Is acupuncture covered by pet insurance?
Yes, but there are some caveats.
Twinning with our pets is something that brings us closer together. Matching sweaters? Check. Sharing bite-sized pieces of our carrot snack? Of course. And what if we told you that some medical treatments often considered just for humans are safe for pets and covered by Fetch Pet Insurance?
Acupuncture, when thin needles are inserted into specific areas of the body to better energy flow and health, is one of those treatments.
If your veterinarian recently recommended acupuncture for your cat or dog to treat a condition that wasn’t pre-existing, you should know that Fetch will cover up to 90% of the cost. But remember, it must be performed by your veterinarian to be covered by pet insurance.
Why do veterinarians recommend acupuncture for dogs?
Acupuncture is usually recommended as a treatment method for pets that struggle with chronic pain or other injuries or illnesses, like arthritis, seizures, cancer or endocrine disease, Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says.
How does acupuncture work?
Even though putting needles into a pet’s skin doesn’t sound like the most relaxing or pleasant treatment, there are several benefits to the practice.
“The needles are inserted into the acupuncture points, generally where blood vessels and nerves meet,” Dr. McCullough explains. “The needles enhance blood circulation and healing. They also trigger the release of natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances.”
If acupuncture is successful for your pet, it should minimize any pain they’re experiencing and better their overall health.
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What's the average cost of acupuncture?
In Dr. McCullough’s experience, acupuncture treatments usually cost anywhere between $60 to $300 per session. “The cost depends on what condition is being treated and the practitioner’s expertise level,” she adds.
Some pets might need more than one acupuncture session, though. So having Fetch Pet Insurance to cover up to 90% of the vet expenses is super beneficial.
As mentioned above, acupuncture has to treat an issue that wasn’t pre-existing to be up for coverage. And by “pre-existing” we mean any condition that occurred or that your pet has shown clinical signs of before signing up for pet insurance, during the waiting period or at the time of your pet’s first veterinary exam.
If you’re new to the insurance world or want a bit of a refresher, you should know that acupuncture isn’t the only treatment covered by Fetch Pet Insurance. Here are some of the ways we’ll cover your cat or dog’s vet bills:
- Prescription medications and supplements
- Emergency vet visits
- Virtual, in-home and office visits
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Allergies
- Surgery
- X-rays and CT scans
- Ultrasounds
- Blood tests
- Breed-specific issues, including hip dysplasia
- Specialists
- Sick-visit exam fees
- Laboratory tests
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hereditary and congenital issues
- Swallowed objects and toxins
- Every tooth covered (and gum disease)
- Diabetes and insulin
- Cancer treatment
- Veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic care
- Treatment to help aggression and separation anxiety
Save up to 90% on unexpected vet bills
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The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
