Does pet insurance cover BOAS Surgery? Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a common but serious health condition affecting flat-faced (brachycephalic) dog breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus.

These breeds have short noses and compressed airways, which often lead to breathing difficulties, snoring, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, life-threatening respiratory distress.

BOAS is a structural issue caused by selective breeding and often requires surgical intervention to improve the animal’s quality of life.

Furthermore, the BOAS surgery, which may involve widening the nostrils, shortening the soft palate, or removing excess tissue, is becoming increasingly recommended by veterinarians for severely affected dogs.

It’s not always easy getting a straightforward answer to the question: “Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery?”. Also, the coverage often depends on the insurance provider, the specific policy, whether the condition is classified as hereditary or congenital, and whether it is considered a pre-existing condition.

What Is BOAS and Why Is Surgery Sometimes Necessary?

BOAS is a condition caused by anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway that restrict airflow in certain breeds. These abnormalities can include narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, and hypoplastic trachea.

While the severity of symptoms can vary, dogs with BOAS often struggle to breathe, especially during hot weather, exercise, or stressful situations.

Furthermore, vets typically recommend surgery for moderate to severe cases, especially if the dog experiences difficulty breathing, fainting, or frequent respiratory infections.

Luckily, the BOAS surgery helps open up the airways and relieve pressure on the respiratory system, significantly improving the dog’s ability to breathe and overall quality of life.

However, these surgeries can be expensive, and the costs ranges from $1,000 to $3,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the veterinarian’s location.

This is where pet insurance can make a big difference, if the condition is covered.

Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery?

Whether pet insurance covers BOAS surgery depends on several factors. While some pet insurance companies include coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, others exclude these by default. Some even require optional policy upgrades.

Factors Affecting The Rate On Coverage

Here are some of the factor that influences the coverage you get:

• Policy Type: When you have an accident-only plan, it unfortunately doesn’t cover BOAS surgery. However, comprehensive illness and accident plans may offer coverage.
• Hereditary/Congenital Clause: Insurers that cover hereditary and congenital conditions often include BOAS surgery. However, they only do so if it is not a pre-existing condition.
• Age Restrictions: Some providers limit hereditary condition coverage based on the pet’s age at enrollment.
• Waiting Period and Pre-existing Conditions: If your pet has shown symptoms or has been diagnosed with BOAS before the policy starts or during a waiting period, the surgery will likely be excluded.
• Medical Necessity: Most insurers only cover the surgery if a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary. Cosmetic or elective surgeries are generally not covered.

Insurance Providers That Offer Coverage For The BOAS Surgery

Here are some of the insurers that may cover BOAS surgery:

• Trupanion: This provider covers hereditary and congenital conditions, including BOAS surgery, provided the symptoms didn’t appear before enrollment.
• Nationwide Pet Insurance: The coverage they offer actually depends on the plan. What’s more, the Whole Pet with Wellness plan may include BOAS-related procedures.
• Embrace Pet Insurance: Embrace is another insurance provider that offers coverage for hereditary conditions and may cover BOAS surgery if medically necessary.
• Healthy Paws: Covers hereditary and congenital conditions, including respiratory issues, under illness plans with no per-condition caps.

Additionally, it is wise to carefully check the fine print or speak with a representative before assuming a policy includes BOAS surgery.

How to Maximize Insurance Coverage for BOAS

To increase the likelihood of receiving reimbursement for BOAS surgery, pet owners must be proactive and well-informed when choosing insurance and managing their pet’s care.

Here are some helpful tips to follow on how to improve your coverage success:

• Sign up for pet insurance while your dog is still young and asymptomatic. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage.
•  Opt for accident + illness plans that explicitly mention coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions.
• Ensure your vet provides detailed notes indicating the surgery is medically necessary.
• Read the policy’s exclusions carefully and look out for breed-specific exclusions or limitations on hereditary disorders.
• Maintain thorough medical records, including vet visits, symptoms, and diagnostic tests, in case you need to file a claim.

BOAS surgery can be life-saving and life-enhancing for flat-faced dog breeds, but it’s often costly.

As a responsible pet owner, doing your homework and selecting the right insurance policy early on is essential to ensure your beloved pet can breathe easily without breaking your bank.