Does Pet Insurance Cover Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation?

Watching your dog bound across the park or seeing your cat leap effortlessly to the highest shelf, it's easy to take their mobility for granted. But what happens when that effortless movement is compromised? When a playful jump turns into a painful limp, or a once-agile cat struggles to climb? The reality is, our pets, just like us, can face injuries and illnesses that impact their physical well-being. And when they do, sometimes, they need a helping hand to get back on their paws.

How do we ensure we can access these vital treatments when our pets need them most? That's where the importance of planning for your pet's health comes into play, and increasingly, pet owners are turning to pet insurance to help navigate these unexpected costs. But does pet insurance cover physical therapy?

Physical Therapy Covered by Pet Insurance

The good news is, with Embrace, the answer is generally yes. Unlike many other pet insurance providers, we recognize that physical therapy, which is considered a form of complementary care, is essential for holistic pet wellness. That's why we include it as part of our standard coverage, at no extra cost to you.

Veterinary medicine has made incredible strides in recent years. Beyond traditional treatments, a whole world of rehabilitation and therapy has emerged, designed to restore mobility and improve quality of life. From gentle massages to high-tech hydrotherapy, the options for helping our furry friends recover are more advanced than ever before.

If your veterinarian recommends physical therapy for a covered accident or illness, our policies are designed to help alleviate the financial burden. This includes a variety of complementary therapies, all performed under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, such as:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your pet's body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. It's used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellness.

Chiropractic care

Focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. It involves manual adjustments to correct misalignments, which can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and support nerve function. For example, Tygon, a retired racing Greyhound, found relief from racing-related back pain through regular chiropractic adjustments.

Laser therapy

Uses focused light to stimulate cells and promote healing. It can reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, and is often used for conditions like arthritis and wound healing.

Hydrotherapy

Involves using water for therapeutic purposes. Underwater treadmills and swimming are common forms of hydrotherapy, which can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, while minimizing stress on joints.

Physiotherapy

Also known as physical therapy, uses exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to restore mobility and function. It's often used after surgery or injury to help pets regain strength and range of motion.

A long-haired gray tabby cat with striking green eyes lounges comfortably across a wooden chair, stretching one paw forward in a relaxed posture that demonstrates the kind of mobility and joint health that might require pet insurance covering physical therapy if the animal were to experience injury or arthritis.

Does Pet Insurance Always Cover Physical Therapy?

While Embrace is proud to include physical therapy as part of our standard coverage, there are limitations. Coverage requires a veterinarian's prescription for a covered accident or illness. Pre-existing conditions, meaning any symptoms shown before your policy's start date, are not covered. Treatments must be performed under a licensed veterinarian's direct supervision.

It's important to understand that pet insurance coverage varies significantly between providers. Some companies exclude complementary therapies, while others offer them as add-ons.To help you make an informed decision, we recommend comparing pet insurance policies.

As with any insurance policy, we recommend reviewing your specific coverage details to understand any potential limitations or caps on whether your pet insurance covers physical therapy. We're always here to assist you with any questions you may have.

A happy Welsh Corgi with reddish-brown and white fur wearing a blue patterned bandana sits on a gray floor with its tongue out, smiling at the camera - a cheerful pet that might benefit from comprehensive pet insurance that covers physical therapy for injuries or mobility issues.

Why Would You Need Physical Therapy for Your Pet?

We know how much you cherish your furry companions and seeing them thrive is our shared goal. That's why we believe pet rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is so important. It's about giving them the best chance to bounce back from life's unexpected twists and turns. Whether it's helping your cat regain strength after surgery or providing your dog with gentle hydrotherapy to ease arthritis pain, these therapies can make a world of difference.

Here are some common situations where physical therapy may benefit your pet. Please not that coverage for these situations can vary depending per case:

Post-surgical recovery
Arthritis and joint pain
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Neurological conditions (e.g., IVDD, degenerative myelopathy)
Muscle injuries and strains
Weight management
Wound healing

We're happy to say Embrace often covers physical therapy and rehab when your vet recommends it for a covered condition. Like any insurance, there are some specifics – not every situation qualifies, and pre-existing conditions along with routine maintenance, preventative care, or ongoing management aren't covered. But don't worry! Our friendly coverage experts are here to explain your plan and help you understand what's included. We always suggest glancing at your policy details too. We're committed to helping you give your pet the best possible care.

Wally's Story of Pet Insurance that Covers Physical Therapy:

We loved hearing about Wally, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, who found relief from back pain through acupuncture and hydrotherapy, after his pet parent sought a second opinion. It's wonderful to see how complementary therapies can help our pets. We were able to reimburse $858.60 of Wally's $1,455 vet bill, helping him get back to his happy self.

Pet Insurance for Physical Therapy and Beyond

Thankfully, we can answer yes to the question, “Does pet insurance cover physical therapy.” But beyond rehabilitation, pet insurance provides a safety net for a variety of unforeseen medical expenses. From unexpected illnesses and accidents to chronic conditions that require ongoing care, having a policy can significantly reduce the financial burden of veterinary care. This allows you to make the best decisions for your pet's health, without having to worry about the cost. Because at Embrace, we believe every pet deserves a lifetime of love, protection, and care. Get your quote today.