Hip Dysplasia Insurance: The 12-Month Waiting Game
Hip Dysplasia surgery costs $7,000 per hip. We reveal which insurance companies cover it and the strict waiting periods you must know.
Dr. Sarah Chen
Veterinary Advisor
Hip Dysplasia is the boogeyman for owners of large breeds like German Shepherds, Labs, and Golden Retrievers.
It is a genetic malformation of the hip socket. It causes arthritis, pain, and eventually crippling lameness.
💸 The $14,000 Bill
The gold standard treatment is Total Hip Replacement (THR).
- Cost: $6,500 - $8,000 per hip.
- Total: Up to $16,000 including rehab.
⏳ The “Waiting Period” Trap
Insurers know this is expensive, so they protect themselves with Waiting Periods. This is the time you must wait after buying the policy before hip coverage kicks in.
| Company | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Trupanion | 30 Days (Best) |
| Pets Best | 14 Days (Accident/Illness) |
| Embrace | 6 Months (Waiver available) |
| Healthy Paws | 12 Months (Worst) |
⚠️ The Bilateral Exclusion
This is critical. If your dog shows signs in the left hip during the waiting period, the insurer will exclude the right hip too. They consider it a “bilateral condition.”
Advice: Insure your puppy the day you bring them home (8 weeks old). Do not wait for a limp.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting period for hip dysplasia?
It varies wildly. Trupanion is 30 days. Embrace is 6 months. Healthy Paws is 12 months. Always check the fine print.
Does insurance cover bilateral hip dysplasia?
Only if the first hip had NO symptoms before coverage started. If your dog limped on the left leg before insurance, the right leg is often excluded too.