Trupanion Purposefully Chooses Not To Offer Wellness Coverage
Veterinarian, Andrea Crabtree, knows that wellness plans from insurance companies are not what is best for pet owners. She says, Vaccines, spays/neuters, etc. can be planned and saved for. Wellness clinics can perform these for relatively inexpensive fees to pet owners.
Why should you pay us for something you can afford yourself? When you can budget for wellness care costs, it doesnt make sense to pay a middle man more to give that same benefit back to you.
WITH A PET INSURANCE WELLNESS PLAN
Your exam fee costs $60
The pet insurance company has you pay them $70
The pet insurance company pays your veterinarian $60
TOTAL YOU PAID FOR THE EXAM FEE: $70
WITHOUT A WELLNESS PLAN
TOTAL YOU PAID FOR THE EXAM FEE: $60
NBC News sees why wellness plans dont usually benefit pet owners, Its just crazy to pay an insurance company to just turn around and pay the vet. Why not pay the vet directly and avoid all the overhead and sales costs from the insurance company? We agree. Trupanion was founded to help pets get the care they need for unexpected injuries and illnesses, not to help pet owners with routine payments.
Aspca Pet Health Insurance Program
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program covers advanced treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and even alternative-treatment therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy and hydrotherapy. This pet insurance plan is worth considering especially if you have a senior pet, as cancer and arthritis typically occur in pets that are in the later stages of their life.
You have the option to add on a wellness plan to your ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program and they offer two wellness plan optionsBasic or Prime. The Basic wellness plan add-on costs $9.95 per month but does not cover spaying or neutering. For $24.95 per month, the Prime wellness plan will reimburse up to $150 for spaying or neutering and reimburse more of your out-of-pocket costs for dental cleanings, vaccines, flea and heartworm prevention, and more.
What Coverage Should You Get To Help Your Pet
If you are still interested in a wellness plan for your cat or dog, know that some veterinary hospitals offer wellness plans with much better value for pet owners. These tailored plans are often made specific to your pets needs and could give you the most value. Ask your veterinarian if they have a wellness plan that could benefit you.
If you want to budget for wellness care yourself, we recommend asking your veterinarian what wellness procedures your pet should receive every year. Then, you can set aside enough money to pay for those procedures.
If what you really need is help budgeting for unexpected injuries and illness that could cost thousands of dollars, learn more about what a Trupanion policy covers. We believe the combination of Trupanion medical insurance for your pet and a wellness plan offered by a veterinarian often present the best value proposition for loving pet owners.
You May Like: Affordable Full Coverage Auto Insurance
Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations
Pet insurance does not cover vaccinations. However, having all of your animals vaccines up to date may result in lower insurance prices.
Furthermore, if you do not vaccinate your pet and they become ill with an illness that could have been avoided with a vaccine, your insurer is unlikely to cover treatment costs.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Plan Coverage Has No Caps On Payouts
If your pet needs treatment for a new accident or illness , your pet’s veterinary bills will be eligible for coverage.
Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend.
“Healthy Paws Insurance has been so easy to deal with in these times of stress. I don’t know how I could have gone through this terrible ordeal without them.”
– Pascale on PetInsuranceReview.com , 9/26/2020
You May Like: What’s The Difference Between Whole Life And Term Life Insurance
What Are Some Affordable Spay And Neuter Options For Pet Owners
If youre concerned about the affordability of the spay and neuter procedure, we always recommend consulting with your vet first. Theyll be able to tell you whats best for your pet and help you form a plan.
Fortunately, there are organizations that will subsidize the cost of spaying or neutering your pet if needed. For instance, the ASPCA offers low-cost spaying and neutering to underserved communities in several metropolitan areas across the country. Their goal is to save the lives of animals and reduce the number of stray cats and dogs on the streets and in overcrowded shelters. If you live in New York City, Los Angeles, or Asheville, North Carolina, the ASPCAs low-cost spaying and neutering clinics may be able to help you get the procedure done for less than you would spend at a vet.
If youre not located in one of these areas, there are other great low-cost options! PetSmart offers a tool that allows you to search for affordable options based on your location. If youre adopting a pet, keep in mind that some shelters or rescue groups may even cover the cost for you.
How To Find Pet Insurance Plans That Cover Dental Care
While pet dental insurance isnt common, check for pet insurance policies that include complete and routine/preventative dental care coverage:
Comprehensive plans normally include accidents and illnesses, thus dental-related accidents and illnesses should be covered unless there are dental exclusions in the plans coverage. Please keep in mind that in order for insurance to cover the dental care, your pet may need to meet specific conditions prior to enrollment and maintain regular tooth cleanings.
Routine/preventive care plans, while significantly less prevalent, may include dental cleaning and checkup coverage to help prevent disease and spot problems early.
Recommended Reading: National Continental Insurance Company Nj
What Are The Benefits Of Spaying Or Neutering Your Dog
Besides making your macho chihuahua less of a jerk at the dog park, sterilizing your dog is good for your dogs overall wellness, behavior, and also helps to control the stray dog population.
