Having a pet is a positive and joyful experience. It can also be a stressful one. Like our kids, we enjoy giving them love and affection. We also want to keep them safe and healthy. At times, providing them with their special needs can be challenging. The cost of medical attention, medication, and special diets can get overwhelming. If you have pet insurance, you may wonder if it covers prescription food. It may, but it depends on your policy. In rare cases, your pet insurance may cover prescription food, but most plans do not. If you’re not sure, it’s best to check with your insurance company.
What Is Prescription Pet Food?
Pet food manufacturers produce foods with special ingredients to address specific illnesses. It’s formulated to meet the special dietary needs of animals. The food cannot be purchased without a prescription from your veterinarian. A vet may recommend a special diet for cats and dogs that are ill and need special ingredients to stay healthy. In some instances, this special diet may be prescribed for pets that are unwilling or unable to eat regular food.
The prescription food provides animals with specialized ingredients to help maintain their health or to help them recover. Your vet will recommend a prescription diet if your pet has any of the following conditions.
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Post-surgery
- Skin conditions
- Arthritis
- Overweight
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- Dental problems
- Renal issues
Types of Pet Insurance
Like health insurance for humans, pet insurance provides coverage for the cost of veterinary care for your pet. The policies have deductibles, limitations, and reimbursement percentages for illness and injury.
The two basic types of pet insurance are accident only and accident and illness. For an additional fee, you can purchase add-ons for wellness and dental as well. The cost and coverage within the policies vary greatly. That is why you should take a look at more than just one of the pet insurance policies when making your choice. Here are a few of the best-rated pet insurance companies:
Top Rated Pet Insurance Companies:
Accident and Illness Pet Insurance Coverages
- Injuries
- Accidents
- Infections
- Hereditary diseases
- Chronic illnesses
- Diagnostics
- Emergency care
Accident-Only Pet Insurance coverages
- Injuries
- Accidents
- Accidental poisoning
- Accidental ingestion of objects
- Animal or insect bites
Wellness Plans or Add-Ons
Purchasing an additional wellness plan covers your pet for routine exams, vaccinations, and routine testing.
If you are considering purchasing a pet insurance policy, be sure to do your research and read the fine print.
Pet Insurance Coverage for Prescription Diets
Prescription food diets can be very expensive. They are prescribed for pets with issues from skin problems to heart issues. In rare instances, there are some pet insurance companies that will cover certain prescription diets for kidney stones. The ASPCA has certain policies that will reimburse you for prescription diets used to treat a covered condition. It will not cover prescription diets for weight management or maintenance, however. Other companies do not have this coverage, the coverage may be limited or excluded, or they may offer an optional add-on.
If you are searching for the right pet insurance plan, one company that you may want to consider is Lemonade. This company offers customizable plans and responsive customer service.
Final Thoughts
There is no clear-cut answer. Pet insurance coverage for prescription diets will be determined on a case-by-case basis. It will depend on the coverage you purchase, the company that provides the policy, and the condition or illness being treated. It’s recommended that you do your research before purchasing a pet policy.
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