Does Pet Insurance Cover BOAS Surgery for French Bulldogs? A Complete Guide

by Category: Blogs

Hey there, fellow Frenchie lover!

If you’re a parent to a French Bulldog, you’re familiar with the adorable snorts, goofy grunts, and the world’s best cuddles. But you’re probably also aware of their unique health needs. One of the biggest concerns for Frenchie parents is BOAS, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

It’s a scary-sounding name, and the potential surgery cost can be even scarier. This leaves many of us asking the million-dollar question: Will my pet insurance actually cover BOAS surgery?

The short answer is: it’s very possible, but you have to be smart about it. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

First Off, What Exactly is BOAS?

In simple terms, BOAS is a breathing issue common in flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like French Bulldogs. Their charmingly squished faces mean their airways can be a bit… well, squished too. This can involve narrowed nostrils, a long soft palate, and other issues that make breathing difficult.

Signs of BOAS can include:

  • Loud, noisy breathing or snoring
  • Gagging or coughing, especially when eating or drinking
  • Getting tired very easily during walks or playtime
  • Struggling to breathe in hot or humid weather

If your vet diagnoses your pup with severe BOAS, they might recommend corrective surgery to help them breathe easier and live a happier, healthier life.

The Big Question: Will Insurance Foot the Bill?

This is where things get tricky. Whether your insurance plan covers BOAS surgery hinges almost entirely on one thing: pre-existing conditions.

Here’s the golden rule: Pet insurance is designed for future, unexpected problems, not ones that already exist when you sign up.

For BOAS surgery to be covered, you must have your policy in place BEFORE your Frenchie shows any signs or symptoms of the condition.

  • Scenario 1 (Likely Covered): You get a comprehensive insurance plan for your 10-week-old Frenchie puppy. A year later, your vet notes he’s developing signs of BOAS and recommends surgery. Because the policy was active long before the diagnosis, the surgery is likely eligible for coverage (after your deductible and waiting period).
  • Scenario 2 (Likely NOT Covered): You notice your 2-year-old Frenchie snores loudly and struggles on walks. You decide to get pet insurance. At the first vet visit, the doctor diagnoses BOAS. The insurance company will label this a “pre-existing condition” and will not cover the cost of the surgery.

What About Waiting Periods?

Almost every pet insurance policy has waiting periods. This is a set amount of time after your policy starts before coverage kicks in.

  • Accidents: Usually a few days.
  • Illnesses: Often 14-30 days.
  • Orthopedic issues (like hip dysplasia): Can be 6 months or more.

BOAS falls under the “illness” category. This means you must pass the illness waiting period (e.g., 14 days) before any diagnosis would be eligible for coverage.

How Much Does BOAS Surgery Cost in the USA?

Without insurance, BOAS surgery can be a major expense. The cost varies wildly depending on your location and the specific procedures your dog needs, but you can generally expect a range of $2,000 to $10,000 USD.

This cost typically includes the initial consultation, bloodwork, anesthesia, the surgery itself (which can involve multiple corrections), and post-op care.

Tips for Finding the Right Insurance for Your Frenchie

  1. ENROL EARLY: I can’t stress this enough. The best time to insure your French Bulldog is when they are a young puppy, before any health issues have a chance to appear.
  2. READ THE FINE PRINT: Look for policies that cover congenital and hereditary conditions. BOAS is considered hereditary, so this is a must-have.
  3. COMPARE PLANS: Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Look at annual limits, reimbursement percentages, and deductibles to find what works for your budget.
  4. ASK ABOUT SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS: Some plans might have clauses related to brachycephalic breeds. It’s always best to clarify before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is BOAS always considered a pre-existing condition?

    No. It’s only considered pre-existing if your dog showed signs, symptoms, or was diagnosed before your insurance policy’s start date and waiting periods were over. If your pup was perfectly healthy when you enrolled, it shouldn’t be an issue.

  2. What if my vet recommends “preventative” BOAS surgery for my puppy?

    This is a great question to ask your insurance provider directly. Some companies may cover preventative surgeries if they are deemed “medically necessary” to avoid a future, more severe problem. Coverage for this varies widely between providers.

  3. How can I prove that BOAS wasn’t a pre-existing condition?

    A thorough vet check-up right before you enrol in a plan is your best bet. The vet’s medical records will serve as a baseline of your dog’s health, showing the insurer that no signs of BOAS were present at that time.

  4. My Frenchie was just diagnosed with BOAS and I don’t have insurance. What now?

    While insurance won’t cover this specific surgery, it’s still a great idea to get a policy to cover any other future accidents or illnesses your Frenchie might face. For the surgery, talk to your vet about payment plans or look into financing options like CareCredit.

The Bottom Line

Pet insurance can absolutely be a lifesaver for covering BOAS surgery, but the key is to be proactive. By insuring your French Bulldog as a young, healthy puppy, you give yourself the best possible chance of being covered when you need it most.

Protect your four-legged family member (and your wallet!) by doing your research and finding a great plan today.

Leave a Reply