The first and most obvious reason to get your dog spayed or neutered is to fight against pet overpopulation. Every year in the United States, around 3.3 million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters. By spaying or neutering your pup, youre doing your part to reduce the number of unwanted dogs.
Sterilizing your dog will also put the kibosh on some pretty annoying behaviors, like excessive marking, barking, and humping. Down, boy!
There are also significant health benefits to spaying or neutering your dog. A University of Georgia study found that, on average, sterilized dogs live two years longer than intact dogs.
Spayed females cannot develop pyometra , nor will they face the risk of cancer of the mammary gland and other reproductive system cancers.
Neutered males are at basically zero risk for developing testicular cancer and are at lower risk for developing prostatitis and prostatic cysts. In addition, sterilized dogs are less likely to get carried away by old-fashioned wanderlust, which means fewer opportunities to being hit by a car or ending up in another sort of accident.
If you or someone you know cant afford to have their dog spayed or neutered at a traditional veterinary clinic, explore one of the dozens of non-profit low-cost spay/neuter clinics around the country.
Are Office Visits Covered
There is no clear answer as to whether or not lemonade pet insurance covers office visits for spaying and neutering. Some policies may cover the procedure, while others may not. Therefore, itâs important to read your policyâs specific terms and conditions to see if it covers this type of surgery.
Don’t Miss: Progressive Auto Insurance Claims Phone Number
Does Spay And Neuter Control Pet Overpopulation
There is a lot of debate surrounding spay and neutering. Some people believe that it controls pet overpopulation, while others think that itâs an unnecessary surgery with potential health risks.
But the fact remains that millions of animals are euthanized in shelters every year because there are simply not enough homes for them all. Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce this number.
Pet Insurance Plan Exclusions
We’re all about helping protect your pet from unexpected accidents and illnesses and you from the financial burdens of their treatment.
The Healthy Paws plan does not cover the following:
- Pre-existing conditions
- The examination fee
- Pre-existing cruciate ligament injury has a bilateral exclusion. If the cruciate ligament on one leg is injured prior to enrollment or during the 15-day waiting period, then the cruciate ligament on the other leg is excluded from coverage. This is the only bilateral exclusion.
- Preventative care
- â Preventive healthcare including vaccinations or titer test, flea control, heartworm medication, de-worming, nail trim, and grooming.
- â Parasite control including but not limited to internal and external parasites for which readily available prophylactic treatments are available.
- âDental health care, however if injury to teeth is caused by an accident, the plan does cover the cost of extraction and/or reconstruction of damaged teeth.
- â Spaying and neutering.
The plan does not reimburse the costs, fees or expenses associated for elective procedures, boarding, behavioral modification, training, therapy or medications for behavioral modification. Please see for more information on exclusions.
You May Like: E And O Insurance Real Estate
How Much Does It Cost To Spay Or Neuter Your Pet
Your pets spay or neuter costs can vary depending on their breed, size, age, and sex. Other factors that can play into the cost are whether the female cat or dog is pregnant or if the male dog or cat is a cryptorchid, meaning one or both testicles dont descend. Both conditions make these surgeries more complicated and can require other procedures, such as ultrasounds.
For a healthy female dog that isnt in heat or pregnant, the average cost of a spay is between $200 and $500. To have your dog neutered, the average cost is around $75 to $350. For cats, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for spaying and around $100 to $300 for neutering.
Types Of Pet Insurance Plans
There are essentially two types of pet insurance coverage: accident and illness plans and wellness plans .
There are some variations between the different pet insurers, the policies they have, and what they cover. Most pet insurance companies offer the policies separately, or you can combine them for the most comprehensive coverage for your animal.
- Wellness plans. Basically, a wellness plan covers preventative and routine care such as annual vaccinations, monthly flea and tick prevention, heartworm medication, and a yearly exam just to ensure your cat or dog is in good health. If your pet insurance does cover spaying and neutering, it would most likely be included under a wellness plan.
- Accident and illness plans. Accident and illness plans may cover some chronic or hereditary conditions in addition to accidents like a torn ACL or routine illnesses such as ear infections. However, this plan will likely not cover any pre-existing conditions, and this policy also wont cover spaying and neutering.
Read Also: Progressive Car Insurance Log In
Is It Important To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat Or Dog
Besides helping prevent unwanted pets, spaying and neutering offer several health benefits to your cat or canine. Several studies show that cats and dogs that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to suffer from common health problems like breast tumors, urinary infections and certain types of cancers.
When Can You Get Your Pet Neutered
When you can get your pet neutered is best discussed with your vet as it can vary between the type and breed of your pet. However, most dogs can be neutered from 6 months onwards and it is usually advised that female dogs are neutered after their first season. In most cases, cats can be neutered from 4 months onwards and it is recommended that they are kept indoors until they are neutered to prevent any unwanted litters.
