Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying and Neutering?

If you’re a fan of The Price is Right, and honestly, who isn’t, you know our late friend, Bob Barker, always signed off with the phrase, “Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered.” We may have laughed as a child home sick, but as adults, we may honestly consider this catchphrase.

We have our pet, but we don’t want a bundle. One’s quite enough, thank you. Then, the cost of pet food, immunizations, and other amenities.

With my eight years of insurance experience, I can tell you that pet parents are happy with the decision to purchase pet insurance with the option to spay and neuter over the cost of a bundle of extra mouths to feed. Let’s discuss how and if this procedure is covered under your policy.

You must upgrade your policy by purchasing a Wellness Package or Preventative Care add-on that include spaying or neutering for your pet. Only one of the companies we are reviewing does not provide this benefit at all.

How Does Spay and Neuter Pet Insurance Work?

Spay and neuter insurance is an add-on endorsement to a pet insurance policy. It cannot be purchased on its own. When you have your female pet spayed or your male neutered, you pay for the procedure out-of-pocket at the time of the procedure.

Then, you submit the claim to your insurance company. The pet insurance company reimburses you the agreed amount on the policy. Different insurers pay different amounts, between $120-$150.

Related: Do all vets accept pet insurance?

Why Most Pet Insurance Policies Don’t Cover Spaying and Neutering

Spaying an neutering are considered elective surgeries and, thus, add-ons to a pet insurance policy. Pet insurance is designed to cover bills associated with accidental injuries and illnesses. They are considered non-essential care and are usually not covered by a standard policy.

Are There Policies That Cover Spaying in Emergencies?

Under most circumstances, there wouldn’t be any reason for a pet to require a spay or neuter. However, if an emergency, such as a tumor growth on a testicle, or a pet gets injured and needs surgery, these may warrant a spay or neuter-like surgery. Pet insurance providers will cover this type of instance in a case-by-case instance.

How Do Pet Insurance Wellness Plan Add-Ons Work?

Most insurance companies offer a basic policy that provides your accident insurance. They give you coverage in the event of accidents and illnesses. These are sudden injuries like broken bones and bites, digestive and respiratory issues, and behavior issues like anxiety and compulsive behavior.

Insurance companies, but not all, provide additional coverage called Wellness Plans. These cover dental cleaning, wellness exams, and spay and neutering. When your pet has one of the procedures done, you send the bill to your insurance company, and then they pay the claim to you.

Related: How does pet insurance work?

What Does a Pet Wellness Plan Cover?

Wellness Plans can cover a wide range of benefits. It will depend on the insurance company and the plan level you purchase. Some companies have a Gold level and Platinum plan level. Benefits can include, depending on your plan level:

• Dental cleaning
• Wellness exams
• Dog heartworm exam
• Cat HELV Test
• Deworming
• Fecal Test and Urinalysis.
• Blood Testing
• Rabies Testing
• Dog Lyme or Cat FIP Vaccine
• Microchipping
• TeleVet
• FVRPC Vaccine

What Does a Pet Wellness Plan Not Cover?

When your pet has a Wellness Plan, there will still be exclusions. These can include:

• Pre-existing conditions – If your pet has a medical condition when you sign up for your medical plan, that issue will not be covered.
• Waiting periods – Many companies will have a waiting period for coverage: 2 days for injury, 14 days for illness, and six months for cruciate ligaments.
• Cosmetic procedures – While you may like a tummy tuck, your precious puppy will not be covered for elective surgery.
• Breeding costs – Add-on policies can cover spaying and neutering. However, if you want litters to sell to others, your policy does not cover this option.
• Preventive care – Keep in mind that a base policy is labeled accident insurance. If you want advanced care, you will need to purchase a rider.

Can I Get a Stand-Alone Pet Wellness Plan?

Pet wellness plans are sold as add-ons to pet insurance plans. They cannot be purchased as stand-alone policies. A pet’s wellness is intertwined with many of the issues/conditions listed within the basic plan. To purchase an upgraded policy would be an advantage to pet owners.

Is It Worth Getting a Wellness Plan to Cover Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying or neutering can cost hundreds of dollars. If you have more than one pet, this can be quite costly if that pet should have a litter. Pets are not like humans, where it is one-and-done. Most pets have between 3 and 6 per litter. That is a lot of mouths to feed.

True, momma will feed them for about ten weeks. Then, after that, you are responsible for food, care, and maintenance. Does the cost of a wellness plan look attractive now? However, if your pet is a house pet and never goes outdoors, the cost may be more than it is worth.

How Much Does spaying and Neutering Cost?

The cost to spay or neuter a pet will depend on where the process takes place. According to Forbes, spay and neutering costs can vary from low-cost options up to $600. These factors will depend on:

• Type of pet: Whether you have a cat or dog.
• Size of animal: Weight of pet will matter.
• Breed: Different breeds will matter in your cost of neutering.
• Location: Where you live can factor in your price.

Related: What is a deductible in pet insurance?

Below, we have gathered each state’s average cost for spaying and neutering. This is for an accident and illness plan since most pet owners will choose to enroll in the advanced coverage due to the added coverage of spaying and neutering.