Airvet's Life-Saving Emergency Fund

Note: The emergency fund is a member benefit that was offered for memberships purchased prior to May 31st, 2023, and is no longer being offered for new members.

**Employer-sponsored membership benefits also do not include emergency fund access**

The Basics

What is the emergency fund?

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, you may access up to $3,000 to help pay for your pet’s care. This fund can only be used one time per year, for one pet (per membership account). The emergency fund is included in your Airvet membership. 

Please note: this is not an insurance product.

How do I use my emergency fund?

In order to receive authorization to use your fund, you are required to speak with a member of our emergency team. Once you alert our emergency team by following the emergency fund prompts on the home screen of the app (see photo below), a member of the emergency team will evaluate your pet and assess the situation. If they determine that your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, they will authorize use of the fund and advise you to take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately. You will then receive instructions to give to the hospital and be informed of important next steps. 

With fund authorization, Airvet may cover up to $3,000 of costs directly related to the emergency situation so you can focus on what matters most—your fur family. 

When can I start using my emergency fund?

After joining initially, there is a 14-day waiting period before you are eligible to use the fund in a qualifying emergency. You can use the fund once per year for one pet on your membership.  

Does this cover all pets?

At this time, cats and dogs are covered under the emergency fund. This fund can be used by you ONCE per year and your funds are not transferable to other pet parents, other pets, and/or other parties. 

Can anyone use the emergency fund?

Airvet Members who purchased their membership prior to May 31st, 2023 and have added a cat or dog to their profile are eligible to use their emergency fund after the 14-day waiting period. 

This fund can only be used by you ONCE per year and your funds are not transferable to other pet parents, other pets, and/or other parties. 

What does the emergency fund cover?

Only qualifying life-threatening emergencies verified by our emergency team are covered. A member of our emergency team will determine whether or not your pet’s situation is life-threatening in order to authorize your fund use. Examples of life-threatening emergencies include:

• Toxic ingestion 
• Choking or difficulty breathing
• Severe blockages or bloat requiring emergency surgery
• Severe internal and external injuries
• Emergencies caused by pre-existing conditions (ie. diabetic seizures)

**Note: This list is not exhaustive. All emergencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.**

Can I use the emergency fund if my pet has pre-existing conditions?

The emergency fund can be used for life-threatening emergencies only, including those related to a pre-existing condition. However, the fund cannot be used for any scheduled appointments or planned surgeries relating to a pre-existing condition.

Can I use the emergency fund to pay for prescriptions?

The emergency fund can only be used for life-saving emergency expenses. It cannot be used for any ongoing care outside of the immediate emergency treatment.

Does the emergency fund cover emergencies associated with pregnancy?

The Airvet emergency fund does not cover emergency-related expenses with regard to breeding, pyometra, prostatitis, and/or pregnancy complications such as cesarean sections. 

Can a scheduled surgery be covered with the emergency fund?

The fund cannot be used for a scheduled surgery or appointment.

Exclusions: What can the emergency fund NOT be used for?

Any non-life threatening emergency will NOT be covered by this emergency fund. Examples of non-life threatening emergencies include:

• Complications associated with breeding/labor/pyometra/prostatitis
• Critical/urgent care/non-urgent needs (non-life threatening)
• Preventative care (for example: vaccines, flea and tick medications)
• Anything not related to the life threatening emergency hospital stay/visit (ie. toe nail trims during stay)
• A scheduled appointment based on a pre-existing condition is NOT covered

**Note: This list is not exhaustive. All emergencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.**

Before Your Emergency

How will I know if my pet’s issue is eligible for coverage under the emergency fund?

Once you send your request to our emergency team, the situation will be assessed on a subsequent video call initiated by Airvet to determine whether or not your pet qualifies for the fund based on the urgency of your pet’s condition. It is at the discretion and assessment of Airvet’s emergency team to determine whether or not your pet will qualify for use of the emergency fund. Each pet is unique and each assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Will I still be able to use the emergency fund if my pet is having an emergency, but I haven’t finished completing their pet profile? 

In order to submit a request to use the emergency fund, you will have to first create a profile for your pet. However, please note that you cannot use the fund for any pets that do not have a pet profile on your account. Each pet must have their own unique profile. The profile must be filled out in order to be eligible for emergency fund authorization in the event of a life-threatening emergency. The profile must include a clear and accurate photo, name, breed, weight, and age of the pet.

