Does pet insurance cover complications from spaying or neutering?

Yes, while the actual spaying or neutering procedure is usually considered elective and may not be covered under standard policies, complications arising from these procedures often are. If your pet experiences an issue such as an infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment, provided it’s medically necessary.

Can wellness plans cover both spaying/neutering and vaccinations?

Yes, many pet insurance companies offer wellness plans or add-ons that bundle spaying or neutering with other routine care services like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention and dental cleanings. These packages are designed to cover a range of preventive care, so it’s worth exploring the full scope of what’s included.

Is there a waiting period for spaying or neutering coverage?

Yes, most wellness or preventive care plans have a waiting period before coverage begins, typically ranging from 14 days to a few months. Be sure to check the specific details of your plan, as you’ll need to wait until the waiting period ends before scheduling the procedure if you want to be covered.

Does pet insurance cover pre-surgery exams for spaying or neutering?

If your policy includes a wellness add-on, pre-surgery exams for spaying or neutering may be covered as part of the routine care. However, standard insurance policies typically do not cover these exams unless they’re part of a broader preventive care package.

Can I add a wellness plan after my pet has been spayed or neutered?

You can add a wellness plan after the procedure, but pet insurance providers typically do not reimburse for services rendered before coverage begins. If you want insurance to help cover the cost, you’ll need to have the wellness plan or add-on in place before scheduling the procedure.

Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?

Written by

Nina Kulenkampff,

Edited by

Aylea Wilkins

Published on November 19, 2024 | 4 min read

Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.

Hugo Abad/Getty Images

Key takeawys

Spaying and neutering your pet can prevent unwanted pregnancies. It can also and can contribute to their long-term health and behavior management, reducing the risks of certain cancers and behavioral issues.
Pet insurance typically doesn’t cover routine procedures like spaying or neutering unless included in a wellness plan add-on.
Costs for spaying and neutering can vary widely depending on location, the animal’s size and where the procedure is performed. Low-cost clinics and shelters may offer more affordable options.
Considering the potential health benefits and financial savings over time, spaying and neutering is typically a cost-effective decision for pet owners, despite the upfront expense.

Spaying or neutering your pet is a sure way of preventing unwanted litters, preventing certain medical conditions and avoiding certain unwanted behavioral issues. However, these procedures can come with hefty price tags.

While standard pet health insurance policies don’t typically cover the costs for the big snip, many insurers offer wellness plans or add-ons that can offset some of the costs. If you want your pet insurance plan to cover spaying or neutering, you’ll need to know what coverage looks like.

Pet insurance coverage for spaying and neutering

Pet insurance is a financial safety net to soften the blow of unexpected vet bills. Standard policies typically cover costs when your pet has accidentally been injured or has fallen ill.

Sterilized cats and dogs are less likely to develop certain medical conditions or behavioral issues than those who have not been snipped. This means a healthier life for your pet and fewer claims for the pet insurance company. However, spaying or neutering your pet is predictable and considered an elective procedure for pet owners.

Spaying and neutering procedures are seen as “preventive,” so many of the best pet insurance companies offer sterilization coverage as an add-on. A preventive care or wellness add-on is additional coverage you can buy to fill in the gaps in your main policy. It can cover some (if not all) of the costs of sterilizing your pet.

Costs associated with spaying and neutering pets

The average cost range of spaying or neutering a pet is $0 (for those eligible for income assistance or a voucher program) to $1,500 (should complications occur during or after the procedure). The amounts vary drastically.

Here are the standard, average rates (varied by weight) the Animal Humane Society charges for the procedures:

Cat neuter: $150
Cat spay: $200
Dog neuter: $250-$300*
Dog spay: $300-$350*

*Varies by weight

Additional costs to consider

Factors apart from the cost of the procedure itself can drive up the final amount you pay. Pre-operative bloodwork, pain medication, anesthetic monitoring equipment, IV catheters and fluids can all contribute to the total cost of the vet bill. Read the fine print of your pet insurance policy to know what is and isn’t covered by pet insurance.

