Pet insurance covers complementary treatments for your pet including hydrotherapy, which can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including arthritis and soft tissue injuries. Pet insurance can help fund this specialist, complementary therapy for your pet’s health.
Pet insurance companies often specify conditions and limitations in their pet insurance policy documents, which may not include alternative therapy treatments. Many pet insurance policy documents can be viewed online allowing you to compare both the price and the level of cover offered by different pet insurance plans – so be sure to check that hydrotherapy is included.
Cheaper pet insurance may offer limited cover for complementary treatments, whereas reputable pet insurance firms could pay towards complementary treatment during each period of insurance. However your pet insurance may only cover the cost of hydrotherapy if it is carried out by a member of the Canine Hydrotherapy Association or by a veterinary practice.
As well as helping in the treatment of arthritis and soft tissue injuries, hydrotherapy can also help with a range of orthopaedic conditions. Whatever ailment your pet suffers from, if your vet recommends hydrotherapy the cost should be covered by your pet insurance.
Essentially hydrotherapy allows joints to move and muscles to strengthen without putting too much stress or pressure onto damaged joints. In order to promote healing, many pets are immobilised for a period after surgery. Unused muscles can deteriorate extremely quickly but working in the water can help to rebuild muscles safely and prevent further injury.
Hydrotherapy can also be especially helpful when tackling obesity in pets. Depending on which statistics you read, between 30% and 60% of all dogs and cats in the UK are overweight. According to Andrew Wilson at the Orchard Veterinary centre, nearly 50% of dogs and cats in this country are overweight and 15% of these are clinically obese.[1]
Pet insurance firms may assess the hydrotherapy that your pet receives for any given condition. They may also compare the treatment your pet receives with the treatment that is generally recommended for their condition. If your pet insurance company deems treatment to be excessive or unnecessary then they may only pay for part of your pet’s treatment. An independent vet will probably advise them about this and you may have to pay the surplus.
Pet insurance should offer financial assistance if your vet recommends a course of hydrotherapy for your pet. This complementary treatment can have a wide range of additional health benefits without the side effects of pharmaceutical medication.
[1] – www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/eastmidlands/series7/fat_pets.shtml
Company Profile:
John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include car, life, travel, wedding, event, pet and home insurance quotes.
For more information about John Lewis Pet Insurance please visit the website here – http://www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/pet-insurance.html.
John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.
A complete guide to pet care and pet insurance resources. We love your pet, care for them and understand the need for total protection