Does pet insurance cover spaying?

Will pet insurance cover spaying?

Standard pet insurance plans don’t usually cover spaying. Pet insurance is designed to help with unexpected vet expenses, like accidents or illnesses, rather than routine or elective procedures. Since spaying is considered a routine surgery, it’s typically not included in most policies.

Check if your pet insurance provider offers a wellness plan add-on that includes spaying coverage.

Some pet insurance providers offer optional wellness plans or add-ons that might cover spaying as part of preventive care. Be sure to read the details of your plan to see if these options are available and whether they fit your budget and needs.

» LEARN: What does pet insurance cover?

How much does spaying cost without insurance?

The cost of spaying or without insurance typically ranges from $250 to $2,000, according to the pet insurance company Lemonade. Spaying is generally more expensive than neutering since the nature of the surgery is more invasive.

Factors such as your dog’s age, breed, size and location significantly impact the cost. For example, larger dogs require more anesthesia, which increases expenses, according to MetLife Pet Insurance. Younger or older pets may also have additional surgical risks or needs. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living tend to have higher vet fees overall.

Low-cost clinics may provide spaying services at significantly reduced prices, but availability and eligibility vary. If you adopt or rescue a pet, spaying or neutering is sometimes included in the adoption fee. The ASPCA, SpayUSA and Best Friends Animal Society all offer online tools to help pet owners locate less expensive options.

Private practices usually charge more, especially if additional services like blood work, pain medication or a surgical cone are included.

Is it worth it to get pet insurance before spaying?

Since spaying isn’t covered in most standard pet insurance plans, getting insurance solely for this procedure may not be worth it. However, wellness plan add-ons can cover routine care like spaying, making them a practical option for pet owners who want broader preventive care coverage. Here is a comparison of wellness plans offered by three providers:

It’s important to note that these particular plans are available as add-ons to a standard insurance policy, not as standalone products. However, other options do exist. For example, Pumpkin Wellness Club offers a standalone membership option. Unlike Pumpkin Pet Insurance’s Preventive Essentials add-on, the Wellness Club does not require an insurance policy.

While the add-ons or wellness plans can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for spaying and other routine care, the overall value depends on how much preventive care your pet needs each year. If your pet requires frequent vet visits or you want to stay ahead of potential health issues, these plans may be worth considering. If your pet’s needs are minimal, however, the cost of the add-on may outweigh the benefits.

» FIND OUT: Is pet insurance worth it?

What does pet insurance typically cover?

Pet insurance plans typically cover the costs of unexpected veterinary bills, including accidents, illnesses and injuries. While coverage varies between providers, most pet insurance policies cover the following:

• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications
• Surgery and hospitalization

A few plans also provide coverage for:

• Alternative and holistic treatments
• Prescription food

While pet insurance can be a great way to manage veterinary costs, it's important to remember that most plans exclude coverage for preexisting conditions. These are any conditions that your pet showed signs of or received treatment for before the policy began.