What does pet
insurance cover?
A clear breakdown of what's typically included, what's optional, and what most plans don't cover, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Core coverage explained
The three pillars of a standard accident & illness plan
Accident coverage
Sudden, unexpected injuries: broken bones, lacerations, swallowed objects, bite wounds, poisoning, and car accidents. Includes ER visits and emergency surgery.
Illness coverage
New illnesses your pet develops after the policy starts: cancer, diabetes, infections, digestive disorders, allergies, urinary issues, and many chronic conditions.
Hereditary & congenital
Breed-specific and inherited conditions like hip dysplasia, heart defects, and luxating patellas, provided they aren't pre-existing when you enroll.
What's covered in detail
Specific treatments included in most plans
Diagnostics
X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, biopsies, and other tests to identify conditions.
Surgery & hospitalization
Surgical procedures, anesthesia, overnight stays, ICU care, and post-operative monitoring.
Prescription medications
Medications prescribed by your vet to treat covered conditions, including long-term prescriptions for chronic illnesses.
Cancer treatment
Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery for tumors, and follow-up care. Cancer is one of the most expensive conditions to treat.
Specialist visits
Referrals to veterinary cardiologists, oncologists, dermatologists, neurologists, and other specialists.
Behavioral therapy
Treatment for diagnosed behavioral conditions like anxiety, compulsive disorders, and aggression (varies by plan).
Dental disease & injury
Many plans cover treatment for dental disease and injury, like extractions and oral surgery (routine cleanings are usually an add-on).
Alternative therapies
Acupuncture, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care when prescribed by a vet (plan-dependent).
Optional wellness add-ons
Routine care that's typically not included by default
Annual exams
Yearly wellness check-ups and routine vet visits
Vaccinations
Core and non-core vaccines based on age and lifestyle
Spay / neuter
Routine sterilization surgery
Dental cleanings
Routine prophylactic cleanings under anesthesia
Flea, tick, heartworm
Monthly preventive medications
Microchipping
Identification microchip implantation
What pet insurance typically doesn't cover
Common exclusions to be aware of
Pre-existing conditions
Any illness or injury your pet showed signs of before the policy started or during the waiting period.
Cosmetic procedures
Tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, and other elective cosmetic surgeries.
Breeding & pregnancy
Costs related to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, and care of newborn pets.
Routine wellness (without add-on)
Annual exams, vaccines, flea/tick, and dental cleanings are usually only covered if you add a wellness package.
Food & supplements
Regular pet food, vitamins, and over-the-counter supplements (prescription diets may be covered when treating a condition).
Boarding & grooming
Kennel fees, grooming, training, and other non-medical services.
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