Cover Boarding
As a pet owner, one of the common challenges you might face is finding reliable care for your pet when you need to travel or deal with personal obligations. Pet boarding is often the solution to this problem, providing a safe and comfortable environment for your pet while you’re away. However, when it comes to pet insurance, the question arises: Does pet insurance cover boarding?
In this article, we’ll explore whether pet insurance typically covers boarding expenses, the exceptions to this rule, and alternatives to ensure your pet is well cared for when you’re not around.
What Is Pet Boarding?
Understanding Pet Boarding
Pet boarding is a service that allows pet owners to leave their pets in the care of professionals while they are traveling, working, or dealing with other commitments. Boarding facilities can range from basic kennels to luxury pet hotels, providing a variety of services such as:
- Food and water: Provided based on the pet’s dietary needs.
- Exercise and play: Interaction with other animals or individual playtime.
- Veterinary care: Some boarding facilities offer access to on-site or nearby veterinary services.
- Special care: Options for pets that require specific medical attention or attention due to age, illness, or other factors.
Boarding is a helpful option when pet owners are unable to arrange for a friend, family member, or pet sitter to look after their pets. But how does this tie into pet insurance?
Does Pet Insurance Cover Boarding?
The Short Answer: Usually, No
In most cases, pet insurance does not cover boarding costs. Pet insurance typically focuses on covering medical expenses related to accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and other health-related treatments. Since boarding services are not classified as medical expenses, they generally fall outside the scope of typical pet insurance coverage.
However, there are some specific situations in which pet insurance may provide coverage for boarding, which we will dive into in the next sections.
Exceptions Where Boarding Can Be Covered
While pet insurance policies generally don’t cover boarding, there are certain exceptions or additional coverage options that could potentially provide some benefits for pet owners needing boarding services.
1. Trip Cancellation Coverage for Pet Owners
Some pet insurance policies come with trip cancellation coverage, which can help reimburse you for non-refundable travel expenses if your pet becomes ill or injured before or during your trip. In these cases, if your pet’s health condition prevents you from leaving as planned, the insurance might cover the costs of boarding your pet until you’re able to return home.
For example, if your pet requires an unexpected medical treatment before you travel and you need to cancel your trip, some insurance policies may offer compensation for pet boarding fees until you can make new arrangements.
2. Pet Health-Related Boarding
In some circumstances, certain pet insurance plans may offer coverage for boarding fees if they are directly related to the treatment of a medical condition. For instance, if your pet is undergoing treatment for a serious illness or injury that requires extended care or observation and you are unavailable to provide that care, boarding expenses related to medical supervision may be covered. This is typically an add-on to standard pet insurance policies and is considered a form of recovery or rehabilitation care.
3. Emergency Boarding Situations
Some pet insurance companies may offer limited boarding coverage in emergency situations. For example, if you are hospitalized due to an accident or medical emergency, your insurance may cover the cost of boarding your pet until you’re able to make alternative care arrangements. This coverage is designed to ensure that pets don’t suffer from neglect when their owners are temporarily incapacitated.
Common Pet Insurance Exclusions for Boarding
Even in cases where pet insurance might cover boarding, most policies have specific exclusions. Common exclusions for boarding include:
- Voluntary travel: If you’re traveling by choice (i.e., vacation), your insurance policy will likely not cover the boarding costs.
- Routine boarding: If the boarding is simply to accommodate your absence for vacation or business, it is generally not considered a covered expense.
- Non-medical conditions: Boarding due to non-health-related reasons, such as a temporary move or other personal issues, is generally not covered.
Why Pet Insurance Typically Does Not Cover Boarding
Pet insurance is designed to cover medical treatment and unexpected emergencies, not day-to-day care. Boarding, while often necessary for pet owners, is considered a non-medical service. Since the primary goal of pet insurance is to offset the cost of veterinary care and medical treatment, costs associated with boarding fall outside the parameters of coverage.
Furthermore, boarding is an expense that pet owners can plan for and manage ahead of time, making it a non-emergency situation in most cases. Pet insurance, however, is intended to cover costs that are difficult to predict, such as surgeries, chronic illness treatments, and accident-related expenses.
Alternatives for Managing Boarding Costs
While pet insurance may not cover boarding in most cases, there are several alternatives and strategies that pet owners can use to manage the costs of boarding their pets.
1. Pet Boarding Insurance
Some providers offer specific pet boarding insurance or boarding liability insurance. This type of policy typically covers the cost of boarding if the pet’s health deteriorates or if there is an emergency. However, it’s important to review the terms and exclusions carefully, as these policies vary widely in terms of coverage.
2. Health Savings Accounts or Pet Savings Accounts
Some pet owners choose to set aside funds specifically for pet care, including boarding fees, by using a health savings account (HSA) or a separate savings account for their pet’s needs. Although this option does not involve insurance, it provides a way to manage and save for expected costs, including pet boarding, in the event of an emergency or absence.
3. Pet Sitter Services
Instead of boarding your pet in a facility, you might consider hiring a pet sitter or using in-home pet care services. These services allow your pet to remain in a familiar environment, reducing stress. Some pet owners find that pet sitters are a more affordable and personalized option, particularly for pets with special needs. Many pet sitters are also insured, offering peace of mind for owners while they are away.
4. Friends or Family
If possible, ask a friend or family member to look after your pet while you’re away. This can be a more affordable option, especially if you’re looking for short-term care. You can offer to reciprocate by taking care of their pets or providing other assistance in exchange.
5. Veterinary Care with Boarding
Some boarding facilities offer veterinary services on-site, which may be especially beneficial for pets with health conditions requiring medication or monitoring. These facilities may not be covered by pet insurance, but they can provide peace of mind for owners who want to ensure their pet is in good hands.
Conclusion
In general, pet insurance does not cover boarding expenses, as boarding is considered a non-medical service. However, there are exceptions in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies or when boarding is required for pets undergoing treatment. Additionally, some pet insurance policies may offer add-on services or specific coverage related to trip cancellations or emergency boarding situations.
If boarding is something you anticipate needing for your pet, it’s important to explore alternatives such as pet boarding insurance, pet savings accounts, or other care options like pet sitters. By understanding your options and reviewing your pet insurance policy, you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care when you need to be away.