Can I use the fund without talking to Airvet first?

In order to receive authorization to access the fund, a video call is required before your pet is admitted for care. Submit your emergency fund request and a member of the Airvet emergency team will initiate a video call shortly after the request is received in order to assess the situation.

Why is a video call with the Airvet emergency team required before I can access the emergency fund?

Our emergency team is required to initiate a video call with you in order to determine if your pet’s emergency qualifies for use of the emergency fund.  Each assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis. If your pet is in a life-threatening situation, they will authorize your use of the fund.

I was just authorized to use the emergency fund, but I won’t be able to get to the vet until tomorrow. Will the funds still be available?

Once your use of the fund has been authorized, you have a 4-hour window to get to a physical emergency hospital or veterinary clinic in order to use the emergency fund.

In the event that your arrival to the hospital happens after four hours, you will NOT be able to use the emergency fund.

Can I use the emergency fund AFTER taking my pet to a hospital?

Our emergency team is required to initiate a video call with you in order to determine if your pet’s emergency pre-qualifies for use of the emergency fund. This call can be made anytime before your pet is admitted to a hospital. You do not have to wait to transport your pet until after you’ve made the call. 

We will consider retroactive authorization for individual cases if it was outside of the realm of possibility to contact Airvet before hospital admittance. Email [e-mail] as soon as possible so that we can give you instructions on how to submit your case for retroactive review. Please note, in order to be considered for retroactive authorization, you must contact us AND have your case reviewed by our emergency team PRIOR to your pet's discharge from the hospital. 

Can I use the emergency funds at any clinic?

Yes, you can go to ANY veterinary facility in the U.S. or Canada (with the exception of Quebec). 

Can I use the emergency funds outside of the US?

The Emergency fund can be used at ANY veterinary facility in the U.S. or Canada (with the exception of Quebec). 

What if my pet has an emergency, but I don’t have the app downloaded on my phone?

At this time, Airvet can only be used on your smartphone or tablet (not on a computer). Please download the blue Airvet app HERE, on your phone or tablet, so you’re prepared when you need to connect with Airvet.

During Your Emergency

I accidentally made a regular “Talk to a vet” call instead of clicking the “Use the emergency fund” option!  Will I still be able to use the emergency fund if my emergency is deemed to be life-threatening?

You will still need to speak with our emergency team in order to be authorized for emergency fund use. If you accidentally make an on-demand call to our broad vet network, and they advise you to go to the hospital immediately, that is not considered authorization for emergency fund use. 

Please send in a new request using the emergency button in order to begin the process of emergency fund use authorization.

What happens if the emergency team is unable to determine if my case is life-threatening, but still tells me to take my pet to the ER?

Our emergency team may be limited in their ability to determine an emergency via a virtual visit, so you may be asked to take your pet to a vet clinic to be examined in person. In this instance, you will still need to arrive within 4 hours of making the call in order for your use of the emergency fund to be considered.  Once your pet is examined at the hospital, you can share their assessment and treatment plan with our emergency team and they will determine if the emergency fund can be approved. 

What happens if my pet’s emergency is deemed to be non-life threatening at the time of the call, but after hanging up the severity of the situation increases? 

If this occurs while your case is still open (72 hours from opening the case), you can message Airvet using the chat feature within the case to provide new information or request another video call. If your case is already closed, you will need to create a new case by repeating the “Use my emergency fund” process. 

What happens if the Airvet emergency team says I don’t qualify for emergency fund use?

If your pet’s condition is deemed to be non-life threatening, you will not qualify for use of the emergency fund, and therefore will be unable to access it. Airvet may still advise that your pet be seen, however your fund cannot be accessed for non-immediate, life-saving care needs.

Pet Requirements

Does this cover all pets?

At this time, only cats and dogs are covered under the emergency fund. You can cover up to six (6) cats or dogs in your household under one membership.

What if I have more than 6 pets?

At this time, the emergency fund will only cover up to six (6) pets in your household, and can only be used ONCE per year, for only one (1) of your pets. Funds are not transferable to other pet parents, other pets, and/or other parties. 

I only have my dog on my account but my emergency is about another pet. What do I do?

