Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering is not covered by most pet insurance policies. Spaying and neutering is usually done when your pet reaches around two months of age. It offers many health and financial advantages. 1 Some wellness plans reimburse this procedure.

What is covered by pet insurance?

Comprehensive Pet Insurance typically covers veterinary costs related to accidents, illnesses, and injuries. This includes medically necessary procedures and prescription medications to help your pet recover.

Accident-only pet coverage is a type of insurance that can help in emergencies. Accident-only plans may not cover as much coverage as comprehensive plans, but they can offer a low-cost way to protect yourself from accidents and injuries.

This insurance type covers: 3

• Take poison or foreign bodies into your stomach
• Auto accidents
• Bite Wounds
• Torn muscles
• Broken bones
• Eye injuries

What does pet insurance not cover?

Pet insurance will help with some vet bills but not all. Most pet insurance policies do not cover:

• The elective procedures include neutering and spaying as well as tail docking and ear cropping.
• Pre-existing conditions
• Preventative measures such as vaccinations, annual checkups and flea or tick medications
• Preventable illnesses or injuries

What is covered by a Pet Wellness Plan?

They can be helpful, however. A 2020 survey found that dog owners with a wellness plan visited the veterinarian 20% more than those without a wellness plan. However, they can be useful. A 2020 survey found that owners of dogs with wellness plans visited their veterinarians 20% more than those without.

You can get reimbursed for preventative and routine care, such as:

• Routine Office Visits
• Vaccines or titers
• Fecal examination
• Deworming
• Nail trimmers
• Microchipping
• Flea control
• Heartworm prevention
• Bloodwork

Some companies offer a variety of wellness plans. A basic plan could include annual exams and bloodwork. It may also include vaccinations. However, a higher tier plan can include additional services such as dental cleanings and spaying or neutering.

Wellness plans, unlike illness or accident insurance, usually do not have copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance. Instead, they cover services up to a certain amount. Most insurers will cover spay/neuter services up to $150. You’ll be responsible for the remaining $50 if the spay/neuter costs $200.

What is not covered by a pet wellness plan?

These plans are a great way to help keep your pet healthy. However, there are some limitations and exclusions. These plans typically don’t include:

• Veterinarian care for illnesses and injuries
• Cost of Boarding
• Bathing or grooming
• Pre-existing conditions
• Dog obedience training

Pet Insurance Companies that Offer Spaying and Neutering coverage

These are the top pet insurers that offer spaying and neutering as part of at least one policy. Wellness plans are often riders or add-ons. You can only buy them if you already have an accident-only or comprehensive plan.

A plan that includes spay and neuter will typically cost around $23.40 a month. Plans can range from $16 to $29 per monthly depending on the insurer and coverage. However, your costs may be higher or less depending on factors such as your pet, your state of residence, and your plan.

You’ll need to check the terms and conditions of the policy before enrolling to make sure the procedure you want is still covered. Some plans are not available everywhere. You can enter your ZIP code or state to find out if your pet qualifies for a plan.

Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?

A wellness plan might not be worth the if you’re only interested in pet insurance for spaying or neutering. This is because you will need to add wellness coverage into a different insurance policy to receive reimbursement.

A wellness add-on typically costs around $280 per year. This insurance may not be worth it, since a spay/neuter procedure costs $150 for cats, and $300 for dog, with only a portion of the cost covered for more than $150.

The wellness coverage spreads out your payments. This coverage can be helpful if you have a limited monthly budget or cannot afford to pay for a spay at one time. If you already pay for coverage, why not take advantage of wellness plan reimbursements for spay/neuter? A preventive plan may cover other services that your young pet needs.

What is the cost of neutering and spaying?

Basic neutering or spaying surgery costs between $150 and $300 depending on the animal, whether it is a dog or cat, its weight, as well as other factors such a conditions discovered during surgery. Many locations offer low-cost and free options. You can find clinics in your area using the website of ASPCA. If you do find a clinic, check to see if your pet qualifies.

What is covered by Accidental Pet Insurance?

Accident-only Pet Insurance covers the veterinary costs associated to your pet’s injury or accident. It covers injuries like broken bones, ACL tears, and objects swallowed. This does not cover preventive care or illness.

Neutering is covered as a pre-existing condition?

Spaying and neutering are both surgical procedures to remove your pet’s reproductive system. A preexisting condition refers to any illness or condition that your pet had before the policy began. A pet insurance policy may cover complications following a sterilization procedure if it is done after waiting periods and required exams.

Bottom Line

Spay and neuter procedures are not covered by a comprehensive pet insurance policy or an accident-only plan. Some wellness plans offer some reimbursements for this type surgery. Only certain plans cover this type of surgery.

This type of wellness plan may help spread the cost of neutering or spaying your pet over the course of a year. However, it is unlikely to save you any money if this is the only visit you make to the clinic for the entire year. You’ll have to compare your premiums and the cost of the procedure to determine if the plan is worth it.

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