Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food?

Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food?

Coverage for prescription pet food varies by insurance company and individual plan. Some cover prescription food in their standard plan, others offer it only in premium plans or as an add-on, and some don’t offer any coverage at all.  

When needed, prescription food can be a very important part of your pet’s medical care. Whether it’s for a short-term illness or a long-term chronic condition, many pet owners find themselves looking for ways to save on prescription pet food. 

Pet Insurance That Covers Prescription Food

The following are pet insurance companies that currently offer prescription pet food coverage. 

Like all insurance, changes in coverage may occur, additional exclusions may apply, and reimbursement rates, deductibles, and copays will vary by pet and by plan. It’s always a good idea to carefully review your plan and contact your insurance provider with any questions. 

Insurance	Prescription Food Coverage	Restrictions	Reimbursement
ASPCA	Covered under the Complete Coverage Plan	Must be prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered medical condition Weight management foods do not apply Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met 14-day waiting period for new policies
Chewy	Covered under the Care Plus Plans	Must be prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered medical condition Exclusions may apply	100% for up to 180 days when purchased from Chewy  Deductible must be met first and a waiting period may apply for new policies
Embrace	Covered under Wellness Rewards, an optional add-on to your pet’s main plan	Prescription by a veterinarian for a covered medical condition or weight management is required Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	$250 – $650 per year depending on plan and deductible  14-day waiting period for new policies
Figo	Covered only under the Extra Care Pack, an optional add-on to your pet’s main plan	Prescription by a veterinarian for certain covered medical conditions  Certain exclusions apply including pre-existing conditions	$250 per year Waiting period may apply for new policies
Metlife	Coverage included	Must be prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered medical condition Weight management foods not applicable Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	Up to 100% depending on plan and deductible Waiting period may apply for certain conditions
Nationwide	Covered under the Whole Pet Plan	Food must be prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered medical condition  Weight management foods are excluded  Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	50% to 90% depending on plan, after deductible is met 14-day waiting period for new policies
Pumpkin	Coverage included	Food must be prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered illness Weight management foods are not covered Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	Up to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met 14-day waiting period for new policies
Spot	Coverage included	Must be prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered medical condition Weight management does not apply Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	70% to 90% depending on plan and deductible 14-day waiting period for new policies
Trupanion	Coverage included	Food must be prescribed by a veterinarian to treat an illness Weight management foods are excluded Prescription foods for  pre-existing conditions are not covered	50% of the cost of the prescription food is covered for two months only New policies have a waiting period of 5 to 30 days dependent on condition (accident vs illness)

Filing Claims for Prescription Food

Most pet insurance companies have their own claims process with specific details to follow that are outlined in your plan. Some require paper forms while others are processed online. Some insurance policies also have time limits on reimbursement so it’s important to file claims as soon as possible. 

Filing a claim for prescription food works pretty much the same way as a medication. Most insurance companies require documentation from your veterinarian. This will usually include a copy of your pet’s prescription, medical records indicating why it is needed, and a copy of your invoice. Some will also require a claim form that may or may not need to be signed by your veterinarian. 

What foods are typically covered?

Every insurance plan is different but the most commonly covered prescription pet foods include:

• Hills Prescription Diets
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diets
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
• Eukanuba Veterinary Diets

These brands all produce an array of therapeutic diets to treat a range of common medical conditions in dogs and cats. Each diet is specially formulated by veterinary nutritionists to address the condition it treats while providing the best nutrition possible for the patient. 

What medical conditions require prescription foods?

There are many conditions that may be helped by using a prescription diet for your pet. Some may be short term like a gastrointestinal diet to treat a bout of tummy troubles when your furry friend decides to help himself to the trash. Other diets may be needed more long term for chronic conditions like kidney disease. 

Common Conditions That May Warrant Prescription Pet Food

• Allergy/Skin Issues
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Kidney/ Disease
• Liver Disease
• Bladder/Urinary Problems
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis 
• Cognitive dysfunction/decline
• Obesity

How much does prescription pet food cost?

The cost of prescription pet food can vary widely by brand, type, retailer, and location but tends to be higher than normal dog food. The size of your pet will also factor into the cost. A bag of food for a small dog or cat will undoubtedly last much longer than one for a larger dog. The cost of feeding your pet a prescription diet can range from $50 to $200 per month depending on the size of your pet and what specific food they are eating.

Are there any discounts or special promotions available for prescription food coverage?

Every insurance plan has different promotions so it’s best to check with your provider for any current discounts. Some plans offer partnership discounts on brands they’ve teamed up with. Spot Pet Insurance offers its members 10% off Purina brand foods and Careplus by Chewy offers steeper discounts on prescription food when purchased directly from Chewy. 

Other Ways to Save on Prescription Pet Food

Whether your pet’s prescription food coverage has maxed out for the year or is not covered at all, there are other ways to save on prescription food for your furry friend!

Ask your Vet

Ask your vet if they have any coupons or deals on your pet’s food. Sometimes manufacturers will give veterinary hospitals coupons or promotions to offer their clients. They may also be able to give you samples if you are doing a food trial. 

Coupons and Rewards Programs

Check with manufacturers for coupons or discounts. Many prescription pet food providers often have deals and promo codes on their websites. Signing up for their newsletters may also bring you additional insider deals throughout the year. 

If you order online through a major retailer like Chewy, Petco, or Petsmart, sign up for their promotional emails and rewards programs where applicable. You’ll often receive discount promo codes and access to other sales and rewards. 

Some credit cards also have discounts or rewards on pet-related purchases. The Best Friends Card by Capital One offers specific cash-back rewards on pet food purchases. 

Subscriptions and Autoship Rewards

If your pet is on prescription food for the long haul, some online retailers offer deep discounts on pet food subscriptions or auto-ship orders. Just be sure to check if there are any stipulations to canceling!

Buy in Bulk

If you have a way to store large bags, consider buying in bulk. Buying in bulk will set you back a larger amount upfront but you’ll save in the long run. Bulk savings on prescription pet food can be up to 20%, or eve more, depending on the food.