Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a painful condition affecting the hip joints in both dogs and cats. The condition is often bilateral, meaning it impacts both sides. While large and dwarf dog breeds are more susceptible, any breed can suffer from this hereditary condition.

Lemonade lists Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs as two breeds prone to hip dysplasia.

Insurance coverage for hip dysplasia

Many pet insurance plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia. Your coverage amount depends on factors like the reimbursement rate, your deductible and the policy’s payout limits. The reimbursement rate determines what percentage of covered costs your insurer will pay. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Some plans also have per-incident, annual or lifetime payout limits that cap how much they’ll reimburse.

As of publishing, our top three best pet insurance providers include coverage for hip dysplasia, provided it’s not a preexisting condition.

Preexisting conditions and exclusions

Preexisting conditions can impact your coverage for hip dysplasia. A preexisting condition is any health issue your pet was diagnosed with, treated for or showed symptoms of before your policy’s effective date.

Insurers determine whether hip dysplasia is preexisting based on your pet’s medical history, including notes from your veterinarian about past diagnoses, treatments or related symptoms. If your pet showed signs of limping, stiffness or decreased mobility before coverage began, insurers may classify hip dysplasia as a preexisting condition.

To avoid exclusions for preexisting conditions, it’s best to enroll in a pet insurance early. If you're purchasing or adopting a pet — whether a puppy or an adult — getting coverage as soon as possible reduces the chance that hip dysplasia will be considered preexisting. This is especially important for breeds prone to hereditary conditions.

Most pet insurance providers don’t cover preexisting conditions. However, AKC Pet Insurance offers coverage for preexisting conditions, including hip dysplasia, after 365 days of continuous coverage. If your dog has already been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, this may be one of the few available options for coverage.

In addition to preexisting conditions, some pet insurance plans may have exclusions for certain treatments or conditions. Always review your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

» MORE: What pet insurance doesn't cover

What to look for in a pet insurance policy for hip dysplasia

Not all pet insurance policies are created equal. Some may have limitations on how they handle hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia. Here are key factors to keep in mind when comparing pet insurance plans:

• Coverage for hereditary conditions: Since hip dysplasia is genetic, look for a policy that explicitly covers hereditary and breed-specific conditions. Some insurers, like Embrace Pet Insurance, include this coverage, but others may have exclusions.
• Waiting periods: Many insurers impose waiting periods before hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia are covered. Shorter waiting periods mean you can get treatment sooner if your pet develops symptoms.
• Coverage limits and deductibles: Policies may have per-incident, annual or lifetime caps on how much they’ll pay. Make sure the plan offers enough coverage for surgeries, physical therapy and long-term care.
• Exclusions for preexisting conditions: If your pet has already been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, most insurers won’t cover treatment. However, AKC Pet Insurance offers coverage after 365 days of continuous enrollment.
• Cost vs. value: A lower premium might seem attractive, but if it comes with high out-of-pocket costs for hip dysplasia treatment, it may not be the best choice. Balance premiums with reimbursement rates and depth of coverage.

Treatment costs for hip dysplasia

Treating hip dysplasia can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars per year for medication and therapy to over $10,000 for surgery. The exact cost depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment required. Some pets need only medication and physical therapy, while others may require surgery.

The following are estimated cost ranges for common treatments:

• Medication and physical therapy: $300 to $1,500 per year
• Surgery (hip replacement): $3,500 to $10,000 or more

In addition to total hip replacement, there are other surgical procedures that may be recommended based on the pet’s age and severity of hip dysplasia:

• Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO): Typically performed on younger dogs with early-stage hip dysplasia, this procedure involves cutting the pelvis in three places to improve the alignment of the femur with the hip socket.
• Femoral head osteotomy (FHO): This procedure involves removing the head of the femur to prevent painful rubbing in the joint. This option is best for dogs with strong hip muscles and less severe joint damage.

Some pet insurance policies cover these procedures, but the level of coverage varies based on factors like waiting periods, deductibles and policy exclusions. If you're considering pet insurance, reviewing how different plans handle hip dysplasia treatments can help you anticipate out-of-pocket costs.

» COMPARE: Best pet insurance companies

Is pet insurance worth it for hip dysplasia?

Pet insurance can be worth it for hip dysplasia because treatment costs can be high, but whether it’s a good choice depends on factors like your pet’s breed, age and overall health. While hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition, especially in larger breeds, the costs associated with its treatment can be significant. Medication, physical therapy and surgeries like hip replacement can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

If you're considering insurance, it can be beneficial to get coverage as soon as possible after getting a pet. This way, your pet will be covered for any necessary treatments should conditions like hip dysplasia develop. Comprehensive policies that cover hereditary conditions can help mitigate the high costs of treatment.

Even if your pet already has hip dysplasia, insurance can still be valuable for covering future conditions or other health issues. For example, AKC Pet Insurance offers some coverage for preexisting conditions after a certain period of continuous coverage.

Ultimately, the value of pet insurance for hip dysplasia depends on your ability to manage the ongoing treatment costs and your pet’s long-term health needs. If your pet is prone to hip dysplasia or you have a breed known for it, insurance can offer significant financial protection and ensure that your pet gets the care it needs.

However, if you're concerned about monthly premiums or have a healthy pet without a history of hereditary conditions, it might be worth exploring other options, like saving for an emergency pet care fund.

Comparing plans and reading the fine print about coverage exclusions is key to making the right decision for you and your pet.