Does pet insurance cover prescription food?

Some will, but expect to pay for an add-on

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Edited by: Amanda Futrell
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Edited by: Joanna Broder

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    Choosing an insurance policy for your beloved pet can help cover unexpected and expensive veterinary bills. Most companies present two options: accident-only and accident and illness plans.

    Your choice will depend on your pet’s health and age and whether a sudden veterinary bill would pose a financial hardship. Pets with certain health conditions may require special prescription foods, and you may wonder: Will the pet insurance I choose cover this additional expense?


    Key insights

    Most pet insurance plans don’t include coverage for prescription food.

    Jump to insight

    Some companies offer optional add-ons that cover prescribed foods and supplements for an extra fee.

    Jump to insight

    Check the policy’s fine print before purchasing a plan to find out exactly what’s covered.

    Jump to insight

    When pet insurance covers prescription food

    Some pets need a prescription diet to treat health conditions (e.g., allergies, diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems, obesity). Before you sign up for pet insurance, you’ll need to read the fine print to see if your pet’s prescription food will be covered. Most policies won't cover prescription food at all; some plans will cover it if it's part of a veterinarian’s treatment plan, and some require the purchase of an add-on to get prescription food coverage.

    » LEARN: How does pet insurance work?

    How to get coverage for prescription food

    You may need to pay a little extra to get coverage for your pet’s prescription food. A few pet insurance companies include the cost of prescription food in their plans, but most offer coverage through an optional add-on. This supplemental coverage is sometimes referred to as a “wellness plan.”

    Pet insurance that covers prescription food

    While prescription food isn’t typically included in pet insurance plans, some providers cover special food if a veterinarian prescribes it to treat a certain condition. If you already have a pet insurance policy, make sure to read the fine print to see if you’re eligible for prescription food. When a policy does cover prescription food, you typically pay for the food upfront and then send in a claim to your pet insurance company for reimbursement.

    » COMPARE: Best pet insurance companies

    How to save on prescription food without insurance

    Because most pet insurance policies don't cover prescription food costs, you might have to pay out of pocket, which can get pricey. You can reduce food expenses by buying in bulk or stocking up when the prescribed food goes on sale. If you have the time, with your veterinarian’s guidance, you may also consider making homemade pet food to meet your pet’s special needs.

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      FAQ

      Does pet insurance cover medical food?

      A few pet insurance policies cover prescription or medical food for your pets, but the company typically requires the purchase of an add-on. Read the fine print of your policy to find out what coverage you have. If the food is covered, it’s usually through reimbursement —you’ll pay for the food, and your insurance company will pay you back.

      Are there any waiting periods for prescription food coverage?

      Pet insurance companies typically cover prescription food through wellness plan add-ons, which, as a rule, don’t require waiting periods. The majority of wellness plans offered by pet insurance companies begin coverage the day after purchase.

      Can I get reimbursed for prescription food I already purchased?

      No. If you purchased food before your coverage began, you won't be reimbursed. Pet insurance plans don’t cover expenses that occur before you sign up for coverage.

      Are prescription foods worth it?

      In many cases, prescription food is worth it for pets with special health conditions. Many prescription foods are specially formulated to treat your pet’s health issues or slow down their effects.


      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:

      1. North American Pet Health Insurance Association, "Section #2: Total Pets Insured.” Accessed May 20, 2024.
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