Does Pet Insurance Cover Diabetes?

Diabetes is a common condition in both humans and pets that occurs when the body cannot use glucose normally. It is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, vet check-ups, blood and urine tests, and more to treat. Pet insurance plans that cover illnesses can typically help cover the costs related to diabetes in pets.

Before understanding which costs pet insurance can help cover, let's talk a bit more about the condition itself.

What is Diabetes in Dogs and Cats?

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. The pancreas is where this hormone is produced. When the beta cells that produce insulin are lost or damaged, the body struggles with using glucose efficiently. This condition is called ‘diabetes’. ⁽¹⁾

There are 2 types of diabetes –

There are studies that say that diabetes in dogs and cats may not necessarily be restricted to one of the two above types but can rather be on a spectrum.

What causes Diabetes in pets?

While diabetes is usually a genetic condition, there are multiple factors that can increase the chances of the pet getting affected by it. These include – ⁽²⁾

Apart from these, certain factors increase the chances of diabetes specifically in dogs. These include –

The conditions that can increase a cats risk of developing diabetes include –

Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. However, it is more prevalent in older pets. Female dogs are twice as susceptible to it than male dogs. It is also common in certain dog breeds like the Australian Terrier, Beagle, and Samoyed. ⁽¹⁾

What are the signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats?

Diabetes causes elevated levels of blood sugar in the bloodstream that spills over into the urine. This causes some predictable and noticeable clinical signs that include – ^{(1) (2)}

It is very important to keep an eye out for any of the above signs, as diabetes, if left untreated, can lead to severe medical issues in the body. They can include liver dysfunction and even a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis.

Diabetes can be confirmed using standard bloodwork and urinalysis. Elevated blood sugar level is the primary condition that indicates it. The presence of glucose in urine can also confirm it.

How is Diabetes treated in Pets?

The primary treatment for diabetes in pets (even in humans) is insulin injections. Some pet parents worry about administering the injections, but as they see the tiny size of the needle, they quickly learn that the pets don’t really mind them.

While insulin does its job, it is extremely important to maintain body weight, blood sugar levels, and overall nutrition. The vet may prescribe a specific diet in case the pet is dealing with other conditions such as obesity or pancreatitis. Managing stress levels is also an important part of the treatment as it can affect the blood sugar level.

How much does it cost to treat Diabetes in Dogs?

For most cases, the total cost of treatment includes the cost of insulin and diet changes. Insulin may cost around $40-$150 per month depending on the type of insulin used. The total cost of treatment including all the blood work and therapies may reach up to $2500 per year. ⁽³⁾

(Yes, pet insurance can help cover diabetes if it is not a pre-existing condition and if the condition develops after the waiting period)

How much does it cost to treat Diabetes in Cats?

The insulin cost for diabetic cats can be in the range of $30-$150 depending on the dosage and the type of insulin. Apart from that, supplies for testing the cat’s blood sugar level, follow-up vet visits, prescription diet, etc. can cost another $150-$200 per month. ⁽⁵⁾

Diabetes can lead to other illnesses, and cataracts are one of the most common ones. Cataract surgery can cost you anywhere between $2800-$4200 depending on factors like type of surgery (phacoemulsification or extracapsular), level of complexity, location, and mainly the number of eyes affected. ⁽⁴⁾

Does pet insurance cover diabetes?

Yes, pet insurance does help cover diabetes as long as it is not a pre-existing condition, and the waiting period of the policy is over before the pet develops the condition. With Spot pet insurance, you can get reimbursed up to 90% of the costs related to prescription diets, follow-up vet visits, bloodwork, medications and more.

More about Spot Pet Insurance

Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:

To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.