Does pet insurance cover arthritis?

Does pet insurance cover arthritis?

Most standard pet insurance policies cover the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, if the condition develops after the policy’s effective date. The effective date is when coverage begins after any waiting periods have been met.

Unfortunately, if your pet was showing signs of, diagnosed with or treated for arthritis before the effective date, it will most likely be ruled as a preexisting condition and be ineligible for coverage.

» MORE: What does pet insurance not cover?

What are the treatment options for arthritis in pets?

Treating arthritis in pets usually focuses on reducing pain, improving movement and slowing down the disease. According to the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center and VCA Animal Hospitals, common treatments for arthritis include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often given to reduce pain and swelling. Other medications like corticosteroids, gabapentin and amantadine can also help with pain.
• Joint supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep joints healthy and may slow the progress of arthritis.
• Injectable therapies: Adequan is a drug that can help protect cartilage and reduce inflammation in the joints.
• Weight management: Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is important because extra weight can add stress to its joints, making arthritis worse.
• Physical therapy: Things like hydrotherapy, massage and exercises can strengthen muscles and improve movement.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, laser therapy and stem cell treatments may also help with pain relief and mobility.

Zoetis Petcare has developed two injectable treatments for arthritis that may be covered by pet insurance: Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats.

• Librela is a monthly injection that targets a protein involved in pain signaling. It’s used to manage arthritis-related pain in dogs but doesn’t treat the underlying disease.
• Solensia is the first FDA-approved injectable medication for arthritis pain in cats. It also targets pain pathways and may improve mobility over time. Because cats often hide signs of discomfort, Solensia is increasingly used to support quality of life in older cats.

How much does arthritis treatment cost with pet insurance?

Most pet insurance plans already include coverage for arthritis diagnosis and treatment, so you shouldn't expect to pay more than you would for any other condition covered by the plan. While arthritis coverage doesn’t raise the cost of a plan on its own, older pets tend to have higher premiums overall due to age-related risks.

To show how age affects pricing, here’s a comparison of monthly premiums for two Golden Retrievers — one two years old and eight years old — both insured through Lemonade in St. Louis, Missouri:

2-year-old neutered male Golden Retriever

8-year-old neutered male Golden Retriever

It’s also important to note that some pet insurance plans don’t include complementary or alternative treatments often suggested for arthritis, like hydrotherapy, laser therapy or supplements. If your policy doesn’t cover hydrotherapy, you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

The following table shows sample hydrotherapy pricing from several pet therapy centers. The average cost per session is about $50.

Hydrotherapy pricing by facility

Some pet insurance providers cover alternative therapies in their standard plans or offer them as optional add-ons. Be aware that add-ons will increase your monthly premium.

» MORE: Does pet insurance cover hydrotherapy

What affects arthritis coverage in pet insurance?

Age plays a major part in the cost of pet insurance. Older pets are more likely to suffer from arthritis, which can affect treatment options and coverage. However, several other factors also influence how arthritis care is covered:

• Policy type: Not all pet insurance policies provide the same level of coverage for arthritis treatment. Some plans may cover medications and surgery, while others include alternative treatments, like acupuncture or hydrotherapy. Review the policy details to ensure arthritis care is fully covered. Some plans also offer wellness add-ons that can include preventive care or joint supplements, which may help manage the progression of arthritis.
• Waiting periods: Most policies come with waiting periods before coverage kicks in. If your pet has symptoms of arthritis before the policy starts, the condition may be considered preexisting and excluded from coverage.
• Preexisting conditions: Arthritis diagnosed before the policy's start date may be classified as a preexisting condition, meaning it won't be covered. Some insurers have more flexible policies for chronic conditions like arthritis, so it's worth reviewing the details to check if they offer any exceptions or special coverage options.
• Annual limits and coverage amounts: Policies often have annual limits for claims. This means there’s a maximum amount that will be reimbursed each year for the treatment of arthritis. Higher limits can provide more comprehensive coverage for long-term arthritis management, so select a plan that matches your pet’s needs.
• Reimbursement levels: Insurance policies differ in their reimbursement structures. Some plans cover a larger percentage of treatment costs, such as 90%, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses for arthritis care. When choosing a plan, evaluate the reimbursement rate to ensure it aligns with your financial expectations.
• Additional treatments: Alternative therapies like laser therapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture may not be included in all plans. If these treatments are important to you, check if they are covered under your policy or if they require an add-on.
• Geographical location: Veterinary care costs and available treatments can vary by region. Your location may impact the cost of arthritis treatments and the availability of specialists. Confirm that your insurance provider covers your local clinics or any specialty care that may be required.

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How to choose the best pet insurance for arthritis

To choose the best pet insurance for arthritis, keep the following in mind when selecting a policy:

• Coverage for arthritis diagnosis and treatment: Ensure the policy covers arthritis, including diagnostic tests, treatments and medications.
• Age and breed-specific policies: Older pets and certain breeds may be more prone to arthritis, so look for policies that offer appropriate coverage.
• Annual limits and reimbursement levels: Review the annual coverage limits and reimbursement levels to ensure they meet your pet's potential treatment needs.
• Alternative therapies: Confirm that your policy covers or offers add-ons for alternative treatments like hydrotherapy, acupuncture or laser therapy.
• Exclusions: Be aware of exclusions related to preexisting conditions, as arthritis diagnosed before the policy’s effective date may not be covered.