Does Pet Insurance Cover Hip Dysplasia? (Breeds, Costs, Waiting Periods)

Yes, Pet Insurance Covers Hip Dysplasia (If It Is Not Pre-Existing)

The good news for dog owners is that most Australian pet insurance policies do cover hip dysplasia, provided the condition was not pre-existing when you took out the policy. Hip dysplasia is classified as an illness, so it falls under the illness component of accident + illness and comprehensive plans.

However, there are important conditions around coverage including waiting periods, breed considerations, and the definition of pre-existing. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip does not develop properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the joint grinds and rubs, leading to deterioration over time. It causes pain, lameness, and arthritis, and can significantly reduce your dog’s quality of life.

While hip dysplasia is genetic, environmental factors such as rapid growth, excess weight, and high-impact exercise during development can accelerate its onset. This is why it is important to manage your puppy’s growth carefully, especially in predisposed breeds.

Dog Breeds Most Affected by Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is most common in medium to large breed dogs. The breeds at highest risk include:

• German Shepherd: One of the most commonly affected breeds, with some studies showing up to 20% incidence
• Labrador Retriever: Australia’s most popular breed and highly prone to hip dysplasia
• Golden Retriever: Similar predisposition to Labradors, with moderate to high incidence
• Rottweiler: Large frame puts significant stress on hip joints
• Great Dane: Rapid growth rate contributes to joint development issues
• Bulldog (English): Structural conformation increases risk
• Saint Bernard: Heavy body weight exacerbates joint stress
• Australian Shepherd: Moderate risk, especially in larger individuals
• Bernese Mountain Dog: High incidence with early onset common

While these breeds are at highest risk, hip dysplasia can occur in any dog breed, including mixed breeds. Smaller dogs are less commonly affected but not immune.

How Much Does Hip Dysplasia Treatment Cost?

Treatment costs vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach:

Conservative Management

• Ongoing medications (anti-inflammatories, pain relief): $500 – $1,500 per year
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: $50 – $100 per session, often weekly
• Joint supplements: $30 – $60 per month
• Weight management program: $200 – $500 per year

Surgical Options

• Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): $1,500 – $3,000 per hip
• Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): $3,000 – $5,000 per hip
• Total Hip Replacement (THR): $5,000 – $7,000 per hip
• Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): $1,500 – $2,500 (early intervention in puppies)

Total hip replacement is the gold standard treatment for severe hip dysplasia and can cost $10,000 to $14,000 if both hips require surgery. This is why adequate insurance coverage is critical for breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Waiting Periods for Hip Dysplasia

Most Australian pet insurers have specific waiting periods that apply to hip dysplasia:

• Standard illness waiting period: 30 days applies to the initial diagnosis
• Some providers apply a 6-month orthopaedic waiting period: Similar to the cruciate ligament waiting period, some insurers impose a longer wait specifically for conditions like hip dysplasia

It is essential to check your specific policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to confirm whether hip dysplasia falls under the standard illness waiting period or a longer specified condition waiting period.

What to Look for in a Policy

If you own or are considering a breed predisposed to hip dysplasia, look for these features in your pet insurance policy:

1. Hereditary and congenital condition coverage: Ensure the policy explicitly covers hereditary conditions, as hip dysplasia is genetic.
2. No breed-specific exclusions: Some policies exclude certain conditions for specific breeds. Avoid these if you have a predisposed breed.
3. High annual limit: Total hip replacement can cost $5,000-$7,000 per hip. Look for at least $15,000 annual cover.
4. Ongoing treatment coverage: Hip dysplasia often requires ongoing management with medications and physiotherapy. Ensure these are covered.
5. Shortest possible orthopaedic waiting period: If you can find a provider with a shorter waiting period for orthopaedic conditions, it is advantageous.

When to Get Insurance for Hip Dysplasia Coverage

The single most important step is to insure your dog as a puppy, before any signs of hip dysplasia develop. Signs often first appear between 6 and 12 months of age in rapidly growing breeds. If you wait until symptoms appear, the condition will be classified as pre-existing and will not be covered.

For breeds known to be at high risk, we recommend taking out a comprehensive or accident + illness policy within the first 8 to 12 weeks of bringing your puppy home. This ensures the waiting period passes well before hip dysplasia is likely to present.

Can Hip Dysplasia Be Classified as Pre-Existing?

Yes. If your dog showed any signs of hip dysplasia before your policy started, or if it was diagnosed during the waiting period, it will be classified as pre-existing. Signs that insurers may consider include:

• Lameness or stiffness noted by a vet during a check-up
• Reluctance to exercise or climb stairs
• Bunny-hopping gait
• X-rays showing any hip joint abnormality
• Vet notes mentioning hip laxity or joint concerns

Even if hip dysplasia was not formally diagnosed, if there are any notes on your pet’s veterinary history that suggest hip issues, the insurer may classify it as pre-existing during the claims assessment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hip dysplasia covered on accident-only plans?

No. Hip dysplasia is a genetic illness, not an accident. It is only covered under accident + illness or comprehensive plans that include illness coverage.

What if hip dysplasia develops during the waiting period?

If your dog develops symptoms of hip dysplasia during the illness or orthopaedic waiting period, it will be classified as a pre-existing condition and will not be covered for the life of the policy. This is why early insurance is so important for predisposed breeds.

Will insurance cover both hips if both need surgery?

Yes, provided both hips were asymptomatic when the policy started and the condition was not pre-existing. Both hips would be covered subject to the annual limit on your policy. This is why a high annual limit ($15,000+) is recommended.

Can I get insurance for a dog already diagnosed with hip dysplasia?

You can get insurance, but hip dysplasia and any related conditions will be excluded as pre-existing. The policy will still cover unrelated accidents and illnesses. Some insurers may review the exclusion after 18 months symptom-free, but this is rare for hip dysplasia.

Does pet insurance cover physiotherapy for hip dysplasia?

Many comprehensive plans cover physiotherapy and hydrotherapy when prescribed by a vet as part of a treatment plan. Some policies have sub-limits on alternative and complementary therapies, so check your PDS for specific coverage details.