Does pet insurance cover prescription medications?
Yes, most pet insurance providers cover certain medications prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for covered conditions, but the extent of the coverage and the medication included will vary depending on the policy. Review your policy carefully and refer to your pet insurance company's formulary, also called their Preferred Drug List (PDL), to ensure that it covers the specific medications your pet requires. If your veterinarian prescribes a medication that's not on your pet insurance company's formulary, you may need to pay for it out of pocket.
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How does pet medication coverage work?
If your cat or dog is prescribed a medication from their veterinarian, you will likely pay for the prescription out of pocket. You will then need to submit a claim to your pet insurance provider for the cost of the medication. Once the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for a percentage of the cost according to the coverage options you selected and the policy details.
What types of medications does pet insurance cover?
Most medications prescribed by your pet's veterinarian will be covered under an accident and illness plan, as long as the condition your pet needs the medication for isn't a pre-existing condition. Prescribed medications needed following accidents are also covered under accident only plans, as long as the treatment is linked to a covered accident.
Common conditions in dogs and cats that require prescription medications include:
Infections
Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma
Anxiety
Cancer
Diabetes
Fungal infections
Gastrointestinal issues
Glaucoma and other eye issues
Heart health and blood pressure
Kidney and urinary needs
Skin conditions
Thyroid conditions
The following are common questions pet parents ask about what types of medications pet insurance covers:
Are anxiety meds covered by pet insurance?
Anxiety medications prescribed by licensed veterinarians are usually covered under accident and illness policies, as long as the condition isn't pre-existing. These include one-time needs, like if you need to ease your pet's anxiety while traveling or during a storm, to monthly prescriptions that are given to your pet daily.
Is allergy medicine covered under pet insurance?
Yes, if your pet policy includes the allergy medication your vet has prescribed, then it's typically covered under an accident and illness policy.
Does pet insurance cover heartworm and flea and tick medicine?
The answer depends on the type of pet insurance policy you have. A pet wellness plan, such as Pets Best optional Best Wellness and Essential Wellness plans, covers heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
Does pet insurance cover prescription food?
Some pet policies cover prescription food, while others don't. If your vet has prescribed a specific diet for your dog or cat's arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, or food allergies, check the details of your policy.
Does pet insurance cover pain medication after surgery?
After your dog or cat needs surgery, they will likely require pain medication. If your pet insurance company has included that veterinarian-prescribed medication in their preferred drug list, they will generally cover it depending on the details of your policy.
Does pet insurance cover ongoing medication?
If a pet insurance company covers a medication your veterinarian has prescribed, they will generally continue to cover it on an ongoing basis as long as that is what your vet has indicated .
Does pet insurance cover monthly medication?
Some pets receiving treatment for cancer or diabetes will require monthly medications throughout the course of treatment for the disease. When your veterinarian has prescribed a medication included in your insurer's formulary, it will generally be covered depending on your policy details.
What types of medications does pet insurance not cover?
Pet insurance does not cover medications for pre-existing conditions and non-covered procedures, such as cosmetic procedures, and spaying or neutering. A pet insurance policy also generally will not cover:
Vitamins
Supplements
Wellness products
Prescription food
Flea infestation medication
Heartworm treatment
Preventatives, such as heartworm, flea, and tick medications, are also not covered under most accident-only and comprehensive pet insurance plans. That's because these medications fall under routine care. Most often, an optional add-on routine care plan will help reimburse you for these kinds of preventative medications.
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