Does pet insurance cover pregnancy?

Does pet insurance cover pregnancy-related expenses?

Standard pet insurance plans typically exclude coverage for pregnancy and breeding-related expenses. This includes procedures and diagnostics like planned cesarean sections (C-sections), pregnancy confirmation tests (such as X-rays or ultrasounds) and complications that arise from breeding. Pregnancy, whelping (the act of giving birth in dogs) and nursing are usually classified as breeding-related conditions as well.

» MORE: Does pet insurance cover breeding?

Why doesn’t pet insurance cover pregnancy?

Pet insurance doesn’t typically cover pregnancy because it’s considered a preventable condition. Because pregnancy and other breeding-related conditions can often be avoided through spaying or neutering, many pet insurance providers exclude them from coverage.

Most insurers limit coverage to unexpected illnesses or injuries, not planned or avoidable situations. It’s similar to how health insurance doesn’t cover elective surgeries or how car insurance won’t cover damage caused by regular use — both are considered outside the scope of what insurance is meant to cover.

Are there pet insurance plans that cover pregnancy?

While most plans exclude pregnancy, certain pet insurance providers offer specialized add-ons to standard policies that extend coverage for pregnancy and other breeding-related care.

• The American Kennel Club (AKC) Pet Insurance offers a breeding add-on for dogs and cats, which covers complications such as pyometra (a life-threatening infection in the uterus, mastitis (infection in mammary tissues) and emergency C-sections.
• Trupanion provides a breeding add-on for dogs and cats that covers illnesses or injuries related to breeding, whelping and queening (birth in cats). It doesn’t cover routine expenses like fertility treatments or planned C-sections. If a pet is pregnant at enrollment, the pregnancy is treated as a preexisting condition.
• Rainwalk offers a breeding coverage add-on, which covers complications such as pyometra, mastitis and emergency C-sections, similar to AKC's coverage.

How do costs for pregnancy coverage compare?

Based on quotes from major insurers, cat pregnancy add-ons range from about $17 to $33 per month at the time of publication. Dog pregnancy add-ons range from about $39 to $158 per month. These costs are added on top of the monthly price of a standard pet insurance plan.

The following pricing comes from three major providers — AKC, Trupanion and Rainwalk — and is based on quotes for two pets in Houston, TX (ZIP code 77001): a 2-year-old Bengal cat and a 3-year-old female German Shepherd.

Pregnancy coverage costs for a 2-year-old Bengal cat

Pregnancy coverage costs for a 3-year-old German shepherd

Clearly, the pricing for each plan varies. Insurance costs may change based on your pet’s age, breed and location. It’s important to note that inclusions and exclusions also differ by provider.

» LEARN: How much does pet insurance cost?

What are common exclusions in pet insurance?

When shopping for pet insurance, it’s helpful to understand what’s not covered by most policies. Common exclusions include:

• Pregnancy and breeding-related expenses: Usually excluded
• Preexisting conditions: Conditions present before enrollment
• Routine care and wellness: Vaccinations, flea treatments, dental cleanings, etc.
• Cosmetic procedures and grooming: Elective surgeries like tail docking or ear cropping
• Alternative therapies: Treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care, unless explicitly included

Exclusions can have a significant impact on your coverage. For example, if pregnancy or breeding-related complications occur and your pet insurance doesn’t cover those, you’ll likely be responsible for the full cost of emergency care. This is especially important to consider for breeds with higher risks of complications during pregnancy or whelping.

Can exclusions be negotiated or modified?

Most pet insurance companies won’t change their exclusions, but there are ways to work around them:

• Ask for clarification: Some policies might cover specific conditions if treatment is deemed medically necessary.
• Choose add-ons: Many insurers offer optional coverage for exclusions like pregnancy.
• Shop around: Coverage and exclusions vary, with some companies covering more conditions than others. If your pet’s breed is prone to certain complications, you might find a provider that covers those conditions.

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Is pet insurance worth it for pregnant pets?

Most standard policies exclude pregnancy and breeding-related care, but pet insurance might still be worth it in some cases. Some policies provide limited coverage for emergencies during labor or whelping if the condition is deemed medically necessary.

If you’re planning to breed your pet, a breeding add-on could certainly be worth the extra cost to help protect against unexpected complications. Routine prenatal care and elective C-sections aren’t usually covered unless you have an add-on. Without one, you could be on the hook for expensive emergency care.