Does pet insurance cover BOAS surgery? If your dog has trouble breathing, especially after exercise or in warm weather, it could be due to BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome).
This condition is common in flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, and treatment often requires surgery. But with vet bills adding up quickly, many pet owners ask: will insurance cover it?
If you are a pet owner but your pet is suffering from this, and you’re curious if your policy will pay for your pet surgery, this blog post answers whether pet insurance covers BOAS surgery or not.
What Is BOAS?
BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. It affects dogs with short, flat faces—breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers.
Their compact skull shape often leads to narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and other airway issues that make breathing difficult.
Signs of BOAS include:
- Loud or labored breathing
- Snoring
- Gagging or coughing
- Trouble exercising or playing
- Heat intolerance or collapse
In severe cases, BOAS can seriously affect a dog’s quality of life, and surgery may be recommended to open the airways and help the dog breathe more easily.
Is BOAS Surgery Covered by Pet Insurance?
It depends on your policy and provider. Most pet insurance plans cover BOAS surgery if the condition is not considered pre-existing and if it’s deemed medically necessary. Here’s what you need to know:
- Pre-existing conditions: If your dog showed signs of BOAS or was diagnosed before you enrolled or during the waiting period, the surgery likely won’t be covered.
- Medical necessity: If your vet recommends surgery because your dog’s breathing is severely impaired, and it’s documented properly, many policies will consider it for coverage.
- Breed exclusions: Some providers exclude certain treatments for specific breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs, due to their high risk. Always read the fine print.
What Pet Insurance Usually Covers
Most accident and illness plans will cover:
- Diagnostic tests (like X-rays or scopes)
- Surgery (such as soft palate resection or nostril widening)
- Hospitalization and post-op care
- Medications related to the surgery
However, coverage can vary depending on the provider, the plan you choose, and when the symptoms were first noted.
What Might Not Be Covered
- Routine or cosmetic procedures
- Surgeries for mild cases not deemed medically necessary
- Costs related to pre-existing signs or symptoms
- Breeding-related issues
Some companies may offer optional wellness plans, but these usually don’t cover surgeries; just routine care like vaccines and checkups.
How to Improve Your Chances of Coverage
- Insure Early: Enroll your dog while they’re still a puppy, before any symptoms appear.
- Choose the Right Plan: Look for a provider with no breed-specific exclusions.
- Get a Vet’s Documentation: Make sure your vet clearly states the surgery is medically necessary.
- Study and Understand Waiting Periods: Don’t wait until your dog is already struggling; many policies have 14-day waiting periods or more.
Final Thoughts
BOAS surgery can greatly improve your dog’s comfort, breathing, and overall quality of life; but it’s not cheap.
That’s why having the right pet insurance in place is so important. While coverage isn’t guaranteed, many providers will help with the cost if the condition is diagnosed after your policy starts.
What’s important is to read your plan carefully, act early, and work closely with your vet to get the care your dog needs.
