Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery? (2025 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Pet insurance covers BOAS surgery when the condition develops after your policy starts and isn'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 hereditary condition that affects flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and Persian cats, causing breathing difficulties that often require surgical correction to widen airways and improve oxygen flow.

Pet insurance covers BOAS surgery when it's medically necessary and not related to a pre-existing condition, meaning your pet wasn't showing symptoms before enrollment or during the waiting period. Most policies reimburse 60% to 90% of eligible costs after you meet your deductible, though you'll pay the vet upfront and file a claim for reimbursement first.

What Covers BOAS Surgery?

Accident and illness plans cover BOAS surgery since it's a medical condition requiring treatment. However, pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage, so signs like snoring, wheezing or exercise intolerance before enrollment mean you'll pay out of pocket. Most policies include a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, meaning coverage doesn't kick in immediately after you sign up.

Who Has BOAS Surgery Coverage?

Most pet insurers cover BOAS surgery in their standard accident and illness plans when the condition isn't pre-existing, but 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 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 BOAS Surgery Coverage?

Most pet insurers cover BOAS surgery when symptoms develop after your policy starts, but deciding whether you need this coverage depends on several factors, including your pet's breed and your financial situation.

1
Your pet’s breed
Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers and Persian cats face higher BOAS risks due to their shortened airways. If you have one of these breeds, coverage becomes more valuable since surgery costs range from $800 to $5,000 based on the severity of the condition, the number of procedures required and the region where the surgery is performed, according to Sustainable Vet. Even mixed-breed pets with brachycephalic features can develop breathing problems requiring surgical correction.
2
Your pet’s age
Younger pets without symptoms can still develop BOAS as they mature, making early enrollment crucial before 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 instead of covering the full bill yourself.

Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery?: Bottom Line

Most pet insurance plans cover BOAS surgery when symptoms develop after enrollment, reimbursing 60% to 90% of costs that can reach $5,000. Insurers like Embrace, Prudent Pet and Spot include BOAS surgery coverage in standard plans without requiring add-ons, making the procedure financially manageable if your flat-faced pet needs treatment. Whether coverage makes sense for your situation depends on important factors like your pet’s breed and age.

Is BOAS Surgery Covered by Pet Insurance?: FAQ

We’ve compiled frequently asked questions about pet insurance that covers BOAS surgery:

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.

What breeds are most likely to need BOAS surgery?

Bulldogs (English and French), Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers and Persian cats face the highest BOAS surgery risk due to 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?

Enroll your brachycephalic puppy as soon as possible, ideally within the first few weeks of bringing them home. Most policies include a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, so early enrollment ensures coverage kicks in before any symptoms develop. BOAS can show signs at any age, even in young puppies.

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!

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

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

Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery?