Key takeaways
- Many pet insurance companies have started using the term “complementary treatments” to to describe what was referred to as “alternative therapies” and “holistic treatments.”
- Pet insurance coverage for alternative therapies is becoming more common thanks to increasing demand for holistic treatments.
- Several top pet insurance companies cover alternative therapies, but coverage varies significantly among providers.
The pet insurance industry is constantly evolving, especially among individual insurance companies and underwriters. Some pet insurance providers see the benefits of complementary treatments for dogs and cats, while others shy away from covering alternative therapies or holistic treatments they believe to be fads.
Regardless, alternative care is available to pet parents who want it — you just need to know where to look for coverage. As with all things pet insurance, the details and plan specifics vary for getting your pet’s complementary treatments paid for. Let’s take a closer look at pet insurance for alternative therapies.
What are alternative therapies for pets?
Alternative therapies, which are now more widely referred to as complementary treatments, refer to services that are not typically part of conventional Western veterinary medicine but are used to complement or enhance standard care.
While these therapies may be considered “alternative” in some contexts, they can be traditional or common practices within certain cultures or holistic approaches.
Alternative treatments for pets can be particularly useful for managing chronic pain or discomfort, supporting recovery from injuries or helping ease anxiety in nervous pets. Some common examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic care and hydrotherapy. These treatment methods are increasingly recognized for their benefits in holistic pet care, helping to improve quality of life and support overall well-being.
What to expect with alternative therapy treatment and pet insurance
When shopping around for pet insurance that covers complementary treatments, it’s important to understand the specifics of each policy. Coverage options can vary widely, so knowing how pet insurance works and what type of pet insurance you need can make all the difference. Some of the best cheap pet insurance companies include complementary treatment coverage under their comprehensive plans, whereas others may ask you to purchase additional coverage with an add-on or rider.
If a pet insurer’s comprehensive plan doesn’t offer the alternative therapies you’re after, rest assured that some of the best wellness plans offer a range of holistic care options for your new puppy or golden oldie.x`
Commonly covered therapies
- Acupuncture: Many insurance policies cover acupuncture for pain management, inflammation reduction and chronic diseases. Coverage often includes the cost of the initial consultation and follow-up treatments.
- Chiropractic care: Policies that include chiropractic care typically cover adjustments and consultations. This therapy is used for treating musculoskeletal issues, improving mobility and supporting recovery from injuries.
- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is often covered for rehabilitation purposes, especially after surgeries or injuries. It helps with muscle strengthening, pain relief and overall recovery.
- Massage or physiotherapy: Some policies may cover massage therapy, which is beneficial for reducing stress, improving circulation and easing discomfort in older pets or those recovering from injuries.
Additional therapies that may be covered
- Aromatherapy: Coverage for aromatherapy is rare but available with some insurance plans. This therapy uses essential oils to promote relaxation and support health.
- Herbal medicine: Some insurance plans may cover the use of natural herbal remedies to manage health conditions or support overall wellness.
- Laser therapy: This complementary treatment for pain relief and inflammation reduction is sometimes covered by insurance. It involves using targeted light to promote healing and reduce pain.
Alternative therapies that are less likely to be covered
While the coverage for many alternative therapies is becoming more widespread, certain treatments are still less likely to be included in standard pet insurance plans. These therapies may be considered experimental or outside the scope of traditional veterinary care, making them less likely to be covered.
Here are a few examples:
- Homeopathy: This involves using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Because of the controversial nature of homeopathy and its limited acceptance in conventional veterinary medicine, many pet insurance providers do not cover it.
- Nutritional counseling: While some plans may cover prescription diets, coverage for specialized nutritional counseling is less common, especially for preventive or wellness purposes.
- Stem cell therapy: This cutting-edge treatment involves using stem cells to promote healing in injured tissues. Though promising, many insurers still consider stem cell therapy experimental and may not cover it.
