Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy have moved from fringe to mainstream in veterinary medicine — they’re now recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association and commonly recommended for pain management, post-surgical rehabilitation, and chronic conditions like arthritis. Whether your insurer covers these treatments — and whether you need an add-on to get that coverage — varies a lot by provider. This guide breaks down which plans include alternative therapies in 2026 and what they typically cost.
Quick Answer: Alternative Therapy Coverage by Provider
| Company | Acupuncture | Hydrotherapy | Chiropractic | Add-On Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | Yes | Yes | Not specified | No — included in core plan |
| Pets Best (Elite) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No, on Elite plan |
| Spot | Yes | Yes | Yes | No, included on standard policy |
| Figo | Yes | Yes | Yes | No, included on standard policy |
| Embrace | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dedicated complementary/alternative therapies coverage |
| Healthy Paws | Limited | Limited | Limited | Coverage varies; confirm before enrolling |
Coverage details and whether an add-on is required can vary by state and plan tier — always confirm with the provider before assuming a treatment is covered.
How We Evaluated These Plans
We reviewed each provider’s published policy language around complementary and alternative veterinary medicine, focusing on whether acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care are included on the standard plan, available only via add-on, or not covered at all.
What Counts as “Alternative Therapy”?
- Acupuncture: Used for pain management, inflammation, and chronic conditions. Sessions typically cost $50–$150 each, often with several sessions recommended.
- Chiropractic care: Adjustments aimed at musculoskeletal issues and mobility, averaging $60–$120 per visit.
- Hydrotherapy: Water-based rehabilitation, commonly used after orthopedic surgery (including hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament repairs — see our large breed dog guide) to rebuild strength and mobility.
When covered, these therapies are typically reimbursed at the same rate as the rest of your plan — 70%–90% after your deductible.
1. MetLife — Best for Built-In Coverage
MetLife includes acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy in its core accident-and-illness plan, with no separate add-on required. Combined with its customizable annual limits (including unlimited), this makes MetLife a strong option if you anticipate needing rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. See our MetLife vs. Pumpkin comparison.
2. Pets Best Elite — Best for All-In-One Coverage
Pets Best’s Elite plan bundles acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, and cold laser therapy together with cancer coverage and an unlimited annual limit option, without requiring a separate add-on. See our Prudent Pet vs. Pets Best comparison.
3. Spot and Figo — Best for Standard-Plan Inclusion
Both Spot and Figo include alternative therapies as part of their standard accident-and-illness policies when treatment is deemed medically necessary by a vet, without requiring an upgrade. See our Spot vs. Healthy Paws and Figo vs. Pumpkin comparisons.
4. Embrace — Best for Dedicated Complementary Care Coverage
Embrace maintains a specific complementary and alternative therapies benefit covering acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care as part of its accident-and-illness coverage. See our Embrace vs. Healthy Paws comparison.
When Might You Need These Therapies?
The most common scenarios are post-surgical rehabilitation (after cruciate ligament or hip surgery), chronic arthritis management in senior pets, and pain management for conditions where medication alone isn’t enough. If your pet has a condition that’s likely to need ongoing rehab — large breed dogs prone to joint issues, or senior pets with arthritis — confirming alternative therapy coverage before you enroll can save significant out-of-pocket costs later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pet insurance always cover acupuncture?
No. Coverage varies significantly — some providers include it standard, some require an add-on, and a few don’t cover it at all. Always check the specific policy.
Is hydrotherapy only covered after surgery?
Not necessarily, but it’s most commonly claimed for post-surgical rehabilitation or chronic mobility issues. Coverage typically requires the treatment to be prescribed by a veterinarian as medically necessary.
How much does acupuncture for a dog typically cost?
Individual sessions generally run $50–$150, and a treatment plan often involves multiple sessions — costs that can add up quickly without coverage.
Will alternative therapy claims count toward my annual limit?
Yes — when covered, these treatments are reimbursed under your standard policy terms and count toward your annual limit and deductible like any other claim.
Our Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, veterinary, or insurance advice. We are not a licensed insurance agency, and nothing on this page should be taken as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, or claim outcomes. Pet insurance pricing, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, and exclusions vary by state, by pet, and change frequently — always review the official policy documents and get a personalized quote directly from the provider before purchasing a plan. We may earn a commission if you sign up for a plan through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or opinions, which are based on our independent research of publicly available plan information.
Last updated: June 2026.