Standard pet insurance policies may cover heartworm treatment costs, including medications, vet exams and surgery, as long as heartworms aren't a pre-existing condition and the policy's waiting period has ended. But not all pet insurance companies cover heartworm treatment, so you'll need to carefully review policy details before purchasing.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment?
Updated: November 19, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance coverage may include heartworm treatment, provided that your pet isn't diagnosed with the condition before enrollment or during waiting periods.
Several pet insurance companies like Embrace, Lemonade and Pumpkin provide heartworm treatment coverage through their comprehensive accident and illness policies.
Consider your pet's risk level, profile and financial situation to determine if you need pet insurance that covers heartworm treatment.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for Heartworm Treatment?
What Pet Insurance Covers Heartworm Treatment?
Heartworm disease is a serious parasitic infection spread through mosquito bites that can damage your pet's heart, lungs and blood vessels. Comprehensive accident and illness plans will cover treatment costs for medications, diagnostic tests and surgery if your pet develops heartworm after your policy's waiting period ends. You'll still pay your deductible and get reimbursed according to your policy limits.
IS HEARTWORM PREVENTION COVERED?
Insurers treat heartworm prevention as routine care because it's monthly medications that prevent infection, so accident and illness policies don't cover it. You can still get coverage by buying an optional wellness plan that includes heartworm prevention medications.
Who Has Pet Insurance Heartworm Treatment Coverage?
Heartworm treatment coverage varies by insurer, with some excluding heartworm treatment entirely while others include it under their standard accident and illness policy. Embrace, Lemonade, MetLife, Pumpkin, Rainwalk and Spot offer heartworm coverage as part of their standard plans, while the rest of the companies on the market give you the option through add-ons.
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Compare the top pet insurance companies to determine the best option for your pet:
Do You Need Heartworm Treatment Coverage?
According to DVM360’s research, most pets will contract a parasitic infection during their lifetime, with heartworm being one of the most serious threats. These key factors can help you determine whether getting pet insurance with heartworm coverage is right for your situation.
- 1Your pet's risk level
Pets who spend time outdoors face a higher infection risk, but indoor pets aren't completely safe because mosquitoes can easily get inside homes. Your climate matters too; mosquito-heavy regions and areas with standing water increase exposure risk.
- 2Your financial situation
According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworm treatment costs an average of $1,200 to $1,800 for a 40-pound dog. Without coverage, you're responsible for the full cost, plus any ongoing medications and follow-up visits that can further increase your total expenses.
Actual costs may vary by location, veterinarian and treatment complexity.
- 3Your pet's age and health status
Young, healthy pets benefit most from coverage because they're less likely to have pre-existing conditions that exclude treatment. Shelter pets and rescues need special consideration since their health history may be unknown.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment: Bottom Line
Accident and illness pet insurance will cover heartworm treatment if your pet develops the condition after you enroll and complete waiting periods. But only a few companies like Embrace, Lemonade and Pumpkin include this coverage in their plans. Whether you need the best pet insurance with heartworm treatment coverage depends on your budget, your pet's risk level, age and health.
Pet Insurance That Covers Heartworm Treatment: FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about heartworm treatment coverage:
How long do I have to wait before heartworm treatment is covered?
If you need heartworm treatment coverage, most pet insurance companies require 14 to 30 days before it kicks in, though some have longer waiting periods for parasitic conditions. Coverage starts only after your pet stays symptom-free throughout the entire waiting period. If your pet shows any heartworm signs during this time, it becomes pre-existing and won't be covered.
Do wellness plans cover heartworm prevention medications?
Optional wellness plans may cover heartworm prevention, reimbursing you for medications that cost an average of $16 monthly based on CareCredit’s 2024 data. Note, however, that adding a wellness plan to your base policy increases pet insurance costs.
What's the difference between accident-only and accident and illness plans for heartworm coverage?
For heartworm coverage, accident-only plans won't help because insurers classify heartworm as an illness, not an accident. You need accident and illness policies to get heartworm treatment coverage, including medications, diagnostic tests and surgery. When purchasing a policy, compare multiple quotes and read the fine print to find the cheapest pet insurance with quality heartworm treatment coverage.
Why do some insurers require proof of preventive care before covering heartworm treatment?
Some insurers require proof of preventive care before providing reimbursement to reduce their risk of covering preventable conditions. They want evidence that you've been responsibly preventing heartworm disease through regular veterinary care and monthly medications. When filing a claim, be prepared to provide vaccination records and proof of regular heartworm prevention to qualify for treatment coverage under these policies.
How do I compare heartworm coverage between different pet insurance companies?
To compare heartworm coverage, first check that each insurer covers heartworm treatment in their accident and illness plans. Look at waiting periods, which usually last 14 to 30 days across companies. Read policy exclusions and any preventive care requirements that might affect your eligibility.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- American Heartworm Society. "Weigh the Costs." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- DVM360. "Parasites in Pets: Understanding Prevalence and Perception." Accessed August 21, 2025.