Does Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care? 

This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff. 

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, but understanding what to expect can help make the process a little more manageable. Pet insurance can often help cover the costs of euthanasia when it is considered medically necessary due to a covered accident or illness. 

Some pet insurance providers even offer additional benefits to expand end-of-life care coverage.

Let’s take a look at how pet insurance can offer valuable support during such a challenging time. 

Does pet insurance cover death?

Yes, pet insurance policies typically offer coverage for death, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind, like:

• Exclusions for pre-existing conditions: Death caused by conditions your pet had before the policy started is usually not covered
• Limited causes: Many policies only cover death due to accidents or illnesses, not natural aging or congenital issues
• Optional add-ons: Cremation or burial costs may require additional coverage
• Age restrictions: Coverage for death may not extend to pets over a certain age

When pet insurance covers death, it typically means the policy can reimburse you for certain costs if your pet passes away due to a covered accident or illness, or it may provide compensation for expenses like euthanasia or cremation.

Does pet insurance cover euthanasia for pets?

Yes, pet insurance can cover the cost of euthanasia, but it will depend on the circumstances. 

At Lemonade, for example, pet euthanasia is covered by the base accident and illness policy, as long as your vet recommends euthanasia for a covered accident or illness. 

On the other hand, if your pet passes away without euthanasia, pet insurance can generally cover the care they received before they pass away. 

Let’s say your 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Rex, has been bravely battling cancer and is hospitalized. Despite your vet’s best efforts, they pass away peacefully during the night. In this situation, pet insurance could help cover the hospitalization costs, provided the cancer was not a pre-existing condition.

It’s important to note that Lemonade will not cover voluntary euthanasia, which is choosing to euthanize a pet for reasons other than medical necessity such as behavioral issues, convenience, or personal circumstances, rather than to relieve suffering from a terminal illness or severe injury.

What does Lemonade’s end-of-life and remembrance add-on cover?

If you’re looking to expand your coverage, Lemonade offers an end-of-life and remembrance add-on to help honor your pet when they pass-on. Coverage under this package includes: 

Euthanasia

Euthanasia, and any related expenses, for pre-existing conditions if it was recommended by a vet (remember, euthanasia for covered conditions is included in the base policy).

Cremation

Cremation is covered under this add-on, whether you choose a group or private cremation. 

During a group cremation, multiple animals are cremated at one time, and your pet’s ashes will not be returned to you, making this option more affordable. On the other hand, choosing private cremation means that your pet is cremated alone, and your pet’s ashes will be returned to you. 

Commemorative items

Commemorative items to memorialize your beloved pet are also covered under this add-on. These items can include: 

• Urns
• Framed pictures
• Paw prints
• Digital photo storage
• Tattoos

Keep in mind: Lemonade’s  end-of-life and remembrance add-on has a $500 total limit, and is not subject to your policy’s co-insurance or deductible. There is also no per-limit item, meaning you can use the $500 however you see fit (as long as it’s covered).   

Funeral costs, burial costs, or preservation-related items (including taxidermy, cloning, etc.) are not covered under this package.

How much does euthanasia cost for dogs and cats?

The cost of euthanasia can vary based on several factors, such as your location, the clinic you choose, and any additional services you might want, like in-home euthanasia or private cremation. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of average euthanasia and other end-of-life costs:

Service	Average cost
Euthanasia at a veterinary clinic	$50 to $300
At-home euthanasia services	$200 to $500 or more
Group cremation	$50 to $200
Private cremation	$100 to $400
Urns	$20 to $150
Burial	$500 to $1,500 or more

When is euthanasia recommended for pets?

Euthanasia is usually considered when a pet is struggling with:

• Terminal illnesses, such as late-stage cancer, kidney failure, or other incurable conditions
• Illnesses with a poor prognosis, evening if the illness is not considered terminal but would severely alter a pet’s quality of life
• Catastrophic injuries that leave the pet unable to recover or function without significant suffering
• Severe pain that medications or therapies can no longer relieve
• A treatment cost beyond the owner’s financial budget, such as a critical operation that costs more than the owner can afford

Deciding when to say goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. It’s a personal choice, and balancing their quality of life with their comfort is important. 

“When considering euthanasia for a beloved pet, I typically ask my clients to create a list of five daily tasks their pet needs to perform to be happy. We typically include tasks like eating, resting comfortably, using the bathroom comfortably and then a few tasks that are unique to their pet. If three of the five tasks cannot be met, we’ll then strongly consider euthanasia. 

However, it’s not a perfect system. For example, a pet may be battling an incurable disease and only exhibiting one sign of a diminished quality of life. However, since we know that the disease cannot be cured, we’ll discuss euthanasia.”

-Dr. Stephanie Liff

What should I expect when considering euthanasia for my pet?

Saying goodbye to your pet is never easy, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed during such an emotional time. Knowing what to expect in advance can help bring some peace of mind.

Your pet’s final days

Making the most of the time you have left can create lasting memories and bring your pet comfort:

• Quality time: Focus on activities your pet loves, like cuddling, sitting outside together, or going on a car ride
• Favorite treats: If your pet can still eat comfortably, shower them with their favorite snacks 
• Keepsakes: Consider creating a paw print mold, taking photos, or keeping a lock of fur as a remembrance

At the vet

Your veterinarian will be there to guide you through every step of the process, making sure it’s handled with care and compassion. Here’s what you can expect:

• Preparation: You’ll meet with the vet to discuss your decision and answer any last-minute questions
• Sedation: Your pet may be given a sedative to help them stay calm and stress free 
• Euthanasia injection: The veterinarian will administer an injection, which gently and painlessly stops your pet’s heart. The process is calm and peaceful, taking only a few minutes

You’ll have the option to remain with your pet during the procedure, if you choose. For many pet parents, being there in their pet’s final moments can offer a sense of comfort and closure. It’s a deeply personal decision, so it’s best to do whatever feels right for you and your beloved companion.

Emotional support

Don’t hesitate to lean on friends, family, or even professional counselors to help process your grief. Many veterinary clinics also offer resources or referrals to organizations providing grief support for pet owners.

Before we go…

Dealing with the end of a pet’s life is never easy, but understanding your options can make the process a bit less overwhelming. From securing pet insurance that includes end-of-life coverage to commemorating your furry companion in meaningful ways, there are steps you can take to feel supported and cared for during this difficult time.

Your pet gives you love and loyalty—now it’s time to prepare to honor their life with the care and kindness they deserve. Ready to get started? Click below to get your free quote today. 

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.