Does Pet Insurance Cover C-Section? (2025 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Pet insurance doesn't cover C-sections unless they’re medically necessary to save the mother's life.

Companies like Fetch, MetLife and Prudent Pet cover emergency C-sections in standard plans when performed to treat life-threatening complications.

Assess your breeding intentions, evaluate your pet's breed risk and calculate financial capacity to determine if you need pet insurance that covers C-sections.

How Does Pet Insurance Work for C-Sections?

A cesarean section (C-section) is a medical procedure where veterinarians cut an incision in the mother's abdomen to deliver puppies or kittens. Pet insurance doesn't cover costs related to breeding or pregnancy, including C-sections, as these are considered 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.

What Covers C-Sections?

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.

Who Has C-Section Coverage?

Not all pet insurance companies cover the costs of emergency C-sections. Check the table below to see which insurers provide C-section coverage.


AKC	❌	✅
ASPCA	❌	❌
Embrace	❌	❌
Fetch	✅	❌
Figo	✅	❌
Healthy Paws	❌	❌
Lemonade	❌	❌
Liberty Mutual	❌	❌
MetLife	✅	❌
Nationwide	❌	❌
Pets Best	❌	❌
Prudent Pet	✅	❌
Pumpkin	❌	❌
Rainwalk	❌	✅
Spot	❌	❌
Trupanion	❌	✅
Wagmo	❌	❌

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.

Do You Need C-Section Coverage?

Follow the steps below to determine whether you need pet insurance with C-section coverage.

1
Assess your breeding intentions
Determine whether you plan to breed your pet professionally or casually. Professional breeders should strongly consider breeding add-ons since emergency C-sections cost $500 to $2,000 or more, according to Dogster.
2
Evaluate your pet's breed risk
Check if your pet belongs to a breed with known delivery complications. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs often need C-sections due to large heads and narrow pelvises. Large breeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes also face higher risks during labor.
3
Consider your pet's health and age
Review your pet's current health status and age if you plan to breed. Older first-time mothers and pets with previous health complications face higher delivery risks. Young, healthy pets under 5 years old usually have fewer complications during natural births.
4
Calculate your financial capacity
Decide whether you can afford emergency surgery costs without insurance. If you can comfortably pay C-section expenses out-of-pocket, you may not need coverage. Compare the cost of monthly premiums for pregnancy add-ons against building an emergency fund instead.

Does Pet Insurance Cover C-Sections?: Bottom Line

Pet insurance rarely covers C-sections since most policies exclude breeding and pregnancy expenses unless performed as a life-saving emergency surgery. Some companies like Fetch, MetLife and Prudent Pet include emergency C-section coverage in their standard policies. Determining whether you need pet insurance that covers C-sections involves assessing your breeding plans, your pet’s breed risks and your financial capacity to handle out-of-pocket costs.

Does Any Pet Insurance Cover a C-Section?: FAQ

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

When does pet insurance consider a C-section an "emergency"?

Pet insurance considers a C-section an emergency when it's medically necessary to save the mother's life due to life-threatening complications that arise during delivery. This includes situations where natural delivery becomes dangerous or impossible due to unexpected problems.

Which dog breeds are most likely to need C-sections?

Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs frequently require C-sections due to their large heads and narrow pelvises. Large breeds such as German Shepherds and Great Danes also face higher delivery risks during labor. These breeds' physical characteristics can make natural delivery dangerous or impossible, leading to emergency surgical intervention.

Can I get C-section coverage if my pet is already pregnant?

You can’t get C-section coverage if your pet is already pregnant when you enroll. Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition that won't be covered under new policies. Most insurers require the procedure to occur after waiting periods, which usually range from 14 days to several months.

Why don't most pet insurance companies cover C-sections?

Most insurers exclude C-sections because they consider breeding and pregnancy as routine reproductive care rather than unexpected medical emergencies. Pet insurance typically covers accidents and illnesses, not planned activities like breeding.

How do I know if my current pet insurance covers emergency C-sections?

Review your specific policy documents for exact coverage terms, exclusions and state-specific regulations. You can also ask your insurance provider directly to confirm C-section coverage.

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.

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sources

Dogster. "What Are the Vet Costs for a Pregnant Dog? 2025 Price Update." Accessed September 19, 2025.

Does Pet Insurance Cover C-Section?