Meta Description: In this post, you will find out if your pet insurance company will cover an emergency during your trip in the U.S. or abroad. The rules concerning this matter are clarified.
✈️ Traveling with Pets: Are You Covered?
It has been observed that pet owners are increasingly choosing to travel with their animals, local or international, for short or long periods.
Have you ever asked yourself the question:
“Will my pet insurance be useful in the event my pet falls ill or gets injured while we are traveling?”
Whether your pet insurance policy will cover your pet while you are traveling outside your home depends on the company, and the policy you signed up for. There are plans available that offer medical care coverage nationwide, but only some provide the same when you’re abroad.
This is where we come in.
US Pet Insurance Coverage
Many pet insurance companies in the United States go by the rule of covering any place in the country provided that:
- The vet is authorized.
- The treatment is covered by your policy.
- You send the claim form with the correct documentation.
✅ Example:
Analogy: If while on vacation, your dog ingests prohibited substances that are toxic and has to be quickly taken to a vet in another state, your insurance will be still the one to cover the expenses thereof just like it would be in the original place of residence.
Does Pet Insurance Cover International Travel?
Only some of the companies provide global coverage. However, there are a couple that do offer international protection, but only if it is for short trips.
🔍 Insurers That May Cover International Vet Visits
| Provider | Countries Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trupanion | U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico | Direct vet pay in network, U.S. mainly |
| Figo | Global (90 days) | Worldwide coverage for short-term travel |
| Fetch (Petplan) | U.S., Canada | International claims may be allowed |
What Does Travel Insurance Cover Abroad?
If your insurance plan allows for claims to be sent in from abroad, it is possible for you to get financial support in the following cases:
- Emergency vet visits
- Illnesses or injuries during travel
- Lab tests and diagnostics
- Prescribed medications
Similar to at your residence, preventive care (vaccines, check-ups) and pre-existing illnesses are frequently not covered by the insurance policy.
❌ Common Exclusions During Travel
Despite this, you may be restricted from making claims for these usual exclusions, even if your plan is a worldwide one:
- Quarantine costs
- Elective surgeries overseas
- Non-certified veterinarians
- Claims in languages other than English (unless translated)
- Treatment outside your policy’s time frame or trip length
How to Submit a Claim from Abroad
When filing a claim from the U.S. remotely, it is a familiar process and includes the following steps:
- Veterinarians must be first sought abroad.
- Itemized receipts (in English or the language you translate the receipt to) need to be collected.
- Keep a record of medical notes or a diagnostic report.
- Everything should be handed over by the portal or app of your insurance carrier.
You will most probably have to pay the bills first yourself and get the money back from the insurance company later.
🌐 Alternatives if Your Policy Doesn’t Cover Travel
If your provider doesn’t provide coverage overseas, go through the following ways to get it:
- Pet illness insurance (a few provide pet coverage)
- Temporary pet healthcare plans from foreign companies
- Services that are part of pet relocation and medical insurance
These can be used for vacations of a few long days, permanent relocation, or travel with animals that have health problems.