Does Trupanion cover breeding costs?

Trupanion is the first pet insurance provider to create specific coverage for certain health conditions associated with breeding dogs and cats.

Cats and dogs that are intentionally bred to produce (usually) new purebred cats and dogs, or that are crossbred to produce entirely new breeds can be covered for illnesses and injuries related to breeding, whelping, and queening if you add our Breeding Rider to your policy.

Note: If your pet is pregnant at the time of enrollment, the current pregnancy will be considered pre-existing, and related claims will therefore be ineligible for coverage.

What are the common health concerns associated with breeding pets?

Female dogs and cats that are not spayed are at higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Female breeding pets can also develop pregnancy complications due to above-normal pregnancy frequency. Some breeds, such as Bulldogs, must have cesarean section births because of increased risks due to their physiology.

Intact females have an increased desire to roam, which, if they are let outdoors, increases their risk of sustaining injuries in fights or auto accidents, or unwanted aggressive behavior from other animals.

Are C-sections covered?

If your pet is having a planned cesarean or “C-section” because of medical risk factors (like dystocia), the procedure and related treatments are eligible for coverage.

If, however, you plan a C-section due to concerns that the pet may whelp outside of normal business hours (not planned specifically due to medical risk factors), that would be considered preventative or elective in nature and may not be eligible for coverage. All unplanned C-sections or C-sections resulting from medical risks are eligible for coverage after the policy effective date.

Breeding coverage exclusions

If your pet underwent a C-section before being enrolled in a Trupanion policy, any future C-sections will not be covered. Exceptions for C-section and dystocia coverage include English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekinese, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, or any combination thereof. Unfortunately, we cannot cover complications related to breeding / birthing for these breeds at this time.

Trupanion breeder coverage in real life

Avery, a one-year-old Sphynx cat from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec (Canada) was insured with Trupanion as a breeding cat. When Avery became pregnant, she suffered from a difficult labor, called dystocia. Avery was admitted to an emergency animal hospital where she received x-rays, ultrasounds, and labor-inducing medication, among other treatments. Because of Trupanion’s breeder coverage, Avery’s owner was able to save on 90% of the treatment costs and focus on getting Avery well again.

What isn’t covered

The following conditions are not covered under our core policy or our breeding pets category. These are planned, expected expenses that can be included in a budget.

Planned caesarean births (unless medically necessary)
Routine prenatal examinations
Pre-breeding tests
Fertility treatment
Artificial insemination

How to enroll

You can add the breeding rider to your policy at any time. Please note that once the breeding rider is removed from your policy, it cannot be re-added. Enrollment is fast and easy. Simply contact our customer care team! We're here to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In the meantime, check out our Breeder Support Program.

Best friends deserve the best care

From lovable mutts to specific breeds, we help all kinds of dogs and cats get the veterinary treatment they need. We’re here for your pet for life.

Get my quote

Here for you, so you can be there for them

When your pet needs unexpected veterinary care, worrying about finances shouldn’t get in the way. Trupanion has your back, so you can focus on what matters most.

Get my quote