Does your pet insurance cover surgery when your pet is sick?

For most of us, our pets can be an important part of the family. But, just like our human family members, sometimes they need medical care. Pet insurance that covers spaying or neutering, can be part of routine care or an unexpected necessity for surgery. Either way, it can leave you questioning, does pet insurance cover surgery?

Insurance can be a confusing topic, so this overview of pet insurance is here to help. Keep reading to find out all about pet insurance covering surgery.

If you’re ready now, you can check out rates for pet insurance that covers surgery. Enter your ZIP code and use our free tool to get rates from top pet insurance companies in your area.

Does my pet insurance company cover surgery?

Most surgeries are covered if you have a comprehensive pet insurance plan. In some cases, though, it depends on what type of surgery is involved.

There is one standard rule with pet insurance: pre-existing conditions are not covered. So if your dog has had a pre-existing illness that requires surgery and you try to get it covered, your claim will be turned down.

The type of plan will also matter. For example, comprehensive, accident and illness, and accident-only coverage will all cover most surgeries. Pet wellness coverage, on the other hand, does not cover any surgeries. This type of plan only covers wellness exams, including routine checkups and vaccinations.

If you know that your pet has a condition and you don’t disclose it to the insurance company, it could cause issues. When the company determines that the surgery was for a pre-existing condition, then it will not cover the cost, and you may be charged with insurance fraud.

If you already know that your pet needs surgery, you may be thinking it’s too late. However, it’s still possible to buy pet insurance before surgery. Even if the surgery is not covered, the insurance company can reassess their health in the future.

Do I really need pet insurance?

There are plenty of benefits to buying pet insurance. For most pets, medical care will be needed at some point. Pet insurance covers the expense of treating your pet and can be affordable depending on what type of plan you buy.

Owners who do not have pet insurance are usually responsible for the entire cost of treatment. Some pet care can run into thousands of dollars. It’s best to buy pet insurance that covers surgery upfront so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs.

The younger your pet is, the better. If you’ve just got a newborn puppy, for example, they will cost less to insure than an older pet. As your pet ages, so do the insurance costs, and older pets are much more likely to need medical care.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance is designed to help pet owners manage the cost of veterinary care for their beloved companions. The coverage provided by pet insurance can vary based on the type of policy you choose. Here are some common elements covered by pet insurance:

• Accidents and Injuries: Many pet insurance policies cover the cost of veterinary care for accidental injuries. This can include injuries resulting from car accidents, falls, or other unforeseen events.
• Illnesses: Comprehensive pet insurance plans often cover the expenses associated with treating various illnesses. This can include conditions such as infections, allergies, and chronic diseases.
• Surgeries: Pet insurance may cover the costs of necessary surgeries, whether they are planned procedures like spaying or neutering or unexpected surgeries due to accidents or illnesses.
• Cancer Treatment: Cancer is a common concern for pets, and some insurance plans cover the expenses related to cancer diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Diagnostic Tests: Coverage may extend to diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, blood tests, and other tests necessary to identify and assess health issues.
• Prescription Medications: The cost of prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian to treat covered conditions is often included in pet insurance coverage.
• Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Some policies cover hereditary and congenital conditions, which are health issues that may be present from birth or develop over time due to genetic factors.
• Alternative Therapies: Depending on the policy, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy may be covered to complement traditional veterinary treatments.
• Emergency Care: Emergency veterinary care, including visits to an emergency clinic, is typically covered, ensuring that your pet can receive prompt attention in critical situations.
• Hospitalization: If your pet requires hospitalization for treatment or recovery, pet insurance may cover the associated costs, including overnight stays and monitoring.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen pet insurance policy to understand the specific coverage details and any exclusions. Additionally, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, emphasizing the importance of obtaining coverage while your pet is healthy.

What type of pet insurance do I need?

Pet insurance policies come in a few different forms. They can be broken down into the following categories.

The first is accident-only pet insurance. This type of insurance pays for treatment for your pet if they get into an accident. For example, if your dog was hit by a car, or gets injured by another pet. It’s a basic type of coverage but can still be useful.

Accident and illness pet insurance covers a bit more and is also known as comprehensive pet insurance. In addition to accidents, it will also cover the cost of treatment if your pet gets sick with an illness like cancer.

Insurance that includes wellness coverage is another option. Wellness care helps pay for vaccinations, yearly exams, dental care, and more. It is for preventative care that keeps your pet healthy.

If you are still unsure of what plan to get, you can also look into pet insurance riders. Also called endorsements, they are add-ons you can get to increase the range of coverage on a policy.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of pet insurance depends on a number of factors, including the location, breed, age, and any previous health difficulties your pet may have. As a guide, here are some average costs for medium mixed breed pets.

Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies is the best way to get rates that fit your specific pet and circumstances.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery: The Bottom Line

Now that you know all about how pet insurance covers surgery, you can find a good match for both you and your pet. Find affordable pet insurance that covers surgery by using our free tool. Enter your ZIP code to get pet insurance that covers surgery quotes from the best companies near you now.