Ear infections in pets occur when bacteria, yeast or parasites inflame the ear canal, often triggered by allergies, moisture buildup or foreign objects. Pet insurance covers ear infection treatments when they're related to an accident or illness that occurred after the policy’s waiting periods. You'll pay the vet bill upfront, then file a claim to receive reimbursement minus your deductible.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Infections?
Updated: September 25, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance covers ear infections through standard plans when they develop after enrollment and your policy’s waiting periods.
Some companies like Pumpkin, Rainwalk and Spot also provide coverage for pets with pre-existing ear infections if they have been cured and symptom-free for 180 days.
Consider getting pet insurance that covers ear infections based on your pet's breed risks, age vulnerabilities and overall lifestyle.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for Ear Infections?
What Covers Ear Infections?
Your coverage for ear infections depends on which type of pet insurance plan you choose.
Accident-only coverage
This basic plan covers ear infections that result directly from covered accidents, such as trauma from a car accident or injury from a dog fight that damages the ear canal. You'll receive reimbursement for treatments needed to address the infection caused by the accident once you meet your deductible.
Accident and illness coverage
This comprehensive plan covers ear infections from both accidents and illnesses, including trauma-related infections and common conditions caused by allergies, parasites or moisture buildup. Coverage excludes pre-existing ear infections that developed before enrollment or during waiting periods.
Who Has Ear Infection Coverage?
Most pet insurance companies cover ear infections through their standard plans. Check the table below to see how major providers provide ear infections coverage.
AKC | Yes | Yes, after 365 days of continuous coverage |
ASPCA | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 180 days |
Embrace | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 12 months |
Fetch | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 365 days |
Figo | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 12 months |
Healthy Paws | Yes | No |
Lemonade | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 12 months |
Liberty Mutual | Yes | No |
MetLife | Yes | Yes, if you switch providers through your employer |
Nationwide | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for six months |
Pets Best | Yes | Yes, if cured and no further treatment is needed |
Prudent Pet | Yes | Yes, if cured and 365 days pass without treatment |
Pumpkin | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 180 days |
Rainwalk | Yes | Yes, if cured and free of treatment for 180 days |
Spot | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 180 days |
Trupanion | Yes | No |
Wagmo | Yes | Yes, if cured and symptom-free for 12 months |
Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents and consult with your insurance provider to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions and limitations.
Do You Need Ear Infection Coverage?
Most pet insurance companies include ear infection coverage in their base policies, provided the condition develops after the waiting periods end. Whether you need pet insurance that covers ear infections depends on your pet's breed, age, medical history and your financial situation.
- 1
Your pet's breed
Certain breeds face higher ear infection risks due to their ear structure. Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and other floppy-eared breeds collect moisture and dirt in their ear canals, which encourages bacterial infections. Dogs with narrow ear passages or thick ear hair face similar problems because air can't circulate properly to keep ears dry.
- 2
Your pet's age
Young puppies and kittens have developing immune systems that make them more susceptible to ear infections. Senior pets also face increased risks as their immune systems weaken with age. Adult pets in their prime usually have the lowest infection rates.
- 3
Your pet’s lifestyle
Pets that swim frequently, live in humid climates or spend time outdoors face higher infection risks. Dogs that play in dirty water or roll in grass are more likely to get debris trapped in their ears. Indoor cats often have lower infection rates than outdoor pets.
- 4
Your financial capacity
Ear infection treatments cost an average of $680 for dogs and $151 for cats, based on CareCredit’s 2024 study. Without pet insurance, you'll pay these costs entirely out of pocket. Consider whether you can comfortably afford multiple vet visits, medications and potential diagnostic tests.
Pet Insurance Ear Infections Coverage: Bottom Line
Pet insurance provides financial protection for ear infections when they develop after enrollment and waiting periods expire, reimbursing eligible costs after your deductible. Companies like Pumpkin, Rainwalk and Spot even cover pre-existing ear infections if they’re cured and symptom-free for 180 days. Whether you need pet insurance that covers ear infections depends on your pet's breed risks, age and lifestyle.
Are Ear Infections Covered by Pet Insurance: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about pet insurance that covers ear infections:
How long do I need to wait before my pet's ear infection is covered?
Most pet insurance companies require a waiting period before covering new conditions. Typical waiting periods range from 14 to 30 days for illnesses like ear infections. Accidents may have shorter waiting periods, sometimes as little as 24 hours. Check your specific policy documents for exact waiting periods, as these vary by provider and coverage type.
What's the difference between accident-only and accident-illness coverage for ear infections?
Accident-only coverage reimburses costs of ear infections only when they result directly from covered accidents, such as trauma from a car accident or dog fight. Accident and illness coverage is more comprehensive, covering ear infections from both accidents and common causes like allergies, parasites or moisture buildup.
Can I get coverage if my pet already has ear infection problems?
Several providers cover pre-existing ear infections if they're cured and symptom-free for specific periods. These include ASPCA, Pumpkin, Rainwalk and Spot, which have a waiting period of 180 days. However, providers like Healthy Paws, Lemonade and Trupanion exclude pre-existing conditions permanently.
Which dog breeds are most likely to need ear infection coverage?
Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and other floppy-eared breeds collect moisture and dirt in their ear canals, which encourages bacterial infections. Dogs with narrow ear passages or thick ear hair face similar problems because air can't circulate properly. Owners of these breeds should expect more frequent vet visits for ear issues, making insurance coverage especially worthwhile.
Do indoor cats need ear infection coverage as much as outdoor pets?
Indoor cats often have lower infection rates than outdoor pets since they're less exposed to environmental triggers like dirty water, grass debris and parasites. However, indoor cats can still develop ear infections from allergies, ear mites or other conditions. Young kittens and senior cats face higher risks regardless of lifestyle, making coverage valuable for these age groups.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs." Accessed September 23, 2025.