Does pet insurance cover allergies?
Yes, pet insurance may help cover allergies if your pet doesn't already have them before the policy starts. Progressive offers pet insurance coverage for allergies that aren't pre-existing. If your pet needs allergy shots or medication, your vet can prescribe it, and your insurance may pay for it depending on your plan. Check your accident and illness coverage to see if the medicine your pet needs is on the company's list of covered drugs.
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What pet allergies can insurance cover?
Your accident and illness policy may cover your pet's allergies, as long as they're not pre-existing. Pets can develop allergies from many sources, like their food or things in the environment. Here's a breakdown of potential allergens:
Food allergens:
- Dairy
- Grains like wheat, soy, or corn
- Meat proteins in chicken, beef, lamb, or fish
- Additives or preservatives in pet food
Environmental allergens:
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pollen from trees, grass, or weeds
- Perfumes
- Chemicals
What treatments for pet allergies are covered?
Pet insurance may cover allergy medications prescribed by your vet if the allergy isn't a pre-existing condition and the medication is included in the insurance company's list of covered drugs — called a formulary or Preferred Drug List (PDL).
For example, many vets prescribe Apoquel for dogs with allergic itching. If your vet prescribes this medication to treat your dog's itchy skin, and your insurance provider covers it, you may be reimbursed for it. Contact your insurer to make sure your pet's prescription is covered before it's filled.
Learn more about how pet insurance covers prescription medications for common conditions.
Does pet insurance cover allergy shots and allergy testing?
Allergy testing and allergy shots, like Cytopoint, may be covered under certain pet insurance policies. Insurers typically require that these be prescribed by a licensed vet and linked to a covered condition. Review your policy details to see what's covered in your plan.
What treatments for pet allergies are not covered?
Pet insurance typically excludes allergy treatments for pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance policies also generally don't cover:
- Vitamins
- Supplements
- Wellness products
- Prescription food
- Flea infestation medication
- Heartworm treatment
Are allergies considered a pre-existing condition?
Yes, insurers consider pet allergies a pre-existing condition if your pet shows signs of them before the policy starts or during the waiting period. A pet insurance waiting period means you must wait a specific amount of time before filing a claim.*
Other common pre-existing conditions may include arthritis, heart disease, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia.
Pro tip:
Getting pet insurance early can help you manage financial surprises when your pet gets sick or injured. Keep in mind that waiting periods vary by insurer, state, and coverage type.* Accident coverage may have a short waiting period of a few days, while illness coverage usually has a longer waiting period of a few weeks before you can file a claim.
How does Progressive insurance cover pet allergies?
Progressive typically offers pet insurance for allergies through accident and illness policies.
You pay for allergy medicine or treatments up front and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Your reimbursement amount depends on your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and whether the medication is on the formulary or PDL.
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