Does Pet Insurance Cover Hip Surgery?
FHO (femoral head ostectomy) and total hip replacement are covered under accident & illness plans when hip dysplasia was not documented before the policy started. At $1,500–$7,000, hip surgery is one of the highest-value single-procedure coverages.
Hip Surgery Cost: With vs. Without Insurance
Assumes $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement (standard plan terms)
What Pet Insurance Covers
FHO, total hip replacement (THR), bilateral hip surgery (both hips), post-op pain medication, and physical rehabilitation when recommended by the vet.
What's Excluded
Hip dysplasia with any prior documentation: X-ray findings, limping notes, or orthopedic exam findings in vet records before enrollment. Puppies showing hip laxity before enrollment.
Waiting Period
Orthopedic conditions: 6-month waiting period on most insurers (Nationwide, Pets Best, ASPCA). Trupanion and a few others use 30 days. The 6-month wait is specifically designed to screen out known hip dysplasia.
Breed-Specific Considerations
German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Great Danes have the highest hip dysplasia rates. The 6-month orthopedic waiting period and pre-existing condition exclusion are the biggest coverage risks for these breeds. Enroll before any limping.
Plans That Cover This
The Pre-Existing Condition Rule
Pet insurance doesn't cover conditions that existed before your policy started. That means anything in your pet's vet records — a limp noted once, an ear infection two years ago, a lump your vet mentioned — can become an exclusion. Enroll before your pet has any documented health problems to get the most out of your coverage.