Pet insurance covers snake bite treatment if the accident happens after enrollment and the waiting period. You’ll pay the vet bill initially, then file a claim to receive reimbursement. After approval, your insurer will cover 60% to 90% of eligible costs minus your deductible.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Snake Bites?
Updated: September 24, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance covers snake bites as accidents after waiting periods end, reimbursing eligible costs based on your policy’s specific terms.
Some companies like Embrace and MetLife offer snake bite coverage with no waiting periods for accidents.
Whether you need pet insurance that covers snake bites depends on your location, your pet's outdoor exposure and your financial capacity to handle expensive treatment costs.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for Snake Bites?
What Covers Snake Bites?
Both types of pet insurance cover snake bite emergencies, but they differ in how comprehensive the coverage is beyond the initial incident.
Accident-only plans
These policies cover all emergency costs from the snake bite itself, including anti-venom, hospitalization and surgery. However, they won't cover any secondary infections, complications or ongoing health issues that develop after the initial treatment.
Accident and illness policies
These plans cover the initial snake bite emergency plus any complications that develop afterward, such as infections, organ damage or ongoing medication needs. They provide broader financial protection since snake bites can sometimes cause health issues that persist for weeks or months.
Who Has Snake Bite Coverage?
Most pet insurers cover snake bite injuries through standard plans after waiting periods end. Here's how the major providers handle snake bite coverage.
AKC | Covers snake bites with a 2-day waiting period for accidents |
ASPCA | Covers snake bites with a 14-day waiting period for accidents |
Embrace | Covers snake bites with no waiting period for accidents |
Fetch | Covers snake bites with a 15-day waiting period for accidents |
Figo | Covers snake bites with a 1-day waiting period for accidents |
Healthy Paws | Covers snake bites with a 15-day waiting period for accidents |
Lemonade | Covers snake bites with a 2-day waiting period for accidents |
Liberty Mutual | Covers snake bites with a 14-day waiting period for accidents |
MetLife | Covers snake bites with no waiting period for accidents |
Nationwide | Covers snake bites with a 2-day waiting period for accidents |
Pets Best | Covers snake bites with a 3-day waiting period for accidents |
Prudent Pet | Covers snake bites with a 5-day waiting period for accidents |
Pumpkin | Covers snake bites with a 14-day waiting period for accidents |
Rainwalk | Covers snake bites with a 14-day waiting period for accidents |
Spot | Covers snake bites with a 14-day waiting period for accidents |
Trupanion | Covers snake bites with a 5-day waiting period for accidents |
Wagmo | Covers snake bites with a 15-day waiting period for accidents |
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 Snake Bite Coverage?
Whether you need snake bite coverage depends on several key factors.
- 1
Geographic location
Your pet's exposure risk varies by region, with states like Texas, Arizona and Florida reporting high venomous snake bite incidents. Rural areas and properties near wooded or desert regions pose greater threats than urban environments. Even if you live in a lower-risk area, pets can encounter snakes during travel or hiking adventures.
- 2
Pet behavior and lifestyle
Curious dogs that explore off-leash or investigate brush piles face higher snake encounter risks. Cats that hunt outdoors or spend time in gardens and woodpiles also have increased exposure.
- 3
Treatment costs
According to CareCredit, each vial of antivenom costs $600 to $1,000, with dogs requiring one to 20 vials depending on the severity of the bite. Total treatment costs often exceed $2,500 when including emergency care, diagnostic testing and supportive care. These expenses can quickly exhaust savings, making pet insurance that covers snake bites valuable financial protection.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Snake Bites?: Bottom Line
Pet insurance covers snake bite emergencies, as long as the accident occurs after enrollment and waiting periods. Companies like MetLife and Embrace offer immediate coverage, while others require brief waiting periods up to 15 days. Whether you need snake bite coverage depends on factors like your location's snake population, your pet's outdoor activity level and your financial capacity for emergency veterinary expenses.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Snake Bites?: FAQ
Still have questions about pet insurance snake bite coverage? We’ve answered them below to help you make informed decisions:
What's the difference between accident-only and accident & illness coverage for snake bites?
Accident-only plans cover the immediate snake bite emergency costs like antivenom, surgery and hospitalization, but won't pay for secondary infections or complications that develop later. Accident and illness policies cover both the initial emergency and any follow-up care for complications like infections or organ damage.
Which pet insurance companies cover snake bites immediately without waiting periods?
Embrace and MetLife offer immediate snake bite coverage with no waiting periods for accidents. Most other providers require waiting periods ranging from 1 to 15 days before accident coverage begins.
Do I need snake bite coverage if I live in the city?
Even city pets can benefit from snake bite coverage since snakes occasionally appear in urban areas, especially during construction or near parks and waterways. More importantly, pets can encounter snakes during travel, hiking trips or visits to rural areas. Since treatment costs can exceed $2,500, having coverage provides financial protection regardless of where the bite occurs.
What happens if my pet gets bitten by a snake before the waiting period ends?
If your pet gets bitten during the waiting period, the treatment won't be covered by insurance and you'll pay the full veterinary bill out of pocket.
Does pet insurance cover snake bite treatment at emergency animal hospitals?
Pet insurance covers snake bite treatment at emergency animal hospitals and specialty veterinary clinics. These facilities often have higher costs than regular vets, but your insurance reimburses based on your policy terms regardless of the treatment location.
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. "Snake Bites in Dogs: What to Do and How to Prevent Them." Accessed September 24, 2025.