Cherry eye is a hereditary condition where your dog's third eyelid gland prolapses and becomes visible as a red, cherry-like mass in the corner of the eye. Pet insurance covers cherry eye treatment when the condition develops after your policy's waiting period ends, reimbursing you for surgical correction costs based on your chosen reimbursement rate after you meet your deductible.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye?
Updated: September 17, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance covers cherry eye surgery through accident and illness plans when the condition develops after your policy's waiting period ends.
Most major pet insurers like ASPCA, Lemonade and Trupanion include cherry eye coverage in their standard plans without requiring additional hereditary condition riders.
To determine if you need pet insurance that covers cherry eye, evaluate your pet’s age and breed, as well as your financial situation.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for Cherry Eye?
What Covers Cherry Eye?
Accident and illness plans cover treatments for cherry eye, but they won't cover the condition if it's diagnosed before enrollment or during waiting periods, as it’ll be considered pre-existing. Also, some policies have bilateral condition clauses, meaning if the cherry eye affects one eye before coverage starts, the insurer may exclude treatment for both eyes even if the second eye develops the condition later. Check your policy documents for specific terms regarding hereditary conditions and bilateral exclusions before purchasing coverage.
Who Has Cherry Eye Coverage?
Most pet insurance companies cover cherry eye through their standard accident and illness plans when it's not a pre-existing condition. However, some insurers may require you to purchase an additional rider for hereditary condition coverage as detailed in the table below.
AKC | ✓ | |
ASPCA | ✓ | |
Embrace | ✓ | |
Fetch | ✓ | |
Figo | ✓ | |
Healthy Paws | ✓ | |
Lemonade | ✓ | |
Liberty Mutual | ✓ | |
MetLife | ✓ | |
Nationwide | ✓ | |
Pets Best | ✓ | |
Prudent Pet | ✓ | |
Pumpkin | ✓ | |
Rainwalk | ✓ | |
Spot | ✓ | |
Trupanion | ✓ | |
Wagmo | ✓ | |
Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents and consult with your insurance provider to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions, and limitations.
Do You Need Cherry Eye Coverage?
Based on a 2024 study by CareCredit, cherry eye surgery costs an average of $505, but this can vary depending on your pet’s specific profile and surgery needs. Several factors determine whether you should prioritize cherry eye coverage when choosing a pet insurance policy.
- 1
Your pet’s breed
Certain dog breeds face higher cherry eye risks due to genetic predisposition. These include Beagles, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus. If your pet is a high-risk breed, cherry eye coverage becomes more valuable since your dog has increased chances of needing treatment.
- 2
Your pet’s age
Cherry eye typically develops in young dogs under 2 years old, though it can occur at any age. Puppies and young adult dogs face the highest risk, making early insurance enrollment crucial. Enrolling before symptoms appear prevents cherry eye from being classified as a pre-existing condition and protects it against bilateral exclusions.
- 3
Your financial situation
Cherry eye surgery can cost hundreds of dollars, a significant expense for many pet owners. While pet insurance requires you to pay the veterinary bill upfront, it can reimburse 60% to 90% of eligible costs based on your policy’s specific terms after you file a claim.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery?: Bottom Line
Pet insurance reimburses the cost of treatment for cherry eye if the condition develops after enrollment and your policy's waiting period. Companies including ASPCA, Lemonade and Trupanion include cherry eye treatment in their standard plans without requiring extra add-on coverages. When selecting a policy, evaluate your pet's age, breed risk factors and your financial situation to choose coverage that matches your pet's specific needs.
Is Cherry Eye Covered by Pet Insurance?: FAQ
To help you make informed decisions, we’ve addressed some frequently asked questions about pet insurance that covers cherry eye:
Does pet insurance cover cherry eye surgery?
Pet insurance covers cherry eye surgery through accident and illness plans when the condition isn’t pre-existing. Most major providers like ASPCA, Embrace, Fetch, Lemonade and Trupanion include cherry eye coverage in their standard plans without requiring you to purchase an additional rider for hereditary conditions.
How long do I have to wait before cherry eye coverage starts?
Most pet insurance companies have waiting periods between 14 and 30 days for illness coverage, which includes cherry eye treatment. During this waiting period, any symptoms or diagnosis of cherry eye would be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage. Contact your specific insurer to confirm exact waiting periods, as they can vary by company and state regulations.
What percentage of cherry eye surgery costs will my pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance usually reimburses 60% to 90% of eligible costs after you meet your deductible. How much you’ll receive depends on your chosen reimbursement rate, deductible and annual limit.
Which dog breeds are most likely to develop cherry eye?
Dog breeds with the highest cherry eye risk include Beagles, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus due to genetic predisposition. These breeds' facial structure and genetics make them significantly more susceptible to third eyelid gland prolapse.
Will pet insurance cover cherry eye if it affects both of my dog's eyes?
Coverage for cherry eye in both eyes depends on when each eye develops the condition and your policy's bilateral exclusion clauses. If cherry eye affects one eye before your coverage starts, some insurers may exclude treatment for both eyes even if the second eye develops the condition later. However, if both eyes develop cherry eye after your waiting period ends, most standard accident and illness plans will cover treatment for both eyes, subject to your policy’s terms.
At what age should I get pet insurance to cover potential cherry eye?
Enroll in pet insurance as early as possible, ideally when your dog is a puppy, around 8 to 12 weeks old, since cherry eye typically develops in dogs under 2 years old. Early enrollment ensures cherry eye won't be classified as a pre-existing condition and protects against bilateral exclusions if one eye develops the condition before the other.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- CareCredit. "Cherry Eye Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide." Accessed September 17, 2025.