With rising veterinary costs and the unpredictability of pet health, many owners are discovering the advantages of having pet insurance for emergency hospitalization. Considering how quickly the fees for advanced veterinary testing and care can add up, having pet insurance to cover hospitalizations is key to ensuring you receive maximum savings and peace of mind, while your pet receives necessary care.
What’s Typically Covered By Pet Insurance When Pets are Hospitalized?
When your pet needs hospitalized care, you may find yourself with a laundry list of recommended tests, treatments, procedures, and fees. Fortunately, most accident and illness pet insurance plans cover common hospitalization charges such as:
Emergency visits — If your pet requires immediate care because of an accident or illness, some insurance policies will cover the emergency visit fee.
Diagnostic testing — Comprehensive plans typically cover veterinarian-recommended testing related to your pet’s emergency, such as blood work, urine testing, or imaging such as X-ray and ultrasound.
Medications — Prescription medications related to your pet’s condition are covered by most pet health insurance plans.
Surgery — Surgical procedures like cataract surgery in dogs is associated with your pet’s hospitalization are generally included.
Coverage can vary significantly by provider, so it’s important to always review pet insurance plan details before selecting a policy for your pet.
What You Need To Know About Exclusions
Now that you’re familiar with which types of pet insurance cover hospitalizations and what costs are included, it’s important to recognize what may be excluded.
Exclusions are non-negotiable exemptions—including specific situations, conditions, and treatments—that a pet insurance plan will not cover. This means that if your pet needs care related to these exclusions, you won’t be reimbursed for those costs. Exclusions will vary by provider but commonly include:
Preexisting conditions — Most pet health insurance plans won’t cover health conditions that were diagnosed before you purchased your pet’s policy. Insuring your pet when they are a puppy or kitten can help you avoid these limitations.
Breed-specific conditions — Some dog and cat breeds are prone to certain inherited health problems, which may not be covered by insurers. Carefully review each policy to determine if breed-specific exclusions affect your pet.
Elective or non-emergency procedures — Treatments or surgeries that are not critical for your pet’s health or survival, including spaying, neutering, and cosmetic surgeries such as declawing or ear cropping, are typically excluded from coverage. Procedures that are needed due to a lack of preventive care, such as those related to diseases that can be prevented with vaccination, are also unlikely to be covered.
Finally, it’s important to note that because wellness pet insurance options focus on preventing illness and disease through regular veterinary care and proactive measures such as screening tests and blood work, these plans don’t cover treatment of illnesses or injuries, including hospitalization.
Why Hospitalization Coverage Is Important
When your pet needs to be hospitalized for an emergency or sudden illness, it can be difficult to think clearly—let alone consider your budget. Having pet insurance that covers hospitalizations and associated costs can provide peace of mind in a crisis. Knowing you can confidently say yes to necessary—potentially life-saving—care without fear of financial hardship allows you to act quickly and improves your pet’s chances for a better outcome. It also allows you to focus on your pet’s treatment and recovery, instead of your pocketbook.
Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.
Angela Beal is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company .Learn more at rumpuswriting.com.
