Table Of Contents
- Most pet insurance policies cover non-elective surgeries
- Pet insurance typically covers between 50% to 100% of surgical costs, depending on the individual plan
- Pet insurance premiums can vary based on breed, age, and location
- No pet insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions, so getting your pet insured as soon as possible is essential
What Surgeries Are Covered By Pet Insurance?
In order to be covered by a pet insurance plan, surgery must be deemed “medically necessary.” This accounts for surgeries caused by accidents such as a broken leg, or surgeries necessary to treat certain medical conditions like a cancerous mass removal.
Some of the most common pet surgeries covered by insurance:
- Soft-tissue surgeries – tumors, masses, cysts, biopsies, hernia repairs
- Orthopedic surgeries – fracture repairs, ligament repairs, hip dysplasia
- Emergency/trauma surgeries – internal bleeding repair, foreign body removal, ruptured organs, lacerations, gastric torsions
- Dental surgeries – extractions, root canals, fractured jaw repairs
- Ophthalmologic surgeries – cataract corrections, eyelid deformities, eye tumors
Some pet insurance policies cover pre- and post-surgical items like exams, anesthesia, overnight stays, rehabilitation, follow-up care, and prescriptions. In addition, in the event of any complications during surgery, your pet’s insurance policy should also cover it.
If you have a specific surgery in mind, you can always ask the insurance company if it’s covered by their policy, as some surgeries are in a “gray area” or have limitations on coverage for certain breeds.
How Does Surgery Coverage In Pet Insurance Work?
When it comes to surgery, pet insurance works the same way as other types of medical coverage. You’ll need to complete a claims process. Depending on what type of pet insurance you have, direct-to-vet payment or a reimbursement model, you’ll likely be paying all or some of the costs up-front.
If your pet is on a reimbursement plan, you will have to pay for the surgery out of pocket and get reimbursed later. With direct-to-vet payment plans, you’ll likely only need to pay a portion of the surgery, or, a copay, upfront. Then, the veterinary hospital will bill the insurance company directly, similar to how human health insurance works.
How much will be covered will depend on your individual level of coverage and deductible. For example, if your pet’s surgery costs $2,000, your coverage level is 80%, and you’ve already met your deductible, you’ll be reimbursed $1,600.
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What Surgeries Aren’t Covered By Pet Insurance?
Typically, pet insurance will not cover any surgery for the treatment of a pre-existing condition. It will also not cover any procedures deemed elective such as spays or neuters. This also includes cosmetic procedures like ear cropping or tail docking.
Some policies also have limitations on coverage for hereditary conditions or extended waiting periods for specific conditions. Orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia and torn ligaments are some of the most commonly excluded conditions. Always read the fine print on your insurance policy to see exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Cost Of Pet Insurance Vs. Surgery Expenses
Depending on the type of surgery, costs can range anywhere from $300 to $10,000. This doesn’t account for additional costs, like diagnostic testing, x-rays, blood transfusions, or post-surgical care.
On the other hand, pet insurance typically costs from $30 to $50 per month, depending on the policy, and can cover a large portion of the surgical costs.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Pet Insurance
There are several factors that can affect the cost of your pet insurance plan including your pet’s age, breed, and location. Older pets, pets that are of a breed with predisposed health conditions, and pets located in larger metropolitan areas are all often higher to insure.
Pets with certain features that can cause health problems are also notably higher to insure. A common example of this is seen in brachycephalic (short-nosed, flat-faced) breeds like French bulldogs and Persian cats that are prone to respiratory problems.
The Most Common Surgeries For Cats And Dogs
Some pet surgeries are more common than others. Here are some of the most common:
| Surgical Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| ACL repair | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| Splenectomy | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| Cystotomy | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Wound treatment | $300 to $2,500 |
| Mass removal | $500 to $5,000 |
| Foreign body obstruction removal | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Cataract surgery | $2,600 to $4,000 |
| Hip replacement | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| Oral surgery | $600 to $2,000 |
| Intestinal blockage surgery | $2,000 to $7,000 |
Your pet’s current health can also influence the surgery cost. Older pets or pets with underlying health issues may need more advanced care and monitoring.
What Is Pet Insurance And What Does It Cover?
Pet insurance is a type of insurance policy that helps cover your pet’s medical expenses. Similar to human health insurance, there are monthly premiums, deductibles, and varying levels of coverage to choose from (usually between 50% to 100%).
There are two main types of pet insurance policies, accident-only and comprehensive coverage. Accident-only pet insurance applies to injuries sustained from accidents whereas comprehensive coverage applies to a variety of accidents, illnesses, and diseases.
Does Your Pet Need To Be Insured?
Many pet owners wonder, “is pet insurance worth it?” Simply put, the answer is yes. Getting your pet insured relieves you of financial stress and lets you focus on your pet’s health and recovery process. Pet insurance can save you thousands of dollars, not to mention it can potentially save your pet’s life.
While statistics on pet surgeries are hard to come by, around 90% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age 2. Procedures to treat gum disease, which can include surgical extractions, can cost up to $5,000. Instead of paying for the entire procedure, your pet’s insurance can help cover the cost. This is one example of the many reasons pet insurance is worth it!
When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
The sooner you get your pet insured, the better! Ideally when your pet is still a puppy or kitten. Getting a pet insurance policy early on is the best way to maximize coverage since pre-existing conditions are excluded. That’s why most pet owners who get their pets insured do it during their first year.
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