Can I Still Get Pet Insurance If My Dog Has Cancer? – As a pet parent, it’s natural to feel concerned about your beloved furry companion’s well-being, especially when it comes to serious health conditions like cancer. Dealing with such challenges can be emotionally draining and financially demanding. That’s why you may be curious about whether pet insurance is still an option if your dog has been diagnosed with cancer.
When it comes to pet insurance coverage for cancer, it largely depends on the health status of your pet at the time you purchase the policy.
Typically, preexisting conditions are not covered, which means if your dog has already been diagnosed with cancer before you enroll or during the waiting period, the treatment costs will not be covered by your insurance provider.
If you proactively obtain an illness policy while your pet is in good health, you’ll be eligible for coverage in case cancer or any other health issue arises after the waiting period.
So, while there may be limitations regarding preexisting conditions, taking proactive steps to secure pet insurance can still provide financial support for the treatment of cancer and other unforeseen health concerns.
SEE ALSO: Does Every Vet Take Pet Insurance?
What Is Pet Cancer?
Pet cancer, also known as neoplasms or tumors, refers to the abnormal growth of cells or tissues in animals. These masses can be either benign or malignant, with only the malignant ones considered cancers.
The incidence of cancer in dogs is similar to that in humans, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association. They estimate that approximately one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in their lives. While the prevalence of cancer in cats is less understood, certain types of cancers, such as lymphoma, are more common in cats compared to dogs.
The following are some of the most frequently encountered cancer types in pets, according to UW Veterinary Care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison:
Thanks to advancements in diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests, detecting cancer in pets has become more accessible than ever before. In some instances, MRI or CT scans may be necessary for confirming a diagnosis.
- Bone tumors: Although challenging to treat, bone tumors can often be managed through amputation or radiation therapy.
- Lymphoma: This type of cancer is often effectively treated with a combination of medications like prednisone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and doxorubicin.
- Mast cell tumors: Most mast cell tumors are manageable and can often be treated with surgery alone, while radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended in certain cases.
- Soft tissue sarcomas: Surgery is typically the primary treatment for soft tissue sarcomas, followed by potential additional therapies like radiation.
Dealing with the Cost of Cancer Treatment
While detecting cancer in pets has become more manageable, the cost of treatment can still be overwhelming. If you wish to avoid shouldering hefty veterinary bills, enrolling in a pet insurance program can provide much-needed financial support. So, can you still get pet insurance if your dog has cancer?
Can I Still Get Pet Insurance If My Dog Has Cancer?
Enrolling your pet in a pet insurance policy before they are diagnosed with cancer is crucial. Most pet insurance providers do not cover preexisting conditions, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain coverage once your pet has been diagnosed.
Pet insurance companies offer various coverage options, including accident-only and accident-and-illness plans. Some plans include coverage for cancer, while others provide it as an add-on. Many companies cover a wide range of diagnostics and advanced treatments.
After your pet receives treatment, you can submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement if the claim is approved. If your pet is predisposed to cancer due to breed or hereditary conditions, it’s recommended to contact insurance providers to inquire about the cancer coverage they offer.
What Companies Cover Cancer?
Numerous pet insurance companies offer coverage for various pet health issues, including cancer and related treatments. Here are some top providers that we’ve researched, along with their costs and coverage options:
Lemonade Cancer Coverage
Lemonade provides pet owners with a comprehensive accident-and-illness policy that covers diagnostics, medications, and procedures. They offer flexible reimbursement rates, annual payout options, and deductibles, which determine your monthly premium. Once the waiting period is over, Lemonade’s policy covers chronic conditions such as cancer and related treatments. They also offer wellness add-ons, although these are not necessary for cancer treatment.
Spot Cancer Coverage
Spot offers accident-and-illness coverage that includes cancer treatments. A unique feature of Spot’s coverage is that it covers exam fees related to the illness.
You have the freedom to choose your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual payout, allowing for customization of your plan and monthly premium. Spot covers costs associated with diagnostics, advanced cancer treatments like chemotherapy and surgery, as well as stem cell therapy, depending on your pet’s condition.
