Heartworm disease is a serious threat to your pet’s health. Treatment can cost nearly $2,700 for dogs, as PetMD reports1. Luckily, pet insurance can help with these costs, giving you peace of mind. This guide will explore heartworm coverage in detail, focusing on what top insurance providers offer.
Key Takeaways
- Heartworm disease can lead to severe complications if left untreated, making coverage for treatment essential.
- Pet insurance policies often include heartworm treatment coverage, with customizable plans to fit your budget and needs.
- Top insurers like MetLife Pet offer extensive coverage for both injury and illness, including diagnostics, surgeries, and alternative therapies.
- Preventive care plans can help cover the costs of heartworm testing and monthly preventative medication.
- Understanding the details of heartworm coverage can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right pet insurance policy.
Introduction
Heartworm disease, also known as dirofilariasis, is a serious but common and entirely preventable condition in dogs2. The parasitic larvae mature and breed in the bloodstream. They eventually make their way to the heart, pulmonary artery, and adjacent large blood vessels. This can potentially lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death if left untreated2.
Heartworm Disease: A Serious Threat to Pets
Symptoms of heartworm include mild, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, low energy, decreased appetite, listlessness, and weight loss2. The severity of the disease depends on the number of worms and how long the dog has been infected2. Treating heartworm is critical, but it can be costly, making heartworm treatment coverage an important consideration for pet owners2.
The Significance of Heartworm Treatment Coverage
Heartworm disease is a serious threat to pets, and the cost of treatment can be a significant financial burden for pet owners2. Pet insurance coverage that includes heartworm treatment can help alleviate this burden. It ensures that pets receive the necessary medical care2.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment?
Standard Pet Insurance Policies and Heartworm Coverage
Most pet insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, including heartworm disease, unless it’s pre-existing3. If your pet gets heartworms while covered, the treatment is usually included, except for any deductibles or copays4.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Waiting Periods
If your pet gets heartworms before your policy starts or during the waiting period, it’s seen as pre-existing3. Most insurers won’t cover it. Some also don’t pay for exam fees, taxes on treatment, or routine heartworm screenings, even if the treatment is covered3.
It’s key to check your pet insurance policy for heartworm disease coverage3. Some plans are more complete, while others have more exclusions3.
Heartworm treatment for dogs involves three injections and costs about $2,500–$3,0004. Melarsomine, an injectable, treats heartworm in dogs with a 95% success rate4. The treatment includes antibiotics for 30 days and injections on specific days4.
“Regular vet check-ups and heartworm prevention medication are recommended to protect dogs from heartworm disease.”5
Pet owners should think about the cost of heartworm treatment and how pet insurance can help cover it.
Types of Plans Covering Heartworm Treatment
Understanding pet insurance can really help. Regular plans cover accidents and illnesses, including heartworm disease6. Wellness plans, on the other hand, focus on routine care like heartworm prevention6. Most insurers let you add wellness plans to your regular policy for full coverage6.
Regular Pet Insurance Plans
Regular plans help with heartworm treatment costs, seeing it as an illness6. Treating heartworms in dogs can cost almost $2,700. Medication alone can be $500 to $1,500, plus tests and exams6. In bad cases, costs can go up to $6,000 or more6.
Wellness Plans and Preventive Care Coverage
Wellness plans cover routine care, like heartworm prevention6. Heartworm prevention can cost hundreds a year, based on the brand and pet size6. Insurers like Lemonade and Fetch offer wellness plans for heartworm prevention and treatment67.
By mixing regular and wellness plans, you get full coverage for your pet’s health. This includes treatment and prevention for heartworm disease678.
Will Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Prevention?
Most pet insurance plans don’t cover routine care like heartworm prevention9. But, many offer wellness plans to help with the cost of heartworm meds and yearly checks10.
Preventing heartworm is much cheaper and safer than treating it9. Prevention costs a few hundred dollars yearly. But, treatment can cost $500 to over $6,000, based on the case’s severity9.
- Some plans, like Pets Best’s BestWellness or EssentialWellness, might cover heartworm tests, prevention, and de-worming10.
- Accident-only plans don’t cover preventive care like heartworm meds9.
