Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying and Neutering For Your Pet?

Many veterinary professionals encourage spaying or neutering your cat or dog. While you may be considering the impact on your finances, the real impact is on your pet and its well-being. Spaying and neutering is a beneficial procedure with few risks. It can protect your pet from life-threatening infections and tumors of the reproductive tract. It has also been shown to have behavioral benefits. Plus, it helps to control the overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted animals in communities.

Your financial investment makes a difference in your pet’s life. Unfortunately, standard pet health insurance policies typically do not cover the cost of the procedure. However, if you sign up your cat or dog for an optional wellness plan, the procedure may be included in the coverage. Additionally, you may even be able to choose spaying and neutering coverage as an add-on.

Let’s take a close look at the coverage options, factors that will impact the cost and the expected fees for sterilization without a wellness plan.

Pet insurance coverage for spaying and neutering

Pet insurance is a financial safety net to soften the blow of unexpected vet bills. Standard policies typically cover costs when your pet has accidentally been injured or has fallen ill. 

Sterilized cats and dogs are less likely to develop certain medical conditions or behavioral issues. This means a healthier life for your pet and fewer claims for the pet insurance company. However, spaying or neutering your pet is predictable and considered an elective procedure for pet owners. 

Spaying and neutering procedures are seen as “preventive,” so many of the best pet insurance companies offer sterilization coverage as an add-on. A preventive care or wellness add-on is additional coverage you can buy to fill in the gaps in your main policy. It can cover some (if not all) of the costs of sterilizing your pet. 

Costs associated with spaying and neutering pets

The average cost range of spaying or neutering a pet can be as low as $0–$50 through mobile clinics, shelters or rescue organizations. These low fees may require you to qualify for income assistance or a voucher program. Here are the average rates the Animal Humane Society charges for cat and dog procedures:

• Cat neuter: $150
• Cat spay: $200
• Dog neuter: $250-$300*
• Dog spay: $300-$350*

*Varies by weight

Tip: You can find a low-cost spay-and-neuter clinic in your area through North Shore Animal League America’s SpayUSA’s referral system. Simply enter your ZIP code into their finder and view the results.

Factors influencing the cost of pet sterilization

The cost of sterilizing your pet depends on various factors:

• Location: Veterinary costs can differ significantly based on where you live. Urban areas with higher cost of living generally have higher veterinary fees compared to rural areas. 
• Medical conditions: If your pet is pregnant, in heat or has a medical condition, like a uterus infection or undescended testicles, additional fees may apply. 
• Procedure type: Spaying is more expensive than neutering. Spaying is a complicated procedure that involves the removal of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Neutering is simpler and less invasive, only requiring the removal of the testicles. 
• Private clinic vs. nonprofit or government organization: Many animal shelters and humane societies offer low-cost or even free spaying and neutering services, while private veterinary clinics typically charge more.
• Size: Larger adult pets typically require more anesthesia and medication, which can drive up the cost. Expect to pay an extra $20 for medium breeds, $30 for large breeds and $50 for extra-large breeds like Great Danes or Saint Bernards. 

Additional costs to consider

Factors apart from the cost of the procedure itself can drive up the final amount you pay. Pre-operative blood work, pain medication, anesthetic monitoring equipment, IV catheters and fluids can all contribute to the total cost of the vet bill. Read the fine print of your pet insurance policy to know what is and isn’t covered by pet insurance.

How to get coverage for spaying and neutering

Some pet insurance companies provide coverage for spaying and neutering through wellness or preventive care plans, add-ons or even comprehensive policies.

Add-on policies

Add-on policies, also known as riders, are optional coverages you can add to your standard or comprehensive pet insurance policy. When looking for a good but cheap pet insurance provider, check if they offer these add-ons and which specific procedures are covered.

Comprehensive pet coverage

A few pet insurance companies cover spaying and neutering under their comprehensive or standard plans. These plans can come with a heftier price tag but may offer broader protection, covering everything from emergency care to routine procedures.

Wellness plans

Many pet insurers offer various options that provide coverage for spaying and neutering, including wellness or preventive care plans. If your comprehensive plan doesn’t cover sterilization, an add-on plan might.

