Does Pet Insurance Cover IVDD Surgery? Guide on Coverage, Costs, and Care

What is IVDD in Pets?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition that affects a pet’s spinal discs. It’s most common in dogs, especially breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, and French Bulldogs, which have a higher genetic risk.

IVDD happens when the discs in a pet’s spine start to degenerate, slip, or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, loss of movement, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

IVDD can come on gradually or hit suddenly, and it’s often triggered by activities as simple as jumping or rough play.

If you’ve ever had a herniated disc or back pain yourself, you know it’s not a minor issue! For pets, the stakes are higher because they can’t tell us where it hurts.

That’s why proper diagnosis and treatment are critical, yet they can be pricey.

According to Dr. Kristi Flynn, “Breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Shih Tzus are more susceptible to IVDD due to their genetic makeup. The discs in these breeds can start degenerating earlier in life, which makes regular vet checkups and insurance even more important.”

Does Pet Insurance Cover IVDD Surgery?

Does pet insurance cover IVDD? Some pet insurance policies do cover IVDD treatment, while others do not. It largely depends on the policy you choose, whether IVDD is classified as a pre-existing condition and the insurer’s specific terms.

Most insurers cover IVDD if it’s not considered a pre-existing condition at the time of enrollment.

However, because IVDD is often a breed-specific and chronic issue, coverage may have some restrictions.

Let’s take a closer look at the types of plans that may or may not cover IVDD.

Types of Pet Insurance Plans and IVDD Coverage

There are several types of pet insurance plans, each with different levels of coverage and costs. Here’s how they typically approach IVDD:

Accident-Only Plans

Accident-only plans cover injuries resulting from accidents, like broken bones or injuries from a fall.

Unfortunately, these plans do not typically cover illnesses or conditions related to genetics or wear-and-tear, so IVDD is usually not covered under accident-only policies.

Illness-Only Plans

Illness-only plans are designed to cover the treatment of diseases and health issues that arise after enrollment.

Depending on the policy details, an illness-only plan may cover IVDD if it’s diagnosed after the pet is insured and isn’t classified as a pre-existing condition.

Comprehensive or Accident-and-Illness Plans

The most extensive option is a comprehensive plan, also known as an accident-and-illness plan. These plans cover a wide range of health issues, including both accidents and illnesses.

If IVDD is diagnosed after the policy starts and is not deemed a pre-existing condition, these plans are the most likely to provide coverage for IVDD treatment.

Factors That Affect IVDD Coverage in Pet Insurance

“Pet insurance companies consider IVDD a chronic or hereditary condition, which can affect coverage eligibility,” says John Barnes, a pet insurance. “If a dog’s breed is prone to IVDD or if they show symptoms before enrollment, many insurers classify it as a pre-existing condition, which makes it essential to start coverage early.”

When it comes to covering IVDD, pet insurance policies consider several factors. Here are some of the main ones:

Pre-Existing Conditions

Most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions. This means that if your pet is diagnosed with IVDD before you take out the insurance, it’s often excluded from coverage.

If your pet has any symptoms or diagnosis of IVDD before the policy starts, many insurers classify IVDD as a pre-existing condition, making it non-reimbursable.

Policy Waiting Periods

Pet insurance policies often come with waiting periods—a period after enrollment during which certain conditions are not covered.

For IVDD, this waiting period could be anywhere from a few days to several months. Checking this aspect of a policy before enrolling can be crucial if you’re specifically seeking coverage for conditions like IVDD.

Costs Associated with IVDD Treatment

Treating IVDD can be quite expensive, and the costs vary depending on the severity of the case. Treatment may include:

• Medications and Physical Therapy: Non-surgical cases might require anti-inflammatory medications, pain relief, and physical therapy. This can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars over time.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery is often necessary, which can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your location, the specific surgery needed, and any post-operative care required.

Having pet insurance that covers IVDD can make a significant difference in managing these costs. However, if IVDD isn’t covered, these expenses would need to be paid out-of-pocket.

How to Choose a Pet Insurance Plan for IVDD

When selecting a pet insurance plan, here are some tips to help you find one that provides IVDD coverage:

• Look for Comprehensive Coverage: Accident-and-illness plans generally offer the most inclusive coverage and are most likely to include IVDD.
• Review Policy Exclusions: Check the exclusions section for any mention of IVDD or spinal conditions. If a plan excludes congenital or hereditary conditions, IVDD might not be covered.
• Compare Waiting Periods: Some policies have shorter waiting periods for hereditary conditions, which could benefit pets at higher risk for IVDD.

Tips for Managing IVDD in Your Pet

Even if your pet has insurance that covers IVDD, managing this condition involves more than just treatment costs. Here are some everyday steps you can take:

• Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain your pet’s spine, making them more vulnerable to disc issues.
• Avoid High-Impact Activities: For dogs especially, try to minimize jumping off furniture or running on hard surfaces.
• Use Supportive Bedding: Provide an orthopedic bed that offers extra spine support, which can be helpful for pets with or at risk of IVDD.

What to Do If Your Pet’s IVDD Isn’t Covered by Insurance

If you find out that your pet’s IVDD is not covered by insurance, all is not lost. Here are some alternative approaches to consider:

• Pet Health Savings Accounts: Set aside funds regularly in a savings account specifically for your pet’s health expenses.
• Care Credit: A specialized credit line for healthcare costs, including veterinary care, which can help spread out payments.
• Nonprofit Assistance Programs: Some organizations offer financial aid for pet health issues, including IVDD, to qualifying pet owners.

Conclusion

While IVDD coverage depends on the specific policy, your pet’s health history, and the plan’s terms, having the right pet insurance can provide peace of mind.

Carefully reviewing policies, comparing options, and asking the right questions can make all the difference. By taking proactive steps, you’re giving your pet the best chance for a comfortable, healthy life.

FAQs

1. What is IVDD in pets?
   • IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, is a condition where the discs in a pet’s spine deteriorate, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and potentially paralysis.
2. Will pet insurance cover IVDD if it’s diagnosed after policy enrollment?
   • It depends on the plan. Accident-and-illness policies are more likely to cover it if it’s diagnosed after enrollment and isn’t a pre-existing condition.
3. Can I get pet insurance specifically for IVDD?
   • While there’s no “IVDD insurance,” a comprehensive pet insurance plan can provide coverage for IVDD if it’s not pre-existing.
4. What are typical IVDD treatment costs without insurance?
   • IVDD treatment costs vary but can range from $500 to $8,000 or more, especially if surgery is required.
5. How can I prevent IVDD in my dog?
   • Keeping your pet at a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact activities, and providing spine-supportive bedding can help reduce the risk of IVDD.