The ownership of a pet comes with various responsibilities, including healthcare. Just like humans, pets can fall ill or require ongoing medication to manage chronic conditions. To navigate the potential expenses of pet medication, many owners turn to pet insurance for financial support. However, the coverage for pet medication can vary significantly across different insurance plans.
What is Covered in Pet Medication Insurance?
The inclusion of medication coverage within pet insurance plans varies. Some policies explicitly cover prescription medications prescribed by a licensed veterinarian, while others may have limitations or exclusions.
Generally, pet insurance covers medications necessary to treat covered illnesses or injuries. This often includes antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and more. Certain policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or specific medications deemed experimental or not FDA-approved for animals.
Insurance plans might also have limits on the amount reimbursed for medications per year, per incident, or based on the specific policy terms.
Owners typically need to meet deductibles before insurance coverage kicks in, and there might be co-pays for each medication refill or veterinary visit.
Providers with Pet Medication Coverage
Almost all pet insurance providers include prescription medication coverage in their plans. Here’s an overview of medication policies from top providers.
Note that the cost given here is only for medication coverage. I have another guide on the complete pet insurance cost for dogs.
Fetch
Fetch by Dodo offers a comprehensive plan for accidents and illnesses, excluding wellness coverage. Their policy covers all prescribed medications for covered conditions, encompassing chronic and congenital conditions. Nutritional supplements are included, but prescription food falls outside the coverage.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $28-$61
Pets Best
Pets Best offers accident-only and accident-and-illness plans that cover all vet-prescribed medications approved by the FDA for covered conditions. Some supplements and over-the-counter drugs are also part of the coverage. For heartworm medication coverage, owners can opt for the Essential Wellness or Best Wellness add-on.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $8-$48
Trupanion
Trupanion provides a singular plan that covers accidents and illnesses, inclusive of prescribed medications for both. The policy extends coverage for prescription food at a rate of 50% for a maximum of two months. Dietary supplements qualify for coverage if prescribed to address a covered condition rather than general health.
While wellness coverage isn’t offered, their Recovery and Complementary Care add-on includes homeopathic and herbal remedies, along with treatments like acupuncture.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $40-$157
Figo
Figo presents a singular accident-and-illness plan along with optional “power-up” add-ons, which include wellness care. The plan offers reimbursements for all prescription medications related to covered conditions.
To secure coverage for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, owners can opt for Figo’s Wellness Power-up. Additionally, their Veterinary Exam Fees Power-up reimburses up to $250 annually for prescription food.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $14-$57
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance offers a unified plan covering accidents, illnesses, and the associated medications, including homeopathic remedies prescribed for treatment. However, Embrace doesn’t include coverage for flea, tick, or heartworm prevention, nutritional supplements, or prescription food unless owners opt for the Wellness Rewards for Routine Care add-on.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $24-$92
Spot
Spot Pet Insurance provides various plans including a cost-effective accident-only plan, a comprehensive accident-and-illness plan, and two wellness add-ons. All policies encompass medications for covered conditions, given they are FDA-approved and prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.
Unlike some competitors, Spot covers prescription food and supplements if prescribed for treating a covered condition, not for general health or maintenance. Their Platinum preventive care add-on allocates $25 yearly for flea and heartworm prevention, checkups, and routine vet visits.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $12-$132
Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws’ accident-and-illness plan includes coverage for prescription medication pertaining to all covered conditions. However, it does not cover herbal medicine or homeopathy, and the company does not offer a wellness add-on specifically for preventive medications.
Medication Coverage Annual Cost: $33-$43
How Pet Medication Coverage Works
When a pet requires medication, the process under an insurance plan typically involves these steps:
- Diagnosis: A licensed veterinarian diagnoses the pet’s condition and prescribes necessary medication.
- Purchase of Medication: Pet owners purchase the prescribed medication directly from a pharmacy or through their veterinarian.
- Submitting Claims: Owners can submit claims to their insurance provider, including receipts and documentation from the veterinary visit and medication purchase.
- Reimbursement: Upon approval, the insurance company reimburses the eligible portion of the medication cost based on the policy terms and coverage.
Several factors influence how medication coverage works within a pet insurance plan:
- Policy Type: Different types of policies—accident-only, accident and illness, or comprehensive plans—have varying levels of medication coverage.
