Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery? (2025 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Pet insurance coverage includes BOAS surgery for conditions that develop after your policy starts and aren't pre-existing, with most plans reimbursing 60% to 90% of eligible costs.

Most insurers, including Embrace, Prudent Pet and Spot, include BOAS surgery coverage in their standard plans without requiring additional add-ons.

Consider your pet's breed and age, along with your financial situation, before determining whether you need pet insurance that covers BOAS surgery.

How Does Pet Insurance Work for BOAS Surgery?

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a breathing problem common in flat-faced pets like Bulldogs, Pugs and Persian cats. These breeds often struggle to breathe comfortably and surgery may be needed to open their airways and help them breathe more easily.

Pet insurance helps cover BOAS surgery if it’s medically necessary and your pet didn’t show symptoms before you enrolled or during the waiting period. After you pay the vet and file a claim, your insurer usually reimburses about 60% to 90% of the covered costs once your deductible is met.

What Covers BOAS Surgery?

Accident and illness plans often include BOAS surgery since it’s a medical issue that needs treatment. However, if your pet was already showing signs like snoring, wheezing or getting tired easily before you enrolled, the condition won’t be covered. Most policies also have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, so coverage starts a little while after you sign up.

Who Has BOAS Surgery Coverage?

Most insurers offer surgery pet insurance for BOAS, providing coverage as long as the condition isn't pre-existing. However, some may require you to purchase an optional coverage for hereditary conditions.


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

Coverage differs by state and by plan. Check your policy documents or talk to your insurer to understand what’s included and what isn’t.

Compare the top pet insurance companies to determine the best option for your pet:

ASPCA vs. Figo Pet Insurance

ASPCA vs. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

ASPCA vs. Met Life Pet Insurance

ASPCA vs. Pumpkin Pet Insurance

Embrace vs. ASPCA Pet Insurance

Embrace vs. Fetch Pet Insurance

Do You Need BOAS Surgery Coverage?

Coverage for BOAS surgery usually applies when symptoms appear after your policy begins. Deciding if adding surgery coverage to your pet insurance is worth it depends on your pet’s breed and how much you’re comfortable spending on vet care.

1
Your Pet’s Breed
Flat-faced breeds are more prone to BOAS because of their shorter airways. These include:
- Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Boxers
- Persian cats
If you have one of these pets, coverage can be especially helpful since surgery costs can range from $800 to $5,000 depending on how severe the condition is, how many procedures are needed and where you live, according to Sustainable Vet. Even mixed-breed pets with flat faces can develop breathing problems that may require surgery.
2
Your Pet’s Age
Younger pets without symptoms can still develop BOAS as they grow, so it’s best to get pet insurance early before any signs appear. Most policies won't cover conditions that existed before coverage started, so waiting until your pet shows breathing difficulties means you'll pay out of pocket.
3
Your Financial Situation
BOAS surgery costs hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the procedures needed and your location. With pet insurance that covers BOAS surgery, you'll pay your vet upfront and file a claim to receive reimbursement for 60% to 90% of eligible costs.

Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery?: Bottom Line

Most pet insurance plans help cover BOAS surgery if your pet starts showing symptoms after enrollment. The procedure can cost up to $5,000, but insurers like Embrace, Prudent Pet and Spot include it in their standard plans without extra add-ons, making it easier to manage the expense.

Deciding if getting the best pet insurance with BOAS surgery coverage is right for you depends on your pet’s breed, age, and overall health.

Is BOAS Surgery Covered by Pet Insurance?: FAQ

Many pet owners wonder how insurance works for BOAS surgery. Here are clear answers to the most common questions:

Will pet insurance cover BOAS surgery if my pet already snores?

If your pet shows symptoms like snoring, wheezing or exercise intolerance before enrollment, most insurers will consider BOAS pre-existing and won't cover surgery. The condition doesn't need a formal diagnosis, as visible symptoms alone can trigger the exclusion.

You can still purchase pet insurance for other future conditions, but you'll pay for BOAS treatment out of pocket. Before buying a policy, compare multiple quotes and understand the fine print to find the cheapest pet insurance with quality coverage.

What breeds are most likely to need BOAS surgery?

Bulldogs (English and French), Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers and Persian cats are at the highest risk for BOAS surgery because of their shortened airways. These flat-faced breeds are genetically prone to breathing difficulties that often require surgical correction. Even mixed-breed pets with brachycephalic features can develop BOAS and need treatment.

When should I enroll my brachycephalic puppy in pet insurance?

It’s best to enroll your flat-faced puppy as early as possible, ideally within the first few weeks of bringing them home. Since most policies have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, starting early helps make sure coverage is in place before any breathing issues appear.

BOAS can develop at any age, even in young puppies, so early protection really matters.

What if my pet needs multiple BOAS procedures?

Pet insurance covers multiple BOAS procedures performed during the same surgery as part of one treatment plan. If your pet needs nostril widening and soft palate shortening together, both procedures count toward your annual limit as one claim. However, if additional procedures are needed later due to incomplete initial correction, these require separate claims and count separately toward your annual limit.

Are follow-up visits after BOAS surgery covered?

Follow-up visits, medications and post-surgical care for BOAS are covered as part of the same condition if the surgery was approved. This includes post-operative check-ups, pain medications, antibiotics and any necessary monitoring. Your reimbursement rate (60% to 90%) applies to these follow-up costs just like the surgery itself.

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!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

sources

Sustainable Vet. "Cost and Risks of BOAS Surgery in Bulldogs and Pugs." Accessed October 3, 2025.