Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? A Breakdown of What's Covered

We all love our pets, but sometimes life throws unexpected curveballs their way. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a genetic condition, or an accident that requires care, there might come a time when surgery is the best option to keep them happy and healthy.

That’s where pet insurance, like Furkin, comes in. Depending on your policy, pet insurance can help cover the cost of surgeries, whether it’s an emergency operation after an accident or a necessary procedure for an illness. But not all surgeries are covered, and that’s where things can get a little tricky.

So, what exactly does pet insurance cover when it comes to surgery? Let’s break it down!

Does pet insurance cover surgery?

Pet insurance is often broken down into two types, accident-only and comprehensive coverage. As the name suggests, accident-only plans cover surgeries that result from unexpected injuries, like if your dog breaks a leg or your cat takes a risky leap and lands wrong. However, these plans won’t cover surgeries related to illnesses, genetic conditions, or ongoing health issues. 

Comprehensive coverage, however, typically covers surgeries related to accidents, illnesses, and unexpected medical conditions. If your pet needs surgery for a torn ligament, a tumour removal, or an emergency procedure after eating something they shouldn’t have, a comprehensive plan will help with the cost as long as it isn’t a pre-existing condition, an associated or bilateral condition. 

These policies may also cover post-surgical care, like medications, X-rays, and follow-up visits.

What surgeries are covered?

Comprehensive pet insurance often covers a wide range of surgeries, as long as they're not related to pre-existing conditions or their associated or bilateral conditions. These can include:

• Eye surgeries: Procedures for cataracts, cherry eye, or corneal ulcers can cost anywhere from *$2,200 to $5,000 CAD, depending on the complexity.

• Gastrointestinal surgeries: If your pet swallows something they shouldn’t (looking at you, sock-loving dogs!), foreign object removal can range from *$2,800 to $14,000 CAD.

• Orthopedic surgeries: Cruciate ligament repairs, hip dysplasia surgeries, or fracture repairs can set you back anywhere from *$2000 to $6,000 CAD.

• Tumour removals: Costs vary widely based on the type and location, but surgical tumour removals generally range from *$200 to $10,000 CAD.

Keep in mind that exact prices vary by location, clinic, and your pet’s size. Pet insurance policies also vary in what they cover, reimbursement percentages, and annual deductibles.

*Costs have been converted from USD to CAD.

What surgeries are not covered

While pet insurance can be a lifesaver for unexpected surgery costs, there are certain procedures that aren’t covered.

Pre-existing conditions, such as any illness or injury your pet had before you got insurance, are almost always excluded. This means if your pet was diagnosed with hip dysplasia or bladder stones before being insured, surgery related to those conditions won’t be covered.

Most policies won’t pay for elective surgeries, meaning anything considered non-essential, like ear cropping, tail docking, or declawing. Spaying and neutering are also usually excluded unless you have a plan that specifically includes them. 

Dental surgeries, like extractions due to gum disease, also aren’t covered under standard policies unless they’re required because of an accident.

Some plans may also exclude dental procedures, like extractions due to gum disease, because they’re not related to an accident. 

It's important to read the fine print of any insurance policy or to talk with a licensed insurance professional to understand what is and isn’t covered before signing up. 

Does Furkin Pet Insurance cover surgery?

Yes! At Furkin, we know that unexpected surgeries can be stressful, not just for your pet, but for your wallet too. That’s why our comprehensive pet insurance covers medically necessary surgeries for accidents and illnesses, helping you manage those surprise vet bills with ease. 

However, like most pet insurance providers, there are a few things we don’t cover. Elective procedures, pre-existing conditions and their associated and bilateral conditions, illnesses related to reproduction, and spaying or neutering aren’t included in our policy. 

Our dental coverage is also limited to extractions of fractured teeth due to an accident.

But for the big, unexpected moments when your pet needs surgery, Furkin is here to help. Check out our policy for more details.

Final thoughts

No pet parent wants to imagine their furry family member needing surgery, but having the right insurance can make all the difference when the unexpected happens. Pet insurance can help ease the financial burden so you can focus on what really matters, getting your pet back to their happy, tail-wagging (or purring) self.

Not all surgeries are covered, so it’s important to understand your policy and choose a company that fits your pet’s needs. Knowing what’s included (and what isn’t) can save you from surprises when a vet bill lands in your inbox.

At Furkin, we’re here to help with coverage that protects your pet against accidents, illnesses, and emergencies. Get a quote today and see how we can make pet insurance reliable and stress-free for you!

FAQs

What is the average cost to fix a dog's broken leg?
The cost to fix a dog’s broken leg depends on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, the type of treatment needed (splint, cast, or surgery), and your location. More complex breaks that require surgery, pins, or plates will be significantly more expensive than a simple fracture that can heal with a cast.

Is ACL surgery covered by pet insurance?
Yes, ACL (cranial cruciate ligament) surgery is usually covered by pet insurance, as long as the injury isn’t pre-existing or an associated or bilateral condition to that pre-existing condition. Since torn ACLs are a common issue in dogs, most comprehensive pet insurance plans will help cover the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, and post-operative care. However, many insurers have waiting periods for cruciate ligament conditions, so it’s important to check your policy details to make sure you’re covered.