While spaying and neutering can be a worthwhile investment, costs for these procedures can vary, so it's important to understand if your pet insurance will cover these expenses. This article compares the best pet insurance providers that cover spaying and neutering so you can choose a plan that fits your budget.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying and Neutering?
Most standard pet insurance plans don't cover spaying and neutering since they're considered elective (planned) procedures. These plans typically focus on unexpected events like accidents and illnesses.
However, several providers offer wellness plans as optional add-ons that cover these important surgeries. Wellness plans help with preventative care costs, including spaying and neutering, vaccinations, annual checkups, and other routine care that keeps your pet healthy.
What Does a Pet Wellness Plan Cover?
Pet wellness plans are essential add-ons to regular pet insurance, covering routine care costs that standard policies typically exclude. These plans focus on preventative veterinary care and planned health services, including:
Spaying and neutering: Fundamental surgeries that help control pet populations while providing crucial health benefits like reducing aggressive behaviors and decreasing the risk of reproductive cancers and infections.
Annual checkups: Comprehensive wellness visits where vets conduct thorough physical examinations, run essential blood work, perform heart health assessments, and complete various health screenings that can identify potential health issues.
Preventative medications: Regular treatments for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other harmful parasites, along with medications for common conditions and any vet-prescribed drugs your pet needs.
Vaccinations: Coverage for essential vaccines to protect against common diseases, including:
Dogs: rabies, parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper (DHPP)
Cats: panleukopenia, rabies, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus
Dental care: Regular professional cleanings and essential extractions to prevent serious dental problems like periodontal disease and tooth fractures. Additional procedures may be covered depending on your plan and provider.
Adding a wellness plan to your standard pet insurance helps prevent common pet health issues and their costs, ensuring your pet gets the care they need without unexpected expenses standing in the way.
Compare Pet Insurance Companies That Cover Neutering and Spaying
Most pet insurance providers offer wellness plans that cover spaying and neutering as optional add-ons to their standard coverage. Each provider structures their wellness plans differently, with varying coverage limits and costs. Here's how our top pet insurance companies compare:
Insurance Company | Approximate Monthly Premium* | Additional Cost for Spaying and Neutering Coverage |
|---|---|---|
$20 - $70 | Platinum Preventive Care add-on ($25/month) provides up to $150 for spaying/neutering, with a total annual benefit of $450. Cost varies based on your pet's age, breed, and location. | |
$25 - $80 | Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care Package covers up to $120 for spaying/neutering. Cost varies based on location and coverage selected. | |
$20 - $70 | Prime Preventative Care Package covers up to $150 for spaying/neutering. Cost varies based on chosen deductible and coverage options (approximately $25/month). | |
$30 - $90 | Wellness Rewards program offers three annual benefit options: $300, $500, or $700. Covers spaying/neutering with no waiting period, plus $25 extra for preventative care | |
$15 - $70 | EssentialWellness ($14-21.75/month, up to $305 annual benefit) or BestWellness ($26-32.58/month, up to $535 annual benefit) | |
$20 - $80 | Preventative Care add-ons (365 and 575) cover spaying/neutering. Cost varies based on your pet, plan, and coverage selection. | |
$15 - $70 | Optional Wellness add-on starts at $20/month with no deductible (up to $290 annual benefit). | |
$20 - $70 | Wellness Powerup add-on covers spaying/neutering. Coverage amount varies based on the benefit schedule. | |
$10 - $30 | Wellness add-on starts at $10/month and covers spaying/neutering with no deductible, copay, or waiting period. |
*Monthly premiums vary based on:
Pet's age and breed
Your location
Coverage level selected
Deductible chosen
Reimbursement percentage
As with any insurance policy, read the fine print carefully to understand specific coverage, exclusions, and limitations to ensure your chosen pet wellness plan covers the procedures and medications you need.
How Much Does It Cost To Neuter Your Pet?
The cost to neuter a pet typically ranges from $50 to $500+, based on your pet's size, age, and location. Prices vary between basic clinics and full-service veterinary hospitals. Many states offer voucher programs and financial assistance that can significantly reduce these costs—or even make the procedure free. Here's a comparison of neutering costs across different US cities:
| Location | Basic Procedure Cost | Full-Service Package Cost |
|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA | $65 - $300 | $200 - $500 |
Chicago, IL | $75 - $350 | $250 - $450 |
Raleigh, NC | $75 - $250 | $200 - $350 |
Houston, TX | $75 - $250 | $150 - $350 |
Bottom Line
While standard pet insurance policies might not cover spaying and neutering, many insurance providers offer pet wellness plans as an add-on option. These plans often include coverage for preventative care, such as spaying and neutering, vaccinations, annual check-ups, prescriptions, and more.
Pet wellness plans help pet parents afford regular and preventative expenses for their furry friends. By carefully reviewing policy details and comparing providers, you can find a plan that best suits your pet’s needs and your budget.
FAQs
When should I purchase a wellness plan if I'm planning to spay/neuter my pet?
Add wellness coverage as early as possible in your pet's life, ideally when they're young. While some providers have 30-day waiting periods, getting coverage early means you'll be ready when it's time for the procedure, typically between 4-6 months of age. Plus, you'll benefit from other preventive care coverage in the meantime.
How do wellness plan reimbursements work for spaying and neutering?
Unlike regular pet insurance, wellness plans usually have no deductible or copay. Simply submit your claim with the vet receipt within 30 days of the procedure, and your provider will reimburse you up to your plan's limit. Some providers might even pay your vet directly—check your policy details to be sure.
At what age should I spay or neuter my pet, and does this affect insurance coverage?
Vets typically recommend spaying or neutering between 4-6 months, though this can vary by breed and size. Your pet's age won't affect wellness coverage, but since many plans have age limits for enrollment, it's smart to add coverage while they're young to ensure you're eligible for these benefits.
