Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?

No, most standard pet insurance plans don't cover spaying and neutering because it's considered an elective operation. However, there are pet wellness plans, also known as preventative care plans or routine care plans, that may cover these procedures through some reimbursement.

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What are pet wellness plans?

Pet wellness plans may cover routine care such as annual exams, vaccinations, dental care, and other services. These plans are typically add-ons to a standard pet insurance policy or might be available as standalone plans. Coverage for spaying and neutering usually comes in the form of a set reimbursement amount for the procedure.

How are pet wellness plans different from comprehensive pet plans?

Comprehensive pet insurance, or standard pet insurance, typically covers unexpected accidents and/or illnesses, while pet wellness plans focus on preventative and routine care. Preventative pet insurance plans may reimburse you up to a certain amount for certain common procedures, including spaying and neutering, as well as other pet needs such as vaccinations and teeth cleaning.

Depending on the insurer, pet wellness plans and pet insurance plans might not be mutually exclusive. You may be able to opt for both types of coverage for your cat or dog.

How to find a wellness plan that covers spaying and neutering

Plans that cover spaying and neutering are more difficult to find among pet insurers, so look for a "wellness plan" or "preventative" pet insurance that provides reimbursement specifically for spaying and neutering.

Before purchasing a policy, confirm how much coverage the plan provides for a spay or neuter procedure and the coverage for any complications that may follow. You may opt for both a traditional pet insurance plan that covers accidents and illnesses and a wellness plan for more complete coverage.

Are pet wellness plans worth it when spaying or neutering?

Pet wellness plans could be worth it to help cover some of the costs of spaying or neutering, plus other routine care like vaccinations and teeth cleaning. Check with the insurer about how much is covered for each procedure you expect to need and compare that to the cost of the coverage.

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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Progressive offers pet insurance through three separate programs:

Some Progressive Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates (“Progressive”). This program is administered by Companion Protect Agency, LLC, a licensed insurance agency known nationwide (except in CA) as “Companion Protect Agency, LLC” (Iowa license #1002314428) (FL License # L106403); in California, it is known as “CP Pet Insurance Services, LLC” (CA license #0N14138). It is located at 11460 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Ste 300, Leawood, KS 66211. Progressive is not affiliated with Companion Protect. Companion Protect receives a commission from Progressive for policies underwritten in this program. Progressive will use your information in accordance with its own privacy policy, which is available at https://www.progressive.com/privacy/. Companion Protect underwrites and adjusts claims on behalf of Progressive under this program, which is not offered by or sponsored by Companion Life Insurance Company or its affiliated companies. Premium is paid monthly in advance of coverage. A service or payment fee may also apply if premium is paid by credit/debit card. (See your billing statement.) A deductible and copay are applied to claims. Policyholders have the option of an annual coverage benefit of $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000. You can cancel coverage at any time; a pro-rated refund may apply. This description of the pet insurance coverage provided by Progressive is for informational purposes only. No representation is made with respect to coverage in any specific fact, situation, or circumstance. Discounts vary based upon eligibility. Price, coverage, and coverage terms vary by state and depend upon policy provisions. Please refer to your policy for details.

Progressive Advantage Agency, Inc. (PAA) refers some consumers seeking Progressive® Pet Insurance to Companion Protect for placement with the insurer Old Republic Insurance Company (“ORIC”) for such coverage. Neither Companion Protect nor ORIC is affiliated with Progressive. Companion Protect receives a commission on policies underwritten in this program. Premium is paid monthly in advance of coverage. A service or payment fee may also apply if premium is paid by credit/debit card. (See your billing statement.) A deductible and copay are applied to claims. Policyholders have the option of an annual coverage benefit of $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000. You can cancel coverage at any time; a pro-rated refund may apply. For a copy of Companion Protect’s privacy policy, please visit your customer portal at progressive-my.petscovered.com. This description of the pet insurance coverage provided by ORIC is for informational purposes only. No representation is made with respect to coverage in any specific fact, situation, or circumstance. Companion Protect underwrites and adjusts claims on behalf of ORIC under this program. ORIC’s program administered by Companion Protect is not offered by or sponsored by Companion Life Insurance Company or its affiliated companies. PAA receives compensation from Companion Protect that may vary based on the policy you buy. Call Progressive at 855-347-3139 for more details. Discounts vary based upon eligibility. Discounts may not be cumulative. Price, coverage, and coverage terms vary by state and depend upon policy provisions. Please refer to your policy for details.

PAA also refers some consumers to Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC who offer and administer pet insurance coverages underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #12190), a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), a Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, or MS Transverse Insurance Company (NAIC #21075), located at 15 Independence Blvd. Suite 430, Warren, NJ 07059. Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (NPN #8889658, CA agency #0F37530) is a licensed insurance agency located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd. #160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Terms and conditions apply. See your policy for details. Pets Best and the insurers are not affiliated with Progressive. PAA and Progressive are not responsible for insurer or coverage selections, policies issued, claims, the content or operation of others' websites, or how others handle or use your information. Information you provide to others is subject to their privacy policies and website terms of use and may be shared with us. PAA (NPN: 11658436; CA license #0F50053) is a licensed insurance agency. PAA does not underwrite pet insurance or pay claims but receives compensation on sale and/or renewal. Call Progressive at 855-347-3139 for more details. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit www.petsbest.com/policy. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. More information is available at checkout. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address. Price, coverage, and coverage terms and conditions may vary between insurers. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states and situations. Eligible expenses and coverages may vary, depending on your plan selection. All coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions.