There are three types of pet insurance coverage: accident-only, accident and illness (also called comprehensive coverage), and wellness. Only a pet insurance wellness plan will cover spaying and neutering since they are elective procedures and are considered preventive care. You can buy a pet insurance wellness plan as an add-on to your accident-only or accident and illness policy or a stand-alone plan.
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Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying & Neutering?
Most standard pet insurance does cover spaying and neutering, but only under a wellness plan because neuter and spay surgeries are preventative care procedures.
Preventive care for your pet can help maintain their health and may prevent future illnesses or health issues. Preventive care can include wellness visits, vaccinations, fecal or urine testing, bloodwork and dental cleanings.
Not all pet insurance companies offer wellness plans, and the preventative care procedures and services covered can vary. Generally, the following procedures, treatments and services may be covered by a pet insurance wellness plan:
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention medication
- Parasite testing and treatment
- Microchipping
- Spaying or neutering
- Routine dental cleanings
Spaying is a procedure performed on female dogs and cats in which the ovaries are removed. The uterus may also be removed. This prevents your pet from going into heat cycles and makes it impossible for her to reproduce.
Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs, removing both testicles and supporting structures. It eliminates the pet’s ability to reproduce and may get rid of humping behavior, which is a breeding instinct.
Although spaying and neutering are optional procedures, they are the best way to prevent unwanted litters, which can overburden animal shelters and rescues. It may also prevent health issues, such as mammary cancer and uterine infections in female pets and testicular cancer or aggression in male pets.
How Does Spay & Neuter Coverage Work?
When you buy a wellness plan with spay and neuter coverage, the plan will reimburse you for part of your vet bill. The amount will either be a percentage or an annual limit, depending on the plan and the pet insurance company.
For example, if you have a $150 benefit limit for spaying and neutering, you’ll pay the full bill at the vet’s office when you check out. Once you submit your claim for reimbursement, the pet insurance company will reimburse you $150 of the total spay and neuter costs.
How to Add Spay & Neuter Coverage to Your Pet Insurance Policy
Find out if spaying and neutering are covered
If you have a preferred pet insurance company or already have a plan in place, find out if spaying and neutering are already covered. Although rare, some pet insurance plans have a wellness feature built in. If not, you can ask how much it will cost to add the coverage or get a stand-alone plan, if available.
Shop around for the best wellness plan
By shopping around for a wellness plan, you can find the best coverage for the lowest price. Compare each carrier’s pet insurance coverage and wellness plan, including what it offers and the annual limit, deductible or percentage it will reimburse for preventive and routine care.
Add the wellness plan or buy a stand-alone policy
Once you’ve determined the best wellness plan option for your pet, it’s time to buy it. Make sure you’re aware of any waiting periods or requirements you have to meet before scheduling your pet’s spay or neuter appointment. Also, check if there are any discounts you’re eligible for before you finalize your purchase.
Pay for your pet’s spay or neuter surgery
After your pet’s surgery, you’ll have to pay the vet costs in full. Make sure to get an itemized invoice with your receipt in case your pet insurance company requires it for coverage reimbursement.
File a claim for reimbursement
Depending on the carrier, you can either file the claim by mail, online, by fax or through a mobile app. You may have to fill out a claim form or simply submit your invoice and receipt.
Get reimbursed
Once the claim is approved, the insurer will refund you according to your wellness plan coverage. It can take two weeks or more to get reimbursed by paper check. If you set up direct deposit, it may only take a few days to get your spay or neuter surgery reimbursement.
Should You Get Pet Insurance for Spaying & Neutering?
If all you want coverage for is spaying or neutering, pet insurance coverage is not worth it.
The average cost for a spay or neuter surgery is around $150, though it can be more in some areas. Pet insurance costs more, with an average of around $608 annually for dogs and $300 for cats. Pet insurance costs depend on where you live, your pet’s age, breed, size and gender. The older your pet is, the more you’ll pay for pet insurance and wellness coverage.
Pet insurance is worth it if you can’t afford to pay for your pet’s sudden — and potentially expensive — accidents or illnesses. If your out-of-pocket expenses for accidents and illnesses are greater than the cost of pet insurance, it may be worth buying coverage.
Which Pet Insurance Companies Cover Spaying & Neutering?
Most pet insurance policies with wellness plans from major pet insurance companies will cover spaying and neutering. Some carriers automatically include wellness coverage, though it's rare. If not, you can usually buy a wellness plan add-on or get a separate policy with preventive care coverage.
The list below shows which of the best pet insurance companies cover neutering and spaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding pet insurance, what it covers and what it does not, can be complicated. These questions are some of the most commonly asked about spaying and neutering coverage.
Spaying and neutering are covered by pet insurance but only under a wellness plan. This coverage may be an add-on to your pet insurance plan or be available as a stand-alone policy. An accident-only or accident and illness policy usually will not cover spay and neuter surgeries.
Spay and neuter coverage works as a reimbursement, so you’ll pay the cost upfront to your veterinarian. Then, you can submit a claim with your pet insurance company for reimbursement. The amount you’ll be reimbursed depends on your plan and coverage details.
Embrace, Figo, Pets Best and Spot are a few pet insurance companies covering spaying and neutering. Comparing plans can help you determine which companies offer spay and neuter coverage, how much the coverage costs and what you’ll be reimbursed after the procedure is complete.
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