
If your dog needs TPLO surgery, you're probably wondering if your pet insurance will cover it. Some pet insurance providers may cover TPLO surgery, but it depends on the policy and the provider.
The cost of TPLO surgery can be steep, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the location and the surgeon's fees. This is a significant expense for many dog owners.
Not all pet insurance policies cover TPLO surgery, so it's essential to review your policy carefully before making a claim. Some policies may have a pre-existing condition exclusion, which means that if your dog has a pre-existing condition, such as a cruciate injury, the policy may not cover the surgery.
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Does Pet Insurance Cover TPLO Surgery?
A Lemonade pet insurance policy can help to cover the costs of your dog's TPLO surgery, minus your deductible and co-insurance.
While pet insurance can help to pay for surgery and other expenses, like x-rays, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Your pet won't be covered for medical expenses that occur before your policy's waiting period ends.
If your dog develops a cruciate ligament injury more than six months after you purchased a policy, your policy can help to cover costs including diagnostics, surgeries, and medications that are related to the injury.
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Will Pet Insurance Cover TPLO Surgery Costs?
Pet insurance can help cover the costs of your dog's TPLO surgery, minus your deductible and co-insurance.
You'll need to consider the waiting period, which varies depending on your state, before your policy kicks in. If your dog sustains a cruciate ligament injury during this time, it'll be considered a pre-existing condition and won't be covered.
If your dog develops a cruciate ligament injury more than six months after you purchased a policy, your policy can help cover costs including diagnostics, surgeries, and medications related to the injury.
To be eligible for reimbursement on vet-recommended physical therapy, you'll need to include the physical therapy add-on on your policy.
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Preparing for TPLO Surgery Costs
Preparing for TPLO Surgery Costs can be a significant concern for pet owners. Surgery for a torn CCL can be costly, especially if it's on both knees.
Investing in a pet insurance policy early in your dog's life is a good idea. This can help you prepare for unexpected expenses like TPLO surgery.
You can buy a pet insurance policy as soon as your dog turns two months old. This can give you peace of mind and financial security in case of an emergency.
Understanding TPLO Surgery
TPLO surgery is a common procedure for dogs with CCL injuries. It's a surgical method that involves cutting and repositioning the tibia to realign the joint and alleviate pain.
The goal of TPLO surgery is to stabilize the joint and allow the dog to bear weight on the affected leg. This surgery is typically performed on dogs that are over 50 pounds and have a CCL injury.
The recovery process for TPLO surgery can take several months, with dogs usually returning to their normal activities within 3-6 months.
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Cost of TPLO Surgery for Dogs
The cost of TPLO surgery can be a significant expense for dog owners. It can range from $6,000 to $10,000 per knee. This is a major factor to consider when deciding whether to pursue surgery for your furry friend. The cost is due to the complexity of the operation, which should only be performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
The Procedure
You'll need to drop your dog off on the day of the surgery, where the veterinary surgeon will perform some pre-surgical bloodwork to ensure your dog's health.
During the surgery, your dog will be placed under general anesthesia, and closely monitored by the veterinary team.
Your dog will likely receive an antibiotic shot to prevent infection and pain medication to manage discomfort.
The veterinary surgeon will carefully perform the TPLO surgery to repair the CCL, a crucial step in restoring your dog's mobility and quality of life.
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Pet Insurance Options
If you're considering pet insurance for your furry friend, you have two main types to choose from: accident-only policies and comprehensive coverage policies.
Accident-only policies cover surgeries related to accidental injuries, so if your pet gets into a fight or slips and falls, surgery might be covered.
Comprehensive coverage policies, on the other hand, cover a wider range of surgeries, including those related to accidents, injuries, and health conditions.
Common Pet Surgery Coverage
If you're considering pet insurance for your furry friend, it's essential to know what's covered and what's not. MetLife Pet offers coverage for a wide range of pet surgeries, including some that are hereditary, chronic, or congenital.
Some common pet surgeries that are covered by MetLife Pet include ACL and TPLO surgeries, which are often necessary for dogs with mobility issues. Foreign body extraction is also covered, which can be a lifesaver if your pet ingests something they shouldn't.
Periodontal disease and related tooth extractions are also covered, which is a common issue in older pets. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) surgery is covered, which can help alleviate back pain and other symptoms in dogs.
Here are some examples of covered surgeries:
It's worth noting that MetLife Pet also covers some hereditary, chronic, or congenital conditions, such as hip dysplasia and luxating patella.
Sources
- https://tploinfo.com/blog/is-tplo-surgery-covered-by-pet-insurance/
- https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/tplo-surgery-dog-cost/
- https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-health/tplo-surgery-dog/
- https://animaloutpatientsurgery.com/blog/is-tplo-surgery-covered-by-pet-insurance/
- https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-insurance/does-pet-insurance-cover-surgery/
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