- Ozone therapy: Ozone therapy uses ozone gas to promote healing and improve tissue oxygenation. Like stem cell therapy, it’s considered experimental and may not be included in standard policies.
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): Some insurance providers may cover aspects of TCM, like acupuncture, but more comprehensive treatments, such as herbal medicine and dietary therapy, are not typically covered.
Pet insurance providers that offer alternative therapy coverage
Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance companies that include alternative therapies in their coverage options and examples of what’s covered. If a treatment you’re interested in isn’t listed below, it’s worth reaching out to the insurance provider to check whether it’s covered. Sometimes coverage details are hiding in the fine print.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Many competitors only offer coverage for complementary treatments as optional add-ons or riders. However, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance includes various alternative therapies under its comprehensive Complete CoverageSM insurance policy.
As long as the service is vet-prescribed and intended to help treat or manage a covered condition, the Complete CoverageSM plan can gain your pet access to some of the following alternative therapies:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Hydrotherapy
- Low-level laser therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitative therapy
Embrace Pet Insurance
What makes Embrace Pet Insurance stand out is that all of its plans offer coverage for alternative therapies at no additional cost.
- Pet acupuncture
- Veterinary chiropractic treatment
- Hydrotherapy for pets
- Pet physiotherapy
- Therapeutic laser treatment for pets
Figo Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance offers coverage for a variety of alternative and holistic therapies as long as they’re recommended by a licensed veterinarian for a covered condition. Treatments included in Figo’s Wellness Power-up include:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Hydrotherapy
- Rehabilitative therapy
HealthyPaws Pet Insurance
HealthyPaws Pet Insurance includes alternative medicine for pets in its base plans, making it simple to access these treatments as part of standard coverage. The company covers significantly more complementary treatments than most competitors, including:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Veterinary herbal therapy
Lemonade Pet Insurance
Lemonade Pet Insurance provides comprehensive coverage and stays close to conventional medicine. It may not be an ideal choice for pet owners looking for a diverse range of complementary treatments. Its alternative therapy options are limited to an optional physical therapy add-on designed to support a few holistic treatments such as:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Hydrotherapy
- Physical therapy
MetLife Pet Insurance
MetLife Pet Insurance offers coverage for traditional and alternative treatments as long as they’re vet-prescribed. Its policies cover a broad range of options for managing your pet’s health, such as:
- Aromatherapy
- Acupuncture
- CBD oil
- Chiropractic care
- Herbal remedies
- Hydrotherapy
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance includes limited holistic care in its plans. Alternative and holistic treatments are only eligible for reimbursement if they are vet-prescribed to treat a covered condition. However, Nationwide generally covers the following:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Holistic care*
- Laser therapy
*Although more complementary treatments may be available, they are not advertised. If you need more information on a specific complementary treatment, it’s best to contact the insurer.
Pets Best Pet Health Insurance
Pets Best Pet Health Insurance provides customizable plans that give you a chance to opt in or out of coverage for alternative therapies. The company accommodates a range of holistic treatments to fit your pet’s specific needs and your budget. Some complementary treatments available are:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Cold laser therapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Physical therapy
Trupanion
Trupanion includes alternative therapies in its comprehensive plans, offering a holistic approach to pet care. It also offers a Recovery and Complementary Care Rider that applies to even more holistic or alternative therapies, such as:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy
- Naturopathy
- Physical therapy
The bottom line
Finding a pet insurance company that covers the alternative or holistic treatment you want for your pet takes some careful research. Some pet insurers are edging away from treatments that are not aligned with traditional medicine and its practices. However, many vets tout the benefits of alternative therapies and holistic treatments to manage or treat certain medical conditions in pets, and some insurance companies have followed suit.
Understanding what each provider offers and comparing coverage options is the best way to ensure you get the coverage that suits your pet’s needs and your budget.
Take a close look at each provider’s policy details to find a plan that supports your pet’s overall well-being and complements conventional veterinary care. Remember that some alternative therapies may not be advertised by insurers, so it’s worth reaching out to customer support or your broker to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
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