Does Pet Insurance Cover Insulin?

A study shows that 14% of adults, or around 830 million people worldwide, had diabetes in 2022. ⁽¹⁾ In the US alone, there are 38.4 million people who have diabetes.⁽²⁾ This clearly shows that it is a very common condition across the globe. But you’ll be surprised to know (if you don’t already) that it is also a common condition in dogs and cats. 

1 in every 500 dogs suffers from some form of diabetes. It is more common in older dogs and females. Female dogs are actually 3 times more likely to suffer from it. The ratio is higher in cats where 1 in every 200 cats suffers from diabetes. Just like older dogs, older cats are also more prone to the condition. However, in the case of cats, it is the male cats who are more susceptible to it.⁽⁴⁾

Diabetes is a chronic condition and requires regular monitoring, vet check-ups, blood and urine tests, and more to treat it. The total cost of treatment can be very high as it is ongoing. You have less to worry if you have pet insurance, as plans that cover illnesses can help cover  eligible costs related to these.

We will get into the details of which costs pet insurance plans can help cover. Let us understand diabetes in pets a little more before that. 

Does Pet Insurance Cover Insulin? 

Yes, pet insurance can help cover the cost of insulin if the pet that is insured does not have diabetes as a pre-existing condition and the waiting period of the policy is over before the pet starts showing symptoms. 

You need to make sure you have an accident and illness plan, though. An accident-only plan may not cover the cost of insulin as it is an illness-related cost. 

With Spot pet insurance, you can save up to 90% of the costs related to prescription diets, follow-up vet visits, bloodwork, medications and more.

What is Diabetes in Dogs and Cats?

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. The pancreas is where this hormone is produced. When the beta cells that produce insulin are lost or damaged, the body struggles with using glucose efficiently. Some hormones like cortisol and excess fat cells in the body can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This results in more insulin to do the same job. With less insulin, the glucose in the blood increases and the tissues cannot get the glucose for energy. This condition is called ‘diabetes’. ⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

There are 2 types of diabetes – 

Causes of Diabetes in Dogs

In dogs, diabetes is usually an immune-mediated process that destroys the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. This causes insulin deficiency in them. Apart from that, other factors that can cause diabetes in dogs are obesity, genetics, pancreatitis, conditions causing higher hormone levels, long-term use of steroid medications, Cushing’s disease, etc. 

Causes of Diabetes in Cats

Obesity is known to be the most common cause of diabetes in cats. Overweight cats are said to be 4 times more likely to suffer from diabetes than others. Cats that are not overweight can also be affected by diabetes. The reasons can include chronic pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, brain tumors, and genetics. Conditions like Cushing's disease and acromegaly can also contribute but are less likely to.

A study shows that in up to 30% of cats, a brain tumor-producing growth hormone is the underlying cause of diabetes. ⁽⁵⁾

Which dog breeds are likely to get diabetes? 

As we mentioned earlier, genetics can be one of the reasons for dogs to get diabetes. This is because some breeds appear predisposed to it. They include – 

Which cat breeds are likely to get diabetes? 

Similarly, some cat breeds are more likely to develop diabetes than others. They include –

Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

Diabetes can be a difficult condition to notice. However, there are some signs that can indicate that you need to take your pet to the vet immediately and get all the tests done. They include – ⁽³⁾

Why do diabetic pets need insulin?

Dogs and cats with type 1 diabetes fail to produce enough insulin to control the sugar levels in their bodies. Without enough insulin, the pet can go through a number of issues, including some severe ones. They include hyperglycemia, glucosuria, weight loss, cataracts, etc. 

Type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent, while type 2 is not. Dogs are most commonly seen with type 1. The treatment there usually involves a diet change to a low-fat and high-complex carbohydrate one along with long-acting insulin. Affected dogs typically require 2 insulin injections every day. The dog may even need to get hospitalized initially when the insulin treatment starts to provide intensive care in case of sudden sickness. 

Cats, on the other hand, are more prone to type 2, non-insulin-dependent diabetes. They will still need external insulin administration to manage the sugar levels in the body. Apart from insulin, the affected cat will also need diet planning. With careful treatment, the cat can enter diabetic remission and may no longer require insulin. 

How much does Insulin cost for Dogs and Cats? 

The total cost of treatment includes the cost of insulin and diet changes. For dogs, the insulin may cost around $40-$150 per month, depending on the type of insulin used. The total cost of treatment, including all the blood work and therapies, may reach up to $2500 per year. ⁽⁶⁾

The insulin cost for diabetic cats can be in the range of $30-$150, depending on the dosage and the type of insulin. Apart from that, supplies for testing the cat’s blood sugar level, follow-up vet visits, prescription diet, etc., can cost another $150-$200 per month. ⁽⁷⁾

Diabetes can lead to other illnesses, and cataracts are one of the most common ones. Cataract surgery can cost you anywhere between $2800-$4200 depending on factors like type of surgery (phacoemulsification or extracapsular), level of complexity, location, and mainly the number of eyes affected. ⁽⁷⁾

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!