Does pet insurance cover hydrotherapy?

Does pet insurance cover hydrotherapy?

Yes, some pet insurance plans cover hydrotherapy either through standard plans or add-ons. To be eligible, it must be part of treatment for a covered condition. However, since hydrotherapy is considered an alternative (or nontraditional) therapy, not all plans provide coverage.

For example, if your pet breaks its leg and has surgery to mend it, hydrotherapy may be prescribed to help it heal faster and regain the use of its leg. But, if your dog was diagnosed with arthritis before your plan’s effective date and your vet prescribes hydrotherapy, it might not be covered due to exclusions for preexisting conditions.

What is hydrotherapy for pets?

Hydrotherapy is a form of water-based therapy designed to aid in a pet’s recovery and mobility. It typically takes place in a controlled environment, such as a swimming pool or an underwater treadmill, where the natural properties of water — like buoyancy, resistance and warmth — help support rehabilitation.

What conditions does hydrotherapy help treat?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recognizes hydrotherapy as a key component of veterinary rehabilitation. It can support recovery after surgery, improve mobility in obese pets or those with neurological conditions, and help manage chronic issues like arthritis.

Because it reduces stress on joints, hydrotherapy allows safer movement while building strength, improving circulation and increasing endurance — all in a low-impact environment.

Which pet insurance covers hydrotherapy?

Several pet insurance providers cover hydrotherapy in standard plans or through add-ons that offer coverage for alternative therapies. Here are a few examples:

• Lemonade offers a physical therapy add-on that covers treatments such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
• Embrace Pet Insurance covers complementary treatments in its standard plans, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and laser therapy.
• ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, rehabilitative therapy, hydrotherapy and low-level laser therapy in its Complete Care (accident and illness) plans.
• MetLife Pet Insurance provides coverage for holistic or alternative therapies in its standard plans, including herbal remedies, aromatherapy, CBD oil, chiropractic, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

If you’re looking for pet insurance that covers alternative therapies, these options might work well for you.  Keep in mind that coverage for alternative therapies may increase the overall cost of pet insurance. To ensure you’re getting the right pet insurance for your budget and needs — especially if you want coverage for alternative therapies — read policy details carefully, check reviews and compare plans.

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How much does hydrotherapy cost?

Expect to pay $50 to $75 per session for pet hydrotherapy, depending on your location and the facility. As a rule, prepaid packages typically have lower per-session costs.

Hydrotherapy sessions usually cost $50 to $75 each.

Pricing depends on several factors like the type of hydrotherapy, session length, the condition being treated and where you live. Some facilities use pools, others offer underwater treadmills or the vet may utilize both.

The following table shows sample pricing from pet rehab centers across the U.S. All prices are accurate as of publication.

Out-of-pocket costs for pet hydrotherapy

Even if your pet insurance covers hydrotherapy or other alternative therapies, there may still be out-of-pocket costs. For example, some facilities may require you to purchase a life jacket or specialized water shoes to protect your pet — expenses that pet insurance might not cover.

Other factors to consider include your plan’s deductible, reimbursement rate and payout limits:

• Reimbursement rate: This is the percentage of your vet bill that pet insurance reimburses, typically ranging from 70% to 90%. Pet insurance often works on a reimbursement model, meaning you’ll need to pay the bill upfront, file a claim and wait for repayment.
• Deductible: The deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance coverage kicks in.
• Payout limits: Some policies have per-incident, annual or lifetime payout limits. Once these limits are reached, pet insurance won’t provide further reimbursement.

Understanding these details can help you anticipate any additional costs when pursuing hydrotherapy for your pet. Remember to check your policy details carefully and ask your provider questions if you need clarification.

How to get pet insurance to cover hydrotherapy

To get pet insurance that covers hydrotherapy and other alternative therapies, look for a plan that includes this coverage before starting treatment. It’s also wise to get a pet insurance plan that includes alternative therapies as soon as possible after adopting your pet. This proactive approach can help prevent claims denials due to preexisting conditions, ensuring you're covered if your pet ever needs hydrotherapy.

While a single hydrotherapy session may not seem expensive, pets often require multiple sessions and costs can add up quickly — making pet insurance worth it for this type of treatment. To get the most out of your policy, consider these tips as well:

• Check for add- ons: If hydrotherapy isn’t included in your standard plan, see if your provider offers an alternative therapy add-on for an additional cost.
• Ask about provider requirements: Some pet insurance companies require hydrotherapy to be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified rehabilitation specialist. Confirm these requirements to avoid denied claims.
• Understand waiting periods: Many pet insurance policies have waiting periods before coverage begins, even for alternative therapies. Planning ahead ensures your pet is eligible when they need treatment.
• Keep thorough records: Maintain detailed vet notes and save invoices related to your pet’s condition and hydrotherapy sessions. Proper documentation can help support claims and maximize reimbursement.

How to file a pet insurance claim for hydrotherapy

To file a claim for hydrotherapy with your pet insurance provider, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your policy covers hydrotherapy and that the provider meets your insurer’s requirements.
2. Take your pet to their appointment and pay the bill in full upfront.
3. Gather necessary documents, such as an itemized invoice, doctor’s notes and receipt of payment. You may also have to submit a copy of your veterinarian’s referral.
4. Start a claim through your provider’s website or phone app. Some providers may also accept claims via mail, email or fax. Check with your provider for the preferred submission method.
5. Wait for approval and reimbursement. AAHA states reimbursements may be issued via check or direct deposit, depending on the provider’s payment process.

While the claims process may vary slightly between providers, general steps remain the same. Be sure to ask your pet insurance provider if you’re not sure how to file a claim.

What are the alternatives if hydrotherapy is not covered?

If hydrotherapy isn’t covered by your pet insurance, you can choose to pay out of pocket. If that’s not an option, talk to your veterinarian about other ways to support your pet’s recovery. Since hydrotherapy is typically a complementary treatment, your vet may suggest adjusting medications, incorporating physical therapy exercises or exploring other pain management techniques.

Hydrotherapy for pets at home

According to RehabVet, an animal rehabilitation clinic in Singapore, you can try hydrotherapy at home. However, without proper supervision and equipment, there is a risk of injury or waterborne infections. Some pet owners use small pools, bathtubs or underwater treadmills to provide low-impact exercise, but home hydrotherapy may not be as effective as professional treatments, especially for pets recovering from surgery or with severe mobility issues.

To safely administer hydrotherapy at home, RehabVet highlights these key reminders:

• Consult your veterinarian to ensure it’s appropriate for your pet’s condition.
• Use a dog-safe pool or large tub with warm water (around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) to help relax muscles.
• Consider a pet flotation device to support pets that struggle in the water.
• Start slowly and monitor your pet’s response, using gentle encouragement and treats.
• Rinse and dry your pet thoroughly after each session to prevent skin and ear infections.

Before trying hydrotherapy at home, talk to your veterinarian to ensure it’s a safe and appropriate alternative for your pet’s condition.