- Does pet insurance cover vet visit fees?
- Does pet insurance cover routine care and wellness exams?
- Does pet insurance cover emergency vet visits?
- Does pet insurance cover specialist consultations?
- Does pet insurance cover dental care visits?
- What types of vet visits are typically excluded from pet insurance coverage?
- How much of the vet visit does pet insurance cover?
Most pet insurance plans offer vet visit coverage, but the extent of the coverage can vary depending on your specific policy details.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of when pet insurance covers vet visits, and what to expect as you set up the best care for your furry friend.
Does pet insurance cover vet visit fees?
It depends. A vet visit fee—sometimes called an exam fee or consultation fee—is the cost of the veterinarian’s time and expertise when you bring your pet in for an accident or an illness, and is typically a separate charge on a vet bill from other charges like diagnostics, treatments, and medications.
Many pet insurance companies do not cover vet visit fees as part of a base policy, so it’s important to check the specifics of your coverage.
At Lemonade Pet, for example, we understand that vet visits are vital for maintaining your pet’s health and wellness. That’s why we offer a vet visit add-on that you can easily include as you customize your pet’s insurance plan.
Does pet insurance cover routine care and wellness exams?
It depends. Routine vet visits—including annual wellness exams and vaccinations—are key to keeping your pet healthy, but standard pet insurance plans typically don’t cover these visits, as many focus on accidents and illnesses rather than preventative care. But sometimes you’ll have the option to add coverage for preventative care to your policy.
For example, Lemonade pet insurance offers three preventative care package options that can help cover the costs of your pet’s routine medical expenses, such as annual wellness exams, vaccinations, routine dental cleaning, and so much more.
Does pet insurance cover emergency vet visits?
Typically, yes. Emergency vet visits can be costly, but they are often covered under accident and illness pet insurance plans. With Lemonade, you can have the diagnostics, procedures, and medications covered, but as we go over above, the vet visit fee on the invoice will often not be covered unless you have a specific add-on.
Coverage for an emergency vet visit can include things like diagnostic tests, treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization if needed, even at an emergency vet clinic or hospital. But it’s important to keep in mind that pet insurance coverage for emergency treatments depends on your specific plan and policy details, including waiting periods.
Does pet insurance cover specialist consultations?
Yes, many pet insurance policies cover treatments from veterinary specialists, such as dermatologists, cardiologists, or surgeons. These specialists can provide advanced care and treatment for specific health issues that general veterinarians may not be equipped to handle.
However, it’s important to check your specific policy for details, including any potential exclusions, coverage limits, and required referrals.
At Lemonade Pet, specialty care is covered when it’s related to an eligible accident or illness.
Does pet insurance cover dental care visits?
Dental care is crucial for your pet’s overall health, but standard pet insurance policies typically do not cover routine dental cleanings and check-ups. These services are considered preventative care, which usually requires an additional wellness plan to be covered.
A base policy with Lemonade Pet will help cover the costs of vet bills associated with the diagnostics, procedures, and medications related to dental injuries and accidents. This might include x-rays, surgeries, tooth extractions, pain medications, and antibiotics.
Additionally, Lemonade’s Dental Illness add-on can help cover the cost of treatments, procedures, diagnostics, and medications related to dental illness. This includes crowns, extractions, root canals, dental surgeries, and treatments for gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Plus, Lemonade’s Preventative+ Care package would help cover the cost of routine dental cleaning.
What types of vet visits are typically excluded from pet insurance coverage?
While pet insurance can provide significant financial relief, it’s important to be aware of common exclusions that might not be covered.
Pre-existing conditions
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, which are health issues that your pet had before the policy’s effective date. It’s crucial to enroll your pet in an insurance plan early to avoid these exclusions.
At Lemonade, for example, you can cover your puppy or kitten as soon as they’re two months old.
Elective procedures
Elective procedures, such as cosmetic and preventative surgeries or certain elective sterilizations (like spaying and neutering), are typically not covered by pet insurance. However, some wellness plans may cover standard neutering and spaying.
When you include Lemonade’s Preventative Care Package for Puppies and Kittens on your policy, you can be covered up to $120 a year for spay or neuter procedures.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential aspect of maintaining your pet’s health and well-being, but it is generally not covered under standard pet insurance policies. This includes routine services like baths, haircuts, nail trims, and ear cleanings, which are considered part of general pet care and not medical necessities.
However, there can be some exceptions. For instance, specific medical conditions that require specialized grooming services, like treating skin infections or removing matted fur that could lead to health issues, might be covered depending on your policy. It’s always best to check the specifics of your policy and inquire about any add-ons that might offer coverage or discounts on grooming services.
How much of the vet visit does pet insurance cover?
The amount you’ll get reimbursed by pet insurance for a vet visit depends on several factors—like the types of coverage you choose in addition to your co-insurance, deductibles, annual limits, and any caps on specific coverage amounts.
Keep in mind: These factors can directly impact your premium, so it’s important to weigh them carefully and choose the right plan for your budget and your pet’s needs.
Co-insurance
Most pet insurance policies cover a percentage of the vet bill, commonly called co-insurance. The reimbursement rate is the portion of the vet bill that the insurance company will pay back to you, after you meet your deductible..
At Lemonade you can choose a 70%, 80%, or 90% co-insurance.
Deductibles
Deductibles are the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
With Lemonade Pet, you can choose a deductible of either $100, $250, $500, or $750.
Caps on coverage amounts
Some pet insurance plans have annual or per-incident caps on coverage amounts. It’s important to review your policy to understand these limits and ensure you have adequate coverage for your pet’s needs.
Before we go…
We all know that vet visits can sometimes be nerve-wracking, not just for our pets, but for pet owners too. The worry about what the vet might say, coupled with the concern over potential costs, can add unneeded stress to an already tense situation.
But with pet insurance, that stress can melt away. Imagine having the peace of mind that comes with knowing your furry friend’s vet visits are covered. Lemonade pet insurance helps give you the freedom to focus on your pet’s health and happiness without the nagging worry of vet bills.
Don’t wait until it’s time to head to the vet. Click below to start your free quote—it’s quick, easy, and dare we say it’s even kind of fun.
Is there a waiting period before coverage for a vet visit kicks in?
Yes, most pet insurance policies have a waiting period that ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. This waiting period applies before coverage for vet visits related to accidents and illnesses becomes active.
Coverage for wellness and preventative care might not have a waiting period.
Does pet insurance cover follow-up visits after treatment or surgery?
In most cases, follow-up visits related to a covered treatment or surgery are included in pet insurance coverage. However, the specifics can vary by policy.
Can I visit any vet, or do I need to choose from a network?
Most pet insurance policies allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian, giving you the flexibility to choose the best care for your pet.
Since Lemonade Pet works on a reimbursement basis, you can visit your pet in any vet you like in the U.S., as long as they’re licensed to provide veterinary care in the state they operate in.
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.
