Does Pet Insurance Cover Allergy Shots?

If your dog can't seem to stop licking their paws or scratching their skin, they may be dealing with allergies. The same holds true if your dog's skin is frequently irritated.

Allergy concerns are one of the most common reasons pet owners take their dogs to the vet. And if your dog is suffering, allergy shots may be an effective long-term therapy.

You may be wondering: Does pet insurance cover allergy shots? The answer largely depends on when the allergies are diagnosed and whether they're considered a chronic condition under the policy. Let's dig deeper so you know what to expect.

What Standard Pet Insurance Typically Covers

Most pet insurance policies cover:

• Accidents
• Injuries
• Illnesses
• Chronic conditions
• Diagnostic testing and imaging
• Blood work
• Prescription medication for injuries or illnesses
• Specialist care

Once a dog is diagnosed with allergies, it's usually considered a chronic medical condition. And that generally means that treatment is covered as part of a standard accident and illness policy.

Pet Allergy Treatment Coverage

Allergy shots are often covered by pet insurance since they're considered an illness/chronic condition. Your coverage may include allergy shots if that's what your vet prescribes.

However, most pet insurance policies do not cover the cost of treating pre-existing conditions. If your pet was diagnosed with allergies before your policy was put in place, or if they showed signs of having allergies that were documented, your pet insurer may not pick up the tab.

You should also know that pet insurance policies typically have limits on reimbursement. Some insurers, for example, will reimburse up to 80% of your costs, while others may reimburse up to 90%.

Your policy may also have an annual limit on what it will reimburse. You'll need to check your pet insurance policy documents to see what coverage to expect, as each insurer sets its own rules.

Diagnosis and Allergy Testing: Dog Insurance Coverage

If your vet recommends allergy testing, your pet insurance policy will most likely cover the cost. Your vet may recommend serum testing that analyzes a blood sample. Your dog may also undergo intradermal skin testing, which is more time-consuming. With intradermal skin testing, a patch of fur is shaved off, and your dog's skin is exposed to different allergens.

Your vet may also recommend a dermatology consult or skin scraping tests to rule out other conditions. Diagnostic testing for allergies is often required before treatment can begin.

Is Immunotherapy for Dogs Covered? A Breakdown of Potential Treatments

There are different dog allergy treatments your vet might recommend:

• Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization therapy, usually involves allergy shots. The purpose is to retrain your dog’s immune system to tolerate the allergens that would otherwise trigger a reaction and cause symptoms.
• Cytopoint is an injectable monoclonal antibody that treats dogs with atopic dermatitis caused by environmental allergies. It can provide long-term itch relief.
• Apoquel is an oral medication that reduces itching and inflammation. It works by blocking enzymes that can cause a reaction.
• Steroids can reduce inflammation and itching caused by allergies. They're typically used on a short-term basis since they can have side effects.

Your insurance coverage may vary, depending on the type of treatment your vet recommends.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

While pet insurance often covers allergy shots, there are some exceptions. Your policy may not pay for allergy shots or treatment if it's a pre-existing condition. Your policy may also have annual reimbursement limits for chronic conditions or caps on dermatology treatments or prescription medications.

Also, once you put pet insurance in place, there's generally a waiting period that needs to pass before your pet is eligible for coverage. Expenses incurred during that waiting period may not be reimbursed.

Finally, your pet insurer may not cover all allergy treatments. It's a good idea to confirm your coverage before treatment begins.

How Pet Insurance Handles Chronic Allergy Conditions

Allergies in pets can be lifelong and often require ongoing treatment. Pet insurance policies typically do cover conditions like allergies that are considered chronic, so the cost of a policy can often more than pay for itself in the form of reimbursed expenses.

With pet insurance, you may get ongoing coverage for vet visits, medications, and other allergy treatments. However, pet insurance plans can differ in terms of reimbursement percentages and annual limits, so it's important to shop around.

Are Allergy Treatments Worth Insuring?

Because some pets need lifelong allergy treatments, pet insurance can be very valuable for those with costly treatments or severe allergies. In many cases, the amount you save by having allergy treatments reimbursed could well outweigh the cost of buying pet insurance. Plus, that way, you have coverage for accidents, injuries, and other illnesses, too.

If your pet isn't highly susceptible to allergies, then it may not make sense to get insurance for the express purpose of having allergy treatment covered. But remember, the value of pet insurance lies in the coverage you get for unknown expenses. So don't assume you shouldn't insure your pet just because they're unlikely to have bad allergies.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Policy

If you're going to get pet insurance, it's important to get a policy that covers your needs. If you suspect your pet will need allergy treatment, you'll want to ask some key questions before choosing one policy over another, including:

• Does the policy cover chronic conditions like allergies?
• Are allergy shots and Cytopoint included?
• Is allergy testing covered?
• Are there annual caps for dermatology care and other allergy treatments?

Make sure to shop carefully for pet insurance so you end up with a policy that meets your needs. Don't assume that the policy with the lowest premiums is your best option, because that may not be the case.

The Bottom Line About Pet Insurance for Allergies

Pet insurance often covers allergy shots and related treatments. But if your pet already has allergies before you buy your policy, you may not get coverage for allergy shots.

It's also important to review different pet insurance options before putting coverage in place. If you suspect you'll need allergy coverage, ask questions about specific treatments so you know what to expect.

Finally, make sure to stay on top of your pet's allergies. Many of the treatments available are highly effective at preventing symptoms, and being vigilant could help ensure that your dog enjoys a better quality of life.