Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Infections?

A dog’s hearing is legendary.  After all, who else can hear an earthquake coming? But their greatest strength leads to one of their greatest weaknesses. Their ear canals, shaped like a sharp 'L,' are designed to amplify sound, but they also create a perfect storm for ear infections. This shape, while amplifying sound, also traps moisture and debris, leading to frequent ear infections—a significant cause of canine distress and a leading reason for veterinary visits. 

Because ear infections have a tendency to be recurring and they can be difficult to treat at home, the cost of vet visits can really add up.  Does pet insurance cover ear infections?  The good news is that yes, in most cases pet insurance does cover ear infections.

Is Ear Cleaning Covered by Insurance?

When it comes to ear cleaning, it's important to understand the difference between routine care and treatment for a medical condition. Generally, routine ear cleaning performed as part of grooming or regular at-home maintenance is not covered by pet insurance.  

To help budget for routine expenses like grooming, including regular ear cleaning, many pet insurance providers offer optional wellness plans. These programs are designed to assist with predictable costs and routine care, providing a financial tool for managing your pet’s health needs.

However, if your pet needs their ears cleaned by a veterinarian as part of a covered treatment for an ear infection or other medical issue, that cleaning procedure is more likely to be covered. 

For example, if your cat has ear mites, your vet will likely perform a thorough ear cleaning to remove debris and apply medication. In such cases, this ear cleaning would typically be included as part of the covered treatment.