Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Bringing a cat or dog into your home is such a joyful experience! As a responsible pet owner, you may want to get your pet spayed or neutered at some point. But sometimes these common procedures can be expensive. Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering? And if so, what type of insurance should you consider?
Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?
If you're wondering if pet insurance covers spaying and neutering for cats and dogs, the answer is "sometimes." It ultimately depends on the type of insurance coverage you purchase. Most standard policies that cover only accidents and illnesses do not cover spays and neuters.1
An optional wellness plan (sometimes referred to as a routine or preventive plan) is the type of pet insurance more likely to reimburse you for spaying and neutering.1 It may also cover other types of elective or preventive care, such as bloodwork, dental cleanings, vaccines and urinalysis exams. These plans are often add-ons to a standard policy, but are sometimes offered as stand-alone plans and usually reimburse for a fixed dollar amount. Once you find a wellness plan you're interested in, read the policy closely or ask an agent to make sure it covers spays and neuters.
If you need a lower-cost spay or neuter and don't have a wellness plan, your veterinarian's office might offer its own. You can also look for free programs run by state, county or city agencies (some have income requirements).2 Some regions also have low-cost programs run by the ASPCA, Best Friends Network, North Shore Animal League, Friends of Animals, Alley Cat Allies or other local shelters or clinics.
Why spaying is important for dogs and cats
Spaying and neutering involves removing reproductive organs so cats and dogs can't breed.3 Because so many dogs and cats are euthanized every year, spaying and neutering play important roles in cutting down on the number of unwanted pets who don't have homes.
For female dogs and cats, spaying involves removing the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.3 For male dogs and cats, neutering involves removing the testes.
Benefits and risks of spaying and neutering
As with any surgical procedure, there are benefits and risks. First, there are potential behavioral benefits. Neutered and spayed pets have less of a desire to roam, so they may be more content to stay in the home.4 They're also less likely to spray and mark your house, and they tend to get along better with other pets.
There are health benefits, too.4 Spayed female cats and dogs are less likely to have breast cancer and uterine infections. Neutered dogs and cats won't have testicular cancer and are less likely to have some prostate issues.3
Of course, there are some risks.3 In some cases, there could be a slightly increased risk of certain cancers, especially if the procedure is done very early in life. These surgeries also have a low risk of surgical and anesthesia complications. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
Getting your pet spayed or neutered is a normal part of pet ownership, and it can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and behavioral problems in the long run. A optional wellness pet insurance plan will often cover a portion of this procedure, but you'll want to read the fine print to make sure. Consult your veterinarian if you have any medical questions.
Here's how pet insurance works
Raising your furry little bundle of joy can be expensive. Whether it's a vaccination, a dental cleaning or an unexpected illness, medical costs can add up over time. That's why pet insurance is so important. But how pet insurance works can be a little complicated.
Pet insurance doesn't typically pay your bill upfront like human health insurance might.5 Instead, most policies require you to pay the full veterinarian bill first. Then, after your annual deductible is met, your plan will reimburse you for eligible claims using your selected co-insurance percentage (sometimes as much as 90%).6 If your spay or neuter coverage falls under a routine care plan, the cost of the procedure often won't go towards your deductible or annual limit. Instead of a co-insurance percentage being applied, a fixed dollar amount will be reimbursed to you for the cost of the procedure.
Types of pet insurance
There are three basic types of pet insurance:7
- Accident-only: These policies are limited to accidents like broken bones or eating something harmful.
- Accident and illness: These policies cover both accidents and illnesses, like cancer, diabetes or arthritis. They are often referred to as standard or comprehensive policies.
- Wellness or preventive: These policies are usually optional add ons to an accident and illness policy. They cover expected routine care costs like flea preventatives and vaccines.
Factors that affect pet insurance cost
You'll pay for pet insurance through monthly premiums. The more your plan covers, the more expensive the premium will be. Insurance also costs more if your pet is older, or it may increase based on size, breed, deductible amount, location or add-ons.7 Some plans have yearly maximums.6 However, since most routine care plans that cover spaying are structured as a fixed benefit schedule they are often billed at a fixed price for the optional coverage.Watch out for exclusions and waiting periods
Depending on the coverage selected and the company you purchase the plan from, there may be certain exclusions, so you'll want to read the fine print. These might include:
- Pre-existing conditions7
- Cosmetic procedures (like ear or tail cropping) that aren't deemed medically necessary7
- Routine preventive care7
- Routine dental care, except for problems caused by an accident7
- Conditions that are hereditary to a certain breed5
In addition to exclusions, most plans have waiting periods.7 Waiting periods can vary from insurer to insurer and even from state to state. It's important to ask the insurer if routine care plans are subject to the same accident and illness waiting periods, as some insurers allow you to begin using your wellness coverage for procedures like spaying as soon as your policy is active. You'll need to read the policy closely or ask an agent for details.
The bottom line
Getting your pet spayed or neutered is a normal part of pet ownership, and it can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and behavioral problems in the long run. A wellness pet insurance plan will often cover a portion of this procedure, but you'll want to read the fine print to make sure. Consult your veterinarian if you have any medical questions.
From Pets Best
Pets Best can help pay for spays and neuters. Our optional routine care and wellness plans cover many routine services for dogs and cats. Get a quote for your dog or cat and receive peace of mind you'll have help affording the best veterinary care for your pet.
Sources/Citations
1. Fontinelle, Amy. (2023, February 24). Pet Insurance that Covers Spaying and Neutering. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/spaying-and-neutering/
2. Conroy, Brynne. (2022, November 1). How to Find Low-Cost or Free Spay and Neuter Clinics Near You. The Penny Hoarder. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/free-spay-and-neuter/
3. Spaying and Neutering. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering
4. (2020, May 27). Preparing for Kitten Season - Spay and Neuter Your Pets and Keep Them Safe Indoors. State Road Animal Hospital. https://stateroadah.com/preparing-for-kitten-season-spay-and-neuter-your-pets-and-keep-them-safe-and-indoors/
5. (2022, June 23). 5 Questions to Ask When Buying Pet Insurance. Texas Department of Insurance. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/pet-insurance.html
6. Kilroy, Ashley. (2023, March 27). How to Make a Claim on Pet Insurance. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/how-to-make-pet-insurance-claim/
7. Sleight, Mandy. (2023, February 1). What Is Pet Insurance and How Does It Work? U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/insurance/pet-insurance/what-is-pet-insurance