Can Vets Treat Their Own Pets & File Pet Insurance Claims?
Kari Steere | Licensed Insurance Producer - Pawlicy Advisor
As many as?91% of veterinarians own a pet, and these four-legged friends can suffer from injuries and illnesses just like any other pet might.?When this happens, vets may be inclined to apply their professional expertise to their companions like any other patient. But just because you may work in a vet office or animal hospital doesn’t mean the cost of care is “on the house”; bills can still be costly, especially when managing ongoing conditions like cancer or glaucoma.
Many veterinary professionals enroll their pets in health insurance because they know the valuable financial support and peace of mind a plan can provide. However, if you’re a vet (or a family member of one) enrolled in a policy, note that not all providers allow vets to treat their own pets then file an insurance claim for reimbursement.
Can a vet treat their own pet and file a pet insurance claim?
It depends; some of the most popular pet insurance providers — including Embrace, ASPCA, and MetLife — do not allow vets to treat their own pets and/or their family members' pets.
One of the main reasons why this is not allowed is because it introduces the?possibility of insurance fraud?(concealment of?pre-existing conditions, cost markup for higher reimbursement, treatment may not actually be a medical necessity, etc). In addition, these providers believe that?unbiased care may be in the animal's best interest.?
Other insurers like Prudent Pet and Pets Best have no restrictions in place, whereas Figo only allows vets to treat family members’ pets but not their own. However, according to these companies’ policies,?treatment must occur at the veterinary practice?(i.e. not at the vet’s home kitchen or living room). They also require the vet to?keep the same files and paperwork as any other patient.
However, some?pet insurance providers have regulations against claims by veteraniarians for their own animals.
Pet Insurance Policies on Vets Treating Their Own Pets
Can a vet treat their own pet if they’re not filing an insurance claim?
Yes, a vet can treat their own pet if they’re not filing an insurance claim. In fact, it is often considered one of the perks of the job.
In human medicine, there are restrictions related to providing care to family members because “professional objectivity may be compromised when an immediate family member or the a physician is the patient.”?According to the AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics,?such restrictions don’t exist when it comes to veterinary care.
Although AVMA does not specify that veterinarians cannot treat their own pets, it does offer some general guidelines.
What the AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics Say
2.1. A veterinarian should first consider the needs of the patient to prevent and relieve disease, suffering, or disability while minimizing pain or fear.
2.2. Regardless of practice ownership, the interests of the patient, client, and public require that all decisions that affect diagnosis and treatment of patients are made by veterinarians in the context of a VCPR.
2.3. Attending veterinarians are responsible for choosing the treatment regimen for their patients. It is the attending veterinarian's responsibility to inform the client of the expected results and costs, and the related risks of each treatment regimen.
3.2. Local or state veterinary associations have a responsibility to monitor and guide the professional conduct of their members. Members of local and state committees are familiar with local customs and circumstances, and those committees are in the best position to confer with all parties involved. Local and state veterinary associations should consider adopting the Principles or a similar code as a guide for their activities and include discussions of ethical issues in their continuing education programs. The AVMA Board of Governors may address complaints prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to review at the state or local level, as it deems appropriate.
3.10. Veterinarians shall disclose to clients potential conflicts of interest.
4.1. A veterinarian should obey all laws of the jurisdictions in which they reside and practice veterinary medicine.
Can a vet diagnose their own pet?
Yes, a vet can diagnose their pet as a patient if they're qualified to do so?(and if they are not filing an insurance claim).?
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Here’s what the veterinary community says:
“I have often treated my own pets, even performed surgery on them, but I also seek input from colleagues when I want to be sure I have not missed any symptoms and made a correct diagnosis.” - Sif Traustadottir, Veterinarian
“Many do of course, but within the limits of what they have ready access to for diagnostic and treatment equipment. Some I have worked with refuse to let another vet weigh in on their pet’s health and others do not trust themselves because they know they are too attached to have an objective perspective on things.” - Lesley Evans, Veterinary Technician
“Yes definitely! I am a vet. Do you think I would take my pet to another vet when I know what the problem is and how to treat it?” - Namratha Poonacha, Veterinary Surgeon
Can a vet perform surgery on their own pets?
Yes, a vet can perform surgery on their own pet if they have the right experience, qualifications, proper medical tools and facilities.?
For this reason many vets prefer to work in conjunction with their colleagues. As Dr. Patrick Mahaney5says, “I always seek guidance from other practitioners who are more experienced and educated than myself.”
Can a vet write prescriptions for their own pet?
The regulations governing whether a veterinarian can write a prescription for their own pet vary by state.?For example, it is illegal in the state of Illinois6?for veterinarians to issue prescriptions to animals they own. According to the law, the vet’s pets are not considered patients to the veterinary.?
When to seek help from other veterinarians
As with any other patient, you should?enlist the guidance of a veterinary specialist who may be more experienced or educated about a certain health condition.?
Be sure to take your pet to another veterinary practice?if your subjective opinion could affect their treatment plan and health outcome.?
The great thing about?pet insurance?is that it works with all licensed veterinarians. Unlike human health insurance, there are?no restrictions on approved veterinary networks, so pets can be seen by any licensed provider in the U.S.
Where can vets sign up for pet insurance?
If you are a veterinarian looking to?buy pet insurance, Pawlicy Advisor is your best bet.?Pawlicy Advisor is a pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians. The search tool provides objective recommendations for insurance plans based on proprietary algorithms in just a few clicks, which makes it perfect for vets who are too busy to research fine print details themselves.?
Now, pet insurance for vets from a source you can trust, unlike other platforms that suggest providers based on their advertising spend. Get a quote and compare plans from top companies by clicking the button below.
Key Takeaways
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