Spaying and neutering do not fall within the coverage of a standard pet insurance policy as they are considered predictable procedures and expenses, unlike unexpected illnesses and accidents. If you adopt a puppy or kitten, it is already known that you will need to have them undergo these procedures, unless the shelter or rescue organization has already taken care of it.
However, there is still an option to obtain coverage for spaying and neutering through a pet wellness plan. Numerous pet insurance companies provide wellness plans as an additional feature to their accident and illness coverage.
How Much Does Neutering and Spaying Pets Cost?
Spaying and neutering can provide numerous health benefits for pets, but the expenses associated with these procedures might catch new pet owners off guard. After conducting research, we have found that the cost of a spay or neuter operation can range from $200 to $600. To help with these expenses, you can consider purchasing pet health insurance that specifically covers these elective surgeries.
The cost of spaying or neutering hinges on various factors such as your pet’s species, geographical location, health condition, weight, and your veterinarian’s pricing structure.
Generally, neutering cats tends to be less expensive than spaying dogs, and opting for the procedure before the age of 6 months usually reduces costs. If your pet is overweight or dealing with health issues, the cost of neutering might be higher.
To ensure the well-being and safety of your pet, it is crucial to have them neutered at the appropriate age. Your veterinarian can provide further details on the recommended timeline and the associated cost for neutering your pet.
Add-Ons, Deductibles, Reimbursement
It’s also worth mentioning that some pet insurance plans offer optional add-ons or riders that can provide additional coverage specifically for neutering and spaying. These add-ons may offer higher reimbursement rates, lower deductibles, or even cover the full cost of the procedures. However, they may come at an additional cost to your premium.
It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any pet insurance policy to fully understand what is covered, what is excluded, and any limitations or restrictions that may apply. Additionally, it’s advisable to compare different insurance providers and their policies to find the one that best suits your pet’s specific needs and your budget.
Top Pet Insurance for Neutering and Spaying
Here is a comparison of the top pet insurance companies for neutering and spaying pets. Make sure to check the cost in your specific area, New Jersey for example, as it might be more affordable.
Spot
Spot offers standard pet insurance plans that can be customized, with the option to add two wellness plans. However, if you want coverage for spaying or neutering, you must choose Spot’s most comprehensive wellness plan, the Platinum plan, which costs an additional $25 per month. This plan has a coverage limit of $450 per year and reimburses pet owners for vaccines, lab work, and routine services.
Figo
Figo provides spaying and neutering coverage as an add-on called Powerups in addition to its standard pet insurance. To receive this coverage, you must choose the Wellness Powerup along with an accident and illness plan. Figo offers two levels of wellness coverage, with the Basic plan costing an additional $40 and the Plus plan costing an additional $75.
Pets Best
Pets Best is a trusted pet insurance provider with over 15 years of experience. Their policies are highly customizable and include spaying and neutering coverage through wellness add-ons. To receive this coverage, you must choose either the EssentialWellness or BestWellness plans, which cost an extra $16 to $26 per month. Pets Best is also a great choice for senior pet owners, as there is no upper age limit to enroll.
Lemonade
Lemonade offers spaying and neutering coverage through preventive care add-ons. However, your pet must be under 2 years old to be eligible for this coverage. You must also choose their more expensive preventive care plan, which costs $40 to $50 per month for dogs and $30 to $40 per month for cats. Lemonade’s pet insurance policies are affordable, and the company provides a user-friendly digital experience through their mobile app.
Embrace
Embrace offers Optional Wellness Rewards coverage, which includes spaying or neutering surgery. This coverage can be added for an additional $18 to $53 per month, depending on the level of annual preventive care coverage you choose: $250, $450, or $650.
Prudent Pet
Prudent Pet offers coverage for spay and neuter surgeries through their Medium or High Wellness coverage add-ons. The Medium add-on includes a $40 reimbursement for these surgeries, while the High add-on provides a $60 reimbursement.
Prudent Pet offers two standard pet insurance plans and a comprehensive plan with unlimited annual coverage for vet bills. They also cover expenses that many competitors do not, such as lost pet advertising and vacation cancellation fees due to a pet-related issue.
ASPCA
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is a well-known provider with over 15 years of experience in the industry. They cover spaying and neutering surgery through their Preventative Prime add-on, which costs $25 per month. This plan reimburses a total of $450 annually.
How Does Pet Insurance for Neutering and Spaying Work?
For instance, let’s consider an example. Say you have a pet insurance policy that covers 80% of all eligible procedures, and you decide to have your male dog neutered. The total cost of the surgery, including the pre-exam, anesthesia, surgical procedure, and post-operative medications, amounts to $500. In this case, your insurance would cover $400 (80% of the total cost), and you would be responsible for the remaining $100.
However, it’s important to note that pet insurance policies typically have deductibles, which is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Let’s say your policy has a deductible of $100. In this case, you would need to pay the first $100 of the total cost of the neutering procedure, and then your insurance would cover 80% of the remaining expenses.
Another important aspect to consider is that pet insurance policies often have waiting periods, which means that coverage for certain procedures may not be available immediately after you purchase the policy. Waiting periods can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy, but they are typically in place to prevent people from purchasing insurance only when their pet needs immediate medical attention.
Should You Get a Wellness Plan for Neutering or Spaying?
In addition to veterinarians, there are state-run and non-profit organizations that provide spay/neuter services at reduced prices or occasionally for free. It is important to research these options in your local area. If these services are available and you are only considering a wellness plan to cover the expenses of spaying/neutering, it may not be a worthwhile investment.
However, if you could benefit from the other coverage options offered by a comprehensive insurance plan or if you simply desire the reassurance that comes with a more extensive plan, it is probably something you should get.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pet insurance for neutering and spaying can help alleviate the financial burden associated with these routine procedures. Coverage varies depending on the policy, but it typically includes the pre-surgical exams, anesthesia, surgery, medications, and post-operative care. Deductibles and waiting periods may apply, and optional add-ons might be available for enhanced coverage. It is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of any policy to ensure you understand the coverage provided.
