What are pet medical records?

A pet’s medical record is a detailed and comprehensive document from your vet that tracks the health history of your cat or dog. It’s similar to a human’s medical chart and includes everything from basic identification information (like name, breed, and age) to their detailed medical history.

Many Pets generally requires the last 18 months of your pet’s medical records—or all of their medical records if they’re younger than 18 months. You’ll only need to send these records the very first time you submit a claim for your pet, unless we specifically request additional information.

Why pet insurance requires your pet’s medical record

Pet insurance companies (like us) need your dog’s or cat’s medical records to process claims. That way, we can verify that the condition being claimed is not pre-existing and is covered under your policy. It also lets us confirm that your pet is up-to-date on routine wellness exams.

Updated pet records also help you maintain your pet’s care, whether you switch vets, stop at the vet while traveling with your pet, or visit an emergency clinic after hours.

What should my dog’s or cat’s medical record include?

Your pet’s medical record should include:

Identification details: your pet’s name, breed, age, and other identifying details, such as microchip number.

Vaccination history: records of all vaccinations given, including dates and types of vaccines.

Medical history: all past and present health conditions, treatments, and procedures.

SOAP notes: These “Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan” details from your vet help us keep track of treatments over time for claims you submit.

Medication records: details of current and past medications, dosages, and duration.

Veterinary visits: dates and reasons for all vet visits, including routine check-ups and emergency consultations.

Diagnostic test results: results of any blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, etc.

Preventive care records: information about flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, as well as any other routine preventive care.