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Home > Insurance > Does Pumpkin Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food? Important Info!

Does Pumpkin Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food? Important Info!

vet prescription food

Pet insurance provides a financial safety net and peace of mind regarding the health and well-being of your beloved pet. There are often unforeseen issues or illnesses that may require special attention, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance provides great policies to help your pet get the best care when these times arise.

Sometimes, your pet may fall ill or develop a condition requiring a prescription diet to help treat and manage the symptoms. These diets can be costly, so it’s natural to look to your pet insurance company to see if they can assist.

Prescription diets are not typically covered, but Pumpkin Pet insurance stands out. They provide coverage for prescription food to treat and manage an illness covered in their policy. Like any pet insurance company, there may be limitations and conditions, so let’s have a look.

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How is Prescription Food Different from Normal Food?

Prescription pet food is a vet-recommended food that is formulated with ingredients and supplements in the proper proportions to help a pet with a specific condition or illness. This food has been thoroughly tested before it is sold, ensuring that it is an effective and safe diet for pets. Prescription dog foods are typically more expensive than regular dog food due to the testing and high quality control standards.

Prescription dog foods are meant to be marketed and prescribed by a licensed veterinarian after the pet has been properly diagnosed. The veterinarian should also monitor the pet’s reaction to the food and discontinue it if and when necessary.

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl
Image Credit: Snezhana_G, Shutterstock

Does My Pet Need Prescription Food?

Numerous health issues in pets can be managed, at least to some extent, through their diet. There are a few conditions that may necessitate your pet following a prescribed diet, and a consultation with your veterinarian will help determine if there is a specific food that could help support your dog’s condition. Prescription foods are typically used to support conditions such as:

  • Weight control
  • Allergies
  • Bladder issues
  • Kidney stones
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Diabetes
  • Urinary tract disease
  • Digestive disorders
  • Congestive heart failure

Does Pumpkin Pet Cover Prescription Food?

If your pet has a condition that requires a prescription diet, Pumpkin Pet Insurance will pay for prescription food and supplements needed to treat an eligible accident or illness. It excludes prescription foods and supplements for weight loss or general health maintenance. So, what conditions does Pumpkin Pet cover?

Young woman pet owner signs documents for prescriptions in veterinary clinic
Image Credit: Vladeep, Shutterstock

Pumpkin Pet Insurance will cover 90% of vet bills for expenses and treatments such as:

  • Vet exam fees
  • Hospitalization and surgery
  • Emergencies and specialized care
  • Treatment and diagnostics
  • X-rays
  • CT or MRI scans
  • Prescription medication
  • Digestive illness
  • Cancer treatments
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Parasites and infectious disease
  • Tooth extractions
  • Ear, eye, and skin infections
  • Orthopedic injuries
  • Microchipping
  • Hereditary conditions

Some procedures and expenses are not covered by Pumpkin, including:

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Boarding
  • Pregnancy or breeding
  • Elective and cosmetic procedures
  • Grooming
  • Knee and ligament conditions
  • Funeral expenses not associated with a covered condition

How to Safely Transition Your Pet to Prescription Food

If your veterinarian has prescribed a diet for your pet, it is best to transition them slowly. In a week or two, you can add your pet’s new prescription food to their current food while gradually increasing the amounts and decreasing the amounts of the old food. This will help your pet adapt to the taste and allow its digestive tract to adapt. If your pet is a picky eater, it may turn up its nose initially. Be patient and try adding smaller portions of the new food.

cats and dogs eat pet food
Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock

Are There Alternatives to Prescription Food?

If you are hesitant about committing to a policy that doesn’t include prescription food coverage, it is best to consult your vet. Your vet can help you by recommending alternatives or a raw, homemade diet.

It is important to remember that if your vet recommends a prescription diet, it is for good reason, and you should try your best to heed the recommendations.

How to Help Your Pet Stay Healthy with Pumpkin Pet Insurance

Pets are curious and can get up to mischief that may result in costly consequences. Unforeseen and unexpected accidents and illnesses happen, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance will help you feel financially secure and at ease that your pet will receive the care it needs to get and stay healthy. Pumpkin Pet insurance stands out because it offers coverage for issues that other companies don’t, such as behavioral issues, dental and gum disease, hereditary conditions, and prescription food.

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Conclusion

Unlike many Pet Insurance Companies, Pumpkin Pet Insurance has you covered when it comes to prescription food. Pumpkin Pet Insurance will cover the cost of prescription food and supplements required to treat an eligible accident or illness. It’s important to understand thoroughly what your policy covers to determine if the necessary food will be covered. Pumpkin Pets policies provide coverage for a lot of conditions that usually require prescription food, such as digestive illnesses and cancer, but they do not cover prescription diets for weight loss or general health maintenance. Pet Insurance policies can be tricky sometimes, so it’s always best to contact your provider and ensure you understand your policy thoroughly.


Featured Image Credit: amedeoemaja, Shutterstock

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