Does Pet Insurance Cover CBD?

Pets are part of families. Like any other family member, they sometimes need extra support, whether for unexpected medical expenses or calming those “I hate vet visits” jitters. That’s where pet insurance comes in. With pet healthcare costs rising, insurance is a lifesaver, keeping those surprise vet bills manageable. But here’s a question popping up more and more: does pet insurance cover CBD products for pets?

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a go-to option for pet owners looking to ease pain, reduce anxiety, and treat a variety of health issues naturally. Some pet parents wonder whether pet insurance covers this CBD journey, don’t worry! This article aims to enlighten this topic.

The Basics of Pet Insurance

Before diving into the spiraling details of pet insurance CBD coverage, here’s a brief recap on how pet insurance works. Think of pet insurance like human health insurance with paperwork. Pet parents pay a monthly premium, in return, a pet insurance company helps cover medical expenses when a pet needs a bit of TLC.

When a pet needs treatment, pet parents typically pay out-of-pocket at the vet clinic, and then submit a claim to an insurance provider for reimbursement. How much they cover depends on the policy terms—everything from the deductible to co-pay, to reimbursement percentage.

Some essential terms in the pet insurance world are listed below.

Deductible: This is the amount paid out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.

Co-pay: Once the deductible is met, pet owners are still responsible for a set percentage of costs (e.g., 10-30% of the bill).

Reimbursement Percentage: The amount the insurance pays back. Policies vary, typically ranging from 70% to 90%.

Maximum Annual Payout: The ceiling on what a policy covers each year, which impacts high-cost treatments.

What Do Pet Insurance Plans Typically Cover?

Pet insurance plans are designed to provide financial support for pet-related health expenses, helping pet owners manage the cost of unexpected medical needs. While coverage varies depending on the provider and the plan, most pet insurance policies cover several key categories, as shown below.

Accident Coverage

This covers treatment costs if a pet is injured in an accident, such as fractures, cuts, poisoning, or injuries resulting from fights with other animals. Accidents often lead to immediate, high costs, and having this coverage significantly reduces the financial burden in emergencies.

Illness Coverage

Illness coverage is essential for handling common and unexpected health conditions. Policies typically cover minor illnesses, like infections and stomach issues, and major conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease. Coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions is also available, though it often depends on the plan’s specifics.

Emergency Care and Hospitalization

Many policies include emergency care and hospitalization, which are crucial during urgent situations. This covers diagnostics, surgeries, overnight stays, and any other treatments required to stabilize a pet’s health in emergency scenarios.

Chronic Conditions

Some plans cover chronic conditions, such as canine arthritis, allergies, or thyroid disorders, especially if they develop after the policy begins. Chronic conditions require ongoing medication and vet visits, and having coverage helps manage these recurring expenses.

Prescription Medications

If a pet needs medications to manage an illness or recover from surgery, prescription coverage helps with these ongoing costs. Plans often include medicines for pain relief, infection control, and specific chronic condition management, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans are often covered to help identify underlying health issues. These tests are expensive, so coverage ensures pet parents and their pets access the best diagnostic tools without worrying about the high costs.

Alternative and Specialized Therapies

Some comprehensive plans cover alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, or physical therapy, as well as specialized treatments for conditions like cancer (e.g., chemotherapy). This is valuable if a pet needs a holistic approach or advanced care for recovery.

Wellness and Preventive Care (Optional)

Many insurance providers offer wellness add-ons that cover routine care, including vaccinations, annual exams, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. While not always part of standard plans, these reduce costs and help maintain a pet’s health, lowering the risk of serious conditions.

Some plans also include extras like rehabilitation therapy or nutritional supplements, which are beneficial for pets with chronic issues. Consider these factors when choosing insurance options.

CBD and Pet Insurance: Is It Covered?

Here’s where things get interesting! CBD has gained popularity for pets dealing with issues like chronic pain, anxiety, or seizures. However, CBD insurance coverage isn’t straightforward. The real answer? It depends on the company, the policy, and sometimes even on the specific situation.

Some pet insurance providers view CBD products as an “alternative” or “holistic” therapy, which makes things tricky. However, there’s still hope! A few companies cover pet CBD under certain conditions.

Factors That Affect CBD Coverage

Veterinarian Prescription: Some insurers require that CBD be prescribed by a vet for a specific diagnosis to qualify for coverage.

Pre-existing Conditions: If CBD is for a pre-existing condition, most policies won’t cover it (those early diagnoses lockout coverage).

CBD Classification: The provider’s label—medication, supplement, or therapy—matters. If they see it as “holistic,” coverage is limited.

Reimbursement Rate: If covered, CBD usually falls under a lower reimbursement percentage compared to standard medications.

Companies Leading the Pack in CBD Coverage

Some pet insurance companies are starting to open up to CBD coverage (a win for pet owners and pets alike!). Some of the few insurance companies that currently offer CBD coverage are listed below.