- Comprehensive plans might cover heartworm prevention in their routine care benefits. But, it’s key to check the policy details10.
| Pet Insurance Plan | Coverage for Heartworm Prevention |
|---|---|
| Accident-Only | No coverage |
| Comprehensive with Wellness Add-On | May be covered as part of routine care benefits |
| Wellness Plan (e.g., BestWellness, EssentialWellness) | Heartworm tests, prevention, and de-worming medication may be covered |
It’s vital to check the details of any pet insurance plan10. This way, you know what’s covered for heartworm prevention and other routine care. The right policy can help manage the cost of keeping your pet healthy and safe from heartworm disease.
Top Insurance Companies and Heartworm Coverage
Many top pet insurance companies like Lemonade, Fetch, Spot, Embrace, and Trupanion cover heartworm treatment6. They do this as long as the heartworms aren’t already present6. These companies offer standard policies that include heartworm disease coverage6. They also have wellness plans for preventive care, like heartworm medication and screenings6.
The coverage and wellness plans vary among providers6. So, pet owners should check each policy carefully6. This helps find the best fit for their needs and budget6.
Comparison of Major Insurers’ Heartworm Policies
Lemonade, Fetch, Spot, and Embrace include heartworm treatment in their standard plans6. Their wellness plans also cover heartworm prevention and screenings6. Trupanion might cover heartworm treatment if it’s not pre-existing, but they don’t have a wellness plan for preventive care6.
All five insurers, Lemonade, Fetch, Spot, Embrace, and Trupanion, have high editorial ratings6. Their ratings range from 4.4 to 4.9 out of 56.
| Insurer | Heartworm Treatment Coverage | Wellness Plan for Preventive Care | Editorial Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | Included in standard policy | Covers prevention | 4.9/5 |
| Fetch | Included in standard policy | Covers prevention | 4.8/5 |
| Spot | Included in standard policy | Covers prevention | 4.7/5 |
| Embrace | Included in standard policy | Covers prevention | 4.6/5 |
| Trupanion | May cover if not pre-existing | No wellness plan | 4.4/5 |
It’s wise to get pet insurance with a wellness plan rider for full heartworm treatment coverage6.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment
Pet insurance often covers heartworm treatment, but only if it’s not a pre-existing condition9. The costs for diagnostics, procedures, and medications can be covered by the insurance9. But, some costs like exam fees or routine screenings might not be covered9.
Pet insurance from Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best can fit your budget and your pet’s needs10. It covers accidents, illnesses, and even preventive care10. The BestWellness and EssentialWellness plans include coverage for parasite testing and prevention10.
With Pets Best, you can add plans like EssentialWellness and BestWellness for more coverage10. These plans include heartworm tests, prevention, and de-worming medication10.
| Insurance Provider | Heartworm Treatment Coverage | Heartworm Prevention Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | Covered under accident and illness plans, subject to deductible and co-pay | Available through EssentialWellness and BestWellness add-on plans |
| Nationwide | Covered under plans, but with some exclusions | Not covered in standard plans, but can be added |
| Trupanion | Covered under accident and illness plans, with no per-incident deductibles | Not covered in standard plans, but can be added |
Pet insurance covers surgeries for many illnesses, like cataracts and hip dysplasia10. It also covers euthanasia procedures, but not cremation10.
In summary, pet insurance usually covers heartworm treatment if it’s not pre-existing9. Always check your policy for any exclusions or limitations9. Some insurers offer add-on plans for more heartworm prevention and management910.
Assessing the Value of Pet Insurance for Heartworm
Heartworm infections can cost a lot to treat, from $2,500 to $6,000 or more11. Pet insurance with a wellness plan rider is a smart choice. It covers the cost of heartworm prevention and screenings11. If your pet gets sick, the standard policy can help with treatment costs11.
This way, you can avoid using your emergency fund for vet bills11.
Some pet insurance plans require you to follow certain health care rules11. They cover hereditary conditions like heart disease and hip dysplasia11. They also cover behavioral issues and certain medications11.
Preventive care is covered, including routine exams and dental cleanings11. This helps keep your pet healthy and saves money on vet visits11.
Accident and illness plans cover serious conditions like cancer12. Wellness plans cover routine care like vaccinations and dental cleanings12. Deductibles and reimbursement rates vary, affecting how much you pay out of pocket12.
