Does Pet Insurance Cover Medication And Prescriptions?

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Updated: 08 May 2024
Written by
Cara Carlone
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Pets are cherished members of the family, and like humans, they can unexpectedly fall ill or get injured, leading to significant veterinary expenses. Along with vet bills, prescription drugs are often necessary for their recovery, but they can be costly. The good news is that most pet insurance providers cover the cost of medications prescribed by a licensed vet for a covered condition.

It’s important to note that prescription food and supplements are usually not covered by pet insurance. However, we’re here to help you understand the details of pet insurance coverage for medications so you can prioritize your pet’s health and well-being.

Key Takeaways

  • If your vet prescribes medication for your pet, it’s likely covered through your insurance policy

  • However, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, any prescribed medication for that condition may not be covered by insurance

  • You can still get coverage for wellness-related medications. Just add a wellness plan to your existing insurance policy and you’ll be able to get the medicine your pet needs to stay healthy and happy

Does pet insurance cover medication and prescriptions?

If your pet needs medication or a prescription, most pet insurance policies will cover it – as long as it’s prescribed by a licensed vet. However, If your pet has a pre-existing condition, any prescribed medication for that condition may not be covered.

But don’t let that discourage you, pet insurance is still a great way to ensure your furry friend gets the care they need without breaking the bank.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Medicine?

Ensuring the health and happiness of our pets is a priority for pet parents, and having pet insurance can provide a safety net for unexpected illnesses or injuries. However, it’s crucial to understand what’s covered and what’s not.

Generally, pet insurance policies cover vet-prescribed drugs. Still, some companies may require you to upgrade your plan or purchase an add-on for prescription coverage. It’s essential to read the policy details carefully to ensure you have the coverage you need.

There are exclusions, though. Prescription medications for pre-existing conditions are not eligible for coverage with any pet insurance provider. If your pet has a chronic health issue, you’ll need to pay for their medication out of pocket.

Additionally, medications for wellness-related concerns are typically excluded from pet insurance policies unless you purchase a wellness plan add-on. This is an important consideration when selecting the right pet insurance policy for your furry family member.

Medication Covered by most policies Covered by a wellness plan
Vet Prescribed Yes No
Vitamins, Supplements, & Wellness Medicine No No
Tick, Fleas & Heartworm Prevention No Yes
Flea Infestation Medication No No
Heartworm Treatment Yes No
Apoquel Yes No
Behavioral Medication Yes No

Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescriptions?

Most pet insurance policies cover prescribed medication, which is good news. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, any medication for that condition may not be covered.

To ensure that your pet’s new health condition is covered, it must be included in your policy, and any applicable waiting periods must have passed. While it may seem like a lot to keep track of, understanding your pet insurance policy will help you make the best decisions for your furry family member.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Flea Medication & Heartworm Prevention?

As pet parents, we understand the importance of protecting our furry friends from pests like fleas and heartworms. However, when it comes to pet insurance, coverage for these issues can vary.

Generally, flea and heartworm preventatives are not covered by accident and illness pet insurance policies. However, some pet insurance companies offer wellness plans that may include coverage for these preventatives. It’s worth exploring these options to see if they fit your needs.

If your dog does get a flea infestation, the treatment is typically not covered by pet insurance because it’s considered a preventative measure. Similarly, most policies won’t cover heartworm treatment because it’s also considered preventable. However, there are rare instances where dogs on heartworm prevention still contract the disease, and some insurance companies offer coverage for heartworm diagnosis in these cases.

It’s essential to research and find a pet insurance policy that aligns with your pet’s unique needs and your budget.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Apoquel?

When our furry friends are constantly scratching and itching, it can be tough to watch. That’s where Apoquel comes in – it’s a popular medication prescribed to help relieve those pesky symptoms.

The good news is that Apoquel is usually eligible for coverage by pet insurance, as long as the condition isn’t considered pre-existing. So, if your furry family member is suffering from a new itching issue, it’s worth checking with your pet insurance provider to see if Apoquel is covered.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Anxiety Medication?

We all want our furry companions to be happy and stress-free, but sometimes they can experience anxiety just like we do. Anxiety medication is a common treatment prescribed by vets to help our pups feel more relaxed and comfortable.

When it comes to pet insurance coverage for anxiety medication, it can be a bit tricky. Some insurance companies exclude behavioral conditions, which means that related medicine may not be covered.

However, there’s good news for pet parents looking for coverage for their dog’s anxiety medication. Several pet insurance companies offer coverage for behavioral therapies, as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing. These include Pets Best, Figo, Embrace, Fetch, Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Insurance, Spot, and Nationwide.

