Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food for Dogs and Cats?

Does your pet eat like royalty while you're eating ramen? Between the vet and the specialty food, you might be thinking about picking up a second job! But there might be a better option. Does pet insurance cover prescription food?

Traditional pet insurance does not cover prescription pet food, but don’t worry! There are some tools to help you budget to get your pet the food they need. Let us walk you through the ins and outs of pet insurance coverage for prescription food.

Understanding Prescription Pet Food

Your vet might recommend a prescription pet food for a variety of reasons. These specialized diets are formulated to address specific health needs, either by including beneficial ingredients that support a particular condition or by excluding ingredients that could exacerbate existing health issues.

Why Might Your Pet Need Prescription Pet Food

Here are some common diagnoses that might require a prescription diet:

Allergies/Sensitivities: Novel or hydrolyzed proteins minimize allergic reactions.
Digestive Issues: Highly digestible, low-fat formulas soothe irritated digestive tracts.
Kidney Disease: Restricted phosphorus and controlled protein support kidney function.
Liver Disease: Specialized diets aid liver function and regeneration.
Diabetes: Controlled carbohydrates and fiber regulate blood sugar.
Urinary Issues: Controlled minerals and pH prevent crystals/stones.
Weight Management: Low-calorie, nutrient-rich formulas aid safe weight loss.
Joint Health: Supplements like glucosamine support joint health.
Heart Conditions: Restricted sodium and added nutrients support heart function.
Cancer: Specialized diets address nutritional needs during treatment.

Beyond managing existing conditions, prescription diets also play a crucial role in diagnosis. Vets may use limited-ingredient or novel protein diets as part of a food trial to pinpoint the cause of allergies or sensitivities. This process helps identify the specific ingredient triggering the reaction, allowing for a targeted dietary approach.

A dog gazing up at you with those soulful brown eyes, resting their black and white face on your wooden table - looking exactly like they're giving you that "Where's my prescription food?" face that every pet parent knows all too well.

Pet Insurance Coverage for Prescription Food

Pet insurance is meant for unexpected costs such as accidents or illnesses. It's there to help when your pet suddenly gets sick, needs emergency treatment, or requires a major operation. It can help you manage those large, unpredictable bills. Typically, pet insurance covers medication needed to treat those unexpected illnesses or injuries, but not prescription food.

Standard pet insurance policies do not cover routine or preventative care. This includes things like annual checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and, unfortunately, prescription food. So, while pet insurance is great for those surprise vet bills (and we all know how those can pile up!), it usually won't help with the ongoing cost of prescription food. But don't worry, there's another option that can help you manage these expenses!

Does a Wellness Plan Reimburse for Prescription Food?

While standard pet insurance policies don't cover prescription food, there's a great alternative that can help you manage the ongoing cost: a wellness plan. This optional add-on to your pet insurance policy is designed to help you budget for routine and preventative care—including those essential prescription diets.

Wellness plans work by reimbursing you for eligible expenses. This allows you to spread out the cost of things like checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and yes, prescription food, over the year. Instead of facing a big bill every time you need to refill that special kibble, you can submit a claim for reimbursement through your wellness plan, making it much easier to fit into your budget. Wellness plans offer a predictable, manageable way to budget for routine care, including those pricey prescription diets.

Image of a woman sitting on a chair with a long haired cat in her lap, gazing lovingly into each others eyes

Choosing Insurance Coverage for Prescription Pet Food

Finding the right pet insurance can be tricky, especially when you want to make sure you can always provide the best care for your furry friend, including help with routine costs. Not all companies offer wellness plans, so compare providers carefully.

Check the details: What's covered? Reimbursement limits? Deductibles? Cost? Ask questions and read reviews. If you're looking for full coverage pet insurance, consider plans that offer add-ons to help with routine care, including prescription foods, alongside checkups and vaccinations. The best plan fits your pet's unique needs and your budget.

Dog looking at the camera wistfully while receiving gentle care, demonstrating the importance of pet insurance for covering routine check-ups and unexpected veterinary visits keeping him happy and healthy.

Budgeting for Prescription Food with Embrace

Prescription diets can be a significant expense, but you always want to give your pet the very best. That's why Embrace’s optional Wellness Rewards program is designed to help you budget for those costs, along with other routine care. This program can help you manage the ongoing expense of prescription food, making it easier to provide your pet with the specialized diet they need to thrive.

Reimbursement is available for prescription-only diets purchased from a veterinarian or through a veterinary prescription, such as:

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
Hill's Prescription Diet
iVet Therapeutic Diet
JustFoodForDogs
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet
Rayne Nutrition Veterinary Approved Diet
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet

Unlike other wellness plans that dictate exactly how your budget must be spent, Embrace offers greater flexibility, empowering you to choose the specific treatments and services that are best for your furry friend. We believe you and your vet know what's best, and our plan lets you act on that knowledge. We're here to help you navigate the options and choose a plan that works best for you and your furry companions. Plus, every Embrace policy includes access to our 24/7 PawSupport helpline, so you always have someone to turn to for advice about your pet's dietary needs and any other issues that come up.

Pet Insurance + Wellness Rewards for Your Pet’s Prescription Food Needs

Just like we want the best for ourselves, we want the best for our pets. And sometimes, "the best" means a specialized diet. Ramen for you, royalty for your pet? It doesn't have to be that way! Combined with a wellness plan to help manage routine costs like prescription food, you can create a comprehensive pet insurance plan that ensures your furry friend receives a lifetime of love, protection, and the very best care.

Get your pet insurance quote now and your wellness plan could start today!