There are waiting periods before coverage starts, varying by condition13. Accident and illness plans are common, with wellness plans as add-ons13. Many plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions13.
In summary, pet insurance with a wellness plan is a good investment. It covers heartworm prevention and treatment, and many other vet services. Knowing what pet insurance offers helps you choose the best plan for your pet.
The Cost of Heartworm Treatment
Treating heartworm disease can be very expensive for pet owners. PetMD says the average cost for dogs is nearly $2,70014. The treatment includes antibiotics and injections to kill the worms. In bad cases, surgery is needed, making it even more costly14.
Heartworm treatment can cost a lot, making pet insurance key. Costs can be from $1,000 to $3,00015. Tests like echocardiography and chest x-rays add to the cost, with blood tests ranging from $100 to $20014.
Melarsomine treatment can cost between $500 and $1,500, and Doxycycline medication is $85 to $110 for 30 pills14. The first vet visit costs $25 to $18616. Hospital stays for heartworm complications can cost $600 to $3,500 or more16.
Preventive treatments are cheaper, costing $25 to $150 for six months15. Monthly prevention costs $6 to $1814. An annual supply of prevention costs $100 to $20016.
The cost of heartworm treatment highlights the need for regular care and vet visits. Knowing the costs of treatment and prevention helps pet owners protect their pets and avoid financial stress.
Preventing Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition in pets17. Regular use of heartworm prevention medications stops the parasite from harming pets17. These include chewable tablets, topical treatments, or injections17.
Annual screenings are also key to catch heartworm early17. This way, pets can avoid the serious harm it causes17. By being proactive and keeping up with vet visits, pet owners can protect their pets from this deadly disease.
Medication Options and Routine Screenings
There are many heartworm prevention options, like monthly chewables, topical treatments, and injectables17. These medications kill the young heartworms before they can cause harm17.
Annual screenings are also vital to detect heartworm early17. This makes treatment more effective17. By focusing on prevention and regular vet visits, pet owners can keep their pets safe from heartworm disease.
FAQ
Does pet insurance cover heartworm treatment?
What types of pet insurance plans cover heartworm treatment?
Does pet insurance cover heartworm prevention?
How do top insurance companies handle heartworm coverage?
What is the average cost of heartworm treatment for pets?
Source Links
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? | MetLife Pet Insurance – https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-insurance/what-does-pet-insurance-cover/
- How Does Pet Insurance Work? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide | Lemonade – https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/pet-insurance/
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment? – Pet Insurance Review – https://www.petinsurancereview.com/blog/does-pet-insurance-cover-heartworm-treatment
- Heartworm in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know • Lemonade Insurance – https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/heartworm-symptoms-dogs/
- Heartworm in Dogs: Symptoms & Care | MetLife Pet Insurance – https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-health/heartworms-in-dogs/
- Pet Insurance That Covers Heartworm Treatment | LendEDU – https://lendedu.com/blog/pet-insurance-covers-heartworm-treatment/
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment? Standard Policies & FAQ – Dogster – https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/does-pet-insurance-cover-heartworm-treatment
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworms? | Spot® – https://spotpet.com/blog/why-pet-insurance/does-pet-insurance-cover-heartworms
- How Does Pet Medication Coverage Work? – https://www.progressive.com/answers/pet-insurance-medications/
- Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage Options – https://www.progressive.com/pet-insurance/coverages/
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? | ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance – https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/research-and-compare/pet-insurance-basics/whats-covered/
- What Medical Expenses Does Pet Insurance Cover For Your Pet? | Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/pet-insurance/what-medical-expenses-pet-insurance-covers/
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? (2024 Guide) – NerdWallet – https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/pet-insurance-coverage
- How much does heartworm treatment cost? – https://betterpet.com/cost-of-heartworm-tests-and-treatment/
- Heartworms in Dogs | Symptoms, Identification and Treatment – https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/heartworms-in-dogs
- How Much Does Heartworm Treatment Cost for Dogs? – https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/pet-insurance/heartworm-treatment-cost/
- Will pet insurance cover heartworm treatment? – https://thagency.com/will-pet-insurance-cover-heartworm-treatment/