Knowing what you and your pet need from pet insurance is a great way to find the right policy. It’s just as important, however, to understand what might and might not be covered by pet insurance. Understanding the lingo is jsut as important as well; use our pet insurance glossary to help!
Like human health insurance plans, pet insurance plans come with exclusions, too. Your type of coverage affects what’s included and excluded in your policy. For example, a comprehensive plan could cover accidents, illnesses, and routine care. Meanwhile, accident-only plans will cover just that: accidents. Three principal exclusions in most pet policies are:
In most instances, traditional pet insurance policies won’t cover routine vet care such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, check-ups, flea and heartworm prevention, or annual dental cleanings. Many providers offer a wellness plan to help cover these expenses, but they usually cost extra. And while wellness plans will cover routine care, they won’t cover other elective care such as grooming or nail trims.
👉 Regular dental cleanings may not be covered, but other expenses like emergency dental care might be.
Pre-existing conditions are significant health problems that your pet has before you enroll them in pet insurance. Such issues typically aren’t covered, but there are exceptions. Some specific symptoms — infection or vomiting, for example — are considered curable. If your pet hasn’t had an episode or symptoms for a year, the underlying condition may be covered. Check with your specific plan to see what pre-existing conditions are covered.
Congenital abnormalities or birth defects are conditions pets are born with. Some are inherited (like breeds predisposed to certain health conditions), while others are caused by chemicals or injury during pregnancy (like cleft palates). (Trusted Source)
If the condition hasn’t developed to a point where clinical signs are visible, coverage may be offered. In other instances, hereditary disorders that get passed down may have limited coverage, whether they’re visible or not. Check with your specific provider to see what policies cover these conditions.
Pet insurance won’t cover everyday expenses like food, supplies, litter boxes, leashes, or toys. However, some policies cover prescription pet food if your vet recommends it for health reasons. Behavioral health, like therapy and medications, may be covered by certain providers such as Fetch by the Dodo but isn’t common in all comprehensive coverage.
👉 Every pet insurance provider offers different coverage. Make a list of your pet’s needs before choosing your policy.
Most pet insurance companies don’t offer this kind of liability coverage in the event of a bite or property destruction, but it may be a part of your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. There are some exceptions. For an additional charge, Trupanion Australia offers a Pet Owner Assistance package that covers property damage to others done by your pet for up to $25,000.
There is also canine-specific liability insurance that pet owners can purchase for 24/7 coverage from financial responsibilities relating to your dog injuring someone or damaging someone else’s property.
Pet insurance provides a financial benefit if and when your pet is injured or gets sick. While it may not seem worth it to some, reassurance in an emergency is all the reason some pet owners need when shopping for a policy for their pet.
Pet insurance coverage ranges based on the provider and the policy. Most insurance plans cover injuries, illnesses, and any emergency medical care your pet may need.
While having pet insurance can be a financial benefit in the case of an emergency, owners will still have to pay the costs upfront and wait for a reimbursement. You also may not use all the benefits during your pet’s lifetime. And remember: pet insurance doesn’t cover all pre-existing conditions.
Most pet insurance plans cover injuries, accidents, unexpected illnesses, surgeries, medication, diagnostic testing, and emergency care. Not every vet expense in those categories is covered, and not every policy reimburses the same amount.
Emergencies can happen anytime, and pet insurance helps cover any medical expenses your pet may need. It can also help owners avoid the impossible decision of putting a pet down because of the inability to pay for expensive emergency care.
Hip dysplasia is covered by most major insurance providers as long as the policy was purchased before diagnosis. If your pet had hip dysplasia in one hip and was diagnosed with it in the opposite hip later on, that likely won’t be covered since it’s considered a bilateral condition.
Regular exams aren’t usually covered under pet insurance since they’re considered routine care. An emergency vet visit, however, may be covered by certain policies.
This depends on your specific auto policy. Research the details of your auto insurance provider for more information on potential pet coverage.
