Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

How does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

According to PetMD, hip dysplasia is a painful hereditary condition that occurs in a cat or dog's growth stage. It causes loosening of the hip joint, leading to painful arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.

If your pet develops symptoms of hip dysplasia, pet insurance may cover it if the symptoms appear after enrolling in pet insurance and completing any required waiting period. Coverage for hereditary conditions typically depends on your specific policy, your pet's age at enrollment, and pre-existing condition rules.

If your pet has pre-existing hip dysplasia, insurers typically won't cover it. For example, if your dog develops symptoms before your pet insurance policy starts, your plan may consider their hip dysplasia as a pre-existing condition and exclude it from coverage. Some insurers won't cover hip dysplasia surgery or treatment if your pet's breed has a genetic disposition for the condition.

Is hip dysplasia a pre-existing condition?

Hip dysplasia is generally considered pre-existing if a vet diagnoses or treats your pet for it or you notice symptoms at home before your pet insurance policy's start date. Insurers may look at your pet's medical records to figure out if they have pre-existing hip dysplasia.

If your pet has a pre-existing condition, insurance companies may classify it as an incurable, curable, or bilateral condition. Learn more about pet insurance and pre-existing conditions.

What treatments for hip dysplasia are covered?

If your pet insurance policy covers hip dysplasia, you can make a claim for any hip dysplasia treatment conducted by a licensed vet. Coverage may include:

• Surgery like total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomies (FHO)
• Physical therapy (a wellness plan may be required) up to your plan's limit
• Pain medications
• Diagnostic exams, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs

You may also have to purchase extra coverage for chiropractic care and eligible prescriptions that you can use.

How much does hip dysplasia treatment cost?

Hip dysplasia treatment costs vary depending on if your pet is a cat or dog, as well as by region, hospital, and ongoing care needs.

How much is hip dysplasia surgery for dogs?

Dog hip dysplasia treatments can cost thousands of dollars per hip. The University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center estimates canine hip replacement may cost as much as $8,500 to $10,000 plus around $700 for follow-up care.

How much is hip dysplasia surgery for cats?

The cost of surgical treatment for severe hip dysplasia in cats varies and could fall within the range of $1,500 to $3,000, while a total hip replacement for a cat could run $4,000 or more according to Daily Paws.

How much does pet insurance pay for hip dysplasia?

The amount pet insurers pay for hip dysplasia claims varies based on factors like your reimbursement percentage, deductible, and annual limit. Most plans reimburse you after you pay the vet bill up front. Once you meet your deductible, which could be annual and per incident, your insurer pays a percentage of the eligible expenses (commonly 70%, 80%, or 90%), up to your annual limit. If your covered costs exceed the annual limit, you pay the remainder out of pocket.

With Progressive Pet Insurance, treatment for covered orthopedic conditions is eligible for coverage up to $10,000 per body site, subject to your policy's terms. Each hip is considered a body site.

Learn more about deductibles and annual limits for pet insurance.

Is pet insurance worth it for hip dysplasia?

Yes, pet insurance for hip dysplasia can be worth it if you're concerned about affording vet care for your pet. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of pet insurance for hip dysplasia

Pet insurance for hip dysplasia may be helpful, especially in certain circumstances:

• You may be reimbursed for eligible costs: Pet insurance for hip dysplasia may reduce large, unexpected costs if your dog or cat develops hip dysplasia symptoms after your policy start date.
• You have a young, high-risk breed: It's worth considering pet insurance when your pet is young and before symptoms begin to develop, especially if you have a high-risk breed. Research from the Cornell Feline Health Center and the American Kennel Club show that large purebred cats such as Maine Coons and large breed dogs such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are at greatest risk for hip dysplasia.

Cons of pet insurance for hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia insurance may not be worth it in all situations for all pets. For example:

• Your pet has a bilateral condition: Bilateral condition exclusions may exclude your pet from coverage if they already show pre-existing hip dysplasia in one hip.
• You may have to wait up to 12 months: Some insurers also employ a longer waiting period, called an orthopedic waiting period, specifically for common genetic issues like hip dysplasia. An orthopedic waiting period may require that you wait six to 12 months, depending on the insurer, before coverage begins. Health issues that show up during the waiting period may be excluded from coverage. With Progressive Pet Insurance, there is a 30-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions unless waived through the post-purchase vet exam process.

How to get pet insurance that covers hip dysplasia

Getting hip dysplasia coverage for your pet can start with a few steps:

• Enroll early: Enrolling when your pet is a puppy or kitten may help them qualify for hip dysplasia coverage before they develop symptoms and before insurers exclude it as pre-existing.
• Choose accident and illness coverage: This type of plan generally covers emergency care, diagnostic testing, specialist visits, and hereditary and congenital conditions (as long as they're not pre-existing).
• Check hereditary condition coverage: Hip dysplasia is typically inherited from a pet's parents. Look into your insurer's hereditary condition coverage to understand which hereditary illnesses or disorders may be eligible for reimbursement and which may be excluded as a known genetic predisposition.
• Review waiting periods: Be aware of required orthopedic waiting periods, which could range from six to 12 months, depending on the insurer.

Get a pet insurance quote online or call 1-877-298-0639 to speak with a representative about your options.