Best Pet Insurance That Covers Cancer

Cancer treatment for pets typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the type and stage of cancer. When selecting your annual coverage limit, consider that comprehensive cancer care often includes multiple treatment modalities:

• Diagnostic testing: Biopsies, bloodwork, and advanced imaging (CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds) can cost $1,500-$5,000
• Surgery: Tumor removal procedures range from $2,000-$8,000
• Chemotherapy: Treatment cycles typically cost $3,000-$10,000 over several months
• Radiation therapy: Full courses can exceed $6,000-$10,000
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapies: Newer treatments may cost $5,000-$15,000

Approximately 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 5 cats develop cancer, with risk increasing dramatically after age 7 with nearly 50% of dogs over 10 being diagnosed. However, predispositions vary by breed. For example, golden retrievers and bernese mountain dogs have a predisposition to lymphoma while Siamese cats show elevated mammary cancer risk. Check resources like Nationwide's Pet Health Zone to learn more about your companion's risk for certain cancers and other diseases based on real claims data.

With the average cancer vet costs in mind and your pet's risk you can decide the coverage you need with more focus. We generally recommend choosing between unlimited annual coverage with 90% reimbursement and a low deductible (higher premiums but complete protection) or a high annual limit if you can't afford the unlimited limit ($10,000-$20,000 minimum recommended for cancer coverage) with 80% reimbursement and a $500 deductible. Lower limits than this may leave you vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses if your pet requires intensive and continuous treatment.

Not all pet insurance policies treat cancer equally. Look for plans that explicitly include:

• All cancer types covered: Ensure coverage includes carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, melanomas, and other malignancies without exclusions for specific cancer types
• Chemotherapy and radiation: Verify these treatments are covered without requiring additional riders or separate policies
• Advanced diagnostics: Confirm coverage for CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and oncology consultations
• Clinical trials and specialized treatments: Some policies exclude experimental or emerging cancer therapies
• Palliative and hospice care: End-of-life cancer care should be included if treatment becomes non-curative

Cancer coverage (14 days to 6 months depending on insurer) typically has longer waiting periods than standard illness coverage (14 to 30 days). Choose insurers with shorter cancer waiting periods, ideally 30 days or less. Additionally, review pre-existing condition clauses carefully for any cancer symptoms, abnormal test results, or suspicious lumps noted before enrollment will likely result in permanent exclusion from coverage.

Cancer claims are among the most complex and expensive claims that pet insurance companies process. Research how insurers handle these high-stakes situations for the following items:

• Cancer claim approval rates: Contact insurers directly to ask about their cancer claim approval rates and average processing times
• Customer reviews for cancer claims: Focus specifically on reviews from pet owners who filed cancer claims and look for feedback about claim denials, delays, and customer service during treatment
• Treatment authorization process: Some insurers require pre-authorization for expensive cancer treatments; understand their timeline and requirements
• Complaints about coverage limitations: Watch for patterns of denied claims due to policy exclusions or technicalities

To ensure you're able to cover your dog, cat or other exotic pets, enroll your companion young to ensure coverage is possible for cancer and other illnesses before they become pre-existing. As your pet ages and issues develop over time, your coverage needs will also change. Reassessing every year will help ensure you have the right pet insurance plan to protect your companion and your finances.