You May Like: Cancel For Any Reason Trip Insurance
How Much Does Neutering Cost
The price of the neutering can vary depending on various factors. Most often, the price ranges between $75 and $500 if the surgery is performed at a well-known clinic. There are more affordable options that go as low as $35 in some clinics, but the providers reputability is important to verify first.
Some of the most important factors that can alter the procedure cost include:
- The species of your male pet, or whether its a dog or a cat. Typically, dog neutering is more expensive, but there are concessions.
- The age and breed of the pet. The older the pet, the more expensive the surgery. Pets under the age of 1 get an additional reduction in price.
- Any pet pre-existing conditions. In case your pet has had health problems, the price might be higher.
Are There Any Waiting Periods
Yes, there are waiting periods with Embrace Pet Insurance as it relates to spaying and neutering. For most procedures, there is a 14-day waiting period. However, there are some variations depending on the state in which you reside. Be sure to check your policy or contact customer service for more information.
Read Also: State Farm Renters Insurance Login
Does Pet Insurance Cover Neutering
Pet insurances have their plans, which mainly cover illnesses, diseases, and injuries that require surgery. Even though most well-known pet health providers dont have a specific coverage plan that covers neutering, many of them provide it as part of their additional plans.
Lets have a look at some of the best pet insurance providers and whether they cover neutering or not.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying And Neutering
New pet parents have plenty of questions about spaying and neutering procedures for their fur babies, with a top concern being whether pet insurance will cover them.
The spay/neuter procedure is a cost that comes really early on in your pets life, and many pet parents arent prepared for it. Spaying/neutering your dog or spaying/neutering your cat can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars, depending on a number of different factors. Needless to say, finding out that your pet insurance plan doesnt cover spay/neuter surgery can be disappointing.
However, its important to understand that this isnt unique. In fact, its unlikely that youll be able to find a standard pet insurance plan that covers the cost of spaying or neutering. This confusion often stems from a misunderstanding of what pet health insurance is and what its designed to cover. Were here to help clear things up!
You May Like: Small Business Insurance For Llc
The List Of Things Fetch Covers Seems Endless
minute read
When considering signing up for pet insurance, it can feel overwhelming to sift through all the coverage options and insurance jargon. At Fetch by The Dodo, it’s different. We talk to people like people and make it clear what we do and don’t cover. Here are all ways we’ll be there for your cats and dogs.
How Much Does It Cost To Spay Or Neuter Your Dog
The cost of having your dog spayed or neutered depends on your dogs age, breed, size, where you live, and on your individual vet. According to Dr. Liff, a routine spaying or neutering of a dog can range anywhere between $250-$2,000.
The gold standard includes IV catheter, IV fluids, pre-anesthesia blood work, licensed nurses monitoring your pet, pain medication and additional therapy for aftercare.
Neutering requires just a small incision, while spaying is considered more major surgery, so it tends to come with a bigger price tag.
The cost of having your pup spayed or neutered might include, but is not limited to:
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Sonobello Without Insurance
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Spaying And Neutering
Pet insurance is not worth it for spaying or neutering alone. A pet insurance policy without a wellness plan add-on will not cover spaying and neutering.
If youre already planning to buy pet insurance, it may make sense to purchase a wellness plan for spaying and neutering coverage. Here, the answer is less clear.
Spaying and neutering surgeries are a one-time expense. The cost can range from $0 to several hundred dollars depending on the service providers in your area and your pet. Dogs can be more expensive to spay or neuter, especially larger dogs.
Several pet wellness plans that cover spaying and neutering cost around $25 per month, or $300 a year. They reimburse up to $150 for the surgery.
However, if your pet has any complications after being spayed or neutered, a pet insurance plan with illness coverage could make your pets follow-up care more affordable.
If your main goal is to save money on spaying or neutering itself, you might consider adopting a pet that has already had the surgery or finding a low-cost clinic in your area.
Another question to ask yourself is whether you can afford the ongoing costs of owning a pet if youre concerned about being able to afford spaying or neutering surgery. Its a relatively small expense compared to the ongoing costs of food, checkups, bloodwork and vaccines, and its considerably less expensive than vet bills for emergencies, accidents and illnesses.
Exclusions Or Limits That Are Specific To Your Insurance Policy
Insurers may contain exclusions, limitations, or conditions that are specific to your insurance policy. These could include inner caps or conditions or treatment limitations. For example, $10,000 of coverage may contain a $2000 per condition restriction, which means that if the maximum is met, there is no more coverage for future treatment expenditures. These will differ between insurers and policies, so always check your policys terms and conditions and, if in doubt, contact your insurer.
Other possible exclusions include:
- Elective treatments or procedures
- Dogs with restricted breeds, behavioral concerns that are not related to an illness or documented condition
- Animals employed in business or kept on commercial facilities
- Animals that are not permanently resident in the United States
Recommended Reading: Professional Liability Insurance For Engineers