Updated: October 28, 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 happen when the lens in your pet’s eye turns cloudy, usually because of genetics, age, diabetes or an injury. Surgery is often needed when the cloudiness affects their vision or causes pain.
Pet insurance includes cataract surgery if the condition develops after enrollment and the waiting period has ended. You’ll pay the vet bill first and then file a claim. Once approved, most insurers reimburse 60% to 90% of the covered costs after 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 about $3,600 on average, though prices can range from $2,000 to $5,800 depending on where you live and how complex the surgery is.
Deciding if cataract surgery coverage should be a priority when buying pet insurance depends on the factors below.
Certain dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers and Cocker Spaniels are genetically predisposed to developing cataracts. Himalayans, Persians and Bengals are among the cat breeds more likely to develop cataracts. If you own a high-risk breed, securing coverage before symptoms appear helps you avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Cataracts often appear as pets get older and senior animals are more likely to develop vision problems. Getting coverage while your pet is still young and healthy helps protect them later in life. Some insurers limit enrollment by age, so signing up early gives you more options.
If your pet’s parents or siblings had cataracts, there’s a good chance they could develop them too. Try to learn about their family history and think about getting hereditary coverage if cataracts run in their bloodline.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine reports that 75% to 80% of diabetic dogs develop cataracts within a year of their diagnosis. If your pet has diabetes or another condition linked to cataract formation, comprehensive coverage is especially important. Eye injuries and infections also lead to secondary cataracts.
Emergency veterinary expenses can quickly drain savings or lead to difficult decisions about your pet’s care. Pet insurance helps cover cataract surgery costs by reimbursing eligible expenses based on your policy’s terms, allowing you to focus on your pet’s recovery instead of financial concerns.
Most pet insurance plans cover cataract surgery as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing when you enroll. Companies like ASPCA, Healthy Paws, and MetLife include it in their standard plans, while some insurers only offer it through optional add-ons for hereditary conditions.
Before choosing a plan, think about your pet’s breed risks and your budget for unexpected vet care.
Here are some common questions about pet insurance that includes 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
