Does Pet Insurance Cover C-Section?

A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure where veterinarians make an incision in the mother’s abdomen to safely deliver puppies or kittens. Pet insurance coverage usually doesn’t include costs related to breeding or pregnancy care, including C-sections, since these are considered part of routine reproductive care rather than unexpected medical emergencies.

That said, coverage may apply when a C-section becomes medically necessary to save the mother's life due to life-threatening complications that arise during an otherwise normal delivery.

Accident and illness coverage is the only type of pet insurance that may cover C-sections. The procedure must qualify as an unexpected medical emergency and occur after the waiting periods.

A few insurers also offer breeding or pregnancy riders that can cover emergency C-sections and other pregnancy-related expenses for an additional premium.

Emergency C-sections can be expensive, and not every pet insurance company covers them. Take a look at the table below to see which providers offer this coverage.

Your actual coverage might be different depending on your state and policy. Always review your specific policy documents for exact coverage terms, exclusions and state-specific regulations before purchasing.

Pet insurance usually doesn’t cover C-sections, since breeding and pregnancy expenses are often excluded unless it’s an emergency to save the mother’s life. A few providers, like Fetch, MetLife, and Prudent Pet, include emergency C-sections in their standard coverage. 

If you’re considering this kind of protection, think about your pet’s breed, your breeding plans, and whether you could handle the cost yourself if an emergency happened.

We’ve addressed some frequently asked questions about pet insurance that covers C-sections to help you make an informed decision: