Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer Treatment – No doubt, responsibilities, and joy are associated with owning a pet. This includes making sure that the well-being and health of your furry friend are on a good level. Similarly to humans, pets experience severe health conditions, and cancer is not an exception. As a responsible pet owner, it is only impulsive to want the best for your furry companion.
However, one of the discouraging factors is the cost of cancer treatment. This prompts the question: Does pet insurance cover cancer treatment? To find an accurate answer to this question, keep reading. We will be exploring the nuances of pet insurance coverage and to what level it offers coverage.
Top Cancer Warning Signs
Here are some of the warning signs of cancer in pets that you need to look out for and pay attention to:
- Changes in appetite.
- Obvious changes in skin or coat.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Persistent lameness or mobility problems.
- Lumps or swellings.
- Weakness.
- Difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Behavioral changes.
- Persistent coughing.
- Changes in bathroom habits.
- Difficulty breathing.
If you notice any of these signs, make sure you take your pet to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and examination.
How Does Cancer Coverage Work?
How does pet insurance coverage work for cancer treatment? Typically, treatment, diagnosis, and associated expenses are covered by the insurance company. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance. Additionally, quotes come with deductibles, exclusions, limits, and waiting periods.
Hence, you need to go through the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand more and find out if it meets your budget and needs. Besides, most pet insurance providers offer coverage as long as the pet was enrolled before it was diagnosed.
Types of Pet Cancers
These are some of the most common types of cancer that can affect a pet in any household:
- Melanoma: cancer of the skin.
- Lymphoma: cancer of the lymphocytes.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Growth of cells on the skin.
- Osteosarcoma: cancer of the bone.
- Mast Cell Tumors: Skin tumors from mast cells.
- Mammary Gland Tumors: Cancer of the Breasts.
- Histiocytic Sarcoma: Cancer of the histiocytes (immune cells).
- Hemangiosarcoma: cancer of the blood vessels.
- Brain tumors: growth of cells in the brain or near it.
- Transitional cell carcinoma: cancer of the urinary bladder and urethra.
This is a list of the most common types of cancer that affect pets. However, keep in mind that every cancer type might have different symptoms. Hence, certain treatment approaches and diagnoses will be conducted.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer Treatment?
Yes, a comprehensive pet insurance policy typically covers cancer treatment. However, this is only as long as the quote or policy is still active before the pet’s cancer cells develop. Meanwhile, if a pet already has cancer and the pet owner purchases a pet insurance policy, the insurance company will not offer protection or coverage because that is considered a pre-existing condition. Nevertheless, if the pet is later diagnosed with another form of cancer, the insurance provider might cover the treatment cost.
On the other hand, although accident-only pet insurance is cheaper than a comprehensive policy, cancer treatment is not covered. This form of insurance only pays more attention to injuries, such as bite wounds, broken limbs, eye injuries, accidental poisoning, and more. Chronic illnesses and conditions are not also covered.
How Do You Know If Your Insurance Policy Offers Coverage?
If you are not sure whether your pet insurance policy offers cancer treatment coverage, check the details of the policy carefully to understand the level of coverage for such treatment. Some quotes have limitations and exclusions based on pre-existing conditions, specific treatment options, and the type of cancer. Additional insurance coverage may differ based on the overall health of the pet at the time of enrollment and the breed of the pet.
Pet Cancer Treatment Costs
The average cost of cancer treatments for cats is $2,800 and $4,100 for dogs. However, this amount is determined by the veterinarian’s clinic and the type of pet. According to Forbes, the average annual coverage for cats per month is $28 and $35 for dogs. However, if you want the best deals, compare pet insurance policies from different providers.
Pet Insurance Companies that cover Cancer Treatment
Since a comprehensive pet insurance policy should cover cancer treatment, getting a policy will not be too hard. If you do not know, here are some of the insurance companies that offer cancer-related medical expense coverage to pet owners:
- Lemonade.
- Fetch.
- Prudent Pet.
- Figo.
- Healthy Paws.
- Spot.
- ASPCA.
- Toto.
- Pumpkin.
- Embrace.
- Pet’s Best.
- TrustedPals.
- Nationwide.
- Trupanion.
Remember that the cost of insurance from these pet insurance policy providers may differ. Thus, you must compare. This will help you find a good insurance company and quote for the needs of your pet and your budget.