Cancer treatments for your furry family members can quickly become expensive, which is why coverage from the best pet insurance companies can be such a relief during difficult times.
Having the right policy in place means you can focus on what matters—your pet's recovery—instead of worrying about mounting vet bills. A good insurance plan helps shoulder those costs, making it possible to provide the care your beloved companion needs.
Here's what you need to know about pet insurance and cancer coverage.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer Treatments?
In most cases, yes, pet insurance does reimburse for cancer treatment; however, timing is crucial. Your pet can't already have cancer when you purchase the policy, as pre-existing conditions aren't covered.
"If a pet is diagnosed with cancer after the policy is in place, treatments such as diagnostics, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and complementary therapies (like acupuncture or hydrotherapy) may be covered, helping pet parents afford life-saving care," explains Amber Batteiger, PR & communications manager at Embrace.
Remember that coverage details vary between providers. “Pet parents should read the policy details as some plans may have waiting periods before coverage begins or may impose limits on certain types of treatments,” explains Dr. Bethany Hsia, veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet.
You don’t want to end up in a situation where you think your pet insurance will cover your pet’s cancer care and later find out that the waiting period hasn’t passed or that their provider doesn’t pay for holistic or experimental treatments.
Can You Get Pet Insurance for a Pet With Cancer?
If your pet has already been diagnosed with cancer, it can be very challenging to secure coverage. “Most insurers will consider cancer a pre-existing condition, which means that they won't cover any treatment related to that condition once it has been diagnosed.
“Some pet insurance companies might offer limited coverage for unrelated pet health issues or provide policies that cover new conditions after a waiting period,” says Hsia. Keep in mind that if a pet has been treated for one type of cancer, insurance may still cover other illnesses or new, unrelated cancers that develop later.
By being proactive with preventative pet care and investing in pet insurance early on, you can ensure your pet receives the coverage they may eventually need for any acute or chronic conditions, like cancer.
How Much Does Pet Cancer Treatment Cost?
The cost of cancer treatment varies greatly and depends on factors such as the type of treatments performed, your location, and the oncologist you choose. According to CareCredit, initial consultation fees with an oncologist fall in the $125 to $250 range. Chemotherapy, which is a common therapy for cancer, is usually $150 to $600 per dose.
If radiation is required, it may be anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on whether it’s a palliative or curative intent protocol. Since chemo treatment typically takes at least several months, its total cost can go up to $10,000 or more.
Fortunately, pet insurance may make these expenses more manageable, so you can focus on improving your pet’s health rather than your finances.
Paying for a Pet With Cancer: How to Afford Treatment
"Facing a pet cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but financial constraints shouldn't limit access to quality care," says Batteiger. These tips can make it easier to pay for cancer treatment for your furry friend.
- Explore payment plans: Many veterinary clinics offer payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of treatment over time. This can make expensive procedures more affordable.
- Look into medical credit cards: "CareCredit is a credit card specifically designed for health-related expenses, including veterinary care," explains Hsia. It often offers no-interest periods if paid within a set timeframe. Traditional credit cards work, but only if you secure a 0% APR offer or can pay the balance in full monthly to avoid interest charges.
- Seek financial assistance programs: Some non-profit organizations and charities might provide financial assistance specifically for pets undergoing cancer treatment, especially if you meet certain criteria. The Pet Fund, Petco Love, and Best Friends Animal Society are several examples.
- Apply for crowdfunding: "Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow pet owners to create fundraising campaigns to gather support from friends, family, and strangers who want to help with medical expenses," says Hsia.
- Negotiate with your vet: Don't hesitate to discuss your financial concerns with your veterinarian. "They may be able to suggest less expensive treatment options or adjust their fees based on your situation," explains Hsia.
- Start a pet fund: Open a bank account specifically for your pet and their healthcare expenses. Even if you contribute $20 to it every month, you'll have some cash to put toward vet bills for various conditions, including cancer. Ideally, you'd park your funds in a high-yield savings account and earn some interest.
Conclusion
Finding out your pet has cancer is devastating, but having the right financial protection can provide peace of mind during a difficult time. Look for comprehensive cancer coverage with reasonable premiums, waiting periods, and pet insurance deductibles. The investment today could save both money and heartache tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lemonade pet insurance cover cancer?
Yes, Lemonade will cover cancer treatment, as long as the condition isn't pre-existing and the treatments are not considered experimental.
Is dog cancer covered by insurance?
Pet insurance may help pay for cancer treatment for dogs, as long as they were diagnosed with the condition after the policy was purchased. Most pet insurers don't cover cancer treatment if it's a pre-existing condition that a dog had beforehand.
What dog breeds are prone to cancer?
According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers are more susceptible to cancer diagnosis than other breeds.
