Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food?

Your veterinarian has just recommended a specialized prescription diet for your pet. Whether it's for managing allergies, kidney disease, or a sensitive stomach, these foods are crucial for their health and well-being. But as you look at the price tag, a common question pops into mind: Does pet insurance cover this? It's a common question for pet parents facing ongoing dietary needs for their companions. This article will clarify how pet insurance plans typically approach coverage for prescription foods, helping you understand your options and prepare for future expenses.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Pet Foods?

Yes, some pet insurance plans can help cover the cost of prescription food prescribed by a licensed vet to treat a covered condition. Some providers offer add-ons for a fee to get coverage for prescription foods. It’s a good idea to read your plan carefully, as some providers may have restrictions on this type of coverage.

What is Prescription Food?

Prescription pet food is a special blend made to address the symptoms of a specific condition and help in the recovery of the pet.¹ Prescription food is formulated to help make sure the pet's nutritional needs are met in times of illness or injury. These foods are only available for purchase with a prescription from a vet. 

There are various types of prescription foods available. The right prescription food for your pet will depend on the condition being addressed. Prescription pet foods may be prescribed for various conditions,¹ including:

What Is The Average Cost of Prescription Pet Food?

The condition your pet is experiencing, the type of dog food, the quality, the size of your pet, and their daily calorie needs, can all affect the cost of the prescription pet food. On average, the cost per pound is about $4 - $8.²

Does pet insurance cover prescription food?

Not all providers offer coverage for prescription pet foods. Coverage can be included in a base plan or through the purchase of an add-on.

Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Foods?

Spot is one of the few pet insurance providers that offers coverage for prescription foods as part of the base plan. It’s important to note that this coverage only applies to the eligible costs of prescription pet foods prescribed by a licensed vet to treat a covered condition. Prescription pet foods for general weight maintenance are not covered.

Spot Covers More Than Just Medication:

At Spot, we understand all of the work that can go into caring for a pet and how difficult it can be when a pet falls unexpectedly ill or injured. That's why Spot offers pet parents customizable accident-only or accident and illness plans. Spot also offers two add-on preventive care options. Choose the coverage that best fits your pet's needs and your budget.

In addition to prescription pet food, Spot plans can help cover the eligible costs of: 

Spot’s preventive care coverage options offer coverage for:

Conclusion

Prescription foods can go a long way in helping pet parents manage their pet’s ongoing condition by making sure that their unique nutritional needs are met. With a Spot Pet Insurance plan, pet parents have help getting additional peace of mind knowing that they have help with the eligible costs, so they can focus on caring for their pet. If you would like a customizable pet insurance plan for your pet, take the first step. Get a quote today!