If you’re a proud pet parent to a French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, or any of those adorable “smush-faced” breeds, you know the love is immense—and so are the potential vet bills. These breeds, known as brachycephalic dogs, are unfortunately prone to certain health issues, especially respiratory conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), eye problems, and skin issues.
That’s why pet insurance is a must-have. But here’s the tricky part: waiting periods. If your dog gets sick during this initial period, the insurance won’t cover it. For a breed with higher-than-average risk, finding pet insurance with the shortest waiting period is a top priority. Let’s dive into what you need to know to get your furry friend covered quickly in the United States.
What Exactly Are Waiting Periods?
A waiting period is the set amount of time you must wait after buying your policy before your coverage kicks in. Insurance companies use these periods to prevent people from signing up just for a costly, pre-existing condition—meaning an illness or injury that was present before or during the waiting period.
Waiting periods are generally broken down into three categories:
| Coverage Type | Typical US Waiting Period Range |
| Accidents (e.g., broken bones, poisoning) | 1 to 14 days |
| Illnesses (e.g., ear infections, cancer) | 14 to 30 days |
| Orthopedic/Specific Conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues) | 14 days to 6 or 12 months |
Crucial Brachycephalic Note: Because conditions like BOAS surgery, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease are common in these breeds, some insurers may place them under the “Orthopedic/Specific Conditions” bracket, which can mean a longer wait. You must check the policy language carefully!
Companies Known for Short Waiting Periods
While a 14-day illness waiting period is standard across the industry, a few companies stand out for offering some of the shortest wait times, particularly for accidents, which can be a common and immediate concern.
Based on insights from industry analysis, several pet insurance providers in the US offer very short (or even zero) waiting periods for accident coverage:
- Lemonade, Embrace, and MetLife Pet Insurance: Some of the shortest accident waiting periods, often as low as 0 to 2 days.
- Figo: Offers a speedy accident waiting period of just 1 day in most states.
- Pumpkin: Is notable for offering one of the shortest overall waiting periods for both accidents and illnesses at 14 days for all covered conditions, including those often put under a longer “orthopedic” wait.
When you’re shopping, keep in mind that accident coverage is often the easiest to activate quickly. Since brachycephalic dogs can be prone to heatstroke or sudden injuries, getting this coverage ASAP offers immediate peace of mind.
Strategies to Minimize Your Wait
You can’t eliminate the waiting period entirely for illness coverage, but you can take steps to ensure you’re covered as soon as possible, especially for your brachycephalic dogs:
1. Enroll Early
The single best thing you can do is enroll your puppy as soon as they meet the minimum age requirement (usually 6-8 weeks). A condition is only pre-existing if it has been diagnosed or shown symptoms before your coverage starts or during the waiting period. Get covered while your pup is healthy!
2. Get a Recent Vet Exam
Some carriers may waive or shorten the waiting period for certain conditions if you provide a recent, clean bill of health from a comprehensive veterinary exam shortly before or after enrolling. In the words of a recent study by Petco Love, early and consistent veterinary care is a major factor in a pet’s long-term health. Ask your potential insurer if a “waiver exam” is an option.
3. Know the Cruciate Ligament Rules
Cruciate ligament injuries are unfortunately common in many dog breeds, including brachycephalic ones, and often carry an extended waiting period (6 months is typical). However, a few providers, like Spot Pet Insurance, have significantly reduced this period to the standard 14 days. If this is a concern for your breed, check that specific waiting period.
The Bottom Line
While no policy will cover a pre-existing condition, choosing a plan with the shortest waiting period for brachycephalic dogs is the smart move. Focus on companies with ultra-short accident periods (0-3 days) and a standard, short illness period (14 days).
Don’t wait until your smush-faced companion is wheezing or has an eye injury. Take action today to ensure your adorable, flat-faced friend has the protection they need as quickly as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is BOAS surgery considered a pre-existing condition?
Yes, if your dog showed any symptoms of BOAS (like snoring, loud breathing, or gagging) before your policy started or during the waiting period, the surgery will be considered pre-existing and won’t be covered.
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Which company has a zero-day waiting period for accidents?
Some providers, including Embrace and MetLife Pet Insurance, may offer a 0-day waiting period for accidents in certain states or policies. Always check your specific policy details.
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Can I switch pet insurance to avoid a waiting period?
No, switching providers will almost always reset the waiting periods for your new policy. Furthermore, any conditions covered under your old policy may be deemed pre-existing by the new company.
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Are hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia covered for brachycephalic dogs?
Yes, most comprehensive policies cover hereditary or congenital conditions, like hip dysplasia or luxating patella, as long as the condition did not present symptoms before or during the waiting period.
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How long is the standard illness waiting period in the US?
The standard illness waiting period for most US pet insurance companies is 14 days.