1. Trupanion: Known for broad, inclusive coverage, Trupanion sometimes covers CBD if prescribed by a vet for a non-pre-existing condition. Trupanion handles CBD on a case-by-case basis, so check in with them for specifics.
2. Fetch by The Dodo: CBD is covered if prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. However, it’s still bound by the same rules regarding pre-existing conditions.
3. Embrace: Embrace includes CBD under their Wellness Rewards program, which covers preventative and alternative treatments up to certain annual limits. Perfect for pet owners who want a little more flexibility in coverage.
4. ManyPets: Their Holistic Care add-on offers limited coverage (up to $150 per policy term) for alternative therapies like CBD, giving pet parents a little help for those natural pet treatments.
5. MetLife: MetLife covers CBD if recommended by a licensed veterinarian and deemed necessary. However, policy details vary, so it’s best to get the lowdown from them directly.

When it comes to choosing a pet insurance provider, it’s crucial to read the fine print, ask about CBD coverage directly, and compare policies. As CBD gains traction, more companies start covering it. So, stay tuned, and don’t hesitate to reach out to companies for specifics on pet insurance coverage for CBD.

Consulting a Holistic Veterinarian

If pet parents are considering CBD for their pets, a holistic veterinarian is a fantastic resource. Unlike some traditional vets, holistic veterinarians are often more knowledgeable about natural therapies, including CBD.

Why Go Holistic?

Personalized Treatment: Holistic vets recommend a CBD treatment plan tailored to their pet’s needs.

Help with Claims: Holistic vets often know what documentation is needed to file claims for alternative treatments.

Expert Recommendations: They’re usually in the know on high-quality pet CBD products, ensuring a pet gets the best of the best.

Having a holistic vet on the pet parent’s side also increases the chance of getting CBD covered, as they’ll provide clear medical documentation and rationale for the treatment.

Potential Benefits of Pet CBD

If a pet parent is wondering, “Why go the CBD route?” some benefits other pet owners have noticed with CBD products for pets are listed below.

Pain Relief: CBD is helpful for pets with chronic pain, especially in cases of arthritis or joint discomfort. A systemic review concluded that “CBD supplementation reduces chronic osteoarthritic pain in dogs, but more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in cats,” (Yu, C., & Rupasinghe, H., 2021).

Anxiety Reduction: Thunderstorm fears? Separation anxiety? CBD helps calm an anxious pet. A study in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that “A single dose of CBD-free distillate significantly reduces canine stress during separation and car travel, with varying effects depending on the measure and test,” (Hunt, A., et al., 2023).

Improved Mobility: For pets recovering from surgery, CBD assists with pain management and mobility. An animal trial showed that “CBD, especially liposomal formulations, shows potential in relieving canine osteoarthritis pain and increasing mobility without significant adverse effects,” (Verrico, C., et al., 2020).

Reduced Seizures: Some studies show CBD reduces seizure frequency, giving pets with epilepsy a safer, healthier life. One study published in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science concluded that “CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract at 2 mg/kg every 12 hours effectively reduce epileptic seizure frequency in dogs when used in conjunction with other anti-seizure medications,” (García, G., et al., 2022).

With these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder pet owners are interested in CBD as part of their pets’ wellness routines. And if insurance helps cover it, all the better!

Staying Informed and Advocating for CBD Coverage

As the veterinary community’s understanding of CBD grows, so does its acceptance. That means insurance companies become more open to covering CBD products for pets in the near future. Listed below are tips to know how to stay ahead of the curve.

Keep Up with Policy Updates: Insurance companies update their policies as research on CBD advances. Stay in touch with a provider to ensure awareness of what’s covered.

Advocate for Coverage: If an insurer doesn’t currently cover CBD, let them know it’s a treatment option that’s important to pet parents and their pets. Positive feedback from pet owners push companies to reevaluate their policies.

Talk to A Vet: Whether holistic or traditional, veterinarians offer insights and recommendations for CBD that make it easier to justify with insurance providers.

Share Experience: As more pet owners share their positive experiences with CBD, insurance companies are more likely to view it as a standard treatment option, potentially expanding coverage.

What’s Next for Pet Insurance and CBD?

The future is promising! As CBD becomes more mainstream, pet insurance companies potentially expand their offerings to include CBD products, making it easier for pet owners to access this natural support for their furry friends.

Pet insurance provides valuable peace of mind for pet owners, ensuring that when their cats or dogs require medical care, they have financial coverage to support their needs. Some insurance policies even extend coverage to alternative treatments, such as CBD. To maximize the benefits of pet insurance, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, maintain open communication with both veterinarian and insurance provider, and advocate for the pet’s best interests. This approach significantly enhances the quality of care a pet receives.

References

• García, G., Kube, S., Carrera-Justiz, S., Tittle, D., & Wakshlag, J. (2022). Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.939966.
• Hunt, A., Flint, H., Logan, D., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604.
• Verrico, C., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., Dunner, K., Salimpour, P., Decker, W., & Halpert, M. (2020). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001896.
• Yu, C., & Rupasinghe, H. (2021). Cannabidiol-based natural health products for companion animals: Recent advances in the management of anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Research in veterinary science, 140, 38-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.08.001.