Does pet insurance pay the clinic directly?

The answer

It depends on the policy and the clinic. Many arrangements ask you to pay first and then claim reimbursement, though some clinics may be able to bill an insurer directly in certain cases, so do not assume it. Ask both your insurer and the clinic how it works before you need it. Keep itemized invoices, medical records and discharge notes, because you will probably need them for a claim, and submit claims promptly within any time limit in your policy.