistent payments are key to uninterrupted protection for your pet. It’s also worth reading the fine print of your policy to understand exactly how your provider handles late or missed payments.
When in Doubt, Contact Customer Service
If you realize you’ve missed a payment or if your bank declines a charge, don’t wait. Call or email your insurer right away. Many companies are willing to work with you if you reach out before your coverage is terminated. They may offer a short extension or walk you through the steps to get your policy back on track.
Missing a payment on your pet insurance doesn’t always mean immediate cancellation, but it can put your coverage and your pet’s care at risk if not addressed quickly. Keep your payment schedule in check, and if something goes wrong, act fast. Your pet’s health and your wallet will thank you later.
