Updated: September 24, 2025
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Pet insurance covers cataract surgery through accident and illness plans when the condition isn't pre-existing and waiting periods have passed.
ASPCA, Healthy Paws and MetLife include cataract surgery coverage in their standard plans without requiring additional hereditary condition riders.
To decide whether you need pet insurance that covers cataract surgery, consider your pet's breed risk, current age and health status.
Cataracts occur when the lens in your pet's eye becomes cloudy, often developing due to genetics, aging, diabetes or injury, and surgery becomes necessary when the condition severely impairs vision or causes discomfort.
Pet insurance covers cataract surgery when the condition develops after the waiting period or isn't pre-existing at the time of enrollment. You’ll pay the vet bill initially, then file a claim to be reimbursed 60% to 90% of eligible costs, minus your deductible.
Accident and illness plans provide coverage for cataract surgery, as long as the condition developed after your policy's waiting periods.
Since cataracts can develop from hereditary conditions in certain breeds, coverage depends on whether the insurer includes hereditary conditions in its standard policy or considers them as pre-existing exclusions. Some insurers may require you to purchase an additional rider for hereditary conditions to secure coverage.
Most pet insurers reimburse costs for cataract surgery in their standard plans when the condition isn’t pre-existing. However, some may only provide coverage if you purchase optional add-ons for hereditary conditions.
AKC | ✓ | |
ASPCA | ✓ | |
Embrace | ✓ | |
Fetch | ✓ | |
Figo | ✓ | |
Healthy Paws | ✓ | |
Lemonade | ✓ | |
Liberty Mutual | ✓ | |
MetLife | ✓ | |
Nationwide | ✓ | |
Pets Best | ✓ | |
Prudent Pet | ✓ | |
Pumpkin | ✓ | |
Rainwalk | ✓ | |
Spot | ✓ | |
Trupanion | ✓ | |
Wagmo | ✓ | |
Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions, and limitations.
According to CareCredit’s 2023 study, cataract surgery costs an average of $3,600, but actual expenses may vary from $2,000 to $5,800 based on factors like your location and the complexity of the procedure. Whether you should prioritize cataract surgery coverage when getting pet insurance depends on the factors below.
Certain dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers and Cocker Spaniels are genetically predisposed to developing cataracts. Cat breeds like Himalayans, Persians and Bengals also face higher cataract risks. If you own a high-risk breed, securing coverage before symptoms appear helps you avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Cataracts usually develop as pets age, with senior animals facing the highest risk of vision-impairing conditions. Enrolling your pet while they're young and healthy ensures coverage when age-related cataracts eventually develop. Some insurers impose age restrictions, so early enrollment maximizes your coverage options.
Pets with parents or siblings who developed cataracts have a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition themselves. Research your pet's lineage if possible, and consider hereditary condition coverage if cataracts run in their family line.
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, diabetic dogs develop cataracts in 75% to 80% of cases within a year of their diabetes diagnosis. If your pet has diabetes or other conditions linked to cataract formation, comprehensive coverage becomes essential. Eye injuries and infections can also lead to secondary cataract development.
Emergency veterinary expenses can quickly drain savings accounts or force difficult decisions about your pet's care. Pet insurance provides financial protection against cataract surgery by reimbursing eligible costs based on your policy’s terms, allowing you to focus on your pet's recovery rather than financial management.
Most pet insurance policies cover cataract surgery when the condition isn't pre-existing at enrollment. Companies like ASPCA, Healthy Paws and MetLife offer coverage in their standard plans, while others require optional add-ons for hereditary conditions. Consider your pet's breed risks and your budget before getting pet insurance with cataract surgery coverage.
Here are common questions about pet insurance with cataract surgery coverage:
Most pet insurance policies cover cataract surgery under accident and illness plans when the condition isn't pre-existing. You'll need coverage before symptoms appear, as insurers exclude conditions that develop before enrollment or during waiting periods.
Certain dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers and Cocker Spaniels are genetically predisposed to developing cataracts. If you own a high-risk breed, securing coverage before symptoms appear helps you avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Buy pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy, before any cataract symptoms appear. Enrolling your pet while they're young and healthy ensures coverage when age-related cataracts eventually develop.
It depends on your insurance provider. AKC, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide require add-ons for hereditary conditions. Always verify whether your chosen provider includes hereditary coverage in its base policy or requires an additional rider.
You'll pay the vet bill initially, then file a claim to be reimbursed for eligible costs based on your policy’s specific terms.
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.