If you’re concerned about your furry friend’s anxiety and want to explore treatment options, it’s worth checking with your pet insurance provider to see what’s covered. After all, a happy and healthy pup is the ultimate goal!

Does pet insurance cover allergy medication?

Allergies can make our pets just as miserable as they make us, but luckily, there are medications that can provide relief.

If you have pet insurance, you may be wondering if allergy medication is covered. The good news is that as long as the allergy isn’t considered a pre-existing condition, your pet’s allergy meds – like Apoquel allergy pills or Cytopoint allergy injections – should be covered.

So, if your pet is suffering from allergies, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about treatment options.

What are Pet Prescriptions?

Pet prescriptions are crucial for maintaining your furry friend’s health, as they are tailored to their specific needs and are available only through licensed veterinarians. Unlike over-the-counter remedies, pet prescriptions are formulated with your pet’s safety and health in mind.

However, they can be costly, which is why having pet insurance that covers pet prescriptions can be beneficial. It’s important to note that while some human pharmacies carry pet medications, they can only be obtained with a valid pet prescription.

Annual Cost of Pet Prescriptions

Prescriptions can indeed strain your wallet, especially if your furry friend needs them long-term. The cost of pet prescriptions can vary based on several factors, including:

  1. Breed: Some breeds are more prone to health issues requiring medication, leading to higher costs over time.
  2. Weight: Larger pets need higher doses, which can add up quickly when priced per unit.
  3. Location: Prices can vary between veterinary clinics and regions.
  4. Overall health: Pets with chronic or serious conditions may require more medication, increasing costs.

Understanding these factors can help you anticipate and manage the costs associated with your pet’s prescriptions.

Medication Average Cost
Vaccinations $60
Heartworm $40/month
Lyme Disease $50
Kennel Cough $35
Flea Control $100
Prescription dog food $700/year
Insulin $240-$1080/year
Allergy medication $360 to $800/year

Commons types of pet prescriptions

Let’s delve into some common pet health issues and the prescription drugs that can help alleviate their symptoms.

  1. Anxiety: Many pet owners seek medication to help their pets manage anxiety. Insured options include amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and Clomicalm.
  2. Seizures: Seizures can affect pets, but many insurance policies cover the medication needed to control them. Commonly prescribed seizure medications include phenobarbital, diazepam, primidone, K-Brovet, and gabapentin.
  3. Diabetes: Pets can develop diabetes, and pet insurance policies typically cover insulins like Lantus, Novolin N, Humulin N, Prozinc, and Vetsulin to help manage their symptoms.
  4. Pain: Pets may need prescription pain medication for conditions like arthritis or post-surgery discomfort. Your vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Rimadyl or Previcox, or opioids like butorphanol and buprenorphine, to help alleviate their pain.

Which Medications Are Common for Dogs?

Here are some common prescription medications that veterinarians prescribe for dogs:

  1. Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections, vets may prescribe medications like metronidazole or doxycycline.
  2. Antiparasitics: Medications like ivermectin can help eliminate threadworms and roundworms.
  3. Antifungals: For fungal infections, medications like ketoconazole are often used.
  4. Corticosteroids: These are prescribed to reduce inflammation, with prednisone being a common option.
  5. Pain relievers: Dogs may need pain medication after injury or surgery, with tramadol being a commonly prescribed option.

Which Medications Are Common for Cats?

Here are some common prescription medications for cats:

  1. Antibiotics: Cats may need antibiotics for bacterial infections, with amoxicillin being a common option.
  2. Antiparasitics: Medications like praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate can help eliminate roundworms and threadworms.
  3. Flea and tick prevention: To prevent fleas and ticks, medications like fipronil and (S)-methoprene are often prescribed.
  4. Corticosteroids: Prednisone is commonly used to reduce inflammation in cats.
  5. NSAIDs: Cats may need pain relief, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like robenacoxib can help alleviate their discomfort.

