Dog insurance can be a great tool to help pet parents get cash back on covered vet bills for unexpected accidents or illnesses. While a large number of circumstances can be covered under pet insurance, pregnancy is often excluded. This article will discuss what pet insurance can and cannot cover, and why canine pregnancy is often excluded from policy coverage.
Why Does Dog Insurance Not Cover Pregnancy?
Since pet insurance is intended to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses, it typically does not cover predictable events. Canine pregnancy is considered a predictable event. Breeders’ intend for their dogs to have litters, so pregnancy would not be unexpected. For pet parents who do not intend to breed their pets, having the dog spayed or neutered can prevent litters.
What Else Does Dog Insurance Not Cover?
Elective or Cosmetic Procedures: Procedures like ear cropping or tail docking are typically not covered by dog insurance. These cosmetic procedures are often done to achieve certain “looks” in canines but are not tied into the treatment of accident and illnesses, meaning that their costs are not eligible for cash back under a pet insurance policy.
Pre-existing Conditions: Pet insurance does not cover the cost of pre-existing conditions, or any conditions that began during the policy waiting period. Some providers, like Spot Pet Insurance, can cover certain cured or curable conditions if they are symptom free for at least 180 days (6 months).
Dog Insurance Basics
Accident-Only Coverage: Accident-only dog insurance policies can help pet parents with vet bills resulting from falls, fights with other dogs, and a variety of other accidental injuries.
Accident and Illness Coverage: This more inclusive coverage can help cover both accidents and illnesses including hereditary or chronic conditions, as well as costs for surgery, hospitalization, and more.
Wellness Add-ons: Wellness coverage helps pet parents with the cost of routine veterinary services including annual wellness exams, vaccines, bloodwork, and more. While these plans typically cannot be purchased alone, they can be added to a policy for a small fee.
Read more: Does Pet Insurance Cover Cataracts?
Conclusion
While pet insurance can help pet parents get cash back on the cost of covered vet bills, costs related to canine pregnancy are not covered under pet insurance. Pet parents who want to avoid the costs that can come with having a pregnant dog or newborn litter, should consider having their pet spayed or neutered. Learn more about what pet insurance covers, what pet insurance does not cover, or dog insurance.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
