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.

A happy corgi with bright eyes and tongue out receives an ear examination from a veterinarian in blue gloves, depicting the kind of specialized care needed for ear infections that many comprehensive pet insurance policies will cover after deductibles, potentially saving pet owners hundreds on diagnosis and treatment costs.

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

What exactly is causing all these ear infections? Well, let's take a look at the most common culprits:

Yeast and Bacteria: These microorganisms, when present in excessive numbers, disrupt the ear's natural balance, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Foreign Objects: Grass seeds, foxtails, or other debris can become lodged in the ear canal, causing irritation and inflammation, which can then lead to infection.

Excessive Moisture: Dogs who swim frequently or have floppy ears that trap moisture are at higher risk.

Allergies: Food and environmental allergies can lead to inflammation in the ear canal, creating a breeding ground for infection.

Underlying Health Conditions: In some cases, chronic ear infections can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, such as hormonal imbalances or autoimmune diseases.

How Do I Know if My Dog Has an Ear Infection?

How do you know when it's just an itch, and when it's time to call the vet about your dog's ears? Let's break down the signs that signal it's time for a professional opinion.

Excessive Scratching or Pawing at the Ears: If your dog is constantly scratching or pawing at their ears, it's a strong indicator that something is amiss.
Frequent Head Shaking: Head shaking is a classic sign of ear irritation.
Redness or Swelling of the Ear Canal: Take a peek inside your dog's ears. If you notice redness or swelling, it's a sign of inflammation.
Unpleasant Odor: A foul or yeasty odor coming from the ears is a common symptom of infection.
Dark Discharge: A dark, waxy, or thick discharge is another telltale sign.
Pain or Tenderness: If your dog winces or pulls away when you touch their ears, they're likely experiencing pain.
Head Tilt: In more severe cases, dogs may tilt their head to one side.
Changes in Behavior: Sometimes, dogs with ear infections may become irritable, lethargic, or experience a loss of appetite.

A curious tabby cat with striking green eyes and perked ears looks upward while wearing a pink collar, representing the attentiveness that might help owners spot early signs of ear infections - a common feline health issue typically covered by comprehensive pet insurance policies.

Ear Infections in Cats

While we tend to talk about ear infections in dogs, our feline friends are not immune! For cats, however, the most likely culprit is ear mites, especially for kittens. Ear mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the oils and wax in a cat’s ears. They’re highly contagious and can cause inflammation and secondary infections as well, so they require a trip to the vet to get them thoroughly cleaned and treated.

Of course, ear mites aren't the only thing that can bug your kitty's ears. Allergies, whether from food or environmental factors, can also lead to ear irritation and infections. Additionally, yeast and bacterial imbalances can occur, causing further discomfort. And just like dogs, cats can sometimes get foreign objects lodged in their ears. Because identifying the precise cause can be challenging, and due to cats' sensitivity around their ears, a veterinary examination is always recommended for any suspected ear issue.

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, Embrace offers an optional Wellness Rewards plan. This is not insurance but a reimbursement program that allows you to budget for predictable costs.

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.

Average Cost of Vet Visit for Ear Infections

When your furry friend's ears start acting up, vet bills can quickly become a concern. The average cost of a vet visit for a dog ear infection can range from $150 to $300, but severe cases can easily exceed $500. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

Consultation Fee: $50-$100

Cytology Test: $30-$50

Antibiotics: $20-$40

Culture and Sensitivity Test (Severe Cases): $75-$150

Imaging (Severe Cases): $200+

A silver tabby kitten and golden cocker spaniel sit side by side on a plush white surface, both with alert expressions that might help vigilant owners notice head tilting or ear scratching - early warning signs of ear infections that quality pet insurance plans typically cover diagnosis and treatment for in both cats and dogs.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Infections?

These costs can quickly escalate, making pet insurance a valuable tool for managing unexpected expenses. So, if you're wondering, “Does pet insurance cover ear infections?”, the answer is generally yes, and Embrace can help.

Embrace pet insurance can help with the costs of diagnosing and treating new ear infections that occur after your policy’s waiting period. Our full coverage pet insurance has the option to include the vet visit itself, which is something not all pet insurance providers offer. This can help cover costs from the initial examination to the final treatment. We understand you want to focus on your pet's comfort, not the financial stress, so we're here to help.

While most companies strictly exclude all pre-existing conditions, Embrace offers a more flexible approach. If your pet had a curable condition like an ear infection before joining us, and they stay infection, symptom, and treatment free for twelve consecutive months, future instances may be eligible for coverage.

Additionally, Embrace recognizes that you and your veterinarian know what's best for your pet's health. That's why we also offer coverage for complementary treatments, like acupuncture for allergy-related ear issues, for both dogs and cats when carried out by or performed under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

When comparing pet insurance plans, focus on how pre-existing conditions, complementary treatments, and the vet visit itself are handled. Get a free quote from Embrace to see how our accident and illness plan can protect your pet and your wallet.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Infections?

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

How Do I Know if My Dog Has an Ear Infection?

Ear Infections in Cats

Is Ear Cleaning Covered by Insurance?

Average Cost of Vet Visit for Ear Infections

Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Infections?