Training your pets is one of the best ways to form a bond and build a relationship with them. Although it can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming to train a pet, it is worth all the stress. If you own a pet, you may be wondering if your pet insurance will cover training. Worry less; you are in the right space to get all the information you need!
What is Pet Training?
Typically, pet training is the process of teaching pets how to behave and interact with others. The most common type of pet training is positive reinforcement. There are other training techniques you can also employ to teach your pet. It takes great skill and effort to train pets. Highlighted below are the types of pet training:
- Basic obedience training.
- House training.
- Trick training.
- Service or assistance training.
These types of training typically involve positive reinforcement where you praise, pet, or play with your pets.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Training?
Unfortunately, pet insurance does not cover training, except if the training has to do with behavioral therapy. The majority of pet insurance companies do not provide coverage for obedience training, but you can get training coverage for behavioral issues.
If your dog is exhibiting a behavioral disorder, your policy may provide coverage for training. To find the best pet insurance company that offers training for behavioral problems, you should compare quotes from at least three to four insurance providers.
From the comparison made, you will be able to decipher the one that best aligns with your needs and preferences. You can also reach out to an insurance agent who will guide you on how to find an insurance company that offers training for your pet.
How Does Training Coverage Work?
If you intend on finding an insurance company that covers training, you need to first understand how the coverage works. As earlier stated, pet insurance does not usually cover training, but most insurance companies offer coverage for behavioral issues.
These trainings basically include the prescription of medications that can help with modifying the behavioral issue.
Perhaps your pet insurance company does not provide training for behavioral issues; there’s a way to go about it. Visit a professional specialist or veterinarian (not a regular trainer), who will offer guidance on what your pet really needs.
If your policy covers the cost of hiring a trainer, you can submit a claim for that purpose. Once it is approved, your insurance company will reimburse you for the costs involved.
Other Exclusions under Pet Insurance
Most pet insurance policies do not include coverage for:
- Pre-existing Conditions: If your pet has an injury or illness prior to the time you purchased pet insurance, it will not cover it. Most pet insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions from their coverage. However, if you have a medical record that shows that the illness or injury has been treated for at least six months, your policy may cover it.
- Non-Veterinary Expenses: Pet insurance will not cover expenses that are not related to taking care of your pet. Some of them include waste disposal service, license certification, and record access.
- Experimental Treatment: Pet insurance does not cover diagnoses and treatments deemed experimental and other services that do not adhere to the established standard of care set forth by the veterinary medical board in your state.
- Grooming: Generally speaking, grooming treatments like baths, dips, and nail trims are not covered by pet insurance.
- Dietary, nutritional, and food supplements: Regular nutritional costs for pets are not covered by most pet insurance policies. However, some policies usually include prescriptions for food and supplements.
Companies That Cover Training
Although most insurance companies do not offer coverage for obedience training, it is possible to find an insurer that covers training for behavioral issues. Highlighted below are some reputable companies that cover trainings:
- Lemonade
- Spot
- ASPCA pet health insurance
- Fetch
- Embrace
- Healthypaws
- FIGO
- Pawprotect
- Nationwide
These companies are well known for the outstanding services they provide for pet owners. So, if you are on the lookout for companies that offer behavioral training, consider any of the aforementioned companies.
FAQs
Does pet insurance cover vaccines?
No, a standard pet insurance policy will not cover vaccines for your pet. If you need coverage that includes vaccines, you have to purchase wellness coverage for your existing policy.
Aside from the provision of vaccines, wellness coverage also covers other types of expenses involved in taking care of your pet, such as routine checkups and disease prevention.
Does pet insurance pay out if my dog dies?
It is possible that your pet insurance will pay out if your dog dies. Most pet insurance policies feature end-of-life expenses in the event of the pet dying.
However, there are limitations to this benefit. For instance, if the cause of the death is not covered by your policy or due to a pre-existing condition, some insurance companies may not offer this benefit.