Factors influencing the cost of pet sterilization

Various factors impact the cost of sterilization:

Breed and size: Certain breeds might have specific health considerations that could impact the price. Larger pets typically require more anesthesia and medication, which can drive up the cost.
Location: Veterinary costs can differ significantly based on location. Urban areas with higher living costs generally have higher veterinary fees compared to rural areas.
Private clinic vs. nonprofit or government organization: Many animal shelters and humane societies offer low-cost or even free spaying and neutering services, while private veterinary clinics typically charge more.

How to get coverage for spaying and neutering

Some pet insurance companies provide coverage for spaying and neutering through wellness or preventive care plans, add-ons or even comprehensive policies.

Add-on policies

Add-on policies, also known as riders, are optional coverages you can add to your standard or comprehensive pet insurance policy. When looking for a good but cheap pet insurance provider, check if they offer these add-ons and which specific procedures are covered.

Comprehensive pet coverage

A few pet insurance companies cover spaying and neutering under their comprehensive or standard plans. These plans can come with a heftier price tag but may offer broader protection, covering everything from emergency care to routine procedures.

Wellness plans

Many pet insurers offer various options that provide coverage for spaying and neutering, including wellness or preventive care plans. If your comprehensive plan doesn’t cover sterilization, an add-on plan might.

These plans can be great additions to your pet’s health coverage, ensuring you can manage both unexpected and routine veterinary expenses.

How to file a pet insurance claim for spaying or neutering

The claims filing process can vary by insurance company. Here are the general steps to file a claim for spaying or neutering:

Review your policy: Unless you have a specific rider that covers the procedure, ensure that spaying or neutering is covered under your policy’s wellness add-on or comprehensive plan. Contact the insurance company or your broker to get the details if you’re unsure.
Schedule the procedure: Book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Keep all receipts and documentation: Get detailed receipts and any necessary documentation from your vet after the procedure.
Submit a claim: File the claim with your insurance company. This step may look different across insurers, but it generally happens via app, online portal, email or fax.
Follow up: Some pet health insurance companies take longer to process claims than others. If your insurer is known to have a longer claim processing period, be sure to check the status of your claim regularly and provide any additional information upon request. That’s the best way to make sure you get reimbursed quickly.

How to decide the value of pet insurance for sterilization procedures

When deciding whether pet insurance is worth the cost to you, consider these factors:

Cost of the procedure: Compare the cost of the spaying or neutering procedure with the additional premium you’d pay for the add-on coverage.
Other covered services: Consider what other services the wellness add-on or comprehensive plan covers. It might be more cost-effective if it includes vaccinations, microchipping, dental cleanings and other preventive or routine care.
Your financial situation: If the cost of spaying or neutering would be a significant financial burden, having insurance coverage can provide peace of mind.
Your pet’s health needs: Comprehensive coverage might be beneficial if your pet has specific health needs or is at higher risk of developing certain conditions.

The bottom line

While standard pet insurance policies typically won’t cover spaying or neutering, wellness plans or add-ons can make a big difference by helping to offset those costs. Not only does this make sterilizing your pet more affordable, but it also supports their long-term health, preventing certain medical conditions and behavioral issues that could pop up later.

When shopping around for pet insurance, look at how preventive care coverage aligns with your budget and your pet’s unique needs. Don’t forget to check out local options like low-cost clinics or financial assistance programs. With the right plan in place, you’ll be able to give your pet the care they deserve — while staying on top of routine and unexpected vet bills.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, while the actual spaying or neutering procedure is usually considered elective and may not be covered under standard policies, complications arising from these procedures often are. If your pet experiences an issue such as an infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment, provided it’s medically necessary.
Yes, many pet insurance companies offer wellness plans or add-ons that bundle spaying or neutering with other routine care services like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention and dental cleanings. These packages are designed to cover a range of preventive care, so it’s worth exploring the full scope of what’s included.
Yes, most wellness or preventive care plans have a waiting period before coverage begins, typically ranging from 14 days to a few months. Be sure to check the specific details of your plan, as you’ll need to wait until the waiting period ends before scheduling the procedure if you want to be covered.
If your policy includes a wellness add-on, pre-surgery exams for spaying or neutering may be covered as part of the routine care. However, standard insurance policies typically do not cover these exams unless they’re part of a broader preventive care package.
You can add a wellness plan after the procedure, but pet insurance providers typically do not reimburse for services rendered before coverage begins. If you want insurance to help cover the cost, you’ll need to have the wellness plan or add-on in place before scheduling the procedure.