Does pet insurance cover cancer?

Woman cuddling beagle on sofa
Helen Kinsella

Written by Helen Kinsella

Last updated: 24 January 2025

Cancer is one of the worst things that can happen to a pet, but unfortunately it’s an increasing fact of life. A quarter of all dogs will get cancer at some stage in their lives, and it will affect half of all seniors over 10 years old.

We often get asked whether pet insurance covers cancer, and thankfully the answer is ‘yes’.

Everything from diagnosis and tests to surgery and rehab, and even follow-up medication, is covered by an accident and illness pet insurance plan, unless the cancer was a pre-existing condition.

Pet parents often question whether pet insurance is worth the money, and the simple fact is it’s crucial to help cover the costs of expensive veterinary bills. When it comes to cancer, the vet bills don’t get much bigger.

Diagnosing cancer, and treatment including chemotherapy, can easily run into five figures. A pet insurance plan with Unlimited annual coverage and 90% reimbursement will absorb most of the costs – and if you don’t have pet insurance, you’ll have to pay it all out of your own pocket.

One of our team went through an incredibly tough time when their beloved dog, Gisele, was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. Please watch this video to see how pet insurance was there to support them.

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