Does Pet Insurance Cover Parvo? (2025 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Pet insurance usually covers parvo if you enroll your dog before symptoms appear, complete the waiting period and keep vaccinations up to date.

Most insurers like ASPCA, MetLife and Spot cover parvo tests and treatments in their base policies, with optional wellness plans available for parvo vaccines.

Consider your dog's age and vaccination status as well as your financial status when deciding if you need pet insurance with parvo coverage.

How Does Pet Insurance Work for Parvo?

Parvovirus, also called parvo, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral infection that attacks a dog's gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Treatment requires intensive veterinary care, including hospitalization, IV fluids and medications, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Pet insurance covers tests and treatments for parvo when you enroll your dog before they show symptoms and keep their vaccinations current, reimbursing you for covered expenses based on your policy’s specific terms after you pay the vet bill upfront and file a claim.

What Covers Parvo?

Parvo coverage depends on your pet insurance plan and what it includes.

Accident and Illness Coverage

This comprehensive plan covers parvo testing, diagnosis and treatment, including emergency vet visits, hospitalization, IV fluids and medications. You'll need to enroll before your dog shows symptoms or gets diagnosed, otherwise parvo becomes a pre-existing condition and is excluded from coverage.

Most policies also have a waiting period of 14 days after enrollment before illness coverage begins and require you to keep your pet’s vaccinations current.

Wellness Plan

A wellness care plan covers routine parvo vaccinations as part of your puppy's standard immunization schedule. This optional coverage helps you budget for preventive care but doesn't cover illness treatment. You can combine a wellness plan with an accident and illness policy for both prevention and treatment coverage.

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Some pet insurance companies leave out parvo treatment because it’s considered preventable with vaccines. Review your policy’s exclusions before signing up to confirm that parvo is included.

Who Has Parvo Coverage?

Most pet insurance companies include parvo treatment in their standard accident and illness plans, as long as the illness occurs after your policy starts and the waiting period has passed.


AKC	✅	✅
ASPCA	✅	✅
Embrace	✅	✅
Fetch	✅	✅
Figo	✅	✅
Healthy Paws	❌	❌
Lemonade	✅	✅
Liberty Mutual	✅	✅
MetLife	✅	✅
Nationwide	❌	✅
Pets Best	✅	✅
Prudent Pet	✅	✅
Pumpkin	✅	✅
Rainwalk	✅	✅
Spot	✅	✅
Trupanion	✅	❌
Wagmo	✅	✅

*Coverage applies only to pets vaccinated against parvovirus. Details may vary by state and policy, so review your plan documents carefully for specific terms and exclusions.

Do You Need Parvo Coverage?

Parvo can be devastating for pet owners. There’s no cure for this deadly virus and treatment can cost thousands of dollars, adding financial strain to an already emotional time. Whether you need parvo coverage depends on your dog’s age, vaccination status and how much you’re prepared to spend on emergency care.

1
Your Pet's Age
Puppies between six weeks and six months old are at the highest risk of contracting parvo and have lower survival rates than adult dogs. Unvaccinated adult dogs can also get parvo, though they're less vulnerable than puppies. If you have a young puppy or recently adopted a dog, pet insurance with parvo coverage becomes more valuable.
2
Your Pet's Vaccination Status
The parvo vaccine protects most dogs, but some don't develop full immunity even after completing their vaccination series. Your dog remains vulnerable during the weeks between vaccine doses while building immunity. Pet insurance provides coverage for tests and treatments if your vaccinated dog gets parvo after enrollment and the waiting period ends.
3
Your Financial Situation
According to PetMD, treatment for parvo costs upwards of $5,000 for severe cases requiring hospitalization. Pet insurance offers financial protection by reimbursing 60% to 90% of covered costs, minus your deductible, after you pay the full vet bill upfront and file a claim for reimbursement.

Is Parvo Covered by Pet Insurance?: Bottom Line

Most pet insurers cover parvo treatment in their standard accident and illness plans, but you'll need to enroll before your dog shows symptoms and maintain current vaccinations. Companies like ASPCA, MetLife and Spot include parvo testing and treatment in base policies, with optional wellness plans covering vaccines. Your decision on whether you need pet insurance with parvo coverage depends on your dog's age and vaccination status, plus your financial situation.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Parvo Treatment?: FAQ

We’ve gathered answers to common questions about pet insurance that covers parvo so you can feel more confident choosing the best plan for your pup:

Does pet insurance cover parvo treatment?

Most pet insurance companies cover parvo treatment under their accident and illness plans. To qualify, your dog must be enrolled before showing any symptoms, complete the 14-day waiting period and stay up to date on vaccinations. Coverage usually includes diagnostic tests, hospitalization, IV fluids and medications.

What's the waiting period for parvo coverage?

Most pet insurance policies have a 14-day waiting period after enrollment before illness coverage begins. If your dog develops parvo symptoms or gets diagnosed during this waiting period, treatment won't be covered because it becomes a pre-existing condition.

Will pet insurance cover parvo if my dog isn't vaccinated?

Many insurers won't cover parvo treatment if your dog isn't vaccinated because they classify it as a preventable illness. Some policies explicitly require proof of current vaccinations for parvo coverage eligibility. Always check your policy's exclusions before enrolling to understand the requirements for coverage.

Can I get insurance after my dog is diagnosed with parvo?

You can enroll your dog after their diagnosis, but the condition becomes pre-existing and is excluded from coverage. However, pet insurance will still cover future unrelated illnesses and accidents.

Do wellness plans cover parvo vaccines?

Optional wellness plans cover routine parvo vaccinations as part of your puppy's immunization schedule. You'll need both an accident and illness policy for treatment coverage plus a wellness plan for vaccine coverage to get comprehensive financial protection for parvo.

At what age is my puppy most at risk for parvo?

Puppies between six weeks and six months old are at the highest risk for parvo and have lower survival rates than adult dogs. This vulnerable period coincides with their vaccination series, when immunity is still building between doses. Unvaccinated adult dogs can also contract parvo but are less vulnerable than puppies.

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.

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sources

PetMD. "Parvo in Dogs and Puppies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Canine Parvovirus." Accessed October 6, 2025.