Does pet insurance cover breeding?
Not usually, but some companies offer add-ons
+1 more
Pet insurance helps protect your pet’s health, but coverage for breeding-related care is often limited. Most standard pet insurance policies exclude expenses related to breeding. However, some providers offer specialized add-ons or policies that cover certain breeding-related costs.
Most pet insurance policies don’t cover breeding-related expenses.
Jump to insightSome policies may offer limited coverage for breeding complications or specialized add-ons.
Jump to insightCosts for breeding add-on coverage can vary widely, between $17 to $159 per month.
Jump to insightDoes pet insurance cover breeding expenses?
Most standard pet insurance plans don’t cover breeding expenses. Coverage typically includes accidents and illnesses but excludes pregnancy and breeding-related care. Some providers offer add-ons or specialized plans that cover certain breeding costs.
Why do most insurers exclude breeding expenses?
Insurers typically exclude pregnancy and breeding-related care because they consider it preventable — similar to how health insurance doesn’t cover elective procedures or how car insurance won’t pay for routine wear and tear. Since pregnancy can be avoided by spaying or neutering, most providers don’t include coverage for breeding costs.
» LEARN: What does pet insurance cover?
What pet insurance providers cover breeding?
Some pet insurance companies offer specialized add-ons that extend coverage to certain breeding-related conditions. If you’re planning to breed your pet, here are three companies that offer specialized options:
- AKC Pet Insurance offers a breeding add-on for dogs and cats, covering complications like pyometra, mastitis and emergency C-sections.
- Trupanion provides a Breeding Rider that covers illnesses and injuries related to breeding, whelping (labor in dogs) and queening (labor in cats).
- Rainwalk Pet Insurance has a similar add-on to AKC, with coverage for pyometra, mastitis and emergency C-sections.
What are the exclusions for breeding in pet insurance?
Most pet insurance plans exclude breeding expenses entirely, including costs related to pregnancy, labor and fertility treatments. Even among providers that offer breeding add-ons, some exclusions still apply.
Since these exclusions vary by provider, it’s essential to review the fine print before enrolling. For example, Trupanion doesn’t cover routine expenses like fertility treatments or planned C-sections. If a pet is already pregnant when enrolled, the pregnancy is considered a preexisting condition and won’t be covered.
How does breeding coverage affect pet insurance costs?
Adding breeding coverage can significantly increase your monthly premium — in some cases, it more than doubles the cost of standard coverage. Based on quotes for an unspayed Bengal cat and a German Shepherd in Houston, Texas, breeding add-ons ranged from about $17 to more than $150 per month, depending on the provider.
The following quotes are for a 2-year-old Bengal cat and a 3-year-old German Shepherd located in Houston, Texas (ZIP code 77001).
Pet insurance quotes with breeding add-ons for a 2-year-old Bengal cat
| Plan breakdown | AKC | Rainwalk | Trupanion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Reimbursement rate | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Annual limit | $10,000 | $10,000 | None (fixed) |
| Standard plan cost | $28.28/month | $24.47/month | $51.59/month |
| Breeding add-on cost | $20.10/month | $16.87/month | $32.70/month |
Pet insurance quotes with breeding add-ons for a 3-year-old German Shepherd
| Plan breakdown | AKC | Rainwalk | Trupanion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Reimbursement rate | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Annual limit | $10,000 | $10,000 | None (fixed) |
| Standard plan cost | $54.70/month | $59.21/month | $223.02/month |
| Breeding add-on cost | $38.89/month | $44.22/month | $158.37/month |
Breeding add-on pricing varies widely, and so does what each provider actually covers. Before you choose a plan, make sure to compare not just the cost but also the details — some policies may exclude certain procedures or have limits tied to breeding-related care. Your pet’s breed, age and location will also impact your quote.
» FIND OUT: How much does pet insurance cost?
Types of breeding-related expenses
Breeding complications and reproductive care can get expensive — and most pet insurance policies don’t include these costs without an add-on. If you're considering pet insurance for breeding, here's a look at the types of expenses that may be covered under a specialized plan.
Breeding-related expenses may include:
- Planned C-sections: Surgical removal of puppies or kittens before birth
- Pregnancy confirmation tests: Ultrasounds, X-rays and other diagnostics
- Hormone testing: Used for fertility assessment and timing of breeding
- Artificial insemination: Veterinary-assisted breeding procedures
- Pregnancy exams and care: Routine checkups throughout gestation
- Whelping (dogs) or queening (cats): Labor and delivery assistance
- Nursing care: Support for mothers feeding their young
Potential breeding complications include:
- Mastitis: Infection of the mammary glands
- Dystocia: Difficult labor requiring veterinary intervention
- Pyometra: Life-threatening uterine infection
- Injuries: Fights between breeding partners or back, joint or genital injuries
This section is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all breeding expenses or complications, but knowing what’s typically covered can help you decide whether breeding coverage is worth adding to your pet insurance plan.
What should breeders consider when choosing pet insurance?
If you're planning to breed your pet, look for a policy that offers a specialized breeding add-on. Standard pet insurance typically excludes pregnancy and breeding-related care, including routine prenatal exams and elective procedures like C-sections.
When comparing plans, breeders should consider:
- Whether the provider offers a breeding coverage add-on
- What types of care and complications are included, such as mastitis, dystocia or emergency C-sections
- Whether breeding coverage applies to both dogs and cats
- If there's a waiting period before breeding-related coverage begins
- How much the add-on costs and if it fits your budget
Without breeding coverage, complications during labor or pregnancy might not be covered, leaving you responsible for the full cost of emergency care.
» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?
FAQ
Is breeding covered by standard pet insurance policies?
No, most standard pet insurance policies don’t cover breeding-related expenses, including routine prenatal care, elective procedures like C-sections and pregnancy complications. However, emergency care during labor may be covered if deemed medically necessary.
Are there any pet insurance companies that offer breeding coverage?
Yes, some pet insurance companies offer specialized add-ons or riders that extend coverage to breeding-related conditions. Examples include AKC Pet Insurance, Trupanion and Rainwalk Pet Insurance, which cover emergencies and complications like pyometra, mastitis and emergency C-sections.
How much does pet insurance with breeding coverage cost?
The cost of pet insurance with breeding coverage varies depending on the provider and the pet’s specifics. For example, adding a breeding rider could cost anywhere from $16.87 to $158.37 per month, depending on the plan and the pet’s breed and age.
How can I find out if my pet insurance covers breeding?
To determine if your pet insurance covers breeding, review your policy details or contact your provider directly. If breeding coverage isn’t included, you can inquire about specialized add-ons that extend coverage to breeding-related expenses.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Trupanion, “Does Trupanion cover breeding costs?” Accessed Feb. 20, 2025.
- Progressive, “Does pet insurance cover pregnancy?” Accessed Feb. 20, 2025.
- AKC Pet Insurance, “Pet Insurance Explained: Breeding Coverage from AKC Pet Insurance.” Accessed Feb. 20, 2025.
- AKC Pet Insurance, “AKC Breeder Insurance.” Accessed Feb. 20, 2025.