At this time, you cannot ask for emergency assistance for any pets that do not have a pet profile on your account. You would need to first create an additional profile for the pet in question, and then submit your emergency fund request. 

We recommend fully completing all of your pet profiles as soon as you can, so precious time isn’t spent setting up a pet profile during a true emergency. 

Please note, the profile must also be completely filled out in order to be eligible for emergency fund authorization. A completed profile must include a clear and accurate photo, name, breed, weight, and age of the pet.

Do the pets on my account have to be in my household?

Yes, only pets in your household can be on your account and covered by your membership. Emergency funds are restricted to a one-time use per year, for one (1) cat or dog in your household. 

What do I have to do to add a pet to my plan?

You can add or change your pet information in the Airvet app, under the “My Pets” page, or on the top of the home screen by clicking the “+” icon. 

In order to be considered “complete,” the pet profile must include the name, weight, breed, and age of the pet, along with a clear and accurate photo.

If more than one of my pets is involved in the same emergency (i.e. in an accident together, both were attacked, etc.), can I apply the emergency fund to the bills for both animals? 

The fund can only be used one time, for one pet, and is not transferable to other pets.

If I have an Airvet membership, but my primary vet becomes a partner with Airvet, will I still have access to the emergency fund? 

At this time, you will still have access to your Airvet membership and emergency fund.

Financial Questions

How much does the emergency fund Cover? 

The emergency fund covers up to $3,000 of life-saving emergency care that will be paid out by Airvet directly to the vet clinic treating your pet (if authorized through the app). Only life-saving emergency care costs will be covered. Any costs unrelated to the life-saving treatment for your pet will NOT be covered. Any deposit costs will be the pet parent’s responsibility to pay upfront.

How is the emergency fund applied?

If authorized for use of the emergency fund, you will receive a message in the app with instructions to provide the vet clinic for submitting the invoice and collecting payment. Airvet will communicate directly with the hospital to coordinate payment over the phone. 

The Airvet emergency team will review the invoice and send you a chat confirmation with the approved amount. You’ll then be able to authorize your one-time use of the emergency fund.

Will I have to pay anything out of pocket if my visit qualifies for the emergency fund?

If your visit qualifies for the emergency fund, you may still have to pay for any ancillary costs that are outside of the life-saving scope (i.e. nail trimmings done during the visit). You will also be responsible for any costs exceeding the $3,000 fund limit, even if they are related to life-saving care. Additionally, the fund cannot be used for any follow-up visits for care post-discharge or take-home medication or supplies. 

What happens if my visit costs more than $3,000?

The emergency fund will cover up to $3,000 in life-saving care procedures. Any remaining charges after the $3,000 is used, even if deemed life-saving, are your responsibility as the pet owner.

Is the emergency fund considered insurance?

The emergency fund is not considered insurance. This is a way to help pet parents with up to a $3,000 financial safety net in the case of a life-threatening emergency. 

What happens to the emergency fund if my approved amount is less than $3,000?

You will have an opportunity to review the approved fund amount with our emergency team before confirming your use of the fund (if you had authorization prior to taking your pet in). 

If you elect to use the emergency fund, this will count as your one-time use for the year, even if the covered amount is less than the $3,000 allowance. The fund will then replenish on your original membership anniversary date.

Can I use the emergency fund in conjunction with my pet insurance?

Yes, if approved, you can use the emergency fund and also file a claim with your pet insurance provider. However, you must first check with your insurance provider to make sure that they will accept the use of two different policies for payment, as many providers do NOT allow this. 

You must also use the emergency fund (if approved) first. Once the emergency fund has covered the applicable charges on your bill, you may then submit the rest to insurance.

If I have insurance, and it takes longer than 4 hours to connect with my insurance company, how does this impact the time required to get to the ER?

The time required to get to the ER does not change – in a life-threatening emergency, you will always be required to get to the hospital within four (4) hours of your call with the Airvet emergency team.

What if I cancel my membership, but then want to rejoin at a later time?

Since the emergency fund is no longer being offered as a benefit for new memberships as of 5/31/23, you will not be able to regain access to the emergency fund benefit if your existing membership is canceled for any reason.

If I cancel my membership, will I still have access to the emergency fund?

On the date your membership goes inactive, your eligibility for the fund becomes inaccessible. The emergency fund has no cash equivalent and cannot be cashed out upon membership cancellation.