I have had pet insurance for years and my vets in Chicago would work with me on a payment plan until insurance paid. VCA would allow me to pay half up front and then half when I got th check....my other vet let me post date a check. I offered to get prior authorization from the insurance company, offered to post date a check and begged them to work with me....but nope. they wouldn't even consider it. I am not looking for free care just some way to get the care performed before I could get insurance to pay. in today tough economic times it is important to find a vet that will work with you financially.