Does Pet Insurance Cover Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy can offer major health and quality of life improvements for many dogs, especially those recovering from injuries. Many pet insurance plans include hydrotherapy coverage and can help cover the costs of your pet’s treatment!

Does Pet Insurance Cover Hydrotherapy?

Coverage for hydrotherapy varies by insurance company and individual plan. Some cover hydrotherapy in their base plan, some offer it only in a premium plan or as an add-on, and some don’t offer any coverage for it at all.  

Of the pet insurance plans that do cover hydrotherapy, most offer coverage under the category of rehabilitation therapy or alternative therapy coverage. They will usually also only cover hydrotherapy if it’s prescribed for a covered condition.

As hydrotherapy and rehabilitation therapy in general become more mainstream, more insurance companies are starting to include it. If you already have a pet insurance policy that doesn’t currently cover hydrotherapy, check for updates when your policy renews!

Pet Insurance That Covers Hydrotherapy

The following are pet insurance companies that offer hydrotherapy coverage. Since hydrotherapy is part of a broader range of services categorized under rehabilitation therapy, physical therapy, or alternative therapy, many insurance policies do not specifically list hydrotherapy in their policies.

As with all insurance, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, additional exclusions may apply, and reimbursement rates, copays, and deductibles vary by individual policy. Be sure to check your specific policy for details and contact your insurance provider with any questions.

Insurance	Hydrotherapy Coverage	Restrictions	Reimbursement
AKC	Covered under the Companion Care Plan  Includes coverage for physical therapy and hydrotherapy	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 30-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
ASPCA	Covered under the Complete Coverage Plan Includes hydrotherapy coverage	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Embrace	Included under Complementary Treatments Coverage  Includes hydrotherapy coverage	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Fetch	One plan, includes Physical Therapy Coverage Includes coverage for physical therapy and hydrotherapy lan, includes Physical Therapy Coverage Includes coverage for physical therapy (hydrotherapy not specifically listed but may be covered)	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 15-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Figo	One plan, includes Alternative Treatment Coverage Includes coverage for alternative and holistic therapies including hydrotherapy	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	Up to 100% depending on plan and deductible
Healthy Paws	One plan, includes Alternative Therapy Coverage Includes hydrotherapy coverage	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 15-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Lemonade	Offered only as a Physical Therapy add-on Includes hydrotherapy coverage	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Metlife	One plan, includes Alternative Therapy Coverage Includes coverage for alternative and holistic therapies including hydrotherapy	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	Up to 100% depending on plan and deductible
Pets Best	Covered under the Accident and Illness Plan Includes hydrotherapy coverage	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Pumpkin	One plan, hydrotherapy is covered under Alternative Therapy	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	Up to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Trupanion	Offered only under the Recovery and Complementary Care Rider add-on Includes hydrotherapy coverage	Therapy must be prescribed by a veterinarian  No pre-existing conditions 30-day waiting period	Up to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met

What is Hydrotherapy for Dogs?

Hydrotherapy is a type of rehabilitation therapy or physical therapy, that involves water exercise. Usually done in a pool or special underwater treadmill made just for dogs, hydrotherapy can consist of swimming or walking underwater in a controlled environment. It is a form of non-weight bearing exercise that uses key water properties to facilitate rehabilitation. The speed of the treadmill and depth of water will be adjusted to provide optimal buoyancy and resistance for the dog’s specific treatment plan.

The use of hydrotherapy in human physical therapy has been around for ages but is becoming more widely available for pets in recent years. Advances in veterinary medicine and more practitioners being trained in this specialty have brought it to the forefront of animal wellness. From veterinary practices to full-scale specialty rehabilitation clinics popping up in recent years, hydrotherapy for dogs is more widely available than ever before!

What types of conditions are treated with hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is used both as a therapeutic tool for dogs with certain injuries or illnesses as well as a weight loss and conditioning tool. It can be used to treat an existing injury or chronic condition, or for athletic training and recovery. 

Hydrotherapy is used for a variety of conditions in dogs including:

• Orthopedic injuries or conditions (such as ACL tears or hip dysplasia)
• Arthritis and joint problems
• Spinal or neurological conditions (such as degenerative myelopathy) 
• Metabolic diseases that can cause muscle wasting (such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease)
• Obesity (low-impact exercise for weight loss)
• Elderly dogs with limited mobility 
• Dogs undergoing cancer treatment
• Athletic conditioning and recovery in sporting dogs, working dogs, etc
• Pain management

While hydrotherapy itself offers many benefits, it’s sometimes used in conjunction with other treatment modalities as part of a therapy plan. Other modalities or treatments may include acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, and more.  

How to Get Hydrotherapy for Your Dog

Think your dog could benefit from hydrotherapy? Start by talking to your vet, most likely they will have a therapist in mind to refer you to. If they don’t, you can search for a specialist in your area through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation’s website. Many insurers require veterinary involvement in order to cover the costs.

At your first appointment, the canine rehabilitation therapist will most likely review your pet’s medical records, perform an exam, and discuss your dog’s symptoms and lifestyle factors. Then they will make their treatment recommendations, answer any questions you may have, and start scheduling your dog’s sessions. 

FAQs on Hydrotherapy 

Is hydrotherapy safe for dogs?

Hydrotherapy for dogs is considered a safe and minimally invasive treatment for a variety of conditions. Just as with any medical therapy, your dog’s hydrotherapy treatment should be overseen by a veterinary professional. Usually, this means a certified canine rehabilitation therapist or technician. 

How much does hydrotherapy for dogs cost?

Hydrotherapy sessions can vary widely based on location and type of facility but tend to range from $20 to $50. Pool swim sessions make up the lower range with an average cost of $20 to $30 while underwater treadmill hydrotherapy sessions will average between $35 to $50. Some facilities offer discounted packages when purchasing multiple sessions at once. 

How many sessions of hydrotherapy does a dog need to see results?

How many hydrotherapy sessions your dog needs will really depend on their individual case. Your veterinarian or canine rehabilitation therapist will typically do an assessment on your first visit and make recommendations based on your dog’s condition. Most dogs will require several sessions to reap the full benefits of hydrotherapy. 

Can all dogs benefit from hydrotherapy?

While hydrotherapy can be very beneficial for many dogs there are some cases where it is not. Certain injuries or conditions may not be a good candidate for hydrotherapy or some dogs may not tolerate being in the water. Speak to your veterinarian or canine rehabilitation therapist to determine if your dog is a good candidate for hydrotherapy.