Does Pet Insurance Cover Microchipping?

An interesting scent, a quick flash of movement in the distance, and suddenly they’re gone. It's surprisingly easy for our pets to disappear. While collars and tags offer some security, they can break or fall off. That's where a microchip comes in, providing a reliable way to bring them home, no matter how far they roam.

This tiny implanted device permanently links your pet to your contact information. But how do you get one? How much do they cost? And does pet insurance cover microchips?

While it's generally not covered by accident and illness plans, your wellness plan might reimburse you for it. To fully understand microchipping, its benefits, and how pet insurance can play a role, let's explore the details.

A veterinarian in blue scrubs and latex gloves prepares to insert a microchip into an alert black and white husky dog, highlighting the common procedure that some pet insurance policies cover as part of wellness plans or preventative care benefits.

What Is Pet Microchipping?

Pet microchipping involves the simple implantation of a tiny, rice-sized microchip beneath your pet's skin, typically between their shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number that, when scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter, links to a database with your contact information.

The cost of microchipping can vary depending on your veterinarian and location. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 for the procedure. It's a permanent and reliable form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting you with your lost pet.

For example, Sven, a Yorkshire Terrier, vanished from his Alabama home, leaving his owners in a desperate search. Months passed, and the hope of finding him dwindled. Then, a call came: eight months later, 800 miles away in Florida, a veterinarian scanned a stray dog and immediately contacted his owner. Sven and his parents were joyfully reunited.

Microchipping and International Travel

In addition to its role in domestic pet recovery, microchipping has become increasingly important for international travel. Recent regulations require pets returning to the United States from abroad to be microchipped. This ensures proper identification for quarantine or tracing purposes, should the need arise.

A veterinarian in green scrubs examines a calm calico cat with distinctive green eyes on an examination table, illustrating the kind of routine check-up where microchipping might be performed.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Microchipping?

Standard pet insurance policies do not cover the cost of microchipping. This is because microchipping is generally considered a routine preventative measure, rather than a treatment for an accident or illness.

However, if your pet were to go missing and sustain injuries, pet insurance could be invaluable. It covers a range of treatments, from surgeries and hospitalizations to medications and therapies. So, while the microchip itself might not be covered, the potential medical expenses incurred during a lost pet's journey could be.

Pet insurance provides a safety net, allowing you to make decisions about your pet's care without solely focusing on the expense. By investing in pet insurance, you're not only protecting your pet's health but also ensuring you can provide them with the necessary medical attention, no matter what life throws their way – or what unexpected adventures they might have.

So How Can Pet Insurance Help with Microchipping?

While your standard pet insurance policy likely won't reimburse you for the microchipping procedure itself, there's another option to consider. Many pet insurance providers offer wellness plans as an add-on. These plans are not insurance; rather, they're designed to help you budget for routine and preventative care, like vaccinations, annual check-ups, and, importantly, microchipping.

Embrace's Wellness Rewards distinguishes itself through its exceptional flexibility and customization. Unlike some wellness plans with rigid spending limits and restricted services, Embrace empowers you to tailor your plan to your pet's specific needs and your budget. This means you're not limited to a one-size-fits-all plan. You can choose a reimbursement level that works for you and that may reimburse for important services like microchipping. This personalized approach helps you manage routine care costs effectively.

Pet Microchipping and Pet Insurance

When the unexpected happens, you want to be prepared. If your furry friend were to sneak out the door or suddenly chase after a squirrel, microchipping is your best bet for a safe return.

A combination of pet insurance, a flexible wellness plan, and microchipping your pet can prepare you for the unexpected. Get a free, personalized quote today to discover how you can protect your pet and your wallet, ensuring you're ready for whatever adventures – or misadventures – life brings.