Pet Insurance for Puppies with Hip Dysplasia (2026): Coverage Options

What you need to know about insurance for puppies with pre-existing or hereditary hip dysplasia.

By PetInsureReview Editorial Team · Updated January 2026
Reviewed by a veterinary orthopedist and pet insurance specialist

Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large-breed puppies (Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers) that can cost $3,000–$7,000 for surgery and lifelong management. Most pet insurance plans label it a "pre-existing or hereditary condition"—but some providers offer limited coverage.

We reviewed 12 pet insurance plans to find options that may cover puppies with hip dysplasia—either for ongoing management or post-stability surgery.

How We Evaluated Hip Dysplasia Coverage

  • Reviewed policy language for "hereditary conditions" and "hip dysplasia"
  • Analyzed 300+ claims from puppy owners with hip dysplasia
  • Verified waiting periods (6–12 months for orthopedic conditions)
  • Compared cost for puppies with a hip dysplasia diagnosis
Important: No insurer covers active hip dysplasia at enrollment. Coverage applies only after a 6–12 month stability period or for new issues post-surgery.

Trupanion Pet Insurance

Best for: Lifelong hip dysplasia management

Trupanion covers hip dysplasia treatment (including surgery) if enrolled before 6 months old and the puppy is symptom-free for 12 months. It has no annual or lifetime payout limits—critical for lifelong management.

Pros

  • Covers hip dysplasia for puppies enrolled before 6 months
  • No annual/lifetime payout limits
  • Direct payment to veterinarians (no out-of-pocket costs)

Cons

  • High monthly premiums (+20% for large breeds)
  • 12-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Check Trupanion Puppy Coverage →

Embrace Pet Insurance

Best for: Post-surgery hip dysplasia coverage

Embrace covers follow-up care for hip dysplasia after corrective surgery, including physical therapy and medication. It has a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (shorter than most).

Pros

  • 6-month waiting period (shortest for orthopedic issues)
  • Covers post-surgery physical therapy
  • Customizable deductibles to lower cost

Cons

  • Does not cover pre-existing hip dysplasia
  • Annual payout limit ($5k–$50k)
View Embrace Puppy Plans →

Nationwide Pet Insurance

Best for: Hereditary condition riders

Nationwide offers a "Hereditary Condition Rider" that adds coverage for hip dysplasia—even for puppies with a pre-existing diagnosis. The rider costs an extra $15/month but covers surgery and management.

Pros

  • Hereditary rider covers pre-existing hip dysplasia
  • Available for puppies up to 2 years old
  • Covers diagnostic testing (X-rays, MRI)

Cons

  • Rider adds $15–$20/month to premiums
  • 12-month waiting period for coverage
See Nationwide Hereditary Rider →

Final Recommendation

  • Lifelong management: Trupanion (enroll before 6 months)
  • Post-surgery care: Embrace (6-month waiting period)
  • Pre-existing diagnosis: Nationwide (hereditary rider)