- Specific Conditions: Some insurers may cover medication for specific conditions while excluding others.
- Premium Costs: More comprehensive coverage often comes with higher premiums. Owners should assess their budget and pet’s needs when choosing a plan.
- Age and Breed: Certain breeds may be prone to specific health issues, which can impact coverage availability and costs.
Common Medications for Dogs
Here is a list of the most common pet medications for dogs, their uses, and estimated costs:
Flea and Tick Medications
- Frontline Plus: Prevents fleas and ticks. Cost: $30-$60 per 3-month supply.
- NexGard: Treats and prevents fleas and ticks. Cost: $50-$100 per 3-month supply.
- Seresto Collar: Provides continuous flea and tick protection. Cost: $50-$100 per collar (8-month protection).
Heartworm Medications
- Heartgard Plus: Prevents heartworm disease and treats roundworms and hookworms. Cost: $20-$40 per 6-month supply.
- Sentinel Spectrum: Prevents heartworm disease and treats various intestinal parasites. Cost: $60-$100 per 6-month supply.
- Revolution: Prevents heartworm disease and controls fleas, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange. Cost: $40-$80 per 3-month supply.
Pain and Inflammation Medications
- Rimadyl (Carprofen): Relieves pain and inflammation in dogs. Cost: $30-$60 for a 30-day supply.
- Galliprant (Grapiprant): Relieves pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Cost: $40-$80 for a 30-day supply.
- Metacam (Meloxicam): Relieves pain and inflammation, particularly for joint-related issues. Cost: $20-$50 for a 30-day supply.
Antibiotics
- Amoxicillin: Treats various bacterial infections. Cost: $10-$40 for a 14-day supply.
- Cephalexin: Treats skin and soft tissue infections. Cost: $10-$40 for a 14-day supply.
- Clavamox (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate): Treats more severe bacterial infections. Cost: $20-$60 for a 14-day supply.
Anti-anxiety and Behavior Medications
- Prozac (Fluoxetine): Helps manage anxiety and certain behavioral issues. Cost: $15-$40 for a 30-day supply.
- Clomicalm (Clomipramine): Treats separation anxiety and other behavior issues. Cost: $30-$60 for a 30-day supply.
- Xanax (Alprazolam): Prescribed for acute anxiety or panic disorders. Cost: $10-$30 for a 30-day supply.
Common Medications for Cats
Here is a list of some common pet medications for cats, their uses, and an approximate cost:
Flea Prevention and Treatment
- Advantage II: Used for flea prevention. Approximate cost: $50 for a 4-month supply.
- Frontline Plus: Used for flea and tick prevention. Approximate cost: $55 for a 3-month supply.
Dewormers
- Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer: Used to treat and control various intestinal parasites. Approximate cost: $20 for a single dose.
- Panacur C: Used for various parasitic infections. Approximate cost: $15 for a 3-day course.
Antibiotics
- Amoxicillin: Used to treat various bacterial infections. Approximate cost: $15 for a 14-day supply.
- Clavamox: Used for infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Approximate cost: $40 for a 14-day supply.
Pain Relief
- Meloxicam (Metacam): Used for pain relief and inflammation in cats. Approximate cost: $25 for a 2.5 mg/ml, 15 ml bottle.
- Buprenorphine: An opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain. Approximate cost: $40 for a 20ml bottle.
Urinary Tract Health
- Cosequin for Cats: Used for urinary tract health and joint support. Approximate cost: $20 for a 60-count bottle.
- Methigel: Used to acidify the urine and prevent urinary tract issues. Approximate cost: $15 for a 4.25 oz. tube.
Allergies
- Apoquel: Used to treat allergic itching and inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis. Approximate cost: $60 for a 30-count box.
- Ciclosporin (Atopica): Used to treat allergic dermatitis and other immune-mediated skin diseases. Approximate cost: $90 for a 15-ml bottle.
Conclusion
Pet insurance can be a valuable resource for managing veterinary expenses, including the cost of necessary medications. While coverage for pet medication exists within many insurance plans, it’s crucial for pet owners to thoroughly understand their policy’s specifics to ensure adequate support when their furry companions require medication.
By researching, asking questions, and maintaining clear documentation, owners can navigate pet insurance to help mitigate the financial burdens associated with their pets’ healthcare needs.
