Does pet insurance cover broken bones?

How broken bone coverage works with pet insurance

Most pet insurance plans cover broken bones, but coverage details might differ by provider and plan. Comprehensive (accident and illness) and accident-only plans typically cover the diagnosis and treatment of fractures, including X-rays, surgery, medications and follow-up care. However, you’ll need to carefully review your policy details to understand any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

How much does it cost to insure a pet for broken bones?

The cost to insure a pet for broken bones is usually the same as any standard accident-only or comprehensive plan, since this type of injury is typically included. Most pet owners pay between $10 and $50 per month — or $240 to $600 per year — for pet insurance, depending on their pet’s age, breed and location.

You likely won’t pay extra just to get broken bone coverage, but it’s still important to read the fine print. Every provider has its own policy rules, coverage limits and exclusions, so be sure to compare carefully before choosing a plan.

Here’s what Embrace Pet Insurance charges for accident and illness coverage based on quotes for two different pets.

2-year-old male golden retriever in New York, New York 10004

1-year-old female German shepherd in San Diego, California 92038

Embrace also offers a wellness add-on in addition to its standard plans to help pet owners cover expenses related to routine care, such as vaccines and heartworm, flea and tick prevention.

Pricing for Embrace’s Wellness Rewards program was quoted as follows:

• $300 annual reimbursement for $22.92 per month
• $500 annual reimbursement for $39.58 per month
• $700 annual reimbursement for $56.25 per month

» LEARN: What's the difference between pet insurance and pet wellness plans?

Common exclusions for broken bone coverage

While most pet insurance plans cover broken bones, some exclusions may limit coverage. Each pet insurer has its own rules and restrictions, but several common exclusions generally apply to most policies.

Waiting periods

If your pet breaks a bone during the waiting period, your insurer likely won’t cover it. Most policies have a short window after enrollment when coverage hasn’t started yet — often a few days for accidents. This helps prevent people from signing up only after their pet is already hurt and filing a claim right away.

Preexisting conditions

If your pet suffered a fracture before you purchased a pet insurance policy, the insurer likely won’t cover related treatments. Some insurers cover preexisting conditions with certain timelines and rules. For example, AKC Pet Insurance covers preexisting conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. Fractures typically require immediate veterinary care, though. While AKC’s policy might cover issues caused by a past injury after a waiting period, it won’t pay for the original treatment if the fracture happened before the policy started.

Coverage limits and caps

Some pet insurance plans have annual, per-incident or lifetime limits on how much they will reimburse. If the cost of treating your pet’s broken bone exceeds these limits, you’ll be responsible for the remaining expenses. For example, surgeries, follow-up visits and rehabilitation can add up quickly. If your policy has a low annual cap, you might reach it faster than expected.

Preventable injuries

Pet insurance policies often exclude coverage for accidents that are preventable or occur due to negligence. For example, if your pet breaks a bone because you left it unattended in an unsafe area, the insurer may deny the claim. Additionally, working dogs — such as police dogs, guard dogs at businesses or racing dogs — may not be covered for injuries sustained during work-related activities.

» MORE: What does pet insurance not cover?

How to choose a pet insurance plan that covers broken bones

Not all pet insurance plans are the same, so it’s important to find one that offers the right mix of coverage and cost for your pet. Here’s what to look for if you want a plan that covers broken bones:

• Coverage for fractures: Make sure the plan includes accident-related care like X-rays, surgery and follow-up visits. Comprehensive (accident and illness) plans offer the broadest coverage, but accident-only plans usually cover broken bones, too — often at a lower cost.
• High coverage limits: Broken bone treatment adds up fast. Choose a plan with a high annual or per-incident cap to avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs.
• Shorter waiting periods: Since injuries can happen anytime, look for a plan with minimal waiting before coverage begins.
• Clear handling of past injuries: If your pet has had a previous fracture, check how the plan defines and treats preexisting conditions.
• Good value for your budget: Balance monthly premiums with the level of protection you’re getting. A plan with a higher reimbursement rate or lower deductible might cost more, but it can pay off if your pet needs surgery or rehab.

» COMPARE: Best pet insurance providers

Is pet insurance worth it for broken bones?

Yes — pet insurance is usually worth it if your pet breaks a bone, especially when surgery is involved. While minor fractures may only cost a few hundred dollars, more severe injuries that require surgery can easily exceed $2,000. According to Spot Pet Insurance, the average claim for bone injuries, including fractures and ligament tears, is around $3,757.

Without insurance, you could be responsible for the full cost of treatment — including diagnostics, surgery and follow-up care. Pet insurance can significantly reduce those out-of-pocket expenses and help you avoid difficult financial decisions during an emergency.