Does pet insurance cover BOAS surgery? Anyone know?

I just found out about BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and I’m concerned about my dog’s health. I’ve heard it’s common in breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus. If my dog ends up needing surgery for it, do you know if pet insurance will cover the cost? Also, are there any specific conditions that would affect coverage?

Yes, most pet insurance plans will cover BOAS surgery as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition. The surgery can be expensive though, like $2000-$2500, depending on what all needs to be fixed.

Franz said:
Yes, most pet insurance plans will cover BOAS surgery as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition. The surgery can be expensive though, like $2000-$2500, depending on what all needs to be fixed.

Oh wow, that’s good to know! Does that cover things like follow-up vet visits and special diets too?

@Remy
Yep! Some plans, like Spot Pet Insurance, can cover up to 90% of the surgery costs plus follow-up visits and prescriptions. Definitely something to check into!

I’ve been dealing with this with my French Bulldog. The surgery really helped her out. But yeah, insurance only helps if it’s not something your dog had before you got coverage.

Shan said:
I’ve been dealing with this with my French Bulldog. The surgery really helped her out. But yeah, insurance only helps if it’s not something your dog had before you got coverage.

Ohh, that’s good to hear! I wasn’t sure if insurance would cover it. Does the surgery involve a lot of recovery time?

@Ciel
It took a little while, but she bounced back quickly. Just make sure you’re prepared for some quiet time and limited activity during recovery. It can take a few weeks.

My vet said that the cost of the surgery can depend a lot on what exactly is wrong with your dog. Like if the soft palate and nostrils need correcting, it could cost more.

Wade said:
My vet said that the cost of the surgery can depend a lot on what exactly is wrong with your dog. Like if the soft palate and nostrils need correcting, it could cost more.

That makes sense! I guess the more procedures needed, the higher the cost. But it’s good to know insurance might cover it.

Does anyone know if BOAS can be prevented, or is it just something that comes with the breed? I’ve got a Boxer, and I’m worried.

Hollis said:
Does anyone know if BOAS can be prevented, or is it just something that comes with the breed? I’ve got a Boxer, and I’m worried.

Unfortunately, you can’t prevent BOAS since it’s genetic. But you can manage it by keeping an eye on your dog’s weight and avoiding hot weather, especially in summer.

@Emerson
Ahh, okay, I see. I’ll definitely be more mindful about the heat and exercise with him. Thanks for the info!

I heard that some insurance plans don’t cover BOAS if it’s considered a pre-existing condition. Has anyone run into that problem?

Ray said:
I heard that some insurance plans don’t cover BOAS if it’s considered a pre-existing condition. Has anyone run into that problem?

Yeah, that’s a bummer if you already have a dog with BOAS. You gotta make sure the condition developed after you got the insurance. Otherwise, you might be out of luck.