For example, you may have illness and accident coverage with Pets Best. An additional $26–$32 per month (depending on state and pet age) will get you BestWellness. This wellness plan helps to cover the costs of routine care, from dental cleanings to sterilization.

These plans can be great additions to your pet’s health coverage, ensuring you can manage both unexpected and routine veterinary expenses.

How to file a pet insurance claim for spaying or neutering

The claims filing process can vary by insurance company. Here are the general steps to file a claim for spaying or neutering:

1. Review your policy: Unless you have a specific rider that covers the procedure, ensure that spaying or neutering is covered under your policy’s wellness add-on or comprehensive plan. Contact the insurance company or your broker to get the details if you’re unsure.
2. Schedule the procedure: Book an appointment with your veterinarian.
3. Keep all receipts and documentation: Get detailed records from your vet after the procedure.
4. Submit a claim: File the claim with your insurance company. This step may look different across insurers, but you can typically file via app, online portal, email or fax.
5. Follow up: Some pet health insurance companies take longer to process claims than others. If your insurer is known to have a longer claim processing period, be sure to check the status of your claim regularly and provide any additional information upon request. That’s the best way to make sure you get reimbursed quickly.
6. Handle any denials: Missing or incorrect information or claim disputes could cause claim disputes. Once you understand why your claim was denied, you can write a formal appeal letter. 

How to decide the value of pet insurance for sterilization procedures

When deciding whether pet insurance is worth the cost to you, consider these factors:

• Cost of the procedure: Compare the cost of the spaying or neutering procedure with the additional premium you’d pay for the add-on coverage.
• Other covered services: Consider what other services the wellness add-on or comprehensive plan covers. It might be more cost-effective if it includes vaccinations, microchipping, dental cleaning, vaccinations, parasite prevention and other preventive or routine care.
• Your financial situation: If the cost of spaying or neutering would be a significant financial burden, having insurance coverage can provide peace of mind.
• Your pet’s health needs: Comprehensive coverage might be beneficial if your pet has specific health needs or is at higher risk of developing certain conditions.

The bottom line

Standard pet insurance typically does not cover sterilization for pets. However, wellness plans and add-ons are a lifesaver when it comes to paying for procedures that can prevent other major issues down the line. For a nominal fee every month, you can get pet sterilization covered — along with other routine or preventive care procedures — and protect dog or cat’s long-term health.

When considering your pet insurance options, determine whether preventive care coverage is beneficial and fits into your budget. If it’s a stretch, consider opening a savings account for unexpected pet costs or researching low-cost clinics in your area. With the right plan in place, you’ll be able to give your pet the care it deserves.

Frequently asked questions

• Does pet insurance cover complications from spaying or neutering?
  

  Yes, while the actual spaying or neutering procedure is usually considered elective and may not be covered under standard policies, complications arising from these procedures often are. If your pet experiences an issue such as an infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment, provided it’s medically necessary.

• Can wellness plans cover both spaying/neutering and vaccinations?
  

  Yes, many pet insurance companies offer wellness plans or add-ons that bundle spaying or neutering with other routine care services like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention and dental cleanings. These packages are designed to cover a range of preventive care, so it’s worth exploring the full scope of what’s included.

• Is there a waiting period for spaying or neutering coverage?
  

  Sometimes. For many pet insurers, coverage related to wellness or preventive care often kicks in on the date your policy becomes effective. Waiting periods are usually implemented for illness or accident coverage. Be sure to check the specific details of your plan, as waiting periods can vary.

• Does pet insurance cover pre-surgery exams for spaying or neutering?
  

  If your policy includes a wellness add-on, pre-surgery exams for spaying or neutering may be covered as part of the routine care. However, standard insurance policies typically do not cover these exams unless they’re part of a broader preventive care package.

• Can I add a wellness plan after my pet has been spayed or neutered?
  

  You can add a wellness plan after the procedure, but pet insurance providers typically do not reimburse for services rendered before coverage begins. If you want insurance to help cover the cost, you’ll need to have the wellness plan or add-on in place before scheduling the procedure.