Does pet insurance cover allergies?
Diagnostics and treatments are usually covered
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Pet allergy treatments can get expensive, especially for pets that need lifelong medication or ongoing care. Many pet insurance plans cover diagnostics, medications and emergency treatment for allergies — helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.
However, coverage varies, and preexisting conditions are typically excluded.
Allergy coverage often includes diagnostic tests and treatments.
Jump to insightPreexisting conditions and alternative treatments are typically excluded.
Jump to insightAnnual costs typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 without insurance.
Jump to insightWhat are the most common pet allergies?
Pets can develop allergies to certain foods, environmental triggers and fleas. The following table outlines the most common pet allergies, their triggers and typical symptoms.
Common pet allergies: triggers and symptoms
| Allergy type | Common triggers | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Food allergies | Beef, chicken, dairy | Vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin |
| Environmental allergies | Pollen, mold, dust mites | Sneezing, coughing, redness on feet, belly, ears and face |
| Flea allergies | Flea saliva | Intense itching, blistered skin, hair loss |
What allergy treatments does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance typically covers a range of testing, treatments and medication for allergies. Of course, coverage may vary between providers, but most plans that include coverage for illnesses will help cover allergy-related expenses.
Diagnostic testing is an important step in diagnosing your pet’s allergies. Fortunately, many insurance providers cover allergy testing.
Pet insurance may also cover medications and treatments as well as ongoing management of allergy symptoms. According to Lemonade, some medications include Apoquel (a daily pill for allergies in dogs) and Cytopoint (a monthly injection for allergies in dogs), which it covers under its policies.
Nationwide’s pet insurance plans cover the following allergy-related expenses:
- Veterinary consultations
- Blood allergy tests
- Intradermal skin testing
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up visits
- Emergency care for severe reactions
Generally, the type of allergy doesn’t affect coverage as long as it isn’t considered preexisting — meaning your pet wasn’t diagnosed, treated or showing symptoms before your policy’s start date. As Lemonade advises, enrolling as soon as possible when you get a new pet is the best way to avoid claims denials for preexisting conditions.
» COMPARE: Best pet insurance companies
Which breeds are most prone to allergies?
Certain dog breeds are genetically more likely to develop allergies. If you have one of these pets, enrolling in pet insurance early can help prevent claim denials for preexisting conditions:
- Boston terrier
- Boxer
- Chinese shar-pei
- Dalmatian
- Golden retriever
- Labrador retriever
- Lhasa apso
- Scottish terrier
- Shih tzu
- West Highland white terrier
- Wirehaired fox terrier
Purebred cats are also generally more prone to allergies than mixed-breed cats.
Does pet insurance exclude certain allergy treatments?
While most pet insurance plans cover allergy-related treatments, certain exclusions apply:
- Preexisting conditions: Pet insurance typically doesn’t cover allergies that are preexisting, meaning any allergies diagnosed, treated or showing symptoms before the policy's effective date.
- Alternative or experimental treatments: Some policies exclude alternative or experimental treatments, such as holistic remedies, acupuncture or other therapies not recognized as standard by insurers.
- Flea prevention: While treatment for flea allergies is often covered, preventive measures like flea collars or topical treatments may not be included in standard policies.
Exclusions vary by provider and plan, so review your policy details carefully to understand what allergy-related expenses are covered.
» LEARN: What does pet insurance not cover?
Costs associated with allergy treatments
The cost of allergy treatments for pets can vary depending on the severity of the allergy and the treatment approach. Nationwide reports that, based on its 2024 claims, the total annual cost for managing pet allergies typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
The breakdown of treatment costs is as follows:
- Diagnostic tests typically cost between $200 and $500.
- Medications range from $20 to $150 per month, depending on type, dosage and pet size. Larger pets often require higher doses, leading to higher costs.
- Immunotherapy costs $300 to $600 per year for allergy shots or other forms of immunotherapy.
- Specialized diets cost between $50 and $100 per month for pets with food allergies. Larger pets need more food, which increases overall expenses.
Costs for allergy treatment can fluctuate based on your pet's needs. Pet insurance can help reduce the financial burden, but keep in mind that some plans may have per-incident, annual or lifetime limits.
FAQ
Is pet insurance necessary for pets with allergies?
Pet insurance isn’t necessary for pets with allergies, but with treatments costing more than a thousand a year, insurance can be a great help in reducing out-of-pocket costs.
How do I know if my pet's allergies are covered by insurance?
The best way to determine if your pet’s allergies are covered by insurance is to review your policy documents carefully. Look for terms like "exclusions" and "limitations" to understand any restrictions. Most plans cover allergy treatments, but some may exclude preexisting conditions or have limits on coverage.
How can I file a claim for allergy treatments with my pet insurance?
To file a claim, you’ll need to submit documentation, including receipts from your vet and a detailed description of the treatment. Follow your provider’s instructions for submitting claims to ensure timely reimbursement.
Why might a pet insurance claim for allergies be denied?
Claims may be denied for allergies if the condition is considered preexisting — meaning your pet was diagnosed, treated or showing symptoms before the policy’s effective date. Always read your policy to understand the specifics and avoid surprises.
Is pet insurance worth it for pets with allergies?
Pet insurance can be beneficial for pets with allergies if the diagnosis occurs after you purchase a policy and complete the waiting period. Allergy treatments can cost thousands per year, making insurance a valuable way to offset expenses.
VCA Animal Hospitals reports that most pets develop allergy symptoms by six months old, so enrolling early increases the likelihood of coverage. If your pet is prone to allergies, purchasing pet insurance before symptoms appear can help prevent claim denials due to preexisting condition exclusions.
Ultimately, pet insurance is most worthwhile if your pet is likely to develop allergies and you secure coverage before diagnosis.
Article Sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- VCA Animal Hospitals, "Allergy – General in Dogs." Accessed March 12, 2025.
- Nationwide Pet Insurance, " Pet Insurance with Dog & Cat Allegy Coverage." Accessed March 12, 2025.
- Lemonade, "Does Your Dog Have Allergies?" Accessed March 12, 2025.
- Embrace Pet Insurance, "Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatments?" Accessed March 12, 2025.
- ASPCA Pet Insurance, "Dogs and Allergies." Accessed March 12, 2025.
- Lemonade, "Lemonade Pet Insurance FAQ – Allergy Coverage." Accessed March 12, 2025.
- Merck Veterinary Manual, "Allergies of Cats." Accessed March 12, 2025.
- Merck Veterinary Manual, "Allergies in Dogs." Accessed March 12, 2025.
