Does pet insurance cover microchips?

Does pet insurance cover microchipping?

Some pet insurance policies cover microchipping, while others do not. Depending on the provider, microchipping may be included in a standard plan, offered as an add-on for an extra fee or excluded entirely. Keep in mind that microchips must be registered to be effective, and registration may involve additional costs.

Microchipping coverage by pet insurance provider

• Included in standard plans: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Spot Pet Insurance
• Available with a wellness add-on: Lemonade, Embrace Pet Insurance
• Not covered: Trupanion, MetLife Pet Insurance

These are just a few examples, current as of publishing.

» LEARN: What does pet insurance not cover?

Why should I microchip my pet?

The primary benefit of microchipping your pet is that they’re significantly more likely to be reunited with you if they get lost. Studies show that microchipped pets are three times more likely to make it home compared to those without.

Other benefits of microchipping include:

• Peace of mind: A microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof identification system that stays with your pet for life, providing reassurance that you have a reliable method for reunification if they get lost.
• Support for lost or stolen pets: If your pet is stolen, a microchip can help prove ownership and prevent the pet from being placed with someone else.
• International travel: Microchips can facilitate smoother international travel, as many countries now require microchipping for pets entering their borders.
• Shelter efficiency: With many shelters and veterinary clinics now using universal scanners, microchips help ensure lost pets are identified as owned animals rather than strays, increasing the chances of a quick reunion.
• Reliable ID for outdoor and escape-prone pets: Microchips are especially useful for pets that spend time outdoors, tend to slip out of collars or are prone to escaping, ensuring they can still be identified if lost.

How effective is microchipping for pets?

Many microchip companies and registries, like HomeAgain and 24Petwatch, share heartwarming success stories of lost pets finding their way home. But studies from animal welfare organizations and veterinary researchers provide hard evidence of how effective microchipping really is.

• Microchipped pets are far more likely to be reunited with their owners. A study by Human Animal Support Services found that 57% of chipped dogs and 22% of chipped cats were returned to their owners from shelters between 2019 and 2021. By comparison, only 9% of unchipped pets made it back home.
• Microchipping significantly improves return rates — but registration matters. A 2009 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) analyzed 7,704 microchipped animals across 53 shelters and found that 74% of dogs and 64% of cats were reunited with their owners. However, outdated or incorrect contact details prevented some pets from being returned, emphasizing the need to keep microchip registration up to date.
• Microchipping prevents owned cats from being mistaken for strays. A 2025 study from Loudoun County Animal Services found that only 3% of stray cats in shelters were reclaimed by owners. However, in the Tag! You’re Home! Program (TYHP), microchipped cats were reunited with owners 10 times more often, with many found just a few blocks from home.

These studies show that microchipping dramatically increases the chances of a lost pet returning home — but only if owners keep their contact information current.

Potential costs of microchipping and insurance

Microchipping typically costs between $30 and $50, according to the Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs. However, prices vary by clinic, so it’s best to call ahead and ask before making an appointment.

While microchips can be purchased separately, implantation should always be done by a veterinarian to avoid complications like infections or incorrect placement. Some states require that a vet or registered veterinary technician perform the procedure.

In some cases, you may also need to pay an exam fee before your pet can be microchipped. Many veterinary clinics require an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) before providing care, which means your pet must have had a recent exam. The AVMA states that a VCPR is required by federal law, and exam fees typically start around $45, according to AKC Pet Insurance.

How much does insurance that covers microchipping cost?

Standard pet insurance costs typically run from $10 to $50 per month on average. Some plans include microchipping, while others require a wellness add-on.

Embrace Pet Insurance reports that most of its dog owners pay between $18 and $72 per month, while cat owners pay around $8 to $32 per month for standard accident and illness coverage. Adding the Wellness Rewards plan increases these monthly costs but provides reimbursement for microchipping and other routine care, such as vaccines.

Embrace Pet Insurance Wellness Rewards add-on pricing

• $300 annual reimbursement: $22.92 per month
• $500 annual reimbursement: $39.58 per month
• $700 annual reimbursement: $56.25 per month

ConsumerAffairs found that Wellness Rewards pricing remains the same regardless of your pet’s breed or age, but total costs depend on your base pet insurance premium.

Since microchipping is a one-time expense, a wellness add-on may only be worth it if you use the policy for other routine care.

» FIND OUT: Is pet insurance worth it?

How to choose the right pet insurance for microchipping

When selecting pet insurance, consider whether microchipping is included in the standard plan or available as an add-on. Some providers, like ASPCA and Spot Pet Insurance, include microchipping in standard policies, while others, such as Lemonade and Embrace, offer coverage through optional wellness add-ons.

Microchipping is typically inexpensive, though, so the overall value of the plan — such as premiums, coverage for other services and the cost of add-ons — should be a bigger factor in your decision-making. Be sure to evaluate your pet’s health needs and budget to find the most comprehensive plan for your situation.