The answer depends on your insurance company and the specific policy you have. Our best pet insurance companies offer varying levels of coverage for therapeutic diets, with different requirements and limitations.
Let's explore which insurers cover prescription food and what you need to know to get reimbursed.
What is Prescription Food for Pets?
Also known as therapeutic or veterinary food, prescription pet food is specifically formulated to help pets manage certain medical conditions, such as allergies, diabetes, kidney disease, GI issues, or intolerances.
Some of the most common examples of prescription dog and cat food include Purina Pro Plan Veterinarian, Hill’s Science Direct, Wysong, and Royal Canin.
"Unlike standard pet food, prescription pet food is developed with precise ingredients, nutrient levels, and formulations that target pet health issues. Veterinarians often recommend it as part of a treatment plan and require a prescription to ensure they are used appropriately for a pet's condition," says Dr. Nichole Aldrich, veterinarian at Lovet Pet Health Care.
Pet Insurance and Prescription Food: How Does it Work?
- Coverage varies by insurer: While some pet insurance plans do cover prescription pet food, many exclude it entirely. Those that do offer coverage typically require the food to be prescribed for treating a specific medical condition.
- Additional coverage required: Many insurers only include prescription food coverage through optional wellness plans or riders, which means paying extra for this benefit beyond your standard policy.
- Reimbursement limits apply: Most pet insurance companies place caps on prescription diet coverage, whether through annual limits or per-condition maximums.
- Easy claims process: When your vet prescribes a special diet for a condition like GI issues, you'll purchase the food and submit receipts along with required documents to your insurer. The insurer will then reimburse you based on your plan's percentage or up to your coverage limit.
- Deductibles still apply: If you haven't met your annual pet insurance deductible, your insurer will subtract the remaining amount from your prescription food claim payout.
Best Pet Insurance for Prescription Food Coverage
Fortunately, several reputable pet insurance providers include prescription food in their plans. Here’s an overview of our top options:
ASPCA Pet Health
ASPCA Pet Health will cover prescription diets in its standard plans as long as they’re prescribed to treat a covered accident or illness. Keep in mind that the insurer will deny your claim if the food is used for weight loss or general health maintenance.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin may pay for prescription food that’s used to treat eligible accidents or illnesses. You can expect a high reimbursement rate of 80% or 90%, along with annual limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited.
Spot
Spot will reimburse you for the cost of prescription food, up to the limits outlined in your policy. The drawback is that the food must be used to treat a covered condition. Spot won’t cover prescription food if it’s intended for weight management or general health maintenance.
Trupanion
Trupanion plans include prescription pet foods prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to treat a covered illness or injury. The insurance company will reimburse 50% of its cost, minus your deductible. However, it'll only cover up to two months' worth of food.
Embrace
Embrace will only reimburse you for prescription food if you invest in its optional Wellness Rewards plan, unless your vet prescribes a special diet to treat your cat’s hyperthyroidism. Wellness Rewards might be worth the extra money, as it also includes routine care services like wellness exams and vaccines.
Figo
With Figo, you can collect reimbursement for prescription food with an optional “Powerup.” The pet insurance company will pay for vet exam fees and up to $250 per policy term if your vet prescribes a prescription diet for an eligible illness.
How to Save on Pet Prescription Food
These tips can help make prescription food more affordable for your furry friend:
1. Compare Prices Online
Not all prescription pet food costs the same everywhere. “Look at trusted online pet pharmacies and retailers. Sometimes prescription diets are more affordable online than in-clinic,” explains Amber Batteiger, PR and communications manager at Embrace.
2. Explore Manufacturer Rebates or Loyalty Programs
Many pet food brands offer rebate programs, coupons, or frequent buyer perks through vet clinics or online stores. “Hill's Science Diet, for example, has a 'Sign Up and Save' program that offers a discount on the first purchase and email updates on coupons and rebates throughout the year,” says Dr. Aldrich. Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin typically provide discount options as well.
3. Look for Pet Store Promotions or Coupons
“A large percentage of promotions and coupons are routed through retailers of the products. PetSmart and Petco are two examples,” explains Dr. Aldrich. Keep an eye out for discounts or coupons that are published on their websites and tend to change regularly.
4. Buy in Bulk
By purchasing larger bags or cases of prescription pet food, you can often reduce the per-meal cost. Check out retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club as they may offer the food your pet needs at a better rate than if you were to buy a few bags or cases at a time.
5. Ask Your Vet About Alternatives
“In some cases, there may be comparable but less expensive alternatives to a recommended diet,” explains Batteiger. If prescription pet food is out of your budget and your pet insurance company won’t cover it, don’t be afraid to ask your vet for other options.
6. Check With Shelters or Pet Assistance Programs
Some nonprofit groups and shelters offer temporary food assistance for pet parents struggling with cost, especially if the food is medically necessary. “The Science Diet's Shelter program has some discounts on prescription diets for qualified parties,” says Dr. Aldrich.
Bottom Line
Pet insurance coverage for prescription food is limited but available through select insurers like Embrace and Nationwide. Since most companies exclude this benefit or require optional wellness plans, compare pet insurance policies carefully if your pet needs therapeutic diets.
Remember to explore manufacturer discounts, bulk purchasing, and assistance programs to reduce costs regardless of your insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lemonade pet insurance cover prescription food?
No, Lemonade does not include prescription food in its pet insurance plans. You'll need to look for coverage through another pet insurance company or cover these costs out of pocket.
Does Embrace pet insurance cover prescription food?
Yes, Embrace helps pay for prescription food through its Wellness Rewards program. This is an optional add-on that can reimburse you for prescription food as long as it's used to treat a covered condition.
Does Nationwide pet insurance cover prescription food?
Yes, Nationwide does help pay for prescription pet food under some plans. You can expect coverage for it with a Whole Pet or My Pet Protection plan.