Pet insurance plans that cover medication

If you’re looking for pet insurance that covers prescription medications, it’s important to research your options. Not all providers offer this coverage, so it’s essential to review the policy details carefully. Here are some top pet insurance companies that typically cover prescription medications:

Pet’s Best

Pets Best offers a wide range of prescription drugs to help keep your pet healthy and happy. With a comprehensive list of hundreds of different drugs, Pets Best covers common ailments suffered by pets. Some of the medications they offer coverage for include:

  • Herbal medications: Pets Best covers a range of herbal medications for those looking for alternative treatments.
  • Aspirin: Pets suffering from pain or inflammation may benefit from aspirin, which Pets Best covers.
  • Prescription vitamins and supplements: Pets Best offers coverage for prescription vitamins and supplements to provide extra support.
  • Epinephrine: In case of emergency, Pets Best covers epinephrine.
  • Antibiotics: Pets with bacterial infections may benefit from antibiotics like amoxicillin, which Pets Best covers.
  • Insulin: Pets with diabetes can receive coverage for insulin to help manage the condition.
  • Hydrocortisone: This medication can help with a range of skin conditions, and Pets Best offers coverage for it.

Pets Best ensures that your pet will have access to the medications they need to stay healthy and happy.

Embrace

Embrace offers a comprehensive list of prescription drugs to treat various medical conditions that pets may encounter. Some of the medications they cover include:

  • Allergy medication: Embrace covers a range of allergy medications for pets suffering from allergies.
  • Pain relievers: Embrace offers coverage for pain relievers to keep pets comfortable, whether it’s post-surgery or chronic pain.
  • Steroids: To reduce inflammation and manage certain conditions, Embrace covers steroids.
  • Antibiotics: Embrace covers antibiotics for pets with bacterial infections.
  • Ear and eye drops: Coverage is provided for ear or eye drops for pets with related issues.
  • Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives: Embrace covers a variety of preventatives to keep pets safe.
  • Oral chemotherapy: In case of cancer diagnosis, Embrace offers coverage for oral chemotherapy.
  • Insulin and supplies: Embrace covers insulin and supplies for pets with diabetes.
  • Prescription dog food: Certain medical conditions require a specific diet, and Embrace covers prescription dog food to meet those needs.
  • Anxiety medication: Embrace offers coverage for medication to help pets suffering from anxiety stay calm.
  • Medicated shampoo: For certain skin conditions, Embrace covers medicated shampoo.
  • Nutritional supplements: Embrace covers a range of nutritional supplements to support overall health and well-being.

With Embrace pet insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet has access to the medications they need to stay happy and healthy.

Trupanion

If you’re concerned about the cost of prescription medication for your pet, Trupanion offers comprehensive coverage that can help. Their plan covers almost all prescription medications prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to treat covered illnesses or injuries. Plus, there are no payout limits, and they typically cover 90% of the cost.

Trupanion also covers prescription supplements and offers 50% coverage for prescription food after you pay your deductible and co-payment amount. With Trupanion, you can focus on your pet’s health and well-being without worrying about the cost.

Nationwide

If you’re searching for an affordable pet insurance plan that covers prescription medication, Nationwide offers two plans to choose from: the budget-friendly Medical Coverage and the comprehensive Complete Coverage. Both plans provide coverage for prescription drugs used to treat covered conditions.

While there may be a deductible or co-pay amount, the peace of mind knowing your pet is covered when they need it most is invaluable. Sign up with Nationwide today and give your pet the care they deserve!

Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws offers a single comprehensive policy that covers all your pet’s needs without incident, yearly, or payout limits. They provide coverage for prescription drugs prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for covered medical conditions or injuries, excluding pre-existing conditions.

Deductibles and co-payment amounts must be paid before the insurance covers the cost of the prescription medication. It’s wise to check your individual plan to avoid any unexpected surprises. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, any claim related to that condition may likely be denied, even for prescription medications.

FAQs

Can I get my dog's prescription from my vet?

Don’t let unexpected medical bills for your furry friend catch you off guard! While vet-prescribed medications are typically covered by pet insurance, it’s important to double-check your plan to see if you need to add prescription coverage. Keep in mind that pre-existing conditions aren’t eligible for coverage, so it’s best to enroll your pet before any health issues arise. With the right coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for whatever life throws your pet’s way.

 

 

 

Do all vets charge for prescriptions?

Pet insurance may not cover every medical expense your furry friend incurs, but it can certainly alleviate the financial burden of unexpected and costly veterinary bills. For instance, if your pet suffers from a broken bone or is diagnosed with cancer, pet insurance can help cover the expenses of these costly treatments.

Does pet insurance cover all expenses?

According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, vets are required to charge reasonable fees for their services. This may include a prescription charge or a fee per drug prescribed.

Does pet insurance cover prescription drugs?

Did you know that asking your vet for a written prescription for your pet’s medication can save you some money? While your vet still needs to see your furry friend for checkups and monitoring, buying the prescribed medicines online can be much more affordable. So don’t hesitate to have a chat with your vet about getting a written prescription for your pet’s needs!

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