SEE ALSO: How to Find Out If Someone Has Life Insurance After They Die
Fetch by The Dodo Cancer Coverage:
Fetch by The Dodo provides comprehensive pet insurance coverage, encompassing routine vaccinations and cancer care. Based on your veterinarian’s recommendation, Fetch covers cancer-related treatments, including diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiology.
Their policies are customizable, allowing you to choose coverage and payout options that suit your budget. Regardless of the annual payout you select, Fetch’s policy covers veterinary oncology care and treatments.
Trupanion Cancer Coverage
Trupanion offers unlimited payouts with a 90% reimbursement rate in their accident-and-illness plan. Their coverage includes hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, and unexpected illnesses like cancer.
With a Trupanion policy, your pet is covered for cancer and related treatments, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalizations, medications, and supplements often required for cancer treatment.
Figo Cancer Coverage
Figo pet insurance offers customizable coverage options, allowing you to choose your annual deductible, payout, and reimbursement rates.
Your monthly premium will vary accordingly. Figo provides coverage for cancer and related treatments, including diagnostics, hospitalizations, medications, surgeries, and cutting-edge treatments like radiosurgery and CyberKnife.
SEE ALSO: How Do I Know If I Am a Beneficiary of a Life Insurance Policy
Embrace Cancer Coverage
Embrace offers personalized coverage tailored to pet parents’ budgets. Regardless of how you personalize your plan, Embrace covers cancer treatment at no additional cost. Their policy includes coverage for oncologist consultations, diagnostics, surgeries, radiology, and even rehabilitation and other follow-up care.
Healthy Paws Cancer Coverage
Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage to all policyholders without maximum limits on payouts, per-incident caps, or annual or lifetime limits. Their coverage plan includes options for an annual deductible and reimbursement rate.
Regardless of the options you choose, Healthy Paws provides coverage for cancer and related treatments, such as diagnostics, surgery, hospitalizations, prescription medications, specialty care, and alternative therapies.
By considering these reputable pet insurance providers, you can find coverage options that suit your needs and provide the necessary financial support in case your pet is diagnosed with cancer.
SEE ALSO: What Does Pet Insurance Cover and Not Cover?
Annual Cost of Cancer Coverage
When it comes to pet insurance, it’s wise to gather multiple free quotes to compare costs and options. From affordable plans to comprehensive coverage, prices can vary. Based on our research, here’s a breakdown of the average monthly costs for pet insurance that includes cancer coverage:
Company Average Cost for Dogs And Average Cost for Cats
Lemonade $17.36–$71.31 $11.00–$39.64
Spot $17.84–$141.32 $9.86–$83.18
Healthy Paws $34.39–$45.14 $13.34–$17.57
Figo $19.22–$93.83 $8.72–$42.62
Embrace $30.56–$88.18 $13.65–$39.39
Fetch $35.57–$79.61 $20.16–$38.26
Trupanion $58.96–$178.14 $27.86–$75.74
SEE ALSO: How Do I Know If I Am a Beneficiary of a Life Insurance Policy
Is Cancer Common in Dogs?
Sadly, cancer is all too common among dogs. In fact, nearly half of dogs over 10 years old develop cancer, making it a leading cause of older pets’ demise. Dogs are affected by cancer at a similar rate as humans. While a cancer diagnosis can be heartbreaking, there are numerous veterinary care options and treatments available to aid your dog’s recovery.
Is Cancer Common in Cats?
Around one in five cats will experience cancer during their lifetime. Certain types of cancer are more prevalent in cats, with lymphoma being among the most frequently diagnosed. Regardless of the specific cancer type, cats respond well to various treatment options, allowing them to maintain a good quality of life post-treatment.
SEE ALSO: How to Find Out If Someone Has Life Insurance After They Die
The Bottom Line: Can I Still Get Pet Insurance If My Dog Has Cancer?
Discovering that your beloved pet has cancer can be devastating, but it doesn’t mean you have to face financial ruin to provide them with the necessary care. Fortunately, most pet insurance providers offer coverage for cancer treatment. However, it’s important to note that preexisting conditions are often not covered.
Many pet owners choose to enroll in pet insurance when their furry companions are still young and healthy, providing peace of mind. By securing a comprehensive pet insurance policy early on, you can ensure that you’ll be protected from exorbitant veterinary bills in the event of a cancer diagnosis.