Does pet insurance cover cherry eye surgery? If you’ve ever noticed a red, swollen mass protruding from the inner corner of your dog’s eye, that is actually a condition known as cherry eye.
This condition occurs when the third eyelid gland prolapses, hence creating a bulge that resembles a cherry which is where the name is coined. Now, while it is not usually painful at first, cherry eye can lead to discomfort, dry eye, or infections if left untreated.
What’s more, surgery is usually required to correct the problem and prevent long-term damage to your pet’s vision and overall eye health.
Now, because cherry eye is somehow common, especially among certain breeds like Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Shih Tzus, many pet owners wonder whether pet insurance covers the cost of cherry eye surgery.
What is Cherry Eye and How is it Treated?
Cherry eye is a simply a condition where the nictitating membrane, also known as the third eyelid, develops a prolapse or displacement of its tear gland.
This gland is responsible for producing a significant portion of your pet’s tears, and when it becomes displaced, it becomes visible and vulnerable to irritation.
Some of the symptoms and complications of cherry eye include:
- Watery or dry eyes
- A red or pink mass in the corner of the eye
- Inflammation and irritation
- Potential long-term damage to tear production if untreated
Subsequently, the treatment for this condition usually involves surgery, especifically a procedure to reposition the gland to restore tear function and prevent future issues.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery?
The good news is that many pet insurance plans do cover cherry eye surgery, but the coverage depends on several key factors. Here are some of the factors that affect coverage:
- Illness coverage: Cherry eye is considered an illness, not an accident. Therefore, your plan must include illness coverage.
- Surgical coverage: Most illness plans cover medically necessary surgeries like cherry eye correction. As long as they are not cosmetic or elective.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your pet was diagnosed with cherry eye before your policy began or during the waiting period, then the condition will likely be excluded from coverage.
- Breed-specific exclusions: Some insurers exclude coverage for conditions that are common in specific breeds. If your dog is prone to cherry eye, make sure your policy doesn’t list it as an exclusion.
Most importantly, it is critical to read your policy in full or consult with your provider to confirm whether cherry eye surgery will be covered.
Tips to Ensure Cherry Eye is Covered by Pet Insurance
If you’re planning to enroll in pet insurance or already have coverage, there are several steps you can take to make sure cherry eye treatment will be eligible.
- Enroll early: The sooner you sign up, especially when your pet is a puppy. The more likely the condition won’t be deemed pre-existing.
- Maintain updated vet records: Having detailed veterinary records can support your claim. It can also help your insurer confirm the condition wasn’t pre-existing.
- Choose a comprehensive plan: You can look out for coverage that includes illnesses, hereditary conditions, and surgeries.
- Avoid breed-specific exclusions: You must carefully read the fine print if your breed is prone to cherry eye.
- Ask your insurer upfront: Lastly, you can call or email your provider and ask directly whether cherry eye is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cherry Eye Considered A Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes, it is. If the symptoms or diagnosis occurred before the policy’s start date or during the waiting period. Then most insurers will consider it a pre-existing condition and exclude it from coverage.
Will Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye In Both Eyes?
Some insurers treat each eye as a separate occurrence. While others may consider the second eye as part of the same condition. Especially if both eyes are affected within a short time frame. This can affect whether the second surgery is covered.
What Type Of Pet Insurance Covers Cherry Eye Surgery?
You will actually need a comprehensive accident and illness policy. The Accident-only plans do not cover cherry eye since it’s categorized as an illness or hereditary issue.
