The reimbursement percentage (also called the reimbursement rate or co-insurance) determines how much of your eligible vet bill the insurer pays after you’ve met your deductible.
At 80% reimbursement: you pay 20% of eligible costs above the deductible. At 90%: you pay 10%. At 100% (Figo only): you pay nothing above the deductible.
What “eligible costs” means
Not every line on a vet bill is eligible. Carriers exclude exam fees, preventive care (without a wellness add-on), pre-existing conditions, and non-covered treatments. Your reimbursement percentage applies only to the eligible portion. Always check what is and isn’t included before comparing rates.
Choosing your reimbursement rate
Most carriers let you choose at enrollment. Higher reimbursement = higher monthly premium.
| Reimbursement rate | Approximate premium effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | Lowest premium | Budget-conscious; cat with low expected claims |
| 80% | Middle ground | Most cat owners; standard recommendation |
| 90% | Higher premium | Breeds with high hereditary risk; older cats |
| 100% (Figo) | Highest premium | Owners who want zero residual cost above deductible |
Reimbursement percentage vs annual limit interaction
Your reimbursement percentage works in combination with your annual coverage limit. At 80% reimbursement with a $10,000 annual limit: your insurer pays 80% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per year. If you have a $15,000 claim, you pay 20% of $10,000 ($2,000 in co-pay) plus the full $5,000 above the annual limit.
Carriers with no annual limit — Trupanion and Healthy Paws — remove the second constraint entirely. The reimbursement percentage still applies, but there’s no ceiling on total payout per year.
The reimbursement wait
Most carriers operate on a reimbursement model: you pay the full vet bill at checkout, then submit a claim, and the insurer reimburses your eligible share. Trupanion is the exception — they can pay the vet directly, so you only pay your 10% share and the deductible at the time of treatment.
If cash flow matters — if a $3,000 vet bill at checkout is a problem even knowing you’ll be reimbursed — factor the direct-payment model into your carrier comparison.